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Smadja DM. Hyperthermia for Targeting Cancer and Cancer Stem Cells: Insights from Novel Cellular and Clinical Approaches. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:1532-1539. [PMID: 38795304 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-024-10736-0] [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] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/27/2024]
Abstract
The Cellular Heat Shock Response and in particular heat shock protein activation are vital stress reactions observed in both healthy and cancer cells. Hyperthermia (HT) has been proposed for several years as an advancing non-invasive cancer therapy. It selectively targets cancer cells through mechanisms influenced by temperature and temperature variations. This article delves into the impact of HT on cancer cells, especially cancer stem cells (CSCs), essential contributors to cancer recurrence and metastasis. HT has shown promise in eliminating CSCs, sensitizing them to conventional treatments and modulating the tumor microenvironment. The exploration extends to mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), which exhibit both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic effects. HT's potential in recruiting therapeutic MSCs for targeted delivery of antitumoral agents is also discussed. Furthermore, the article introduces Brain Thermodynamics-guided Hyperthermia (BTGH) technology, a breakthrough in temperature control and modulation of heat transfer under different conditions. This non-invasive method leverages the brain-eyelid thermal tunnel (BTT) to monitor and regulate internal brain temperature. BTGH technology, with its precision and noninvasive continuous monitoring capabilities, is under clinical investigation for applications in neurological disorders and cancer. The innovative three-phase approach involves whole-body HT, targeted brain HT, and organ-specific HT. In conclusion, the exploration of localized or whole-body HT offers promising avenues for cancer, psychiatric and neurological diseases. The ongoing clinical investigations and potential applications underscore the significance of understanding and harnessing heat's responses to enhance human health.
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Affiliation(s)
- David M Smadja
- Paris Cité University, INSERM, Innovative Therapies in Hemostasis, Paris, F-75006, France.
- Hematology Department, AP-HP, Georges Pompidou European Hospital, 20 rue Leblanc, Paris, F-75015, France.
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2
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Ravel-Godreuil C, Roy ER, Puttapaka SN, Li S, Wang Y, Yuan X, Eltzschig HK, Cao W. Transcriptional Responses of Different Brain Cell Types to Oxygen Decline. Brain Sci 2024; 14:341. [PMID: 38671993 PMCID: PMC11048388 DOI: 10.3390/brainsci14040341] [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: 03/11/2024] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 03/28/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Brain hypoxia is associated with a wide range of physiological and clinical conditions. Although oxygen is an essential constituent of maintaining brain functions, our understanding of how specific brain cell types globally respond and adapt to decreasing oxygen conditions is incomplete. In this study, we exposed mouse primary neurons, astrocytes, and microglia to normoxia and two hypoxic conditions and obtained genome-wide transcriptional profiles of the treated cells. Analysis of differentially expressed genes under conditions of reduced oxygen revealed a canonical hypoxic response shared among different brain cell types. In addition, we observed a higher sensitivity of neurons to oxygen decline, and dissected cell type-specific biological processes affected by hypoxia. Importantly, this study establishes novel gene modules associated with brain cells responding to oxygen deprivation and reveals a state of profound stress incurred by hypoxia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Camille Ravel-Godreuil
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Ethan R. Roy
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Srinivas N. Puttapaka
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sanming Li
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Yanyu Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Xiaoyi Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Holger K. Eltzschig
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
| | - Wei Cao
- Department of Anesthesiology, Critical Care and Pain Medicine, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA; (C.R.-G.); (E.R.R.); (S.N.P.); (S.L.); (Y.W.); (X.Y.); (H.K.E.)
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3
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Gillespie MS, Ward CM, Davies CC. DNA Repair and Therapeutic Strategies in Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1897. [PMID: 36980782 PMCID: PMC10047301 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Revised: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
First-line cancer treatments successfully eradicate the differentiated tumour mass but are comparatively ineffective against cancer stem cells (CSCs), a self-renewing subpopulation thought to be responsible for tumour initiation, metastasis, heterogeneity, and recurrence. CSCs are thus presented as the principal target for elimination during cancer treatment. However, CSCs are challenging to drug target because of numerous intrinsic and extrinsic mechanisms of drug resistance. One such mechanism that remains relatively understudied is the DNA damage response (DDR). CSCs are presumed to possess properties that enable enhanced DNA repair efficiency relative to their highly proliferative bulk progeny, facilitating improved repair of double-strand breaks induced by radiotherapy and most chemotherapeutics. This can occur through multiple mechanisms, including increased expression and splicing fidelity of DNA repair genes, robust activation of cell cycle checkpoints, and elevated homologous recombination-mediated DNA repair. Herein, we summarise the current knowledge concerning improved genome integrity in non-transformed stem cells and CSCs, discuss therapeutic opportunities within the DDR for re-sensitising CSCs to genotoxic stressors, and consider the challenges posed regarding unbiased identification of novel DDR-directed strategies in CSCs. A better understanding of the DDR mediating chemo/radioresistance mechanisms in CSCs could lead to novel therapeutic approaches, thereby enhancing treatment efficacy in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew S. Gillespie
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
- School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ciara M. Ward
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
| | - Clare C. Davies
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham B15 2TT, UK; (M.S.G.)
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Mallini P, Chen M, Mahkamova K, Lennard TWJ, Pan Y, Wei D, Stemke-Hale K, Kirby JA, Lash GE, Meeson A. Hypoxia-Driven TGFβ Modulation of Side Population Cells in Breast Cancer: The Potential Role of ERα. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:1108. [PMID: 36831452 PMCID: PMC9954173 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is known to be important in regulating the behaviour of cancer cells enabling them to acquire stem cell characteristics or by enhancing the stem cell characteristics of cancer stem cells, resulting in these cells becoming more migratory and invasive. EMT can be driven by a number of mechanisms, including the TGF-β1 signalling pathway and/or by hypoxia. However, these drivers of EMT differ in their actions in regulating side population (SP) cell behaviour, even within SPs isolated from the same tissue. In this study we examined CoCl2 exposure and TGF-β driven EMT on SP cells of the MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 breast cancer cell lines. Both TGF-β1 and CoCl2 treatment led to the depletion of MDA-MB-231 SP. Whilst TGF-β1 treatment significantly reduced the MCF7 SP cells, CoCl2 exposure led to a significant increase. Single cell analysis revealed that CoCl2 exposure of MCF7 SP leads to increased expression of ABCG2 and HES1, both associated with multi-drug resistance. We also examined the mammosphere forming efficiency in response to CoCl2 exposure in these cell lines, and saw the same effect as seen with the SP cells. We suggest that these contrasting effects are due to ERα expression and the inversely correlated expression of TGFB-RII, which is almost absent in the MCF7 cells. Understanding the EMT-mediated mechanisms of the regulation of SP cells could enable the identification of new therapeutic targets in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paraskevi Mallini
- Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Miaojuan Chen
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Jinsui Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Kamilla Mahkamova
- Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
| | - Thomas W. J. Lennard
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Yue Pan
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Jinsui Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Dan Wei
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Jinsui Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Katherine Stemke-Hale
- Department of Systems Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, University of Texas, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - John A. Kirby
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, 3rd Floor William Leech Building, Framlington Place, Newcastle upon Tyne NE2 4HH, UK
| | - Gendie E. Lash
- Guangzhou Institute of Pediatrics, Guangzhou Women and Children’s Medical Center, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Child Health, Guangzhou Medical University, Jinsui Road, Tianhe, Guangzhou 510623, China
| | - Annette Meeson
- Biosciences Institute, International Centre for Life, Newcastle University, Central Parkway, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 3BZ, UK
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Semina SE, Alejo LH, Chopra S, Kansara NS, Kastrati I, Sartorius CA, Frasor J. Identification of a novel ER-NFĸB-driven stem-like cell population associated with relapse of ER+ breast tumors. Breast Cancer Res 2022; 24:88. [PMID: 36482488 PMCID: PMC9733334 DOI: 10.1186/s13058-022-01585-1] [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: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Up to 40% of patients with estrogen receptor-positive (ER+) breast cancer experience relapse. This can be attributed to breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), which are known to be involved in therapy resistance, relapse, and metastasis. Therefore, there is an urgent need to identify genes/pathways that drive stem-like cell properties in ER+ breast tumors. METHODS Using single-cell RNA sequencing and various bioinformatics approaches, we identified a unique stem-like population and established its clinical relevance. With follow-up studies, we validated our bioinformatics findings and confirmed the role of ER and NFĸB in the promotion of stem-like properties in breast cancer cell lines and patient-derived models. RESULTS We identified a novel quiescent stem-like cell population that is driven by ER and NFĸB in multiple ER+ breast cancer models. Moreover, we found that a gene signature derived from this stem-like population is expressed in primary ER+ breast tumors, endocrine therapy-resistant and metastatic cell populations and predictive of poor patient outcome. CONCLUSIONS These findings indicate a novel role for ER and NFĸB crosstalk in BCSCs biology and understanding the mechanism by which these pathways promote stem properties can be exploited to improve outcomes for ER+ breast cancer patients at risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana E. Semina
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Luis H. Alejo
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Shivani Chopra
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Nidhi S. Kansara
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
| | - Irida Kastrati
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA ,grid.164971.c0000 0001 1089 6558Present Address: Department of Cancer Biology, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153 USA
| | - Carol A. Sartorius
- grid.430503.10000 0001 0703 675XDepartment of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045 USA
| | - Jonna Frasor
- grid.185648.60000 0001 2175 0319Department of Physiology and Biophysics, College of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, 909 S Wolcott Avenue (MC 901), 2040 COMRB, Chicago, IL 60612 USA
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6
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Persson E, Gregersson P, Gustafsson A, Fitzpatrick P, Rhost S, Ståhlberg A, Landberg G. Patient-derived scaffolds influence secretion profiles in cancer cells mirroring clinical features and breast cancer subtypes. Cell Commun Signal 2021; 19:66. [PMID: 34090457 PMCID: PMC8178857 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-021-00746-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2020] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is a common malignancy with varying clinical behaviors and for the more aggressive subtypes, novel and more efficient therapeutic approaches are needed. Qualities of the tumor microenvironment as well as cancer cell secretion have independently been associated with malignant clinical behaviors and a better understanding of the interplay between these two features could potentially reveal novel targetable key events linked to cancer progression. METHODS A newly developed human derived in vivo-like growth system, consisting of decellularized patient-derived scaffolds (PDSs) recellularized with standardized breast cancer cell lines (MCF7 and MDA-MB-231), were used to analyze how 63 individual patient specific microenvironments influenced secretion determined by proximity extension assays including 184 proteins and how these relate to clinical outcome. RESULTS The secretome from cancer cells in PDS cultures varied distinctly from cells grown as standard monolayers and besides a general increase in secretion from PDS cultures, several secreted proteins were only detectable in PDSs. Monolayer cells treated with conditioned media from PDS cultures, further showed increased mammosphere formation demonstrating a cancer stem cell activating function of the PDS culture induced secretion. The detailed secretomic profiles from MCF7s growing on 57 individual PDSs differed markedly but unsupervised clustering generated three separate groups having similar secretion profiles that significantly correlated to different clinical behaviors. The secretomic profile that associated with cancer relapse and high grade breast cancer showed induced secretion of the proteins IL-6, CCL2 and PAI-1, all linked to cancer stem cell activation, metastasis and priming of the pre-metastatic niche. Cancer promoting pathways such as "Suppress tumor immunity" and "Vascular and tissue remodeling" was also linked to this more malignant secretion cluster. CONCLUSION PDSs repopulated with cancer cells can be used to assess how cancer secretion is effected by specific and varying microenvironments. More malignant secretion patterns induced by specific patient based cancer microenvironments could further be identified pinpointing novel therapeutic opportunities targeting micro environmentally induced cancer progression via secretion of potent cytokines. Video abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Persson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Gregersson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul Fitzpatrick
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Rhost
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Center for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hostpital, Region Västra Götaland, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Landberg
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Sahlgrenska Center for Cancer Research, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Medicinaregatan 1G, 41390, Gothenburg, Sweden.
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de Almeida A, Parthimos D, Dew H, Smart O, Wiltshire M, Errington RJ. Aquaglyceroporin-3's Expression and Cellular Localization Is Differentially Modulated by Hypoxia in Prostate Cancer Cell Lines. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040838. [PMID: 33917751 PMCID: PMC8068192 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aquaporins are required by cells to enable fast adaptation to volume and osmotic changes, as well as microenvironmental metabolic stimuli. Aquaglyceroporins play a crucial role in supplying cancer cells with glycerol for metabolic needs. Here, we show that AQP3 is differentially expressed in cells of a prostate cancer panel. AQP3 is located at the cell membrane and cytoplasm of LNCaP cell while being exclusively expressed in the cytoplasm of Du145 and PC3 cells. LNCaP cells show enhanced hypoxia growth; Du145 and PC3 cells display stress factors, indicating a crucial role for AQP3 at the plasma membrane in adaptation to hypoxia. Hypoxia, both acute and chronic affected AQP3′s cellular localization. These outcomes were validated using a machine learning classification approach of the three cell lines and of the six normoxic or hypoxic conditions. Classifiers trained on morphological features derived from cytoskeletal and nuclear labeling alongside corresponding texture features could uniquely identify each individual cell line and the corresponding hypoxia exposure. Cytoskeletal features were 70–90% accurate, while nuclear features allowed for 55–70% accuracy. Cellular texture features (73.9% accuracy) were a stronger predictor of the hypoxic load than the AQP3 distribution (60.3%).
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Carmona-Bozo JC, Manavaki R, Woitek R, Torheim T, Baxter GC, Caracò C, Provenzano E, Graves MJ, Fryer TD, Patterson AJ, Gilbert FJ. Hypoxia and perfusion in breast cancer: simultaneous assessment using PET/MR imaging. Eur Radiol 2021; 31:333-344. [PMID: 32725330 PMCID: PMC7755870 DOI: 10.1007/s00330-020-07067-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2020] [Revised: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Hypoxia is associated with poor prognosis and treatment resistance in breast cancer. However, the temporally variant nature of hypoxia can complicate interpretation of imaging findings. We explored the relationship between hypoxia and vascular function in breast tumours through combined 18F-fluoromisonidazole (18 F-FMISO) PET/MRI, with simultaneous assessment circumventing the effect of temporal variation in hypoxia and perfusion. METHODS Women with histologically confirmed, primary breast cancer underwent a simultaneous 18F-FMISO-PET/MR examination. Tumour hypoxia was assessed using influx rate constant Ki and hypoxic fractions (%HF), while parameters of vascular function (Ktrans, kep, ve, vp) and cellularity (ADC) were derived from dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) and diffusion-weighted (DW)-MRI, respectively. Additional correlates included histological subtype, grade and size. Relationships between imaging variables were assessed using Pearson correlation (r). RESULTS Twenty-nine women with 32 lesions were assessed. Hypoxic fractions > 1% were observed in 6/32 (19%) cancers, while 18/32 (56%) tumours showed a %HF of zero. The presence of hypoxia in lesions was independent of histological subtype or grade. Mean tumour Ktrans correlated negatively with Ki (r = - 0.38, p = 0.04) and %HF (r = - 0.33, p = 0.04), though parametric maps exhibited intratumoural heterogeneity with hypoxic regions colocalising with both hypo- and hyperperfused areas. No correlation was observed between ADC and DCE-MRI or PET parameters. %HF correlated positively with lesion size (r = 0.63, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Hypoxia measured by 18F-FMISO-PET correlated negatively with Ktrans from DCE-MRI, supporting the hypothesis of perfusion-driven hypoxia in breast cancer. Intratumoural hypoxia-perfusion relationships were heterogeneous, suggesting that combined assessment may be needed for disease characterisation, which could be achieved using simultaneous multimodality imaging. KEY POINTS • At the tumour level, hypoxia measured by 18F-FMISO-PET was negatively correlated with perfusion measured by DCE-MRI, which supports the hypothesis of perfusion-driven hypoxia in breast cancer. • No associations were observed between 18F-FMISO-PET parameters and tumour histology or grade, but tumour hypoxic fractions increased with lesion size. • Intratumoural hypoxia-perfusion relationships were heterogeneous, suggesting that the combined hypoxia-perfusion status of tumours may need to be considered for disease characterisation, which can be achieved via simultaneous multimodality imaging as reported here.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia C Carmona-Bozo
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Roido Manavaki
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Ramona Woitek
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image-Guided Therapy, Medical University of Vienna, Währinger Gürtel 18-20, 1090, Vienna, Austria
| | - Turid Torheim
- Cancer Research UK - Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
| | - Gabrielle C Baxter
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Corradina Caracò
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Elena Provenzano
- Cancer Research UK - Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Li Ka Shing Centre, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
- Cambridge Breast Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 97, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Martin J Graves
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRIS Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 162, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Tim D Fryer
- Wolfson Brain Imaging Centre, Department of Clinical Neurosciences, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 65, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Andrew J Patterson
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
- MRIS Unit, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Box 162, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK
| | - Fiona J Gilbert
- Department of Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Cambridge, Box 218, Cambridge Biomedical Campus, Cambridge, CB2 0QQ, UK.
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Hypoxia and Oxygen-Sensing Signaling in Gene Regulation and Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218162. [PMID: 33142830 PMCID: PMC7663541 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Revised: 10/28/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxygen homeostasis regulation is the most fundamental cellular process for adjusting physiological oxygen variations, and its irregularity leads to various human diseases, including cancer. Hypoxia is closely associated with cancer development, and hypoxia/oxygen-sensing signaling plays critical roles in the modulation of cancer progression. The key molecules of the hypoxia/oxygen-sensing signaling include the transcriptional regulator hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) which widely controls oxygen responsive genes, the central members of the 2-oxoglutarate (2-OG)-dependent dioxygenases, such as prolyl hydroxylase (PHD or EglN), and an E3 ubiquitin ligase component for HIF degeneration called von Hippel–Lindau (encoding protein pVHL). In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about the canonical hypoxia signaling, HIF transcription factors, and pVHL. In addition, the role of 2-OG-dependent enzymes, such as DNA/RNA-modifying enzymes, JmjC domain-containing enzymes, and prolyl hydroxylases, in gene regulation of cancer progression, is specifically reviewed. We also discuss the therapeutic advancement of targeting hypoxia and oxygen sensing pathways in cancer.
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Samuel SM, Varghese E, Koklesová L, Líšková A, Kubatka P, Büsselberg D. Counteracting Chemoresistance with Metformin in Breast Cancers: Targeting Cancer Stem Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2482. [PMID: 32883003 PMCID: PMC7565921 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 08/19/2020] [Accepted: 08/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the leaps and bounds in achieving success in the management and treatment of breast cancers through surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy, breast cancer remains the most frequently occurring cancer in women and the most common cause of cancer-related deaths among women. Systemic therapeutic approaches, such as chemotherapy, although beneficial in treating and curing breast cancer subjects with localized breast tumors, tend to fail in metastatic cases of the disease due to (a) an acquired resistance to the chemotherapeutic drug and (b) the development of intrinsic resistance to therapy. The existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) plays a crucial role in both acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance. CSCs are less abundant than terminally differentiated cancer cells and confer chemoresistance through a unique altered metabolism and capability to evade the immune response system. Furthermore, CSCs possess active DNA repair systems, transporters that support multidrug resistance (MDR), advanced detoxification processes, and the ability to self-renew and differentiate into tumor progenitor cells, thereby supporting cancer invasion, metastasis, and recurrence/relapse. Hence, current research is focusing on targeting CSCs to overcome resistance and improve the efficacy of the treatment and management of breast cancer. Studies revealed that metformin (1, 1-dimethylbiguanide), a widely used anti-hyperglycemic agent, sensitizes tumor response to various chemotherapeutic drugs. Metformin selectively targets CSCs and improves the hypoxic microenvironment, suppresses the tumor metastasis and inflammation, as well as regulates the metabolic programming, induces apoptosis, and reverses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and MDR. Here, we discuss cancer (breast cancer) and chemoresistance, the molecular mechanisms of chemoresistance in breast cancers, and metformin as a chemo-sensitizing/re-sensitizing agent, with a particular focus on breast CSCs as a critical contributing factor to acquired and intrinsic chemoresistance. The review outlines the prospects and directions for a better understanding and re-purposing of metformin as an anti-cancer/chemo-sensitizing drug in the treatment of breast cancer. It intends to provide a rationale for the use of metformin as a combinatory therapy in a clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samson Mathews Samuel
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Elizabeth Varghese
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
| | - Lenka Koklesová
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Alena Líšková
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia; (L.K.); (A.L.)
| | - Peter Kubatka
- Department of Medical Biology, Jessenius Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 03601 Martin, Slovakia;
| | - Dietrich Büsselberg
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Weill Cornell Medicine-Qatar, Education City, Qatar Foundation, Doha 24144, Qatar;
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11
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Breast Cancer Stem Cells as Drivers of Tumor Chemoresistance, Dormancy and Relapse: New Challenges and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101569. [PMID: 31619007 PMCID: PMC6826533 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most frequent cancer among women worldwide. Therapeutic strategies to prevent or treat metastatic disease are still inadequate although great progress has been made in treating early-stage breast cancer. Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) that are endowed with high plasticity and self-renewal properties have been shown to play a key role in breast cancer development, progression, and metastasis. A subpopulation of CSCs that combines tumor-initiating capacity and a dormant/quiescent/slow cycling status is present throughout the clinical history of breast cancer patients. Dormant/quiescent/slow cycling CSCs are a key component of tumor heterogeneity and they are responsible for chemoresistance, tumor migration, and metastatic dormancy, defined as the ability of CSCs to survive in target organs and generate metastasis up to two decades after diagnosis. Understanding the strategies that are used by CSCs to resist conventional and targeted therapies, to interact with their niche, to escape immune surveillance, and finally to awaken from dormancy is of key importance to prevent and treat metastatic cancer. This review summarizes the current understanding of mechanisms involved in CSCs chemoresistance, dissemination, and metastasis in breast cancer, with a particular focus on dormant cells. Finally, we discuss how advancements in the detection, molecular understanding, and targeting of dormant CSCs will likely open new therapeutic avenues for breast cancer treatment.
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12
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Feng X, Zhang M, Wang B, Zhou C, Mu Y, Li J, Liu X, Wang Y, Song Z, Liu P. CRABP2 regulates invasion and metastasis of breast cancer through hippo pathway dependent on ER status. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:361. [PMID: 31419991 PMCID: PMC6697986 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1345-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2019] [Accepted: 07/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Background Triple Negative Breast cancer (TNBC) is incurable cancer with higher rates of relapse and shorter overall survival compared with other subtypes of breast cancer. Cellular retinoic acid binding protein 2 (CRABP2) belongs to fatty acid binding protein (FABP) family which binds with all-trans retinoic acid (RA). Previous studies from the database have reported the patients with high expression of CRABP2 showed different prognosis in ER+ and ER− breast cancer. However, its biological role and exact mechanism in breast cancer remain unknown. This aim of this study was to explore how CRABP2 regulated invasion and metastasis based on the estrogen receptor-α (herein called ER) status in breast cancer. Methods Immunohistochemical staining method was used to analyze the expression of CRABP2 in human breast cancer tissues. Lentivirus vector-based shRNA technique was used to test the functional relevance of CRABP2 knockdown in breast tumors. Tail vein injection model was used to examine the lung metastasis. Co-immunoprecipitation, Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) were conducted to investigate the underlying mechanism that influenced the ER to the regulation of CRABP2 to Lats1. Results We observed that knockdown of CRABP2 promotes EMT, invasion and metastasis of ER+ breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo, whereas overexpression of CRABP2 yields the reverse results. In ER+ mammary cancer cells, the interaction of CRABP2 and Lats1 suppress the ubiquitination of Lats1 to activate Hippo pathway to inhibit the invasion and metastasis of ER+ mammary cancer. However, in ER− mammary cancer cells, the interaction of CRABP2 and Lats1 promote the ubiquitination of Lats1 to inactivate Hippo pathway to promote the invasion and metastasis of ER− mammary cancer. Conclusions Our findings indicate that CRABP2 can suppress invasion and metastasis of ER+ breast cancer and promote invasion and metastasis of ER− breast cancer by regulating the stability of Lats1 in vitro and in vivo, and it provides new ideas for breast cancer therapy. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-019-1345-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuefei Feng
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Bo Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Can Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yudong Mu
- Department of Clinical LaboratoryTumor Hospital of Shaanxi Province, Affiliated to the Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Juan Li
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Xiaoxu Liu
- Department of Breast Surgery, the first Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yaochun Wang
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zhangjun Song
- Department of Breast Disease Center, Tumor Hospital of Shaanxi Province, Affiliated to the Medical College of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 309 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Peijun Liu
- Center for Translational Medicine, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China. .,Key Laboratory for Tumor Precision Medicine of Shaanxi Province, the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 277 Yanta Western Rd, Xi'an, 710061, Shaanxi Province, China.
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13
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Jacobsson H, Harrison H, Hughes É, Persson E, Rhost S, Fitzpatrick P, Gustafsson A, Andersson D, Gregersson P, Magnusson Y, Ståhlberg A, Landberg G. Hypoxia-induced secretion stimulates breast cancer stem cell regulatory signalling pathways. Mol Oncol 2019; 13:1693-1705. [PMID: 31066211 PMCID: PMC6670019 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2019] [Revised: 04/09/2019] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
It is well known that tumour cells are dependent on communication with the tumour microenvironment. Previously, it has been shown that hypoxia (HX) induces pronounced, diverse and direct effects on cancer stem cell (CSC) qualities in different breast cancer subtypes. Here, we describe the mechanism by which HX-induced secretion influences the spreading of CSCs. Conditioned media (CM) from estrogen receptor (ER)-α-positive hypoxic breast cancer cell cultures increased the fraction of CSCs compared to normal growth conditions, as determined using sets of CSC assays and model systems. In contrast, media from ERα-negative hypoxic cell cultures instead decreased this key subpopulation of cancer cells. Further, there was a striking overrepresentation of JAK-STAT-associated cytokines in both the ERα-positive and ERα-negative linked hypoxic responses as determined by a protein screen of the CM. JAK-STAT inhibitors and knockdown experiments further supported the hypothesis that this pathway is critical for the CSC-activating and CSC-inactivating effects induced by hypoxic secretion. We also observed that the interleukin-6-JAK2-STAT3 axis was specifically central for the ERα-negative hypoxic behaviour. Our results underline the importance of considering breast cancer subtypes in treatments targeting JAK-STAT or HX-associated processes and indicate that HX is not only a confined tumour biological event, but also influences key tumour properties in widespread normoxic microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanna Jacobsson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Hannah Harrison
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, Centre for Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, UK.,Manchester Cancer Research Centre, The University of Manchester, UK
| | - Éamon Hughes
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Persson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Sara Rhost
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Paul Fitzpatrick
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anna Gustafsson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Andersson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Gregersson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Ylva Magnusson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology and Genetics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Landberg
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, University of Gothenburg, Sweden.,Breakthrough Breast Cancer Unit, Centre for Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Sciences, Paterson Institute for Cancer Research, University of Manchester, UK
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14
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Jonasson E, Ghannoum S, Persson E, Karlsson J, Kroneis T, Larsson E, Landberg G, Ståhlberg A. Identification of Breast Cancer Stem Cell Related Genes Using Functional Cellular Assays Combined With Single-Cell RNA Sequencing in MDA-MB-231 Cells. Front Genet 2019; 10:500. [PMID: 31191614 PMCID: PMC6541172 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2019.00500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2018] [Accepted: 05/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer tumors display different cellular phenotypes. A growing body of evidence points toward a population of cancer stem cells (CSCs) that is important for metastasis and treatment resistance, although the characteristics of these cells are incomplete. We used mammosphere formation assay and label-retention assay as functional cellular approaches to enrich for cells with different degree of CSC properties in the breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231 and performed single-cell RNA sequencing. We clustered the cells based on their gene expression profiles and identified three subpopulations, including a CSC-like population. The cell clustering into these subpopulations overlapped with the cellular enrichment approach applied. To molecularly define these groups, we identified genes differentially expressed between the three subpopulations which could be matched to enriched gene sets. We also investigated the transition process from CSC-like cells into more differentiated cell states. In the CSC population we found 14 significantly upregulated genes. Some of these potential breast CSC markers are associated to reported stem cell properties and clinical survival data, but further experimental validation is needed to confirm their cellular functions. Detailed characterization of CSCs improve our understanding of mechanisms for tumor progression and contribute to the identification of new treatment targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Jonasson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Salim Ghannoum
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Emma Persson
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Joakim Karlsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Thomas Kroneis
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Cell Biology, Histology and Embryology, Gottfried Schatz Research Center, Medical University of Graz, Graz, Austria
| | - Erik Larsson
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Landberg
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Pathology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Pathology and Genetics, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Department of Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden.,Wallenberg Centre for Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
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15
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Balamurugan K, Mendoza-Villanueva D, Sharan S, Summers GH, Dobrolecki LE, Lewis MT, Sterneck E. C/EBPδ links IL-6 and HIF-1 signaling to promote breast cancer stem cell-associated phenotypes. Oncogene 2019; 38:3765-3780. [PMID: 30262865 PMCID: PMC6437025 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0516-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/02/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
To improve cancer patient outcome significantly, we must understand the mechanisms regulating stem-like cancer cells, which have been implicated as a cause of metastasis and treatment resistance. The transcription factor C/EBPδ can exhibit pro- and anti-tumorigenic activities, but the mechanisms underlying the complexity of its functions are poorly understood. Here we identify a role for breast cancer cell intrinsic C/EBPδ in promoting phenotypes that have been associated with cancer stem cells (CSCs). While C/EBPδ expression is not abundant in most metastatic breast cancers, our data support a pro-tumorigenic role of C/EBPδ when expressed in subsets of tumor cells and/or through transient activation by the tumor microenvironment or loss of substrate adhesion. Using genetic mouse models and human breast cancer cell lines, we show that deletion or depletion of C/EBPδ reduced expression of stem cell factors and stemnness markers, sphere formation and self-renewal, along with growth of tumors and established experimental metastases in vivo. C/EBPδ is also known as a mediator of the innate immune response, which is enhanced by hypoxia and interleukin-6 (IL-6) signaling, two conditions that also play important roles in cancer progression. Our mechanistic data reveal C/EBPδ as a link that engages two positive feedback loops, in part by directly targeting the IL-6 receptor (IL6RA) gene, and, thus, amplifying IL-6 and HIF-1 signaling. This study provides a molecular mechanism for the synergism of tumor microenvironmental conditions in cancer progression with potential implications for the targeting of CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
| | - Daniel Mendoza-Villanueva
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
- Mission Bio, South San Francisco, CA, 94080, USA
| | - Shikha Sharan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Glenn H Summers
- Laboratory Animal Sciences Program, Leidos Biomedical Research Inc., Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Lacey E Dobrolecki
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Michael T Lewis
- Departments of Molecular and Cellular Biology and Radiology, Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Esta Sterneck
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA.
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16
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McClements L, Annett S, Yakkundi A, O’Rourke M, Valentine A, Moustafa N, Alqudah A, Simões BM, Furlong F, Short A, McIntosh SA, McCarthy HO, Clarke RB, Robson T. FKBPL and its peptide derivatives inhibit endocrine therapy resistant cancer stem cells and breast cancer metastasis by downregulating DLL4 and Notch4. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:351. [PMID: 30975104 PMCID: PMC6460676 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5500-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Optimising breast cancer treatment remains a challenge. Resistance to therapy is a major problem in both ER- and ER+ breast cancer. Tumour recurrence after chemotherapy and/or targeted therapy leads to more aggressive tumours with enhanced metastatic ability. Self-renewing cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been implicated in treatment resistance, recurrence and the development of metastatic disease. METHODS In this study, we utilised in vitro, in vivo and ex vivo breast cancer models using ER+ MCF-7 and ER- MDA-MB-231 cells, as well as solid and metastatic breast cancer patient samples, to interrogate the effects of FKBPL and its peptide therapeutics on metastasis, endocrine therapy resistant CSCs and DLL4 and Notch4 expression. The effects of FKBPL overexpression or peptide treatment were assessed using a t-test or one-way ANOVA with Dunnett's multiple comparison test. RESULTS We demonstrated that FKBPL overexpression or treatment with FKBPL-based therapeutics (AD-01, pre-clinical peptide /ALM201, clinical peptide) inhibit i) CSCs in both ER+ and ER- breast cancer, ii) cancer metastasis in a triple negative breast cancer metastasis model and iii) endocrine therapy resistant CSCs in ER+ breast cancer, via modulation of the DLL4 and Notch4 protein and/or mRNA expression. AD-01 was effective at reducing triple negative MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell migration (n ≥ 3, p < 0.05) and invasion (n ≥ 3, p < 0.001) and this was translated in vivo where AD-01 inhibited breast cancer metastasis in MDA-MB-231-lucD3H1 in vivo model (p < 0.05). In ER+ MCF-7 cells and primary breast tumour samples, we demonstrated that ALM201 inhibits endocrine therapy resistant mammospheres, representative of CSC content (n ≥ 3, p < 0.05). Whilst an in vivo limiting dilution assay, using SCID mice, demonstrated that ALM201 alone or in combination with tamoxifen was very effective at delaying tumour recurrence by 12 (p < 0.05) or 21 days (p < 0.001), respectively, by reducing the number of CSCs. The potential mechanism of action, in addition to CD44, involves downregulation of DLL4 and Notch4. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates, for the first time, the pre-clinical activity of novel systemic anti-cancer therapeutic peptides, ALM201 and AD-01, in the metastatic setting, and highlights their impact on endocrine therapy resistant CSCs; both areas of unmet clinical need.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lana McClements
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- The School of Life Sciences, University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Stephanie Annett
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anita Yakkundi
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Martin O’Rourke
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Charles River Labs, 8-9 Spire Green Centre, Essex, Harlow, CM19 5TR UK
| | - Andrea Valentine
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Charles River Labs, 8-9 Spire Green Centre, Essex, Harlow, CM19 5TR UK
| | | | - Abdelrahim Alqudah
- Centre for Experimental Medicine, School of Medicine, Dentistry and Biomedical Sciences, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- School of Pharmacy, Hashemite University, Amman, Jordan
| | - Bruno M. Simões
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Fiona Furlong
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Amy Short
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
| | - Stuart A. McIntosh
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast and Breast Surgery Department, Belfast City Hospital, Belfast, UK
| | | | - Robert B. Clarke
- Manchester Breast Centre, Division of Cancer Sciences, University of Manchester, Oglesby Cancer Research Building, Manchester, UK
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, UK
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Therapeutics, Irish Centre for Vascular Biology, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, RCSI, Dublin, Ireland
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17
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Campbell EJ, Dachs GU, Morrin HR, Davey VC, Robinson BA, Vissers MCM. Activation of the hypoxia pathway in breast cancer tissue and patient survival are inversely associated with tumor ascorbate levels. BMC Cancer 2019; 19:307. [PMID: 30943919 PMCID: PMC6448303 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-019-5503-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The transcription factor hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) -1 drives tumor growth and metastasis and is associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Ascorbate can moderate HIF-1 activity in vitro and is associated with HIF pathway activation in a number of cancer types, but whether tissue ascorbate levels influence the HIF pathway in breast cancer is unknown. In this study we investigated the association between tumor ascorbate levels and HIF-1 activation and patient survival in human breast cancer. Methods In a retrospective analysis of human breast cancer tissue, we analysed primary tumor and adjacent uninvolved tissue from 52 women with invasive ductal carcinoma. We measured HIF-1α, HIF-1 gene targets CAIX, BNIP-3 and VEGF, and ascorbate content. Patient clinical outcomes were evaluated against these parameters. Results HIF-1 pathway proteins were upregulated in tumor tissue and increased HIF-1 activation was associated with higher tumor grade and stage, with increased vascular invasion and necrosis, and with decreased disease-free and disease-specific survival. Grade 1 tumors had higher ascorbate levels than did grade 2 or 3 tumors. Higher ascorbate levels were associated with less tumor necrosis, with lower HIF-1 pathway activity and with increased disease-free and disease-specific survival. Conclusions Our findings indicate that there is a direct correlation between intracellular ascorbate levels, activation of the HIF-1 pathway and patient survival in breast cancer. This is consistent with the known capacity of ascorbate to stimulate the activity of the regulatory HIF hydroxylases and suggests that optimisation of tumor ascorbate could have clinical benefit via modulation of the hypoxic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth J Campbell
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand
| | - Gabi U Dachs
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Helen R Morrin
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Cancer Society Tissue Bank, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Valerie C Davey
- Christchurch Breast Cancer Patient Register, Christchurch Hospital, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Bridget A Robinson
- Mackenzie Cancer Research Group, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand.,Canterbury Regional Cancer and Haematology Service, Canterbury District Health Board, Christchurch, and Department of Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8011, New Zealand
| | - Margreet C M Vissers
- Centre for Free Radical Research, Department of Pathology and Biomedical Science, University of Otago, Christchurch, 8140, New Zealand.
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18
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Lang J, Zhao X, Wang X, Zhao Y, Li Y, Zhao R, Cheng K, Li Y, Han X, Zheng X, Qin H, Geranpayehvaghei M, Shi J, Anderson GJ, Hao J, Ren H, Nie G. Targeted Co-delivery of the Iron Chelator Deferoxamine and a HIF1α Inhibitor Impairs Pancreatic Tumor Growth. ACS NANO 2019; 13:2176-2189. [PMID: 30676731 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.8b08823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Rapidly growing cancer cells exhibit a strong dependence on iron for their survival. Thus, iron-removing drugs, iron chelators, have potential applications in cancer treatment. Deferoxamine (DFO) is an efficient iron chelator, but its short circulation half-life and ability to induce hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α) overexpression restricts its use as an antitumor agent. In the present study, we first found that a pattern of iron-related protein expression favoring higher intracellular iron closely correlates with shorter overall and relapse-free survival in pancreatic cancer patients. We subsequently found that a combination of DFO and the HIF1α inhibitor, lificiguat (also named YC1), significantly enhanced the antitumor efficacy of DFO in vitro. We then employed transferrin receptor 1 (TFR1) targeting liposomes to codeliver DFO and YC1 to pancreatic tumors in a mouse model. The encapsulation of DFO prolonged its circulation time, improved its accumulation in tumor tissues via the enhanced permeability and retention (EPR) effect, and facilitated efficient uptake by cancer cells, which express high level of TFR1. After entering the tumor cells, the encapsulated DFO and YC1 were released to elicit a synergistic antitumor effect in subcutaneous and orthotopic pancreatic cancer xenografts. In summary, our work overcame two major obstacles in DFO-based cancer treatment through a simple liposome-based drug delivery system. This nanoencapsulation and targeting paradigm lays the foundation for future application of iron chelation in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayan Lang
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- Sino-Danish Center for Education and Research/Sino-Danish College of UCAS , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Xiao Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
- Department of Pancreatic Carcinoma , Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy , Tianjin 300060 , China
| | - Xiuchao Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Carcinoma , Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy , Tianjin 300060 , China
| | - Ying Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Yiye Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Ruifang Zhao
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Keman Cheng
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Yao Li
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Xuexiang Han
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Xiaowei Zheng
- Department of Pancreatic Carcinoma , Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy , Tianjin 300060 , China
| | - Hao Qin
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
| | - Marzieh Geranpayehvaghei
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- Department of Nanobiotechnology, Faculty of Biological Sciences , Tarbiat Modares University , Tehran , Iran
| | - Jian Shi
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
| | - Gregory J Anderson
- Iron Metabolism Laboratory , QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute , Brisbane , Queensland 4006 , Australia
| | - Jihui Hao
- Department of Pancreatic Carcinoma , Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy , Tianjin 300060 , China
| | - He Ren
- Department of Pancreatic Carcinoma , Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, National Clinical Research Center of Cancer, Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Therapy , Tianjin 300060 , China
- Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University , Qingdao 266000 , China
| | - Guangjun Nie
- CAS Key Laboratory for Biomedical Effects of Nanomaterials and Nanosafety, & CAS Center for Excellence in Nanoscience , National Center for Nanoscience and Technology of China , 11 Beiyitiao , Zhongguancun , Beijing 100190 , China
- Center of Materials Science and Optoelectronics Engineering , University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences , Beijing 100049 , China
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19
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Bernhardt S, Tönsing C, Mitra D, Erdem N, Müller-Decker K, Korf U, Kreutz C, Timmer J, Wiemann S. Functional Proteomics of Breast Cancer Metabolism Identifies GLUL as Responder during Hypoxic Adaptation. J Proteome Res 2019; 18:1352-1362. [PMID: 30609375 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jproteome.8b00944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Hypoxia as well as metabolism are central hallmarks of cancer, and hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs) and metabolic effectors are crucial elements in oxygen-compromised tumor environments. Knowledge of changes in the expression of metabolic proteins in response to HIF function could provide mechanistic insights into adaptation to hypoxic stress, tumorigenesis, and disease progression. We analyzed time-resolved alterations in metabolism-associated protein levels in response to different oxygen potentials across breast cancer cell lines. Effects on the cellular metabolism of both HIF-dependent and -independent processes were analyzed by reverse-phase protein array profiling and a custom statistical model. We revealed a strong induction of glucose transporter 1 (GLUT1) and lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) as well as reduced glutamate-ammonia ligase (GLUL) protein levels across all cell lines tested as consistent changes upon hypoxia induction. Low GLUL protein levels were correlated with aggressive molecular subtypes in breast cancer patient data sets and also with hypoxic tumor regions in a xenograft mouse tumor model. Moreover, low GLUL expression was associated with poor survival in breast cancer patients and with high HIF-1α-expressing patient subgroups. Our data reveal time-resolved changes in the regulation of metabolic proteins under oxygen-deprived conditions and elucidate GLUL as a strong responder to HIFs and the hypoxic environment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephan Bernhardt
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 580 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Christian Tönsing
- Institute of Physics , University of Freiburg , Hermann-Herder-Str. 3 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Devina Mitra
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 580 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Nese Erdem
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 580 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences , Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 234 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Karin Müller-Decker
- DKFZ Tumor Models Core Facility , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 280 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Ulrike Korf
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 580 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
| | - Clemens Kreutz
- Center for Systems Biology (ZBSA) , University of Freiburg , Habsburgerstr. 49 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany.,CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies , University of Freiburg , Schänzlestr. 18 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Jens Timmer
- Institute of Physics , University of Freiburg , Hermann-Herder-Str. 3 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany.,Center for Systems Biology (ZBSA) , University of Freiburg , Habsburgerstr. 49 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany.,CIBSS Centre for Integrative Biological Signalling Studies , University of Freiburg , Schänzlestr. 18 , 79104 Freiburg , Germany
| | - Stefan Wiemann
- Division of Molecular Genome Analysis , German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) , Im Neuenheimer Feld 580 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences , Heidelberg University , Im Neuenheimer Feld 234 , 69120 Heidelberg , Germany
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20
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Lee HR, Leslie F, Azarin SM. A facile in vitro platform to study cancer cell dormancy under hypoxic microenvironments using CoCl 2. J Biol Eng 2018; 12:12. [PMID: 30127847 PMCID: PMC6091074 DOI: 10.1186/s13036-018-0106-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2018] [Accepted: 06/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND While hypoxia has been well-studied in various tumor microenvironments, its role in cancer cell dormancy is poorly understood, in part due to a lack of well-established in vitro and in vivo models. Hypoxic conditions under conventional hypoxia chambers are relatively unstable and cannot be maintained during characterization outside the chamber since normoxic response is quickly established. To address this challenge, we report a robust in vitro cancer dormancy model under a hypoxia-mimicking microenvironment using cobalt chloride (CoCl2), a hypoxia-mimetic agent, which stabilizes hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1α), a major regulator of hypoxia signaling. METHODS We compared cellular responses to CoCl2 and true hypoxia (0.1% O2) in different breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231) to investigate whether hypoxic regulation of breast cancer dormancy could be mimicked by CoCl2. To this end, expression levels of hypoxia markers HIF1α and GLUT1 and proliferation marker Ki67, cell growth, cell cycle distribution, and protein and gene expression were evaluated under both CoCl2 and true hypoxia. To further validate our platform, the ovarian cancer cell line OVCAR-3 was also tested. RESULTS Our results demonstrate that CoCl2 can mimic hypoxic regulation of cancer dormancy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cell lines, recapitulating the differential responses of these cell lines to true hypoxia in 2D and 3D. Moreover, distinct gene expression profiles in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells under CoCl2 treatment suggest that key cell cycle components are differentially regulated by the same hypoxic stress. In addition, the induction of dormancy in MCF-7 cells under CoCl2 treatment is HIF1α-dependent, as evidenced by the inability of HIF1α-suppressed MCF-7 cells to exhibit dormant behavior upon CoCl2 treatment. Furthermore, CoCl2 also induces and stably maintains dormancy in OVCAR-3 ovarian cancer cells. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that this CoCl2-based model could provide a widely applicable in vitro platform for understanding induction of cancer cell dormancy under hypoxic stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hak Rae Lee
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Faith Leslie
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
| | - Samira M. Azarin
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455 USA
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21
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Crosstalk between Notch, HIF-1α and GPER in Breast Cancer EMT. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19072011. [PMID: 29996493 PMCID: PMC6073901 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19072011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2018] [Revised: 07/04/2018] [Accepted: 07/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The Notch signaling pathway acts in both physiological and pathological conditions, including embryonic development and tumorigenesis. In cancer progression, diverse mechanisms are involved in Notch-mediated biological responses, including angiogenesis and epithelial-mesenchymal-transition (EMT). During EMT, the activation of cellular programs facilitated by transcriptional repressors results in epithelial cells losing their differentiated features, like cell–cell adhesion and apical–basal polarity, whereas they gain motility. As it concerns cancer epithelial cells, EMT may be consequent to the evolution of genetic/epigenetic instability, or triggered by factors that can act within the tumor microenvironment. Following a description of the Notch signaling pathway and its major regulatory nodes, we focus on studies that have given insights into the functional interaction between Notch signaling and either hypoxia or estrogen in breast cancer cells, with a particular focus on EMT. Furthermore, we describe the role of hypoxia signaling in breast cancer cells and discuss recent evidence regarding a functional interaction between HIF-1α and GPER in both breast cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). On the basis of these studies, we propose that a functional network between HIF-1α, GPER and Notch may integrate tumor microenvironmental cues to induce robust EMT in cancer cells. Further investigations are required in order to better understand how hypoxia and estrogen signaling may converge on Notch-mediated EMT within the context of the stroma and tumor cells interaction. However, the data discussed here may anticipate the potential benefits of further pharmacological strategies targeting breast cancer progression.
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22
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Harrison H, Pegg HJ, Thompson J, Bates C, Shore P. HIF1-alpha expressing cells induce a hypoxic-like response in neighbouring cancer cells. BMC Cancer 2018; 18:674. [PMID: 29925335 PMCID: PMC6011406 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-018-4577-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hypoxia stimulates metastasis in cancer and is linked to poor patient prognosis. In tumours, oxygen levels vary and hypoxic regions exist within a generally well-oxygenated tumour. However, whilst the heterogeneous environment is known to contribute to metastatic progression, little is known about the mechanism by which heterogeneic hypoxia contributes to cancer progression. This is largely because existing experimental models do not recapitulate the heterogeneous nature of hypoxia. The primary effector of the hypoxic response is the transcription factor Hypoxia inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF1-alpha). HIF1-alpha is stabilised in response to low oxygen levels in the cellular environment and its expression is seen in hypoxic regions throughout the tumour. Methods We have developed a model system in which HIF1-alpha can be induced within a sub-population of cancer cells, thus enabling us to mimic the effects of heterogeneic HIF1-alpha expression. Results We show that induction of HIF1-alpha not only recapitulates elements of the hypoxic response in the induced cells but also results in significant changes in proliferation, gene expression and mammosphere formation within the HIF1-alpha negative population. Conclusions These findings suggest that the HIF1-alpha expressing cells found within hypoxic regions are likely to contribute to the subsequent progression of a tumour by modifying the behaviour of cells in the non-hypoxic regions of the local micro-environment. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s12885-018-4577-1) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah Harrison
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
| | - Henry J Pegg
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Jamie Thompson
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Christian Bates
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Paul Shore
- Faculty of Biology, Medicine and Health, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK.
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23
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Alferez DG, Simões BM, Howell SJ, Clarke RB. The Role of Steroid Hormones in Breast and Effects on Cancer Stem Cells. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2018; 4:81-94. [PMID: 29600163 PMCID: PMC5866269 DOI: 10.1007/s40778-018-0114-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Purpose of Review This review will discuss how the steroid hormones, estrogen and progesterone, as well as treatments that target steroid receptors, can regulate cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. The CSC theory proposes a hierarchical organization in tumors where at its apex lies a subpopulation of cancer cells endowed with self-renewal and differentiation capacity. Recent Findings In breast cancer (BC), CSCs have been suggested to play a key role in tumor maintenance, disease progression, and the formation of metastases. In preclinical models of BC, only a few CSCs are required sustain tumor re-growth, especially after conventional anti-endocrine treatments. CSCs include therapy-resistant clones that survive standard of care treatments like chemotherapy, irradiation, and hormonal therapy. Summary The relevance of hormones for both normal mammary gland and BC development is well described, but it was only recently that the activities of hormones on CSCs have been investigated, opening new directions for future BC treatments and CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denis G. Alferez
- Breast Biology Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ UK
| | - Bruno M. Simões
- Breast Biology Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ UK
| | - Sacha J. Howell
- Breast Biology Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Manchester, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, M20 4BX UK
| | - Robert B. Clarke
- Breast Biology Group, Division of Cancer Sciences, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Biology, Medicine, and Health, Manchester Cancer Research Centre, Wilmslow Road, Manchester, M20 4GJ UK
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24
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He J, Xiong L, Li Q, Lin L, Miao X, Yan S, Hong Z, Yang L, Wen Y, Deng X. 3D modeling of cancer stem cell niche. Oncotarget 2017; 9:1326-1345. [PMID: 29416698 PMCID: PMC5787442 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.19847] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/25/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells reside in a distinct microenvironment called niche. The reciprocal interactions between cancer stem cells and niche contribute to the maintenance and enrichment of cancer stem cells. In order to simulate the interactions between cancer stem cells and niche, three-dimensional models have been developed. These in vitro culture systems recapitulate the spatial dimension, cellular heterogeneity, and the molecular networks of the tumor microenvironment and show great promise in elucidating the pathophysiology of cancer stem cells and designing more clinically relavant treatment modalites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun He
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Li Xiong
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qinglong Li
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Liangwu Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Powder Metallurgy, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiongying Miao
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Shichao Yan
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Normal University Medical College, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhangyong Hong
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Leping Yang
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Wen
- Department of General Surgery, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiyun Deng
- Department of Pathology, Hunan Normal University Medical College, Changsha, Hunan, China
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25
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Fitzpatrick PA, Akrap N, Söderberg EMV, Harrison H, Thomson GJ, Landberg G. Robotic Mammosphere Assay for High-Throughput Screening in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. SLAS DISCOVERY 2017; 22:827-836. [PMID: 28346100 DOI: 10.1177/2472555217692321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
In order to identify novel treatment principles specifically affecting cancer stem cells in triple-negative breast cancer, we have developed a high-throughput screening method based on the mammosphere and anoikis resistance assays allowing us to screen compounds using a functional readout. The assay was validated against manual protocols and through the use of positive controls, such as the response to hypoxia and treatment with the known cancer stem cell-targeting compound salinomycin. Manual and robotic procedures were compared and produced similar results in cell handling, cell cultures, and counting techniques, with no statistically significant difference produced from either method. The variance between samples processed manually versus robotically was no greater than 0.012, while Levene's test of significance was 0.2, indicating no significant difference between mammosphere data produced manually or robotically. Through the screening of 989 FDA-approved drugs and a follow-up screen assessing the antineoplastic subgroup, we have identified three therapeutic compounds with the ability to modulate the breast cancer stem cell fraction in the triple-negative breast cancer cell line MDA-MB-231, highlighting their potential usage as stem cell-specific adjuvant treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- P A Fitzpatrick
- 1 Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Göteborgs Universitet, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - N Akrap
- 1 Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Göteborgs Universitet, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - E M V Söderberg
- 1 Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Göteborgs Universitet, Göteborg, Sweden
| | - H Harrison
- 2 Faculty of Life Sciences, Manchester University, Manchester, UK
| | - G J Thomson
- 3 Drug Discovery Unit, CRUK Manchester Institute, Manchester, UK
| | - G Landberg
- 1 Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Göteborgs Universitet, Göteborg, Sweden
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26
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Huang H, Yu K, Mohammadi A, Karanthanasis E, Godley A, Yu JS. It's Getting Hot in Here: Targeting Cancer Stem-like Cells with Hyperthermia. JOURNAL OF STEM CELL AND TRANSPLANTATION BIOLOGY 2017; 2:113. [PMID: 30542674 PMCID: PMC6287629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem-like cells (CSCs) are a subset of cancer cells that are resistant to conventional radiotherapy and chemotherapy. As such, CSCs have been recognized as playing a large role in tumor initiation and recurrence. Although hyperthermia is broadly used in cancer treatment either alone or in combination with radio- or chemo-therapy, its potential to target CSCs is not well understood. In this review, we discuss different types of hyperthermia and potential mechanisms of action in cancer treatment, particularly in regards to killing CSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haidong Huang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NE30, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Kevin Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NE30, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Alireza Mohammadi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Rose Ella Burckhardt Brain tumor and Neuro-oncology Center, Neurological Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, CA51, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA,Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, CA51, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA
| | - Efstathios Karanthanasis
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, 1900 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, OH 44106, USA
| | - Andrew Godley
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, CA50, OH 44195, USA
| | - Jennifer S. Yu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, NE30, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA,Burkhardt Brain Tumor and Neuro-Oncology Center, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, CA51, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA,Department of Radiation Oncology, Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, Cleveland, CA50, OH 44195, USA,Corresponding Author: Jennifer S. Yu, Department of Radiation Oncology, Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Cleveland Clinic, 9500 Euclid Avenue, CA50, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA, Tel: 216-445-9799; Fax: 216-445-1068,
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27
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Akrap N, Andersson D, Bom E, Gregersson P, Ståhlberg A, Landberg G. Identification of Distinct Breast Cancer Stem Cell Populations Based on Single-Cell Analyses of Functionally Enriched Stem and Progenitor Pools. Stem Cell Reports 2016; 6:121-36. [PMID: 26771357 PMCID: PMC4719187 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2015.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Revised: 12/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/07/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of breast cancer cell subpopulations featuring truly malignant stem cell qualities is a challenge due to the complexity of the disease and lack of general markers. By combining extensive single-cell gene expression profiling with three functional strategies for cancer stem cell enrichment including anchorage-independent culture, hypoxia, and analyses of low-proliferative, label-retaining cells derived from mammospheres, we identified distinct stem cell clusters in breast cancer. Estrogen receptor (ER)α+ tumors featured a clear hierarchical organization with switch-like and gradual transitions between different clusters, illustrating how breast cancer cells transfer between discrete differentiation states in a sequential manner. ERα− breast cancer showed less prominent clustering but shared a quiescent cancer stem cell pool with ERα+ cancer. The cellular organization model was supported by single-cell data from primary tumors. The findings allow us to understand the organization of breast cancers at the single-cell level, thereby permitting better identification and targeting of cancer stem cells. ERα+ and ERα− breast cancer stem cells share a quiescent cancer stem cell pool Single-cell analysis identified distinct cancer stem cell populations in breast cancer Identified ERα+ breast cancer cell populations were hierarchically organized Switch-like and gradual transitions exist between ERα+ stem and progenitor pools
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina Akrap
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Daniel Andersson
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Eva Bom
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Pernilla Gregersson
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Anders Ståhlberg
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Göran Landberg
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Biomedicine, Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, 40530 Gothenburg, Sweden.
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Distinct breast cancer stem/progenitor cell populations require either HIF1α or loss of PHD3 to expand under hypoxic conditions. Oncotarget 2016; 6:31721-39. [PMID: 26372732 PMCID: PMC4741635 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2015] [Accepted: 08/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The heterogeneous nature of breast cancer is a result of intrinsic tumor complexity and also of the tumor microenvironment, which is known to be hypoxic. We found that hypoxia expands different breast stem/progenitor cell populations (cells with increased aldehyde dehydrogenase activity (Aldefluor+), high mammosphere formation capacity and CD44+CD24−/low cells) both in primary normal epithelial and tumor cells. The presence of the estrogen receptor (ER) limits hypoxia-dependent CD44+CD24−/low cell expansion. We further show that the hypoxia-driven cancer stem-like cell enrichment results from a dedifferentiation process. The enhanced mammosphere formation and Aldefluor+ cell content observed in breast cancer cells relies on hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF1α). In contrast, the CD44+CD24−/low population expansion is HIF1α independent and requires prolyl hydroxylase 3 (PHD3) downregulation, which mimics hypoxic conditions, leading to reduced CD24 expression through activation of NFkB signaling. These studies show that hypoxic conditions expand CSC populations through distinct molecular mechanisms. Thus, potential therapies that combine current treatments for breast cancer with drugs that target CSC should take into account the heterogeneity of the CSC subpopulations.
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Zhao C, He J, Cheng H, Zhu Z, Xu H. Enhanced therapeutic effect of an antiangiogenesis peptide on lung cancer in vivo combined with salmonella VNP20009 carrying a Sox2 shRNA construct. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2016; 35:107. [PMID: 27371094 PMCID: PMC4930618 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0381-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Accepted: 06/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND HM-3 is a polypeptide inhibiting angiogenesis. Recent reports suggest that the antitumor effect of angiogenesis inhibitors administered alone might be limited. Cancer stem cells can survive the lack of oxygen and nutrients. To achieve better anti-tumor effect, HM-3 was administered in combination with the attenuated Salmonella typhimurium VNP20009 transformed with a shRNA construct against sex determining region Y-box 2 (Sox2). METHODS Cell invasion assay and soft agar colony formation assay were used to assess the migration and growth capability of A549 cells once Sox2 was knocked down with the shRNA construct. The shRNA construct targeting Sox2 was transformed into VNP20009. After the mouse xenograft model of A549 was established, HM-3 was co-administered with VNP20009 carrying the shRNA construct. The growth of tumor was checked to compare the effectiveness of different therapies. Western blotting assay and immunohistochemistry staining of the tumor tissue were used to measure the levels of proteins associated with the apoptosis pathway. RESULTS Sox2 was necessary for the migration and growth of A549 cells. The expression of Sox2 was down regulated in the tumor tissue of the combined treatment group of HM-3 with VNP20009 carrying the Sox2 shRNA construct. Together with the accumulation of salmonella in tumor and the inhibition of angiogenesis by HM-3, more tumor cells went through cell apoptosis with increased expression of Bax, cleaved Caspase 3 and decreased expression of Bcl2. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest the combination of antiangiogenesis agent HM-3 with gene therapy targeting Sox2 delivered by salmonella as a promising strategy for the treatment of lung cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changhong Zhao
- />The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
| | - Junjin He
- />The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
| | - Haoran Cheng
- />The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
| | - Zhaohao Zhu
- />The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
| | - Hanmei Xu
- />The Engineering Research Center of Peptide Drug Discovery and Development, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
- />State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Ministry of Education, China Pharmaceutical University, 24 Tongjia Xiang, Nanjing, 210009 People’s Republic of China
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Abstract
Chemoresistant metastatic relapse of minimal residual disease plays a significant role for poor prognosis of cancer. Growing evidence supports a critical role of cancer stem cell (CSC) behind the mechanisms for this deadly disease. This review briefly introduces the basics of the conventional chemotherapies, updates the CSC theories, highlights the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which CSC smartly designs and utilizes multiple lines of self-defense to avoid being killed by chemotherapy, and concisely summarizes recent progress in studies on CSC-targeted therapies in the end, with the hope to help guide future research toward developing more effective therapeutic strategies to eradicate tumor cells in the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jihe Zhao
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Central Florida College of Medicine, 6900 Lake Nona Boulevard, Orlando, FL 32827, USA.
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Brugnoli F, Grassilli S, Al-Qassab Y, Capitani S, Bertagnolo V. PLC-β2 is modulated by low oxygen availability in breast tumor cells and plays a phenotype dependent role in their hypoxia-related malignant potential. Mol Carcinog 2016; 55:2210-2221. [DOI: 10.1002/mc.22462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 01/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Federica Brugnoli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - Silvia Grassilli
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - Yasamin Al-Qassab
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine; University of Baghdad; Baghdad Iraq
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
- LTTA Centre; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - Valeria Bertagnolo
- Section of Anatomy and Histology, Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
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A Role for Notch Signalling in Breast Cancer and Endocrine Resistance. Stem Cells Int 2016; 2016:2498764. [PMID: 26880941 PMCID: PMC4736972 DOI: 10.1155/2016/2498764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the past decade, there has been growing interest in the Notch signalling pathway within the breast cancer field. This interest stemmed initially from the observation that Notch signalling is aberrantly activated in breast cancer and its effects on various cellular processes including proliferation, apoptosis, and cancer stem cell activity. However more recently, elevated Notch signalling has been correlated with therapy resistance in oestrogen receptor-positive breast cancer. As a result, inhibiting Notch signalling with therapeutic agents is being explored as a promising treatment option for breast cancer patients.
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33
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French R, Hayward O, Jones S, Yang W, Clarkson R. Cytoplasmic levels of cFLIP determine a broad susceptibility of breast cancer stem/progenitor-like cells to TRAIL. Mol Cancer 2015; 14:209. [PMID: 26667821 PMCID: PMC4678708 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-015-0478-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 12/03/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The clinical application of TRAIL receptor agonists as a novel cancer therapy has been tempered by heterogeneity in tumour responses. This is illustrated in breast cancer, where TRAIL is cytotoxic in cell lines of mesenchymal origin but refractory in lines with an epithelial-like phenotype. However, it is now evident that intra-tumour heterogeneity includes a minority subpopulation of tumour-initiating stem/progenitor-like cells (CSCs) that possess mesenchymal characteristics. We hypothesised therefore that TRAIL may target these phenotypically distinct CSC-like cells that are common to most - if not all - breast cancers, thus impacting on the source of malignancy in a much broader range of breast tumour subtypes than previously envisaged. Methods We used colony formation, tumoursphere, flow cytometry and xenograft tumour initiation assays to observe the TRAIL sensitivity of CSC-like cells in a panel of two mesenchymal-like (TRAIL-sensitive) and four epithelial-like (TRAIL-resistant) breast cancer cell lines. Subcellular levels of the endogenous TRAIL inhibitor, cFLIP, were determined by western blot and immunofluorescence microscopy. The effect of the subcellular redistribution of cFLIP on TRAIL sensitivity and Wnt signalling was determined using cFLIP localisation mutants and the TOPFlash reporter assay respectively. Results TRAIL universally suppressed the clonal expansion of stem/progenitors in all six of the breast cancer cell lines tested, irrespective of their phenotype or overall sensitivity to TRAIL. A concomitant reduction in tumour initiation was confirmed in the TRAIL-resistant epithelial cell line, MCF-7, following serial dilution xenotransplantation. Furthermore TRAIL sensitivity of breast CSCs was inversely proportional to the relative cytoplasmic levels of cFLIP while overexpression of cFLIP in the cytosol using subcellular localization mutants of cFLIP protected these cells from cytotoxicity. The accumulation of nuclear cFLIP on the other hand did not influence TRAIL cytotoxicity but instead promoted Wnt-dependent signalling. Conclusion These data propose a novel role for TRAIL as a selective CSC agent with a broad specificity for both epithelial and mesenchymal breast tumour subtypes. Furthermore we identify a dual role for cFLIP in the maintenance of breast CSC viability, dependent upon its subcellular distribution. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12943-015-0478-y) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rhiannon French
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Olivia Hayward
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Samuel Jones
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - William Yang
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
| | - Richard Clarkson
- European Cancer Stem Cell Research Institute Cardiff University School of Biosciences, Haydn Ellis Building, Maindy Road, Cardiff, CF24 4HQ, UK.
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Apostoli AJ, Ailles L. Clonal evolution and tumor-initiating cells: New dimensions in cancer patient treatment. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2015; 53:40-51. [PMID: 26397062 DOI: 10.3109/10408363.2015.1083944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Human cancer is not a uniform disease but a plethora of disparate tumor types and subtypes. The differences that exist between individual tumors (intertumoral heterogeneity) present a significant roadblock to the eradication of cancer. It has also become increasingly clear that variations across individual tumors (intratumoral heterogeneity) have important implications to cancer progression and treatment efficacy. Therefore, in order to improve patient care and develop novel chemotherapeutics, the evolving tumor landscape needs to be further explored. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) technologies are revolutionizing the cancer research arena by providing state-of-the-art, high-speed methods of genome sequencing at single-nucleotide resolution, thus enabling an unprecedented detection of tumor-specific genetic abnormalities. These anomalies can be quantified to reveal specific frequencies of DNA alterations that correspond to distinct clonal populations within a given tumor. As such, NGS approaches have also been utilized to explore the heterogeneous landscape of patient tumors as well as to match metastatic and/or recurrent growths and patient-derived engrafts. By sequencing in this manner--through time so to speak--cancer researchers can track shifting clonal populations, make important inferences about tumor evolution and potentially identify tumor subclones that could be viably targeted. This exciting new territory has important implications for the competing clonal evolution and cancer stem cell models of tumor heterogeneity, and also offers a new dimension for cancer treatment and profound hope for patients in the coming years.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony J Apostoli
- a Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada and
| | - Laurie Ailles
- a Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network , Toronto , Ontario , Canada and.,b Department of Medical Biophysics , University of Toronto , Toronto , Ontario , Canada
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McCubrey JA, Davis NM, Abrams SL, Montalto G, Cervello M, Libra M, Nicoletti F, D'Assoro AB, Cocco L, Martelli AM, Steelman LS. Targeting breast cancer initiating cells: advances in breast cancer research and therapy. Adv Biol Regul 2014; 56:81-107. [PMID: 24913694 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2014.05.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2014] [Accepted: 05/06/2014] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Over the past 10 years there have been significant advances in our understanding of breast cancer and the important roles that breast cancer initiating cells (CICs) play in the development and resistance of breast cancer. Breast CICs endowed with self-renewing and tumor-initiating capacities are believed to be responsible for the relapses which often occur after various breast cancer therapies. In this review, we will summarize some of the key developments in breast CICs which will include discussion of some of the key genes implicated: estrogen receptor (ER), HER2, BRCA1, TP53, PIK3CA, RB, P16INK1 and various miRs as well some drugs which are showing promise in targeting CICs. In addition, the concept of combined therapies will be discussed. Basic and clinical research is resulting in novel approaches to improve breast cancer therapy by targeting the breast CICs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
| | - Nicole M Davis
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Stephen L Abrams
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Biomedical Department of Internal Medicine and Specialties, University of Palermo, Palermo, Italy; Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Melchiorre Cervello
- Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Istituto di Biomedicina e Immunologia Molecolare "Alberto Monroy", Palermo, Italy
| | - Massimo Libra
- Department of Bio-Medical Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | | | - Antonino B D'Assoro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Mayo Clinic Cancer Center, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Linda S Steelman
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Brody Building 5N98C, Greenville, NC 27858, USA
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Liu Y, Lv DL, Duan JJ, Xu SL, Zhang JF, Yang XJ, Zhang X, Cui YH, Bian XW, Yu SC. ALDH1A1 expression correlates with clinicopathologic features and poor prognosis of breast cancer patients: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Cancer 2014; 14:444. [PMID: 24938375 PMCID: PMC4070403 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-14-444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2013] [Accepted: 06/06/2014] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aldehyde dehydrogenase 1 family member A1 (ALDH1A1) has been identified as a putative cancer stem cell (CSC) marker in breast cancer. However, the clinicopathological and prognostic significance of this protein in breast cancer patients remains controversial. METHODS This meta-analysis was conducted to address the above issues using 15 publications covering 921 ALDH1A1(+) cases and 2353 controls. The overall and subcategory analyses were performed to detect the association between ALDH1A1 expression and clinicopathological/prognostic parameters in breast cancer patients. RESULTS The overall analysis showed that higher expression of ALDH1A1 is associated with larger tumor size, higher histological grade, greater possibility of lymph node metastasis (LNM), higher level expression of epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), and lower level expression of estrogen receptor (ER)/progesterone receptor (PR). The prognosis of breast cancer patients with ALDH1A1(+) tumors was poorer than that of the ALDH1A1(-) patients. Although the relationships between ALDH1A1 expression and some clinicopathological parameters (tumor size, LNM, and the expression of HER2) was not definitive to some degree when we performed a subcategory analysis, the predictive values of ALDH1A1 expression for histological grade and survival of breast cancer patients were significant regardless of the different cutoff values of ALDH1A1 expression, the different districts where the patients were located, the different clinical stages of the patients, the difference in antibodies used in the studies, and the surgery status. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that ALDH1A1 is a biomarker to predict tumor progression and poor survival of breast cancer patients. This marker should be taken into consideration in the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic program for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Xiu-wu Bian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China.
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Chinchar E, Makey KL, Gibson J, Chen F, Cole SA, Megason GC, Vijayakumar S, Miele L, Gu JW. Sunitinib significantly suppresses the proliferation, migration, apoptosis resistance, tumor angiogenesis and growth of triple-negative breast cancers but increases breast cancer stem cells. Vasc Cell 2014; 6:12. [PMID: 24914410 PMCID: PMC4049452 DOI: 10.1186/2045-824x-6-12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2014] [Accepted: 05/02/2014] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of triple-negative breast cancers (TNBCs) are basal-like breast cancers. However there is no reported study on anti-tumor effects of sunitinib in xenografts of basal-like TNBC (MDA-MB-468) cells. In the present study, MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-468, MCF-7 cells were cultured using RPMI 1640 media with 10% FBS. Vascular endothelia growth factor (VEGF) protein levels were detected using ELISA (R & D Systams). MDA-MB-468 cells were exposed to sunitinib for 18 hours for measuring proliferation (3H-thymidine incorporation), migration (BD Invasion Chamber), and apoptosis (ApopTag and ApoScreen Anuexin V Kit). The effect of sunitinib on Notch-1 expression was determined by Western blot in cultured MDA-MB-468 cells. 106 MDA-MB-468 cells were inoculated into the left fourth mammary gland fat pad in athymic nude-foxn1 mice. When the tumor volume reached 100 mm3, sunitinib was given by gavage at 80 mg/kg/2 days for 4 weeks. Tumor angiogenesis was determined by CD31 immunohistochemistry. Breast cancer stem cells (CSCs) isolated from the tumors were determined by flow cytometry analysis using CD44+/CD24- or low. ELISA indicated that VEGF was much more highly expressed in MDA-MB-468 cells than MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells. Sunitinib significantly inhibited the proliferation, invasion, and apoptosis resistance in cultured basal like breast cancer cells. Sunitinib significantly increased the expression of Notch-1 protein in cultured MDA-MB-468 or MDA-MB-231 cells. The xenograft models showed that oral sunitinib significantly reduced the tumor volume of TNBCs in association with the inhibition of tumor angiogeneisis, but increased breast CSCs. These findings support the hypothesis that the possibility should be considered of sunitinib increasing breast CSCs though it inhibits TNBC tumor angiogenesis and growth/progression, and that effects of sunitinib on Notch expression and hypoxia may increase breast cancer stem cells. This work provides the groundwork for an innovative therapeutic strategy in TNBC therapy by using sunitinib plus γ-secretase inhibitor to simultaneously target angiogenesis and CSC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Edmund Chinchar
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Kristina L Makey
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - John Gibson
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Fang Chen
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Shelby A Cole
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Gail C Megason
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Children's Cancer Center, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Srinivassan Vijayakumar
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Lucio Miele
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Jian-Wei Gu
- Cancer Institute, University of Mississippi Medical Center, 2500 North State Street, 39216-4505 Jackson, MS, USA ; Department of Physiology & Biophysics, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
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A proposed quantitative index for assessing the potential contribution of reprogramming to cancer stem cell kinetics. Stem Cells Int 2014; 2014:249309. [PMID: 24955094 PMCID: PMC4052692 DOI: 10.1155/2014/249309] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2014] [Revised: 04/17/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is thought to be responsible for glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) recurrence after radiation therapy. Simulation results from our agent-based cellular automata model reveal that the enrichment of CSCs may result either from an increased symmetric self-renewal division rate of CSCs or a reprogramming of non-stem cancer cells (CCs) to a stem cell state. Based on plateau-to-peak ratio of the CSC fraction in the tumor following radiation, a downward trend from peak to subsequent plateau (i.e., a plateau-to-peak ratio exceeding 1.0) was found to be inconsistent with increased symmetric division alone and favors instead a strong reprogramming component. The two contributions together are seen to be the product of a dynamic equilibrium between CSCs and CCs that is highly regulated by the kinetics of single cells, including the potential for CCs to reacquire a stem cell state and confer phenotypic plasticity to the population as a whole. We conclude that tumor malignancy can be gauged by a degree of cancer cell plasticity.
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Crowder SW, Balikov DA, Hwang YS, Sung HJ. Cancer Stem Cells under Hypoxia as a Chemoresistance Factor in Breast and Brain. CURRENT PATHOBIOLOGY REPORTS 2014; 2:33-40. [PMID: 24587979 DOI: 10.1007/s40139-013-0035-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Over the last fifteen years, basic science and clinical studies have aimed to identify cancer stem cells (CSCs) in multiple types of cancer in order to unravel their mechanistic roles in cancer recurrence for therapeutic exploitation. Exposure of cells and tissues to hypoxia, or sub-atmospheric concentrations of oxygen (< 21% O2), stimulates various stress response pathways that bias the cells towards a self-preserving, anti-apoptotic phenotype. Despite major advances in our understanding of hypoxia, CSCs, and their interrelated nature, some of the most promising cancer therapies have shown limited efficacy in clinic for the past few years, in part due to the inherently hypoxic nature of growing tumors. In the present article, we discuss recent findings regarding the behavior of breast and brain CSCs under hypoxia, as well as the mechanisms that have been shown to drive their chemo-/radioresistance and metastatic potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spencer W Crowder
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA ; Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Daniel A Balikov
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA ; Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Yu-Shik Hwang
- Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hak-Joon Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA ; Center for Stem Cell Biology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA ; Department of Maxillofacial Biomedical Engineering, School of Dentistry, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea
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Leverentz MK, Acar A, Brennan K. Notch: evidence for combining therapies to treat breast cancer. BREAST CANCER MANAGEMENT 2013. [DOI: 10.2217/bmt.13.51] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
SUMMARY The Notch signaling pathway has been shown to play a pivotal role in the etiology of breast cancer, as it is aberrantly activated in many forms of the disease, and sustained signaling through the pathway is required to maintain the transformed phenotype. These discoveries have resulted in significant interest in targeting the pathway in breast cancer treatment. Over the past decade, several Notch pathway inhibitors have entered the initial stages of clinical trials as monotherapies. However, recent data have suggested that Notch pathway inhibitors are most effective when used in combination with conventional breast cancer therapies. This review will explore the role of Notch signaling in breast cancer and how inhibition of this pathway in concert with conventional therapies is developing as a viable treatment option.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael K Leverentz
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
| | - Keith Brennan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Manchester, Michael Smith Building, Oxford Road, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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41
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Liang K, Qiu S, Lu Y, Fan Z. Autocrine/paracrine erythropoietin regulates migration and invasion potential and the stemness of human breast cancer cells. Cancer Biol Ther 2013; 15:89-98. [PMID: 24100272 DOI: 10.4161/cbt.26717] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent studies suggest that erythropoietin (EPO) has pleiotropic effects in several cell types in addition to hematopoietic cells; however, the role of EPO-mediated cell signaling in nonhematopoietic cells, including in cancer cells, remains controversial. Here, we report our findings of autocrine/paracrine production of EPO by breast cancer cells and its functional significance. We detected a significant level of autocrine/paracrine EPO in the conditioned medium from the culture of SKBR3 breast cancer cells, particularly when the cells were cultured in hypoxia. Through knockdown of EPO and EPO receptor expression and experimental elevation of EPO receptor expression in SKBR3 breast cancer cells, we demonstrated novel roles of autocrine/paracrine EPO-mediated cell signaling in regulating migration and invasion potential and stemness-like properties of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Liang
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX USA
| | - Songbo Qiu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX USA
| | - Yang Lu
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX USA
| | - Zhen Fan
- Department of Experimental Therapeutics; The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center; Houston, TX USA
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Abstract
The maintenance and repair of many adult tissues are ensured by stem cells (SCs), which reside at the top of the cellular hierarchy of these tissues. Functional assays, such as in vitro clonogenic assays, transplantation and in vivo lineage tracing, have been used to assess the renewing and differentiation potential of normal SCs. Similar strategies have suggested that solid tumours may also be hierarchically organized and contain cancer SCs (CSCs) that sustain tumour growth and relapse after therapy. In this Opinion article, we discuss the different parallels that can be drawn between adult SCs and CSCs in solid tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
- Benjamin Beck
- Institut de Recherche Interdisciplinaire en Biologie Humaine et Moléculaire (IRIBHM), Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), 808 route de Lennik, 1070 Brussels, Belgium
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Storci G, Bertoni S, De Carolis S, Papi A, Nati M, Ceccarelli C, Pirazzini C, Garagnani P, Ferrarini A, Buson G, Delledonne M, Fiorentino M, Capizzi E, Gruppioni E, Taffurelli M, Santini D, Franceschi C, Bandini G, Bonifazi F, Bonafé M. Slug/β-catenin-dependent proinflammatory phenotype in hypoxic breast cancer stem cells. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2013; 183:1688-1697. [PMID: 24036252 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajpath.2013.07.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2013] [Revised: 06/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Cancer stem cell survival relies on the activation of inflammatory pathways, which is speculatively triggered by cell autonomous mechanisms or by microenvironmental stimuli. Here, we observed that hypoxic bone marrow stroma-derived transforming growth factor-β 1 promotes the growth of human breast cancer stem cells as mammospheres. The ensuing Slug-dependent serine 139 phosphorylation of the DNA damage sensor H2AX in breast cancer stem cells induces tumor necrosis factor-α and IL-8 mRNAs, whose stability is enhanced by cytoplasmic β-catenin. β-Catenin also up-regulates and binds miR-221, reducing the stability of the miR-221 targets Rad51 and ERα mRNAs. Our data show that the Slug/β-catenin-dependent activation of DNA damage signaling triggered by the hypoxic microenvironment sustains the proinflammatory phenotype of breast cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gianluca Storci
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Sara Bertoni
- Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sabrina De Carolis
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alessio Papi
- Department of Biological, Geological and Environmental Sciences, Functional Genomics Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marina Nati
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Chiara Pirazzini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Paolo Garagnani
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto Ferrarini
- Department of Biotechnologies, Functional Genomics Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Genny Buson
- Department of Biotechnologies, Functional Genomics Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Massimo Delledonne
- Department of Biotechnologies, Functional Genomics Center, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Michelangelo Fiorentino
- Pathology Unit, Addarii Institute of Oncology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Capizzi
- Pathology Unit, Addarii Institute of Oncology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Gruppioni
- Pathology Unit, Addarii Institute of Oncology, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Taffurelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Santini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Franceschi
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Bandini
- Institute of Haematology "L & A Seragnoli", St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Francesca Bonifazi
- Institute of Haematology "L & A Seragnoli", St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafé
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy; Center for Applied Biomedical Research, St. Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy.
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Harrison H, Simões BM, Rogerson L, Howell SJ, Landberg G, Clarke RB. Oestrogen increases the activity of oestrogen receptor negative breast cancer stem cells through paracrine EGFR and Notch signalling. Breast Cancer Res 2013; 15:R21. [PMID: 23497505 PMCID: PMC3672803 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2012] [Accepted: 03/05/2013] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Although oestrogen is essential for the development of the normal breast, adult mammary stem cells are known to be oestrogen receptor alpha (ER) negative and rely on paracrine signals in the mammary epithelium for mediation of developmental cues. However, little is known about how systemic oestrogen regulates breast cancer stem cell (CSC) activity. Methods Here, we tested the effects of oestrogen on CSC activity in vitro and in vivo and investigated which paracrine signalling pathways locally mediate oestrogen effects. Results CSC-enriched populations (ESA+CD44+CD24low) sorted from ER positive patient derived and established cell lines have low or absent ER expression. However, oestrogen stimulated CSC activity demonstrated by increased mammosphere and holoclone formation in vitro and tumour formation in vivo. This effect was abrogated by the anti-oestrogen tamoxifen or ER siRNA. These data suggest that the oestrogen response is mediated through paracrine signalling from non-CSCs to CSCs. We have, therefore, investigated both epidermal growth factor (EGF) and Notch receptor signals downstream of oestrogen. We demonstrate that gefitinib (epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor) and gamma secretase inhibitors (Notch inhibitor) block oestrogen-induced CSC activity in vitro and in vivo but GSIs more efficiently reduce CSC frequency. Conclusions These data establish that EGF and Notch receptor signalling pathways operate downstream of oestrogen in the regulation of ER negative CSCs.
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Papi A, Guarnieri T, Storci G, Santini D, Ceccarelli C, Taffurelli M, De Carolis S, Avenia N, Sanguinetti A, Sidoni A, Orlandi M, Bonafé M. Nuclear receptors agonists exert opposing effects on the inflammation dependent survival of breast cancer stem cells. Cell Death Differ 2012; 229:1595-606. [PMID: 22261616 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2013] [Accepted: 03/03/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent literature highlights the importance of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the biology of breast cancer stem cells (CSCs), unraveling differences with respect to their normal counterparts. Expansion of mammospheres (MS) is a valuable tool for the in vitro study of normal and cancer mammary gland stem cells. Here, we expanded MSs from human breast cancer and normal mammary gland tissues, as well from tumorigenic (MCF7) and non-tumorigenic (MCF10) breast cell lines. We observed that agonists for the retinoid X receptor (6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene), retinoic acid receptor (all-trans retinoic acid (RA)) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ (pioglitazone (PGZ)), reduce the survival of MS generated from breast cancer tissues and MCF7 cells, but not from normal mammary gland or MCF10 cells. This phenomenon is paralleled by the hampering of pro-inflammatory Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB)/Interleukin-6 (IL6) axis that is hyperactive in breast cancer-derived MS. The hindrance of such pathway associates with the downregulation of MS regulatory genes (SLUG, Notch3, Jagged1) and with the upregulation of the differentiation markers estrogen receptor-α and keratin18. At variance, the PPARα agonist Wy14643 promotes MS formation, upregulating NF-κB/IL6 axis and MS regulatory genes. These data reveal that nuclear receptors agonists (6-OH-11-O-hydroxyphenanthrene, RA, PGZ) reduce the inflammation dependent survival of breast CSCs and that PPARα agonist Wy14643 exerts opposite effects on this phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Papi
- Department of Evolutionary Experimental Biology, University of Bologna, Italy
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