1
|
Procházková J, Fedr R, Hradilová B, Kvokačková B, Slavík J, Kováč O, Machala M, Fabian P, Navrátil J, Kráčalíková S, Levková M, Ovesná P, Bouchal J, Souček K. Single-cell profiling of surface glycosphingolipids opens a new dimension for deconvolution of breast cancer intratumoral heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity. J Lipid Res 2024:100609. [PMID: 39084491 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlr.2024.100609] [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: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2024] [Accepted: 07/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycosylated sphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of cellular lipids, typically reported as rare in normal mammary tissue. In breast cancer (BCa), GSLs have emerged as noteworthy markers associated with breast cancer stem cells, mediators of phenotypic plasticity, and contributors to cancer cell chemoresistance. GSLs are potential surface markers that can uniquely characterize the heterogeneity of the tumor microenvironment, including cancer cell subpopulations and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). In this study, mass spectrometry analyses of the total sphingolipidome in breast epithelial cells and their mesenchymal counterparts revealed increased levels of Gb3 in epithelial cells and significantly elevated GD2 levels in the mesenchymal phenotype. To elucidate whether GSL-related epitopes on BCa cell surfaces reflect EMP and cancer status, we developed and rigorously validated a 12-color spectral flow cytometry panel. This panel enables the simultaneous detection of native GSL epitopes (Gb3, SSEA1, SSEA3, SSEA4, GD2), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (EpCAM, TROP2, CD9), and lineage markers (CD45, CD31, CD90) at the single-cell level. As a next step, the established panel was used for the analysis of BCa primary tumors and revealed surface heterogeneity in SSEA1, SSEA3, SSEA4, GD2, and Gb3, indicative of native epitope presence also on non-tumor cells. These findings further highlighted the phenotype-dependent alterations in GSL surface profiles, with differences between epithelial and stromal cells in the tumor. This study provides novel insights into BCa heterogeneity, shedding light on the potential of native GSL-related epitopes as markers for EMP and cancer status in fresh clinical samples. The developed single-cell approach offers promising avenues for further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiřina Procházková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic.
| | - Radek Fedr
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Hradilová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Kvokačková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Slavík
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Kováč
- Veterinary Research Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | | | - Pavel Fabian
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Simona Kráčalíková
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Monika Levková
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Petra Ovesná
- Institute of Biostatistics and Analyses, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University, Olomouc, Czech Republic; Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, University Hospital, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Brno, Czech Republic; International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic; Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Jamitzky S, Altvater B, Krekeler C, Hoen L, Brandes C, Ebbinghaus J, Richter L, Kosel L, Ochs L, Farwick N, Urban K, Kluge L, Bücker L, Görlich D, Johnston ICD, Pfeifer R, Hartmann W, Rossig C, Kailayangiri S. Ganglioside SSEA-4 in Ewing sarcoma marks a tumor cell population with aggressive features and is a potential cell-surface immune target. Sci Rep 2024; 14:11935. [PMID: 38789477 PMCID: PMC11126692 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-62849-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Carbohydrate markers of immature cells during prenatal human development can be aberrantly expressed in cancers and deserve evaluation as immune targets. A candidate target in Ewing sarcoma is the globo-series ganglioside stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4). We detected SSEA-4 expression on the cell surface of all of 14 EwS cell lines and in 21 of 31 (68%) primary EwS tumor biopsies. Among paired subpopulations of tumor cells with low versus high SSEA-4 expression, SSEA-4high expression was significantly and consistently associated with functional characteristics of tumor aggressiveness, including higher cell proliferation, colony formation, chemoresistance and propensity to migrate. SSEA-4low versus SSEA-4high expression was not related to expression levels of the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion transcript or markers of epithelial/mesenchymal plasticity. SSEA-4low cells selected from bulk populations regained higher SSEA-4 expression in vitro and during in vivo tumor growth in a murine xenograft model. T cells engineered to express SSEA-4-specific chimeric antigen receptors (CARs) specifically interacted with SSEA-4 positive EwS cells and exerted effective antigen-specific tumor cell lysis in vitro. In conclusion, with its stable expression and functional significance in EwS, SSEA-4 is an attractive therapeutic immune target in this cancer that deserves further evaluation for clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Silke Jamitzky
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Carolin Krekeler
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Laura Hoen
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Caroline Brandes
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Julia Ebbinghaus
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lisa Richter
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lisa Kosel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Laurin Ochs
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Nicole Farwick
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Katja Urban
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lena Kluge
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Lara Bücker
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Dennis Görlich
- Institute of Biostatistics and Clinical Research, University of Muenster, Schmeddingstr. 56, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Ian C D Johnston
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Rita Pfeifer
- Miltenyi Biotec B.V. & Co. KG, Friedrich-Ebert-Straße 68, 51429, Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Wolfgang Hartmann
- Gerhard-Domagk-Institute of Pathology, University of Muenster, Domagkstr. 17, 48149, Muenster, Germany
| | - Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany.
- Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003 - CiM), University of Muenster, Roentgenstr. 16, 48149, Muenster, Germany.
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer Campus 1, 38149, Muenster, Germany
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Heidelberglaan 25, 3584 CS, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cutri-French C, Nasioudis D, George E, Tanyi JL. CAR-T Cell Therapy in Ovarian Cancer: Where Are We Now? Diagnostics (Basel) 2024; 14:819. [PMID: 38667465 PMCID: PMC11049291 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics14080819] [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: 02/12/2024] [Revised: 03/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The success of chimeric antigen receptor T-cell (CAR-T) therapies in the treatment of hematologic malignancies has led to the investigation of their potential in the treatment of solid tumors, including ovarian cancer. While the immunosuppressive microenvironment of ovarian cancer has been a barrier in their implementation, several early phase clinical trials are currently evaluating CAR-T cell therapies targeting mesothelin, folate receptor a, HER2, MUC16, and B7H3. Ongoing challenges include cytokine-associated and "on-target, off-tumor" toxicities, while most common adverse events include cytokine release syndrome, hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis/macrophage activation-like syndrome (HLH/MAS), and neurotoxicity. In the present review, we summarize the current status of CAR-T therapy in ovarian cancer and discuss future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Clare Cutri-French
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA;
| | - Dimitrios Nasioudis
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Erin George
- Moffitt Cancer Center, Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation Outpatient Center at McKinley Campus, 10920 McKinley Dr, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Janos L. Tanyi
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of Pennsylvania Health System, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Hung TH, Huang Y, Yeh CT, Yeh CN, Yu J, Lin CC, Chiou SP, Chiang PY, Hung JT, Yu AL. High expression of embryonic stem cell marker SSEA3 confers poor prognosis and promotes epithelial mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Biomed J 2024; 47:100612. [PMID: 37290529 PMCID: PMC10972813 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2023.100612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/05/2023] [Indexed: 06/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Malignant cells may arise from dedifferentiation of mature cells and acquire features of the progenitor cells. Definitive endoderm from which liver is derived, expresses glycosphingolipids (GSLs) such as stage-specific embryonic antigen 3 (SSEA3), Globo H, and stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA4). Herein, we evaluated the potential prognosis value of the three GSLs and biological functions of SSEA3 in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). METHODS The expression of SSEA3, Globo H, and SSEA4 in tumor tissues obtained from 328 patients with resectable HCC was examined by immunohistochemistry staining. Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and their related genes were analyzed by transwell assay and qRT-PCR, respectively. RESULTS Kaplan Meier survival analysis showed significantly shorter relapse-free survival (RFS) for those with higher expression of SSEA3 (p < 0.001), Globo H (p < 0.001), and SSEA4 (p = 0.005) and worse overall survival (OS) for those with high expression of either SSEA3 (p < 0.001) or SSEA4 (p = 0.01). Furthermore, multivariable Cox regression analysis identified the SSEA3 as an independent predictor for RFS (HR: 2.68, 95% CI: 1.93-3.72, p < 0.001) and OS (HR: 2.99, 95% CI: 1.81-4.96, p < 0.001) in HCC. Additionally, SSEA3-ceramide enhanced the EMT of HCC cells, as reflected by its ability to increase migration, invasion and upregulate the expression of CDH2, vimentin, fibronectin, and MMP2, along with ZEB1. Moreover, ZEB1 silencing abrogated the EMT-enhancing effects of SSEA3-ceramide. CONCLUSIONS Higher expression of SSEA3 was an independent predictor for RFS and OS in HCC and promoted EMT of HCC via upregulation of ZEB1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tsai-Hsien Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Yenlin Huang
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Anatomic Pathology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linko, Taoyuan, Taiwan; School of Medicine, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Chau-Ting Yeh
- Liver Research Center, Department of Hepato-Gastroenterology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital and College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Nan Yeh
- Department of Surgery and Liver Research Center, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - John Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Cheng Lin
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Pin Chiou
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Chiang
- Department of Chemistry, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Jung-Tung Hung
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan.
| | - Alice L Yu
- Institute of Stem Cell & Translational Cancer Research, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital at Linkou, Taoyuan, Taiwan; College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan, Taiwan; Department of Pediatrics, University of California in San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Smolinska A, Chodkowska M, Kominek A, Janiec J, Piwocka K, Sulejczak D, Sarnowska A. Stemness properties of SSEA-4+ subpopulation isolated from heterogenous Wharton's jelly mesenchymal stem/stromal cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1227034. [PMID: 38455073 PMCID: PMC10917976 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1227034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: High heterogeneity of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) due to different degrees of differentiation of cell subpopulations poses a considerable challenge in preclinical studies. The cells at a pluripotent-like stage represent a stem cell population of interest for many researchers worldwide, which is worthy of identification, isolation, and functional characterization. In the current study, we asked whether Wharton's jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) which express stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) can be considered as a pluripotent-like stem cell population. Methods: SSEA-4 expression in different culture conditions was compared and the efficiency of two cell separation methods were assessed: Magnetic Activated Cell Sorting (MACS) and Fluorescence Activated Cell Sorting (FACS). After isolation, SSEA-4+ cells were analyzed for the following parameters: the maintenance of the SSEA-4 antigen expression after cell sorting, stem cell-related gene expression, proliferation potential, clonogenicity, secretome profiling, and the ability to form spheres under 3D culture conditions. Results: FACS allowed for the enrichment of SSEA-4+ cell content in the population that lasted for six passages after sorting. Despite the elevated expression of stemness-related genes, SSEA-4+ cells neither differed in their proliferation and clonogenicity potential from initial and negative populations nor exhibited pluripotent differentiation repertoire. SSEA-4+ cells were observed to form smaller spheroids and exhibited increased survival under 3D conditions. Conclusion: Despite the transient expression of stemness-related genes, our findings could not fully confirm the undifferentiated pluripotent-like nature of the SSEA-4+ WJ-MSC population cultured in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Smolinska
- Translational Platform for Regenerative Medicine, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Magdalena Chodkowska
- Translational Platform for Regenerative Medicine, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Agata Kominek
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Jakub Janiec
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Piwocka
- Laboratory of Cytometry, Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Dorota Sulejczak
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Anna Sarnowska
- Translational Platform for Regenerative Medicine, Mossakowski Medical Research Institute, Polish Academy of Sciences, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Chen NY, Lin CW, Lai TY, Wu CY, Liao PC, Hsu TL, Wong CH. Increased expression of SSEA-4 on TKI-resistant non-small cell lung cancer with EGFR-T790M mutation. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2313397121. [PMID: 38252815 PMCID: PMC10835044 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2313397121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/22/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), a major life-threatening disease accounting for 85% of all lung cancer cases, has been treated with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), but often resulted in drug resistance, and approximately 60% of TKI-resistant cases are due to acquired secondary (epithelial growth factor receptor) EGFR-T790M mutation. To identify alternative targets for TKI-resistant NSCLC with EGFR-T790M mutation, we found that the three globo-series glycosphingolipids are increasingly expressed on this type of NSCLC cell lines, and among them, the increase of stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) expression is the most significant. Compared to TKI-sensitive cell lines, SSEA-4 and the key enzyme β3GalT5 responsible for the synthesis of SSEA3 are more expressed in TKI-resistant NSCLC cell lines with EGFR-T790M mutation, and the expression levels strongly correlate with poor survival in patients with EGFR mutation. In addition, we demonstrated that a SSEA-4 targeted monoclonal antibody, especially the homogeneous glycoform with well-defined Fc glycan designed to improve effective functions, is highly effective against this subpopulation of NSCLC in cell-based and animal studies. These findings provide a direction for the prediction of tumor recurrence and treatment of TKI-resistant NSCLC with EGFR-T790M mutation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nai-Yu Chen
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei11529, Taiwan
- Institute of Microbiology and Immunology, National Yang-Ming University, Taipei11221, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wei Lin
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung406040, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Sciences, China Medical University, Taichung406040, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yen Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei11529, Taiwan
| | - Chung-Yi Wu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei11529, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chi Liao
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, China Medical University, Taichung406040, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Ling Hsu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei11529, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huey Wong
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei11529, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA92037
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liu J, Liu Y, Yang C, Liu J, Hao J. Comprehensive analysis for the immune related biomarkers of platinum-based chemotherapy in ovarian cancer. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101762. [PMID: 37619523 PMCID: PMC10458992 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/12/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ovarian cancer (OC) is one of the most lethal gynecological malignancies. This study aimed to identify biomarkers that were sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapeutic agents and can be used in immunotherapy and explore the importance of their mechanisms of action. METHODS RNA-seq profiles and clinicopathological data for OC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and cBioPortal platform, respectively. Platinum-sensitive and platinum-resistant OC samples in the TCGA cohort were selected based on the clinical information. RNA-seq data for 70 OC samples withSingle-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) and unsupervised clustering were used to classify OC patients from the TCGA cohort into clusters with different proportions of infiltrating immune cells. ESTIMATE analysis was used to assess the immune landscape among clusters. Differential expression, univariate Cox regression, and LASSO regression analyses were performed to construct prognostic model. Spearman correlation analysis was conducted to investigate the correlations among immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) and risk score, half-maximal drug inhibitory concentration (IC50) and risk score. RESULTS Using ssGSEA and unsupervised clustering, OC samples were divided into two clusters with different immune cell infiltration. Then, 1715 differentially expressed immune-related genes (DEIRGs) were identified between two clusters, 984 differentially expressed platinum-sensitive related genes (DEPSRGs) between 149 platinum-sensitive and 63 platinum-resistant OC samples were identified, and 5384 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between 380 OC and 194 normal samples were detected from the TCGA cohort. Six biomarkers (GMPPB, SRPK1, STC1, PRSS16, HPDL, and SPTSSB) were detected to establish a prognostic model. The OC patients in the TCGA cohort were classified into high- and low-risk groups. The receive operating characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted and demonstrated that the prognostic model performed well with the area under ROC curve (AUC) greater than 0.6. The expressions of 5 ICIs, including CD200, TNFRSF18, CD160, CD200R1, and CD274 (PD-L1), were significantly different between two risk groups, and the risk score was significant negative associated with CTLA4, TNFRSF4, TNFRSF18, and CD274. Moreover, there were significant differences in IC50 of 10 chemo drugs between two risk groups, patients in the high-risk group could be more resistant to po0tinib, dasatinib, and neratinib. CONCLUSION In summary, this study constructed a novel prognostic model based on six prognostic biomarkers, including GMPPB, SRPK1, STC1, PRSS16, HPDL, and SPTSSB, which can be utilized for predicting the prognosis of OC patients. These biomarkers were the potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiao Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yaoyao Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Chunjiao Yang
- Department of Radiotheropy, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- Department of Gynecology, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Hao
- Department of Orthopedics, Benxi Central Hospital, Benxi 117000, Liaoning Province, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Monzo HJ, Kalander K, Hyytiäinen MM, Elbasani E, Wall J, Moyano-Galceran L, Tanjore Ramanathan J, Jukonen J, Laakkonen P, Ristimäki A, Carlson JW, Lehti K, Salehi S, Puolakkainen P, Haglund C, Seppänen H, Leppä S, Ojala PM. Efficacy and Safety of Glycosphingolipid SSEA-4 Targeting CAR-T Cells in an Ovarian Carcinoma Model. Mol Cancer Ther 2023; 22:1319-1331. [PMID: 37486980 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T-cell immunotherapies for solid tumors face critical challenges such as heterogeneous antigen expression. We characterized stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) cell-surface glycolipid as a target for CAR T-cell therapy. SSEA-4 is mainly expressed during embryogenesis but is also found in several cancer types making it an attractive tumor-associated antigen. Anti-SSEA-4 CAR-T cells were generated and assessed preclinically in vitro and in vivo for antitumor response and safety. SSEA-4 CAR-T cells effectively eliminated SSEA-4-positive cells in all the tested cancer cell lines, whereas SSEA-4-negative cells lines were not targeted. In vivo efficacy and safety studies using NSG mice and the high-grade serous ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR4 demonstrated a remarkable and specific antitumor response at all the CAR T-cell doses used. At high T-cell doses, CAR T cell-treated mice showed signs of health deterioration after a follow-up period. However, the severity of toxicity was reduced with a delayed onset when lower CAR T-cell doses were used. Our data demonstrate the efficacy of anti-SSEA-4 CAR T-cell therapy; however, safety strategies, such as dose-limiting and/or equipping CAR-T cells with combinatorial antigen recognition should be implemented for its potential clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hector J Monzo
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kerttu Kalander
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Marko M Hyytiäinen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Endrit Elbasani
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Johanna Wall
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Joonas Jukonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirjo Laakkonen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Laboratory Animal Center, Helsinki Institute of Life Science-HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ari Ristimäki
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinli, Finland
| | - Joseph W Carlson
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden. Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sahar Salehi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Pelvic Cancer, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Pauli Puolakkainen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Caj Haglund
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Surgery, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Hanna Seppänen
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Sirpa Leppä
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- Department of Oncology, Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Päivi M Ojala
- Translational Cancer Medicine Research Program, Faculty of Medicine, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
- iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Jin X, Yang GY. Pathophysiological roles and applications of glycosphingolipids in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer diseases. Prog Lipid Res 2023; 91:101241. [PMID: 37524133 DOI: 10.1016/j.plipres.2023.101241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/02/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are major amphiphilic glycolipids present on the surface of living cell membranes. They have important biological functions, including maintaining plasma membrane stability, regulating signal transduction, and mediating cell recognition and adhesion. Specific GSLs and related enzymes are abnormally expressed in many cancer diseases and affect the malignant characteristics of tumors. The regulatory roles of GSLs in signaling pathways suggest that they are involved in tumor pathogenesis. GSLs have therefore been widely studied as diagnostic markers of cancer diseases and important targets of immunotherapy. This review describes the tumor-related biological functions of GSLs and systematically introduces recent progress in using diverse GSLs and related enzymes to diagnose and treat tumor diseases. Development of drugs and biomarkers for personalized cancer therapy based on GSL structure is also discussed. These advances, combined with recent progress in the preparation of GSLs derivatives through synthetic biology technologies, suggest a strong future for the use of customized GSL libraries in treating human diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuefeng Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China; Department of Clinical Pharmaceutics, Guangxi Academy of Medical Sciences and the People's Hospital of Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Nanning 530021, China
| | - Guang-Yu Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Microbial Metabolism, Joint International Research Laboratory of Metabolic & Developmental Sciences, School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Pfeifer R, Al Rawashdeh W, Brauner J, Martinez-Osuna M, Lock D, Herbel C, Eckardt D, Assenmacher M, Bosio A, Hardt OT, Johnston ICD. Targeting Stage-Specific Embryonic Antigen 4 (SSEA-4) in Triple Negative Breast Cancer by CAR T Cells Results in Unexpected on Target/off Tumor Toxicities in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119184. [PMID: 37298141 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119184] [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: 04/13/2023] [Revised: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Due to the paucity of targetable antigens, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains a challenging subtype of breast cancer to treat. In this study, we developed and evaluated a chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell-based treatment modality for TNBC by targeting stage-specific embryonic antigen 4 (SSEA-4), a glycolipid whose overexpression in TNBC has been correlated with metastasis and chemoresistance. To delineate the optimal CAR configuration, a panel of SSEA-4-specific CARs containing alternative extracellular spacer domains was constructed. The different CAR constructs mediated antigen-specific T cell activation characterized by degranulation of T cells, secretion of inflammatory cytokines, and killing of SSEA-4-expressing target cells, but the extent of this activation differed depending on the length of the spacer region. Adoptive transfer of the CAR-engineered T cells into mice with subcutaneous TNBC xenografts mediated a limited antitumor effect but induced severe toxicity symptoms in the cohort receiving the most bioactive CAR variant. We found that progenitor cells in the lung and bone marrow express SSEA-4 and are likely co-targeted by the CAR T cells. Thus, this study has revealed serious adverse effects that raise safety concerns for SSEA-4-directed CAR therapies because of the risk of eliminating vital cells with stem cell properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rita Pfeifer
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Dominik Lock
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Andreas Bosio
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | - Olaf T Hardt
- Miltenyi Biotec GmbH, 51429 Bergisch Gladbach, Germany
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Sandhoff R, Sandhoff K. Neuronal Ganglioside and Glycosphingolipid (GSL) Metabolism and Disease : Cascades of Secondary Metabolic Errors Can Generate Complex Pathologies (in LSDs). ADVANCES IN NEUROBIOLOGY 2023; 29:333-390. [PMID: 36255681 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-12390-0_12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are a diverse group of membrane components occurring mainly on the surfaces of mammalian cells. They and their metabolites have a role in intercellular communication, serving as versatile biochemical signals (Kaltner et al, Biochem J 476(18):2623-2655, 2019) and in many cellular pathways. Anionic GSLs, the sialic acid containing gangliosides (GGs), are essential constituents of neuronal cell surfaces, whereas anionic sulfatides are key components of myelin and myelin forming oligodendrocytes. The stepwise biosynthetic pathways of GSLs occur at and lead along the membranes of organellar surfaces of the secretory pathway. After formation of the hydrophobic ceramide membrane anchor of GSLs at the ER, membrane-spanning glycosyltransferases (GTs) of the Golgi and Trans-Golgi network generate cell type-specific GSL patterns for cellular surfaces. GSLs of the cellular plasma membrane can reach intra-lysosomal, i.e. luminal, vesicles (ILVs) by endocytic pathways for degradation. Soluble glycoproteins, the glycosidases, lipid binding and transfer proteins and acid ceramidase are needed for the lysosomal catabolism of GSLs at ILV-membrane surfaces. Inherited mutations triggering a functional loss of glycosylated lysosomal hydrolases and lipid binding proteins involved in GSL degradation cause a primary lysosomal accumulation of their non-degradable GSL substrates in lysosomal storage diseases (LSDs). Lipid binding proteins, the SAPs, and the various lipids of the ILV-membranes regulate GSL catabolism, but also primary storage compounds such as sphingomyelin (SM), cholesterol (Chol.), or chondroitin sulfate can effectively inhibit catabolic lysosomal pathways of GSLs. This causes cascades of metabolic errors, accumulating secondary lysosomal GSL- and GG- storage that can trigger a complex pathology (Breiden and Sandhoff, Int J Mol Sci 21(7):2566, 2020).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roger Sandhoff
- Lipid Pathobiochemistry Group, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Konrad Sandhoff
- LIMES, c/o Kekule-Institute for Organic Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Bolouri MR, Ghods R, Zarnani K, Vafaei S, Falak R, Zarnani AH. Human amniotic epithelial cells exert anti-cancer effects through secretion of immunomodulatory small extracellular vesicles (sEV). Cancer Cell Int 2022; 22:329. [PMID: 36307848 PMCID: PMC9616706 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-022-02755-z] [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] [Received: 02/23/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We identified here mechanism by which hAECs exert their anti-cancer effects. We showed that vaccination with live hAEC conferred effective protection against murine colon cancer and melanoma but not against breast cancer in an orthotopic cancer cell inoculation model. hAEC induced strong cross-reactive antibody response to CT26 cells, but not against B16F10 and 4T1 cells. Neither heterotopic injection of tumor cells in AEC-vaccinated mice nor vaccination with hAEC lysate conferred protection against melanoma or colon cancer. Nano-sized AEC-derived small-extracellular vesicles (sEV) (AD-sEV) induced apoptosis in CT26 cells and inhibited their proliferation. Co-administration of AD-sEV with tumor cells substantially inhibited tumor development and increased CTL responses in vaccinated mice. AD-sEV triggered the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis. Our results clearly showed that it is AD-sEV but not the cross-reactive immune responses against tumor cells that mediate inhibitory effects of hAEC on cancer development. Our results highlight the potential anti-cancer effects of extracellular vesicles derived from hAEC. Anti-cancer effects of hAEC depend on cancer type. Cross-reactive humoral responses do not mediate anti-cancer effects of hAEC. Anti-cancer effects of hAECs are mainly mediated by small-extracellular vesicles (sEV). hAEC-derived sEV (AD-sEV) trigger the Warburg’s effect leading to Arginine consumption and cancer cell apoptosis. AD-sEV substantially inhibits tumor development and increases survival and CTL responses.
Collapse
|
13
|
Sorieul C, Papi F, Carboni F, Pecetta S, Phogat S, Adamo R. Recent advances and future perspectives on carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines and therapeutics. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 235:108158. [PMID: 35183590 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108158] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Carbohydrates are abundantly expressed on the surface of both eukaryotic and prokaryotic cells, often as post translational modifications of proteins. Glycoproteins are recognized by the immune system and can trigger both innate and humoral responses. This feature has been harnessed to generate vaccines against polysaccharide-encapsulated bacteria such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Hemophilus influenzae type b and Neisseria meningitidis. In cancer, glycosylation plays a pivotal role in malignancy development and progression. Since glycans are specifically expressed on the surface of tumor cells, they have been targeted for the discovery of anticancer preventive and therapeutic treatments, such as vaccines and monoclonal antibodies. Despite the various efforts made over the last years, resulting in a series of clinical studies, attempts of vaccination with carbohydrate-based candidates have proven unsuccessful, primarily due to the immune tolerance often associated with these glycans. New strategies are thus deployed to enhance carbohydrate-based cancer vaccines. Moreover, lessons learned from glycan immunobiology paved the way to the development of new monoclonal antibodies specifically designed to recognize cancer-bound carbohydrates and induce tumor cell killing. Herein we provide an overview of the immunological principles behind the immune response towards glycans and glycoconjugates and the approaches exploited at both preclinical and clinical level to target cancer-associated glycans for the development of vaccines and therapeutic monoclonal antibodies. We also discuss gaps and opportunities to successfully advance glycan-directed cancer therapies, which could provide patients with innovative and effective treatments.
Collapse
|
14
|
Fayaz MA, Ibtisham F, Cham TC, Honaramooz A. Culture supplementation of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF alters in vitro proliferation, colony formation, and pluripotency of neonatal porcine germ cells. Cell Tissue Res 2022; 388:195-210. [PMID: 35102441 DOI: 10.1007/s00441-022-03583-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Gonocytes in the neonatal testis have male germline stem cell properties and as such have important potential applications in fertility preservation and regenerative medicine. Such applications require further studies aimed at increasing gonocyte numbers and evaluating their pluripotency in vitro. The objective of the present study was to test the effects of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and leukemia inhibitory factor (LIF) on in vitro propagation, colony formation, and expression of pluripotency markers of neonatal porcine gonocytes. Testis cells from 1-week-old piglets were cultured in basic media (DMEM + 15% FBS), supplemented with various concentrations of bFGF, GDNF, and LIF, either individually or in combinations, in a stepwise experimental design. Gonocytes and/or their colonies were evaluated every 7 days and the gonocyte- (DBA) and pluripotency-specific markers (POU5F1, SSEA-1, E-cadherin, and NANOG) assessed on day 28. Greatest gonocyte numbers and largest colonies were found in media supplemented with 10 ng/mL bFGF and 10 ng/mL bFGF + 100 ng/mL GDNF + 1500 U/mL LIF, respectively. The resultant gonocytes and colonies expressed both germ cell- and pluripotency-specific markers. These results shed light on the growth hormone requirements of porcine gonocytes for in vitro proliferation and colony formation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Amin Fayaz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Fahar Ibtisham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Tat-Chuan Cham
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada
| | - Ali Honaramooz
- Department of Veterinary Biomedical Sciences, Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, S7N 5B4, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Deschuyter M, Leger DY, Verboom A, Chaunavel A, Maftah A, Petit JM. ST3GAL2 knock-down decreases tumoral character of colorectal cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. Am J Cancer Res 2022; 12:280-302. [PMID: 35141018 PMCID: PMC8822282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 07/23/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells have a modified glycosylation profile that promotes their evolution and/or their maintenance in the tumor. Sialylation is a type of glycosylation that is often altered in cancers. RNA-Seq database analysis revealed that the sialyltransferase gene ST3GAL2 is significantly overexpressed at all stages of colorectal cancer (CRC). ST3GAL2 sialylates both glycoproteins and glycolipids. The aim of this work was to investigate the involvement of ST3GAL2 in CRC. Using the HT29 tumor cell line derived from a stage II of CRC, we decreased the expression of ST3GAL2 by specific shRNA, and then characterized these cells by performing functional tests. We found that ST3GAL2 knock down (KD) significantly decreases tumor cell proliferation, cell migration and invasiveness properties in vitro. The cell cycle of these cells is affected with a change in cell cycle distribution and an increase of cell apoptosis. The effect of ST3GAL2 KD was then studied in vivo, following xenografts into nude mice, in which the tumor progression was significantly reduced. This work demonstrates that ST3GAL2 is a major player in the behavior of colorectal tumor cells, by modifying the sialylation state of glycoproteins and glycolipids which remain to be specifically identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marlène Deschuyter
- PEIRENE Laboratory, EA 7500, Glycosylation and Cell Differentiation, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of LimogesLimoges F-87060, France
| | - David Yannick Leger
- PEIRENE Laboratory, EA 7500, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of LimogesLimoges 87025, France
| | - Anne Verboom
- PEIRENE Laboratory, EA 7500, Glycosylation and Cell Differentiation, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of LimogesLimoges F-87060, France
| | - Alain Chaunavel
- Department of Pathology, Limoges University HospitalLimoges 87042, France
| | - Abderrahman Maftah
- PEIRENE Laboratory, EA 7500, Glycosylation and Cell Differentiation, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of LimogesLimoges F-87060, France
| | - Jean-Michel Petit
- PEIRENE Laboratory, EA 7500, Glycosylation and Cell Differentiation, Faculty of Sciences and Technology, University of LimogesLimoges F-87060, France
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hugonnet M, Singh P, Haas Q, von Gunten S. The Distinct Roles of Sialyltransferases in Cancer Biology and Onco-Immunology. Front Immunol 2021; 12:799861. [PMID: 34975914 PMCID: PMC8718907 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.799861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant glycosylation is a key feature of malignant transformation. Hypersialylation, the enhanced expression of sialic acid-terminated glycoconjugates on the cell surface, has been linked to immune evasion and metastatic spread, eventually by interaction with sialoglycan-binding lectins, including Siglecs and selectins. The biosynthesis of tumor-associated sialoglycans involves sialyltransferases, which are differentially expressed in cancer cells. In this review article, we provide an overview of the twenty human sialyltransferases and their roles in cancer biology and immunity. A better understanding of the individual contribution of select sialyltransferases to the tumor sialome may lead to more personalized strategies for the treatment of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marjolaine Hugonnet
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Pushpita Singh
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Quentin Haas
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| | - Stephan von Gunten
- Institute of Pharmacology, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Bern Center for Precision Medicine (BCPM), University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sigal DS, Hermel DJ, Hsu P, Pearce T. The role of Globo H and SSEA-4 in the development and progression of cancer, and their potential as therapeutic targets. Future Oncol 2021; 18:117-134. [PMID: 34734786 DOI: 10.2217/fon-2021-1110] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycans, chains of sugar molecules found conjugated to cell proteins and lipids, contribute to their growth, movement and differentiation. Aberrant glycosylation is a hallmark of several medical conditions including tumorigenesis. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), consisting of glycans conjugated to a lipid (ceramide) core, are found in the lipid bilayer of eukaryotic cell membranes. GSLs, play an active role in cell processes. Several GSLs are expressed by human embryonic stem cells and have been found to be overexpressed in several types of cancer. In this review, we discuss the data, hypotheses and perspectives related to the GSLs Globo H and SSEA-4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Darren S Sigal
- Director, GI Oncology, Scripps Clinic & Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, 10710 N Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - David J Hermel
- Scripps Clinic & Scripps MD Anderson Cancer Center, 10710 N Torrey Pines Road, LA Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pei Hsu
- Medical Advisor, Medical Affairs & Clinical Development, OBI Pharma Inc. 7F, No. 369, Zhongxiao E Road, Nangang District, Taipei City, 115, Taiwan
| | - Tillman Pearce
- Chief Medical Officer, OBI Pharma USA Inc., 6020 Cornerstone Court W, Suite 200, San Diego, CA 92121, USA
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Vadlamudi Y, Dey DK, Kang SC. Emerging Multi-cancer Regulatory Role of ESRP1: Orchestration of Alternative Splicing to Control EMT. Curr Cancer Drug Targets 2021; 20:654-665. [PMID: 32564755 DOI: 10.2174/1568009620666200621153831] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2020] [Revised: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
RNA binding proteins (RBPs) associate with nascent and mature RNAs to perform biological functions such as alternative splicing and RNA stability. Having unique RNA recognition binding motifs, RBPs form complexes with RNA in a sequence- and structure-based manner. Aberrant expressions of several RBPs have been identified in tumorigenesis and cancer progression. These uncontrolled RBPs affect several mechanisms, including cell proliferation, tumor growth, invasion, metastasis and chemoresistance. Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 1 (ESRP1) is a member of the hnRNP family of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating numerous cellular processes, including alternative splicing and translation of multiple genes during organogenesis. Abnormal expression of ESRP1 alters the cell morphology, and leads to cell proliferation and tumor growth during cancer progression. ESRP1 mediated alternative splicing of target genes, including CD44, FGFR, PTBP1, LYN, ENAH, SPAG1 and ZMYND8, results in cancer progression. In addition, ESRP1 also regulates circularization and biogenesis of circular RNAs such as circUHRF1, circNOL10 and circANKS1B, whose expressions have been identified as key factors in various cancers. This multi-functional protein is also involved in imposing stability of target mRNAs such as cyclin A2, and thereby cell cycle regulation. The scope of this review is to examine recent scientific data, outcomes of the up- and down-regulated proteins, and the role of ESRP1 in various cancers. We conclude by summarizing ESRP1 dysregulation and its consequences on target genes in various human cancers. Collectively, the consequences of ESRP1 mediated splicing in cancer cells suggest the role of ESRP1 in cell proliferation and chemoresistance via apoptosis and autophagy modulation, which could, therefore, be potential targets for cancer therapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Debasish K Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk-38453, Korea
| | - Sun C Kang
- Department of Biotechnology, Daegu University, Gyeongsan, Gyeongbuk-38453, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Tocci A. The safety of VASA pos presumptive adult ovarian stem cells. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 43:587-597. [PMID: 34474974 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.06.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Isolation and characterization of presumptive human adult ovarian stem cells (OSC) has broken the long standing dogma of the absence of postnatal neo-oogenesis. Human adult OSC have been immunosorted by antibodies reacting against the RNA helicase VASA and have been reported to engraft into appropriate stem cell niches to promote neo-oogenesis. Analysis of published research, however, questions some of the findings on isolation, characterization, in-vitro self-renewal and clinical safety of the presumptive human adult OSC. In the present study, human VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cells and presumptive adult OSC are shown to share several pluripotency and early germ cell markers not ascertained in the initial characterization of adult OSC. A new hypothesis is made that the restoration of fertility claimed to result from presumptive human adult OSC may be attributed instead to VASApos embryo-fetal primordial germ cell remnants in the adult ovary, or alternatively to earlier VASAneg germ cells generated by in-vitro de-differentiation of the presumptive OSC. The suggested hypotheses have extensive implications for the practice and safety of adult OSC in the development of new treatments aimed at rescuing the ovarian reserve.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Angelo Tocci
- Gruppo Donnamed, Reproductive Medicine Unit Via Cassia 1110 00189, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lee RH, Wang YJ, Lai TY, Hsu TL, Chuang PK, Wu HC, Wong CH. Combined Effect of Anti-SSEA4 and Anti-Globo H Antibodies on Breast Cancer Cells. ACS Chem Biol 2021; 16:1526-1537. [PMID: 34369155 DOI: 10.1021/acschembio.1c00396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
The globo-series glycosphingolipids (SSEA3, SSEA4, and Globo H) were shown to express in many cancers selectively, and a combination of anti-SSEA4 and anti-Globo H antibodies was able to suppress tumor growth in mice inoculated with breast cancer cell lines. To further understand the effect, we focused on the combined effect of the two antibodies in target binding and antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC) in vitro. Here, we report that the binding of anti-Globo H antibody (VK9) to MDA-MB231 breast cancer cells was influenced by anti-SSEA4 antibody (MC813-70), and a combination of both antibodies induced a similar effect as did anti-SSEA4 antibodies alone in a reporter-based ADCC assay, indicating that SSEA4 is a major target in breast cancer due to its higher expression than Globo H. Furthermore, we showed that a homogeneous anti-SSEA4 antibody (chMC813-70-SCT) designed to maximize the ADCC activity can be used to isolate a subpopulation of natural killer (NK) cells that exhibit an ∼23% increase in killing the target cells as compared to the unseparated NK cells. These findings can be used to predict a therapy outcome based on the expression levels of antigens and evaluate therapeutic antibody development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruey-Herng Lee
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Jen Wang
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Institute of Biochemical Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei 106, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Yen Lai
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Tsui-Ling Hsu
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Po-Kai Chuang
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Huey Wong
- Genomics Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115, Taiwan
- Department of Chemistry, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, California 92037, United States
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Prognostic and predictive value of ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 in bladder cancer. Sci Rep 2021; 11:13684. [PMID: 34211078 PMCID: PMC8249395 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-93245-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Transurethral resection of bladder tumor (TUR-BT) and radical cystectomy (RC) are standard treatment options for bladder cancer (BC). Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC) prior to RC improves outcome of some patients but currently there are no valid biomarkers to identify patients who benefit from NAC. Presence of cancer stem cells (CSC) has been associated with poor outcome and resistance to chemotherapy in various cancers. Here we studied the expression of stem cell markers ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 with immunohistochemistry in tissue microarray material consisting of 195 BC patients treated with RC and 74 patients treated with TUR-BT followed by NAC and RC. Post-operative follow-up data of up to 22 years was used. Negative to weak cytoplasmic SOX2 staining was associated with lymphovascular invasion and non-organ confined disease. It was also associated with shortened cancer-specific survival, but the finding was not statistically significant. Contrary to previous reports, none of the other tested biomarkers were associated with cancer-specific mortality or clinicopathological characteristics. Neither were they associated with response to NAC. Despite the promising results of previously published studies, our results suggest that CSC markers ALDH1, SOX2 and SSEA-4 have little if any prognostic or predictive value in BC treated with RC.
Collapse
|
22
|
SSEA-4 Antigen Is Expressed on Rabbit Lymphocyte Subsets. MAGNETOCHEMISTRY 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/magnetochemistry7070094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
SSEA-4 antigen can be mainly found in embryos and embryonic stem cells. However, its expression has been observed also in adult stem and progenitor cells, or even in some differentiated cells. Moreover, we found a considerable number of SSEA-4 positive (SSEA-4+) cells within the rabbit peripheral blood and bone marrow mononuclear cells (PBMCs and BMMCs) in our previous study. Since no information about such cells can be found anywhere in the literature, the aim of this study was to identify their origin. At first, phenotypic analyses of fresh rabbit PBMCs and BMMCs were performed using flow cytometry and specific antibodies against SSEA-4 and leukocyte subsets. Then, SSEA-4+ were enriched using magnetic activated cell sorting (MACS) and analyzed for their phenotype using qPCR. We found significant SSEA-4+ cell population in PBMCs (~50%) and BMMCs (~20%). All those cells co-expressed CD45 and a majority of them also expressed B-cell marker (IgM; 50% of SSEA-4+ PBMCs and 60% of SSEA-4+ BMMCs). Increased (p < 0.05) expression of SSEA-4, CD45 and B-cell markers (IgM, CD79α and MHCII) were also noticed by qPCR in SSEA-4+ cells enriched via MACS (with efficiency over 80%). Both methods did not detect significant expression of monocyte or T-cell markers. In conclusion, SSEA-4+ cells in rabbit blood and bone marrow are of hematopoietic origin and probably belong to B-lineage cells as possessing the phenotype of B lymphocytes. However, the true function of SSEA-4 antigen in these cells should be explored by further studies.
Collapse
|
23
|
Deciphering the Importance of Glycosphingolipids on Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms Associated with Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11010062. [PMID: 33418847 PMCID: PMC7824851 DOI: 10.3390/biom11010062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Every living cell is covered with a dense and complex layer of glycans on the cell surface, which have important functions in the interaction between cells and their environment. Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are glycans linked to lipid molecules that together with sphingolipids, sterols, and proteins form plasma membrane lipid rafts that contribute to membrane integrity and provide specific recognition sites. GSLs are subdivided into three major series (globo-, ganglio-, and neolacto-series) and are synthesized in a non-template driven process by enzymes localized in the ER and Golgi apparatus. Altered glycosylation of lipids are known to be involved in tumor development and metastasis. Metastasis is frequently linked with reversible epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a process involved in tumor progression, and the formation of new distant metastatic sites (mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition or MET). On a single cell basis, cancer cells lose their epithelial features to gain mesenchymal characteristics via mechanisms influenced by the composition of the GSLs on the cell surface. Here, we summarize the literature on GSLs in the context of reversible and cancer-associated EMT and discuss how the modification of GSLs at the cell surface may promote this process.
Collapse
|
24
|
Caveolin-1-mediated sphingolipid oncometabolism underlies a metabolic vulnerability of prostate cancer. Nat Commun 2020; 11:4279. [PMID: 32855410 PMCID: PMC7453025 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-020-17645-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/09/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Plasma and tumor caveolin-1 (Cav-1) are linked with disease progression in prostate cancer. Here we report that metabolomic profiling of longitudinal plasmas from a prospective cohort of 491 active surveillance (AS) participants indicates prominent elevations in plasma sphingolipids in AS progressors that, together with plasma Cav-1, yield a prognostic signature for disease progression. Mechanistic studies of the underlying tumor supportive onco-metabolism reveal coordinated activities through which Cav-1 enables rewiring of cancer cell lipid metabolism towards a program of 1) exogenous sphingolipid scavenging independent of cholesterol, 2) increased cancer cell catabolism of sphingomyelins to ceramide derivatives and 3) altered ceramide metabolism that results in increased glycosphingolipid synthesis and efflux of Cav-1-sphingolipid particles containing mitochondrial proteins and lipids. We also demonstrate, using a prostate cancer syngeneic RM-9 mouse model and established cell lines, that this Cav-1-sphingolipid program evidences a metabolic vulnerability that is targetable to induce lethal mitophagy as an anti-tumor therapy.
Collapse
|
25
|
Chang YH, Chu TY, Ding DC. Human fallopian tube epithelial cells exhibit stemness features, self-renewal capacity, and Wnt-related organoid formation. J Biomed Sci 2020; 27:32. [PMID: 32035490 PMCID: PMC7007656 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-019-0602-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Accepted: 12/19/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Fallopian tube epithelial cells (FTEC) were thought to be the origin of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). Knowledge of the stemness or initiating characteristics of FTEC is insufficient. Previously, we have characterized the stemness cell marker of FTEC, this study aims to further characterize the clonogenicity and spheroid features of FTEC. METHODS We successfully derived FTECs from the epithelial layer of the human fallopian tubes. We examined the morphology, proliferation rate, doubling time, and clonal growth of them. At passage 3, the sphere formations on gelatin-coated culture, suspension culture, and matrigel culture were observed, and the expression of LGR5, SSEA3, SSEA4, and other stemness markers was examined. Furthermore, tissue-reconstituted organoids from coculture of FTEC, fallopian stromal cells (FTMSC) and endothelial cells (HUVEC) were examined. RESULTS FTEC exhibited cuboidal cell morphology and maintained at a constant proliferation rate for up to nine passages (P9). FTEC could proliferate from a single cell with a clonogenic efficiency of 4%. Flow cytometry revealed expressions of normal stem cell markers (SSEA3, SSEA4, and LGR5) and cancer stem cell markers (CD24, CD44, CD117, ROR1, and CD133). FTEC formed spheres and colonies when cultured on low attach dish. In the presence of Matrigel, the stemness and colony formation activity were much enhanced. In co-culturing with FTMSC and HUVEC, FTEC could form organoids that could be blocked by Wnt inhibitor DKK1. Expressions of LGR5 and FOXJ1 expression were also decreased by adding DKK1. CONCLUSION We demonstrated abundantly presence of stem cells in human FTECs which are efficient in forming colonies, spheres and organoids, relying on Wnt signaling. We also reported for the first time the generation of organoid from reconstitutied cell lineages in the tissue. This may provide a new model for studying the regneration and malignant transformation of the tubal epithelium.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsun Chang
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan.,Department of Pediatrics, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation; Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Tang-Yuan Chu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University, 707, Sec. 3, Chung-Yang Rd., Hualien, 970, Taiwan. .,Department of Life Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Dah-Ching Ding
- Stem Cell Laboratory, Department of Research, Hualien Tzu Chi Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Hualien, Taiwan. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hualien Tzu Chi General Hospital, Buddhist Tzu Chi Medical Foundation, Tzu Chi University, 707, Sec. 3, Chung-Yang Rd., Hualien, 970, Taiwan. .,Department of Gyecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Soliman C, Chua JX, Vankemmelbeke M, McIntosh RS, Guy AJ, Spendlove I, Durrant LG, Ramsland PA. The terminal sialic acid of stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 has a crucial role in binding to a cancer-targeting antibody. J Biol Chem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/s0021-9258(17)49911-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
|
27
|
Soliman C, Chua JX, Vankemmelbeke M, McIntosh RS, Guy AJ, Spendlove I, Durrant LG, Ramsland PA. The terminal sialic acid of stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 has a crucial role in binding to a cancer-targeting antibody. J Biol Chem 2019; 295:1009-1020. [PMID: 31831622 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.011518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2019] [Revised: 12/05/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide, requiring ongoing development of targeted therapeutics such as monoclonal antibodies. Carbohydrates on embryonic cells are often highly expressed in cancer and are therefore attractive targets for antibodies. Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4) is one such glycolipid target expressed in many cancers, including breast and ovarian carcinomas. Here, we defined the structural basis for recognition of SSEA-4 by a novel monospecific chimeric antibody (ch28/11). Five X-ray structures of ch28/11 Fab complexes with the SSEA-4 glycan headgroup, determined at 1.5-2.7 Å resolutions, displayed highly similar three-dimensional structures indicating a stable binding mode. The structures also revealed that by adopting a horseshoe-shaped conformation in a deep groove, the glycan headgroup likely sits flat against the membrane to allow the antibody to interact with SSEA-4 on cancer cells. Moreover, we found that the terminal sialic acid of SSEA-4 plays a dominant role in dictating the exquisite specificity of the ch28/11 antibody. This observation was further supported by molecular dynamics simulations of the ch28/11-glycan complex, which show that SSEA-4 is stabilized by its terminal sialic acid, unlike SSEA-3, which lacks this sialic acid modification. These high-resolution views of how a glycolipid interacts with an antibody may help to advance a new class of cancer-targeting immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Soliman
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Jia Xin Chua
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Scancell Ltd., Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Mireille Vankemmelbeke
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Scancell Ltd., Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Richard S McIntosh
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Andrew J Guy
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia
| | - Ian Spendlove
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Lindy G Durrant
- Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom.,Scancell Ltd., Academic Department of Clinical Oncology, University of Nottingham, City Hospital Campus, Nottingham NG7 2RD, United Kingdom
| | - Paul A Ramsland
- School of Science, RMIT University, Melbourne, Victoria 3083, Australia .,Department of Immunology, Central Clinical School, Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria 3800, Australia.,Department of Surgery Austin Health, University of Melbourne, Heidelberg, Victoria 3084, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
't Hart IME, Li T, Wolfert MA, Wang S, Moremen KW, Boons GJ. Chemoenzymatic synthesis of the oligosaccharide moiety of the tumor-associated antigen disialosyl globopentaosylceramide. Org Biomol Chem 2019; 17:7304-7308. [PMID: 31339142 PMCID: PMC6852662 DOI: 10.1039/c9ob01368g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Disialosyl globopentaosylceramide (DSGb5) is often expressed by renal cell carcinomas. To investigate properties of DSGb5, we have prepared its oligosaccharide moiety by chemically synthesizing Gb5 which was enzymatically sialylated using the mammalian sialyltransferases ST3Gal1 and ST6GalNAc5. Glycan microarray binding studies indicate that Siglec-7 does not recognize DSGb5, and preferentially binds Neu5Acα(2,8)Neu5Ac containing glycans.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ingrid M E 't Hart
- Department of Chemical Biology and Drug Discovery, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Bijvoet Center for Biomolecular Research, Utrecht University, 3584 CG Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Nakamura Y, Miyata Y, Matsuo T, Shida Y, Hakariya T, Ohba K, Taima T, Ito A, Suda T, Hakomori SI, Saito S, Sakai H. Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 is a histological marker reflecting the malignant behavior of prostate cancer. Glycoconj J 2019; 36:409-418. [PMID: 31243630 PMCID: PMC6744380 DOI: 10.1007/s10719-019-09882-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2019] [Revised: 05/15/2019] [Accepted: 06/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Stage-specific embryonic antigen-4 (SSEA-4), a specific marker for pluripotent stem cells, plays an important role in the malignant behavior of several cancers. Here, SSEA-4 expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry using monoclonal antibody RM1 specific to SSEA-4 in 181 and 117 prostate cancer (PC) specimens obtained by biopsy and radical prostatectomy (RP), respectively. The relationships between SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells or the presence of SSEA-4-positive tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TICs) and clinicopathological parameters were analyzed. SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells was significantly associated with Gleason score, local progression, and lymph node and distant metastasis. In RP specimens, high SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells and the presence of SSEA-4-positive TICs were significant predictors of pT3, i.e., invasion and worse biochemical recurrence (BCR) after RP, respectively, in univariate analysis. In contrast, combination of high SSEA-4 expression in cancer cells and the presence of SSEA-4-positive TICs was an independent predictor for pT3 and BCR in multivariate analysis. Biologically this combination was also independently associated with suppression of apoptosis. Thus, the co-expression of SSEA-4 in cancer cells and TICs may have crucial roles in the malignant aggressiveness and prognosis of PC. Invasive potential and suppression of apoptosis may be linked to SSEA-4 expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuichiro Nakamura
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yasuyoshi Miyata
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan.
| | - Tomohiro Matsuo
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Yohei Shida
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Hakariya
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Kojiro Ohba
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| | - Takenobu Taima
- Department of Urology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Akihiro Ito
- Department of Urology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Miyagi, 980-8574, Japan
| | - Tetsuji Suda
- Department of Urology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan
| | - Sen-Itiroh Hakomori
- Departments of Pathobiology and Global Health, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98112, USA
| | - Seiichi Saito
- Department of Urology, University of the Ryukyus, Okinawa, 903-0215, Japan
| | - Hideki Sakai
- Department of Urology, Nagasaki University Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, 1-7-1 Sakamoto, Nagasaki, 852-8501, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Russo D, Capolupo L, Loomba JS, Sticco L, D'Angelo G. Glycosphingolipid metabolism in cell fate specification. J Cell Sci 2018; 131:131/24/jcs219204. [PMID: 30559216 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.219204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs) are ubiquitous components of eukaryotic plasma membranes that consist of a ceramide backbone linked to a glycan moiety. Both the ceramide and the glycan parts of GSLs display structural variations that result in a remarkable repertoire of diverse compounds. This diversity of GSLs is exploited during embryogenesis, when different GSLs are produced at specific developmental stages and along several differentiation trajectories. Importantly, plasma membrane receptors interact with GSLs to modify their activities. Consequently, two otherwise identical cells can respond differently to the same stimulus owing to their different GSL composition. The metabolic reprograming of GSLs is in fact a necessary part of developmental programs, as its impairment results in developmental failure or tissue-specific defects. Moreover, single-cell variability is emerging as a fundamental player in development: GSL composition displays cell-to-cell variability in syngeneic cell populations owing to the regulatory gene expression circuits involved in microenvironment adaptation and in differentiation. Here, we discuss how GSLs are synthesized and classified and review the role of GSLs in the establishment and maintenance of cell identity. We further highlight the existence of the regulatory circuits that modify GSL pathways and speculate how GSL heterogeneity might contribute to developmental patterning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Russo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy
| | - Laura Capolupo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy.,Institute of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Lipid Cell Biology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jaipreet Singh Loomba
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy.,Institute of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Lipid Cell Biology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Lucia Sticco
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy
| | - Giovanni D'Angelo
- Institute of Protein Biochemistry, National Research Council, Via P. Castellino 111, Napoli, Italy .,Institute of Bioengineering, Laboratory of Lipid Cell Biology, École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) CH-1015 Lausanne, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Rossig C, Kailayangiri S, Jamitzky S, Altvater B. Carbohydrate Targets for CAR T Cells in Solid Childhood Cancers. Front Oncol 2018; 8:513. [PMID: 30483473 PMCID: PMC6240699 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Application of the CAR targeting strategy in solid tumors is challenged by the need for adequate target antigens. As a consequence of their tissue origin, embryonal cancers can aberrantly express membrane-anchored gangliosides. These are carbohydrate molecules consisting of a glycosphingolipid linked to sialic acids residues. The best-known example is the abundant expression of ganglioside GD2 on the cell surface of neuroblastomas which derive from GD2-positive neuroectoderm. Gangliosides are involved in various cellular functions, including signal transduction, cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion and cell death. In addition, transformation of human cells to cancer cells can be associated with distinct glycosylation profiles which provide advantages for tumor growth and dissemination and can serve as immune targets. Both gangliosides and aberrant glycosylation of proteins escape the direct molecular and proteomic screening strategies currently applied to identify further immune targets in cancers. Due to their highly restricted expression and their functional roles in the malignant behavior, they are attractive targets for immune engineering strategies. GD2-redirected CAR T cells have shown activity in clinical phase I/II trials in neuroblastoma and next-generation studies are ongoing. Further carbohydrate targets for CAR T cells in preclinical development are O-acetyl-GD2, NeuGc-GM3 (N-glycolyl GM3), GD3, SSEA-4, and oncofetal glycosylation variants. This review summarizes knowledge on the role and function of some membrane-expressed non-protein antigens, including gangliosides and abnormal protein glycosylation patterns, and discusses their potential to serve as a CAR targets in pediatric solid cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Rossig
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany.,Cells-in-Motion Cluster of Excellence (EXC 1003-CiM), University of Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Sareetha Kailayangiri
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Silke Jamitzky
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| | - Bianca Altvater
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University Children's Hospital Muenster, Muenster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Sellers ZP, Schneider G, Bujko K, Suszynska M, Pedziwiatr D. Do Cancer Cell Lines Have Fixed or Fluctuating Stem Cell Phenotypes? - Studies with the NTera2 Cell Line. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2018. [PMID: 28624968 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-017-9743-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
One of the important questions when studying established cancer cell lines is whether such cells contain a subpopulation of primitive cancer stem cells that maintains the expansion of the cell line. To address this issue, we performed studies on the established human embryonal carcinoma cell line NTera2 by evaluating the potential stemness of cells sorted according to their expression of the cell surface stem cell markers CD133 and SSEA4. By performing in vitro and in vivo assays, we observed different properties of cells expressing both, one, or neither of these antigens. While sorted SSEA4+ subpopulations exhibited the greatest propensity for migration toward normal serum and the highest seeding efficiency in the lungs of immunodeficient mice, CD133-SSEA4- cells displayed high seeding efficiency to the bone marrow after injection in vivo. It is worth noting that these properties did not depend on the size of the evaluated cells. To address the question of whether cancer stem cell phenotypes in cell lines are fixed or fluctuating, we sorted single cells according to their expression of CD133 and SSEA4 antigens and observed that cells which did not express these cancer stem cell markers gave rise to cells that express these markers after expansion in vitro. Therefore, our results support the idea that within established cancer cell lines, the phenotype of the cell subpopulation expressing cancer stem cell markers is not fixed but fluctuates during cell line expansion, and cells negative for these markers may acquire their expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zachariah P Sellers
- Stem Cell Institute at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA.
| | - Gabriela Schneider
- Stem Cell Institute at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Kamila Bujko
- Stem Cell Institute at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Malwina Suszynska
- Stem Cell Institute at the James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, 40202, USA
| | - Daniel Pedziwiatr
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Warsaw Medical University, Warsaw, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Alamir H, Alomari M, Salwati AAA, Saka M, Bangash M, Baeesa S, Alghamdi F, Carracedo A, Schulten HJ, Chaudhary A, Abuzenadah A, Hussein D. In situ characterization of stem cells-like biomarkers in meningiomas. Cancer Cell Int 2018; 18:77. [PMID: 29849507 PMCID: PMC5970464 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-018-0571-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Meningioma cancer stem cells (MCSCs) contribute to tumor aggressiveness and drug resistance. Successful therapies developed for inoperable, recurrent, or metastatic tumors must target these cells and restrict their contribution to tumor progression. Unfortunately, the identity of MCSCs remains elusive, and MSCSs’ in situ spatial distribution, heterogeneity, and relationship with tumor grade, remain unclear. Methods Seven tumors classified as grade II or grade III, including one case of metastatic grade III, and eight grade I meningioma tumors, were analyzed for combinations of ten stem cell (SC)-related markers using immunofluorescence of consecutive sections. The correlation of expression for all markers were investigated. Three dimensional spatial distribution of markers were qualitatively analyzed using a grid, designed as a repository of information for positive staining. All statistical analyses were completed using Statistical Analysis Software Package. Results The patterns of expression for SC-related markers were determined in the context of two dimensional distribution and cellular features. All markers could be detected in all tumors, however, Frizzled 9 and GFAP had differential expression in grade II/III compared with grade I meningioma tissues. Correlation analysis showed significant relationships between the expression of GFAP and CD133 as well as SSEA4 and Vimentin. Data from three dimensional analysis showed a complex distribution of SC markers, with increased gene hetero-expression being associated with grade II/III tumors. Sub regions that showed multiple co-staining of markers including CD133, Frizzled 9, GFAP, Vimentin, and SSEA4, but not necessarily the proliferation marker Ki67, were highly associated with grade II/III meningiomas. Conclusion The distribution and level of expression of CSCs markers in meningiomas are variable and show hetero-expression patterns that have a complex spatial nature, particularly in grade II/III meningiomas. Thus, results strongly support the notion of heterogeneous populations of CSCs, even in grade I meningiomas, and call for the use of multiple markers for the accurate identification of individual CSC subgroups. Such identification will lead to practical clinical diagnostic protocols that can quantitate CSCs, predict tumor recurrence, assist in guiding treatment selection for inoperable tumors, and improve follow up of therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12935-018-0571-6) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hanin Alamir
- 1Centre of Innovation for Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona Alomari
- 2King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box. 80216, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulla Ahmed A Salwati
- 2King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box. 80216, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamad Saka
- 2King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box. 80216, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Bangash
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh Baeesa
- 3Division of Neurosurgery, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Fahad Alghamdi
- 4Pathology Department, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Angel Carracedo
- 5Galician Foundation of Genomic Medicine-SERGAS, University of Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,6Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Hans-Juergen Schulten
- 6Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Adeel Chaudhary
- 1Centre of Innovation for Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia.,6Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia.,7Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Adel Abuzenadah
- 1Centre of Innovation for Personalized Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia.,2King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box. 80216, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia.,7Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| | - Deema Hussein
- 2King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, P.O. Box. 80216, Jeddah, 21589 Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Zhuo D, Li X, Guan F. Biological Roles of Aberrantly Expressed Glycosphingolipids and Related Enzymes in Human Cancer Development and Progression. Front Physiol 2018; 9:466. [PMID: 29773994 PMCID: PMC5943571 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2018.00466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2017] [Accepted: 04/13/2018] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycosphingolipids (GSLs), which consist of a hydrophobic ceramide backbone and a hydrophilic carbohydrate residue, are an important type of glycolipid expressed in surface membranes of all animal cells. GSLs play essential roles in maintenance of plasma membrane stability, in regulation of numerous cellular processes (including adhesion, proliferation, apoptosis, and recognition), and in modulation of signal transduction pathways. GSLs have traditionally been classified as ganglio-series, lacto-series, or globo-series on the basis of their diverse types of oligosaccharide chains. Structures and functions of specific GSLs are also determined by their oligosaccharide chains. Different cells and tissues show differential expression of GSLs, and changes in structures of GSL glycan moieties occur during development of numerous types of human cancer. Association of GSLs and/or related enzymes with initiation and progression of cancer has been documented in 100s of studies, and many such GSLs are useful markers or targets for cancer diagnosis or therapy. In this review, we summarize (i) recent studies on aberrant expression and distribution of GSLs in common human cancers (breast, lung, colorectal, melanoma, prostate, ovarian, leukemia, renal, bladder, gastric); (ii) biological functions of specific GSLs in these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dinghao Zhuo
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Xiang Li
- Key Laboratory of Resource Biology and Biotechnology in Western China, Ministry of China, College of Life Science, Northwest University, Xi'an, China
| | - Feng Guan
- Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Abstract
Tumor-associated gangliosides play important roles in regulation of signal transduction induced by growth-factor receptors including EGFR, FGFR, HGF and PDGFR in a specific microdomain called glycosynapse in the cancer cell membranes, and in interaction with glycan recognition molecules involved in cell adhesion and immune regulation including selectins and siglecs. As the genes involved in the synthesis and degradation of tumor-associated gangliosides were identified, biological functions became clearer from the experimental results employing forced overexpression and/or knockdown/knockout of the genes. Studies on the regulatory mechanisms for their expression also achieved great advancements. Epigenetic silencing of glycan-related genes is a dominant mechanism in glycan alteration at early stages of carcinogenesis. Development of hypoxia resistance involving activation of a transcription factor HIF, and acquisition of cancer stem cell-like characteristics through epithelial-mesenchymal transition are important mechanisms for glycan modulations in the later stages of cancer progression. In the initial stages of studies, the gangliosides which specifically appear in cancers attracted attention under the name of tumor-associated gangliosides. However, it became apparent that not only the cancer-associated gangliosides but also the normal gangliosides present in nonmalignant cells and tissues perform important biological functions, and some of them tend to disappear in cancer cells resulting in the loss of the physiological functions, and this sometimes facilitates progression of cancers.
Collapse
|
36
|
Parte SC, Smolenkov A, Batra SK, Ratajczak MZ, Kakar SS. Ovarian Cancer Stem Cells: Unraveling a Germline Connection. Stem Cells Dev 2017; 26:1781-1803. [PMID: 29078734 PMCID: PMC5725638 DOI: 10.1089/scd.2017.0153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer is most lethal among gynecological cancers with often fatal consequences due to lack of effective biomarkers and relapse, which propels ovarian cancer research into unique directions to establish solid targeted therapeutics. "Ovarian stem cells" expressing germline pluripotent markers serve as novel paradigm with potential to address infertility, menopause, and probably influence tumor initiation. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) pose vital role in tumor recurrence and hence it is extremely important to study them with respect to ovarian stem cells across various cancer stages and normal ovaries. Pluripotent (OCT4, NANOG, SOX2, SSEA1, and SSEA4), germline (IFITM3, VASA/DDX4), and cancer stem (CD44, LGR5) cell specific markers were characterized for protein and mRNA expression in tumor tissues to understand their distribution in the surface epithelium and ovarian cortex in benign, borderline, and high-grade malignant stages. To elucidate whether pluripotent ovarian germline stem cells and CSCs are common subset of stem cells in tumor tissues, VASA was colocalized with known pluripotent stem (OCT4, SSEA1, SSEA4) and CSC (CD44, LGR5) specific markers by confocal microscopy. Single, smaller spherical (≤5 μm), and larger elliptical fibroblast like (≥10 μm) cells (also in clusters or multiples) were detected implying probable functional behavioral significance of cells in tumor initiation and metastasis across various cancer stages. Cells revealed characteristic staining pattern in ovarian surface epithelium (OSE) and cortex regions exclusive for each marker. Co-expression studies revealed specific subpopulations existing simultaneously in OSE and cortex and that a dynamic hierarchy of (cancer) stem cells with germline properties prevails in normal ovaries and cancer stages. Novel insights into CSC biology with respect to ovarian and germline stem cell perspective were obtained. Understanding molecular signatures and distribution within ovarian tissue may enable identification of precise tumor-initiating CSC populations and signaling pathways thus improving their efficient targeting and strategies to prevent their dissemination causing fatal relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seema C. Parte
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Andrei Smolenkov
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Mariusz Z. Ratajczak
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| | - Sham S. Kakar
- Department of Physiology, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, Kentucky
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Altered (neo-) lacto series glycolipid biosynthesis impairs α2-6 sialylation on N-glycoproteins in ovarian cancer cells. Sci Rep 2017; 7:45367. [PMID: 28358117 PMCID: PMC5371825 DOI: 10.1038/srep45367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2016] [Accepted: 02/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
The (neo-) lacto series glycosphingolipids (nsGSLs) comprise of glycan epitopes that are present as blood group antigens, act as primary receptors for human pathogens and are also increasingly associated with malignant diseases. Beta-1, 3-N-acetyl-glucosaminyl-transferase 5 (B3GNT5) is suggested as the key glycosyltransferase for the biosynthesis of nsGSLs. In this study, we investigated the impact of CRISPR-Cas9 -mediated gene disruption of B3GNT5 (∆B3GNT5) on the expression of glycosphingolipids and N-glycoproteins by utilizing immunostaining and glycomics-based PGC-UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS profiling. ∆B3GNT5 cells lost nsGSL expression coinciding with reduction of α2-6 sialylation on N-glycoproteins. In contrast, disruption of B4GALNT1, a glycosyltransferase for ganglio series GSLs did not affect α2-6 sialylation on N-glycoproteins. We further profiled all known
α2-6 sialyltransferase-encoding genes and showed that the loss of α2-6 sialylation is due to silencing of ST6GAL1 expression in ∆B3GNT5 cells. These results demonstrate that nsGSLs are part of a complex network affecting N-glycosylation in ovarian cancer cells.
Collapse
|
38
|
Yu CC, Yu CH, Chang YC. Aberrant SSEA-4 upregulation mediates myofibroblast activity to promote pre-cancerous oral submucous fibrosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:37004. [PMID: 27845370 PMCID: PMC5109465 DOI: 10.1038/srep37004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2016] [Accepted: 10/21/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Oral submucous fibrosis (OSF), regarded as a precancerous condition, is characterized by juxta-epithelial inflammatory reaction followed by fibro-elastic change in the lamina properia and epithelial atrophy. The pathologic mechanisms of OSF still need to be further clarified. In the study, we investigated the functional expression of SSEA-4, which is a well-known stemness marker, in myofibroblast activity and the clinical significance in OSF tissues. The expression of SSEA-4 in OSF was evaluated by immunohistochemical staining. Functional analysis of SSEA-4 on myofibroblast activity of OSF was achieved by lentiviral silencing ST3GAL2. Immunohisitochemistry demonstrated that SSEA-4 expression was significantly higher expression in areca quid chewing-associated OSF tissues than those of normal oral mucosa tissues. From flow cytometry analysis, arecoline dose-dependently activated SSEA-4 expression in primary human normal buccal mucosal fibroblasts (BMFs). Sorted SSEA-4-positive cells from fibrotic BMFs (fBMFs) have higher colony-forming unit, collagen gel contraction, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression than SSEA-4-negative subset. Knockdown of ST3GAL2 in fBMFs suppressed SSEA-4 expression, collagen contraction, migration, invasiveness, and wound healing capability. Consistently, silencing ST3GAL2 was found to repress arecoline-induced myofibroblast activity in BMFs. The study highlights SSEA-4 as a critical marker for therapeutic intervention to mediate myofibroblast transdifferentiation in areca quid chewing-associated OSF.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Chia Yu
- Institute of Oral Sciences, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Hang Yu
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chao Chang
- School of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University, Taichung, Taiwan.,Department of Dentistry, Chung Shan Medical University Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|