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Wu T, Wan J, Qu X, Xia K, Wang F, Zhang Z, Yang M, Wu X, Gao R, Yuan X, Fang L, Chen C, Yin L. Nodal promotes colorectal cancer survival and metastasis through regulating SCD1-mediated ferroptosis resistance. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:229. [PMID: 37002201 PMCID: PMC10066180 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-05756-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
Re-expression of an embryonic morphogen, Nodal, has been seen in several types of malignant tumours. By far, studies about Nodal's role in colorectal cancer (CRC) remain limited. Ferroptosis is essential for CRC progression, which is caused by cellular redox imbalance and characterized by lipid peroxidation. Herein, we observed that Nodal enhanced CRC cell's proliferative rate, motility, invasiveness, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vivo and in vitro. Notably, Nodal overexpression induced monounsaturated fatty acids synthesis and increased the lipid unsaturation level. Nodal knockdown resulted in increased CRC cell lipid peroxidation. Stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1 (SCD1) inhibition at least partially abolished the resistance of Nodal-overexpressing cells to RSL3-induced ferroptosis. Mechanistically, SCD1 was transcriptionally up-regulated by Smad2/3 pathway activation in response to Nodal overexpression. Significant Nodal and SCD1 up-regulation were observed in CRC tissues and were associated with CRC metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. Furthermore, bovine serum albumin nanoparticles/si-Nodal nanocomplexes targeting Nodal had anti-tumour effects on CRC progression and metastasis. This research elucidated the role of Nodal in CRC development and revealed a potential gene-based therapeutic strategy targeting Nodal for improving CRC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wu
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Jian Wan
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, 226000, China
| | - Xiao Qu
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Kai Xia
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Fangtao Wang
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Zichao Zhang
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Muqing Yang
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xiaocai Wu
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Renyuan Gao
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Xiaoqi Yuan
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China
| | - Lin Fang
- Department of Breast and Thyroid Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Chunqiu Chen
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
| | - Lu Yin
- Center for Difficult and Complicated Abdominal Surgery, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200072, China.
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2
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Piorecka K, Kurjata J, Stanczyk WA. Acriflavine, an Acridine Derivative for Biomedical Application: Current State of the Art. J Med Chem 2022; 65:11415-11432. [PMID: 36018000 PMCID: PMC9469206 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jmedchem.2c00573] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
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Acriflavine (ACF) has been known for years as an antibacterial
drug. The identification of key oncogenic mechanisms has brought,
in recent years, a significant increase in studies on ACF as a multipurpose
drug that would improve the prognosis for cancer patients. ACF interferes
with the expression of the hypoxia inducible factor, thus acting on
metastatic niches of tumors and significantly enhancing the effects
of other anticancer therapies. It has been recognized as the most
potent HIF-1 inhibitor out of the 336 drugs approved by the FDA. This
work presents up-to-date knowledge about the mechanisms of action
of ACF and its related prodrug systems in the context of anticancer
and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory properties. It explains the multitask nature
of this drug and suggests mechanisms of ACF’s action on the
coronavirus. Other recent reports on ACF-based systems as potential
antibacterial and antiviral drugs are also described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kinga Piorecka
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Jan Kurjata
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
| | - Wlodzimierz A Stanczyk
- Centre of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences,Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Lodz, Poland
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3
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Layous M, Khalaily L, Gildor T, Ben-Tabou de-Leon S. The tolerance to hypoxia is defined by a time-sensitive response of the gene regulatory network in sea urchin embryos. Development 2021; 148:dev.195859. [PMID: 33795230 PMCID: PMC8077511 DOI: 10.1242/dev.195859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Deoxygenation, the reduction of oxygen level in the oceans induced by global warming and anthropogenic disturbances, is a major threat to marine life. This change in oxygen level could be especially harmful to marine embryos that use endogenous hypoxia and redox gradients as morphogens during normal development. Here, we show that the tolerance to hypoxic conditions changes between different developmental stages of the sea urchin embryo, possibly due to the structure of the gene regulatory networks (GRNs). We demonstrate that during normal development, the bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) pathway restricts the activity of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) pathway to two lateral domains and this restriction controls proper skeletal patterning. Hypoxia applied during early development strongly perturbs the activity of Nodal and BMP pathways that affect the VEGF pathway, dorsal-ventral (DV) and skeletogenic patterning. These pathways are largely unaffected by hypoxia applied after DV-axis formation. We propose that the use of redox and hypoxia as morphogens makes the sea urchin embryo highly sensitive to environmental hypoxia during early development, but the GRN structure provides higher tolerance to hypoxia at later stages. Summary: The use of hypoxia and redox gradients as morphogens makes sea urchin early development sensitive to environmental hypoxia. This sensitivity decreases later, possibly due to the gene regulatory network structure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majed Layous
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Lama Khalaily
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Tsvia Gildor
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
| | - Smadar Ben-Tabou de-Leon
- Department of Marine Biology, Leon H. Charney School of Marine Sciences, University of Haifa, Haifa 31905, Israel
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4
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Cave DD, Hernando-Momblona X, Sevillano M, Minchiotti G, Lonardo E. Nodal-induced L1CAM/CXCR4 subpopulation sustains tumor growth and metastasis in colorectal cancer derived organoids. Am J Cancer Res 2021; 11:5686-5699. [PMID: 33897875 PMCID: PMC8058729 DOI: 10.7150/thno.54027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is currently the third leading cause for cancer-related mortality. Cancer stem cells have been implicated in colorectal tumor growth, but their specific role in tumor biology, including metastasis, is still uncertain. Methods: Increased expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was identified in tumor section of patients with CRC and in patients-derived-organoids (PDOs). The expression of L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL was evaluated using quantitative real-time PCR, western blotting, immunofluorescence, immunohistochemistry and flow cytometry. The effects of the L1CAM, CXCR4 and NODAL on tumor growth, proliferation, migration, invasion, colony-formation ability, metastasis and chemoresistance were investigated both in vitro and in vivo. Results: We found that human colorectal cancer tissue contains cancer stem cells defined by L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high expression that is activated by Nodal in hypoxic microenvironment. This L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population is tumorigenic, highly resistant to standard chemotherapy, and determines the metastatic phenotype of the individual tumor. Depletion of the L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high population drastically reduces the tumorigenic potential and the metastatic phenotype of colorectal tumors. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated that a subpopulation of migrating L1CAMhigh/CXCR4high is essential for tumor progression. Together, these findings suggest that strategies aimed at modulating the Nodal signaling could have important clinical applications to inhibit colorectal cancer-derived metastasis.
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Revisiting the Concept of Stress in the Prognosis of Solid Tumors: A Role for Stress Granules Proteins? Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092470. [PMID: 32882814 PMCID: PMC7564653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092470] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 08/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Stress Granules (SGs) were discovered in 1999 and while the first decade of research has focused on some fundamental questions, the field is now investigating their role in human pathogenesis. Since then, evidences of a link between SGs and cancerology are accumulating in vitro and in vivo. In this work we summarized the role of SGs proteins in cancer development and their prognostic values. We find that level of expression of protein involved in SGs formation (and not mRNA level) could serve a prognostic marker in cancer. With this review we strongly suggest that SGs (proteins) could be targets of choice to block cancer development and counteract resistance to improve patients care. Abstract Cancer treatments are constantly evolving with new approaches to improve patient outcomes. Despite progresses, too many patients remain refractory to treatment due to either the development of resistance to therapeutic drugs and/or metastasis occurrence. Growing evidence suggests that these two barriers are due to transient survival mechanisms that are similar to those observed during stress response. We review the literature and current available open databases to study the potential role of stress response and, most particularly, the involvement of Stress Granules (proteins) in cancer. We propose that Stress Granule proteins may have prognostic value for patients.
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Siegers GM, Dutta I, Kang EY, Huang J, Köbel M, Postovit LM. Aberrantly Expressed Embryonic Protein NODAL Alters Breast Cancer Cell Susceptibility to γδ T Cell Cytotoxicity. Front Immunol 2020; 11:1287. [PMID: 32636849 PMCID: PMC7319087 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2020.01287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Accepted: 05/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Gamma delta (γδ) T cells kill transformed cells, and increased circulating γδ T cells levels correlate with improved outcome in cancer patients; however, their function within the breast tumor microenvironment (TME) remains controversial. As tumors progress, they begin to express stem-cell associated proteins, concomitant with the emergence of therapy resistant metastatic disease. For example, invasive breast cancers often secrete the embryonic morphogen, NODAL. NODAL has been shown to promote angiogenesis, therapy resistance and metastasis in breast cancers. However, to date, little is known about how this secreted protein may interact with cells in the TME. Herein we explore how NODAL in the TME may influence γδ T cell function. We have assessed the proximity of γδ T cells to NODAL in a cohort of triple negative breast tumors. In all cases in which γδ T cells could be identified in these tumors, γδ T cells were found in close proximity to NODAL-expressing tumor cells. Migration of γδ and αβ T cells was similar toward MDA-MB-231 cells in which NODAL had been knocked down (shN) and MDA-MB-231 scrambled control cells (shC). Furthermore, Vδ1 γδ T cells did not migrate preferentially toward conditioned medium from these cell lines. While 24-h exposure to NODAL did not impact CD69, PD-1, or T cell antigen receptor (TCR) expression on γδ T cells, long term exposure resulted in decreased Vδ2 TCR expression. Maturation of γδ T cells was not significantly influenced by NODAL stimulation. While neither short- nor long-term NODAL stimulation impacted the ability of γδ T cells to kill MCF-7 breast cancer cells, the absence of NODAL resulted in greater sensitivity of targets to γδ T cell cytotoxicity, while overexpression of NODAL conferred resistance. This appeared to be at least in part due to an inverse correlation between NODAL and surface MICA/B expression on breast cancer target lines. As such, it appears that NODAL may play a role in strategies employed by breast cancer cells to evade γδ T cell targeting, and this should be considered in the development of safe and effective γδ T cell immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Indrani Dutta
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Eun Young Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Jing Huang
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Martin Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Foothills Medical Centre, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.,Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada
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7
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Jewer M, Lee L, Leibovitch M, Zhang G, Liu J, Findlay SD, Vincent KM, Tandoc K, Dieters-Castator D, Quail DF, Dutta I, Coatham M, Xu Z, Puri A, Guan BJ, Hatzoglou M, Brumwell A, Uniacke J, Patsis C, Koromilas A, Schueler J, Siegers GM, Topisirovic I, Postovit LM. Translational control of breast cancer plasticity. Nat Commun 2020; 11:2498. [PMID: 32427827 PMCID: PMC7237473 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-16352-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 04/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Plasticity of neoplasia, whereby cancer cells attain stem-cell-like properties, is required for disease progression and represents a major therapeutic challenge. We report that in breast cancer cells NANOG, SNAIL and NODAL transcripts manifest multiple isoforms characterized by different 5' Untranslated Regions (5'UTRs), whereby translation of a subset of these isoforms is stimulated under hypoxia. The accumulation of the corresponding proteins induces plasticity and "fate-switching" toward stem cell-like phenotypes. Mechanistically, we observe that mTOR inhibitors and chemotherapeutics induce translational activation of a subset of NANOG, SNAIL and NODAL mRNA isoforms akin to hypoxia, engendering stem-cell-like phenotypes. These effects are overcome with drugs that antagonize translational reprogramming caused by eIF2α phosphorylation (e.g. ISRIB), suggesting that the Integrated Stress Response drives breast cancer plasticity. Collectively, our findings reveal a mechanism of induction of plasticity of breast cancer cells and provide a molecular basis for therapeutic strategies aimed at overcoming drug resistance and abrogating metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael Jewer
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Laura Lee
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Matthew Leibovitch
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Guihua Zhang
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Jiahui Liu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Scott D Findlay
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Krista M Vincent
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Kristofferson Tandoc
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Dylan Dieters-Castator
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Daniela F Quail
- Goodman Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Indrani Dutta
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | | | - Zhihua Xu
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aakshi Puri
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Bo-Jhih Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Maria Hatzoglou
- Department of Pharmacology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Andrea Brumwell
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - James Uniacke
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Guelph, Guelph, ON, Canada
| | - Christos Patsis
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Antonis Koromilas
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Julia Schueler
- Charles River Discovery Research Services Germany, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | - Ivan Topisirovic
- Lady Davis Institute, Departments of Oncology and Biochemistry, Division of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada.
- Department of Biomedical and Molecular Sciences, Queen's University, Kingston, ON, Canada.
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8
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Fathi Maroufi N, Taefehshokr S, Rashidi MR, Taefehshokr N, Khoshakhlagh M, Isazadeh A, Mokarizadeh N, Baradaran B, Nouri M. Vascular mimicry: changing the therapeutic paradigms in cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4749-4765. [PMID: 32424524 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05515-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a major problem in the health system, and despite many efforts to effectively treat it, none has yet been fully successful. Angiogenesis and metastasis are considered as major challenges in the treatment of various cancers. Researchers have struggled to succeed with anti-angiogenesis drugs for the effective treatment of cancer, although new challenges have emerged in the treatment with the emergence of resistance to anti-angiogenesis and anti-metastatic drugs. Numerous studies have shown that different cancers can resist anti-angiogenesis drugs in a new process called vascular mimicry (VM). The studies have revealed that cells resistant to anti-angiogenesis cancer therapies are more capable of forming VMs in the in vivo and in vitro environment, although there is a link between the presence of VM and poor clinical outcomes. Given the importance of the VM in the challenges facing cancer treatment, researchers are trying to identify factors that prevent the formation of these structures. In this review article, it is attempted to provide a comprehensive overview of the molecules and main signaling pathways involved in VM phenomena, as well as the agents currently being identified as anti-VM and the role of VM in response to treatment and prognosis of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nazila Fathi Maroufi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.,Student Research Committee, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Sina Taefehshokr
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad-Reza Rashidi
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Nima Taefehshokr
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Center for Human Immunology, The University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Mahdieh Khoshakhlagh
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Alireza Isazadeh
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Narmin Mokarizadeh
- Department of Biochemistry and Clinical Laboratories, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Behzad Baradaran
- Immunology Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Nouri
- Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Institute, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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9
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Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhou H, Fan G, Li Q. Molecular Mechanisms and Anticancer Therapeutic Strategies in Vasculogenic Mimicry. J Cancer 2019; 10:6327-6340. [PMID: 31772665 PMCID: PMC6856738 DOI: 10.7150/jca.34171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a vascular formation mechanism used by aggressive tumor cells. VM provides an alternative pathway for adequate blood perfusion and challenges the traditional angiogenesis mechanism that depends only on endothelial cells (ECs), as VM-forming tumor cells express a mixed endothelial/tumor phenotype. VM is closely correlated with tumor invasion, migration, and progression. Hence, anticancer therapeutic strategies targeting VM biogenesis are essential. It is widely acknowledged that the VM formation mechanism involves multiple pathways. The purpose of this review is to describe the potential molecular mechanisms related to different pathways and discuss the involvement of microRNAs (miRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), and circular RNAs (circRNAs) in VM formation. Moreover, we discuss the significance of VM in clinical practice and present new anticancer therapeutic strategies that target VM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xue Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Jigang Zhang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Heming Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Guorong Fan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
| | - Qin Li
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, 200080, P.R. China
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10
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Sandomenico A, Ruvo M. Targeting Nodal and Cripto-1: Perspectives Inside Dual Potential Theranostic Cancer Biomarkers. Curr Med Chem 2019; 26:1994-2050. [PMID: 30207211 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666180912104707] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/17/2018] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elucidating the mechanisms of recurrence of embryonic signaling pathways in tumorigenesis has led to the discovery of onco-fetal players which have physiological roles during normal development but result aberrantly re-activated in tumors. In this context, Nodal and Cripto-1 are recognized as onco-developmental factors, which are absent in normal tissues but are overexpressed in several solid tumors where they can serve as theranostic agents. OBJECTIVE To collect, review and discuss the most relevant papers related to the involvement of Nodal and Cripto-1 in the development, progression, recurrence and metastasis of several tumors where they are over-expressed, with a particular attention to their occurrence on the surface of the corresponding sub-populations of cancer stem cells (CSC). RESULTS We have gathered, rationalized and discussed the most interesting findings extracted from some 370 papers related to the involvement of Cripto-1 and Nodal in all tumor types where they have been detected. Data demonstrate the clear connection between Nodal and Cripto-1 presence and their multiple oncogenic activities across different tumors. We have also reviewed and highlighted the potential of targeting Nodal, Cripto-1 and the complexes that they form on the surface of tumor cells, especially of CSC, as an innovative approach to detect and suppress tumors with molecules that block one or more mechanisms that they regulate. CONCLUSION Overall, Nodal and Cripto-1 represent two innovative and effective biomarkers for developing potential theranostic anti-tumor agents that target normal as well as CSC subpopulations and overcome both pharmacological resistance and tumor relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annamaria Sandomenico
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
| | - Menotti Ruvo
- Istituto di Biostrutture e Bioimmagini, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche (IBB-CNR), via Mezzocannone, 16, 80134, Napoli, Italy
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11
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Branco MA, Cotovio JP, Rodrigues CAV, Vaz SH, Fernandes TG, Moreira LM, Cabral JMS, Diogo MM. Transcriptomic analysis of 3D Cardiac Differentiation of Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Reveals Faster Cardiomyocyte Maturation Compared to 2D Culture. Sci Rep 2019; 9:9229. [PMID: 31239450 PMCID: PMC6592905 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-45047-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2018] [Accepted: 05/30/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) represent an almost limitless source of cells for disease modelling and drug screening applications. Here we established an efficient and robust 3D platform for cardiomyocyte (CMs) production from hiPSCs, solely through small-molecule-based temporal modulation of the Wnt signalling, which generates more than 90% cTNT+ cells. The impact of performing the differentiation process in 3D conditions as compared to a 2D culture system, was characterized by transcriptomic analysis by using data collected from sequential stages of 2D and 3D culture. We highlight that performing an initial period of hiPSC aggregation before cardiac differentiation primed hiPSCs towards an earlier mesendoderm lineage differentiation, via TGF-β/Nodal signaling stabilization. Importantly, it was also found that CMs in the 3D microenvironment mature earlier and show an improved communication system, which we suggested to be responsible for a higher structural and functional maturation of 3D cardiac aggregates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana A Branco
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - João P Cotovio
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carlos A V Rodrigues
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Sandra H Vaz
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular, Faculdade de Medicina, Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal.,Instituto de Farmacologia e Neurociências, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, 1649-028, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Tiago G Fernandes
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Leonilde M Moreira
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Joaquim M S Cabral
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Maria Margarida Diogo
- Department of Bioengineering and iBB-Institute for Bioengineering and Biosciences, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal. .,The Discoveries Centre for Regenerative and Precision Medicine, Lisbon Campus, Instituto Superior Técnico, Universidade de Lisboa, 1049-001, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Walewska E, Wołodko K, Skarzynski D, Ferreira-Dias G, Galvão A. The Interaction Between Nodal, Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 Alpha, and Thrombospondin 1 Promotes Luteolysis in Equine Corpus Luteum. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2019; 10:667. [PMID: 31632347 PMCID: PMC6779822 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2019.00667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The regulation of corpus luteus (CL) luteolysis is a complex process involving a myriad of factors. Previously, we have shown the involvement of Nodal in functional luteolysis in mares. Presently, we ask the extent of which Nodal mediation of luteolysis is done through regulation of angioregression. We demonstrated the interaction between Nodal and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 α (HIF1α) and thrombospondin 1/thrombospondin receptor (TSP1/CD36) systems, could mediate angioregression during luteolysis. First, we demonstrated the inhibitory effect of Nodal on the vascular marker platelet/endothelial cell adhesion molecule 1 (CD31). Also, treatment of mid CL explants with vascular endothelial growth factor A (VEGFA) showed a trend on activin-like kinase 7 (Alk7) protein inhibition. Next, Nodal was also shown to activate HIF1α and in vitro culture of mid CL explants under decreased oxygen level promoted Nodal expression and SMAD family member 3 (Smad3) phosphorylation. In another experiment, the crosstalk between Nodal and TSP1/CD36 was investigated. Indeed, Nodal increased the expression of the anti-angiogenic TSP1 and its receptor CD36 in mid CL explants. Finally, the supportive effect of prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) on TSP1/CD36 was blocked by SB431542 (SB), a pharmacological inhibitor of Nodal signaling. Thus, we evidenced for the first time the in vitro interaction between Nodal and both HIF1α and TSP1 systems, two conserved pathways previously shown to be involved in vascular regression during luteolysis. Considering the given increased expression of Nodal in mid CL and its role on functional luteolysis, the current results suggest the additional involvement of Nodal in angioregression during luteolysis in the mare, particularly in the activation of HIF1α and TSP1/CD36.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edyta Walewska
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Karolina Wołodko
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Dariusz Skarzynski
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
| | - Graça Ferreira-Dias
- The Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Animal Health, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Galvão
- Department of Reproductive Immunology and Pathology, Institute of Animal Reproduction and Food Research, Polish Academy of Sciences, Olsztyn, Poland
- *Correspondence: António Galvão
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13
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Nicolini A, Ferrari P, Diodati L, Carpi A. Recent Advances in Comprehending the Signaling Pathways Involved in the Progression of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E2321. [PMID: 29099748 PMCID: PMC5713290 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18112321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Revised: 10/30/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
This review describes recent advances in the comprehension of signaling pathways involved in breast cancer progression. Calcium sensing receptor (CaSR), caveolae signaling, signaling referred to hypoxia-inducing factors and disturbances in the apoptotic machinery are related to more general biological mechanisms and are considered first. The others refer to signaling pathways of more specific biological mechanisms, namely the heparin/heparin-sulfate interactome, over-expression of miRNA-378a-5p, restriction of luminal and basal epithelial cells, fatty-acid synthesis, molecular pathways related to epithelial to mesenchimal transition (EMT), HER-2/neu gene amplification and protein expression, and the expression of other members of the epithelial growth factor receptor family. This progress in basic research is fundamental to foster the ongoing efforts that use the new genotyping technologies, and aim at defining new prognostic and predictive biomarkers for a better personalized management of breast cancer disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Nicolini
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Paola Ferrari
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Lucrezia Diodati
- Department of Oncology, Transplantations and New Technologies in Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
| | - Angelo Carpi
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Pisa, 56126 Pisa, Italy.
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14
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Landor SKJ, Lendahl U. The interplay between the cellular hypoxic response and Notch signaling. Exp Cell Res 2017; 356:146-151. [PMID: 28456549 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2017.04.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2017] [Revised: 04/25/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
The ability to sense and adapt to low oxygen levels (hypoxia) is central for most organisms and cell types. At the center of this process is a molecular mechanism, the cellular hypoxic response, in which the hypoxia inducible factors (HIFs) are stabilized by hypoxia, allowing the HIF proteins to act as master transcriptional regulators to adjust the cell to a low oxygen environment. In recent years, it has become increasingly appreciated that the cellular hypoxic response does not always operate in splendid isolation, but intersects with signaling mechanisms such as Notch signaling, a key regulatory signaling mechanism operating in most cell types controlling stem cell maintenance and differentiation. In this review, which is dedicated to the memory of Lorenz Poellinger,1 we discuss how the intersection between Notch and the cellular hypoxic response was discovered and our current understanding of the molecular basis for the cross-talk. We also provide examples of where Notch and hypoxia intersect in various physiological and disease contexts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sebastian K-J Landor
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Urban Lendahl
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institute, SE-171 77 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Cell Biology, Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520 Turku, Finland.
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15
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Bodenstine TM, Chandler GS, Seftor REB, Seftor EA, Hendrix MJC. Plasticity underlies tumor progression: role of Nodal signaling. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2016; 35:21-39. [PMID: 26951550 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-016-9605-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) superfamily member Nodal is an established regulator of early embryonic development, with primary roles in endoderm induction, left-right asymmetry, and primitive streak formation. Nodal signals through TGFβ family receptors at the plasma membrane and induces signaling cascades leading to diverse transcriptional regulation. While conceptually simple, the regulation of Nodal and its molecular effects are profoundly complex and context dependent. Pioneering work by developmental biologists has characterized the signaling pathways, regulatory components, and provided detailed insight into the mechanisms by which Nodal mediates changes at the cellular and organismal levels. Nodal is also an important factor in maintaining pluripotency of embryonic stem cells through regulation of core transcriptional programs. Collectively, this work has led to an appreciation for Nodal as a powerful morphogen capable of orchestrating multiple cellular phenotypes. Although Nodal is not active in most adult tissues, its reexpression and signaling have been linked to multiple types of human cancer, and Nodal has emerged as a driver of tumor growth and cellular plasticity. In vitro and in vivo experimental evidence has demonstrated that inhibition of Nodal signaling reduces cancer cell aggressive characteristics, while clinical data have established associations with Nodal expression and patient outcomes. As a result, there is great interest in the potential targeting of Nodal activity in a therapeutic setting for cancer patients that may provide new avenues for suppressing tumor growth and metastasis. In this review, we evaluate our current understanding of the complexities of Nodal function in cancer and highlight recent experimental evidence that sheds light on the therapeutic potential of its inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas M Bodenstine
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Grace S Chandler
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Elisabeth A Seftor
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute, Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 225 E. Chicago Avenue, Box 222, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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16
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Melanocytes Affect Nodal Expression and Signaling in Melanoma Cells: A Lesson from Pediatric Large Congenital Melanocytic Nevi. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:418. [PMID: 27011171 PMCID: PMC4813269 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030418] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Expression of Nodal, a Transforming Growth Factor-beta (TGF-β) related growth factor, is associated with aggressive melanoma. Nodal expression in adult dysplastic nevi may predict the development of aggressive melanoma in some patients. A subset of pediatric patients diagnosed with giant or large congenital melanocytic nevi (LCMN) has shown increased risk for development of melanoma. Here, we investigate whether Nodal expression can help identify the rare cases of LCMN that develop melanoma and shed light on why the majority of these patients do not. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining results show varying degree of Nodal expression in pediatric dysplastic nevi and LCMN. Moreover, median scores from Nodal IHC expression analysis were not significantly different between these two groups. Additionally, none of the LCMN patients in this study developed melanoma, regardless of Nodal IHC levels. Co-culture experiments revealed reduced tumor growth and lower levels of Nodal and its signaling molecules P-SMAD2 and P-ERK1/2 when melanoma cells were grown in vivo or in vitro with normal melanocytes. The same was observed in melanoma cells cultured with melanocyte conditioned media containing pigmented melanocyte derived melanosomes (MDM). Since MDM contain molecules capable of inactivating radical oxygen species, to investigate potential anti-oxidant effect of MDM on Nodal expression and signaling in melanoma, melanoma cells were treated with either N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC), a component of the anti-oxidant glutathione or synthetic melanin, which in addition to providing pigmentation can also exert free radical scavenging activity. Melanoma cells treated with NAC or synthetic melanin showed reduced levels of Nodal, P-SMAD2 and P-ERK1/2 compared to untreated melanoma cells. Thus, the potential role for Nodal in melanoma development in LCMN is less evident than in adult dysplastic nevi possibly due to melanocyte cross-talk in LCMN capable of offsetting or delaying the pro-melanoma effects of Nodal via anti-oxidant effects of MDM.
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Souilhol C, Perea-Gomez A, Camus A, Beck-Cormier S, Vandormael-Pournin S, Escande M, Collignon J, Cohen-Tannoudji M. NOTCH activation interferes with cell fate specification in the gastrulating mouse embryo. Development 2016; 142:3649-60. [PMID: 26534985 DOI: 10.1242/dev.121145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
NOTCH signalling is an evolutionarily conserved pathway involved in intercellular communication essential for cell fate choices during development. Although dispensable for early aspects of mouse development, canonical RBPJ-dependent NOTCH signalling has been shown to influence lineage commitment during embryonic stem cell (ESC) differentiation. NOTCH activation in ESCs promotes the acquisition of a neural fate, whereas its suppression favours their differentiation into cardiomyocytes. This suggests that NOTCH signalling is implicated in the acquisition of distinct embryonic fates at early stages of mammalian development. In order to investigate in vivo such a role for NOTCH signalling in shaping cell fate specification, we use genetic approaches to constitutively activate the NOTCH pathway in the mouse embryo. Early embryonic development, including the establishment of anterior-posterior polarity, is not perturbed by forced NOTCH activation. By contrast, widespread NOTCH activity in the epiblast triggers dramatic gastrulation defects. These are fully rescued in a RBPJ-deficient background. Epiblast-specific NOTCH activation induces acquisition of neurectoderm identity and disrupts the formation of specific mesodermal precursors including the derivatives of the anterior primitive streak, the mouse organiser. In addition, we show that forced NOTCH activation results in misregulation of NODAL signalling, a major determinant of early embryonic patterning. Our study reveals a previously unidentified role for canonical NOTCH signalling during mammalian gastrulation. It also exemplifies how in vivo studies can shed light on the mechanisms underlying cell fate specification during in vitro directed differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Céline Souilhol
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Département de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, 25 rue du docteur Roux, Paris F-75015, France CNRS URA 2578, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Aitana Perea-Gomez
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR7592, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Anne Camus
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR7592, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Sarah Beck-Cormier
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Département de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, 25 rue du docteur Roux, Paris F-75015, France CNRS URA 2578, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Sandrine Vandormael-Pournin
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Département de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, 25 rue du docteur Roux, Paris F-75015, France CNRS URA 2578, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Marie Escande
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Département de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, 25 rue du docteur Roux, Paris F-75015, France CNRS URA 2578, Paris F-75015, France
| | - Jérôme Collignon
- Institut Jacques Monod, CNRS, UMR7592, Univ Paris Diderot, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Paris F-75205, France
| | - Michel Cohen-Tannoudji
- Institut Pasteur, Unité de Génétique Fonctionnelle de la Souris, Département de Biologie du Développement et Cellules Souches, 25 rue du docteur Roux, Paris F-75015, France CNRS URA 2578, Paris F-75015, France
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18
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Bustamante-Marin XM, Cook MS, Gooding J, Newgard C, Capel B. Left-Biased Spermatogenic Failure in 129/SvJ Dnd1Ter/+ Mice Correlates with Differences in Vascular Architecture, Oxygen Availability, and Metabolites. Biol Reprod 2015; 93:78. [PMID: 26224005 PMCID: PMC6322448 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.128850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2015] [Revised: 03/06/2015] [Accepted: 07/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Homozygosity for the Ter mutation in the RNA-binding protein Dead end 1 (Dnd1(Ter/Ter)) sensitizes germ cells to degeneration in all mouse strains. In 129/SvJ mice, approximately 10% of Dnd1(Ter/+) heterozygotes develop spermatogenic failure, and 95% of unilateral cases occur in the left testis. The first differences between right and left testes were detected at Postnatal Day 15 when many more spermatogonial stem cells (SSCs) were undergoing apoptosis in the left testis compared to the right. As we detected no significant left/right differences in the molecular pathway associated with body axis asymmetry or in the expression of signals known to promote proliferation, differentiation, and survival of germ cells, we investigated whether physiological differences might account for asymmetry of the degeneration phenotype. We show that left/right differences in vascular architecture are associated with a decrease in hemoglobin saturation and increased levels of HIF-1alpha in the left testis compared to the right. In Dnd1 heterozygotes, lower oxygen availability was associated with metabolic differences, including lower levels of ATP and NADH in the left testis. These experiments suggest a dependence on oxygen availability and metabolic substrates for SSC survival and suggest that Dnd1(Ter/+) SSCs may act as efficient sensors to detect subtle environmental changes that alter SSC fate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena M Bustamante-Marin
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Departmento Biomédico, Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Antofagasta, Antofagasta, Chile
| | - Matthew S Cook
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jessica Gooding
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Christopher Newgard
- Sarah W. Stedman Nutrition and Metabolism Center & Duke Molecular Physiology Institute, Departments of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology & Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Blanche Capel
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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19
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Seftor EA, Seftor REB, Weldon D, Kirsammer GT, Margaryan NV, Gilgur A, Hendrix MJC. Melanoma tumor cell heterogeneity: a molecular approach to study subpopulations expressing the embryonic morphogen nodal. Semin Oncol 2014; 41:259-266. [PMID: 24787297 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminoncol.2014.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
As the frequency of melanoma increases, current treatment strategies are struggling to significantly impact patient survival. One of the critical issues in designing efficient therapies is understanding the composition of heterogeneous melanoma tumors in order to target cancer stem cells (CSCs) and drug-resistant subpopulations. In this review, we summarize recent findings pertinent to the reemergence of the embryonic Nodal signaling pathway in melanoma and its significance as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target. In addition, we offer a novel molecular approach to studying the functional relevance of Nodal-expressing subpopulations and their CSC phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisabeth A Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Richard E B Seftor
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | | | - Gina T Kirsammer
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Naira V Margaryan
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Alina Gilgur
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Cancer Biology and Epigenomics Program, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago Research Center, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine
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20
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Nodal promotes invasive phenotypes via a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent pathway. Oncogene 2013; 33:461-73. [PMID: 23334323 PMCID: PMC5025281 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Revised: 10/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/12/2012] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The progression of cancer from localized to invasive disease is requisite for metastasis, and is often characterized by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and alterations in cellular adhesion and migration. Studies have shown that this transition is associated with an up-regulation of embryonic stem cell-associated genes, resulting in a dedifferentiated phenotype and poor patient prognosis. Nodal is an embryonic factor that plays a critical role in promoting early invasive events during development. Nodal is silenced as stem cells differentiate; however, it re-emerges in adult life during placentation and mammary gland development, and is aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Here, we show that Nodal over-expression, in poorly-invasive breast cancer and choriocarcinoma cells, causes increased invasion and migration in vitro. Furthermore, we show that Nodal over-expression in these epithelial cancer types induces an EMT-like event concomitant with the internalization of E-Cadherin. This ability of Nodal to promote cellular invasion and EMT-like phenomena is dependent upon the phosphorylation of ERK1/2. Since Nodal normally signals through SMADs, these findings lend insight into an alternative pathway that is hijacked by this protein in cancer. To evaluate the clinical implications of our results, we show that Nodal inhibition reduces liver tumor burden in a model of spontaneous breast cancer metastasis in vivo, and that Nodal loss-of-function in aggressive breast cancer lines results in a decrease in invasive phenotypes. Our results demonstrate that Nodal is involved in promoting invasion in multiple cellular contexts, and that Nodal inhibition may be useful as a therapeutic target for patients with progressive disease.
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21
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Mimeault M, Batra SK. Hypoxia-inducing factors as master regulators of stemness properties and altered metabolism of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells. J Cell Mol Med 2013; 17:30-54. [PMID: 23301832 PMCID: PMC3560853 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 245] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2012] [Accepted: 11/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating lines of experimental evidence have revealed that hypoxia-inducible factors, HIF-1α and HIF-2α, are key regulators of the adaptation of cancer- and metastasis-initiating cells and their differentiated progenies to oxygen and nutrient deprivation during cancer progression under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. Particularly, the sustained stimulation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), stem cell factor (SCF) receptor KIT, transforming growth factor-β receptors (TGF-βRs) and Notch and their downstream signalling elements such as phosphatidylinositol 3′-kinase (PI3K)/Akt/molecular target of rapamycin (mTOR) may lead to an enhanced activity of HIFs. Moreover, the up-regulation of HIFs in cancer cells may also occur in the hypoxic intratumoral regions formed within primary and secondary neoplasms as well as in leukaemic cells and metastatic prostate and breast cancer cells homing in the hypoxic endosteal niche of bone marrow. The activated HIFs may induce the expression of numerous gene products such as induced pluripotency-associated transcription factors (Oct-3/4, Nanog and Sox-2), glycolysis- and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programme-associated molecules, including CXC chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), snail and twist, microRNAs and angiogenic factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). These gene products in turn can play critical roles for high self-renewal ability, survival, altered energy metabolism, invasion and metastases of cancer cells, angiogenic switch and treatment resistance. Consequently, the targeting of HIF signalling network and altered metabolic pathways represents new promising strategies to eradicate the total mass of cancer cells and improve the efficacy of current therapies against aggressive and metastatic cancers and prevent disease relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Murielle Mimeault
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, College of Medicine, Eppley Cancer Institute, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198-5870, USA.
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22
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Quail DF, Siegers GM, Jewer M, Postovit LM. Nodal signalling in embryogenesis and tumourigenesis. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2013; 45:885-98. [PMID: 23291354 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2012.12.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2012] [Revised: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 12/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
With few exceptions, most cells in adult organisms have lost the expression of stem cell-associated proteins and are instead characterized by tissue-specific gene expression and function. This cell fate specification is dictated spatially and temporally during embryogenesis. It has become increasingly apparent that the elegant and complicated process of cell specification is "undone" in cancer. This may be because cancer cells respond to their microenvironment and mutations by acquiring a more permissive, plastic epigenome, or because cancer cells arise from mutated stem cells. Regardless, these advanced cancer cells must use stem cell-associated proteins to sustain their phenotype. One such protein is Nodal, an embryonic morphogen belonging to the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) superfamily. First described in early developmental models, Nodal orchestrates embryogenesis by regulating a myriad of processes, including mesendoderm induction, left-right asymmetry and embryo implantation. Nodal is relatively restricted to embryonic and reproductive cell types and is thus absent from most normal adult tissues. However, recent studies focusing on a variety of malignancies have demonstrated that Nodal expression re-emerges during cancer progression. Moreover, in almost every cancer studied thus far, the acquisition of Nodal expression is associated with increased tumourigenesis, invasion and metastasis. As the list of cancers that express Nodal grows, it is essential that the scientific and medical communities fully understand how this morphogen is regulated in both normal and neoplastic conditions. Herein, we review the literature relating to normal and pathological Nodal signalling. In particular, we emphasize the role that this secreted protein plays during morphogenic events and how it signals to support stem cell maintenance and tumour progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F Quail
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario and Robarts Research Institute, London, ON, Canada
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23
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Quail DF, Zhang G, Walsh LA, Siegers GM, Dieters-Castator DZ, Findlay SD, Broughton H, Putman DM, Hess DA, Postovit LM. Embryonic morphogen nodal promotes breast cancer growth and progression. PLoS One 2012; 7:e48237. [PMID: 23144858 PMCID: PMC3492336 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0048237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2012] [Accepted: 09/26/2012] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancers expressing human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-associated genes are more likely to progress than well-differentiated cancers and are thus associated with poor patient prognosis. Elevated proliferation and evasion of growth control are similarly associated with disease progression, and are classical hallmarks of cancer. In the current study we demonstrate that the hESC-associated factor Nodal promotes breast cancer growth. Specifically, we show that Nodal is elevated in aggressive MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468 and Hs578t human breast cancer cell lines, compared to poorly aggressive MCF-7 and T47D breast cancer cell lines. Nodal knockdown in aggressive breast cancer cells via shRNA reduces tumour incidence and significantly blunts tumour growth at primary sites. In vitro, using Trypan Blue exclusion assays, Western blot analysis of phosphorylated histone H3 and cleaved caspase-9, and real time RT-PCR analysis of BAX and BCL2 gene expression, we demonstrate that Nodal promotes expansion of breast cancer cells, likely via a combinatorial mechanism involving increased proliferation and decreased apopotosis. In an experimental model of metastasis using beta-glucuronidase (GUSB)-deficient NOD/SCID/mucopolysaccharidosis type VII (MPSVII) mice, we show that although Nodal is not required for the formation of small (<100 cells) micrometastases at secondary sites, it supports an elevated proliferation:apoptosis ratio (Ki67:TUNEL) in micrometastatic lesions. Indeed, at longer time points (8 weeks), we determined that Nodal is necessary for the subsequent development of macrometastatic lesions. Our findings demonstrate that Nodal supports tumour growth at primary and secondary sites by increasing the ratio of proliferation:apoptosis in breast cancer cells. As Nodal expression is relatively limited to embryonic systems and cancer, this study establishes Nodal as a potential tumour-specific target for the treatment of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F. Quail
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Guihua Zhang
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Logan A. Walsh
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Gabrielle M. Siegers
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Scott D. Findlay
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Heather Broughton
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David M. Putman
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - David A. Hess
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology and Robarts Research Institute, London, Ontario, Canada
| | - Lynne-Marie Postovit
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
- * E-mail:
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Quail DF, Walsh LA, Zhang G, Findlay SD, Moreno J, Fung L, Ablack A, Lewis JD, Done SJ, Hess DA, Postovit LM. Embryonic protein nodal promotes breast cancer vascularization. Cancer Res 2012; 72:3851-63. [PMID: 22855743 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-3951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor vascularization is requisite for breast cancer progression, and high microvascular density in tumors is a poor prognostic indicator. Patients bearing breast cancers expressing human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-associated genes similarly exhibit high mortality rates, and the expression of embryonic proteins is associated with tumor progression. Here, we show that Nodal, a hESC-associated protein, promotes breast cancer vascularization. We show that high levels of Nodal are positively correlated with high vascular densities in human breast lesions (P = 0.0078). In vitro, we show that Nodal facilitates breast cancer-induced endothelial cell migration and tube formation, largely by upregulating the expression and secretion of proangiogenic factors by breast cancer cells. Using a directed in vivo angiogenesis assay and a chick chorioallantoic membrane assay, we show that Nodal promotes vascular recruitment in vivo. In a clinically relevant in vivo model, whereby Nodal expression was inhibited following tumor formation, we found a significant reduction in tumor vascularization concomitant with elevated hypoxia and tumor necrosis. These findings establish Nodal as a potential target for the treatment of breast cancer angiogenesis and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniela F Quail
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada
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Quail DF, Maciel TJ, Rogers K, Postovit LM. A unique 3D in vitro cellular invasion assay. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2012; 17:1088-95. [PMID: 22706347 DOI: 10.1177/1087057112449863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) cell culture techniques using a bioreactor have been used to co-culture various breast cancer cell lines. Comparisons between 3D co-cultures containing different proportions of breast cancer cell lines have been made with respect to cluster size, cell surface marker distribution, and Ki67 expression. Furthermore, an observed difference in invasion through collagen between co-cultures has been briefly reported. However, these assays have not yet been developed into a quantifiable methodology to assess the effects of drugs and/or microenvironments on cellular invasion. From a cancer perspective, two important aspects of cellular invasion that are often left out of in vitro assays are considerations about the 3D structural heterogeneity of the primary tumor and the ability of cells to migrate in all directions. Accordingly, we have taken advantage of the methodology previously described for 3D cell culture techniques and have developed a 3D invasion assay using cell clusters that can be used to assess the effects of different drugs and treatment conditions on cancer cell invasion. We also describe a novel whole-mount technique that permits fluorescence-based immunolocalization of proteins through the entire tumorsphere, without the need for sectioning. Our assay provides a simple, inexpensive, and physiologically relevant context to study cellular invasion in vitro, in a way that recapitulates an in vivo milieu.
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Kirschmann DA, Seftor EA, Hardy KM, Seftor REB, Hendrix MJC. Molecular pathways: vasculogenic mimicry in tumor cells: diagnostic and therapeutic implications. Clin Cancer Res 2012; 18:2726-32. [PMID: 22474319 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-11-3237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 207] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cell vasculogenic mimicry (VM) describes the functional plasticity of aggressive cancer cells forming de novo vascular networks, thereby providing a perfusion pathway for rapidly growing tumors, transporting fluid from leaky vessels, and/or connecting with endothelial-lined vasculature. The underlying induction of VM seems to be related to hypoxia, which may also promote the plastic, transendothelial phenotype of tumor cells capable of VM. Since its introduction in 1999 as a novel paradigm for melanoma tumor perfusion, many studies have contributed new insights into the underlying molecular pathways supporting VM in a variety of tumors, including melanoma, glioblastoma, carcinomas, and sarcomas. In particular, critical VM-modulating genes are associated with vascular (VE-cadherin, EphA2, VEGF receptor 1), embryonic and/or stem cell (Nodal, Notch4), and hypoxia-related (hypoxia-inducible factor, Twist1) signaling pathways. Each of these pathways warrants serious scrutiny as potential therapeutic, vascular targets, and diagnostic indicators of plasticity, drug resistance, and the aggressive metastatic phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dawn A Kirschmann
- Children's Memorial Research Center, Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois 60614, USA
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Ivanovic Z, Vlaski M. Ex Vivo Expansion of Stem and Progenitor Cells Using Thrombopoietin. STEM CELLS AND CANCER STEM CELLS, VOLUME 8 2012. [DOI: 10.1007/978-94-007-4798-2_33] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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