1
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Neumann NM, Kim DM, Huebner RJ, Ewald AJ. Collective cell migration is spatiotemporally regulated during mammary epithelial bifurcation. J Cell Sci 2023; 136:jcs259275. [PMID: 36602106 PMCID: PMC10112963 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.259275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Branched epithelial networks are generated through an iterative process of elongation and bifurcation. We sought to understand bifurcation of the mammary epithelium. To visualize this process, we utilized three-dimensional (3D) organotypic culture and time-lapse confocal microscopy. We tracked cell migration during bifurcation and observed local reductions in cell speed at the nascent bifurcation cleft. This effect was proximity dependent, as individual cells approaching the cleft reduced speed, whereas cells exiting the cleft increased speed. As the cells slow down, they orient both migration and protrusions towards the nascent cleft, while cells in the adjacent branches orient towards the elongating tips. We next tested the hypothesis that TGF-β signaling controls mammary branching by regulating cell migration. We first validated that addition of TGF-β1 (TGFB1) protein increased cleft number, whereas inhibition of TGF-β signaling reduced cleft number. Then, consistent with our hypothesis, we observed that pharmacological inhibition of TGF-β1 signaling acutely decreased epithelial migration speed. Our data suggest a model for mammary epithelial bifurcation in which TGF-β signaling regulates cell migration to determine the local sites of bifurcation and the global pattern of the tubular network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M. Neumann
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Daniel M. Kim
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Robert J. Huebner
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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2
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Tallapragada NP, Cambra HM, Wald T, Keough Jalbert S, Abraham DM, Klein OD, Klein AM. Inflation-collapse dynamics drive patterning and morphogenesis in intestinal organoids. Cell Stem Cell 2021; 28:1516-1532.e14. [PMID: 33915079 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2021.04.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 04/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
How stem cells self-organize to form structured tissues is an unsolved problem. Intestinal organoids offer a model of self-organization as they generate stem cell zones (SCZs) of typical size even without a spatially structured environment. Here we examine processes governing the size of SCZs. We improve the viability and homogeneity of intestinal organoid cultures to enable long-term time-lapse imaging of multiple organoids in parallel. We find that SCZs are shaped by fission events under strong control of ion channel-mediated inflation and mechanosensitive Piezo-family channels. Fission occurs through stereotyped modes of dynamic behavior that differ in their coordination of budding and differentiation. Imaging and single-cell transcriptomics show that inflation drives acute stem cell differentiation and induces a stretch-responsive cell state characterized by large transcriptional changes, including upregulation of Piezo1. Our results reveal an intrinsic capacity of the intestinal epithelium to self-organize by modulating and then responding to its mechanical state.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naren P Tallapragada
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hailey M Cambra
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Tomas Wald
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Samantha Keough Jalbert
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Diana M Abraham
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Ophir D Klein
- Program in Craniofacial Biology and Department of Orofacial Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA; Department of Pediatrics and Institute for Human Genetics, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Allon M Klein
- Department of Systems Biology, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
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3
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Savic LJ, Schobert IT, Hamm CA, Adam LC, Hyder F, Coman D. A high-throughput imaging platform to characterize extracellular pH in organotypic three-dimensional in vitro models of liver cancer. NMR IN BIOMEDICINE 2021; 34:e4465. [PMID: 33354836 DOI: 10.1002/nbm.4465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/05/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Given the extraordinary nature of tumor metabolism in hepatocellular carcinoma and its impact on oncologic treatment response, this study introduces a novel high-throughput extracellular pH (pHe ) mapping platform using magnetic resonance spectroscopic imaging in a three-dimensional (3D) in vitro model of liver cancer. pHe mapping was performed using biosensor imaging of redundant deviation in shifts (BIRDS) on 9.4 T and 11.7 T MR scanners for validation purposes. 3D cultures of four liver cancer (HepG2, Huh7, SNU475, VX2) and one hepatocyte (THLE2) cell line were simultaneously analyzed (a) without treatment, (b) supplemented with 4.5 g/L d-glucose, and (c) treated with anti-glycolytic 3-bromopyruvate (6.25, 25, 50, 75, and 100 μM). The MR results were correlated with immunohistochemistry (GLUT-1, LAMP-2) and luminescence-based viability assays. Statistics included the unpaired t-test and ANOVA test. High-throughput pHe imaging with BIRDS for in vitro 3D liver cancer models proved feasible. Compared with non-tumorous hepatocytes (pHe = 7.1 ± 0.1), acidic pHe was revealed in liver cancer (VX2, pHe = 6.7 ± 0.1; HuH7, pHe = 6.8 ± 0.1; HepG2, pHe = 6.9 ± 0.1; SNU475, pHe = 6.9 ± 0.1), in agreement with GLUT-1 upregulation. Glucose addition significantly further decreased pHe in hyperglycolytic cell lines (VX2, HepG2, and Huh7, by 0.28, 0.06, and 0.11, respectively, all p < 0.001), whereas 3-bromopyruvate normalized tumor pHe in a dose-dependent manner without affecting viability. In summary, this study introduces a non-invasive pHe imaging platform for high-yield screening using a translational 3D liver cancer model, which may help reveal and target mechanisms of therapy resistance and inform personalized treatment of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lynn Jeanette Savic
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Berlin Institute of Health (BIH), Berlin, Germany
| | - Isabel Theresa Schobert
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Charlie Alexander Hamm
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
- Institute of Diagnostic Radiology and Neuroradiology, Greifswald University Hospital, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Lucas Christoph Adam
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Institute of Radiology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität, and Berlin Institute of Health, Berlin, Germany
| | - Fahmeed Hyder
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Daniel Coman
- Department of Radiology and Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
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4
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Sumbal J, Budkova Z, Traustadóttir GÁ, Koledova Z. Mammary Organoids and 3D Cell Cultures: Old Dogs with New Tricks. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2020; 25:273-288. [PMID: 33210256 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-020-09468-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
3D cell culture methods have been an integral part of and an essential tool for mammary gland and breast cancer research for half a century. In fact, mammary gland researchers, who discovered and deciphered the instructive role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in mammary epithelial cell functional differentiation and morphogenesis, were the pioneers of the 3D cell culture techniques, including organoid cultures. The last decade has brought a tremendous increase in the 3D cell culture techniques, including modifications and innovations of the existing techniques, novel biomaterials and matrices, new technological approaches, and increase in 3D culture complexity, accompanied by several redefinitions of the terms "3D cell culture" and "organoid". In this review, we provide an overview of the 3D cell culture and organoid techniques used in mammary gland biology and breast cancer research. We discuss their advantages, shortcomings and current challenges, highlight the recent progress in reconstructing the complex mammary gland microenvironment in vitro and ex vivo, and identify the missing 3D cell cultures, urgently needed to aid our understanding of mammary gland development, function, physiology, and disease, including breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jakub Sumbal
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Zuzana Budkova
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland
| | - Gunnhildur Ásta Traustadóttir
- Stem Cell Research Unit, Biomedical Center, Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavík, Iceland.
| | - Zuzana Koledova
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic.
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5
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Padmanaban V, Grasset EM, Neumann NM, Fraser AK, Henriet E, Matsui W, Tran PT, Cheung KJ, Georgess D, Ewald AJ. Organotypic culture assays for murine and human primary and metastatic-site tumors. Nat Protoc 2020; 15:2413-2442. [PMID: 32690957 PMCID: PMC8202162 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-020-0335-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/16/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Cancer invasion and metastasis are challenging to study in vivo since they occur deep inside the body over extended time periods. Organotypic 3D culture of fresh tumor tissue enables convenient real-time imaging, genetic and microenvironmental manipulation and molecular analysis. Here, we provide detailed protocols to isolate and culture heterogenous organoids from murine and human primary and metastatic site tumors. The time required to isolate organoids can vary based on the tissue and organ type but typically takes <7 h. We describe a suite of assays that model specific aspects of metastasis, including proliferation, survival, invasion, dissemination and colony formation. We also specify comprehensive protocols for downstream applications of organotypic cultures that will allow users to (i) test the role of specific genes in regulating various cellular processes, (ii) distinguish the contributions of several microenvironmental factors and (iii) test the effects of novel therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veena Padmanaban
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Eloise M. Grasset
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neil M. Neumann
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew K. Fraser
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elodie Henriet
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - William Matsui
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Phuoc T. Tran
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Department of Radiation Oncology and Molecular Radiation Sciences, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Kevin J. Cheung
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Dan Georgess
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Natural Sciences, School of Arts & Sciences, Lebanese American University, Beirut, Lebanon
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland.,Author for Correspondence: Andrew J. Ewald, 855 N. Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, Tel: 410-614-9288,
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6
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Olofsson PE, Brandt L, Magnusson KEG, Frisk T, Jaldén J, Önfelt B. A collagen-based microwell migration assay to study NK-target cell interactions. Sci Rep 2019; 9:10672. [PMID: 31337806 PMCID: PMC6650390 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-46958-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cell cytotoxicity in tissue is dependent on the ability of NK cells to migrate through the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment. Traditional imaging studies of NK cell migration and cytotoxicity have utilized 2D surfaces, which do not properly reproduce the structural and mechanical cues that shape the migratory response of NK cells in vivo. Here, we have combined a microwell assay that allows long-term imaging and tracking of small, well-defined populations of NK cells with an interstitial ECM-like matrix. The assay allows for long-term imaging of NK-target cell interactions within a confined 3D volume. We found marked differences in motility between individual cells with a small fraction of the cells moving slowly and being confined to a small volume within the matrix, while other cells moved more freely. A majority of NK cells also exhibited transient variation in their motility, alternating between periods of migration arrest and movement. The assay could be used as a complement to in vivo imaging to study human NK cell heterogeneity in migration and cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Per E Olofsson
- Division of Biophysics, Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23 A, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Ludwig Brandt
- Division of Biophysics, Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23 A, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Klas E G Magnusson
- Department of Signal Processing, ACCESS Linnaeus Centre, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Thomas Frisk
- Division of Biophysics, Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23 A, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Joakim Jaldén
- Department of Signal Processing, ACCESS Linnaeus Centre, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Björn Önfelt
- Division of Biophysics, Department of Applied Physics, Science for Life Laboratory, KTH Royal Institute of Technology, Tomtebodavägen 23 A, 171 65, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Solna, Sweden.
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7
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Hacker BC, Gomez JD, Batista CAS, Rafat M. Growth and Characterization of Irradiated Organoids from Mammary Glands. J Vis Exp 2019. [PMID: 31107464 DOI: 10.3791/59293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Organoids derived from the digested tissue are multicellular three-dimensional (3D) constructs that better recapitulate in vivo conditions than cell monolayers. Although they cannot completely model in vivo complexity, they retain some functionality of the original organ. In cancer models, organoids are commonly used to study tumor cell invasion. This protocol aims to develop and characterize organoids from the normal and irradiated mouse mammary gland tissue to evaluate the radiation response in normal tissues. These organoids can be applied to future in vitro cancer studies to evaluate tumor cell interactions with irradiated organoids. Mammary glands were resected, irradiated to 20 Gy and digested in a collagenase VIII solution. Epithelial organoids were separated via centrifugal differentiation, and 3D organoids were developed in 96-well low-adhesion microplates. Organoids expressed the characteristic epithelial marker cytokeratin 14. Macrophage interaction with the organoids was observed in co-culture experiments. This model may be useful for studying tumor-stromal interactions, infiltration of immune cells, and macrophage polarization within an irradiated microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin C Hacker
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University
| | - Javier D Gomez
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University
| | | | - Marjan Rafat
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Vanderbilt University; Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University; Department of Radiation Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center;
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8
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Neumann NM, Perrone MC, Veldhuis JH, Huebner RJ, Zhan H, Devreotes PN, Brodland GW, Ewald AJ. Coordination of Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Signaling and Interfacial Tension Dynamics Drives Radial Intercalation and Tube Elongation. Dev Cell 2018; 45:67-82.e6. [PMID: 29634937 DOI: 10.1016/j.devcel.2018.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Revised: 01/11/2018] [Accepted: 03/14/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
We sought to understand how cells collectively elongate epithelial tubes. We first used 3D culture and biosensor imaging to demonstrate that epithelial cells enrich Ras activity, phosphatidylinositol (3,4,5)-trisphosphate (PIP3), and F-actin to their leading edges during migration within tissues. PIP3 enrichment coincided with, and could enrich despite inhibition of, F-actin dynamics, revealing a conserved migratory logic compared with single cells. We discovered that migratory cells can intercalate into the basal tissue surface and contribute to tube elongation. We then connected molecular activities to subcellular mechanics using force inference analysis. Migration and transient intercalation required specific and similar anterior-posterior ratios of interfacial tension. Permanent intercalations were distinguished by their capture at the boundary through time-varying tension dynamics. Finally, we integrated our experimental and computational data to generate a finite element model of tube elongation. Our model revealed that intercalation, interfacial tension dynamics, and high basal stress are together sufficient for mammary morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Neil M Neumann
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Matthew C Perrone
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Jim H Veldhuis
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Robert J Huebner
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Huiwang Zhan
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Peter N Devreotes
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - G Wayne Brodland
- Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada; Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G1, Canada
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology and Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Rangos 452, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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9
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Abstract
Opioids are powerful analgesics, but also carry significant side effects and abuse potential. Here we describe a modulator of the μ-opioid receptor (MOR1), the transient receptor potential channel subfamily vanilloid member 1 (TRPV1). We show that TRPV1 binds MOR1 and blocks opioid-dependent phosphorylation of MOR1 while leaving G protein signaling intact. Phosphorylation of MOR1 initiates recruitment and activation of the β-arrestin pathway, which is responsible for numerous opioid-induced adverse effects, including the development of tolerance and respiratory depression. Phosphorylation stands in contrast to G protein signaling, which is responsible for the analgesic effect of opioids. Calcium influx through TRPV1 causes a calcium/calmodulin-dependent translocation of G protein-coupled receptor kinase 5 (GRK5) away from the plasma membrane, thereby blocking its ability to phosphorylate MOR1. Using TRPV1 to block phosphorylation of MOR1 without affecting G protein signaling is a potential strategy to improve the therapeutic profile of opioids.
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10
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Nguyen-Ngoc KV, Silvestri VL, Georgess D, Fairchild AN, Ewald AJ. Mosaic loss of non-muscle myosin IIA and IIB is sufficient to induce mammary epithelial proliferation. J Cell Sci 2017; 130:3213-3221. [PMID: 28821574 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.208546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammary epithelium elaborates through hormonally regulated changes in proliferation, migration and differentiation. Non-muscle myosin II (NMII) functions at the interface between contractility, adhesion and signal transduction. It is therefore a plausible regulator of mammary morphogenesis. We tested the genetic requirement for NMIIA and NMIIB in mammary morphogenesis through deletion of the three NMII heavy chain-encoding genes (NMHCIIA, NMHCIIB and NMHCIIC; also known as MYH9, MYH10 and MYH14, respectively) that confer specificity to the complex. Surprisingly, mosaic loss, but not ubiquitous loss, of NMHCIIA and NMHCIIB induced high levels of proliferation in 3D culture. This phenotype was observed even when cells were cultured in basal medium, which does not support tissue level growth of wild-type epithelium. Mosaic loss of NMIIA and NMIIB combined with FGF signaling to induce hyperplasia. Mosaic analysis revealed that the cells that were null for both NMIIA and NMIIB, as well as wild-type cells, proliferated, indicating that the regulation of proliferation is both cell autonomous and non-autonomous within epithelial tissues. This phenotype appears to be mediated by cell-cell contact, as co-culture did not induce proliferation. Mosaic loss of NMIIA and NMIIB also induced excess proliferation in vivo Our data therefore reveal a role for NMIIA and NMIIB as negative regulators of proliferation in the mammary epithelium.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kim-Vy Nguyen-Ngoc
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Vanesa L Silvestri
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Dan Georgess
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Amanda N Fairchild
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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11
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Xian L, Georgess D, Huso T, Cope L, Belton A, Chang YT, Kuang W, Gu Q, Zhang X, Senger S, Fasano A, Huso DL, Ewald AJ, Resar LMS. HMGA1 amplifies Wnt signalling and expands the intestinal stem cell compartment and Paneth cell niche. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15008. [PMID: 28452345 PMCID: PMC5414379 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2016] [Accepted: 02/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
High-mobility group A1 (Hmga1) chromatin remodelling proteins are enriched in intestinal stem cells (ISCs), although their function in this setting was unknown. Prior studies showed that Hmga1 drives hyperproliferation, aberrant crypt formation and polyposis in transgenic mice. Here we demonstrate that Hmga1 amplifies Wnt/β-catenin signalling to enhance self-renewal and expand the ISC compartment. Hmga1 upregulates genes encoding both Wnt agonist receptors and downstream Wnt effectors. Hmga1 also helps to 'build' an ISC niche by expanding the Paneth cell compartment and directly inducing Sox9, which is required for Paneth cell differentiation. In human intestine, HMGA1 and SOX9 are positively correlated, and both become upregulated in colorectal cancer. Our results define a unique role for Hmga1 in intestinal homeostasis by maintaining the stem cell pool and fostering terminal differentiation to establish an epithelial stem cell niche. This work also suggests that deregulated Hmga1 perturbs this equilibrium during intestinal carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingling Xian
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Dan Georgess
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Tait Huso
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Leslie Cope
- Division of Biostatistics, Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 550 North Broadway, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Amy Belton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Yu-Ting Chang
- Department of Pathology, Pathobiology Graduate Program, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Wenyong Kuang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Qihua Gu
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Stefania Senger
- Department of Pediatrics, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital East, 16th Street, Building 114, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Alessio Fasano
- Department of Pediatrics, Mucosal Immunology and Biology Research Center, Harvard Medical School, Massachusetts General Hospital East, 16th Street, Building 114, Charlestown, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - David L Huso
- Department of Molecular and Comparative Pathobiology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Linda M S Resar
- Division of Hematology, Department of Medicine, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 720 Rutland Avenue, Ross Research Building, Room 1025, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA.,Department of Pathology and Institute for Cellular Engineering, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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12
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Shamir ER, Coutinho K, Georgess D, Auer M, Ewald AJ. Twist1-positive epithelial cells retain adhesive and proliferative capacity throughout dissemination. Biol Open 2016; 5:1216-28. [PMID: 27402962 PMCID: PMC5051642 DOI: 10.1242/bio.019703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissemination is the process by which cells detach and migrate away from a multicellular tissue. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) conceptualizes dissemination in a stepwise fashion, with downregulation of E-cadherin leading to loss of intercellular junctions, induction of motility, and then escape from the epithelium. This gain of migratory activity is proposed to be mutually exclusive with proliferation. We previously developed a dissemination assay based on inducible expression of the transcription factor Twist1 and here utilize it to characterize the timing and dynamics of intercellular adhesion, proliferation and migration during dissemination. Surprisingly, Twist1(+) epithelium displayed extensive intercellular junctions, and Twist1(-) luminal epithelial cells could still adhere to disseminating Twist1(+) cells. Although proteolysis and proliferation were both observed throughout dissemination, neither was absolutely required. Finally, Twist1(+) cells exhibited a hybrid migration mode; their morphology and nuclear deformation were characteristic of amoeboid cells, whereas their dynamic protrusive activity, pericellular proteolysis and migration speeds were more typical of mesenchymal cells. Our data reveal that epithelial cells can disseminate while retaining competence to adhere and proliferate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah R Shamir
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kester Coutinho
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS Donner, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Dan Georgess
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Manfred Auer
- Molecular Biophysics and Integrated Bioimaging Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, 1 Cyclotron Road, MS Donner, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe St, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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13
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Huebner RJ, Neumann NM, Ewald AJ. Mammary epithelial tubes elongate through MAPK-dependent coordination of cell migration. Development 2016; 143:983-93. [PMID: 26839364 DOI: 10.1242/dev.127944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2015] [Accepted: 01/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Mammary branching morphogenesis is regulated by receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs). We sought to determine how these RTK signals alter proliferation and migration to accomplish tube elongation in mouse. Both behaviors occur but it has been difficult to determine their relative contribution to elongation in vivo, as mammary adipocytes scatter light and limit the depth of optical imaging. Accordingly, we utilized 3D culture to study elongation in an experimentally accessible setting. We first used antibodies to localize RTK signals and discovered that phosphorylated ERK1/2 (pERK) was spatially enriched in cells near the front of elongating ducts, whereas phosphorylated AKT was ubiquitous. We next observed a gradient of cell migration speeds from rear to front of elongating ducts, with the front characterized by both high pERK and the fastest cells. Furthermore, cells within elongating ducts oriented both their protrusions and their migration in the direction of tube elongation. By contrast, cells within the organoid body were isotropically protrusive. We next tested the requirement for proliferation and migration. Early inhibition of proliferation blocked the creation of migratory cells, whereas late inhibition of proliferation did not block continued duct elongation. By contrast, pharmacological inhibition of either MEK or Rac1 signaling acutely blocked both cell migration and duct elongation. Finally, conditional induction of MEK activity was sufficient to induce collective cell migration and ductal elongation. Our data suggest a model for ductal elongation in which RTK-dependent proliferation creates motile cells with high pERK, the collective migration of which acutely requires both MEK and Rac1 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huebner
- Departments of Cell Biology, Oncology, and Biomedical Engineering, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, 452 Rangos Building, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Neil M Neumann
- Departments of Cell Biology, Oncology, and Biomedical Engineering, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, 452 Rangos Building, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology, Oncology, and Biomedical Engineering, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 855 N. Wolfe Street, 452 Rangos Building, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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14
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Cell-cell communication enhances the capacity of cell ensembles to sense shallow gradients during morphogenesis. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2016; 113:E679-88. [PMID: 26792522 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1516503113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cell responses to exogenous cues depend on cell-cell interactions. In principle, these can result in enhanced sensitivity to weak and noisy stimuli. However, this has not yet been shown experimentally, and little is known about how multicellular signal processing modulates single-cell sensitivity to extracellular signaling inputs, including those guiding complex changes in the tissue form and function. Here we explored whether cell-cell communication can enhance the ability of cell ensembles to sense and respond to weak gradients of chemotactic cues. Using a combination of experiments with mammary epithelial cells and mathematical modeling, we find that multicellular sensing enables detection of and response to shallow epidermal growth factor (EGF) gradients that are undetectable by single cells. However, the advantage of this type of gradient sensing is limited by the noisiness of the signaling relay, necessary to integrate spatially distributed ligand concentration information. We calculate the fundamental sensory limits imposed by this communication noise and combine them with the experimental data to estimate the effective size of multicellular sensory groups involved in gradient sensing. Functional experiments strongly implicated intercellular communication through gap junctions and calcium release from intracellular stores as mediators of collective gradient sensing. The resulting integrative analysis provides a framework for understanding the advantages and limitations of sensory information processing by relays of chemically coupled cells.
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15
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Shamir ER, Ewald AJ. Three-dimensional organotypic culture: experimental models of mammalian biology and disease. Nat Rev Mol Cell Biol 2014; 15:647-64. [PMID: 25237826 PMCID: PMC4352326 DOI: 10.1038/nrm3873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 505] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mammalian organs are challenging to study as they are fairly inaccessible to experimental manipulation and optical observation. Recent advances in three-dimensional (3D) culture techniques, coupled with the ability to independently manipulate genetic and microenvironmental factors, have enabled the real-time study of mammalian tissues. These systems have been used to visualize the cellular basis of epithelial morphogenesis, to test the roles of specific genes in regulating cell behaviours within epithelial tissues and to elucidate the contribution of microenvironmental factors to normal and disease processes. Collectively, these novel models can be used to answer fundamental biological questions and generate replacement human tissues, and they enable testing of novel therapeutic approaches, often using patient-derived cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah R Shamir
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 North Wolfe Street, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA
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16
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Huebner RJ, Lechler T, Ewald AJ. Developmental stratification of the mammary epithelium occurs through symmetry-breaking vertical divisions of apically positioned luminal cells. Development 2014; 141:1085-94. [PMID: 24550116 DOI: 10.1242/dev.103333] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023]
Abstract
Mammary ducts are elongated during development by stratified epithelial structures, known as terminal end buds (TEBs). TEBs exhibit reduced apicobasal polarity and extensive proliferation. A major unanswered question concerns the mechanism by which the simple ductal epithelium stratifies during TEB formation. We sought to elucidate this mechanism using real-time imaging of growth factor-induced stratification in 3D cultures of mouse primary epithelial organoids. We hypothesized that stratification could result from vertical divisions in either the apically positioned luminal epithelial cells or the basally positioned myoepithelial cells. Stratification initiated exclusively from vertical apical cell divisions, both in 3D culture and in vivo. During vertical apical divisions, only the mother cell retained tight junctions and segregated apical membranes. Vertical daughter cells initiated an unpolarized cell population located between the luminal and myoepithelial cells, similar to the unpolarized body cells in the TEB. As stratification and loss of apicobasal polarity are early hallmarks of cancer, we next determined the cellular mechanism of oncogenic stratification. Expression of activated ERBB2 induced neoplastic stratification through analogous vertical divisions of apically positioned luminal epithelial cells. However, ERBB2-induced stratification was accompanied by tissue overgrowth and acute loss of both tight junctions and apical polarity. Expression of phosphomimetic MEK (MEK1DD), a major ERBB2 effector, also induced stratification through vertical apical cell divisions. However, MEK1DD-expressing organoids exhibited normal levels of growth and retained apicobasal polarity. We conclude that both normal and neoplastic stratification are accomplished through receptor tyrosine kinase signaling dependent vertical cell divisions within the luminal epithelial cell layer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huebner
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855 N. Wolfe Street, 452 Rangos Building, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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17
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Huebner RJ, Ewald AJ. Cellular foundations of mammary tubulogenesis. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2014; 31:124-31. [PMID: 24747369 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2014.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2014] [Accepted: 04/09/2014] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The mammary gland is composed of a highly branched network of epithelial tubes, embedded within a complex stroma. The mammary epithelium originates during embryonic development from an epidermal placode. However, the majority of ductal elongation and bifurcation occurs postnatally, in response to steroid hormone and growth factor receptor signaling. The process of pubertal branching morphogenesis involves both elongation of the primary ducts across the length of the fat pad and a wave of secondary branching that elaborates the ductal network. Recent studies have revealed that mammary epithelial morphogenesis is accomplished by transitions between simple and stratified organization. During active morphogenesis, the epithelium is stratified, highly proliferative, has few intercellular junctions, and exhibits incomplete apico-basal polarity. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the relationship between epithelial architecture, epithelial polarity, and ductal elongation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Huebner
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, 855N. Wolfe Street, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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18
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Shamir ER, Pappalardo E, Jorgens DM, Coutinho K, Tsai WT, Aziz K, Auer M, Tran PT, Bader JS, Ewald AJ. Twist1-induced dissemination preserves epithelial identity and requires E-cadherin. J Cell Biol 2014; 204:839-56. [PMID: 24590176 PMCID: PMC3941052 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.201306088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2013] [Accepted: 01/27/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dissemination of epithelial cells is a critical step in metastatic spread. Molecular models of dissemination focus on loss of E-cadherin or repression of cell adhesion through an epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We sought to define the minimum molecular events necessary to induce dissemination of cells out of primary murine mammary epithelium. Deletion of E-cadherin disrupted epithelial architecture and morphogenesis but only rarely resulted in dissemination. In contrast, expression of the EMT transcription factor Twist1 induced rapid dissemination of cytokeratin-positive epithelial cells. Twist1 induced dramatic transcriptional changes in extracellular compartment and cell-matrix adhesion genes but not in cell-cell adhesion genes. Surprisingly, we observed disseminating cells with membrane-localized E-cadherin and β-catenin, and E-cadherin knockdown strongly inhibited Twist1-induced single cell dissemination. Dissemination can therefore occur with retention of epithelial cell identity. The spread of cancer cells during metastasis could similarly involve activation of an epithelial motility program without requiring a transition from epithelial to mesenchymal character.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliah R. Shamir
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
| | - Elisa Pappalardo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Danielle M. Jorgens
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Kester Coutinho
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Wen-Ting Tsai
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Khaled Aziz
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology, and Urology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Manfred Auer
- Life Sciences Division, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720
| | - Phuoc T. Tran
- Department of Radiation Oncology and Department of Molecular Radiation Sciences, Oncology, and Urology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231
| | - Joel S. Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, High-Throughput Biology Center, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology and Department of Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205
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19
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Cheung KJ, Gabrielson E, Werb Z, Ewald AJ. Collective invasion in breast cancer requires a conserved basal epithelial program. Cell 2013; 155:1639-51. [PMID: 24332913 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2013.11.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 581] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2012] [Revised: 05/02/2013] [Accepted: 11/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Carcinomas typically invade as a cohesive multicellular unit, a process termed collective invasion. It remains unclear how different subpopulations of cancer cells contribute to this process. We developed three-dimensional (3D) organoid assays to identify the most invasive cancer cells in primary breast tumors. Collective invasion was led by specialized cancer cells that were defined by their expression of basal epithelial genes, such as cytokeratin-14 (K14) and p63. Furthermore, K14+ cells led collective invasion in the major human breast cancer subtypes. Importantly, luminal cancer cells were observed to convert phenotypically to invasive leaders following induction of basal epithelial genes. Although only a minority of cells within luminal tumors expressed basal epithelial genes, knockdown of either K14 or p63 was sufficient to block collective invasion. Our data reveal that heterotypic interactions between epithelial subpopulations are critical to collective invasion. We suggest that targeting the basal invasive program could limit metastatic progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin J Cheung
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Zena Werb
- Department of Anatomy, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA.
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20
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Beck JN, Singh A, Rothenberg AR, Elisseeff JH, Ewald AJ. The independent roles of mechanical, structural and adhesion characteristics of 3D hydrogels on the regulation of cancer invasion and dissemination. Biomaterials 2013; 34:9486-95. [PMID: 24044993 PMCID: PMC3832184 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2013.08.077] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2013] [Accepted: 08/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis begins with the escape, or dissemination, of cancer cells from the primary tumor. We recently demonstrated that tumors preferentially disseminate into collagen I and not into basement membrane protein gels (Matrigel). In this study, we used synthetic polymer systems to define material properties that could induce dissemination into Matrigel. We first specifically varied rigidity by varying the crosslinking density of poly(ethylene glycol) (PEG) networks within Matrigel scaffolds. Increased microenvironmental rigidity limited epithelial growth but did not promote dissemination. We next incorporated adhesive signals into the PEG network using peptide-conjugated cyclodextrin (α-CDYRGDS) rings. The α-CDYRGDS rings threaded along the PEG polymers, enabling independent control of matrix mechanics, adhesive peptide composition, and adhesive density. Adhesive PEG networks induced dissemination of normal and malignant mammary epithelial cells at intermediate values of adhesion and rigidity. Our data reveal that microenvironmental signals can induce dissemination of normal and malignant epithelial cells without requiring the fibrillar structure of collagen I or containing collagen I-specific adhesion sequences. Finally, the nanobiomaterials and assays developed in this study are generally useful both in 3D culture of primary mammalian tissues and in the systematic evaluation of the specific role of mechanical and adhesive inputs on 3D tumor growth, invasion, and dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer N. Beck
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Anirudha Singh
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Ashley R. Rothenberg
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Jennifer H. Elisseeff
- Translational Tissue Engineering Center, Wilmer Eye Institute, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Departments of Cell Biology and Oncology, Center for Cell Dynamics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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21
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Abstract
Many epithelial tissues develop deep within the animal and are inaccessible to high-resolution optical imaging with visible wavelengths. Protocols for culturing whole epithelial organs have existed since the 1950s, but the use of three-dimensional (3D) organotypic cultures of epithelial fragments has advanced dramatically in recent years. Here we describe the practical details involved in isolating mammary epithelial tissue and culturing organoids embedded within 3D gels. Mammary glands are mechanically disrupted and enzymatically digested, and the epithelial cell fragments are separated from stromal cells by differential centrifugation. The organoids are cultured in BD Matrigel in the absence or presence of growth factor.
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22
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Ewald AJ, Huebner RJ, Palsdottir H, Lee JK, Perez MJ, Jorgens DM, Tauscher AN, Cheung KJ, Werb Z, Auer M. Mammary collective cell migration involves transient loss of epithelial features and individual cell migration within the epithelium. J Cell Sci 2012; 125:2638-54. [PMID: 22344263 DOI: 10.1242/jcs.096875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Normal mammary morphogenesis involves transitions between simple and multilayered epithelial organizations. We used electron microscopy and molecular markers to determine whether intercellular junctions and apico-basal polarity were maintained in the multilayered epithelium. We found that multilayered elongating ducts had polarized apical and basal tissue surfaces both in three-dimensional culture and in vivo. However, individual cells were only polarized on surfaces in contact with the lumen or extracellular matrix. The basolateral marker scribble and the apical marker atypical protein kinase C zeta localized to all interior cell membranes, whereas PAR3 displayed a cytoplasmic localization, suggesting that the apico-basal polarity was incomplete. Despite membrane localization of E-cadherin and β-catenin, we did not observe a defined zonula adherens connecting interior cells. Instead, interior cells were connected through desmosomes and exhibited complex interdigitating membrane protrusions. Single-cell labeling revealed that individual cells were both protrusive and migratory within the epithelial multilayer. Inhibition of Rho kinase (ROCK) further reduced intercellular adhesion on apical and lateral surfaces but did not disrupt basal tissue organization. Following morphogenesis, segregated membrane domains were re-established and junctional complexes re-formed. We observed similar epithelial organization during mammary morphogenesis in organotypic culture and in vivo. We conclude that mammary epithelial morphogenesis involves a reversible, spatially limited, reduction in polarity and intercellular junctions and active individualistic cell migration. Our data suggest that reductions in polarity and adhesion during breast cancer progression might reflect partial recapitulation of a normal developmental program.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Anatomy, University of California-San Francisco, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA.
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