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Martínez-Pena I, Hurtado P, Carmona-Ule N, Abuín C, Dávila-Ibáñez AB, Sánchez L, Abal M, Chaachou A, Hernández-Losa J, Cajal SRY, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Dissecting Breast Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells Competence via Modelling Metastasis in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179279. [PMID: 34502201 PMCID: PMC8431683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer metastasis is a deathly process, and a better understanding of the different steps is needed. The shedding of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC-cluster from the primary tumor, its survival in circulation, and homing are key events of the metastasis cascade. In vitro models of CTCs and in vivo models of metastasis represent an excellent opportunity to delve into the behavior of metastatic cells, to gain understanding on how secondary tumors appear. METHODS Using the zebrafish embryo, in combination with the mouse and in vitro assays, as an in vivo model of the spatiotemporal development of metastases, we study the metastatic competency of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters and the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS CTC-clusters disseminated at a lower frequency than single CTCs in the zebrafish and showed a reduced capacity to invade. A temporal follow-up of the behavior of disseminated CTCs showed a higher survival and proliferation capacity of CTC-clusters, supported by their increased resistance to fluid shear stress. These data were corroborated in mouse studies. In addition, a differential gene signature was observed, with CTC-clusters upregulating cell cycle and stemness related genes. CONCLUSIONS The zebrafish embryo is a valuable model system to understand the biology of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
| | - Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Nuria Carmona-Ule
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Ana Belén Dávila-Ibáñez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Miguel Abal
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, CIBERONC, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Anas Chaachou
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Javier Hernández-Losa
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, CIBERONC, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-602
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Campenni M, May AN, Boddy A, Harris V, Nedelcu AM. Agent-based modelling reveals strategies to reduce the fitness and metastatic potential of circulating tumour cell clusters. Evol Appl 2020; 13:1635-1650. [PMID: 32821275 PMCID: PMC7428819 DOI: 10.1111/eva.12943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2019] [Revised: 02/14/2020] [Accepted: 02/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis-the ability of cancer cells to disperse throughout the body and establish new tumours at distant locations-is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. Although both single and clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have been isolated from cancer patients, CTC clusters are generally associated with higher metastatic potential and worse prognosis. From an evolutionary perspective, being part of a cluster can provide cells with several benefits both in terms of survival (e.g. protection) and reproduction (group dispersal). Thus, strategies aimed at inducing cluster dissociation could decrease the metastatic potential of CTCs. However, finding agents or conditions that induce the dissociation of CTC clusters is hampered by the fact that their detection, isolation and propagation remain challenging. Here, we used a mechanistic agent-based model to (a) investigate the response of CTC clusters of various sizes and densities to different challenges-in terms of cell survival and cluster stability, and (b) make predictions as to the combination of factors and parameter values that could decrease the fitness and metastatic potential of CTC clusters. Our model shows that the resilience and stability of CTC clusters are dependent on both their size and density. Also, CTC clusters of distinct sizes and densities respond differently to changes in resource availability, with high-density clusters being least affected. In terms of responses to microenvironmental threats (such as drugs), increasing their intensity is, generally, least effective on high-density clusters. Lastly, we found that combining various levels of resource availability and threat intensity can be more effective at decreasing the survival of CTC clusters than each factor alone. We suggest that the complex effects that cluster density and size showed on both the resilience and stability of the CTC clusters are likely to have significant consequences for their metastatic potential and responses to therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Campenni
- BiosciencesUniversity of ExeterPenrynUK
- Department of PsychologyArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Alexander N. May
- Research Casting InternationalQuinte WestONCanada
- Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
| | - Amy Boddy
- Biodesign InstituteArizona State UniversityTempeAZUSA
- Department of AnthropologyUniversity of California Santa BarbaraSanta BarbaraCAUSA
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Relevance of CTC Clusters in Breast Cancer Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1220:93-115. [PMID: 32304082 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35805-1_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of mortality in patients with breast cancer; however, the mechanisms of tumor cell dissemination and metastasis formation are not well established yet. The study of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), the metastatic precursors of distant disease, may help in this search. CTCs can be found in the blood of cancer patients as single cells or as tumor cell aggregates, known as CTC clusters. CTC clusters have differential biological features such as an enhanced survival and metastatic potential, and they hold great promises for the evaluation of prognosis, diagnosis and therapy of the metastatic cancer. The analysis of CTC clusters offers new insights into the mechanism of metastasis and can guide towards the development of new diagnostic and therapeutic strategies to suppress cancer metastasis. This has become possible thanks to the development of improved technologies for detection of CTCs and CTC clusters. However, more efficient methods are needed in order to address important questions regarding the metastatic potential of CTC and future clinical applications. In this chapter, we explore the current knowledge on the role of CTC clusters in breast cancer metastasis, their origin, metastatic advantages and clinical importance.
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Au SH, Edd J, Haber DA, Maheswaran S, Stott SL, Toner M. Clusters of Circulating Tumor Cells: a Biophysical and Technological Perspective. CURRENT OPINION IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2017; 3:13-19. [PMID: 29226271 DOI: 10.1016/j.cobme.2017.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The vast majority of cancer associated deaths result from metastasis, yet the behaviors of its most potent cellular driver, circulating tumor cell clusters, are only beginning to be revealed. This review highlights recent advances to our understanding of tumor cell clusters with emphasis on enabling technologies. The importance of intercellular adhesions among cells in clusters have begun to be unraveled with the aid of promising microfluidic strategies for isolating clusters from patient blood. Due to their metastatic potency, the utility of circulating tumor cell clusters for cancer diagnosis, drug screening, precision oncology and as targets of antimetastatic therapeutics are being explored. The continued development of tools for exploring circulating tumor cell clusters will enhance our fundamental understanding of the metastatic process and may be instrumental in devising new strategies to suppress and eliminate metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam H Au
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK SW7 2AZ
| | - Jon Edd
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Daniel A Haber
- Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Bethesda, MD, 20815
| | - Shyamala Maheswaran
- Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129
| | - Shannon L Stott
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Massachusetts General Hospital Center for Cancer Research, Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129.,Department of Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114
| | - Mehmet Toner
- Center for Engineering in Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Department of Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114.,Shriners Hospital for Children, Boston, MA, 02114
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