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Aslantürk ÖS. Cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of triphenyl phosphate on root tip cells of Allium cepa L. Toxicol In Vitro 2024; 94:105734. [PMID: 37981031 DOI: 10.1016/j.tiv.2023.105734] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
Triphenyl phosphate (TPhP) is a tri-ester of phosphoric acid and phenol. It is used in products such as polyvinyl chloride, hydraulic fluids, polymers, photographic films and printed circuit cards as a flame retardant. It is also widely used in consumer products like electric and electronic devices, textiles and building necessaries. TPhP can diffuse into its surrounding environment easily, because it does not form a chemical bond with polymeric materials. Therefore, bio-monitoring of such compounds is needed for possible environmental and human health effects. In this study, we evaluated genotoxicity and cytotoxicity of TPhP on Allium cepa on the cells of root tips. A 10 mg/mL stock solution of TPhP was dissolved in DMSO and dilutions of 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 mg/mL was made in distilled water. Onion bulbs, rooted in test tubes, were exposed to these concentrations of TPhP for 24 h. Distilled water was used as a negative control, 0.7% hydrogen peroxide was used as positive control, and 0.5% DMSO was used as solvent control. Significant inhibition of onion root growth was observed following treatment with the 6, 8 and 10 mg/mL TPhP ranges in comparison with the negative and solvent control groups (p < 0.05). Furthermore, in the TPhP treatment groups, total chromosome aberration ratios were significantly high in comparison with the controls (p < 0.05). These results suggest that TPhP have cytotoxic and genotoxic effects on A. cepa root tips.
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Affiliation(s)
- Özlem Sultan Aslantürk
- Aydın Adnan Menderes University, Faculty of Science, Department of Biology, Central Campus, 09010 Aydın, Turkey.
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2
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Heng E, Thanedar S, Heng HH. The Importance of Monitoring Non-clonal Chromosome Aberrations (NCCAs) in Cancer Research. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2825:79-111. [PMID: 38913304 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3946-7_4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
Cytogenetic analysis has traditionally focused on the clonal chromosome aberrations, or CCAs, and considered the large number of diverse non-clonal chromosome aberrations, or NCCAs, as insignificant noise. Our decade-long karyotype evolutionary studies have unexpectedly demonstrated otherwise. Not only the baseline of NCCAs is associated with fuzzy inheritance, but the frequencies of NCCAs can also be used to reliably measure genome or chromosome instability (CIN). According to the Genome Architecture Theory, CIN is the common driver of cancer evolution that can unify diverse molecular mechanisms, and genome chaos, including chromothripsis, chromoanagenesis, and polypoidal giant nuclear and micronuclear clusters, and various sizes of chromosome fragmentations, including extrachromosomal DNA, represent some extreme forms of NCCAs that play a key role in the macroevolutionary transition. In this chapter, the rationale, definition, brief history, and current status of NCCA research in cancer are discussed in the context of two-phased cancer evolution and karyotype-coded system information. Finally, after briefly describing various types of NCCAs, we call for more research on NCCAs in future cytogenetics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eric Heng
- Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Sanjana Thanedar
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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3
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Ye JC, Heng HH. The New Era of Cancer Cytogenetics and Cytogenomics. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2825:3-37. [PMID: 38913301 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3946-7_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/25/2024]
Abstract
The promises of the cancer genome sequencing project, combined with various -omics technologies, have raised questions about the importance of cancer cytogenetic analyses. It is suggested that DNA sequencing provides high resolution, speed, and automation, potentially replacing cytogenetic testing. We disagree with this reductionist prediction. On the contrary, various sequencing projects have unexpectedly challenged gene theory and highlighted the importance of the genome or karyotype in organizing gene network interactions. Consequently, profiling the karyotype can be more meaningful than solely profiling gene mutations, especially in cancer where karyotype alterations mediate cellular macroevolution dominance. In this chapter, recent studies that illustrate the ultimate importance of karyotype in cancer genomics and evolution are briefly reviewed. In particular, the long-ignored non-clonal chromosome aberrations or NCCAs are linked to genome or chromosome instability, genome chaos is linked to genome reorganization under cellular crisis, and the two-phased cancer evolution reconciles the relationship between genome alteration-mediated punctuated macroevolution and gene mutation-mediated stepwise microevolution. By further synthesizing, the concept of karyotype coding is discussed in the context of information management. Altogether, we call for a new era of cancer cytogenetics and cytogenomics, where an array of technical frontiers can be explored further, which is crucial for both basic research and clinical implications in the cancer field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Christine Ye
- Department of Lymphoma/Myeloma, Division of Cancer Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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4
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Kim JM, Choi JS, Jung J, Yeo SG, Kim SH. Inhibitory effect of parthenolide on peripheral nerve degeneration. Anat Sci Int 2023; 98:529-539. [PMID: 37024641 DOI: 10.1007/s12565-023-00718-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
Traumatic axonal damage disrupts connections between neurons, leading to the loss of motor and sensory functions. Although damaged peripheral nerves can regenerate, recovery depends on the variety and severity of nerve damage. Thus, many phytochemicals have been studied for their ability to reduce peripheral nerve degeneration, and among them, Parthenolide (PTL), which is extracted from Feverfew has effects against production of free radicals, inflammation, and apoptosis. Thus, we conducted a study to investigate whether PTL has an inhibitory effect on peripheral nerve degeneration during peripheral nerve damage. To verify the effect of PTL on peripheral nerve degeneration process, a morphological comparison of peripheral nerves with and without PTL was performed. PTL significantly reduced the quantity of fragmented ovoid formations at 3DIV (days in vitro). Immunostaining for MBP revealed that the ratio of intact myelin sheaths increased significantly in sciatic nerve with PTL compared with absence of PTL at 3DIV. Furthermore, nerve fibers in the presence of PTL maintained the continuity of Neurofilament (NF) compared to those without at 3DIV. Immunostaining for LAMP1 and p75 NTR showed that the expression of LAMP1 and p75 NTR decreased in the nerve after PTL addition at 3DIV. Lastly, immunostaining for anti-Ki67 revealed that PTL inhibited Ki67 expression at 3DIV compared to without PTL. These results confirm that PTL inhibits peripheral nerve degenerative processes. PTL may be a good applicant to inhibit peripheral nerve degeneration. Our study examined the effect of Parthenolide in preventing degeneration of peripheral nerves by inhibiting the breakdown of peripheral axons and myelin, also inhibiting Schwann cell trans-dedifferentiation and proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Min Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Jae Sun Choi
- Clinical Research Institute, Kyung Hee Medical Center, Seou, 02447, Korea
| | - Junyang Jung
- Department of Anatomy and Neurobiology, College of Medicines, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Seung Geun Yeo
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, 02447, Korea
| | - Sang Hoon Kim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Kyung Hee University School of Medicine, Kyung Hee University Medical Center, Seoul, 02447, Korea.
- Department of Otohinolaryngology - H & N Surgery, School of Medicine, KyungHee University, #1 Hoegi-Dong, Dongdaemun-Gu, Seoul, 130-702, Korea.
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Amendola M, Brusson M, Miccio A. CRISPRthripsis: The Risk of CRISPR/Cas9-induced Chromothripsis in Gene Therapy. Stem Cells Transl Med 2022; 11:1003-1009. [PMID: 36048170 PMCID: PMC9585945 DOI: 10.1093/stcltm/szac064] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR)/Cas9 nuclease system has allowed the generation of disease models and the development of therapeutic approaches for many genetic and non-genetic disorders. However, the generation of large genomic rearrangements has raised safety concerns for the clinical application of CRISPR/Cas9 nuclease approaches. Among these events, the formation of micronuclei and chromosome bridges due to chromosomal truncations can lead to massive genomic rearrangements localized to one or few chromosomes. This phenomenon, known as chromothripsis, was originally described in cancer cells, where it is believed to be caused by defective chromosome segregation during mitosis or DNA double-strand breaks. Here, we will discuss the factors influencing CRISPR/Cas9-induced chromothripsis, hereafter termed CRISPRthripsis, and its outcomes, the tools to characterize these events and strategies to minimize them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mario Amendola
- Genethon, Evry, France.,Integrare Research Unit UMR_S951, Université Paris-Saclay, Univ Evry, Inserm, Genethon, Evry, France
| | - Mégane Brusson
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
| | - Annarita Miccio
- Laboratory of Chromatin and Gene Regulation during Development, INSERM UMR 1163, Université Paris Cité, Imagine Institute, Paris, France
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Heng J, Heng HH. Two-phased evolution: Genome chaos-mediated information creation and maintenance. PROGRESS IN BIOPHYSICS AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2021; 165:29-42. [PMID: 33992670 DOI: 10.1016/j.pbiomolbio.2021.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Revised: 04/16/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is traditionally labeled a "cellular growth problem." However, it is fundamentally an issue of macroevolution where new systems emerge from tissue by breaking various constraints. To study this process, we used experimental platforms to "watch evolution in action" by comparing the profiles of karyotypes, transcriptomes, and cellular phenotypes longitudinally before, during, and after key phase transitions. This effort, alongside critical rethinking of current gene-based genomic and evolutionary theory, led to the development of the Genome Architecture Theory. Following a brief historical review, we present four case studies and their takeaways to describe the pattern of genome-based cancer evolution. Our discoveries include 1. The importance of non-clonal chromosome aberrations or NCCAs; 2. Two-phased cancer evolution, comprising a punctuated phase and a gradual phase, dominated by karyotype changes and gene mutation/epigenetic alterations, respectively; 3. How the karyotype codes system inheritance, which organizes gene interactions and provides the genomic basis for physiological regulatory networks; and 4. Stress-induced genome chaos, which creates genomic information by reorganizing chromosomes for macroevolution. Together, these case studies redefine the relationship between cellular macro- and microevolution: macroevolution does not equal microevolution + time. Furthermore, we incorporate genome chaos and gene mutation in a general model: genome reorganization creates new karyotype coding, then diverse cancer gene mutations can promote the dominance of tumor cell populations. Finally, we call for validation of the Genome Architecture Theory of cancer and organismal evolution, as well as the systematic study of genomic information flow in evolutionary processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Heng
- Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Heng J, Heng HH. Genome chaos: Creating new genomic information essential for cancer macroevolution. Semin Cancer Biol 2020; 81:160-175. [PMID: 33189848 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Revised: 10/26/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cancer research has traditionally focused on the characterization of individual molecular mechanisms that can contribute to cancer. Due to the multiple levels of genomic and non-genomic heterogeneity, however, overwhelming molecular mechanisms have been identified, most with low clinical predictability. It is thus necessary to search for new concepts to unify these diverse mechanisms and develop better strategies to understand and treat cancer. In recent years, two-phased cancer evolution (comprised of the genome reorganization-mediated punctuated phase and gene mutation-mediated stepwise phase), initially described by tracing karyotype evolution, was confirmed by the Cancer Genome Project. In particular, genome chaos, the process of rapid and massive genome reorganization, has been commonly detected in various cancers-especially during key phase transitions, including cellular transformation, metastasis, and drug resistance-suggesting the importance of genome-level changes in cancer evolution. In this Perspective, genome chaos is used as a discussion point to illustrate new genome-mediated somatic evolutionary frameworks. By rephrasing cancer as a new system emergent from normal tissue, we present the multiple levels (or scales) of genomic and non-genomic information. Of these levels, evolutionary studies at the chromosomal level are determined to be of ultimate importance, since altered genomes change the karyotype coding and karyotype change is the key event for punctuated cellular macroevolution. Using this lens, we differentiate and analyze developmental processes and cancer evolution, as well as compare the informational relationship between genome chaos and its various subtypes in the context of macroevolution under crisis. Furthermore, the process of deterministic genome chaos is discussed to interpret apparently random events (including stressors, chromosomal variation subtypes, surviving cells with new karyotypes, and emergent stable cellular populations) as nonrandom patterns, which supports the new cancer evolutionary model that unifies genome and gene contributions during different phases of cancer evolution. Finally, the new perspective of using cancer as a model for organismal evolution is briefly addressed, emphasizing the Genome Theory as a new and necessary conceptual framework for future research and its practical implications, not only in cancer but evolutionary biology as a whole.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Heng
- Harvard College, 86 Brattle Street Cambridge, MA, 02138, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA; Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA.
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Ye CJ, Sharpe Z, Alemara S, Mackenzie S, Liu G, Abdallah B, Horne S, Regan S, Heng HH. Micronuclei and Genome Chaos: Changing the System Inheritance. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10050366. [PMID: 31086101 PMCID: PMC6562739 DOI: 10.3390/genes10050366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 05/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Micronuclei research has regained its popularity due to the realization that genome chaos, a rapid and massive genome re-organization under stress, represents a major common mechanism for punctuated cancer evolution. The molecular link between micronuclei and chromothripsis (one subtype of genome chaos which has a selection advantage due to the limited local scales of chromosome re-organization), has recently become a hot topic, especially since the link between micronuclei and immune activation has been identified. Many diverse molecular mechanisms have been illustrated to explain the causative relationship between micronuclei and genome chaos. However, the newly revealed complexity also causes confusion regarding the common mechanisms of micronuclei and their impact on genomic systems. To make sense of these diverse and even conflicting observations, the genome theory is applied in order to explain a stress mediated common mechanism of the generation of micronuclei and their contribution to somatic evolution by altering the original set of information and system inheritance in which cellular selection functions. To achieve this goal, a history and a current new trend of micronuclei research is briefly reviewed, followed by a review of arising key issues essential in advancing the field, including the re-classification of micronuclei and how to unify diverse molecular characterizations. The mechanistic understanding of micronuclei and their biological function is re-examined based on the genome theory. Specifically, such analyses propose that micronuclei represent an effective way in changing the system inheritance by altering the coding of chromosomes, which belongs to the common evolutionary mechanism of cellular adaptation and its trade-off. Further studies of the role of micronuclei in disease need to be focused on the behavior of the adaptive system rather than specific molecular mechanisms that generate micronuclei. This new model can clarify issues important to stress induced micronuclei and genome instability, the formation and maintenance of genomic information, and cellular evolution essential in many common and complex diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J Ye
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Zachary Sharpe
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Sarah Alemara
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Stephanie Mackenzie
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Batoul Abdallah
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Steve Horne
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Sarah Regan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Shin DH, Jo JY, Han JY. Dual Targeting of ERBB2/ERBB3 for the Treatment of SLC3A2-NRG1-Mediated Lung Cancer. Mol Cancer Ther 2018; 17:2024-2033. [PMID: 29959202 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-1178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2017] [Revised: 02/22/2018] [Accepted: 06/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
We characterized the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion gene in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and established an effective therapy for patients with SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion-positive cancer. The SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion product was composed of the SLC3A2 transmembrane domain and the EGF-like domain of the neuregulin 1 (NRG1) protein. The NRG1 family is classified as a ligand of the ERBB family. We identified ERBB3 and ERBB4 in the ERBB family as binding partners of the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion protein via ligand and receptor binding assays. We confirmed that SLC3A2-NRG1 increased formation of a heterocomplex of ERBB3 with ERBB2. Activation of the ERBB2-ERBB3 heterocomplex by SLC3A2-NRG1 increased colony formation and tumor growth through PI3K-AKT and MAP kinase. The specific siRNAs for ERBB2 and ERBB3, pertuzumab, lumretuzumab, and afatinib all decreased ERBB2-ERBB3 heterocomplex formation, phosphorylation of each protein, and their downstream signaling. In addition, single treatment with pertuzumab, lumretuzumab, or afatinib decreased tumor volume and weight, whereas combination treatment with these drugs and taxol enhanced generation of cleaved caspase 3, PARP, and TUNEL-positive cells compared with each single treatment. Thus, the SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion gene plays an important role in lung cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth by promoting generation of the ERBB2-ERBB3 heterocomplex, its phosphorylation, and activation of the PI3K/ERK/mTOR signaling pathway. Inhibition of either ERBB2 or ERBB3 alone did not completely shut down downstream signaling of ERBB2 and ERBB3; however, inhibition of both ERBB2 and ERBB3 blocked downstream signaling activated by SLC3A2-NRG1 fusion. ERBB2 and ERBB3 might be promising targets for treatment of SLC3A2-NRG1-positive tumors. Mol Cancer Ther; 17(9); 2024-33. ©2018 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Hoon Shin
- Research Institute, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea. .,Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Yeon Jo
- Research Institute, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.,Cancer Biomedical Science, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Han
- Research Institute, Graduate School of Cancer Science and Policy, National Cancer Center, Goyang-si, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea.
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Ye CJ, Regan S, Liu G, Alemara S, Heng HH. Understanding aneuploidy in cancer through the lens of system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance and emergence of new genome systems. Mol Cytogenet 2018; 11:31. [PMID: 29760781 PMCID: PMC5946397 DOI: 10.1186/s13039-018-0376-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2018] [Accepted: 04/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the past 15 years, impressive progress has been made to understand the molecular mechanism behind aneuploidy, largely due to the effort of using various -omics approaches to study model systems (e.g. yeast and mouse models) and patient samples, as well as the new realization that chromosome alteration-mediated genome instability plays the key role in cancer. As the molecular characterization of the causes and effects of aneuploidy progresses, the search for the general mechanism of how aneuploidy contributes to cancer becomes increasingly challenging: since aneuploidy can be linked to diverse molecular pathways (in regards to both cause and effect), the chances of it being cancerous is highly context-dependent, making it more difficult to study than individual molecular mechanisms. When so many genomic and environmental factors can be linked to aneuploidy, and most of them not commonly shared among patients, the practical value of characterizing additional genetic/epigenetic factors contributing to aneuploidy decreases. RESULTS Based on the fact that cancer typically represents a complex adaptive system, where there is no linear relationship between lower-level agents (such as each individual gene mutation) and emergent properties (such as cancer phenotypes), we call for a new strategy based on the evolutionary mechanism of aneuploidy in cancer, rather than continuous analysis of various individual molecular mechanisms. To illustrate our viewpoint, we have briefly reviewed both the progress and challenges in this field, suggesting the incorporation of an evolutionary-based mechanism to unify diverse molecular mechanisms. To further clarify this rationale, we will discuss some key concepts of the genome theory of cancer evolution, including system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance, and cancer as a newly emergent cellular system. CONCLUSION Illustrating how aneuploidy impacts system inheritance, fuzzy inheritance and the emergence of new systems is of great importance. Such synthesis encourages efforts to apply the principles/approaches of complex adaptive systems to ultimately understand aneuploidy in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J. Ye
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109 USA
| | - Sarah Regan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
| | - Sarah Alemara
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
| | - Henry H. Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201 USA
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11
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Heng HH, Horne SD, Chaudhry S, Regan SM, Liu G, Abdallah BY, Ye CJ. A Postgenomic Perspective on Molecular Cytogenetics. Curr Genomics 2018; 19:227-239. [PMID: 29606910 PMCID: PMC5850511 DOI: 10.2174/1389202918666170717145716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2016] [Revised: 01/29/2017] [Accepted: 02/03/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The postgenomic era is featured by massive data collection and analyses from various large scale-omics studies. Despite the promising capability of systems biology and bioinformatics to handle large data sets, data interpretation, especially the translation of -omics data into clinical implications, has been challenging. DISCUSSION In this perspective, some important conceptual and technological limitations of current systems biology are discussed in the context of the ultimate importance of the genome beyond the collection of all genes. Following a brief summary of the contributions of molecular cytogenetics/cytogenomics in the pre- and post-genomic eras, new challenges for postgenomic research are discussed. Such discussion leads to a call to search for a new conceptual framework and holistic methodologies. CONCLUSION Throughout this synthesis, the genome theory of somatic cell evolution is highlighted in contrast to gene theory, which ignores the karyotype-mediated higher level of genetic information. Since "system inheritance" is defined by the genome context (gene content and genomic topology) while "parts inheritance" is defined by genes/epigenes, molecular cytogenetics and cytogenomics (which directly study genome structure, function, alteration and evolution) will play important roles in this postgenomic era.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H. Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Steven D. Horne
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sophia Chaudhry
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Sarah M. Regan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Batoul Y. Abdallah
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Christine J. Ye
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of Michigan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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12
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Liu G, Ye CJ, Chowdhury SK, Abdallah BY, Horne SD, Nichols D, Heng HH. Detecting Chromosome Condensation Defects in Gulf War Illness Patients. Curr Genomics 2018; 19:200-206. [PMID: 29606907 PMCID: PMC5850508 DOI: 10.2174/1389202918666170705150819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2016] [Revised: 01/07/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Gulf War Illness (GWI) impacts 25-30% of gulf war veterans. Due to its heterogeneity in both etiology and symptoms, it has been challenging to establish the commonly accepted case definition for GWI. Equally challenging are the understanding of the general mechanism of GWI and the development of biomarkers useful for its clinical diagnosis and treatment. Objective: We have observed that chromosome condensation defects can be detected in GWI patients. To document this phenomenon in GWI, we aim to describe and compare different types of chromosomal condensation defects in GWI patients, if possible. Since chromosomal condensation represents an important step of ensuring genome integrity, condensation defects could be used as a potential biomarker of GWI. Methods: Lymphocytes from GWI patients have been used for short term cell culture followed by chromosome slide preparation. Both Giemsa staining and multiple color spectral karyotyping (SKY) were applied to study chromosome aberrations, focusing on different types of condensation defects. Results: At least three subtypes of Defective Mitotic Figures (DMFs) were observed. Some individuals displayed elevated frequencies of DMFs. Another type of condensation defect identified as sticky chromosomes were also observed. Conclusion: Various types of condensation defects have been observed in GWI patients. It is rather surprising that some GWI patients exhibited a high level of chromosomal condensation defects. Previously, the elevated frequency of DMFs was only observed in cancer patients. Since chromosome condensation can be linked to other types of chromosome aberrations, as well as cellular stress conditions, the detailed mechanism and clinical impact should be further studied, especially with increased sample size.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA
| | - Christine J Ye
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109, USA
| | | | - Batoul Y Abdallah
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA
| | - Steven D Horne
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA
| | - Denise Nichols
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA.,The Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI48109, USA.,John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Detroit, MI48201, USA.,Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA.,Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI48201, USA
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13
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Abstract
Genome chaos, or karyotype chaos, represents a powerful survival strategy for somatic cells under high levels of stress/selection. Since the genome context, not the gene content, encodes the genomic blueprint of the cell, stress-induced rapid and massive reorganization of genome topology functions as a very important mechanism for genome (karyotype) evolution. In recent years, the phenomenon of genome chaos has been confirmed by various sequencing efforts, and many different terms have been coined to describe different subtypes of the chaotic genome including "chromothripsis," "chromoplexy," and "structural mutations." To advance this exciting field, we need an effective experimental system to induce and characterize the karyotype reorganization process. In this chapter, an experimental protocol to induce chaotic genomes is described, following a brief discussion of the mechanism and implication of genome chaos in cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J Ye
- The Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genomics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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14
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New Insights in the Cytogenetic Practice: Karyotypic Chaos, Non-Clonal Chromosomal Alterations and Chromosomal Instability in Human Cancer and Therapy Response. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8060155. [PMID: 28587191 PMCID: PMC5485519 DOI: 10.3390/genes8060155] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2017] [Revised: 05/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, non-clonal chromosomal alterations previously unappreciated are being proposed to be included in cytogenetic practice. The aim of this inclusion is to obtain a greater understanding of chromosomal instability (CIN) and tumor heterogeneity and their role in cancer evolution and therapy response. Although several genetic assays have allowed the evaluation of the variation in a population of cancer cells, these assays do not provide information at the level of individual cells, therefore limiting the information of the genomic diversity within tumors (heterogeneity). The karyotype is one of the few available cytogenetic techniques that allow us not only to identify the chromosomal alterations present within a single cell, but also allows us to profile both clonal (CCA) and non-clonal chromosomal alterations (NCCAs). A greater understanding of CIN and tumor heterogeneity in cancer could not only improve existing therapeutic regimens but could also be used as targets for the design of new therapeutic approaches. In this review we indicate the importance and significance of karyotypic chaos, NCCAs and CIN in the prognosis of human cancers.
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15
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Junager NPL, Kongsted J, Astakhova K. Revealing Nucleic Acid Mutations Using Förster Resonance Energy Transfer-Based Probes. SENSORS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2016; 16:E1173. [PMID: 27472344 PMCID: PMC5017339 DOI: 10.3390/s16081173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2016] [Revised: 07/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/19/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Nucleic acid mutations are of tremendous importance in modern clinical work, biotechnology and in fundamental studies of nucleic acids. Therefore, rapid, cost-effective and reliable detection of mutations is an object of extensive research. Today, Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) probes are among the most often used tools for the detection of nucleic acids and in particular, for the detection of mutations. However, multiple parameters must be taken into account in order to create efficient FRET probes that are sensitive to nucleic acid mutations. In this review; we focus on the design principles for such probes and available computational methods that allow for their rational design. Applications of advanced, rationally designed FRET probes range from new insights into cellular heterogeneity to gaining new knowledge of nucleic acid structures directly in living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nina P L Junager
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Jacob Kongsted
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
| | - Kira Astakhova
- Department of Physics, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Southern Denmark, Campusvej 55, 5230 Odense M, Denmark.
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16
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Heng HH, Bremer SW, Stevens JB, Horne SD, Liu G, Abdallah BY, Ye KJ, Ye CJ. Chromosomal instability (CIN): what it is and why it is crucial to cancer evolution. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2014; 32:325-40. [PMID: 23605440 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-013-9427-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 132] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Results of various cancer genome sequencing projects have "unexpectedly" challenged the framework of the current somatic gene mutation theory of cancer. The prevalence of diverse genetic heterogeneity observed in cancer questions the strategy of focusing on contributions of individual gene mutations. Much of the genetic heterogeneity in tumors is due to chromosomal instability (CIN), a predominant hallmark of cancer. Multiple molecular mechanisms have been attributed to CIN but unifying these often conflicting mechanisms into one general mechanism has been challenging. In this review, we discuss multiple aspects of CIN including its definitions, methods of measuring, and some common misconceptions. We then apply the genome-based evolutionary theory to propose a general mechanism for CIN to unify the diverse molecular causes. In this new evolutionary framework, CIN represents a system behavior of a stress response with adaptive advantages but also serves as a new potential cause of further destabilization of the genome. Following a brief review about the newly realized functions of chromosomes that defines system inheritance and creates new genomes, we discuss the ultimate importance of CIN in cancer evolution. Finally, a number of confusing issues regarding CIN are explained in light of the evolutionary function of CIN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA,
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17
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Abdallah BY, Horne SD, Stevens JB, Liu G, Ying AY, Vanderhyden B, Krawetz SA, Gorelick R, Heng HH. Single cell heterogeneity: why unstable genomes are incompatible with average profiles. Cell Cycle 2013; 12:3640-9. [PMID: 24091732 DOI: 10.4161/cc.26580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Multi-level heterogeneity is a fundamental but underappreciated feature of cancer. Most technical and analytical methods either completely ignore heterogeneity or do not fully account for it, as heterogeneity has been considered noise that needs to be eliminated. We have used single-cell and population-based assays to describe an instability-mediated mechanism where genome heterogeneity drastically affects cell growth and cannot be accurately measured using conventional averages. First, we show that most unstable cancer cell populations exhibit high levels of karyotype heterogeneity, where it is difficult, if not impossible, to karyotypically clone cells. Second, by comparing stable and unstable cell populations, we show that instability-mediated karyotype heterogeneity leads to growth heterogeneity, where outliers dominantly contribute to population growth and exhibit shorter cell cycles. Predictability of population growth is more difficult for heterogeneous cell populations than for homogenous cell populations. Since "outliers" play an important role in cancer evolution, where genome instability is the key feature, averaging methods used to characterize cell populations are misleading. Variances quantify heterogeneity; means (averages) smooth heterogeneity, invariably hiding it. Cell populations of pathological conditions with high genome instability, like cancer, behave differently than karyotypically homogeneous cell populations. Single-cell analysis is thus needed when cells are not genomically identical. Despite increased attention given to single-cell variation mediated heterogeneity of cancer cells, continued use of average-based methods is not only inaccurate but deceptive, as the "average" cancer cell clearly does not exist. Genome-level heterogeneity also may explain population heterogeneity, drug resistance, and cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Batoul Y Abdallah
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics; Wayne State University School of Medicine; Detroit, MI USA
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18
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Stevens JB, Abdallah BY, Liu G, Horne SD, Bremer SW, Ye KJ, Huang JY, Kurkinen M, Ye CJ, Heng HHQ. Heterogeneity of cell death. Cytogenet Genome Res 2013; 139:164-73. [PMID: 23548436 DOI: 10.1159/000348679] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cell death constitutes a number of heterogeneous processes. Despite the dynamic nature of cell death, studies of cell death have primarily focused on apoptosis, and cell death has often been viewed as static events occurring in linear pathways. In this article we review cell death heterogeneity with specific focus on 4 aspects of cell death: the type of cell death; how it is induced; its mechanism(s); the results of cell death, and the implications of cell death heterogeneity for both basic and clinical research. This specifically reveals that cell death occurs in multiple overlapping forms that simultaneously occur within a population. Network and pathway heterogeneity in cell death is also discussed. Failure to integrate cell death heterogeneity within analyses can lead to inaccurate predictions of the amount of cell death that takes place in a tumor. Similarly, many molecular methods employed in cell death studies homogenize a population removing heterogeneity between individual cells and can be deceiving. Finally, and most importantly, cell death heterogeneity is linked to the formation of new genome systems through induction of aneuploidy and genome chaos (rapid genome reorganization).
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Affiliation(s)
- J B Stevens
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich. 48201, USA
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19
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Heng HHQ, Liu G, Stevens JB, Abdallah BY, Horne SD, Ye KJ, Bremer SW, Chowdhury SK, Ye CJ. Karyotype heterogeneity and unclassified chromosomal abnormalities. Cytogenet Genome Res 2013; 139:144-57. [PMID: 23571381 DOI: 10.1159/000348682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
In a departure from traditional gene-centric thinking with regard to cytogenetics and cytogenomics, the recently introduced genome theory calls upon a re-focusing of our attention on karyotype analyses of disease conditions. Karyotype heterogeneity has been demonstrated to be directly involved in the somatic cell evolution process which is the basis of many common and complex diseases such as cancer. To correctly use karyotype heterogeneity and apply it to monitor system instability, we need to include many seemingly unimportant non-specific chromosomal aberrations into our analysis. Traditionally, cytogenetic analysis has been focused on identifying recurrent types of abnormalities, particularly those that have been linked to specific diseases. In this perspective, drawing on the new framework of 4D-genomics, we will briefly review the importance of studying karyotype heterogeneity. We have also listed a number of overlooked chromosomal aberrations including defective mitotic figures, chromosome fragmentation as well as genome chaos. Finally, we call for the systematic discovery/characterization and classification of karyotype abnormalities in human diseases, as karyotype heterogeneity is the common factor that is essential for somatic cell evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- H H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich. 48201, USA.
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20
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Comparative analysis of clastogen-induced chromosome aberrations observed with light microscopy and by means of atomic force microscopy. MUTATION RESEARCH-GENETIC TOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL MUTAGENESIS 2013; 753:29-35. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mrgentox.2012.12.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2012] [Revised: 10/12/2012] [Accepted: 12/15/2012] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
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21
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Horne SD, Stevens JB, Abdallah BY, Liu G, Bremer SW, Ye CJ, Heng HH. Why imatinib remains an exception of cancer research. J Cell Physiol 2012; 228:665-70. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.24233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
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22
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Yoshikawa Y, Suzuki Y, Yamada K, Fukuda W, Yoshikawa K, Takeyasu K, Imanaka T. Critical behavior of megabase-size DNA toward the transition into a compact state. J Chem Phys 2012; 135:225101. [PMID: 22168726 DOI: 10.1063/1.3666845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
We studied the changes in the higher-order structure of a megabase-size DNA (S120-1 DNA) under different spermidine (SPD) concentrations through single-molecule observations using fluorescence microscopy (FM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). We examined the difference between the folding transitions in S120-1 DNA and sub-megabase-size DNA, T4 DNA (166 kbp). From FM observations, it is found that S120-1 DNA exhibits intra-chain segregation as the intermediate state of transition, in contrast to the all-or-none nature of the transition on T4 DNA. Large S120-1 DNA exhibits a folding transition at lower concentrations of SPD than T4 DNA. AFM observations showed that DNA segments become aligned in parallel on a two-dimensional surface as the SPD concentration increases and that highly intense parallel alignment is achieved just before the compaction. S120-1 DNA requires one-tenth the SPD concentration as that required by T4 DNA to achieve the same degree of parallel ordering. We theoretically discuss the cause of the parallel ordering near the transition into a fully compact state on a two-dimensional surface, and argue that such parallel ordering disappears in bulk solution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Yoshikawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan
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23
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Heng HHQ, Stevens JB, Bremer SW, Liu G, Abdallah BY, Ye CJ. Evolutionary mechanisms and diversity in cancer. Adv Cancer Res 2012; 112:217-53. [PMID: 21925306 DOI: 10.1016/b978-0-12-387688-1.00008-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The recently introduced genome theory of cancer evolution provides a new framework for evolutionary studies on cancer. In particular, the established relationship between the large number of individual molecular mechanisms and the general evolutionary mechanism of cancer calls upon a change in our strategies that have been based on the characterization of common cancer gene mutations and their defined pathways. To further explain the significance of the genome theory of cancer evolution, a brief review will be presented describing the various attempts to illustrate the evolutionary mechanism of cancer, followed by further analysis of some key components of somatic cell evolution, including the diversity of biological systems, the multiple levels of information systems and control systems, the two phases (the punctuated or discontinuous phase and gradual Darwinian stepwise phase) and dynamic patterns of somatic cell evolution where genome replacement is the driving force. By linking various individual molecular mechanisms to the level of genome population diversity and tumorigenicity, the general mechanism of cancer has been identified as the evolutionary mechanism of cancer, which can be summarized by the following three steps including stress-induced genome instability, population diversity or heterogeneity, and genome-mediated macroevolution. Interestingly, the evolutionary mechanism is equal to the collective aggregate of all individual molecular mechanisms. This relationship explains why most of the known molecular mechanisms can contribute to cancer yet there is no single dominant mechanism for the majority of clinical cases. Despite the fact that each molecular mechanism can serve as a system stress and initiate the evolutionary process, to achieve cancer, multiple cycles of genome-mediated macroevolution are required and are a stochastically determined event. Finally, the potential clinical implications of the evolutionary mechanism of cancer are briefly reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, MI, USA
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24
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Yoshikawa Y, Komeda S, Uemura M, Kanbe T, Chikuma M, Yoshikawa K, Imanaka T. Highly Efficient DNA Compaction Mediated by an In Vivo Antitumor-Active Tetrazolato-Bridged Dinuclear Platinum(II) Complex. Inorg Chem 2011; 50:11729-35. [DOI: 10.1021/ic2017165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Yuko Yoshikawa
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan
| | - Seiji Komeda
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 513-8670,
Japan
| | - Masako Uemura
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka 513-8670,
Japan
| | - Toshio Kanbe
- Laboratory of Medical
Mycology,
Research Institute for Disease Mechanism and Control, School of Medicine, Nagoya University, Nagoya 464-0064, Japan
| | - Masahiko Chikuma
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Osaka University of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Takatsuki
569-1094, Japan
| | - Kenichi Yoshikawa
- Department of Physics, Graduate School of Science, Kyoto University, Kyoto 606-8501, Japan
| | - Tadayuki Imanaka
- Department of Biotechnology, College of Life Sciences, Ritsumeikan University, Kusatsu 525-8577, Japan
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25
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Heng HH, Liu G, Stevens JB, Bremer SW, Ye KJ, Abdallah BY, Horne SD, Ye CJ. Decoding the genome beyond sequencing: The new phase of genomic research. Genomics 2011; 98:242-52. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2011.05.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Revised: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 05/18/2011] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Abstract
In the past decade, the tendency to move from a global, one-size-fits-all treatment philosophy to personalized medicine is based, in part, on the nuanced differences and sub-classifications of disease states. Our knowledge of these varied states stems from not only the ability to diagnose, classify, and perform experiments on cell populations as a whole, but also from new technologies that allow interrogation of cell populations at the individual cell level. Such departures from conventional thinking are driven by the recognition that clonal cell populations have numerous activities that manifest as significant levels of non-genetic heterogeneity. Clonal populations by definition originate from a single genetic origin so are regarded as having a high level of homogeneity as compared to genetically distinct cell populations. However, analysis at the single cell level has revealed a different phenomenon; cells and organisms require an inherent level of non-genetic heterogeneity to function properly, and in some cases, to survive. The growing understanding of this occurrence has lead to the development of methods to monitor, analyze, and better characterize the heterogeneity in cell populations. Following the trend of DNA- and protein microarrays, platforms capable of simultaneously monitoring each cell in a population have been developed. These cellular microarray platforms and other related formats allow for continuous monitoring of single live cells and simultaneously generate individual cell and average population data that are more descriptive and information-rich than traditional bulk methods. These technological advances have helped develop a better understanding of the intricacies associated with biological processes and afforded greater insight into complex biological systems. The associated instruments, techniques, and reagents now allow for highly multiplexed analyses, which enable multiple cellular activities, processes, or pathways to be monitored simultaneously. This critical review will discuss the paradigm shift associated with cellular heterogeneity, speak to the key developments that have lead to our better understanding of systems biology, and detail the future directions of the discipline (281 references).
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Affiliation(s)
- Maureen A Walling
- Department of Chemistry, University at Albany, SUNY, 1400 Washington Ave., Albany, NY 12222, USA
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27
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Stevens JB, Abdallah BY, Regan SM, Liu G, Bremer SW, Ye CJ, Heng HH. Comparison of mitotic cell death by chromosome fragmentation to premature chromosome condensation. Mol Cytogenet 2010; 3:20. [PMID: 20959006 PMCID: PMC2974731 DOI: 10.1186/1755-8166-3-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/19/2010] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitotic cell death is an important form of cell death, particularly in cancer. Chromosome fragmentation is a major form of mitotic cell death which is identifiable during common cytogenetic analysis by its unique phenotype of progressively degraded chromosomes. This morphology however, can appear similar to the morphology of premature chromosome condensation (PCC) and thus, PCC has been at times confused with chromosome fragmentation. In this analysis the phenomena of chromosome fragmentation and PCC are reviewed and their similarities and differences are discussed in order to facilitate differentiation of the similar morphologies. Furthermore, chromosome pulverization, which has been used almost synonymously with PCC, is re-examined. Interestingly, many past reports of chromosome pulverization are identified here as chromosome fragmentation and not PCC. These reports describe broad ranging mechanisms of pulverization induction and agree with recent evidence showing chromosome fragmentation is a cellular response to stress. Finally, biological aspects of chromosome fragmentation are discussed, including its application as one form of non-clonal chromosome aberration (NCCA), the driving force of cancer evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Stevens
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Batoul Y Abdallah
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Sarah M Regan
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Steven W Bremer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Christine J Ye
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
| | - Henry H Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, USA
- Department of Pathology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, USA
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28
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Heng HHQ, Stevens JB, Bremer SW, Ye KJ, Liu G, Ye CJ. The evolutionary mechanism of cancer. J Cell Biochem 2010; 109:1072-84. [PMID: 20213744 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.22497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Identification of the general molecular mechanism of cancer is the Holy Grail of cancer research. Since cancer is believed to be caused by a sequential accumulation of cancer gene mutations, the identification, characterization, and targeting of common genetic alterations and their defined pathways have dominated the field for decades. Despite the impressive data accumulated from studies of gene mutations, epigenetic dysregulation, and pathway alterations, an overwhelming amount of diverse molecular information has offered limited understanding of the general mechanisms of cancer. To solve this paradox, the newly established genome theory is introduced here describing how somatic cells evolve within individual patients. The evolutionary mechanism of cancer is characterized using only three key components of somatic cell evolution that include increased system dynamics induced by stress, elevated genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity, and genome alteration mediated natural selection. Cancer progression represents a macro-evolutionary process where karyotype change or genome replacement plays the key dominant role. Furthermore, the recently identified relationship between the evolutionary mechanism and a large number of diverse individual molecular mechanisms is discussed. The total sum of all the individual molecular mechanisms is equal to the evolutionary mechanism of cancer. Individual molecular mechanisms including all the molecular mechanisms described to date are stochastically selected and unpredictable and are therefore clinically impractical. Recognizing the fundamental importance of the underlying basis of the evolutionary mechanism of cancer mandates the development of new strategies in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201.
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29
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Heng HHQ, Bremer SW, Stevens JB, Ye KJ, Liu G, Ye CJ. Genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity in cancer: a genome-centric perspective. J Cell Physiol 2009; 220:538-47. [PMID: 19441078 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity (the main form of non-genetic heterogeneity) are key elements in cancer progression and drug resistance, as they provide needed population diversity, complexity, and robustness. Despite drastically increased evidence of multiple levels of heterogeneity in cancer, the general approach has been to eliminate the "noise" of heterogeneity to establish genetic and epigenetic patterns. In particular, the appreciation of new types of epigenetic regulation like non-coding RNA, have led to the hope of solving the mystery of cancer that the current genetic theories seem to be unable to achieve. In this mini-review, we have briefly analyzed a number of mis-conceptions regarding cancer heterogeneity, followed by the re-evaluation of cancer heterogeneity within a framework of the genome-centric concept of evolution. The analysis of the relationship between gene, epigenetic and genome level heterogeneity, and the challenges of measuring heterogeneity among multiple levels have been discussed. Further, we propose that measuring genome level heterogeneity represents an effective strategy in the study of cancer and other types of complex diseases, as emphasis on the pattern of system evolution rather than specific pathways provides a global and synthetic approach. Compared to the degree of heterogeneity, individual molecular pathways will have limited predictability during stochastic cancer evolution where genome dynamics (reflected by karyotypic heterogeneity) will dominate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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30
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31
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Ye CJ, Stevens JB, Liu G, Bremer SW, Jaiswal AS, Ye KJ, Lin MF, Lawrenson L, Lancaster WD, Kurkinen M, Liao JD, Gairola CG, Shekhar MP, Narayan S, Miller FR, Heng HH. Genome based cell population heterogeneity promotes tumorigenicity: the evolutionary mechanism of cancer. J Cell Physiol 2009; 219:288-300. [PMID: 19115235 PMCID: PMC2778062 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.21663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Cancer progression represents an evolutionary process where overall genome level changes reflect system instability and serve as a driving force for evolving new systems. To illustrate this principle it must be demonstrated that karyotypic heterogeneity (population diversity) directly contributes to tumorigenicity. Five well characterized in vitro tumor progression models representing various types of cancers were selected for such an analysis. The tumorigenicity of each model has been linked to different molecular pathways, and there is no common molecular mechanism shared among them. According to our hypothesis that genome level heterogeneity is a key to cancer evolution, we expect to reveal that the common link of tumorigenicity between these diverse models is elevated genome diversity. Spectral karyotyping (SKY) was used to compare the degree of karyotypic heterogeneity displayed in various sublines of these five models. The cell population diversity was determined by scoring type and frequencies of clonal and non-clonal chromosome aberrations (CCAs and NCCAs). The tumorigenicity of these models has been separately analyzed. As expected, the highest level of NCCAs was detected coupled with the strongest tumorigenicity among all models analyzed. The karyotypic heterogeneity of both benign hyperplastic lesions and premalignant dysplastic tissues were further analyzed to support this conclusion. This common link between elevated NCCAs and increased tumorigenicity suggests an evolutionary causative relationship between system instability, population diversity, and cancer evolution. This study reconciles the difference between evolutionary and molecular mechanisms of cancer and suggests that NCCAs can serve as a biomarker to monitor the probability of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine J. Ye
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Joshua B. Stevens
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Guo Liu
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Steven W. Bremer
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Aruna S. Jaiswal
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, UF Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Ming-Fong Lin
- Eppley Institute for Cancer Research, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Lesley Lawrenson
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Wayne D. Lancaster
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Markku Kurkinen
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Joshua D. Liao
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
| | - C. Gary Gairola
- Graduate Center for Toxicology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Kentucky
| | | | - Satya Narayan
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, UF Shands Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
| | | | - Henry H.Q. Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
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Pazhanisamy S, Jyothi V. Genome organization, instabilities, stem cells, and cancer. J Stem Cells Regen Med 2009; 5:11-22. [PMID: 24693037 PMCID: PMC3908152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
It is now widely recognized that advances in exploring genome organization provide remarkable insights on the induction and progression of chromosome abnormalities. Much of what we know about how mutations evolve and consequently transform into genome instabilities has been characterized in the spatial organization context of chromatin. Nevertheless, many underlying concepts of impact of the chromatin organization on perpetuation of multiple mutations and on propagation of chromosomal aberrations remain to be investigated in detail. Genesis of genome instabilities from accumulation of multiple mutations that drive tumorigenesis is increasingly becoming a focal theme in cancer studies. This review focuses on structural alterations evolve to raise a variety of genome instabilities that are manifested at the nucleotide, gene or sub-chromosomal, and whole chromosome level of genome. Here we explore an underlying connection between genome instability and cancer in the light of genome architecture. This review is limited to studies directed towards spatial organizational aspects of origin and propagation of aberrations into genetically unstable tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Pazhanisamy
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC 29425, USA
| | - V Jyothi
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC 29425, USA . ; Pediatrics Hematology/Oncology, School of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina , Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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Ye C, Liu G, Bremer S, Heng H. The dynamics of cancer chromosomes and genomes. Cytogenet Genome Res 2007; 118:237-46. [DOI: 10.1159/000108306] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2006] [Accepted: 12/08/2006] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
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Stevens JB, Liu G, Bremer SW, Ye KJ, Xu W, Xu J, Sun Y, Wu GS, Savasan S, Krawetz SA, Ye CJ, Heng HHQ. Mitotic cell death by chromosome fragmentation. Cancer Res 2007; 67:7686-94. [PMID: 17699772 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-0472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Cell death plays a key role for both cancer progression and treatment. In this report, we characterize chromosome fragmentation, a new type of cell death that takes place during metaphase where condensed chromosomes are progressively degraded. It occurs spontaneously without any treatment in instances such as inherited status of genomic instability, or it can be induced by treatment with chemotherapeutics. It is observed within cell lines, tumors, and lymphocytes of cancer patients. The process of chromosome fragmentation results in loss of viability, but is apparently nonapoptotic and further differs from cellular death defined by mitotic catastrophe. Chromosome fragmentation represents an efficient means of induced cell death and is a clinically relevant biomarker of mitotic cell death. Chromosome fragmentation serves as a method to eliminate genomically unstable cells. Paradoxically, this process could result in genome aberrations common in cancer. The characterization of chromosome fragmentation may also shine light on the mechanism of chromosomal pulverization.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joshua B Stevens
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA
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35
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Heng HHQ. Elimination of altered karyotypes by sexual reproduction preserves species identity. Genome 2007; 50:517-24. [PMID: 17612621 DOI: 10.1139/g07-039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Resolving the persistence of sexual reproduction despite its overwhelming costs (known as the paradox of sex) is one of the most persistent challenges of evolutionary biology. In thinking about this paradox, the focus has traditionally been on the evolutionary benefits of genetic recombination in generating offspring diversity and purging deleterious mutations. The similarity of pattern between evolution of organisms and evolution among cancer cells suggests that the asexual process generates more diverse genomes owing to less controlled reproduction systems, while sexual reproduction generates more stable genomes because the sexual process can serve as a mechanism to “filter out” aberrations at the chromosome level. Our reinterpretation of data from the literature strongly supports this hypothesis. Thus, the principal consequence of sexual reproduction is the reduction of drastic genetic diversity at the genome or chromosome level, resulting in the preservation of species identity rather than the provision of evolutionary diversity for future environmental challenges. Genetic recombination does contribute to genetic diversity, but it does so secondarily and within the framework of the chromosomally defined genome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Department of Pathology, 3226 Scott Hall, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Abstract
A major challenge for The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) Project is solving the high level of genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity of cancer. For the majority of solid tumors, evolution patterns are stochastic and the end products are unpredictable, in contrast to the relatively predictable stepwise patterns classically described in many hematological cancers. Further, it is genome aberrations, rather than gene mutations, that are the dominant factor in generating abnormal levels of system heterogeneity in cancers. These features of cancer could significantly reduce the impact of the sequencing approach, as it is only when mutated genes are the main cause of cancer that directly sequencing them is justified. Many biological factors (genetic and epigenetic variations, metabolic processes) and environmental influences can increase the probability of cancer formation, depending on the given circumstances. The common link between these factors is the stochastic genome variations that provide the driving force behind the cancer evolutionary process within multiple levels of a biological system. This analysis suggests that cancer is a disease of probability and the most-challenging issue to the TCGA project, as well as the development of general strategies for fighting cancer, lie at the conceptual level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Ye CJ, Stevens JB, Liu G, Ye KJ, Yang F, Bremer SW, Heng HHQ. Combined multicolor-FISH and immunostaining. Cytogenet Genome Res 2006; 114:227-34. [PMID: 16954658 DOI: 10.1159/000094205] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2005] [Accepted: 02/16/2006] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The combination of multicolor-FISH and immunostaining produces a powerful visual method to analyze in situ DNA-protein interactions and dynamics. Representing one of the major technical improvements of FISH technology, this method has been used extensively in the field of chromosome and genome research, as well as in clinical studies, and serves as an important tool to bridge molecular analysis and cytological description. In this short review, the development and significance of this method will be briefly summarized using a limited number of examples to illustrate the large body of literature. In addition to descriptions of technical considerations, future applications and perspectives have also been discussed focusing specifically on the areas of genome organization, gene expression and medical research. We anticipate that this versatile method will play an important role in the study of the structure and function of the dynamic genome and for the development of potential applications for medical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- C J Ye
- SeeDNA Biotech Inc, Windsor, Ontario, Canada
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Heng HHQ, Liu G, Bremer S, Ye KJ, Stevens J, Ye CJ. Clonal and non-clonal chromosome aberrations and genome variation and aberration. Genome 2006; 49:195-204. [PMID: 16604101 DOI: 10.1139/g06-023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The theoretical view that genome aberrations rather than gene mutations cause a majority of cancers has gained increasing support from recent experimental data. Genetic aberration at the chromosome level is a key aspect of genome aberration and the systematic definition of chromosomal aberrations with their impact on genome variation and cancer genome evolution is of great importance. However, traditionally, efforts have focused on recurrent clonal chromosome aberrations (CCAs). The significance of stochastic non-clonal chromosome aberrations (NCCAs) is discussed in this paper with emphasis on the simple types of NCCAs that have until recently been considered "non-significant background". Comparison of various subtypes of transitional and late-stage CCAs with simple and complex types of NCCAs has uncovered a dynamic relationship among NCCAs, CCAs, overall genomic instability, and karyotypic evolution, as well as the stochastic nature of cancer evolution. Here, we review concepts and methodologies to measure NCCAs and discuss the possible causative mechanism and consequences of NCCAs. This study raises challenging questions regarding the concept of cancer evolution driven by stochastic chromosomal aberration mediated genome irregularities that could have repercussions reaching far beyond cancer and organismal genomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Pathology, Karmanos Cancer Institute, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, USA.
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Heng HHQ, Stevens JB, Liu G, Bremer SW, Ye KJ, Reddy PV, Wu GS, Wang YA, Tainsky MA, Ye CJ. Stochastic cancer progression driven by non-clonal chromosome aberrations. J Cell Physiol 2006; 208:461-72. [PMID: 16688757 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.20685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer research has previously focused on the identification of specific genes and pathways responsible for cancer initiation and progression based on the prevailing viewpoint that cancer is caused by a stepwise accumulation of genetic aberrations. This viewpoint, however, is not consistent with the clinical finding that tumors display high levels of genetic heterogeneity and distinctive karyotypes. We show that chromosomal instability primarily generates stochastic karyotypic changes leading to the random progression of cancer. This was accomplished by tracing karyotypic patterns of individual cells that contained either defective genes responsible for genome integrity or were challenged by onco-proteins or carcinogens that destabilized the genome. Analysis included the tracing of patterns of karyotypic evolution during different stages of cellular immortalization. This study revealed that non-clonal chromosomal aberrations (NCCAs) (both aneuploidy and structural aberrations) and not recurrent clonal chromosomal aberrations (CCAs) are directly linked to genomic instability and karyotypic evolution. Discovery of "transitional CCAs" during in vitro immortalization clearly demonstrates that karyotypic evolution in solid tumors is not a continuous process. NCCAs and their dynamic interplay with CCAs create infinite genomic combinations leading to clonal diversity necessary for cancer cell evolution. The karyotypic chaos observed within the cell crisis stage prior to establishment of the immortalization further supports the ultimate importance of genetic aberrations at the karyotypic or genome level. Therefore, genomic instability generated NCCAs are a key driving force in cancer progression. The dynamic relationship between NCCAs and CCAs provides a mechanism underlying chromosomal based cancer evolution and could have broad clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI 48201, USA.
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Heng HHQ, Bremer SW, Stevens J, Ye KJ, Miller F, Liu G, Ye CJ. Cancer progression by non-clonal chromosome aberrations. J Cell Biochem 2006; 98:1424-35. [PMID: 16676347 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.20964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The establishment of the correct conceptual framework is vital to any scientific discipline including cancer research. Influenced by hematologic cancer studies, the current cancer concept focuses on the stepwise patterns of progression as defined by specific recurrent genetic aberrations. This concept has faced a tough challenge as the majority of cancer cases follow non-linear patterns and display stochastic progression. In light of the recent discovery that genomic instability is directly linked to stochastic non-clonal chromosome aberrations (NCCAs), and that cancer progression can be characterized as a dynamic relationship between NCCAs and recurrent clonal chromosome aberrations (CCAs), we propose that the dynamics of NCCAs is a key element for karyotypic evolution in solid tumors. To support this viewpoint, we briefly discuss various basic elements responsible for cancer initiation and progression within an evolutionary context. We argue that even though stochastic changes can be detected at various levels of genetic organization, such as at the gene level and epigenetic level, it is primarily detected at the chromosomal or genome level. Thus, NCCA-mediated genomic variation plays a dominant role in cancer progression. To further illustrate the involvement of NCCA/CCA cycles in the pattern of cancer evolution, four cancer evolutionary models have been proposed based on the comparative analysis of karyotype patterns of various types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henry H Q Heng
- Center for Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Michigan 48201, USA.
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Herr A, Grützmann R, Matthaei A, Artelt J, Schröck E, Rump A, Pilarsky C. High-resolution analysis of chromosomal imbalances using the Affymetrix 10K SNP genotyping chip. Genomics 2005; 85:392-400. [PMID: 15718106 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygeno.2004.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2004] [Accepted: 07/24/2004] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Array-based comparative genome hybridization is a powerful tool for detecting chromosomal imbalances at high resolution. However, the design and setup of such arrays are time consuming and expensive and thus worthwhile only when large numbers of arrays will be processed. To provide a feasible solution, we have developed an algorithm that renders the publicly available Affymetrix 10K SNP genotyping chip useful for high-resolution analysis of chromosomal imbalances. We have used our newly developed algorithm to analyze data from Affymetrix 10K chips that were hybridized with DNA probes from a variety of different sources, such as primary tumors, cell lines, and blood from patients with unbalanced translocations. In summary, we were able to (i) demonstrate the capability of our method by reproduction of published and unpublished data obtained with alternative methods and (ii) identify novel imbalances that were not shown before.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander Herr
- Institute of Clinical Genetics, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Fetscherstrasse 74, 01307 Dresden, Germany.
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