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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Pang A, Farley HC, Gillingham AR, Dawson AD, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma. Biomark Res 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 39030653 PMCID: PMC11264923 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective curative therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. METHODS To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing (n = 8) and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids (n = 4) using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells. RESULTS Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Patrick Conley
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher D Klocke
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sidharth K Sengupta
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amara Pang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hannah C Farley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Abigail R Gillingham
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Aubrey D Dawson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yichen Fan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Summer L Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alison H Skalet
- Casey Eye Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Guanming Wu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA.
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2
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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [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: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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3
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Fuentes-Rodriguez A, Mitchell A, Guérin SL, Landreville S. Recent Advances in Molecular and Genetic Research on Uveal Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1023. [PMID: 38920653 PMCID: PMC11201764 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), a distinct subtype of melanoma, presents unique challenges in its clinical management due to its complex molecular landscape and tendency for liver metastasis. This review highlights recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathogenesis, genetic alterations, and immune microenvironment of UM, with a focus on pivotal genes, such as GNAQ/11, BAP1, and CYSLTR2, and delves into the distinctive genetic and chromosomal classifications of UM, emphasizing the role of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in disease progression and metastatic risk. Novel diagnostic biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, DNA and extracellular vesicles, are discussed, offering potential non-invasive approaches for early detection and monitoring. It also explores emerging prognostic markers and their implications for patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Therapeutic approaches, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, MAPK pathway inhibitors, and emerging trends and concepts like CAR T-cell therapy, are evaluated for their efficacy in UM treatment. This review identifies challenges in UM research, such as the limited treatment options for metastatic UM and the need for improved prognostic tools, and suggests future directions, including the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, immunotherapeutic strategies, and advanced drug delivery systems. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of UM to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Fuentes-Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Solange Landreville
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
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4
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Yaghoubi Naei V, Ivanova E, Mullally W, O'Leary CG, Ladwa R, O'Byrne K, Warkiani ME, Kulasinghe A. Characterisation of circulating tumor-associated and immune cells in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38835954 PMCID: PMC11147668 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Globally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor-associated circulating cells in NSCLC can have a wide variety of morphological and phenotypic characteristics, including epithelial, immunological or hybrid subtypes. The distinctive characteristics and potential clinical significance of these cells in patients with NSCLC are explored in this study. Methods We utilised a spiral microfluidic device to enrich large cells and cell aggregates from the peripheral blood samples of NSCLC patients. These cells were characterised through high-resolution immunofluorescent imaging and statistical analysis, correlating findings with clinical information from our patient cohort. Results We have identified varied populations of heterotypic circulating tumor cell clusters with differing immune cell composition that included a distinct class of atypical tumor-associated macrophages that exhibits unique morphology and cell size. This subtype's prevalence is positively correlated with the tumor stage, progression and metastasis. Conclusions Our study reveals a heterogeneous landscape of circulating tumor cells and their clusters, underscoring the complexity of NSCLC pathobiology. The identification of a unique subtype of atypical tumor-associatedmacrophages that simultaneously express both tumor and immune markers and whose presence correlates with late disease stages, poor clinical outcomes and metastatic risk infers the potential of these cells as biomarkers for NSCLC staging and prognosis. Future studies should focus on the role of these cells in the tumor microenvironment and their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, longitudinal studies tracking these cell types through disease progression could provide further insights into their roles in NSCLC evolution and response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ekaterina Ivanova
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised HealthQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | | | | | - Rahul Ladwa
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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5
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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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6
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Karras P, Black JRM, McGranahan N, Marine JC. Decoding the interplay between genetic and non-genetic drivers of metastasis. Nature 2024; 629:543-554. [PMID: 38750233 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process by which cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to distant organs, and is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Preventing early metastatic dissemination would revolutionize the ability to fight cancer. Unfortunately, the relatively poor understanding of the molecular underpinnings of metastasis has hampered the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. Although it is now accepted that disseminating tumour cells need to acquire multiple competencies to face the many obstacles they encounter before reaching their metastatic site(s), whether these competencies are acquired through an accumulation of metastasis-specific genetic alterations and/or non-genetic events is often debated. Here we review a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of both genetic and non-genetic reprogramming events during the metastatic cascade, and discuss how genetic and non-genetic processes act in concert to confer metastatic competencies. We also describe how recent technological advances, and in particular the advent of single-cell multi-omics and barcoding approaches, will help to better elucidate the cross-talk between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of metastasis and ultimately inform innovative paths for the early detection and interception of this lethal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James R M Black
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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7
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Heussner RT, Whalen RM, Anderson A, Theison H, Baik J, Gibbs S, Wong MH, Chang YH. Quantitative image analysis pipeline for detecting circulating hybrid cells in immunofluorescence images with human-level accuracy. Cytometry A 2024; 105:345-355. [PMID: 38385578 PMCID: PMC11217923 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24826] [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: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are a newly discovered, tumor-derived cell population found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and are thought to contribute to tumor metastasis. However, identifying CHCs by immunofluorescence (IF) imaging of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a time-consuming and subjective process that currently relies on manual annotation by laboratory technicians. Additionally, while IF is relatively easy to apply to tissue sections, its application to PBMC smears presents challenges due to the presence of biological and technical artifacts. To address these challenges, we present a robust image analysis pipeline to automate the detection and analysis of CHCs in IF images. The pipeline incorporates quality control to optimize specimen preparation protocols and remove unwanted artifacts, leverages a β-variational autoencoder (VAE) to learn meaningful latent representations of single-cell images, and employs a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to achieve human-level CHC detection. We created a rigorously labeled IF CHC data set including nine patients and two disease sites with the assistance of 10 annotators to evaluate the pipeline. We examined annotator variation and bias in CHC detection and provided guidelines to optimize the accuracy of CHC annotation. We found that all annotators agreed on CHC identification for only 65% of the cells in the data set and had a tendency to underestimate CHC counts for regions of interest (ROIs) containing relatively large amounts of cells (>50,000) when using the conventional enumeration method. On the other hand, our proposed approach is unbiased to ROI size. The SVM classifier trained on the β-VAE embeddings achieved an F1 score of 0.80, matching the average performance of human annotators. Our pipeline enables researchers to explore the role of CHCs in cancer progression and assess their potential as a clinical biomarker for metastasis. Further, we demonstrate that the pipeline can identify discrete cellular phenotypes among PBMCs, highlighting its utility beyond CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Heussner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Riley M. Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ashley Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Heather Theison
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joseph Baik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Summer Gibbs
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Melissa H. Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Lu Y, Chen D, Wang B, Chai W, Yan M, Chen Y, Zhan Y, Yang R, Zhou E, Dai S, Li Y, Dong R, Zheng B. Single-cell landscape of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:1353-1368. [PMID: 38459120 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03001-8] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly aggressive malignant soft tissue tumor with a poor prognosis; however, the identity and heterogeneity of tumor populations remain elusive. Here, eight major cell clusters were identified through the RNA sequencing of 79,569 individual cells of UPS. UPS originates from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and features undifferentiated subclusters. UPS subclusters were predicted to exist in two bulk RNA datasets, and had a prognostic value in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The functional heterogeneity of malignant UPS cells and the immune microenvironment were characterized. Additionally, the fused cells were innovatively detected by expressing both monocyte/macrophage markers and other subcluster-associated genes. Based on the ligand-receptor interaction analysis, cellular interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) were abundant. Furthermore, 73% of patients with UPS (48/66) showed positive EGFR expression, which was associated with a poor prognosis. EGFR blockade with cetuximab inhibited tumor growth in a patient-derived xenograft model. Our transcriptomic studies delineate the landscape of UPS intratumor heterogeneity and serve as a foundational resource for further discovery and therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Deqian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Bingnan Wang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjun Chai
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Mingxia Yan
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Enqing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shuyang Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Biqiang Zheng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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9
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Nicolò E, Gianni C, Pontolillo L, Serafini MS, Munoz-Arcos LS, Andreopoulou E, Curigliano G, Reduzzi C, Cristofanilli M. Circulating tumor cells et al.: towards a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach in breast cancer. TRANSLATIONAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : A JOURNAL FOCUSING ON TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER 2024; 5:10. [PMID: 38751670 PMCID: PMC11093063 DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has emerged as a crucial tool in managing breast cancer (BC) patients, offering a minimally invasive approach to detect circulating tumor biomarkers. Until recently, the majority of the studies in BC focused on evaluating a single liquid biopsy analyte, primarily circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Despite the proven prognostic and predictive value of CTCs, their low abundance when detected using enrichment methods, especially in the early stages, poses a significant challenge. It is becoming evident that combining diverse circulating biomarkers, each representing different facets of tumor biology, has the potential to enhance the management of patients with BC. This article emphasizes the importance of considering these biomarkers as complementary/synergistic rather than competitive, recognizing their ability to contribute to a comprehensive disease profile. The review provides an overview of the clinical significance of simultaneously analyzing CTCs and other biomarkers, including cell-free circulating DNA, extracellular vesicles, non-canonical CTCs, cell-free RNAs, and non-malignant cells. Such a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach holds promise not only in BC but also in other cancer types, offering opportunities for early detection, prognostication, and therapy monitoring. However, addressing associated challenges, such as refining detection methods and establishing standardized protocols, is crucial for realizing the full potential of liquid biopsy in transforming our understanding and approach to BC. As the field evolves, collaborative efforts will be instrumental in unlocking the revolutionary impact of liquid biopsy in BC research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Nicolò
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Letizia Pontolillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Oncology Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Serena Serafini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Sofia Munoz-Arcos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Andreopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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10
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Ali AM, Raza A. scRNAseq and High-Throughput Spatial Analysis of Tumor and Normal Microenvironment in Solid Tumors Reveal a Possible Origin of Circulating Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1444. [PMID: 38611120 PMCID: PMC11010995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071444] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is a leading cause of death in cancer patients worldwide. While circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are implicated in metastatic spread, studies documenting their tissue origin remain sparse, with limited candidate approaches using one-two markers. Utilizing high-throughput single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we identified tumor hybrid cells (THCs) co-expressing epithelial and macrophage markers and expressing a distinct transcriptome. Rarely, normal tissue showed these cells (NHCs), but their transcriptome was easily distinguishable from THCs. THCs with unique transcriptomes were observed in breast and colon cancers, suggesting this to be a generalizable phenomenon across cancer types. This study establishes a framework for HC identification in large datasets, providing compelling evidence for their tissue residence and offering comprehensive transcriptomic characterization. Furthermore, it sheds light on their differential function and identifies pathways that could explain their newly acquired invasive capabilities. THCs should be considered as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mahmood Ali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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11
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Yang C, Wang X, To KKW, Cui C, Luo M, Wu S, Huang L, Fu K, Pan C, Liu Z, Fan T, Yang C, Wang F, Fu L. Circulating tumor cells shielded with extracellular vesicle-derived CD45 evade T cell attack to enable metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:84. [PMID: 38575583 PMCID: PMC10995208 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01789-1] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are precursors of distant metastasis in a subset of cancer patients. A better understanding of CTCs heterogeneity and how these CTCs survive during hematogenous dissemination could lay the foundation for therapeutic prevention of cancer metastasis. It remains elusive how CTCs evade immune surveillance and elimination by immune cells. In this study, we unequivocally identified a subpopulation of CTCs shielded with extracellular vesicle (EVs)-derived CD45 (termed as CD45+ CTCs) that resisted T cell attack. A higher percentage of CD45+ CTCs was found to be closely correlated with higher incidence of metastasis and worse prognosis in cancer patients. Moreover, CD45+ tumor cells orchestrated an immunosuppressive milieu and CD45+ CTCs exhibited remarkably stronger metastatic potential than CD45- CTCs in vivo. Mechanistically, CD45 expressing on tumor surfaces was shown to form intercellular CD45-CD45 homophilic interactions with CD45 on T cells, thereby preventing CD45 exclusion from TCR-pMHC synapse and leading to diminished TCR signaling transduction and suppressed immune response. Together, these results pointed to an underappreciated capability of EVs-derived CD45-dressed CTCs in immune evasion and metastasis, providing a rationale for targeting EVs-derived CD45 internalization by CTCs to prevent cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caimei Cui
- LABVIV Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Min Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shaocong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lamei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Teng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Caibo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
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12
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Whalen RM, Anderson AN, Jones JA, Sims Z, Chang YH, Nederlof MA, Wong MH, Gibbs SL. Ultra high content analyses of circulating and tumor associated hybrid cells reveal phenotypic heterogeneity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7350. [PMID: 38538742 PMCID: PMC10973471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57381-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistently high, worldwide mortality from cancer highlights the unresolved challenges of disease surveillance and detection that impact survival. Development of a non-invasive, blood-based biomarker would transform survival from cancer. We demonstrate the functionality of ultra-high content analyses of a newly identified population of tumor cells that are hybrids between neoplastic and immune cells in patient matched tumor and peripheral blood specimens. Using oligonucleotide conjugated antibodies (Ab-oligo) permitting cyclic immunofluorescence (cyCIF), we present analyses of phenotypes among tumor and peripheral blood hybrid cells. Interestingly, the majority of circulating hybrid cell (CHC) subpopulations were not identified in tumor-associated hybrids. These results highlight the efficacy of ultra-high content phenotypic analyses using Ab-oligo based cyCIF applied to both tumor and peripheral blood specimens. The combination of a multiplex phenotypic profiling platform that is gentle enough to analyze blood to detect and evaluate disseminated tumor cells represents a novel approach to exploring novel tumor biology and potential utility for developing the population as a blood-based biomarker in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley M Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ashley N Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Zachary Sims
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | | | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Summer L Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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13
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Magri V, De Renzi G, Marino L, De Meo M, Siringo M, Gelibter A, Gareri R, Cataldi C, Giannini G, Santini D, Nicolazzo C, Gazzaniga P. Circulating Cancer-Associated Macrophage-like Cells as a Blood-Based Biomarker of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3752. [PMID: 38612563 PMCID: PMC11011814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073752] [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: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence has been provided that circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like cell (CAM-L) numbers increase in response to chemotherapy, with an inverse trend compared to circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In the era of evolving cancer immunotherapy, whether CAM-Ls might have a potential role as predictive biomarkers of response has been unexplored. We evaluated whether a serial blood evaluation of CTC to CAM-L ratio might predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in a cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer patients. At baseline, CTCs, CAM-Ls, and the CTC/CAM-L ratio significantly correlate with both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The baseline CTC/CAM-L ratio was significantly different in early progressors (4.28 ± 3.21) compared to long responders (0.42 ± 0.47) (p = 0.001). In patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a CTC/CAM-L ratio ≤ 0.25 at baseline is associated with better PFS and OS. A baseline CTC/CAM-L ratio ≤ 0.25 is statistically significant to discriminate early progressions from durable response. The results of the present pilot study suggest that CAM-Ls together with CTCs could play an important role in evaluating patients treated with cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Gianluigi De Renzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Luca Marino
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela De Meo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Marco Siringo
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Alain Gelibter
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Roberta Gareri
- UOC di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Leopoldo Parodi Delfino, 00034 Colleferro, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cataldi
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Daniele Santini
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
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14
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Fu C, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang D, Han S, Ma Z. Advances in IL-7 Research on Tumour Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:415. [PMID: 38675377 PMCID: PMC11054630 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040415] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a versatile cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system's homeostasis. It is involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of B and T cells, as well as being essential for the differentiation and survival of naïve T cells and the production and maintenance of memory T cells. Given its potent biological functions, IL-7 is considered to have the potential to be widely used in the field of anti-tumour immunotherapy. Notably, IL-7 can improve the tumour microenvironment by promoting the development of Th17 cells, which can in turn promote the recruitment of effector T cells and NK cells. In addition, IL-7 can also down-regulate the expression of tumour growth factor-β and inhibit immunosuppression to promote anti-tumour efficacy, suggesting potential clinical applications for anti-tumour immunotherapy. This review aims to discuss the origin of IL-7 and its receptor IL-7R, its anti-tumour mechanism, and the recent advances in the application of IL-7 in tumour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhenghai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China; (C.F.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (D.W.); (S.H.)
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15
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da Silva WN, Carvalho Costa PA, Scalzo Júnior SRA, Ferreira HAS, Prazeres PHDM, Campos CLV, Rodrigues Alves MT, Alves da Silva NJ, de Castro Santos AL, Guimarães LC, Chen Ferris ME, Thatte A, Hamilton A, Bicalho KA, Lobo AO, Santiago HDC, da Silva Barcelos L, Figueiredo MM, Teixeira MM, Vasconcelos Costa V, Mitchell MJ, Frézard F, Pires Goulart Guimaraes P. Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated TRAIL mRNA Delivery in the Tumor Microenvironment to Inhibit Colon Cancer Progression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2655-2673. [PMID: 38500680 PMCID: PMC10946446 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s452896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to enhance antitumor responses while minimizing off-target effects. Among the promising cancer-specific therapies, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has attracted significant attention. Methods Here, we developed an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform to deliver TRAIL mRNA (LNP-TRAIL) directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to induce tumor cell death. Our LNP-TRAIL was formulated via microfluidic mixing and the induction of tumor cell death was assessed in vitro. Next, we investigated the ability of LNP-TRAIL to inhibit colon cancer progression in vivo in combination with a TME normalization approach using Losartan (Los) or angiotensin 1-7 (Ang(1-7)) to reduce vascular compression and deposition of extracellular matrix in mice. Results Our results demonstrated that LNP-TRAIL induced tumor cell death in vitro and effectively inhibited colon cancer progression in vivo, particularly when combined with TME normalization induced by treatment Los or Ang(1-7). In addition, potent tumor cell death as well as enhanced apoptosis and necrosis was found in the tumor tissue of a group treated with LNP-TRAIL combined with TME normalization. Discussion Together, our data demonstrate the potential of the LNP to deliver TRAIL mRNA to the TME and to induce tumor cell death, especially when combined with TME normalization. Therefore, these findings provide important insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walison Nunes da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Heloísa A S Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lays Cordeiro Guimarães
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Chen Ferris
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ajay Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alex Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucíola da Silva Barcelos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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16
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Di Russo S, Liberati FR, Riva A, Di Fonzo F, Macone A, Giardina G, Arese M, Rinaldo S, Cutruzzolà F, Paone A. Beyond the barrier: the immune-inspired pathways of tumor extravasation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:104. [PMID: 38331871 PMCID: PMC10851599 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Extravasation is a fundamental step in the metastatic journey, where cancer cells exit the bloodstream and breach the endothelial cell barrier to infiltrate target tissues. The tactics cancer cells employ are sophisticated, closely reflecting those used by the immune system for tissue surveillance. Remarkably, tumor cells have been observed to form distinct associations or clusters with immune cells where neutrophils stand out as particularly crucial partners. These interactions are not accidental; they are critical for cancer cells to exploit the immune functions of neutrophils and successfully extravasate. In another strategy, tumor cells mimic the behavior and characteristics of immune cells. They release a suite of inflammatory mediators, which under normal circumstances, guide the processes of endothelium reshaping and facilitate the entry and movement of immune cells within tissues. In this review, we offer a new perspective on the tactics employed by cancer cells to extravasate and infiltrate target tissues. We delve into the myriad mechanisms that tumor cells borrow, adapt, and refine from the immune playbook. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Russo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Liberati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Agnese Riva
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Federica Di Fonzo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Marzia Arese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.
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17
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Xia C, Zhang Q, Pu Y, Hu Q, Wang Y. Cell fusion between tumor cells and macrophages promotes the metastasis of OSCC patient through the activation of the chemokine signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6940. [PMID: 38457216 PMCID: PMC10923029 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis is responsible for the high mortality rate of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Although many hypotheses have been proposed to elucidate the mechanism of tumor metastasis, the origin of the metastatic tumor cells remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of cell fusion in the formation of OSCC metastatic tumor cells. METHODS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were fused in vitro, and the cell proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis abilities of hybrid cells and parental cells were compared. Subsequently, we compared the transcriptome differences between hybrid and parental cells. RESULTS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were successfully fused in vitro. The cytological and molecular experimental results revealed that OSCC tumor cells obtained a migration-related phenotype after fusion with macrophages, and the migration ability of hybrid cells was related to the activation of the "chemokine signal pathway". CONCLUSION After fusion with macrophages, the chemokine signaling pathway in OSCC tumor cells was activated, leading to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwan Xia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yumei Pu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qingang Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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18
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Park R, Yu J, Shahzad M, Lee S, Ji JD. The immune regulatory function of B7-H3 in malignancy: spotlight on the IFN-STAT1 axis and regulation of tumor-associated macrophages. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09458-9. [PMID: 38265550 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09458-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
B7-H3 is a member of the B7 superfamily and a putative inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. Several early-phase clinical trials have reported promising anti-tumor activity and safety of anti-cancer drugs targeting B7-H3, suggesting that it may be a promising target for a potential next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor. Despite ongoing clinical studies, most B7-H3-targeted drugs being currently investigated rely on direct cytotoxicity as their mechanisms of action rather than modulating its function as an immune checkpoint, at least in part due to its incompletely understood immune regulatory function. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of B7-H3 in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence suggests that B7-H3 may regulate the interferon-STAT1 axis in the TME and promote immune suppression. Similarly, increasing evidence shows B7-H3 may be implicated in promoting M1 to M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). There is also accumulating evidence suggesting that B7-H3 may play a role in the heterotypic fusion of cancer stem cells and macrophages, thereby promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we review the recent advances in the understanding of B7-H3 cancer immunobiology with a focus on highlighting its potential role in the interferon priming of TAMs and the heterotypic fusion of TAMs with cancer stem cells and suggest future direction in elucidating its immune checkpoint function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Park
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - James Yu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Moazzam Shahzad
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sunggon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Dae Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
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19
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Li H, Miao YQ, Suo LP, Wang X, Mao YQ, Zhang XH, Zhou N, Tian JR, Yu XY, Wang TX, Gao Y, Guo HY, Zhang Z, Ma DS, Wu HX, Cui YW, Zhang XL, Chi XC, Li YC, Irwin DM, Niu G, Tan HR. CD206 modulates the role of M2 macrophages in the origin of metastatic tumors. J Cancer 2024; 15:1462-1486. [PMID: 38356723 PMCID: PMC10861823 DOI: 10.7150/jca.91944] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a key factor affecting the life of patients with malignant tumors. For the past hundred years, scientists have focused on how to kill cancer cells and inhibit their metastasis in vivo, but few breakthroughs have been made. Here we hypothesized a novel mode for cancer metastasis. We show that the phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells by macrophages leads to their polarization into the M2 phenotype, and that the expression of stem cell related as well as drug resistance related genes was induced. Therefore, it appears that M2 macrophages have "defected" and have been transformed into the initial "metastatic cancer cells", and thus are the source, at least in part, of the distal tissue tumor metastasis. This assumption is supported by the presence of fused cells with characteristics of both macrophage and tumor cell observed in the peripheral blood and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. By eliminating the expression of CD206 in M2 macrophages using siRNA, we show that the growth and metastasis of tumors was suppressed using both in vitro cell line and with experimental in vivo mouse models. In summary, we show that M2 macrophages in the blood circulation underwent a "change of loyalty" to become "cancer cells" that transformed into distal tissue metastasis, which could be suppressed by the knockdown of CD206 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Qi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ping Suo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Qing Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Rui Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Yan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-Xia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Chun Chi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gang Niu
- Beijing N&N Genetech Company, Beijing, China
| | - Huan-Ran Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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20
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Patel RK, Parappilly M, Rahman S, Schwantes IR, Sewell M, Giske NR, Whalen RM, Durmus NG, Wong MH. The Hallmarks of Circulating Hybrid Cells. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:467-485. [PMID: 37996690 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
While tumor metastases represent the primary driver of cancer-related mortality, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metastatic initiation and progression remains incomplete. Recent work identified a novel tumor-macrophage hybrid cell population, generated through the fusion between neoplastic and immune cells. These hybrid cells are detected in primary tumor tissue, peripheral blood, and in metastatic sites. In-depth analyses of hybrid cell biology indicate that they can exploit phenotypic properties of both parental tumor and immune cells, in order to intravasate into circulation, evade the immune response, and seed tumors at distant sites. Thus, it has become increasingly evident that the development and dissemination of tumor-immune hybrid cells play an intricate and fundamental role in the metastatic cascade and can provide invaluable information regarding tumor characteristics and patient prognostication. In this chapter, we review the current understanding of this novel hybrid cell population, the specific hallmarks of cancer that these cells exploit to promote cancer progression and metastasis, and discuss exciting new frontiers that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K Patel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael Parappilly
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shahrose Rahman
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Issac R Schwantes
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marisa Sewell
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nicole R Giske
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Riley M Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Naside Gozde Durmus
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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21
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Tajima Y, Shibasaki F, Masai H. Cell fusion upregulates PD-L1 expression for evasion from immunosurveillance. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:158-173. [PMID: 37990063 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells), responsible for tissue repair, rarely undergo cell fusion with somatic cells. Here, we show that ~5% of bladder cancer cells (UMUC-3) fuses with bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) in co-culture and maintains high tumorigenicity. In eleven fusion cell clones that have been established, Mb-scale deletions carried by the bladder cancer cells are mostly absent in the fusion cells, but copy number gains contributed by the cancer cells have stayed. Fusion cells exhibit increased populations of mitotic cells with 3-polar spindles, indicative of genomic instability. They grow faster in vitro and exhibit higher colony formation in anchorage-independent growth assay in soft agar than the parent UMUC-3 does. Fusion cells develop tumors, after 4 weeks of time lag, as efficiently as the parent UMUC-3 does in xenograft experiments. 264 genes are identified whose expression is specifically altered in the fusion cells. Many of them are interferon-stimulated genes (ISG), but are activated in a manner independent of interferon. Among them, we show that PD-L1 is induced in fusion cells, and its knockout decreases tumorigenesis in a xenograft model. PD-L1 is induced in a manner independent of STAT1 known to regulate PD-L1 expression, but is regulated by histone modification, and is likely to inhibit phagocytosis by PD1-expressing macrophages, thus protecting cancer cells from immunological attacks. The fusion cells overexpress multiple cytokines including CCL2 that cause tumor progression by converting infiltrating macrophages to tumor-associated-macrophage (TAM). The results present mechanisms of how cell fusion promotes tumorigenesis, revealing a novel link between cell fusion and PD-L1, and underscore the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Tajima
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Center for Medical Research Cooperation, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Hisao Masai
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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22
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Platt JL, Cascalho M. Somatic Cell Fusion in Host Defense and Adaptation. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:213-225. [PMID: 37996680 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of fusion of somatic cells has been noted in health and in disease for more than a century. The most obvious but uncertain hallmark has been the presence of multiple nuclei in cells. Although multinucleated cells are found in normal and diseased tissues, the benefit or harm of such cells can be difficult to elucidate. Still more difficult however is the identification of mononuclear cells previously formed by fusion of somatic cells with one or more nuclei disposed. The later process can introduce mutations that promote viral diversification, cancer, and tissue senescence. Less obvious the potential benefits of cell fusion. Recent work in cell biology, immunology, and genomic analysis however makes it possible to postulate benefits and potentially arrive at novel therapeutic agents and approaches that replicate or enhance these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Platt
- Departments of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Marilia Cascalho
- Departments of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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23
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Noubissi FK, Odubanjo OV, Ogle BM, Tchounwou PB. Mechanisms of Cell Fusion in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:407-432. [PMID: 37996688 PMCID: PMC10893907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal physiological mechanism that requires a well-orchestrated regulation of intracellular and extracellular factors. Dysregulation of this process could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, malformation of muscles, difficulties in pregnancy, and cancer. Extensive literature demonstrates that fusion occurs between cancer cells and other cell types to potentially promote cancer progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms governing this process in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression are less well-studied. Fusogens involved in normal physiological processes such as syncytins and associated factors such as phosphatidylserine and annexins have been observed to be critical in cancer cell fusion as well. Some of the extracellular factors associated with cancer cell fusion include chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and viral infection. The interaction between these extracellular factors and cell's intrinsic factors potentially modulates actin dynamics to drive the fusion of cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the different mechanisms that have been identified or postulated to drive cancer cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicite K Noubissi
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Oluwatoyin V Odubanjo
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
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24
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Sieler M, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion and Syncytia Formation in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:433-465. [PMID: 37996689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural phenomenon of cell-cell fusion does not only take place in physiological processes, such as placentation, myogenesis, or osteoclastogenesis, but also in pathophysiological processes, such as cancer. More than a century ago postulated, today the hypothesis that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells leads to the formation of cancer hybrid cells with altered properties is in scientific consensus. Some studies that have investigated the mechanisms and conditions for the fusion of cancer cells with other cells, as well as studies that have characterized the resulting cancer hybrid cells, are presented in this review. Hypoxia and the cytokine TNFα, for example, have been found to promote cell fusion. In addition, it has been found that both the protein Syncytin-1, which normally plays a role in placentation, and phosphatidylserine signaling on the cell membrane are involved in the fusion of cancer cells with other cells. In human cancer, cancer hybrid cells were detected not only in the primary tumor, but also in the circulation of patients as so-called circulating hybrid cells, where they often correlated with a worse outcome. Although some data are available, the questions of how and especially why cancer cells fuse with other cells are still not fully answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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25
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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Pang A, Farley HC, Gillingham AR, Dawson AD, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3694879. [PMID: 38106024 PMCID: PMC10723549 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3694879/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. Methods To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells. Results Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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26
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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Robinson TL, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Analysis of uveal melanoma scRNA sequencing data identifies neoplastic-immune hybrid cells that exhibit metastatic potential. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563815. [PMID: 37961378 PMCID: PMC10634980 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy that affects nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, nearly 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in the molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of class 1 and 2 UM tumors, little is known regarding the underlying biology of UM metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated tumor cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, (circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), in patients with UM. Compared to circulating tumor cells, CHCs are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. To identify mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we sought to identify hybrid cells within a primary UM single cell RNA-seq dataset. Using rigorous doublet discrimination approaches, we identified UM hybrids and evaluated their gene expression, predicted ligand-receptor status, and cell-cell communication state in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We identified several genes and pathways upregulated in hybrid cells, including those involved in enhancing cell motility and cytoskeleton rearrangement, evading immune detection, and altering cellular metabolism. In addition, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting cancer metastasis including IGF1-IGFR1, GAS6-AXL, LGALS9-P4HB, APP-CD74 and CXCL12-CXCR4. These results contribute to our understanding of tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the UM microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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27
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Chou CW, Hung CN, Chiu CHL, Tan X, Chen M, Chen CC, Saeed M, Hsu CW, Liss MA, Wang CM, Lai Z, Alvarez N, Osmulski PA, Gaczynska ME, Lin LL, Ortega V, Kirma NB, Xu K, Liu Z, Kumar AP, Taverna JA, Velagaleti GVN, Chen CL, Zhang Z, Huang THM. Phagocytosis-initiated tumor hybrid cells acquire a c-Myc-mediated quasi-polarization state for immunoevasion and distant dissemination. Nat Commun 2023; 14:6569. [PMID: 37848444 PMCID: PMC10582093 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42303-5] [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: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/19/2023] Open
Abstract
While macrophage phagocytosis is an immune defense mechanism against invading cellular organisms, cancer cells expressing the CD47 ligand send forward signals to repel this engulfment. Here we report that the reverse signaling using CD47 as a receptor additionally enhances a pro-survival function of prostate cancer cells under phagocytic attack. Although low CD47-expressing cancer cells still allow phagocytosis, the reverse signaling delays the process, leading to incomplete digestion of the entrapped cells and subsequent tumor hybrid cell (THC) formation. Viable THCs acquire c-Myc from parental cancer cells to upregulate both M1- and M2-like macrophage polarization genes. Consequently, THCs imitating dual macrophage features can confound immunosurveillance, gaining survival advantage in the host. Furthermore, these cells intrinsically express low levels of androgen receptor and its targets, resembling an adenocarcinoma-immune subtype of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer. Therefore, phagocytosis-generated THCs may represent a potential target for treating the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chih-Wei Chou
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chia-Nung Hung
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Cheryl Hsiang-Ling Chiu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Xi Tan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Meizhen Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chien-Chin Chen
- Department of Pathology, Ditmanson Medical Foundation Chia-Yi Christian Hospital, Chiayi, Taiwan
| | - Moawiz Saeed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Che-Wei Hsu
- Department of Pathology, National Cheng Kung University Hospital, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan, Taiwan
| | - Michael A Liss
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chiou-Miin Wang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Zhao Lai
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nathaniel Alvarez
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Pawel A Osmulski
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Maria E Gaczynska
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Li-Ling Lin
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Veronica Ortega
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Nameer B Kirma
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Kexin Xu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Zhijie Liu
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Addanki P Kumar
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Urology, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Josephine A Taverna
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Gopalrao V N Velagaleti
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA
| | - Chun-Liang Chen
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Biobehavior Laboratory, School of Nursing, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Zhao Zhang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
| | - Tim Hui-Ming Huang
- Department of Molecular Medicine, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
- Mays Cancer Center, University of Texas Health Science Center, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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28
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Ogut MG, Ma P, Gupta R, Hoerner CR, Fan AC, El-Kaffas AN, Durmus NG. Automated Image Analysis for Characterization of Circulating Tumor Cells and Clusters Sorted by Magnetic Levitation. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2300109. [PMID: 37462226 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
Magnetic levitation-based sorting technologies have revolutionized the detection and isolation of rare cells, including circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor cell clusters (CTCCs). Manual counting and quantification of these cells are prone to time-consuming processes, human error, and inter-observer variability, particularly challenging when heterogeneous cell types in 3D clusters are present. To overcome these challenges, we developed "Fastcount," an in-house MATLAB-based algorithm for precise, automated quantification and phenotypic characterization of CTCs and CTCCs, in both 2D and 3D. Fastcount is 120 times faster than manual counting and produces reliable results with a ±7.3% deviation compared to a trained laboratory technician. By analyzing 400 GB of fluorescence imaging data, we showed that Fastcount outperforms manual counting and commercial software when cells are aggregated in 3D or staining artifacts are present, delivering more accurate results. We further employed Fastcount for automated analysis of 3D image stacks obtained from CTCCs isolated from colorectal adenocarcinoma and renal cell carcinoma blood samples. Interestingly, we observed a highly heterogeneous spatial cellular composition within CTCCs, even among clusters from the same patient. Overall, Fastcount can be employed for various applications with lab-chip devices, such as CTC detection, CTCC analysis in 3D and cell detection in biosensors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehmet Giray Ogut
- Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- School of Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Peng Ma
- Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Rakhi Gupta
- Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
| | - Christian R Hoerner
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Alice C Fan
- Canary Center for Cancer Early Detection, Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, 94304, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ahmed Nagy El-Kaffas
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Naside Gozde Durmus
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University, Palo Alto, CA, 94305, USA
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29
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Dittmar T, Sieler M, Hass R. Why do certain cancer cells alter functionality and fuse? Biol Chem 2023; 404:951-960. [PMID: 37246410 DOI: 10.1515/hsz-2023-0162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell fusion represents a rare event. However, the surviving cancer hybrid cells after a post-hybrid selection process (PHSP) can overgrow other cancer cells by exhibiting a proliferation advantage and/or expression of cancer stem-like properties. Addition of new tumor properties during hetero-fusion of cancer cells e.g. with mesenchymal stroma-/stem-like cells (MSC) contribute to enhanced tumor plasticity via acquisition of new/altered functionalities. This provides new avenues for tumor development and metastatic behavior. Consequently, the present review article will also address the question as to whether cancer cell fusion represents a general and possibly evolutionary-conserved program or rather a random process?
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, D-58448 Witten, Germany
| | - Ralf Hass
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Hannover Medical School, D-30625 Hannover, Germany
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30
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Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Czapiński J, Kałafut J, Rivero-Müller A. Synthetic circuits based on split Cas9 to detect cellular events. Sci Rep 2023; 13:14988. [PMID: 37696879 PMCID: PMC10495424 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-41367-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Synthetic biology involves the engineering of logic circuit gates that process different inputs to produce specific outputs, enabling the creation or control of biological functions. While CRISPR has become the tool of choice in molecular biology due to its RNA-guided targetability to other nucleic acids, it has not been frequently applied to logic gates beyond those controlling the guide RNA (gRNA). In this study, we present an adaptation of split Cas9 to generate logic gates capable of sensing biological events, leveraging a Cas9 reporter (EGxxFP) to detect occurrences such as cancer cell origin, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and cell-cell fusion. First, we positioned the complementing halves of split Cas9 under different promoters-one specific to cancer cells of epithelial origin (phCEA) and the other a universal promoter. The use of self-assembling inteins facilitated the reconstitution of the Cas9 halves. Consequently, only cancer cells with an epithelial origin activated the reporter, exhibiting green fluorescence. Subsequently, we explored whether this system could detect biological processes such as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). To achieve this, we designed a logic gate where one half of Cas9 is expressed under the phCEA, while the other is activated by TWIST1. The results showed that cells undergoing EMT effectively activated the reporter. Next, we combined the two inputs (epithelial origin and EMT) to create a new logic gate, where only cancer epithelial cells undergoing EMT activated the reporter. Lastly, we applied the split-Cas9 logic gate as a sensor of cell-cell fusion, both in induced and naturally occurring scenarios. Each cell type expressed one half of split Cas9, and the induction of fusion resulted in the appearance of multinucleated syncytia and the fluorescent reporter. The simplicity of the split Cas9 system presented here allows for its integration into various cellular processes, not only as a sensor but also as an actuator.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jakub Czapiński
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Adolfo Rivero-Müller
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
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31
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Patel RK, Rahman S, Schwantes IR, Bartlett A, Eil R, Farsad K, Fowler K, Goodyear SM, Hansen L, Kardosh A, Nabavizadeh N, Rocha FG, Tsikitis VL, Wong MH, Mayo SC. Updated Management of Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Scientific Advances Driving Modern Therapeutic Innovations. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 16:881-894. [PMID: 37678799 PMCID: PMC10598050 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.08.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2023] [Revised: 08/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States and accounts for an estimated 1 million deaths annually worldwide. The liver is the most common site of metastatic spread from colorectal cancer, significantly driving both morbidity and mortality. Although remarkable advances have been made in recent years in the management for patients with colorectal cancer liver metastases, significant challenges remain in early detection, prevention of progression and recurrence, and in the development of more effective therapeutics. In 2017, our group held a multidisciplinary state-of-the-science symposium to discuss the rapidly evolving clinical and scientific advances in the field of colorectal liver metastases, including novel early detection and prognostic liquid biomarkers, identification of high-risk cohorts, advances in tumor-immune therapy, and different regional and systemic therapeutic strategies. Since that time, there have been scientific discoveries translating into therapeutic innovations addressing the current management challenges. These innovations are currently reshaping the treatment paradigms and spurring further scientific discovery. Herein, we present an updated discussion of both the scientific and clinical advances and future directions in the management of colorectal liver metastases, including adoptive T-cell therapies, novel blood-based biomarkers, and the role of the tumor microbiome. In addition, we provide a comprehensive overview detailing the role of modern multidisciplinary clinical approaches used in the management of patients with colorectal liver metastases, including considerations toward specific molecular tumor profiles identified on next generation sequencing, as well as quality of life implications for these innovative treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K Patel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Shahrose Rahman
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Issac R Schwantes
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Alexandra Bartlett
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Robert Eil
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Khashayar Farsad
- Charles T. Dotter Department of Interventional Radiology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Kathryn Fowler
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, Oregon
| | - Shaun M Goodyear
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Lissi Hansen
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; School of Nursing, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Adel Kardosh
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Hematology and Oncology, School of Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Nima Nabavizadeh
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Department of Radiation Medicine, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Flavio G Rocha
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - V Liana Tsikitis
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Division of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Melissa H Wong
- The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, Oregon
| | - Skye C Mayo
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, OHSU, Portland, Oregon; The Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, Oregon.
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Yaghoubi Naei V, Bordhan P, Mirakhorli F, Khorrami M, Shrestha J, Nazari H, Kulasinghe A, Ebrahimi Warkiani M. Advances in novel strategies for isolation, characterization, and analysis of CTCs and ctDNA. Ther Adv Med Oncol 2023; 15:17588359231192401. [PMID: 37692363 PMCID: PMC10486235 DOI: 10.1177/17588359231192401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, the detection and analysis of liquid biopsy biomarkers such as circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) have advanced significantly. They have received recognition for their clinical usefulness in detecting cancer at an early stage, monitoring disease, and evaluating treatment response. The emergence of liquid biopsy has been a helpful development, as it offers a minimally invasive, rapid, real-time monitoring, and possible alternative to traditional tissue biopsies. In resource-limited settings, the ideal platform for liquid biopsy should not only extract more CTCs or ctDNA from a minimal sample volume but also accurately represent the molecular heterogeneity of the patient's disease. This review covers novel strategies and advancements in CTC and ctDNA-based liquid biopsy platforms, including microfluidic applications and comprehensive analysis of molecular complexity. We discuss these systems' operational principles and performance efficiencies, as well as future opportunities and challenges for their implementation in clinical settings. In addition, we emphasize the importance of integrated platforms that incorporate machine learning and artificial intelligence in accurate liquid biopsy detection systems, which can greatly improve cancer management and enable precision diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Pritam Bordhan
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
- Faculty of Science, Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices, University of Technology Sydney, Australia
| | - Fatemeh Mirakhorli
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Motahare Khorrami
- Immunology Research Center, School of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Jesus Shrestha
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Hojjatollah Nazari
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Faculty of Medicine, Frazer Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Majid Ebrahimi Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, University of Technology Sydney, 1, Broadway, Ultimo New South Wales 2007, Australia
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Heussner RT, Whalen RM, Anderson A, Theison H, Baik J, Gibbs S, Wong MH, Chang YH. Quantitative image analysis pipeline for detecting circulating hybrid cells in immunofluorescence images with human-level accuracy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.08.24.554733. [PMID: 37662330 PMCID: PMC10473764 DOI: 10.1101/2023.08.24.554733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are a newly discovered, tumor-derived cell population identified in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and are thought to contribute to tumor metastasis. However, identifying CHCs by immunofluorescence (IF) imaging of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a time-consuming and subjective process that currently relies on manual annotation by laboratory technicians. Additionally, while IF is relatively easy to apply to tissue sections, its application on PBMC smears presents challenges due to the presence of biological and technical artifacts. To address these challenges, we present a robust image analysis pipeline to automate the detection and analyses of CHCs in IF images. The pipeline incorporates quality control to optimize specimen preparation protocols and remove unwanted artifacts, leverages a β-variational autoencoder (VAE) to learn meaningful latent representations of single-cell images and employs a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to achieve human-level CHC detection. We created a rigorously labeled IF CHC dataset including 9 patients and 2 disease sites with the assistance of 10 annotators to evaluate the pipeline. We examined annotator variation and bias in CHC detection and then provided guidelines to optimize the accuracy of CHC annotation. We found that all annotators agreed on CHC identification for only 65% of the cells in the dataset and had a tendency to underestimate CHC counts for regions of interest (ROI) containing relatively large amounts of cells (>50,000) when using conventional enumeration methods. On the other hand, our proposed approach is unbiased to ROI size. The SVM classifier trained on the β-VAE encodings achieved an F1 score of 0.80, matching the average performance of annotators. Our pipeline enables researchers to explore the role of CHCs in cancer progression and assess their potential as a clinical biomarker for metastasis. Further, we demonstrate that the pipeline can identify discrete cellular phenotypes among PBMCs, highlighting its utility beyond CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Heussner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Riley M. Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Ashley Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Heather Theison
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Joseph Baik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Summer Gibbs
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Melissa H. Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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Gallerani G, Rossi T, Ferracin M, Bonafè M. Settling the uncertainty about unconventional circulating tumor cells: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell fusion and trogocytosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:99-111. [PMID: 37739485 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were first described 150 years ago. The so-called "classical" CTC populations (EpCAM+/CK+/CD45-) have been fully characterized and proposed as the most representative CTC subset, with clinical relevance. Nonetheless, other "atypical" or "unconventional" CTCs have also been identified, and their critical role in metastasis formation was demonstrated. In this chapter we illustrate the studies that led to the discovery of unconventional CTCs, defined as CTCs that display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, or both cancer and immune markers, also in the form of hybrid cancer-immune cells. We also present biological explanations for the origin of these unconventional CTCs: epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell-cell fusion and trogocytosis. We believe that a deeper knowledge on the biology of CTCs is needed to fully elucidate their role in cancer progression and their use as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gallerani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Fernández-Santiago C, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Models to study CTCs and CTC culture methods. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:57-98. [PMID: 37739484 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of cancer-related deaths are due to the presence of disseminated disease. Understanding the metastatic process is key to achieving a reduction in cancer mortality. Particularly, there is a need to understand the molecular mechanisms that drive cancer metastasis, which will allow the identification of curative treatments for metastatic cancers. Liquid biopsies have arisen as a minimally invasive approach to gain insights into the biology of metastasis. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs), shed to the circulation from the primary tumour or metastatic lesions, are a key component of liquid biopsy. As metastatic precursors, CTCs hold the potential to unravel the mechanisms involved in metastasis formation as well as new therapeutic strategies for treating metastatic disease. However, the complex biology of CTCs together with their low frequency in circulation are factors hampering an in-depth mechanistic investigation of the metastatic process. To overcome these problems, CTC-derived models, including CTC-derived xenograft (CDX) and CTC-derived ex vivo cultures, in combination with more traditional in vivo models of metastasis, have emerged as powerful tools to investigate the biological features of CTCs facilitating cancer metastasis and uncover new therapeutic opportunities. In this chapter, we provide an up to date view of the diverse models used in different cancers to study the biology of CTCs, and of the methods developed for CTC culture and expansion, in vivo and ex vivo. We also report some of the main challenges and limitations that these models are facing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristóbal Fernández-Santiago
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (CHUS/SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, A Coruña, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain.
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36
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Druzhkova I, Ignatova N, Shirmanova M. Cell-in-Cell Structures in Gastrointestinal Tumors: Biological Relevance and Clinical Applications. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1149. [DOI: https:/doi.org/10.3390/jpm13071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes information about cell-in-cell (CIC) structures with a focus on gastrointestinal tumors. The phenomenon when one cell lives in another one has attracted an attention of researchers over the past decades. We briefly discuss types of CIC structures and mechanisms of its formation, as well as the biological basis and consequences of the cell-engulfing process. Numerous clinico-histopathological studies demonstrate the significance of these structures as prognostic factors, mainly correlated with negative prognosis. The presence of CIC structures has been identified in all gastrointestinal tumors. However, the majority of studies concern pancreatic cancer. In this field, in addition to the assessment of the prognostic markers, the attempts to manipulate the ability of cells to form CISs have been done in order to stimulate the death of the inner cell. Number of CIC structures also correlates with genetic features for some gastrointestinal tu-mors. The role of CIC structures in the responses of tumors to therapies, both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, seems to be the most poorly studied. However, there is some evidence of involvement of CIC structures in treatment failure. Here, we summarized the current literature on CIC structures in cancer with a focus on gastrointestinal tumors and specified future perspectives for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Druzhkova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Ignatova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Marina Shirmanova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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37
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Druzhkova I, Ignatova N, Shirmanova M. Cell-in-Cell Structures in Gastrointestinal Tumors: Biological Relevance and Clinical Applications. J Pers Med 2023; 13:1149. [PMID: 37511762 PMCID: PMC10381133 DOI: 10.3390/jpm13071149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 07/14/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
This review summarizes information about cell-in-cell (CIC) structures with a focus on gastrointestinal tumors. The phenomenon when one cell lives in another one has attracted an attention of researchers over the past decades. We briefly discuss types of CIC structures and mechanisms of its formation, as well as the biological basis and consequences of the cell-engulfing process. Numerous clinico-histopathological studies demonstrate the significance of these structures as prognostic factors, mainly correlated with negative prognosis. The presence of CIC structures has been identified in all gastrointestinal tumors. However, the majority of studies concern pancreatic cancer. In this field, in addition to the assessment of the prognostic markers, the attempts to manipulate the ability of cells to form CISs have been done in order to stimulate the death of the inner cell. Number of CIC structures also correlates with genetic features for some gastrointestinal tu-mors. The role of CIC structures in the responses of tumors to therapies, both chemotherapy and immunotherapy, seems to be the most poorly studied. However, there is some evidence of involvement of CIC structures in treatment failure. Here, we summarized the current literature on CIC structures in cancer with a focus on gastrointestinal tumors and specified future perspectives for investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Druzhkova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Nadezhda Ignatova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
| | - Marina Shirmanova
- Research Institute of Experimental Oncology and Biomedical Technologies, Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 603005 Nizhny Novgorod, Russia
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Garrido Castillo LN, Anract J, Delongchamps NB, Huillard O, BenMohamed F, Decina A, Lebret T, Dachez R, Paterlini-Bréchot P. Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells Are Frequently Found in the Urine of Prostate Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3366. [PMID: 37444476 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Revised: 06/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is the third cause of cancer-related deaths in men. Its early and reliable diagnosis is still a public health issue, generating many useless prostate biopsies. Prostate cancer cells detected in urine could be the target of a powerful test but they are considered too rare. By using an approach targeting rare cells, we have analyzed urine from 45 patients with prostate cancer and 43 healthy subjects under 50 y.o. We observed a relevant number of giant cells in patients with cancer. Giant cells, named Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC), are thought to be involved in tumorigenesis and treatment resistance. We thus performed immune-morphological studies with cancer-related markers such as α-methylacyl-CoA racemase (AMACR), prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA), and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) to understand if the giant cells we found are PGCC or other urinary cells. We found PGCC in the urine of 22 patients, including those with early-stage prostate cancer, and one healthy subject. Although these results are preliminary, they provide, for the first time, clinical evidence that prostate cancers release PGCC into the urine. They are expected to stimulate further studies aimed at understanding the role of urinary PGCC and their possible use as a diagnostic tool and therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julien Anract
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Nicolas Barry Delongchamps
- National Institute for Health and Medical Research (INSERM), Institut Necker Enfants Malades-INEM, Université Paris Cité, F-75015 Paris, France
- Service d'Urologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | - Olivier Huillard
- Service de Cancérologie, AP-HP, Hôpital Cochin, F-75014 Paris, France
| | | | | | - Thierry Lebret
- Service d'Onco-Urologie, Hôpital Foch, F-92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Roger Dachez
- Innodiag, Pathology Laboratory, F-92100 Boulogne-Billancourt, France
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Cozzo AJ, Coleman MF, Hursting SD. You complete me: tumor cell-myeloid cell nuclear fusion as a facilitator of organ-specific metastasis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1191332. [PMID: 37427108 PMCID: PMC10324515 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1191332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Every cancer genome is unique, resulting in potentially near infinite cancer cell phenotypes and an inability to predict clinical outcomes in most cases. Despite this profound genomic heterogeneity, many cancer types and subtypes display a non-random distribution of metastasis to distant organs, a phenomenon known as organotropism. Proposed factors in metastatic organotropism include hematogenous versus lymphatic dissemination, the circulation pattern of the tissue of origin, tumor-intrinsic factors, compatibility with established organ-specific niches, long-range induction of premetastatic niche formation, and so-called "prometastatic niches" that facilitate successful colonization of the secondary site following extravasation. To successfully complete the steps required for distant metastasis, cancer cells must evade immunosurveillance and survive in multiple new and hostile environments. Despite substantial advances in our understanding of the biology underlying malignancy, many of the mechanisms used by cancer cells to survive the metastatic journey remain a mystery. This review synthesizes the rapidly growing body of literature demonstrating the relevance of an unusual cell type known as "fusion hybrid" cells to many of the hallmarks of cancer, including tumor heterogeneity, metastatic conversion, survival in circulation, and metastatic organotropism. Whereas the concept of fusion between tumor cells and blood cells was initially proposed over a century ago, only recently have technological advancements allowed for detection of cells containing components of both immune and neoplastic cells within primary and metastatic lesions as well as among circulating malignant cells. Specifically, heterotypic fusion of cancer cells with monocytes and macrophages results in a highly heterogeneous population of hybrid daughter cells with enhanced malignant potential. Proposed mechanisms behind these findings include rapid, massive genome rearrangement during nuclear fusion and/or acquisition of monocyte/macrophage features such as migratory and invasive capability, immune privilege, immune cell trafficking and homing, and others. Rapid acquisition of these cellular traits may increase the likelihood of both escape from the primary tumor site and extravasation of hybrid cells at a secondary location that is amenable to colonization by that particular hybrid phenotype, providing a partial explanation for the patterns observed in some cancers with regard to sites of distant metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alyssa J. Cozzo
- Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, NC, United States
- Department of Pathology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, United States
| | - Michael F. Coleman
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - Stephen D. Hursting
- Department of Nutrition, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
- Nutrition Research Institute, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Kannapolis, NC, United States
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Lessi F, Morelli M, Franceschi S, Aretini P, Menicagli M, Marranci A, Pasqualetti F, Gambacciani C, Pieri F, Grimod G, Zucchi V, Cupini S, Di Stefano AL, Santonocito OS, Mazzanti CM. Innovative Approach to Isolate and Characterize Glioblastoma Circulating Tumor Cells and Correlation with Tumor Mutational Status. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10147. [PMID: 37373295 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241210147] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are one of the most important causes of tumor recurrence and distant metastases. Glioblastoma (GBM) has been considered restricted to the brain for many years. Nevertheless, in the past years, several pieces of evidence indicate that hematogenous dissemination is a reality, and this is also in the caseof GBM. Our aim was to optimize CTCs' detection in GBM and define the genetic background of single CTCs compared to the primary GBM tumor and its recurrence to demonstrate that CTCs are indeed derived from the parental tumor. We collected blood samples from a recurrent IDH wt GBM patient. We genotyped the parental recurrent tumor tissue and the respective primary GBM tissue. CTCs were analyzed using the DEPArray system. CTCs Copy Number Alterations (CNAs) and sequencing analyses were performed to compare CTCs' genetic background with the same patient's primary and recurrent GBM tissues. We identified 210 common mutations in the primary and recurrent tumors. Among these, three somatic high-frequency mutations (in PRKCB, TBX1, and COG5 genes) were selected to investigate their presence in CTCs. Almost all sorted CTCs (9/13) had at least one of the mutations tested. The presence of TERT promoter mutations was also investigated and C228T variation was found in parental tumors and CTCs (C228T heterozygous and homozygous, respectively). We were able to isolate and genotype CTCs from a patient with GBM. We found common mutations but also exclusive molecular characteristics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Lessi
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mariangela Morelli
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Sara Franceschi
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Paolo Aretini
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Michele Menicagli
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Marranci
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesco Pasqualetti
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, 56122 Pisa, Italy
| | - Carlo Gambacciani
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Francesco Pieri
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Gianluca Grimod
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Vanna Zucchi
- Division of Pathology, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Samanta Cupini
- Division of Oncology, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Anna Luisa Di Stefano
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
- Neurology Department, Foch Hospital, 92150 Suresnes, France
| | - Orazio Santo Santonocito
- Division of Neurosurgery, Spedali Riuniti di Livorno-USL Toscana Nord-Ovest, 57124 Livorno, Italy
| | - Chiara Maria Mazzanti
- Section of Genomics and Transcriptomics, Fondazione Pisana per la Scienza, San Giuliano Terme, 56017 Pisa, Italy
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Ali AM, BenMohamed F, Decina A, Mukherjee S, Levi S, Garrido Castillo LN, Bréchot D, Jurcic J, Raza A, Paterlini Bréchot P. Circulating cancer giant cells with unique characteristics frequently found in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS). Med Oncol 2023; 40:204. [PMID: 37316755 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02064-z] [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: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) are incurable diseases characterized by dysplastic hematopoietic cells, cytopenias in the blood and an inherent tendency for transformation to secondary acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Since most therapies fail to prevent rapid clonal evolution and disease resistance, new and non-invasive predictive markers are needed to monitor patients and adapt the therapeutic strategy. By using ISET, a very sensitive approach to isolate cells larger than mature leukocytes from peripheral blood samples, we looked for cellular markers in 99 patients (158 samples) with MDS and 66 healthy individuals (76 samples) used as controls. We found a total of 680 Giant Cells, defined as cells having a size of 40 microns or larger in 46 MDS patients (80 samples) and 28 Giant Cells in 11 healthy individuals (11 samples). In order to understand if we had enriched from peripheral blood atypical cells of the megakaryocyte line, we studied the Giant Cells using immunolabeling with megakaryocytes and tumor-specific markers. We report that the Giant Cells we found in the peripheral blood of MDS patients primarily express tumor markers. Our results show that Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells (PGCC), similar to those described in solid tumors, are found in the peripheral blood of patients with MDS and suggest the working hypothesis that they could play a role in hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mahmood Ali
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Fatima BenMohamed
- Rarecells Diagnostics, Faculté de Médecine Necker, 160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Alessandra Decina
- Rarecells Diagnostics, Faculté de Médecine Necker, 160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Sanjay Mukherjee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Shelley Levi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | | | - Davide Bréchot
- Rarecells Diagnostics, Faculté de Médecine Necker, 160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France
- Rarecells Inc, Alexandria LaunchLabs® at Columbia, Lasker Biomedical Research Building, 3960 Broadway, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Joseph Jurcic
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
| | - Patrizia Paterlini Bréchot
- Rarecells Diagnostics, Faculté de Médecine Necker, 160 rue de Vaugirard, 75015, Paris, France.
- Rarecells Inc, Alexandria LaunchLabs® at Columbia, Lasker Biomedical Research Building, 3960 Broadway, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- University Paris Cité, 85 Boulevard Saint-Germain, 75006, Paris, France.
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Li M, Basile JR, Mallya S, Lin YL. The impact and outcomes of cancer-macrophage fusion. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:497. [PMID: 37264310 PMCID: PMC10236829 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10961-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/14/2023] [Indexed: 06/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer's hallmark feature is its ability to evolve, leading to metastasis and recurrence. Although genetic mutations and epigenetic changes have been implicated, they don't fully explain the leukocytic traits that many cancers develop. Cell fusion between cancer and somatic cells, particularly macrophages, has been suggested as an alternative pathway for cancer cells to obtain new traits by acquiring exogenous genetic material. METHODS This study aims to investigate the potential biological outcomes of tumor-myeloid cell fusion by generating tumor-macrophage hybrid cells. Two clones with markedly different tumorigenicity were selected, and RNA-seq was used to compare their RNA expressions with that of the control cells. Based on the results that the hybrid cells showed differential activation in several upstream regulator pathways that impact their biological behaviors, the hybrid cells' abilities to recruit stromal cells and establish angiogenesis as well as their cell cycle distributions were investigated through in vitro and in vivo studies. RESULTS Although both hybrid clones demonstrated p53 activation and reduced growth rates, they exhibited distinct cell cycle distributions and ability to grow in vivo. Notably, while one clone was highly tumorigenic, the other showed little tumorigenicity. Despite these differences, both hybrid clones were potent environmental modifiers, exhibiting significant abilities to recruit stromal and immune cells and establish angiogenesis. CONCLUSIONS The study revealed that tumor-somatic cell fusion is a potent environmental modifier that can modulate tumor survival and evolution, despite its relatively low occurrence. These findings suggest that tumor-somatic cell fusion could be a promising target for developing new cancer therapies. Furthermore, this study provides an experimental animal platform to investigate cancer-myeloid fusion and highlights the potential role of tumor-somatic cell fusion in modulating the tumor environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengtao Li
- Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, CHS 23-068B. 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - John R Basile
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Oncology and Diagnostic Sciences, University of Maryland Dental School, 650 W. Baltimore St, Baltimore, MD, 7261, 21201, USA
| | - Sanjay Mallya
- Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, CHS 23-068B. 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Yi-Ling Lin
- Division of Diagnostic and Surgical Sciences, School of Dentistry, University of California, CHS 23-068B. 10833 Le Conte Ave, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA.
- Gene regulation program, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Ye X, Huang X, Fu X, Zhang X, Lin R, Zhang W, Zhang J, Lu Y. Myeloid-like tumor hybrid cells in bone marrow promote progression of prostate cancer bone metastasis. J Hematol Oncol 2023; 16:46. [PMID: 37138326 PMCID: PMC10155318 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-023-01442-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bone metastasis is the leading cause of death in patients with prostate cancer (PCa) and currently has no effective treatment. Disseminated tumor cells in bone marrow often obtain new characteristics to cause therapy resistance and tumor recurrence. Thus, understanding the status of disseminated prostate cancer cells in bone marrow is crucial for developing a new treatment. METHODS We analyzed the transcriptome of disseminated tumor cells from a single cell RNA-sequencing data of PCa bone metastases. We built a bone metastasis model through caudal artery injection of tumor cells, and sorted the tumor hybrid cells by flow cytometry. We performed multi-omics analysis, including transcriptomic, proteomic and phosphoproteomic analysis, to compare the difference between the tumor hybrid cells and parental cells. In vivo experiments were performed to analyze the tumor growth rate, metastatic and tumorigenic potential, drug and radiation sensitivity in hybrid cells. Single cell RNA-sequencing and CyTOF were performed to analyze the impact of hybrid cells on tumor microenvironment. RESULTS Here, we identified a unique cluster of cancer cells in PCa bone metastases, which expressed myeloid cell markers and showed a significant change in pathways related to immune regulation and tumor progression. We found that cell fusion between disseminated tumor cells and bone marrow cells can be source of these myeloid-like tumor cells. Multi-omics showed the pathways related to cell adhesion and proliferation, such as focal adhesion, tight junction, DNA replication, and cell cycle, were most significantly changed in these hybrid cells. In vivo experiment showed hybrid cells had a significantly increased proliferative rate, and metastatic potential. Single cell RNA-sequencing and CyTOF showed tumor-associated neutrophils/monocytes/macrophages were highly enriched in hybrid cells-induced tumor microenvironment with a higher immunosuppressive capacity. Otherwise, the hybrid cells showed an enhanced EMT phenotype with higher tumorigenicity, and were resistant to docetaxel and ferroptosis, but sensitive to radiotherapy. CONCLUSION Taken together, our data demonstrate that spontaneous cell fusion in bone marrow can generate myeloid-like tumor hybrid cells that promote the progression of bone metastasis, and these unique population of disseminated tumor cells can provide a potential therapeutic target for PCa bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Ye
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Xin Huang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Xing Fu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Risheng Lin
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Wen Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China
| | - Jian Zhang
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
| | - Yi Lu
- School of Medicine, Southern University of Science and Technology, No. 1088 Xue Yuan Blvd, Shenzhen, 518055, Guangdong, China.
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Dittmar T, Hass R. Intrinsic signalling factors associated with cancer cell-cell fusion. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:68. [PMID: 37016404 PMCID: PMC10071245 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01085-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular fusion e.g. between cancer cells and normal cells represents a stepwise process that is tightly regulated. During a pre-hybrid preparation program somatic cells and/or cancer cells are promoted to a pro-fusogenic state as a prerequisite to prepare a fusion process. A pro-fusogenic state requires significant changes including restructure of the cytoskeleton, e.g., by the formation of F-actin. Moreover, distinct plasma membrane lipids such as phosphatidylserine play an important role during cell fusion. In addition, the expression of distinct fusogenic factors such as syncytins and corresponding receptors are of fundamental importance to enable cellular mergers. Subsequent hybrid formation and fusion are followed by a post-hybrid selection process. Fusion among normal cells is important and often required during organismal development. Cancer cells fusion appears more rarely and is associated with the generation of new cancer hybrid cell populations. These cancer hybrid cells contribute to an elevated tumour plasticity by altered metastatic behaviour, changes in therapeutic and apoptotic responses, and even in the formation of cancer stem/ initiating cells. While many parts within this multi-step cascade are still poorly understood, this review article predominantly focusses on the intracellular necessities for fusion among cancer cells or with other cell populations of the tumour microenvironment. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Centre for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448, Witten, Germany.
| | - Ralf Hass
- Biochemistry and Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Hannover Medical School, 30625, Hannover, Germany.
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Ahmadzadeh K, Pereira M, Vanoppen M, Bernaerts E, Ko J, Mitera T, Maksoudian C, Manshian BB, Soenen S, Rose CD, Matthys P, Wouters C, Behmoaras J. Multinucleation resets human macrophages for specialized functions at the expense of their identity. EMBO Rep 2023; 24:e56310. [PMID: 36597777 PMCID: PMC9986822 DOI: 10.15252/embr.202256310] [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: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Macrophages undergo plasma membrane fusion and cell multinucleation to form multinucleated giant cells (MGCs) such as osteoclasts in bone, Langhans giant cells (LGCs) as part of granulomas or foreign-body giant cells (FBGCs) in reaction to exogenous material. How multinucleation per se contributes to functional specialization of mature mononuclear macrophages remains poorly understood in humans. Here, we integrate comparative transcriptomics with functional assays in purified mature mononuclear and multinucleated human osteoclasts, LGCs and FBGCs. Strikingly, in all three types of MGCs, multinucleation causes a pronounced downregulation of macrophage identity. We show enhanced lysosome-mediated intracellular iron homeostasis promoting MGC formation. The transition from mononuclear to multinuclear state is accompanied by cell specialization specific to each polykaryon. Enhanced phagocytic and mitochondrial function associate with FBGCs and osteoclasts, respectively. Moreover, human LGCs preferentially express B7-H3 (CD276) and can form granuloma-like clusters in vitro, suggesting that their multinucleation potentiates T cell activation. These findings demonstrate how cell-cell fusion and multinucleation reset human macrophage identity as part of an advanced maturation step that confers MGC-specific functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Ahmadzadeh
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Marie Pereira
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Hammersmith HospitalImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Margot Vanoppen
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Eline Bernaerts
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jeong‐Hun Ko
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Hammersmith HospitalImperial College LondonLondonUK
| | - Tania Mitera
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Christy Maksoudian
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Bella B Manshian
- Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Stefaan Soenen
- NanoHealth and Optical Imaging Group, Translational Cell and Tissue Research Unit, Department of Imaging and PathologyKU LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Carlos D Rose
- Division of Pediatric Rheumatology Nemours Children's HospitalThomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphiaPAUSA
| | - Patrick Matthys
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Carine Wouters
- Laboratory of Immunobiology, Department Microbiology, Immunology and Transplantation, Rega InstituteKU Leuven—University of LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- Division Pediatric RheumatologyUZ LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
- European Reference Network for Rare ImmunodeficiencyAutoinflammatory and Autoimmune Diseases (RITA) at University Hospital LeuvenLeuvenBelgium
| | - Jacques Behmoaras
- Centre for Inflammatory Disease, Department of Immunology and Inflammation, Hammersmith HospitalImperial College LondonLondonUK
- Programme in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Disorders and Centre for Computational BiologyDuke‐NUS Medical School SingaporeSingaporeSingapore
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Wu M, Wu L, Wu W, Zhu M, Li J, Wang Z, Li J, Ding R, Liang Y, Li L, Zhang T, Huang B, Cai Y, Li K, Li L, Zhang R, Hu B, Lin F, Wang X, Zheng S, Chen J, You Y, Jiang T, Zhang J, Chen H, Wang Q. Phagocytosis of Glioma Cells Enhances the Immunosuppressive Phenotype of Bone Marrow-Derived Macrophages. Cancer Res 2023; 83:771-785. [PMID: 36622331 PMCID: PMC9978884 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2022] [Revised: 10/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) play a crucial role in immunosuppression. However, how TAMs are transformed into immunosuppressive phenotypes and influence the tumor microenvironment (TME) is not fully understood. Here, we utilized single-cell RNA sequencing and whole-exome sequencing data of glioblastoma (GBM) tissues and identified a subset of TAMs dually expressing macrophage and tumor signatures, which were termed double-positive TAMs. Double-positive TAMs tended to be bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM) and were characterized by immunosuppressive phenotypes. Phagocytosis of glioma cells by BMDMs in vitro generated double-positive TAMs with similar immunosuppressive phenotypes to double-positive TAMs in the GBM TME of patients. The double-positive TAMs were transformed into M2-like macrophages and drove immunosuppression by expressing immune-checkpoint proteins CD276, PD-L1, and PD-L2 and suppressing the proliferation of activated T cells. Together, glioma cell phagocytosis by BMDMs in the TME leads to the formation of double-positive TAMs with enhanced immunosuppressive phenotypes, shedding light on the processes driving TAM-mediated immunosuppression in GBM. SIGNIFICANCE Bone marrow-derived macrophages phagocytose glioblastoma cells to form double-positive cells, dually expressing macrophage and tumor signatures that are transformed into M2-like macrophages and drive immunosuppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Wu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lingxiang Wu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Wei Wu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengyan Zhu
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianyu Li
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research Beijing (CIBR), Beijing, China
| | - Ziyu Wang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jie Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Ding
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Liangyu Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tingting Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Bin Huang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yun Cai
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Kening Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rui Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Baoli Hu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
- Division of Pediatric Neurosurgery, UPMC Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
| | - Fan Lin
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors and Key Laboratory of Rare Metabolic Diseases, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiuxing Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Siyuan Zheng
- Greehey Children's Cancer Research Institute, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
- Department of Population Health Sciences, UT Health San Antonio, San Antonio, Texas
| | - Jian Chen
- Chinese Institute for Brain Research Beijing (CIBR), Beijing, China
| | - Yongping You
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
- Corresponding Authors: Qianghu Wang, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-69330; E-mail: ; Hongshan Chen, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-68467; E-mail: ; Junxia Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5683-03145; E-mail: ; and Tao Jiang, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070 Beijing, China. Phone: 8601-0599-75624; E-mail:
| | - Junxia Zhang
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding Authors: Qianghu Wang, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-69330; E-mail: ; Hongshan Chen, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-68467; E-mail: ; Junxia Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5683-03145; E-mail: ; and Tao Jiang, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070 Beijing, China. Phone: 8601-0599-75624; E-mail:
| | - Hongshan Chen
- Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding Authors: Qianghu Wang, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-69330; E-mail: ; Hongshan Chen, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-68467; E-mail: ; Junxia Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5683-03145; E-mail: ; and Tao Jiang, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070 Beijing, China. Phone: 8601-0599-75624; E-mail:
| | - Qianghu Wang
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Corresponding Authors: Qianghu Wang, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-69330; E-mail: ; Hongshan Chen, Nanjing Medical University, 211166 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5868-68467; E-mail: ; Junxia Zhang, Department of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 210029 Nanjing, China. Phone: 8602-5683-03145; E-mail: ; and Tao Jiang, Beijing Neurosurgical Institute, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 100070 Beijing, China. Phone: 8601-0599-75624; E-mail:
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Sturgess V, Azubuike UF, Tanner K. Vascular regulation of disseminated tumor cells during metastatic spread. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2023; 4:011310. [PMID: 38510161 PMCID: PMC10903479 DOI: 10.1063/5.0106675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
Cancer cells can travel to other organs via interconnected vascular systems to form new lesions in a process known as metastatic spread. Unfortunately, metastasis remains the leading cause of patient lethality. In recent years, it has been demonstrated that physical cues are just as important as chemical and genetic perturbations in driving changes in gene expression, cell motility, and survival. In this concise review, we focus on the physical cues that cancer cells experience as they migrate through the lymphatic and blood vascular networks. We also present an overview of steps that may facilitate organ specific metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria Sturgess
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 37, Room 2132, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
| | - Udochi F. Azubuike
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 37, Room 2132, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
| | - Kandice Tanner
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Building 37, Room 2132, Bethesda MD 20892, USA
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Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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Jain N, Srinivasarao DA, Famta P, Shah S, Vambhurkar G, Shahrukh S, Singh SB, Srivastava S. The portrayal of macrophages as tools and targets: A paradigm shift in cancer management. Life Sci 2023; 316:121399. [PMID: 36646378 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2022] [Revised: 01/02/2023] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Macrophages play a major role in maintaining an organism's physiology, such as development, homeostasis, tissue repair, and immunity. These immune cells are known to be involved in tumor progression and modulation. Monocytes can be polarized to two types of macrophages (M1 macrophages and pro-tumor M2 macrophages). Through this article, we aim to emphasize the potential of targeting macrophages in order to improve current strategies for tumor management. Various strategies that target macrophages as a therapeutic target have been discussed along with ongoing clinical trials. We have discussed the role of macrophages in various stages of tumor progression epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, maintaining the stability of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in blood, and establishing a premetastatic niche along with the role of various cytokines and chemokines involved in these processes. Intriguingly macrophages can also serve as drug carriers due to their tumor tropism along the chemokine gradient. They surpass currently explored nanotherapeutics in tumor accumulation and circulation half-life. We have emphasized on macrophage-based biomimetic formulations and macrophage-hitchhiking as a strategy to effectively target tumors. We firmly believe that targeting macrophages or utilizing them as an indigenous carrier system could transform cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naitik Jain
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Dadi A Srinivasarao
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Paras Famta
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Shah
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Ganesh Vambhurkar
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Syed Shahrukh
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Shashi Bala Singh
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India.
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Chen J, Ling C. Construction of a predictive model for breast cancer metastasis based on lncRNAs. Transl Cancer Res 2023; 12:387-397. [PMID: 36915588 PMCID: PMC10007891 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-23-129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 11/29/2022] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Background There is currently a lack of biological markers to determine the risk of lymph node metastasis in breast cancer. A single long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) cannot accurately describe the heterogeneity of tumors. Thus, more accurate algorithms are needed to screen key pathogenic lncRNAs, and quantitative models are needed to describe the heterogeneity of breast cancer. Methods A whole transcriptome sequencing data set of breast cancer tissue samples was downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas database (n=1,091). A weighted correlation network analysis was conducted to identify the hub lncRNAs associated with lymph node metastasis. A logistic regression analysis was conducted to construct the risk score model. The relationship between the risk scores and the key lncRNAs and the infiltration of the immune cell subtypes was also explored. Results A total of 3 common lncRNAs were identified between the differentially expressed lncRNA set and the hub lncRNA set; that is, zinc finger protein 582-antisense RNA 1 (ZNF582-AS1), metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1), and actin filament associated protein 1-antisense RNA 1 (AFAP1-AS1). The following formula was used to calculate the risk score: risk score =1.31 + 0.51 * ZNF582-AS1 - 0.66 * MALAT1 - 0.50 * AFAP1-AS1. The receiver operating characteristic curve showed that the areas under the curve for the risk score, ZNF582-AS1, MALAT1, and AFAP1-AS1 were 0.975, 0.793, 0.685, and 0764, respectively (P<0.05). The risk score was positively correlated with immune cell subtype infiltration. Conclusions ZNF582-AS1, MALAT1, and AFAP1-AS1 are the key lncRNAs involved in the lymph node metastasis of breast cancer. Our risk score model, which was based on ZNF582-AS1, MALAT1 and AFAP1-AS1, can accurately predict the risk of breast cancer lymph node metastasis. ZNF582-AS1, MALAT1, and AFAP1-AS1 are potential biomarkers for the lymph node metastasis of breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Chen Ling
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The First Hospital of Jiaxing, Affiliated Hospital of Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
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