1
|
Mahasa KJ, Ouifki R, de Pillis L, Eladdadi A. A Role of Effector CD 8 + T Cells Against Circulating Tumor Cells Cloaked with Platelets: Insights from a Mathematical Model. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:89. [PMID: 38884815 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01323-y] [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: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/31/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis accounts for a majority of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Metastasis occurs when the primary tumor sheds cells into the blood and lymphatic circulation, thereby becoming circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that transverse through the circulatory system, extravasate the circulation and establish a secondary distant tumor. Accumulating evidence suggests that circulating effector CD 8 + T cells are able to recognize and attack arrested or extravasating CTCs, but this important antitumoral effect remains largely undefined. Recent studies highlighted the supporting role of activated platelets in CTCs's extravasation from the bloodstream, contributing to metastatic progression. In this work, a simple mathematical model describes how the primary tumor, CTCs, activated platelets and effector CD 8 + T cells participate in metastasis. The stability analysis reveals that for early dissemination of CTCs, effector CD 8 + T cells can present or keep secondary metastatic tumor burden at low equilibrium state. In contrast, for late dissemination of CTCs, effector CD 8 + T cells are unlikely to inhibit secondary tumor growth. Moreover, global sensitivity analysis demonstrates that the rate of the primary tumor growth, intravascular CTC proliferation, as well as the CD 8 + T cell proliferation, strongly affects the number of the secondary tumor cells. Additionally, model simulations indicate that an increase in CTC proliferation greatly contributes to tumor metastasis. Our simulations further illustrate that the higher the number of activated platelets on CTCs, the higher the probability of secondary tumor establishment. Intriguingly, from a mathematical immunology perspective, our simulations indicate that if the rate of effector CD 8 + T cell proliferation is high, then the secondary tumor formation can be considerably delayed, providing a window for adjuvant tumor control strategies. Collectively, our results suggest that the earlier the effector CD 8 + T cell response is enhanced the higher is the probability of preventing or delaying secondary tumor metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khaphetsi Joseph Mahasa
- Department of Mathematics and Computer Science, National University of Lesotho, Roma, Maseru, Lesotho.
| | - Rachid Ouifki
- Department of Mathematics and Applied Mathematics, Mafikeng Campus, North-West University, Private Bag X2046, Mmabatho, 2735, South Africa
| | | | - Amina Eladdadi
- Division of Mathematical Sciences, The National Science Foundation, Alexandria, VA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Yaghoubi Naei V, Ivanova E, Mullally W, O'Leary CG, Ladwa R, O'Byrne K, Warkiani ME, Kulasinghe A. Characterisation of circulating tumor-associated and immune cells in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38835954 PMCID: PMC11147668 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Globally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor-associated circulating cells in NSCLC can have a wide variety of morphological and phenotypic characteristics, including epithelial, immunological or hybrid subtypes. The distinctive characteristics and potential clinical significance of these cells in patients with NSCLC are explored in this study. Methods We utilised a spiral microfluidic device to enrich large cells and cell aggregates from the peripheral blood samples of NSCLC patients. These cells were characterised through high-resolution immunofluorescent imaging and statistical analysis, correlating findings with clinical information from our patient cohort. Results We have identified varied populations of heterotypic circulating tumor cell clusters with differing immune cell composition that included a distinct class of atypical tumor-associated macrophages that exhibits unique morphology and cell size. This subtype's prevalence is positively correlated with the tumor stage, progression and metastasis. Conclusions Our study reveals a heterogeneous landscape of circulating tumor cells and their clusters, underscoring the complexity of NSCLC pathobiology. The identification of a unique subtype of atypical tumor-associatedmacrophages that simultaneously express both tumor and immune markers and whose presence correlates with late disease stages, poor clinical outcomes and metastatic risk infers the potential of these cells as biomarkers for NSCLC staging and prognosis. Future studies should focus on the role of these cells in the tumor microenvironment and their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, longitudinal studies tracking these cell types through disease progression could provide further insights into their roles in NSCLC evolution and response to treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ekaterina Ivanova
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised HealthQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | | | | | - Rahul Ladwa
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Zhou W, Zhu C, Shen P, Wang JF, Zhu G, Jia Y, Wu Y, Wang S, Sun J, Yang F, Song Y, Han X, Guan X. Hypoxia stimulates CTC-platelet cluster formation to promote breast cancer metastasis. iScience 2024; 27:109547. [PMID: 38660400 PMCID: PMC11039329 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.109547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell clusters/micro-emboli (CTM) possess greater metastatic capacity and survival advantage compared to individual circulating tumor cell (CTC). However, the formation of CTM subtypes and their role in tumor metastasis remain unclear. In this study, we used a microfluidic Cluster-Chip with easy operation and high efficiency to isolate CTM from peripheral blood, which confirmed their correlation with clinicopathological features and identified the critical role of CTC-platelet clusters in breast cancer metastasis. The correlation between platelets and CTM function was further confirmed in a mouse model and RNA sequencing of CTM identified high-expressed genes related to hypoxia stimulation and platelet activation which possibly suggested the correlation of hypoxia and CTC-platelet cluster formation. In conclusion, we successfully developed the Cluster-Chip platform to realize the clinical capture of CTMs and analyze the biological properties of CTC-platelet clusters, which could benefit the design of potential treatment regimens to prevent CTM-mediated metastasis and tumor malignant progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weijia Zhou
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chengjun Zhu
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Peiliang Shen
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jacqueline F. Wang
- Department of Medicine, NYU Langone Health, 550 First Avenue, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - Gaoshuang Zhu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yueyao Wu
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Siliang Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Jia Sun
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Fang Yang
- The Comprehensive cancer Center of Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Yanni Song
- Department of Breast Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, 150 Haping Road, Harbin 150081, China
| | - Xin Han
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaoxiang Guan
- Department of Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Kotsifaki A, Maroulaki S, Armakolas A. Exploring the Immunological Profile in Breast Cancer: Recent Advances in Diagnosis and Prognosis through Circulating Tumor Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4832. [PMID: 38732051 PMCID: PMC11084220 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25094832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
This review offers a comprehensive exploration of the intricate immunological landscape of breast cancer (BC), focusing on recent advances in diagnosis and prognosis through the analysis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Positioned within the broader context of BC research, it underscores the pivotal role of the immune system in shaping the disease's progression. The primary objective of this investigation is to synthesize current knowledge on the immunological aspects of BC, with a particular emphasis on the diagnostic and prognostic potential offered by CTCs. This review adopts a thorough examination of the relevant literature, incorporating recent breakthroughs in the field. The methodology section succinctly outlines the approach, with a specific focus on CTC analysis and its implications for BC diagnosis and prognosis. Through this review, insights into the dynamic interplay between the immune system and BC are highlighted, with a specific emphasis on the role of CTCs in advancing diagnostic methodologies and refining prognostic assessments. Furthermore, this review presents objective and substantiated results, contributing to a deeper understanding of the immunological complexity in BC. In conclusion, this investigation underscores the significance of exploring the immunological profile of BC patients, providing valuable insights into novel advances in diagnosis and prognosis through the utilization of CTCs. The objective presentation of findings emphasizes the crucial role of the immune system in BC dynamics, thereby opening avenues for enhanced clinical management strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Athanasios Armakolas
- Physiology Laboratory, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece; (A.K.); (S.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Zou J, Chen Q, He Y, Pan Y, Zhao H, Shi J, Wei Z, Yu S, Zhao Y, Han X, Lu Y, Chen W. Systematic optimization and evaluation of culture conditions for the construction of circulating tumor cell clusters using breast cancer cell lines. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:507. [PMID: 38654231 PMCID: PMC11036701 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12214-9] [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: 01/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters play a critical role in carcinoma metastasis. However, the rarity of CTC clusters and the limitations of capture techniques have retarded the research progress. In vitro CTC clusters model can help to further understand the biological properties of CTC clusters and their clinical significance. Therefore, it is necessary to establish reliable in vitro methodological models to form CTC clusters whose biological characteristics are very similar to clinical CTC clusters. METHODS The assays of immunofluorescence, transmission electron microscopy, EdU incorporation, cell adhension and microfluidic chips were used. The experimental metastasis model in mice was used. RESULTS We systematically optimized the culture methods to form in vitro CTC clusters model, and more importantly, evaluated it with reference to the biological capabilities of reported clinical CTC clusters. In vitro CTC clusters exhibited a high degree of similarity to the reported pathological characteristics of CTC clusters isolated from patients at different stages of tumor metastasis, including the appearance morphology, size, adhesive and tight junctions-associated proteins, and other indicators of CTC clusters. Furthermore, in vivo experiments also demonstrated that the CTC clusters had an enhanced ability to grow and metastasize compared to single CTC. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a reliable model to help to obtain comparatively stable and qualified CTC clusters in vitro, propelling the studies on tumor metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jueyao Zou
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Qiong Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yong He
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Yanhong Pan
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Han Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
| | - Junfeng Shi
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing First Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhonghong Wei
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Suyun Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xin Han
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Lu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Wenxing Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Joint International Research Laboratory of Chinese Medicine and Regenerative Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Yang C, Wang X, To KKW, Cui C, Luo M, Wu S, Huang L, Fu K, Pan C, Liu Z, Fan T, Yang C, Wang F, Fu L. Circulating tumor cells shielded with extracellular vesicle-derived CD45 evade T cell attack to enable metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:84. [PMID: 38575583 PMCID: PMC10995208 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01789-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are precursors of distant metastasis in a subset of cancer patients. A better understanding of CTCs heterogeneity and how these CTCs survive during hematogenous dissemination could lay the foundation for therapeutic prevention of cancer metastasis. It remains elusive how CTCs evade immune surveillance and elimination by immune cells. In this study, we unequivocally identified a subpopulation of CTCs shielded with extracellular vesicle (EVs)-derived CD45 (termed as CD45+ CTCs) that resisted T cell attack. A higher percentage of CD45+ CTCs was found to be closely correlated with higher incidence of metastasis and worse prognosis in cancer patients. Moreover, CD45+ tumor cells orchestrated an immunosuppressive milieu and CD45+ CTCs exhibited remarkably stronger metastatic potential than CD45- CTCs in vivo. Mechanistically, CD45 expressing on tumor surfaces was shown to form intercellular CD45-CD45 homophilic interactions with CD45 on T cells, thereby preventing CD45 exclusion from TCR-pMHC synapse and leading to diminished TCR signaling transduction and suppressed immune response. Together, these results pointed to an underappreciated capability of EVs-derived CD45-dressed CTCs in immune evasion and metastasis, providing a rationale for targeting EVs-derived CD45 internalization by CTCs to prevent cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caimei Cui
- LABVIV Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Min Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shaocong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lamei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Teng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Caibo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghosh LD, Mathur T, Tronolone JJ, Chuong A, Rangel K, Corvigno S, Sood AK, Jain A. Angiogenesis-Enabled Human Ovarian Tumor Microenvironment-Chip Evaluates Pathophysiology of Platelets in Microcirculation. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2304263. [PMID: 38553940 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202304263] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes angiogenesis for its growth through the recruitment of multiple cells and signaling mechanisms. For example, TME actively recruits and activates platelets from the microcirculation to facilitate metastasis, but platelets may simultaneously also support tumor angiogenesis. Here, to model this complex pathophysiology within the TME that involves a signaling triad of cancer cells, sprouting endothelial cells, and platelets, an angiogenesis-enabled tumor microenvironment chip (aTME-Chip) is presented. This platform recapitulates the convergence of physiology of angiogenesis and platelet function within the ovarian TME and describes the contribution of platelets in promoting angiogenesis within an ovarian TME. By including three distinct human ovarian cancer cell-types, the aTME-Chip quantitatively reveals the following outcomes-first, introduction of platelets significantly increases angiogenesis; second, the temporal dynamics of angiogenic signaling is dependent on cancer cell type; and finally, tumor-educated platelets either activated exogenously by cancer cells or derived clinically from a cancer patient accelerate tumor angiogenesis. Further, analysis of effluents available from aTME-Chip validate functional outcomes by revealing changes in cytokine expression and several angiogenic and metastatic signaling pathways due to platelets. Collectively, this tumor microphysiological system may be deployed to derive antiangiogenic targets combined with antiplatelet treatments to arrest cancer metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lopamudra D Ghosh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Tanmay Mathur
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - James J Tronolone
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Ashley Chuong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
| | - Kelly Rangel
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Sara Corvigno
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Abhishek Jain
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, 77843, USA
- Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Department of Cardiovascular Sciences, Houston Methodist Academic Institute, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zeng W, Wang Y, Zhang Q, Hu C, Li J, Feng J, Hu C, Su Y, Lou J, Long L, Zhou X. Neutrophil Nanodecoys Inhibit Tumor Metastasis by Blocking the Interaction between Tumor Cells and Neutrophils. ACS NANO 2024; 18:7363-7378. [PMID: 38422392 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c08946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the main cause of cancer-related deaths and involves the interaction between tumor cells and neutrophils. In this study, we developed activated neutrophil membrane-coated nanoparticles (aNEM NPs) as nanodecoys to block neutrophil-mediated cancer metastasis. The aNEM NPs were fabricated by cloaking poly(lactic acid) nanoparticles with membranes derived from activated neutrophils and inherited the functional proteins of activated neutrophils. We demonstrated that aNEM NPs could interfere with the recruitment of neutrophils to the primary tumor and premetastatic niches, inhibit the adhesion of neutrophils to tumor vascular endothelium and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and disrupt the formation of CTC-neutrophil clusters in vitro and in vivo. In 4T1-bearing mice, aNEM NPs could effectively reduce breast cancer metastasis to various organs in mice. Our results suggest that aNEM NPs are a promising nanomedicine for preventing or treating cancer metastasis by acting as neutrophil nanodecoys.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiya Zeng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ying Wang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
- Leibo County People's Hospital, Sichuan 616500, China
| | - Qing Zhang
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Chengyi Hu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Jing Li
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Jinwei Feng
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Chenglu Hu
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Yong Su
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Jie Lou
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| | - Ling Long
- Department of Oncology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing 400037, China
| | - Xing Zhou
- School of Pharmacy and Bioengineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemistry & Molecular Pharmacology, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing 400054, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhang Z, Xu X, Zhang D, Zhao S, Wang C, Zhang G, Chen W, Liu J, Gong H, Rixiati Y, Li S, Shen T, Li J. Targeting Erbin-mitochondria axis in platelets/megakaryocytes promotes B cell-mediated antitumor immunity. Cell Metab 2024; 36:541-556.e9. [PMID: 38232736 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2023.12.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 08/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
The roles of platelets/megakaryocytes (MKs), the key components in the blood system, in the tumor microenvironment and antitumor immunity are unclear. In patients with colorectal cancer, the number of platelets was significantly increased in patients with metastasis, and Erbin expression was highly expressed in platelets from patients with metastases. Moreover, Erbin knockout in platelets/MKs suppressed lung metastasis in mice and promoted aggregations of platelets. Mechanistically, Erbin-deficient platelets have increasing mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and secrete lipid metabolites like acyl-carnitine (Acar) by abolishing interaction with prothrombotic protein ESAM. Notably, Acar enhanced the activity of mitochondrial electron transport chain complex and mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in B cells by acetylation of H3K27 epigenetically. Targeting Erbin in platelets/MKs by a nanovesicle system dramatically attenuated lung metastasis in mice in vivo. Our study identifies an Erbin-mitochondria axis in platelets/MKs, which suppresses B cell-mediated antitumor immunity, suggesting a new way for the treatment of metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zilong Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xu Xu
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Songsong Zhao
- College of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Suzhou, China
| | - Chuyi Wang
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China
| | - Guilin Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wenshu Chen
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China
| | - Jinglin Liu
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China
| | - Huimin Gong
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China
| | | | - Shi Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Tong Shen
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China.
| | - Jianming Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-Sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China; Department of Pathology, Soochow University Medical School, Suzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Wang H, Xu YH, Guo Y. Novel prognostic marker TGFBI affects the migration and invasion function of ovarian cancer cells and activates the integrin αvβ3-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. J Ovarian Res 2024; 17:50. [PMID: 38395907 PMCID: PMC10885438 DOI: 10.1186/s13048-024-01377-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Individual patients with ovarian cancer show remarkably different prognosis. Present prognostic models for ovarian cancer mainly focus on clinico-pathological parameters, so quantifiable prognostic markers at molecular level are urgently needed. Platelets contribute to ovarian cancer progression, but have not been considered as biomarkers likely due to their instability. Here, we aimed to search for a stable prognostic marker from platelet-treated ovarian cancer cells, and explore its functions and mechanisms. METHODS Microarrays analysis was done with platelet-treated SKOV-3 ovarian cancer cells. Relevant studies were searched in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The candidate genes were determined by differentially expressed genes (DEGs), Venn diagram drawing, protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, Cox proportional hazards model and Kaplan-Meier analysis. The expression of TGFBI in clinical samples was assessed by immunehistochemical staining (IHC), and the association of TGFBI levels with the clinic-pathological characteristics and prognosis in ovarian cancer patients was evaluated by univariate and multivariate analysis. The functions of TGFBI were predicted using data from TCGA, and validated by in vitro and in vivo experiments. The mechanism exploration was performed based on proteomic analysis, molecular docking and intervention study. RESULTS TGFBI was significantly higher expressed in the platelet-treated ovarian cancer cells. An analysis of bioinformatics data revealed that increased expression of TGFBI led to significant decrease of overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS) and post-progression survival (PPS) in ovarian cancer patients. Tissue microarray results showed that TGFBI was an independent factor for ovarian cancer, and TGFBI expression predict poor prognosis. Functionally, TGFBI affected the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells by regulation of epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers (CDH1 and CDH2) and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation proteins (MMP-2). Mechanistically, TGFBI phosphorylated PI3K and Akt by combining integrin αvβ3. CONCLUSIONS We found out TGFBI as a novel prognostic indicator for ovarian cancer patients. TGFBI could promote metastasis in ovarian cancer by EMT induction and ECM remodeling, which might be associated with the activation of integrin αvβ3-PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
- Xuzhou Key Laboratory of Laboratory Diagnostics, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yin-Hai Xu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- School of Medical Technology, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221004, China.
| | - Yi Guo
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China.
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, 221006, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bandini S, Ulivi P, Rossi T. Extracellular Vesicles, Circulating Tumor Cells, and Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors: Hints and Promises. Cells 2024; 13:337. [PMID: 38391950 PMCID: PMC10887032 DOI: 10.3390/cells13040337] [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: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint inhibitor (ICI) therapy has revolutionized the treatment of cancer, in particular lung cancer, while the introduction of predictive biomarkers from liquid biopsies has emerged as a promising tool to achieve an effective and personalized therapy response. Important progress has also been made in the molecular characterization of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs), highlighting their tremendous potential in modulating the tumor microenvironment, acting on immunomodulatory pathways, and setting up the pre-metastatic niche. Surface antigens on EVs and CTCs have proved to be particularly useful in the case of the characterization of potential immune escape mechanisms through the expression of immunosuppressive ligands or the transport of cargos that may mitigate the antitumor immune function. On the other hand, novel approaches, to increase the expression of immunostimulatory molecules or cargo contents that can enhance the immune response, offer premium options in combinatorial clinical strategies for precision immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss recent advances in the identification of immune checkpoints using EVs and CTCs, their potential applications as predictive biomarkers for ICI therapy, and their prospective use as innovative clinical tools, considering that CTCs have already been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for clinical use, but providing good reasons to intensify the research on both.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Paola Ulivi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (S.B.); (T.R.)
| | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Sinha S, Farfel A, Luker KE, Parker BA, Yeung KT, Luker GD, Ghosh P. Growth signaling autonomy in circulating tumor cells aids metastatic seeding. PNAS NEXUS 2024; 3:pgae014. [PMID: 38312224 PMCID: PMC10833458 DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgae014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 02/06/2024]
Abstract
Self-sufficiency (autonomy) in growth signaling, the earliest recognized hallmark of cancer, is fueled by the tumor cell's ability to "secrete-and-sense" growth factors (GFs); this translates into cell survival and proliferation that is self-sustained by autocrine/paracrine secretion. A Golgi-localized circuitry comprised of two GTPase switches has recently been implicated in the orchestration of growth signaling autonomy. Using breast cancer cells that are either endowed or impaired (by gene editing) in their ability to assemble the circuitry for growth signaling autonomy, here we define the transcriptome, proteome, and phenome of such an autonomous state, and unravel its role during cancer progression. We show that autonomy is associated with enhanced molecular programs for stemness, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Autonomy is both necessary and sufficient for anchorage-independent GF-restricted proliferation and resistance to anticancer drugs and is required for metastatic progression. Transcriptomic and proteomic studies show that autonomy is associated, with a surprising degree of specificity, with self-sustained epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)/ErbB signaling. Derivation of a gene expression signature for autonomy revealed that growth signaling autonomy is uniquely induced in circulating tumor cells (CTCs), the harshest phase in the life of tumor cells when it is deprived of biologically available epidermal growth factor (EGF). We also show that autonomy in CTCs tracks therapeutic response and prognosticates outcome. These data support a role for growth signaling autonomy in multiple processes essential for the blood-borne dissemination of human breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saptarshi Sinha
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Alex Farfel
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Kathryn E Luker
- Biointerfaces Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Barbara A Parker
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Kay T Yeung
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Gary D Luker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
- Center for Molecular Imaging, Department of Radiology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2200, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, 3350 La Jolla Village Drive, San Diego, CA 92161, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brooks A, Zhang Y, Chen J, Zhao CX. Cancer Metastasis-on-a-Chip for Modeling Metastatic Cascade and Drug Screening. Adv Healthc Mater 2024:e2302436. [PMID: 38224141 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202302436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/16/2024]
Abstract
Microfluidic chips are valuable tools for studying intricate cellular and cell-microenvironment interactions. Traditional in vitro cancer models lack accuracy in mimicking the complexities of in vivo tumor microenvironment. However, cancer-metastasis-on-a-chip (CMoC) models combine the advantages of 3D cultures and microfluidic technology, serving as powerful platforms for exploring cancer mechanisms and facilitating drug screening. These chips are able to compartmentalize the metastatic cascade, deepening the understanding of its underlying mechanisms. This article provides an overview of current CMoC models, focusing on distinctive models that simulate invasion, intravasation, circulation, extravasation, and colonization, and their applications in drug screening. Furthermore, challenges faced by CMoC and microfluidic technologies are discussed, while exploring promising future directions in cancer research. The ongoing development and integration of these models into cancer studies are expected to drive transformative advancements in the field.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anastasia Brooks
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Yali Zhang
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Jiezhong Chen
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- School of Chemical Engineering, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, 5005, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kelly TE, Spillane CL, Ward MP, Hokamp K, Huang Y, Tewari P, Martin CM, Norris LA, Mohamed BM, Bates M, Brooks R, Selemidis S, Brooks DA, Kamran W, Saadeh FA, O’Toole SA, O’Leary JJ. Plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 is associated with high-grade serous ovarian cancer metastasis and is reduced in patients who have received neoadjuvant chemotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1150991. [PMID: 38143926 PMCID: PMC10740207 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1150991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most prevalent and deadliest subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC), killing over 140,000 people annually. Morbidity and mortality are compounded by a lack of screening methods, and recurrence is common. Plasminogen-activator-inhibitor 1 (PAI-1, the protein product of SERPIN E1) is involved in hemostasis, extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, and tumor cell migration and invasion. Overexpression is associated with poor prognosis in EOC. Platelets significantly increase PAI-1 in cancer cells in vitro, and may contribute to the hematogenous metastasis of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs are viable tumor cells that intravasate and travel through the circulation-often aided by platelets - with the potential to form secondary metastases. Here, we provide evidence that PAI-1 is central to the platelet-cancer cell interactome, and plays a role in the metastatic cascade. Methods: SK-OV-3 cells where PAI-1 had been silenced, treated with healthy donor platelets, and treated with platelet-conditioned medium were used as an in vitro model of metastatic EOC. Gene expression analysis was performed using RNA-Seq data from untreated cells and cells treated with PAI-1 siRNA or negative control, each with and without platelets. Four cohorts of banked patient plasma samples (n = 239) were assayed for PAI-1 by ELISA. Treatment-naïve (TN) whole blood (WB) samples were evaluated for CTCs in conjunction with PAI-1 evaluation in matched plasma. Results and discussion: Significant phenotypic changes occurring when PAI-1 was silenced and when platelets were added to cells were reflected by RNA-seq data, with PAI-1 observed to be central to molecular mechanisms of EOC metastasis. Increased proliferation was observed in cells treated with platelets. Plasma PAI-1 significantly correlated with advanced disease in a TN cohort, and was significantly reduced in a neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) cohort. PAI-1 demonstrated a trend towards significance in overall survival (OS) in the late-stage TN cohort, and correlation between PAI-1 and neutrophils in this cohort was significant. 72.7% (16/22) of TN patients with plasma PAI-1 levels higher than OS cutoff were CTC-positive. These data support a central role for PAI-1 in EOC metastasis, and highlight PAI-1's potential as a biomarker, prognostic indicator, or gauge of treatment response in HGSOC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tanya E. Kelly
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cathy L. Spillane
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark P. Ward
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karsten Hokamp
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Yanmei Huang
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- School of Forensic Medicine, Xinxiang Medical University, Xinxiang, China
| | - Prerna Tewari
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cara M. Martin
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Lucy A. Norris
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bashir M. Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, STEM College, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Douglas A. Brooks
- Sansom Institute for Health Research, University of South Australia, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Waseem Kamran
- Division of Gynaegological Oncology, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Feras Abu Saadeh
- Division of Gynaegological Oncology, St. James’ Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sharon A. O’Toole
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J. O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Trinity St James’s Cancer Institute, St. James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Nicolazzo C, Francescangeli F, Magri V, Giuliani A, Zeuner A, Gazzaniga P. Is cancer an intelligent species? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1201-1218. [PMID: 37540301 PMCID: PMC10713722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some relevant emerging properties of intelligent systems are "adaptation to a changing environment," "reaction to unexpected situations," "capacity of problem solving," and "ability to communicate." Single cells have remarkable abilities to adapt, make adequate context-dependent decision, take constructive actions, and communicate, thus theoretically meeting all the above-mentioned requirements. From a biological point of view, cancer can be viewed as an invasive species, composed of cells that move from primary to distant sites, being continuously exposed to changes in the environmental conditions. Blood represents the first hostile habitat that a cancer cell encounters once detached from the primary site, so that cancer cells must rapidly carry out multiple adaptation strategies to survive. The aim of this review was to deepen the adaptation mechanisms of cancer cells in the blood microenvironment, particularly referring to four adaptation strategies typical of animal species (phenotypic adaptation, metabolic adaptation, niche adaptation, and collective adaptation), which together define the broad concept of biological intelligence. We provided evidence that the required adaptations (either structural, metabolic, and related to metastatic niche formation) and "social" behavior are useful principles allowing putting into a coherent frame many features of circulating cancer cells. This interpretative frame is described by the comparison with analog behavioral traits typical of various animal models.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Gavioli G, Razzoli A, Bedolla DE, Di Bartolomeo E, Quartieri E, Iotti B, Berni P, Birarda G, Vaccari L, Schiroli D, Marraccini C, Baricchi R, Merolle L. Cryopreservation affects platelet macromolecular composition over time after thawing and differently impacts on cancer cells behavior in vitro. Platelets 2023; 34:2281943. [PMID: 38010129 DOI: 10.1080/09537104.2023.2281943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Cryopreservation affects platelets' function, questioning their use for cancer patients. We aimed to investigate the biochemical events that occur over time after thawing to optimize transfusion timing and evaluate the effect of platelet supernatants on tumor cell behavior in vitro. We compared fresh (Fresh-PLT) with Cryopreserved platelets (Cryo-PLT) at 1 h, 3 h and 6 h after thawing. MCF-7 and HL-60 cells were cultured with Fresh- or 1 h Cryo-PLT supernatants to investigate cell proliferation, migration, and PLT-cell adhesion. We noticed a significant impairment of hemostatic activity accompanied by a post-thaw decrease of CD42b+ , which identifies the CD62P--population. FTIR spectroscopy revealed a decrease in the total protein content together with changes in their conformational structure, which identified two sub-groups: 1) Fresh and 1 h Cryo-PLT; 2) 3 h and 6 h cryo-PLT. Extracellular vesicle shedding and phosphatidylserine externalization (PS) increased after thawing. Cryo-PLT supernatants inhibited cell proliferation, impaired MCF-7 cell migration, and reduced ability to adhere to tumor cells. Within the first 3 hours after thawing, irreversible alterations of biomolecular structure occur in Cryo-PLT. Nevertheless, Cryo-PLT should be considered safe for the transfusion of cancer patients because of their insufficient capability to promote cancer cell proliferation, adhesion, or migration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaia Gavioli
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Agnese Razzoli
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
- Clinical and Experimental PhD Program, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Diana E Bedolla
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, Basovizza, Italy
- Molecular Pathology Lab, International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Area Science Park, Trieste, Italy
- Center for Biospectroscopy and School of Chemistry, Monash University, Clayton, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Eleonora Quartieri
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Barbara Iotti
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Pamela Berni
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | | | - Lisa Vaccari
- Elettra - Sincrotrone Trieste S.C.p.A, Basovizza, Italy
| | - Davide Schiroli
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Chiara Marraccini
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Roberto Baricchi
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| | - Lucia Merolle
- AUSL-IRCCS di Reggio Emilia, Transfusion Medicine Unit, Reggio Emilia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Sørensen HT, Pedersen L, van Es N, Büller HR, Horváth-Puhó E. Impact of venous thromboembolism on the mortality in patients with cancer: a population-based cohort study. THE LANCET REGIONAL HEALTH. EUROPE 2023; 34:100739. [PMID: 37809052 PMCID: PMC10558815 DOI: 10.1016/j.lanepe.2023.100739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 09/12/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/10/2023]
Abstract
Background Despite recent improvements in the treatment of cancer, little is known about the long-term survival in patients with cancer and venous thromboembolism. We aimed to examine the five-year mortality of venous thromboembolism in cancer patients in a large population-based cohort study. Methods Using Danish healthcare registries from 1995 to 2020, we obtained data on cancer patients with venous thromboembolism and comparison cohorts of cancer patients without venous thromboembolism, matched in terms of cancer type, age, sex, and year of cancer diagnosis, and adjusted for level of comorbidity and frailty using the Charlson Comorbidity Index Score and Hospital Frailty Risk Score, marital status, use of selected medications, and recent surgery (<90 days). Findings During the study period, 886,536 patients were diagnosed with cancer. Of 1882 cancer patients diagnosed at the time of their venous thromboembolism, 44.4% (835/1882) had distant metastases. In this cohort, the one- and five-year mortality cumulative incidences were 68% (1284/1882) and 84% (1578/1882), respectively, in contrast to 38% (2135/5549) and 67% (3653/5549) in the comparison cohort. The mortality rate ratio was 4.34 (95% confidence interval [CI], 3.95-4.78) for the first year of follow-up and 3.44 (95% CI 3.17-3.73) for the five-year follow-up period. Of the 23,366 patients diagnosed with venous thromboembolism after cancer diagnosis, 18% (4183/23,366) had distant metastases at the time of cancer diagnosis. The cumulative incidence of death at one year was 45% (10,465/23,366; mortality rate ratio 3.48, 95% CI 3.37-3.60) and at five years 69% (15,669/23,366; mortality rate ratio 2.57, 95% CI 2.50-2.63). Interpretation Despite improved cancer treatment, venous thromboembolism in cancer patients is strongly associated with a poor prognosis. Funding The study was supported by grants from the Independent Research Fund Denmark (record no. 3101-00102B) and the Karen Elise Jensen Foundation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Toft Sørensen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
- Clinical Excellence Research Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Lars Pedersen
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Nick van Es
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Harry R. Büller
- Department of Vascular Medicine, Amsterdam UMC Location University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
- Amsterdam Cardiovascular Sciences, Pulmonary Hypertension & Thrombosis, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Erzsébet Horváth-Puhó
- Department of Clinical Epidemiology, Aarhus University Hospital and Aarhus University, Aarhus, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Zhou L, Zhang Z, Tian Y, Li Z, Liu Z, Zhu S. The critical role of platelet in cancer progression and metastasis. Eur J Med Res 2023; 28:385. [PMID: 37770941 PMCID: PMC10537080 DOI: 10.1186/s40001-023-01342-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets play a crucial role in cancer blood metastasis. Various cancer-related factors such as Toll-like receptors (TLRs), adenosine diphosphate (ADP) or extracellular matrix (ECM) can activate these small particles that function in hemostasis and thrombosis. Moreover, platelets induce Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) to promote cancer progression and invasiveness. The activated platelets protect circulating tumor cells from immune surveillance and anoikis. They also mediate tumor cell arrest, extravasation and angiogenesis in distant organs through direct or indirect modulation, creating a metastatic microenvironment. This review summarizes the recent advances and progress of mechanisms in platelet activation and its interaction with cancer cells in metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhou
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Zhe Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Huizhou Municipal Central Hospital, Huizhou, Guangdong, 516001, People's Republic of China
| | - Yizhou Tian
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Zefei Li
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, 316000, China
| | - Zhongliang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, 316000, China.
| | - Sibo Zhu
- Department of Oncology, Zhoushan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine (Affiliated to Zhejiang University of Traditional Chinese Medicine), Zhoushan, 316000, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Liu X, Song J, Liu X, Zhang H, Wang X, Li Y, Yang Z, Jing J, Ma X, Shi H. Protocol for identifying immune checkpoint on circulating tumor cells of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma by single-cell RNA sequencing. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102539. [PMID: 37659082 PMCID: PMC10491853 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102539] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 06/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 09/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as the "seeds" of tumor metastasis. Identifying immune checkpoints on CTCs is essential for establishing efficient immunotherapies to prevent tumor metastasis. Here, we present a protocol for isolating CTCs and obtaining single-cell suspensions from pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma liver metastatic patients. We describe steps for biospecimen acquisition, CTC isolation, and tissue dissociation. We then detail procedures for performing single-cell RNA-seq, annotating cell types, and identifying immune checkpoints on CTCs. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Liu et al. (2023).1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Liu
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinen Song
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xueyan Wang
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yuanxi Li
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Zhankun Yang
- College of Chemical Engineering, Shijiazhuang University, Shijiazhuang, Hebei 050035, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Institute for Breast Health Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Wang ZN, Zhang Y, Sun J, Zhao ZZ, Wang S, Yang C. The prognostic and predictive value of plasma D-dimer in children with neuroblastoma: a 7-year retrospective analysis at a single institution. Ann Surg Treat Res 2023; 105:148-156. [PMID: 37693287 PMCID: PMC10485353 DOI: 10.4174/astr.2023.105.3.148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Elevated plasma D-dimer level is a poor prognostic factor for many solid tumors. However, limited research has been conducted on D-dimer in children with neuroblastoma (NB), and its clinical significance remains unclear. The present study investigated the clinical and prognostic significance of D-dimer in pediatric NB patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of all newly admitted NB patients was conducted from January 2014 to December 2020. Baseline clinicopathological features, preoperative laboratory parameters, and follow-up information were collected. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to determine the relationship between D-dimer level, clinical features, and the prognostic value. Results Among 266 patients, the median value of D-dimer was 2.98 ng/mL, of which 132 patients showed elevated D-dimer levels before surgery (>2.98 ng/mL). Univariate analysis revealed that elevated D-dimer was significantly associated with age, hemoglobin, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, neuron-specific enolase, 24-hour vanillylmandelic acid, overall survival, and so on (P < 0.05). Patients with elevated D-dimer levels had shorter median overall survival time when compared with normal D-dimer levels (P = 0.01). The prognosis was better in patients with normal D-dimer levels when combined with lower age, ganglioneuroblastoma tumor type, lower stage on International Neuroblastoma Staging System, low-risk group, and without bone metastasis or bone marrow metastasis. The continuous increase of D-dimer level after treatment indicated tumor recurrence or progression. Conclusion A high D-dimer level is associated with low overall survival, and an elevated D-dimer level after treatment indicates tumor recurrence and progression. D-dimer can be used as one of the evaluation factors for NB treatment or prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhen-Ni Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Yao Zhang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Jian Sun
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Zhen-Zhen Zhao
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Shan Wang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgical Oncology, Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
- National International Science and Technology Cooperation Base for Critical Children’s Developmental Diseases, Chongqing, China
- Key Laboratory of Child Developmental Diseases Research of Ministry of Education, Chongqing Key Laboratory of Pediatrics, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Wahab R, Hasan MM, Azam Z, Grippo PJ, Al-Hilal TA. The role of coagulome in the tumor immune microenvironment. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2023; 200:115027. [PMID: 37517779 PMCID: PMC11099942 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2023.115027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The rising incidence and persistent thrombosis in multiple cancers including those that are immunosuppressive highlight the need for understanding the tumor coagulome system and its role beyond hemostatic complications. Immunotherapy has shown significant benefits in solid organ tumors but has been disappointing in the treatment of hypercoagulable cancers, such as glioblastoma and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas. Thus, targeting thrombosis to prevent immunosuppression seems a clinically viable approach in cancer treatment. Hypercoagulable tumors often develop fibrin clots within the tumor microenvironment (TME) that dictates the biophysical characteristics of the tumor tissue. The application of systems biology and single-cell approaches highlight the potential role of coagulome or thrombocytosis in shaping the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). In-depth knowledge of the tumor coagulome would provide unprecedented opportunities to better predict the hemostatic complications, explore how thrombotic stroma modulates tumor immunity, reexamine the significance of clinical biomarkers, and enable steering the stromal versus systemic immune response for boosting the effectiveness of immune checkpoint inhibitors in cancer treatment. We focus on the role of coagulation factors in priming a suppressive TIME and the huge potential of existing anticoagulant drugs in the clinical settings of cancer immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Riajul Wahab
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Md Mahedi Hasan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Zulfikar Azam
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA
| | - Paul J Grippo
- Department of Medicine, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Taslim A Al-Hilal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA; Department of Environmental Science & Engineering, College of Science, University of Texas at El Paso, El Paso, TX 79968, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Muraro E, Brisotto G. Circulating tumor cells and host immunity: A tricky liaison. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:131-157. [PMID: 37739482 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
During their dissemination, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) steadily face the immune system, which is a key player in the whole metastatic cascade, from intravasation to the CTC colonization of distant sites. In this chapter, we will go through the description of immune cells involved in this controversial dialogue encompassing both the anti-tumor activity and the tumor-promoting and immunosuppressive function mediated by several circulating immune effectors as natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 17, regulatory T cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and platelets. Then, we will report on the same interaction from the CTCs point of view, depicting the direct and indirect mechanisms of crosstalk with the above mentioned immune cells. Finally, we will report the recent literature evidence on the potential prognostic role of the integrated CTCs and immune cells monitoring in cancer patients management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giulia Brisotto
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wilhelm G, Mertowska P, Mertowski S, Przysucha A, Strużyna J, Grywalska E, Torres K. The Crossroads of the Coagulation System and the Immune System: Interactions and Connections. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12563. [PMID: 37628744 PMCID: PMC10454528 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The coagulation and immune systems, two vital systems in the human body, share intimate connections that fundamentally determine patient health. These systems work together through several common regulatory pathways, including the Tissue Factor (TF) Pathway. Immune cells expressing TF and producing pro-inflammatory cytokines can influence coagulation, while coagulation factors and processes reciprocally impact immune responses by activating immune cells and controlling their functions. These shared pathways contribute to maintaining health and are also involved in various pathological conditions. Dysregulated coagulation, triggered by infection, inflammation, or tissue damage, can result in conditions such as disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). Concurrently, immune dysregulation may lead to coagulation disorders and thrombotic complications. This review elucidates these intricate interactions, emphasizing their roles in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diseases and cancer. Understanding the complex interplay between these systems is critical for disease management and the development of effective treatments. By exploring these common regulatory mechanisms, we can uncover innovative therapeutic strategies targeting these intricate disorders. Thus, this paper presents a comprehensive overview of the mutual interaction between the coagulation and immune systems, highlighting its significance in health maintenance and disease pathology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Grzegorz Wilhelm
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (G.W.); (K.T.)
| | - Paulina Mertowska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Sebastian Mertowski
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Anna Przysucha
- Chair and Department of Didactics and Medical Simulation, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Jerzy Strużyna
- East Center of Burns Treatment and Reconstructive Surgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland;
| | - Ewelina Grywalska
- Department of Experimental Immunology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093 Lublin, Poland; (S.M.); (E.G.)
| | - Kamil Torres
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Microsurgery, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland; (G.W.); (K.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Eslami-S Z, Cortés-Hernández LE, Glogovitis I, Antunes-Ferreira M, D’Ambrosi S, Kurma K, Garima F, Cayrefourcq L, Best MG, Koppers-Lalic D, Wurdinger T, Alix-Panabières C. In vitro cross-talk between metastasis-competent circulating tumor cells and platelets in colon cancer: a malicious association during the harsh journey in the blood. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1209846. [PMID: 37601099 PMCID: PMC10433913 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1209846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Platelets are active players in hemostasis, coagulation and also tumorigenesis. The cross-talk between platelets and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) may have various pro-cancer effects, including promoting tumor growth, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastatic cell survival, adhesion, arrest and also pre-metastatic niche and metastasis formation. Interaction with CTCs might alter the platelet transcriptome. However, as CTCs are rare events, the cross-talk between CTCs and platelets is poorly understood. Here, we used our established colon CTC lines to investigate the colon CTC-platelet cross-talk in vitro and its impact on the behavior/phenotype of both cell types. Methods: We exposed platelets isolated from healthy donors to thrombin (positive control) or to conditioned medium from three CTC lines from one patient with colon cancer and then we monitored the morphological and protein expression changes by microscopy and flow cytometry. We then analyzed the transcriptome by RNA-sequencing of platelets indirectly (presence of a Transwell insert) co-cultured with the three CTC lines. We also quantified by reverse transcription-quantitative PCR the expression of genes related to EMT and cancer development in CTCs after direct co-culture (no Transwell insert) with platelets. Results: We observed morphological and transcriptomic changes in platelets upon exposure to CTC conditioned medium and indirect co-culture (secretome). Moreover, the expression levels of genes involved in EMT (p < 0.05) were decreased in CTCs co-cultured with platelets, but not of genes encoding mesenchymal markers (FN1 and SNAI2). The expression levels of genes involved in cancer invasiveness (MYC, VEGFB, IL33, PTGS2, and PTGER2) were increased. Conclusion: For the first time, we studied the CTC-platelet cross-talk using our unique colon CTC lines. Incubation with CTC conditioned medium led to platelet aggregation and activation, supporting the hypothesis that their interaction may contribute to preserve CTC integrity during their journey in the bloodstream. Moreover, co-culture with platelets influenced the expression of several genes involved in invasiveness and EMT maintenance in CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zahra Eslami-S
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Luis Enrique Cortés-Hernández
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Ilias Glogovitis
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Mafalda Antunes-Ferreira
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Silvia D’Ambrosi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Françoise Garima
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Laure Cayrefourcq
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Myron G. Best
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Thomas Wurdinger
- Department of Neurosurgery, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam University Medical Centers, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Circulating Human Cells—University Medical Center of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), Université de Montpellier, Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Bekendam RH, Ravid K. Mechanisms of platelet activation in cancer-associated thrombosis: a focus on myeloproliferative neoplasms. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1207395. [PMID: 37457287 PMCID: PMC10342211 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1207395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 06/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Platelets are anucleate blood cells that play key roles in thrombosis and hemostasis. Platelets are also effector cells in malignancy and are known to home into the microenvironment of cancers. As such, these cells provide central links between the hemostatic system, inflammation and cancer progression. Activation of platelets by cancers has been postulated to contribute to metastasis and progression of local tumor invasion. Similarly, cancer-activated platelets can increase the risk of development of both arterial and venous thrombosis; a major contributor to cancer-associated morbidity. Platelet granules secretion within the tumor environment or the plasma provide a rich source of potential biomarkers for prediction of thrombotic risk or tumor progression. In the case of myeloproliferative neoplasms (MPNs), which are characterized by clonal expansion of myeloid precursors and abnormal function and number of erythrocytes, leukocytes and platelets, patients suffer from thrombotic and hemorrhagic complications. The mechanisms driving this are likely multifactorial but remain poorly understood. Several mouse models developed to recapitulate MPN phenotype with one of the driving mutations, in JAK2 (JAK2V617F) or in calreticulin (CALR) or myeloproliferative leukemia virus oncogene receptor (MPL), have been studied for their thrombotic phenotype. Variability and discrepancies were identified within different disease models of MPN, emphasizing the complexity of increased risk of clotting and bleeding in these pathologies. Here, we review recent literature on the role of platelets in cancer-associated arterial and venous thrombosis and use MPN as case study to illustrate recent advances in experimental models of thrombosis in a malignant phenotype. We address major mechanisms of tumor-platelet communication leading to thrombosis and focus on the role of altered platelets in promoting thrombosis in MPN experimental models and patients with MPN. Recent identification of platelet-derived biomarkers of MPN-associated thrombosis is also reviewed, with potential therapeutic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Roelof H. Bekendam
- Division of Hematology and Hematologic Malignancies, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Katya Ravid
- Department of Medicine and Biochemistry, Whitaker Cardiovascular Institute, Boston University Chobanian & Avedisian School of Medicine, Boston, MA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Lawrence R, Watters M, Davies CR, Pantel K, Lu YJ. Circulating tumour cells for early detection of clinically relevant cancer. Nat Rev Clin Oncol 2023:10.1038/s41571-023-00781-y. [PMID: 37268719 DOI: 10.1038/s41571-023-00781-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Given that cancer mortality is usually a result of late diagnosis, efforts in the field of early detection are paramount to reducing cancer-related deaths and improving patient outcomes. Increasing evidence indicates that metastasis is an early event in patients with aggressive cancers, often occurring even before primary lesions are clinically detectable. Metastases are usually formed from cancer cells that spread to distant non-malignant tissues via the blood circulation, termed circulating tumour cells (CTCs). CTCs have been detected in patients with early stage cancers and, owing to their association with metastasis, might indicate the presence of aggressive disease, thus providing a possible means to expedite diagnosis and treatment initiation for such patients while avoiding overdiagnosis and overtreatment of those with slow-growing, indolent tumours. The utility of CTCs as an early diagnostic tool has been investigated, although further improvements in the efficiency of CTC detection are required. In this Perspective, we discuss the clinical significance of early haematogenous dissemination of cancer cells, the potential of CTCs to facilitate early detection of clinically relevant cancers, and the technological advances that might improve CTC capture and, thus, diagnostic performance in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Lawrence
- Centre for Biomarkers and Therapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Watters
- Barts and London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University London, London, UK
| | - Caitlin R Davies
- Centre for Biomarkers and Therapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Centre for Biomarkers and Therapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang Y, Schneider SW, Gorzelanny C. Crosstalk between Circulating Tumor Cells and Plasma Proteins-Impact on Coagulation and Anticoagulation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113025. [PMID: 37296987 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is a complex process. After their intravasation into the circulation, the cancer cells are exposed to a harsh environment of physical and biochemical hazards. Whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) survive and escape from blood flow defines their ability to metastasize. CTCs sense their environment with surface-exposed receptors. The recognition of corresponding ligands, e.g., fibrinogen, by integrins can induce intracellular signaling processes driving CTCs' survival. Other receptors, such as tissue factor (TF), enable CTCs to induce coagulation. Cancer-associated thrombosis (CAT) is adversely connected to patients' outcome. However, cancer cells have also the ability to inhibit coagulation, e.g., through expressing thrombomodulin (TM) or heparan sulfate (HS), an activator of antithrombin (AT). To that extent, individual CTCs can interact with plasma proteins, and whether these interactions are connected to metastasis or clinical symptoms such as CAT is largely unknown. In the present review, we discuss the biological and clinical relevance of cancer-cell-expressed surface molecules and their interaction with plasma proteins. We aim to encourage future research to expand our knowledge of the CTC interactome, as this may not only yield new molecular markers improving liquid-biopsy-based diagnostics but also additional targets for better cancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Stefan W Schneider
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christian Gorzelanny
- Department of Dermatology and Venereology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse 52, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Kurma K, Alix-Panabières C. Mechanobiology and survival strategies of circulating tumor cells: a process towards the invasive and metastatic phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1188499. [PMID: 37215087 PMCID: PMC10196185 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1188499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic progression is the deadliest feature of cancer. Cancer cell growth, invasion, intravasation, circulation, arrest/adhesion and extravasation require specific mechanical properties to allow cell survival and the completion of the metastatic cascade. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) come into contact with the capillary bed during extravasation/intravasation at the beginning of the metastatic cascade. However, CTC mechanobiology and survival strategies in the bloodstream, and specifically in the microcirculation, are not well known. A fraction of CTCs can extravasate and colonize distant areas despite the biomechanical constriction forces that are exerted by the microcirculation and that strongly decrease tumor cell survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence shows that several CTC adaptations, via molecular factors and interactions with blood components (e.g., immune cells and platelets inside capillaries), may promote metastasis formation. To better understand CTC journey in the microcirculation as part of the metastatic cascade, we reviewed how CTC mechanobiology and interaction with other cell types in the bloodstream help them to survive the harsh conditions in the circulatory system and to metastasize in distant organs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (E LBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (E LBS), Hamburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Jing H, Wu X, Xiang M, Wang C, Novakovic VA, Shi J. Microparticle Phosphatidylserine Mediates Coagulation: Involvement in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071957. [PMID: 37046617 PMCID: PMC10093313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071957] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and cancer metastasis has been linked to the release of microparticles (MPs), which are shed upon cell activation or apoptosis and display parental cell antigens, phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS), and nucleic acids on their external surfaces. In this review, we highlight the biogenesis of MPs as well as the pathophysiological processes of PS externalization and its involvement in coagulation activation. We review the available evidence, suggesting that coagulation factors (mainly tissue factor, thrombin, and fibrin) assist in multiple steps of tumor dissemination, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune escape, and tumor angiogenesis to support the formation of the pre-metastatic niche. Platelets are not just bystander cells in circulation but are functional players in primary tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-induced platelet aggregation protects circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood flow shear forces and immune cell attack while also promoting the binding of CTCs to endothelial cells and extravasation, which activates tumor invasion and sustains metastasis. Finally, in terms of therapy, lactadherin can inhibit coagulation by competing effectively with coagulation factors for PS binding sites and may similarly delay tumor progression. Furthermore, we also investigate the therapeutic potential of coagulation factor inhibitors within the context of cancer treatment. The development of multiple therapies targeting platelet activation and platelet-tumor cell interactions may not only reduce the lethal consequences of thrombosis but also impede tumor growth and spread.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haijiao Jing
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Mengqi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chengyue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Valerie A Novakovic
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| | - Jialan Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Bates M, Spillane CD, Kelly T, Martin C, Gallagher M, Heffernan S, Norris L, Kennedy J, Saadeh FA, Gleeson N, Brooks DA, Brooks RD, Selemidis S, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Ex vivo expansion of circulating tumour cells (CTCs). Sci Rep 2023; 13:3704. [PMID: 36879003 PMCID: PMC9988863 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-30733-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a critical intermediate step in the process of cancer metastasis. The reliability of CTC isolation/purification has limited both the potential to report on metastatic progression and the development of CTCs as targets for therapeutic intervention. Here we report a new methodology, which optimises the culture conditions for CTCs using primary cancer cells as a model system. We exploited the known biology that CTCs thrive in hypoxic conditions, with their survival and proliferation being reliant on the activation of hypoxia-inducible factor 1 alpha (HIF-1α). We isolated epithelial-like and quasi-mesenchymal CTC phenotypes from the blood of a cancer patient and successfully cultured these cells for more than 8 weeks. The presence of CTC clusters was required to establish and maintain long-term cultures. This novel methodology for the long-term culture of CTCs will aid in the development of downstream applications, including CTC theranostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland. .,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland. .,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland.
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Cathy D Spillane
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Michael Gallagher
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sheena Heffernan
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Lucy Norris
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John Kennedy
- HOPE Directorate, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Feras Abu Saadeh
- Division of Gynaecological Oncology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Noreen Gleeson
- Division of Gynaecological Oncology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Doug A Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Robert D Brooks
- Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA, 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Bundoora, VIC, 3083, Australia
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.,Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The Journey of Cancer Cells to the Brain: Challenges and Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043854. [PMID: 36835266 PMCID: PMC9967224 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043854] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Revised: 02/09/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastases into the brain constitute one of the most severe, but not uncommon, manifestations of cancer progression. Several factors control how cancer cells interact with the brain to establish metastasis. These factors include mediators of signaling pathways participating in migration, infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, interaction with host cells (e.g., neurons, astrocytes), and the immune system. Development of novel therapies offers a glimpse of hope for increasing the diminutive life expectancy currently forecasted for patients suffering from brain metastasis. However, applying these treatment strategies has not been sufficiently effective. Therefore, there is a need for a better understanding of the metastasis process to uncover novel therapeutic targets. In this review, we follow the journey of various cancer cells from their primary location through the diverse processes that they undergo to colonize the brain. These processes include EMT, intravasation, extravasation, and infiltration of the blood-brain barrier, ending up with colonization and angiogenesis. In each phase, we focus on the pathways engaging molecules that potentially could be drug target candidates.
Collapse
|
33
|
Liu X, Song J, Zhang H, Liu X, Zuo F, Zhao Y, Zhao Y, Yin X, Guo X, Wu X, Zhang H, Xu J, Hu J, Jing J, Ma X, Shi H. Immune checkpoint HLA-E:CD94-NKG2A mediates evasion of circulating tumor cells from NK cell surveillance. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:272-287.e9. [PMID: 36706761 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Revised: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), shed by primary malignancies, function as "seeds" for distant metastasis. However, it is still largely unknown how CTCs escape immune surveillance. Here, we characterize the transcriptomes of human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma CTCs, primary, and metastatic lesions at single-cell scale. Cell-interaction analysis and functional studies in vitro and in vivo reveal that CTCs and natural killer (NK) cells interact via the immune checkpoint molecule pair HLA-E:CD94-NKG2A. Disruption of this interaction by blockade of NKG2A or knockdown of HLA-E expression enhances NK-mediated tumor cell killing in vitro and prevents tumor metastasis in vivo. Mechanistic studies indicate that platelet-derived RGS18 promotes the expression of HLA-E through AKT-GSK3β-CREB signaling, and overexpression of RGS18 facilitates pancreatic tumor hepatic metastasis. In conclusion, platelet-derived RGS18 protects CTCs from NK-mediated immune surveillance by engaging the immune checkpoint HLA-E:CD94-NKG2A. Interruption of the suppressive signaling prevents tumor metastasis in vivo by immune elimination of CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaowei Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jinen Song
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Fengli Zuo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yunuo Zhao
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xiaomeng Yin
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xinyu Guo
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xi Wu
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Hu Zhang
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Jie Xu
- Institutes of Biological Sciences, Zhongshan-Xuhui Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jianping Hu
- College of Pharmacy and Biological Engineering, Chengdu University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610106, China
| | - Jing Jing
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China
| | - Xuelei Ma
- Department of Biotherapy, West China Hospital and State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| | - Hubing Shi
- Laboratory of Integrative Medicine, Clinical Research Center for Breast, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, China.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Blood-Based mRNA Tests as Emerging Diagnostic Tools for Personalised Medicine in Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15041087. [PMID: 36831426 PMCID: PMC9954278 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Molecular diagnostic tests help clinicians understand the underlying biological mechanisms of their patients' breast cancer (BC) and facilitate clinical management. Several tissue-based mRNA tests are used routinely in clinical practice, particularly for assessing the BC recurrence risk, which can guide treatment decisions. However, blood-based mRNA assays have only recently started to emerge. This review explores the commercially available blood mRNA diagnostic assays for BC. These tests enable differentiation of BC from non-BC subjects (Syantra DX, BCtect), detection of small tumours <10 mm (early BC detection) (Syantra DX), detection of different cancers (including BC) from a single blood sample (multi-cancer blood test Aristotle), detection of BC in premenopausal and postmenopausal women and those with high breast density (Syantra DX), and improvement of diagnostic outcomes of DNA testing (variant interpretation) (+RNAinsight). The review also evaluates ongoing transcriptomic research on exciting possibilities for future assays, including blood transcriptome analyses aimed at differentiating lymph node positive and negative BC, distinguishing BC and benign breast disease, detecting ductal carcinoma in situ, and improving early detection further (expression changes can be detected in blood up to eight years before diagnosing BC using conventional approaches, while future metastatic and non-metastatic BC can be distinguished two years before BC diagnosis).
Collapse
|
35
|
Meyer YM, Wilting SM, Kraan J, Olthof P, Vermeulen P, Martens J, Grünhagen DJ, Sleijfer S, Verhoef C. Circulating tumour cells are associated with histopathological growth patterns of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023; 40:69-77. [PMID: 36326981 PMCID: PMC9898367 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Histopathological Growth Patterns (HGPs) have prognostic and predictive value in patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM). This study examined whether preoperative measurement of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) is associated with HGP. CTCs were prospectively enumerated in 7.5 ml of blood using the FDA-approved CellSearch system in patients who underwent local treatment of CRLM with curative intent between 2008 and 2021. All CTC samples were collected on the day of local treatment. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for CRLM or with extrahepatic disease at the time of CTC sampling were excluded. HGP was scored retrospectively following the current consensus guidelines. The association between CTCs and HGP was investigated through multivariable logistic regression. Data were available for 177 patients, desmoplastic HGP (dHGP) was observed in 34 patients (19%). There were no statistically significant differences in patient and tumour characteristics between dHGP and non-dHGP at baseline. Patients with dHGP had longer overall - and disease-free survival (logrank p = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively) compared to patients with non-dHGP. CTCs were not detected in 25(74%) of dHGP patients and in 68(48%) of non-dHGP patients (chi-squared p = 0.006). Preoperative absence of CTCs was the only significant predictor for dHGP in multivariable logistic regression (Odds Ratio 2.7, 95%CI 1.1-6.8, p = 0.028), Table 3. Preoperative absence of CTCs is associated with dHGP in chemo naive CRLM patients without extrahepatic disease. Based on our results, CTC count alone is not sufficient to preoperatively identify HGPs, but integration of CTC count in multivariable prediction models may aid the preoperative identification of HGPs of CRLM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Y M Meyer
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S M Wilting
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Kraan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Olthof
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit (GZA Hospitals and University of Antwerp), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D J Grünhagen
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Sleijfer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Verhoef
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Serrano MJ, Malapelle U. Comments on roles of circulating tumor cells in the metastatic cascade and tumor immune escape: biology and clinical translation. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006106. [PMID: 36657814 PMCID: PMC9853213 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Jose Serrano
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | | |
Collapse
|
37
|
Poonia S, Goel A, Chawla S, Bhattacharya N, Rai P, Lee YF, Yap YS, West J, Bhagat AA, Tayal J, Mehta A, Ahuja G, Majumdar A, Ramalingam N, Sengupta D. Marker-free characterization of full-length transcriptomes of single live circulating tumor cells. Genome Res 2023; 33:80-95. [PMID: 36414416 PMCID: PMC9977151 DOI: 10.1101/gr.276600.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The identification and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are important for gaining insights into the biology of metastatic cancers, monitoring disease progression, and medical management of the disease. The limiting factor in the enrichment of purified CTC populations is their sparse availability, heterogeneity, and altered phenotypes relative to the primary tumor. Intensive research both at the technical and molecular fronts led to the development of assays that ease CTC detection and identification from peripheral blood. Most CTC detection methods based on single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) use a mix of size selection, marker-based white blood cell (WBC) depletion, and antibodies targeting tumor-associated antigens. However, the majority of these methods either miss out on atypical CTCs or suffer from WBC contamination. We present unCTC, an R package for unbiased identification and characterization of CTCs from single-cell transcriptomic data. unCTC features many standard and novel computational and statistical modules for various analyses. These include a novel method of scRNA-seq clustering, named deep dictionary learning using k-means clustering cost (DDLK), expression-based copy number variation (CNV) inference, and combinatorial, marker-based verification of the malignant phenotypes. DDLK enables robust segregation of CTCs and WBCs in the pathway space, as opposed to the gene expression space. We validated the utility of unCTC on scRNA-seq profiles of breast CTCs from six patients, captured and profiled using an integrated ClearCell FX and Polaris workflow that works by the principles of size-based separation of CTCs and marker-based WBC depletion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sarita Poonia
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | - Anurag Goel
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India;,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Delhi Technological University, New Delhi 110042, India
| | - Smriti Chawla
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | - Namrata Bhattacharya
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | - Priyadarshini Rai
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | - Yi Fang Lee
- Biolidics Limited, Singapore 118257, Singapore
| | - Yoon Sim Yap
- National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore 169610, Singapore
| | - Jay West
- Fluidigm Corporation, South San Francisco, California 94080, USA
| | | | - Juhi Tayal
- Department of Research, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre-Delhi (RGCIRC-Delhi), New Delhi 110085, India
| | - Anurag Mehta
- Department of Laboratory Services and Molecular Diagnostics, Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute and Research Centre-Delhi (RGCIRC-Delhi), New Delhi 110085, India
| | - Gaurav Ahuja
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | - Angshul Majumdar
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India;,Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India;,Department of Electronics & Communications Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| | | | - Debarka Sengupta
- Department of Computational Biology, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India;,Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India;,Centre for Artificial Intelligence, Indraprastha Institute of Information Technology-Delhi (IIIT-Delhi), New Delhi 110020, India
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen L, Zhu C, Pan F, Chen Y, Xiong L, Li Y, Chu X, Huang G. Platelets in the tumor microenvironment and their biological effects on cancer hallmarks. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1121401. [PMID: 36937386 PMCID: PMC10022734 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1121401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between platelets and tumors has long been studied. It has been widely accepted that platelets could promote tumor metastasis. However, the precise interactions between platelets and tumor cells have not been thoroughly investigated. Although platelets may play complex roles in multiple steps of tumor development, most studies focus on the platelets in the circulation of tumor patients. Platelets in the primary tumor microenvironment, in addition to platelets in the circulation during tumor cell dissemination, have recently been studied. Their effects on tumor biology are gradually figured out. According to updated cancer hallmarks, we reviewed the biological effects of platelets on tumors, including regulating tumor proliferation and growth, promoting cancer invasion and metastasis, inducing vasculature, avoiding immune destruction, and mediating tumor metabolism and inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lilan Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Chunyan Zhu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fan Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Chen
- Division of Immunology, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lei Xiong
- Department of Cardio-Thoracic Surgery, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Guichun Huang, ; Yan Li, ; Xiaoyuan Chu,
| | - Xiaoyuan Chu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Guichun Huang, ; Yan Li, ; Xiaoyuan Chu,
| | - Guichun Huang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- *Correspondence: Guichun Huang, ; Yan Li, ; Xiaoyuan Chu,
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Hurtado P, Martínez-Pena I, Yepes-Rodríguez S, Bascoy-Otero M, Abuín C, Fernández-Santiago C, Sánchez L, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Modelling metastasis in zebrafish unveils regulatory interactions of cancer-associated fibroblasts with circulating tumour cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076432. [PMID: 36949770 PMCID: PMC10025339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic intercommunication between tumour cells and cells from the microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs), is a key factor driving breast cancer (BC) metastasis. Clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), known to bare a higher efficiency at establishing metastases, are found in the blood of BC patients, often accompanied by CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters. Previously we have shown the utility of CTC-clusters models and the zebrafish embryo as a model of metastasis to understand the biology of breast cancer CTC-clusters. In this work, we use the zebrafish embryo to study the interactions between CTCs in homotypic clusters and CTC-CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters to identify potential pro-metastatic traits derived from CTC-CAF communication. We found that upon dissemination CAFs seem to exert a pro-survival and pro-proliferative effect on the CTCs, but only when CTCs and CAFs remain joined as cell clusters. Our data indicate that the clustering of CTC and CAF allows the establishment of physical interactions that when maintained over time favour the selection of CTCs with a higher capacity to survive and proliferate upon dissemination. Importantly, this effect seems to be dependent on the survival of disseminated CAFs and was not observed in the presence of normal fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that CAFs can exert regulatory effects on the CTCs without being involved in promoting tumour cell invasion. Lastly, we show that the physical communication between BC cells and CAFs leads to the production of soluble factors involved in BC cell survival and proliferation. These findings suggest the existence of a CAF-regulatory effect on CTC survival and proliferation sustained by cell-to-cell contacts and highlight the need to understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between the CTCs and CAFs in clusters enhancing the metastatic capacity of CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Yepes-Rodríguez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Bascoy-Otero
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Fernández-Santiago
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Noubissi Nzeteu GA, Geismann C, Arlt A, Hoogwater FJH, Nijkamp MW, Meyer NH, Bockhorn M. Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition for the Generation of Circulating Tumors Cells and Cancer Cell Dissemination. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225483. [PMID: 36428576 PMCID: PMC9688619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-related death is primarily caused by metastasis; consequently, understanding, preventing, and treating metastasis is essential to improving clinical outcomes. Metastasis is mainly governed by the dissemination of tumor cells in the systemic circulation: so-called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs typically arise from epithelial tumor cells that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in the loss of cell-cell adhesions and polarity, and the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Various oncogenic factors can induce EMT, among them the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. This entails the activation of numerous transcription factors, including ZEB, TWIST, and Snail proteins, acting as transcriptional repressors of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin and inducers of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin. These genetic and phenotypic changes ultimately facilitate cancer cell migration. However, to successfully form distant metastases, CTCs must primarily withstand the hostile environment of circulation. This includes adaption to shear stress, avoiding being trapped by coagulation and surviving attacks of the immune system. Several applications of CTCs, from cancer diagnosis and screening to monitoring and even guided therapy, seek their way into clinical practice. This review describes the process leading to tumor metastasis, from the generation of CTCs in primary tumors to their dissemination into distant organs, as well as the importance of subtyping CTCs to improve personalized and targeted cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gaetan Aime Noubissi Nzeteu
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Geismann
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, UKSH-Campus Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Arlt
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Oldenburg, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, European Medical School (EMS), 26133 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Frederik J. H. Hoogwater
- Section of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W. Nijkamp
- Section of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N. Helge Meyer
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-441-798-5041
| | - Maximilian Bockhorn
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Cheng X, Zhang H, Hamad A, Huang H, Tsung A. Surgery-mediated tumor-promoting effects on the immune microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:408-419. [PMID: 35066156 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.01.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/19/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Surgical resection continues to be the mainstay treatment for solid cancers even though chemotherapy and immunotherapy have significantly improved patient overall survival and progression-free survival. Numerous studies have shown that surgery induces the dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and that the resultant inflammatory response promotes occult tumor growth and the metastatic process by forming a supportive tumor microenvironment (TME). Surgery-induced platelet activation is one of the initial responses to a wound and the formation of fibrin clots can provide the scaffold for recruited inflammatory cells. Activated platelets can also shield CTCs to protect them from blood shear forces and promote CTCs evasion of immune destruction. Similarly, neutrophils are recruited to the fibrin clot and enhance cancer metastatic dissemination and progression by forming neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Activated macrophages are also recruited to surgical sites to facilitate the metastatic spread. More importantly, the body's response to surgical insult results in the recruitment and expansion of immunosuppressive cell populations (i.e. myeloid-derived suppressor cells and regulatory T cells) and in the suppression of natural killer (NK) cells that contribute to postoperative cancer recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we seek to provide an overview of the pro-tumorigenic mechanisms resulting from surgery's impact on these cells in the TME. Further understanding of these events will allow for the development of perioperative therapeutic strategies to prevent surgery-associated metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Cheng
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hongji Zhang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Ahmad Hamad
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Hai Huang
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Allan Tsung
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, The Ohio State University James Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Shu Y, Peng J, Feng Z, Hu K, Li T, Zhu P, Cheng T, Hao L. Osteosarcoma subtypes based on platelet-related genes and tumor microenvironment characteristics. Front Oncol 2022; 12:941724. [PMID: 36212395 PMCID: PMC9539847 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.941724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Osteosarcoma is a common metastatic tumor in children and adolescents. Because of its easy metastasis, patients often show a poor prognosis. Recently, researchers have found that platelets are closely related to metastasis of a variety of malignant tumors, but the role of platelets related characteristics in osteosarcoma is still unknown. The purpose of this study is to explore the characteristics of platelet-related subtypes and cell infiltration in tumor microenvironment. Methods We collected osteosarcoma cohorts from TCGA and GEO databases, and explored the molecular subtypes mediated by platelet-related genes and the related TME cell infiltration according to the expression of platelet-related genes in osteosarcoma. In addition, we also explored the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) among different molecular subtypes and established a protein-protein interaction network (PPI). Then we constructed a platelet scoring model by Univariate cox regression and least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (Lasso) cox regression model to quantify the characteristics of platelet in a single tumor. RT-PCR was used to investigate the expression of six candidate genes in osteosarcoma cell lines and normal osteoblast lines. Finally, we also predicted potential drugs with therapeutic effects on platelet-related subtypes. Results We found that platelet-related genes (PRGs) can distinguish osteosarcoma into two different platelet-related subtypes, C1 and C2. And the prognosis of the C2 subtype was significantly worse than that of C1 subtype. The results of ESTIMATE analysis and GO/KEGG enrichment showed that the differences between different subtypes were mainly concentrated in immune response pathways, and the immune response of C2 was inhibited relative to C1. We further studied the relationship between platelet-related subtypes and immune cell infiltration. We found that the distribution of most immune cells in C1 subtype was higher than that in C2 subtype, and there was a correlation between C1 subtype and more immune cells. Finally, we screened the PRGs related to the prognosis of osteosarcoma through Univariate Cox regression, established independent prognostic platelet characteristics consisting of six genes to predict the prognosis of patients with OS, and predicted the drugs that may be used in the treatment of osteosarcoma. RT-PCR was used to verify the expression of candidate genes in osteosarcoma cells. Conclusion Platelet scoring model is a significant biomarker, which is of great significance to determine the prognosis, molecular subtypes, characteristics of TME cell infiltration and therapy in patients with OS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Shu
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Jie Peng
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zuxi Feng
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Kaibo Hu
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Ting Li
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Peijun Zhu
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Tao Cheng
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liang Hao
- Departments of Orthopedics, Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- *Correspondence: Liang Hao,
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Lu L, Hu W, Liu B, Yang T. Insights into Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters: A Barometer for Treatment Effects and Prognosis for Prostate Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14163985. [PMID: 36010983 PMCID: PMC9406494 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14163985] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2022] [Revised: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are a promising biomarker for the risk of prostate cancer aggressiveness and metastasis and play a role in the processes of tumor migration and metastasis. CTC clusters, which have different physical and biological properties from individual CTCs, are collections of tumor cells and non-malignant cells, resulting in greater metastatic potential. Therefore, this review aims to summarize the current knowledge of CTC clusters in metastasis as well as related biological properties and to suggest possibilities for their usage in diagnostic and therapeutic practice. Abstract Prostate cancer (PCa) exhibits high cellular heterogeneity across patients. Therefore, there is an urgent need for more real-time and accurate detection methods, in both prognosis and treatment in clinical settings. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters, a population of tumor cells and non-malignant cells in the blood of patients with tumors, are a promising non-invasive tool for screening PCa progression and identifying potential benefit groups. CTC clusters are associated with tumor metastasis and possess stem-like characteristics, which are likely attributable to epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, these biological properties of CTC clusters, particularly androgen receptor V7, have indicated the potential to reflect curative effects, guide treatment modalities, and predict prognosis in PCa patients. Here, we discuss the role of CTC clusters in the mechanisms underlying PCa metastasis and clinical applications, with the aim of informing more appropriate clinical decisions, and ultimately, improving the overall survival of PCa patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Linyao Lu
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Urology, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
| | - Bingli Liu
- Department of Orthopedics, Shanghai Pudong New Area People’s Hospital, Shanghai 201299, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (T.Y.); Tel./Fax: +86-21-2050-9000 (B.L.); +86-21-6803-6506 (T.Y.)
| | - Tao Yang
- Center for Medical Research and Innovation, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai 201399, China
- Correspondence: (B.L.); (T.Y.); Tel./Fax: +86-21-2050-9000 (B.L.); +86-21-6803-6506 (T.Y.)
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Khan SU, Fatima K, Malik F. Understanding the cell survival mechanism of anoikis-resistant cancer cells during different steps of metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2022; 39:715-726. [PMID: 35829806 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10172-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Anchorage-independent survival of cancer cells is associated with metastasis as it enables cells to travel to secondary target sites. Tissue integrity is generally maintained by detachment-induced cell death called 'anoikis', but cancer cells undergoing the multistep metastatic process show resistance to anoikis. Anoikis resistance enables these cells to survive through the extracellular matrix (ECM) deprived phase, which starts when cancer cells detach and move into the circulation till cells reach to the secondary target site. Comprehensive analysis of the molecular and functional biology of anoikis resistance in cancer cells will provide crucial details about cancer metastasis, enabling us to identify novel therapeutic targets against cancer cell dissemination and ultimately secondary tumor formation. This review broadly summarizes recent advances in the understanding of cellular and molecular events leading to anoikis and anoikis resistance. It further elaborates more about the signaling cross-talk in anoikis resistance and its regulation during metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India
- Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (AcSIR), 201002, Ghaziabad, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Department of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Sanat Nagar, 190005, Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, India.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Abstract
Tissue factor (TF), an initiator of extrinsic coagulation pathway, is positively correlated with venous thromboembolism (VTE) of tumor patients. Beyond thrombosis, TF plays a vital role in tumor progression. TF is highly expressed in cancer tissues and circulating tumor cell (CTC), and activates factor VIIa (FVIIa), which increases tumor cells proliferation, angiogenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer stem cells(CSCs) activity. Furthermore, TF and TF-positive microvesicles (TF+MVs) activate the coagulation system to promote the clots formation with non-tumor cell components (e.g., platelets, leukocytes, fibrin), which makes tumor cells adhere to clots to form CTC clusters. Then, tumor cells utilize clots to cause its reducing fluid shear stress (FSS), anoikis resistance, immune escape, adhesion, extravasation and colonization. Herein, we review in detail that how TF signaling promotes tumor metastasis, and how TF-targeted therapeutic strategies are being in the preclinical and clinical trials.
Collapse
|
46
|
Liquid Biopsy Landscape in Patients with Primary Upper Tract Urothelial Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14123007. [PMID: 35740671 PMCID: PMC9221424 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14123007] [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: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 06/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Urothelial carcinomas (UCs) are a broad and heterogeneous group of malignancies, with the prevalence of upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC) being rare, accounting for only 5-10% of total malignancies. There is a need for additional toolsets to assist the current clinical paradigm of care for patients with UTUC. As a non-invasive tool for the discovery of cancer-related biomarkers, the liquid biopsy has the potential to represent the complex process of tumorigenesis and metastasis. Herein, we show the efficacy of the liquid biopsy as a source of biomarkers for detecting UTUC. Using the third-generation high-definition single-cell assay (HDSCA3.0) workflow, we investigate liquid biopsy samples collected from patients with UTUC and normal donors (NDs) to provide critical information regarding the molecular and morphological characteristics of circulating rare events. We document several important findings from the liquid biopsy analysis of patients diagnosed with UTUC prior to surgery: (1) Large extracellular vesicles (LEVs) and circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are detectable in the peripheral blood. (2) The rare-event profile is highly heterogeneous. (3) Clinical data elements correlate with liquid biopsy analytes. Overall, this study provides evidence for the efficacy of the liquid biopsy in understanding the biology of UTUC with the future intent of informing clinical decision making, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang Y, Liu X, Obser T, Bauer AT, Heyes M, Starzonek S, Zulal M, Opitz K, Ott L, Riethdorf S, Lange T, Pantel K, Bendas G, Schneider SW, Kusche-Gullberg M, Gorzelanny C. Heparan sulfate dependent binding of plasmatic von Willebrand factor to blood circulating melanoma cells attenuates metastasis. Matrix Biol 2022; 111:76-94. [PMID: 35690300 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2022.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Heparan sulfate (HS), a highly negatively charged glycosaminoglycan, is ubiquitously present in all tissues and also exposed on the surface of mammalian cells. A plethora of molecules such as growth factors, cytokines or coagulation factors bear HS binding sites. Accordingly, HS controls the communication of cells with their environment and therefore numerous physiological and pathophysiological processes such as cell adhesion, migration, and cancer cell metastasis. In the present work, we found that HS exposed by blood circulating melanoma cells recruited considerable amounts of plasmatic von Willebrand factor (vWF) to the cellular surface. Analyses assisted by super-resolution microscopy indicated that HS and vWF formed a tight molecular complex. Enzymatic removal of HS or genetic engineering of the HS biosynthesis showed that a reduced length of the HS chains or complete lack of HS was associated with significantly reduced vWF encapsulation. In microfluidic experiments, mimicking a tumor-activated vascular system, we found that vWF-HS complexes prevented vascular adhesion. In line with this, single molecular force spectroscopy suggested that the vWF-HS complex promoted the repulsion of circulating cancer cells from the blood vessel wall to counteract metastasis. Experiments in wild type and vWF knockout mice confirmed that the HS-vWF complex at the melanoma cell surface attenuated hematogenous metastasis, whereas melanoma cells lacking HS evade the anti-metastatic recognition by vWF. Analysis of tissue samples obtained from melanoma patients validated that metastatic melanoma cells produce less HS. Transcriptome data further suggest that attenuated expression of HS-related genes correlate with metastases and reduced patients' survival. In conclusion, we showed that HS-mediated binding of plasmatic vWF to the cellular surface can reduce the hematogenous spread of melanoma. Cancer cells with low HS levels evade vWF recognition and are thus prone to form metastases. Therefore, therapeutic expansion of the cancer cell exposed HS may prevent tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wang
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany; Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, Department of Dermatology, 68167, Mannheim, Germany
| | - Xiaobo Liu
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Obser
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Alexander T Bauer
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Martin Heyes
- Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms University Bonn, Department of Pharmacy, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Sarah Starzonek
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Mina Zulal
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karena Opitz
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Ott
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Tumor Biology, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sabine Riethdorf
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Tumor Biology, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Lange
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Tumor Biology, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerd Bendas
- Rheinische Friedrich Wilhelms University Bonn, Department of Pharmacy, 53113, Bonn, Germany
| | - Stefan W Schneider
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | | | - Christian Gorzelanny
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Department of Dermatology and Venereology, 20246 Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Wang X, Zhao S, Wang Z, Gao T. Platelets involved tumor cell EMT during circulation: communications and interventions. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:82. [PMID: 35659308 PMCID: PMC9166407 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00887-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
AbstractDistant spreading of metastatic tumor cells is still the leading cause of tumor death. Metastatic spreading is a complex process, in which epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is the primary and key event to promote it. Presently, extensive reviews have given insights on the occurrence of EMT at the primary tumor site that depends on invasive properties of tumor cells and the tumor-associated microenvironment. However, essential roles of circulation environment involved in tumor cell EMT is not well summarized. As a main constituent of the blood, platelet is increasingly found to work as an important activator to induce EMT. Therefore, this review aims to emphasize the novel role of platelet in EMT through signal communications between platelets and circulation tumor cells, and illustrate potent interventions aiming at their communications. It may give a complementary view of EMT in addition to the tissue microenvironment, help for better understand the hematogenous metastasis, and also illustrate theoretical and practical basis for the targeted inhibition.
Collapse
|
49
|
Abstract
Eukaryotic cells have developed complex systems to regulate the production and response to reactive oxygen species (ROS). Different ROS control diverse aspects of cell behaviour from signalling to death, and deregulation of ROS production and ROS limitation pathways are common features of cancer cells. ROS also function to modulate the tumour environment, affecting the various stromal cells that provide metabolic support, a blood supply and immune responses to the tumour. Although it is clear that ROS play important roles during tumorigenesis, it has been difficult to reliably predict the effect of ROS modulating therapies. We now understand that the responses to ROS are highly complex and dependent on multiple factors, including the types, levels, localization and persistence of ROS, as well as the origin, environment and stage of the tumours themselves. This increasing understanding of the complexity of ROS in malignancies will be key to unlocking the potential of ROS-targeting therapies for cancer treatment.
Collapse
|
50
|
Richard V, Davey MG, Annuk H, Miller N, Kerin MJ. The double agents in liquid biopsy: promoter and informant biomarkers of early metastases in breast cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:95. [PMID: 35379239 PMCID: PMC8978379 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01506-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer continues to be a major global problem with significant mortality associated with advanced stage and metastases at clinical presentation. However, several findings suggest that metastasis is indeed an early occurrence. The standard diagnostic techniques such as invasive core needle biopsy, serological protein marker assays, and non-invasive radiological imaging do not provide information about the presence and molecular profile of small fractions of early metastatic tumor cells which are prematurely dispersed in the circulatory system. These circulating tumor cells (CTCs) diverge from the primary tumors as clusters with a defined secretome comprised of circulating cell-free nucleic acids and small microRNAs (miRNAs). These circulatory biomarkers provide a blueprint of the mutational profile of the tumor burden and tumor associated alterations in the molecular signaling pathways involved in oncogenesis. Amidst the multitude of circulatory biomarkers, miRNAs serve as relatively stable and precise biomarkers in the blood for the early detection of CTCs, and promote step-wise disease progression by executing paracrine signaling that transforms the microenvironment to guide the metastatic CTCs to anchor at a conducive new organ. Random sampling of easily accessible patient blood or its serum/plasma derivatives and other bodily fluids collectively known as liquid biopsy (LB), forms an efficient alternative to tissue biopsies. In this review, we discuss in detail the divergence of early metastases as CTCs and the involvement of miRNAs as detectable blood-based diagnostic biomarkers that warrant a timely screening of cancer, serial monitoring of therapeutic response, and the dynamic molecular adaptations induced by miRNAs on CTCs in guiding primary and second-line systemic therapy.
Collapse
|