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Piperigkou Z, Koutsandreas A, Franchi M, Zolota V, Kletsas D, Passi A, Karamanos NK. ESR2 Drives Mesenchymal-to-Epithelial Transition in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Tumorigenesis In Vivo. Front Oncol 2022; 12:917633. [PMID: 35719919 PMCID: PMC9203970 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.917633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Estrogen receptors (ERs) have pivotal roles in the development and progression of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Interactions among cancer cells and tumor microenvironment are orchestrated by the extracellular matrix that is rapidly emerging as prominent contributor of fundamental processes of breast cancer progression. Early studies have correlated ERβ expression in tumor sites with a more aggressive clinical outcome, however ERβ exact role in the progression of TNBC remains to be elucidated. Herein, we introduce the functional role of ERβ suppression following isolation of monoclonal cell populations of MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells transfected with shRNA against human ESR2 that permanently resulted in 90% reduction of ERβ mRNA and protein levels. Further, we demonstrate that clone selection results in strongly reduced levels of the aggressive functional properties of MDA-MB-231 cells, by transforming their morphological characteristics, eliminating the mesenchymal-like traits of triple-negative breast cancer cells. Monoclonal populations of shERβ MDA-MB-231 cells undergo universal matrix reorganization and pass on a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition state. These striking changes are encompassed by the total prevention of tumorigenesis in vivo following ERβ maximum suppression and isolation of monoclonal cell populations in TNBC cells. We propose that these novel findings highlight the promising role of ERβ targeting in future pharmaceutical approaches for managing the metastatic dynamics of TNBC breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
| | - Anastasios Koutsandreas
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Study, University of Bologna, Rimini, Italy
| | - Vasiliki Zolota
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, Patras, Greece
| | - Dimitrios Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biology, National Centre for Scientific Research (N.C.S.R). "Demokritos", Athens, Greece
| | - Alberto Passi
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Insubria, Varese, Italy
| | - Nikos K Karamanos
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis and Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, Patras, Greece.,Foundation for Research and Technology-Hellas (FORTH)/Institute of Chemical Engineering Sciences (ICE-HT), Patras, Greece
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2
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Hirway SU, Weinberg SH. A review of computational modeling, machine learning and image analysis in cancer metastasis dynamics. COMPUTATIONAL AND SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/cso2.1044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shreyas U. Hirway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
| | - Seth H. Weinberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering The Ohio State University Columbus Ohio USA
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3
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Multicellular mechanochemical hybrid cellular Potts model of tissue formation during epithelial‐mesenchymal transition. COMPUTATIONAL AND SYSTEMS ONCOLOGY 2021. [DOI: 10.1002/cso2.1031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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4
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Franchi M, Piperigkou Z, Karamanos KA, Franchi L, Masola V. Extracellular Matrix-Mediated Breast Cancer Cells Morphological Alterations, Invasiveness, and Microvesicles/Exosomes Release. Cells 2020; 9:E2031. [PMID: 32899718 PMCID: PMC7564980 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 09/01/2020] [Accepted: 09/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a leading disease in women. Several studies are focused to evaluate the critical role of extracellular matrix (ECM) in various biochemical and molecular aspects but also in terms of its effect on cancer cell morphology and therefore on cancer cell invasion and metastatic potential. ECM fibrillar components, such as collagen and fibronectin, affect cell behavior and properties of mammary cancer cells. The aim of this study was to investigate using the scanning electron microscopy (SEM) how the highly invasive MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells, interplaying with ECM substrates during cell migration/invasion, modify their morphological characteristics and cytoplasmic processes in relation to their invasive potential. In particular we reproduced and analyzed how natural structural barriers to cancer cell invasion, such as the basement membrane (Matrigel) and fibrillar components of dermis (fibronectin as well as the different concentrations/array of type I collagen), could induce morphological changes in 3D cultures. Interestingly, we demonstrate that, even with different effects, all collagen concentrations/arrays lead to morphological alterations of breast cancer cells. Intriguingly, the elongated mesenchymal shaped cells were more prominent in 3D cultures with a dense and thick substrate (thick Matrigel, high concentrated collagen network, and densely packed collagen fibers), even though cells with different shape produced and released microvesicles and exosomes as well. It is therefore evident that the peri-tumoral collagen network may act not only as a barrier but also as a dynamic scaffold which stimulates the morphological changes of cancer cells, and modulates tumor development and metastatic potential in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Study, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | - Zoi Piperigkou
- Biochemistry, Biochemical Analysis & Matrix Pathobiology Research Group, Laboratory of Biochemistry, Department of Chemistry, University of Patras, 26504 Patras, Greece;
| | | | - Leonardo Franchi
- Department of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40100 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Valentina Masola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35129 Padova, Italy;
- Renal Unit, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy
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5
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Cortesi M, Liverani C, Mercatali L, Ibrahim T, Giordano E. Computational models to explore the complexity of the epithelial to mesenchymal transition in cancer. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2020; 12:e1488. [PMID: 32208556 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Revised: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a complex biological process that plays a key role in cancer progression and metastasis formation. Its activation results in epithelial cells losing adhesion and polarity and becoming capable of migrating from their site of origin. At this step the disease is generally considered incurable. As EMT execution involves several individual molecular components, connected by nontrivial relations, in vitro techniques are often inadequate to capture its complexity. Computational models can be used to complement experiments and provide additional knowledge difficult to build up in a wetlab. Indeed in silico analysis gives the user total control on the system, allowing to identify the contribution of each independent element. In the following, two kinds of approaches to the computational study of EMT will be presented. The first relies on signal transduction networks description and details how changes in gene expression could influence this process, both focusing on specific aspects of the EMT and providing a general frame for this phenomenon easily comparable with experimental data. The second integrates single cell and population level descriptions in a multiscale model that can be considered a more accurate representation of the EMT. The advantages and disadvantages of each approach will be highlighted, together with the importance of coupling computational and experimental results. Finally, the main challenges that need to be addressed to improve our knowledge of the role of EMT in the neoplastic disease and the scientific and translational value of computational models in this respect will be presented. This article is categorized under: Analytical and Computational Methods > Computational Methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy
| | - Chiara Liverani
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology and Rare Tumors Center, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, Meldola, Italy
| | - Emanuele Giordano
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.,BioEngLab, Health Science and Technology, Interdepartmental Center for Industrial Research (HST-CIRI), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Advanced Research Center on Electronic Systems (ARCES), Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Walter C, Davis JT, Mathur J, Pathak A. Physical defects in basement membrane-mimicking collagen-IV matrices trigger cellular EMT and invasion. Integr Biol (Camb) 2019; 10:342-355. [PMID: 29790537 DOI: 10.1039/c8ib00034d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In fibrosis and cancer, degradation of basement membrane (BM) and cell invasion are considered as key outcomes of a cellular transformation called epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here, we pose a converse question - can preexisting physical defects in the BM matrix cause EMT in normal epithelial cells? On a BM-mimicking matrix of collagen-IV-coated polyacrylamide (PA) gel, we have discovered a reverse phenomenon in which preexisting defects trigger EMT in normal epithelial cells. Through spatiotemporal measurements and simulations in silico, we demonstrate that the EMT precedes cellular mechanoactivation on defective matrices, but they occur concurrently on stiff matrices. The defect-dependent EMT caused cell invasion though a stroma-mimicking collagen-I layer, which could be disabled through MMP9 inhibition. Our findings reveal that the known BM degradation caused by cellular EMT and invasion is not a one-way process. Instead, normal epithelial cells can exploit physical defects in the BM matrix to undergo disease-like cellular transformations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher Walter
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University, St. Louis, USA
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7
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Scattering of Cell Clusters in Confinement. Biophys J 2017; 111:1496-1506. [PMID: 27705772 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2016.08.034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2016] [Revised: 07/11/2016] [Accepted: 08/31/2016] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) enables scattering of cell clusters and disseminates motile cells to distant locations in vivo during embryonic development and cancer metastasis. Both stiffness and topography of the extracellular matrix (ECM) have been shown to influence EMT. In this work, we examine how the integrity of epithelial cell clusters is regulated by subcellular forces, protrusions, and adhesions for varying ECM inputs, such as stiffness, topography, and dimensionality. Our model simulates multicell networks of defined sizes and shapes in ECMs of varied stiffness and geometry. The integrity of cell clusters is dictated by cell-cell junctions, which depend on subcellular forces and adhesion dynamics within each cell of the cluster. Our simulations demonstrate an enhanced dissociation of cell-cell junctions in stiffer and more confined three-dimensional (3D) environments, consistent with experimental findings. In narrow channels, the cell edges parallel to the axis of channels lose their cell-cell junctions more readily than those oriented in the perpendicular direction. The inhibition of protrusive activity and cell polarity disables confinement-dependent cell scattering. Here, cell adhesion and spreading along channel walls is found to be essential for scattering. The model also predicts that two-dimensional (2D) confinement of clusters restricts cell spreading and simultaneously blunts the confinement-sensitive cell scattering. This new, to our knowledge, multiscale model integrates molecular adhesion dynamics, subcellular forces, cellular deformation, and macroscale mechanical properties of the ECM to predict the state of cell clusters of defined shapes and sizes. The predictions made by our model not only match experimental findings from a number of experimental setups, but also provide a new conceptual framework for understanding mechanosensitive cell scattering and EMT.
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8
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Sun M, Zaman MH. Modeling, signaling and cytoskeleton dynamics: integrated modeling-experimental frameworks in cell migration. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. SYSTEMS BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE 2017; 9:10.1002/wsbm.1365. [PMID: 27863122 PMCID: PMC5338640 DOI: 10.1002/wsbm.1365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2016] [Revised: 08/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Cell migration is a complex and multistep process involved in homeostasis maintenance, morphogenesis, and disease development, such as cancer metastasis. Modeling cell migration and the relevant cytoskeleton dynamics have profound implications for studying fundamental development and disease diagnosis. This review focuses on some recent models of both cell migration and migration-related cytoskeleton dynamics, addressing issues such as the difference between amoeboid and mesenchymal migration modes, and between single-cell migration and collective cell migration. The review also highlights the computational integration among variable external cues, especially the biochemical and mechanical signaling that affects cell migration. Finally, we aim to identify the gaps in our current knowledge and potential strategies to develop integrated modeling-experimental frameworks for multiscale behavior integrating gene expression, cell signaling, mechanics, and multicellular dynamics. WIREs Syst Biol Med 2017, 9:e1365. doi: 10.1002/wsbm.1365 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Muhammad H. Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute
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9
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Spill F, Reynolds DS, Kamm RD, Zaman MH. Impact of the physical microenvironment on tumor progression and metastasis. Curr Opin Biotechnol 2016; 40:41-48. [PMID: 26938687 PMCID: PMC4975620 DOI: 10.1016/j.copbio.2016.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 47.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2015] [Revised: 02/09/2016] [Accepted: 02/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is increasingly understood to contribute to cancer development and progression by affecting the complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic changes within the cells themselves. Moreover, recent research has highlighted that, besides biochemical cues from the microenvironment, physical cues can also greatly alter cellular behavior such as proliferation, cancer stem cell properties, and metastatic potential. Whereas initial assays have focused on basic ECM physical properties, such as stiffness, novel in vitro systems are becoming increasingly sophisticated in differentiating between distinct physical cues-ECM pore size, fiber alignment, and molecular composition-and elucidating the different roles these properties play in driving tumor progression and metastasis. Combined with advances in our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for how cells sense these properties, a new appreciation for the role of mechanics in cancer is emerging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabian Spill
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Daniel S Reynolds
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, 77 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, MA 02139, United States
| | - Muhammad H Zaman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, 44 Cummington Street, Boston, MA 02215, United States; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Boston University, Boston, MA 00215, United States.
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10
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Newgreen DF, Thompson EW. Progress in epithelial-mesenchymal transition research. Cells Tissues Organs 2013; 197:421-3. [PMID: 23774311 DOI: 10.1159/000351732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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