1
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Giusti V, Miserocchi G, Sbanchi G, Pannella M, Hattinger CM, Cesari M, Fantoni L, Guerrieri AN, Bellotti C, De Vita A, Spadazzi C, Donati DM, Torsello M, Lucarelli E, Ibrahim T, Mercatali L. Xenografting Human Musculoskeletal Sarcomas in Mice, Chick Embryo, and Zebrafish: How to Boost Translational Research. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1921. [PMID: 39200384 PMCID: PMC11352184 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081921] [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: 07/16/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/14/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Musculoskeletal sarcomas pose major challenges to researchers and clinicians due to their rarity and heterogeneity. Xenografting human cells or tumor fragments in rodents is a mainstay for the generation of cancer models and for the preclinical trial of novel drugs. Lately, though, technical, intrinsic and ethical concerns together with stricter regulations have significantly curbed the employment of murine patient-derived xenografts (mPDX). In alternatives to murine PDXs, researchers have focused on embryonal systems such as chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) and zebrafish embryos. These systems are time- and cost-effective hosts for tumor fragments and near-patient cells. The CAM of the chick embryo represents a unique vascularized environment to host xenografts with high engraftment rates, allowing for ease of visualization and molecular detection of metastatic cells. Thanks to the transparency of the larvae, zebrafish allow for the tracking of tumor development and metastatization, enabling high-throughput drug screening. This review will focus on xenograft models of musculoskeletal sarcomas to highlight the intrinsic and technically distinctive features of the different hosts, and how they can be exploited to elucidate biological mechanisms beneath the different phases of the tumor's natural history and in drug development. Ultimately, the review suggests the combination of different models as an advantageous approach to boost basic and translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Giusti
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Giacomo Miserocchi
- Preclinic and Osteoncology Unit, Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Giulia Sbanchi
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Micaela Pannella
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Claudia Maria Hattinger
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Marilena Cesari
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Leonardo Fantoni
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Ania Naila Guerrieri
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Chiara Bellotti
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Alessandro De Vita
- Preclinic and Osteoncology Unit, Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Chiara Spadazzi
- Preclinic and Osteoncology Unit, Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (G.M.); (A.D.V.); (C.S.)
| | - Davide Maria Donati
- Orthopaedic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy;
| | - Monica Torsello
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Enrico Lucarelli
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Toni Ibrahim
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
| | - Laura Mercatali
- Osteoncology, Bone and Soft Tissue Sarcomas and Innovative Therapies Unit, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy; (V.G.); (G.S.); (M.P.); (C.M.H.); (M.C.); (L.F.); (A.N.G.); (C.B.); (T.I.); (L.M.)
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2
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Wang S, Anameric A, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Toriseva M, Nees M. The Notch inhibitor, FLI-06, increases the chemosensitivity of head and neck Squamous cell carcinoma cells to taxanes-based treatment. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 177:116822. [PMID: 38906029 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116822] [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: 03/24/2024] [Revised: 05/21/2024] [Accepted: 05/26/2024] [Indexed: 06/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Aberration of Notch signaling is one of the key events involved in the development and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). The Notch pathway controls the tissue-specific differentiation of normal squamous epithelial cells and is frequently altered in squamous carcinomas, thus affecting their proliferation, growth, survival, and chemosensitivity or resistance against anti-cancer agents. In this study, we show that the use of novel, small-molecule inhibitors of Notch signaling, such as FLI-06, can have a beneficial effect on increasing the chemosensitivity of HNSCC to taxane-based chemotherapy. Inhibition of Notch signaling by FLI-06 alone virtually blocks the proliferation and growth of HNSCC cells in both 2D and 3D cultures and the zebrafish model, which is accompanied by down-regulation of key Notch target genes and proteins. Mechanistically, FLI-06 treatment causes cell cycle arrest in the G1-phase and induction of apoptosis in HNSCC, which is accompanied by increased c-JunS63 phosphorylation. Combining FLI-06 with Docetaxel shows a synergistic effect and partially blocks the cell growth of aggressive HNSCC cells via enhanced apoptosis and modification of c-JunS243 phosphorylation via GSK-3β inhibition. In conclusion, inhibition of Notch signaling in HNSCC cells that retain active Notch signaling significantly supports taxane-based anticancer activities via modulation of both the GSK-3β and the c-Jun.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | - Shaoxia Wang
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Alinda Anameric
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
| | | | - Mervi Toriseva
- Institute of Biomedicine, Cancer Research Unit and FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Lublin 20-093, Poland
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3
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Costa B, Estrada MF, Gomes A, Fernandez LM, Azevedo JM, Póvoa V, Fontes M, Alves A, Galzerano A, Castillo-Martin M, Herrando I, Brandão S, Carneiro C, Nunes V, Carvalho C, Parvaiz A, Marreiros A, Fior R. Zebrafish Avatar-test forecasts clinical response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4771. [PMID: 38839755 PMCID: PMC11153622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients often undergo rounds of trial-and-error to find the most effective treatment because there is no test in the clinical practice for predicting therapy response. Here, we conduct a clinical study to validate the zebrafish patient-derived xenograft model (zAvatar) as a fast predictive platform for personalized treatment in colorectal cancer. zAvatars are generated with patient tumor cells, treated exactly with the same therapy as their corresponding patient and analyzed at single-cell resolution. By individually comparing the clinical responses of 55 patients with their zAvatar-test, we develop a decision tree model integrating tumor stage, zAvatar-apoptosis, and zAvatar-metastatic potential. This model accurately forecasts patient progression with 91% accuracy. Importantly, patients with a sensitive zAvatar-test exhibit longer progression-free survival compared to those with a resistant test. We propose the zAvatar-test as a rapid approach to guide clinical decisions, optimizing treatment options and improving the survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Costa
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta F Estrada
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Gomes
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Laura M Fernandez
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Azevedo
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanda Póvoa
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márcia Fontes
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Alves
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Galzerano
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ignacio Herrando
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Shermann Brandão
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Carneiro
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Vítor Nunes
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amjad Parvaiz
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Marreiros
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rita Fior
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal.
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4
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Lindahl G, Fjellander S, Selvaraj K, Vildeval M, Ali Z, Almter R, Erkstam A, Rodriguez GV, Abrahamsson A, Kersley ÅR, Fahlgren A, Kjølhede P, Linder S, Dabrosin C, Jensen L. Zebrafish tumour xenograft models: a prognostic approach to epithelial ovarian cancer. NPJ Precis Oncol 2024; 8:53. [PMID: 38413842 PMCID: PMC10899227 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-024-00550-9] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the gynaecological malignancy with highest mortality. Although adjuvant treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel leads to an objective response in ~80% of these patients, a majority will relapse within two years. Better methods for assessing long-term treatment outcomes are needed. To address this, we established safe and efficacious doses of carboplatin and paclitaxel using IGROV-1 zebrafish-CDX models. Then fluorescently-labelled cell suspensions from 83 tumour biopsies collected at exploratory laparotomy of women with suspected EOC were generated and 37 (45%) were successfully implanted in zebrafish larvae. Among these 19 of 27 pathology-confirmed EOC samples (70%) engrafted. These zebrafish patient-derived tumour xenograft (ZTX) models were treated with carboplatin or paclitaxel and tumour growth/regression and metastatic dissemination were recorded. In a subgroup of nine patients, four ZTX models regressed during carboplatin treatment. All four corresponding patients had >24 months PFS. Furthermore, both ZTX models established from two patients having <24 months PFS failed to regress during carboplatin treatment. Seven of eight models seeding <6 metastatic cells were established from patients having >24 months PFS. In eleven of fourteen patients, FIGO stage I + II or III tumours gave rise to ZTX models seeding <4 or >4 metastatic cells, respectively. In conclusion, ZTX models predicted patients having >24 or <24 months PFS, based on response/no response to carboplatin. Furthermore, high metastatic dissemination in ZTX models correlated to shorter PFS and more advanced disease at diagnosis. These preliminary results suggest that ZTX models could become a useful prognostic tool in EOC treatment planning.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriel Lindahl
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Sebastian Fjellander
- BioReperia AB, Linköping, Sweden
- Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine and Care, Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Karthik Selvaraj
- Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Annelie Abrahamsson
- Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Åsa Rydmark Kersley
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Anna Fahlgren
- BioReperia AB, Linköping, Sweden
- Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Preben Kjølhede
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Stig Linder
- Linköping University, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Charlotta Dabrosin
- Department of Oncology and Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- BioReperia AB, Linköping, Sweden.
- Linköping University, Department of Health, Medicine and Care, Division of Diagnostics and Specialist Medicine, Linköping, Sweden.
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5
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Wang W, Li Y, Lin K, Wang X, Tu Y, Zhuo Z. Progress in building clinically relevant patient-derived tumor xenograft models for cancer research. Animal Model Exp Med 2023; 6:381-398. [PMID: 37679891 PMCID: PMC10614132 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12349] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived tumor xenograft (PDX) models, a method involving the surgical extraction of tumor tissues from cancer patients and subsequent transplantation into immunodeficient mice, have emerged as a pivotal approach in translational research, particularly in advancing precision medicine. As the first stage of PDX development, the patient-derived orthotopic xenograft (PDOX) models implant tumor tissue in mice in the corresponding anatomical locations of the patient. The PDOX models have several advantages, including high fidelity to the original tumor, heightened drug sensitivity, and an elevated rate of successful transplantation. However, the PDOX models present significant challenges, requiring advanced surgical techniques and resource-intensive imaging technologies, which limit its application. And then, the humanized mouse models, as well as the zebrafish models, were developed. Humanized mouse models contain a human immune environment resembling the tumor and immune system interplay. The humanized mouse models are a hot topic in PDX model research. Regarding zebrafish patient-derived tumor xenografts (zPDX) and patient-derived organoids (PDO) as promising models for studying cancer and drug discovery, zPDX models are used to transplant tumors into zebrafish as novel personalized medical animal models with the advantage of reducing patient waiting time. PDO models provide a cost-effective approach for drug testing that replicates the in vivo environment and preserves important tumor-related information for patients. The present review highlights the functional characteristics of each new phase of PDX and provides insights into the challenges and prospective developments in this rapidly evolving field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weijing Wang
- Department of Clinical MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Yongshu Li
- College of Life SciencesHubei Normal UniversityHuangshiChina
- Shenzhen Institute for Technology InnovationNational Institute of MetrologyShenzhenChina
| | - Kaida Lin
- Department of Clinical MedicineShantou University Medical CollegeShantouChina
| | - Xiaokang Wang
- Department of PharmacyShenzhen Longhua District Central HospitalShenzhenChina
| | - Yanyang Tu
- Research Center, Huizhou Central People's HospitalGuangdong Medical UniversityHuizhou CityChina
| | - Zhenjian Zhuo
- State Key Laboratory of Chemical Oncogenomics, School of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate SchoolShenzhenChina
- Laboratory Animal Center, School of Chemical Biology and BiotechnologyPeking University Shenzhen Graduate SchoolShenzhenChina
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6
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Wu X, Hua X, Xu K, Song Y, Lv T. Zebrafish in Lung Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4721. [PMID: 37835415 PMCID: PMC10571557 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194721] [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: 09/03/2023] [Revised: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish is increasingly used as a model organism for cancer research because of its genetic and physiological similarities to humans. Modeling lung cancer (LC) in zebrafish has received significant attention. This review focuses on the insights gained from using zebrafish in LC research. These insights range from investigating the genetic and molecular mechanisms that contribute to the development and progression of LC to identifying potential drug targets, testing the efficacy and toxicity of new therapies, and applying zebrafish for personalized medicine studies. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of LC research performed using zebrafish, highlights the advantages and limitations of this model organism, and discusses future directions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodi Wu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Xin Hua
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210096, China;
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
| | - Yong Song
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210096, China;
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
| | - Tangfeng Lv
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210093, China; (X.W.); (K.X.)
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210002, China
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7
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Czerwonka A, Kałafut J, Wang S, Anameric A, Przybyszewska-Podstawka A, Mattsson J, Karbasian M, Le Manach D, Toriseva M, Nees M. Evaluation of the anticancer activity of RIN-1, a Notch signaling modulator, in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13700. [PMID: 37607974 PMCID: PMC10444807 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-39472-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Notch signalling is one of the key molecular pathways involved in cell-to-cell signal transduction. Although the mechanisms of action of the NOTCH receptors are already relatively well known, their biological implications remain unclear, especially during the initiation and progression of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Here, we present the growth- and differentiation-modulating effects of various "next generation" small molecule Notch modulators represented by RIN-1, and CB-103, on HNSCC, compared to gamma secretase inhibitors as "conventional" NOTCH interfering compounds, like DAPT. These molecules were tested in different cell- and tissue culture conditions represented by 2D monolayer, non-adherent or spheroid culture, 3D organoid cultures, and zebrafish in vivo model. The most pronounced, pleiotropic effects were observed for the NOTCH modulator RIN-1. At the molecular level, RIN-1-dependent activation of Notch signalling led to characteristic changes in the expression of NOTCH-regulated targets, i.e., the transcriptional suppressors HES1 and HEY1, p21 (CDKN1A) cell cycle inhibitor, and pro-apoptotic BAX markers. These changes led to restriction of proliferation, growth, and reduced motility of HNSCC cells in 2D cultures. Consequently, cell cycle arrest in the G2-M phase and induction of apoptosis were observed. Similar anticancer effects were observed in 3D cultures and in the zebrafish model. In contrast, RIN-1 treatment resulted in inhibition of Notch signalling and the growth of HNSCC spheroids under non-adherent cell culture conditions. Our results suggest that modulation of Notch signalling could be used as a chemotherapeutic agent in selected patients with intact NOTCH signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arkadiusz Czerwonka
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland.
| | - Joanna Kałafut
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Shaoxia Wang
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Alinda Anameric
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | | | - Jesse Mattsson
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Mahtab Karbasian
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Doriane Le Manach
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
| | - Mervi Toriseva
- FICAN West Cancer Centre Laboratory, Cancer Research Unit, Institute of Biomedicine, Turku University Hospital, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Matthias Nees
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-093, Lublin, Poland
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8
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Sturtzel C, Grissenberger S, Bozatzi P, Scheuringer E, Wenninger-Weinzierl A, Zajec Z, Dernovšek J, Pascoal S, Gehl V, Kutsch A, Granig A, Rifatbegovic F, Carre M, Lang A, Valtingojer I, Moll J, Lötsch D, Erhart F, Widhalm G, Surdez D, Delattre O, André N, Stampfl J, Tomašič T, Taschner-Mandl S, Distel M. Refined high-content imaging-based phenotypic drug screening in zebrafish xenografts. NPJ Precis Oncol 2023; 7:44. [PMID: 37202469 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-023-00386-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish xenotransplantation models are increasingly applied for phenotypic drug screening to identify small compounds for precision oncology. Larval zebrafish xenografts offer the opportunity to perform drug screens at high-throughput in a complex in vivo environment. However, the full potential of the larval zebrafish xenograft model has not yet been realized and several steps of the drug screening workflow still await automation to increase throughput. Here, we present a robust workflow for drug screening in zebrafish xenografts using high-content imaging. We established embedding methods for high-content imaging of xenografts in 96-well format over consecutive days. In addition, we provide strategies for automated imaging and analysis of zebrafish xenografts including automated tumor cell detection and tumor size analysis over time. We also compared commonly used injection sites and cell labeling dyes and show specific site requirements for tumor cells from different entities. We demonstrate that our setup allows us to investigate proliferation and response to small compounds in several zebrafish xenografts ranging from pediatric sarcomas and neuroblastoma to glioblastoma and leukemia. This fast and cost-efficient assay enables the quantification of anti-tumor efficacy of small compounds in large cohorts of a vertebrate model system in vivo. Our assay may aid in prioritizing compounds or compound combinations for further preclinical and clinical investigations.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Sturtzel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - S Grissenberger
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - P Bozatzi
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - E Scheuringer
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - A Wenninger-Weinzierl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria
| | - Z Zajec
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - J Dernovšek
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Pascoal
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - V Gehl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - A Kutsch
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Granig
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Rifatbegovic
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - M Carre
- Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, Timone Hospital, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - A Lang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - I Valtingojer
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Sanofi Research Center, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
| | - J Moll
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Sanofi Research Center, Vitry-sur-Seine, France
- Renon Biotech and Pharma Consulting, Unterinn am Ritten (Bz), Italy
| | - D Lötsch
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - F Erhart
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - G Widhalm
- Department of Neurosurgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
- Central Nervous System Tumors Unit, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - D Surdez
- Balgrist University Hospital, Faculty of Medicine, University of Zurich (UZH), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - O Delattre
- INSERM U830, Diversity and Plasticity of Childhood Tumors Lab, PSL Research University, SIREDO Oncology Center, Institut Curie Research Center, Paris, France
| | - N André
- Service d'Hématologie & Oncologie Pédiatrique, Timone Hospital, AP-HM, Marseille, France
- Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Marseille (CRCM), Aix-Marseille Université, CNRS, Inserm, Institut Paoli Calmettes, Marseille, France
| | - J Stampfl
- Christian Doppler Laboratory for Advanced Polymers for Biomaterials and 3D Printing, TU Wien, Vienna, Austria
| | - T Tomašič
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - S Taschner-Mandl
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria.
| | - M Distel
- St. Anna Children's Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria.
- Zebrafish Platform Austria for Preclinical Drug Screening (ZANDR), Vienna, Austria.
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9
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Liu Y, Wu W, Cai C, Zhang H, Shen H, Han Y. Patient-derived xenograft models in cancer therapy: technologies and applications. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:160. [PMID: 37045827 PMCID: PMC10097874 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01419-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models, in which tumor tissues from patients are implanted into immunocompromised or humanized mice, have shown superiority in recapitulating the characteristics of cancer, such as the spatial structure of cancer and the intratumor heterogeneity of cancer. Moreover, PDX models retain the genomic features of patients across different stages, subtypes, and diversified treatment backgrounds. Optimized PDX engraftment procedures and modern technologies such as multi-omics and deep learning have enabled a more comprehensive depiction of the PDX molecular landscape and boosted the utilization of PDX models. These irreplaceable advantages make PDX models an ideal choice in cancer treatment studies, such as preclinical trials of novel drugs, validating novel drug combinations, screening drug-sensitive patients, and exploring drug resistance mechanisms. In this review, we gave an overview of the history of PDX models and the process of PDX model establishment. Subsequently, the review presents the strengths and weaknesses of PDX models and highlights the integration of novel technologies in PDX model research. Finally, we delineated the broad application of PDX models in chemotherapy, targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and other novel therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yihan Liu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Wantao Wu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Changjing Cai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hong Shen
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China.
| | - Ying Han
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, 410008, P.R. China.
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10
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Novel Zebrafish Patient-Derived Tumor Xenograft Methodology for Evaluating Efficacy of Immune-Stimulating BCG Therapy in Urinary Bladder Cancer. Cells 2023; 12:cells12030508. [PMID: 36766850 PMCID: PMC9914090 DOI: 10.3390/cells12030508] [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: 11/20/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) immunotherapy is the standard-of-care adjuvant therapy for non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer in patients at considerable risk of disease recurrence. Although its exact mechanism of action is unknown, BCG significantly reduces this risk in responding patients but is mainly associated with toxic side-effects in those facing treatment resistance. Methods that allow the identification of BCG responders are, therefore, urgently needed. METHODS Fluorescently labelled UM-UC-3 cells and dissociated patient tumor samples were used to establish zebrafish tumor xenograft (ZTX) models. Changes in the relative primary tumor size and cell dissemination to the tail were evaluated via fluorescence microscopy at three days post-implantation. The data were compared to the treatment outcomes of the corresponding patients. Toxicity was evaluated based on gross morphological evaluation of the treated zebrafish larvae. RESULTS BCG-induced toxicity was avoided by removing the water-soluble fraction of the BCG formulation prior to use. BCG treatment via co-injection with the tumor cells resulted in significant and dose-dependent primary tumor size regression. Heat-inactivation of BCG decreased this effect, while intravenous BCG injections were ineffective. ZTX models were successfully established for six of six patients based on TUR-B biopsies. In two of these models, significant tumor regression was observed, which, in both cases, corresponded to the treatment response in the patients. CONCLUSIONS The observed BCG-related anti-tumor effect indicates that ZTX models might predict the BCG response and thereby improve treatment planning. More experiments and clinical studies are needed, however, to elucidate the BCG mechanism and estimate the predictive value.
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11
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Al-Hamaly MA, Turner LT, Rivera-Martinez A, Rodriguez A, Blackburn JS. Zebrafish Cancer Avatars: A Translational Platform for Analyzing Tumor Heterogeneity and Predicting Patient Outcomes. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:2288. [PMID: 36768609 PMCID: PMC9916713 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2023] [Revised: 01/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
The increasing number of available anti-cancer drugs presents a challenge for oncologists, who must choose the most effective treatment for the patient. Precision cancer medicine relies on matching a drug with a tumor's molecular profile to optimize the therapeutic benefit. However, current precision medicine approaches do not fully account for intra-tumoral heterogeneity. Different mutation profiles and cell behaviors within a single heterogeneous tumor can significantly impact therapy response and patient outcomes. Patient-derived avatar models recapitulate a patient's tumor in an animal or dish and provide the means to functionally assess heterogeneity's impact on drug response. Mouse xenograft and organoid avatars are well-established, but the time required to generate these models is not practical for clinical decision-making. Zebrafish are emerging as a time-efficient and cost-effective cancer avatar model. In this review, we highlight recent developments in zebrafish cancer avatar models and discuss the unique features of zebrafish that make them ideal for the interrogation of cancer heterogeneity and as part of precision cancer medicine pipelines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Majd A. Al-Hamaly
- Pharmacology and Nutritional Sciences, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Logan T. Turner
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
| | | | - Analiz Rodriguez
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR 72205, USA
| | - Jessica S. Blackburn
- Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40356, USA
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12
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Role of Patient-Derived Models of Cancer in Translational Oncology. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 15:cancers15010139. [PMID: 36612135 PMCID: PMC9817860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15010139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a heterogeneous disease. Each individual tumor is unique and characterized by structural, cellular, genetic and molecular features. Therefore, patient-derived cancer models are indispensable tools in cancer research and have been actively introduced into the healthcare system. For instance, patient-derived models provide a good reproducibility of susceptibility and resistance of cancer cells against drugs, allowing personalized therapy for patients. In this article, we review the advantages and disadvantages of the following patient-derived models of cancer: (1) PDC-patient-derived cell culture, (2) PDS-patient-derived spheroids and PDO-patient-derived organoids, (3) PDTSC-patient-derived tissue slice cultures, (4) PDX-patient-derived xenografts, humanized PDX, as well as PDXC-PDX-derived cell cultures and PDXO-PDX-derived organoids. We also provide an overview of current clinical investigations and new developments in the area of patient-derived cancer models. Moreover, attention is paid to databases of patient-derived cancer models, which are collected in specialized repositories. We believe that the widespread use of patient-derived cancer models will improve our knowledge in cancer cell biology and contribute to the development of more effective personalized cancer treatment strategies.
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13
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Hua X, Wu X, Xu K, Zhan P, Liu H, Zhang F, Lv T, Song Y. Zebrafish patient-derived xenografts accurately and quickly reproduce treatment outcomes in non–small cell lung cancer patients. Exp Biol Med (Maywood) 2022; 248:361-369. [PMID: 36533580 PMCID: PMC10159519 DOI: 10.1177/15353702221142612] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models have shown great potential in predicting the short-term treatment response in various types of tumor cases. However, few studies have used zPDX models for drug screening in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). We aimed to compare the treatment responses of patients with NSCLC with those of the corresponding zPDX models. Tumor cells were obtained from pleural fluid or biopsy procedures from patients with NSCLC and injected into the perivitelline space of zebrafish larvae. Then, the same antineoplastic drugs administered to the corresponding patient were tested in the successfully constructed zPDX model, for 3 days. Responses to treatment were compared. A total of 21 patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled in our study, and 13 corresponding zPDX models were successfully established. Based on the clinical medication of enrolled patients, we provided a corresponding drug treatment to these zebrafish embryos, including epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR TKIs), pemetrexed/platinum (AP), or docetaxel/platinum (DP) administration. The chemosensitivity consistency rate between the clinical responses and those obtained from zPDXs was 76.9% (10/13). There was a high correlation between patient responses and the corresponding zPDX drug responses. Thus, zPDX can accurately and quickly reproduce patient responses to treatment with EGFR TKIs, AP, and DP and has a considerable potential to serve as a biological platform for predicting treatment effect on patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin Hua
- Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Xiaodi Wu
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Ping Zhan
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Hongbing Liu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Fang Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Tangfeng Lv
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
| | - Yong Song
- Southeast University Medical College, Nanjing 210000, China
- Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing 210000, China
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Protein tyrosine kinase inhibitor resistance in malignant tumors: molecular mechanisms and future perspective. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:329. [PMID: 36115852 PMCID: PMC9482625 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01168-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
AbstractProtein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are a class of proteins with tyrosine kinase activity that phosphorylate tyrosine residues of critical molecules in signaling pathways. Their basal function is essential for maintaining normal cell growth and differentiation. However, aberrant activation of PTKs caused by various factors can deviate cell function from the expected trajectory to an abnormal growth state, leading to carcinogenesis. Inhibiting the aberrant PTK function could inhibit tumor growth. Therefore, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), target-specific inhibitors of PTKs, have been used in treating malignant tumors and play a significant role in targeted therapy of cancer. Currently, drug resistance is the main reason for limiting TKIs efficacy of cancer. The increasing studies indicated that tumor microenvironment, cell death resistance, tumor metabolism, epigenetic modification and abnormal metabolism of TKIs were deeply involved in tumor development and TKI resistance, besides the abnormal activation of PTK-related signaling pathways involved in gene mutations. Accordingly, it is of great significance to study the underlying mechanisms of TKIs resistance and find solutions to reverse TKIs resistance for improving TKIs efficacy of cancer. Herein, we reviewed the drug resistance mechanisms of TKIs and the potential approaches to overcome TKI resistance, aiming to provide a theoretical basis for improving the efficacy of TKIs.
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15
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Dudziak K, Nowak M, Sozoniuk M. One Host-Multiple Applications: Zebrafish ( Danio rerio) as Promising Model for Studying Human Cancers and Pathogenic Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:10255. [PMID: 36142160 PMCID: PMC9499349 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Revised: 09/03/2022] [Accepted: 09/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, zebrafish (ZF) has been increasingly applied as a model in human disease studies, with a particular focus on cancer. A number of advantages make it an attractive alternative for mice widely used so far. Due to the many advantages of zebrafish, modifications can be based on different mechanisms and the induction of human disease can take different forms depending on the research goal. Genetic manipulation, tumor transplantation, or injection of the pathogen are only a few examples of using ZF as a model. Most of the studies are conducted in order to understand the disease mechanism, monitor disease progression, test new or alternative therapies, and select the best treatment. The transplantation of cancer cells derived from patients enables the development of personalized medicine. To better mimic a patient's body environment, immune-deficient models (SCID) have been developed. A lower immune response is mostly generated by genetic manipulation but also by irradiation or dexamethasone treatment. For many studies, using SCID provides a better chance to avoid cancer cell rejection. In this review, we describe the main directions of using ZF in research, explain why and how zebrafish can be used as a model, what kind of limitations will be met and how to overcome them. We collected recent achievements in this field, indicating promising perspectives for the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Dudziak
- Chair and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
| | - Michał Nowak
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
| | - Magdalena Sozoniuk
- Institute of Plant Genetics, Breeding and Biotechnology, University of Life Sciences in Lublin, 20-950 Lublin, Poland
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Wang Q, Wang W, Pan W, Lv X, Zhang L, Zheng K, Tian F, Xu C. Case Report: Two Patients With EGFR Exon 20 Insertion Mutanted Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Precision Treatment Using Patient-Derived Xenografts in Zebrafish Embryos. Front Oncol 2022; 12:884798. [PMID: 35936715 PMCID: PMC9348893 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.884798] [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: 02/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) exon 20 insertion mutations are uncommon EGFR mutations and generally resistant to first- and second-generation EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). In precision oncology, treatment regimens are tested for improving the clinical outcomes. Zebrafish embryo tumor transplant models are used in cancer research. Methods We report two Chinese females who were diagnosed with stage IV lung adenocarcinoma and shown to harbor EGFR exon 20 insertion mutations by next-generation sequencing (NGS). Then, we established lung cancer patient-derived xenografts using a zebrafish model. The tumor cells were isolated from the patient. For case one, tumor cells were collected from lymph node biopsy, while the tumor cells were obtained from the pleural effusion. Zebrafish were inoculated with tumor cells and placed in the culture medium containing the third-generation EGFR-TKI, osimertinib. Fluorescence microscope photographs were used to record the red fluorescence area, which represented the proliferation and migration of tumor cells in the zebrafish. Results Case one was diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma (cT4N3M1b, stage IVB) and had an EGFR exon 20 mutation (p. N771delinsHH [abundance 14.08%]). Tumor cell proliferation and migration were significantly reduced in the osimertinib group compared with the control group. The patient received first-line osimertinib (160 mg). According to RECIST v1.1, she achieved a partial response. Case two had stage IVA lung adenocarcinoma with a pleural effusion. The pleural effusion sample was selected to obtain tumor cells for injection, and the zebrafish lung cancer model was established. The proliferation of tumor cells in the osimertinib group was significantly reduced compared to the control group. The migration of tumor cells was not significantly reduced compared to the control group. The patient also received first-line osimertinib (160 mg). The lung lesions were stable, but the pleural effusion was poorly controlled. Conclusion Our study demonstrates the applicability of a zebrafish embryos model as an innovative platform to targeted drug testing. More precise methods are needed to select treatment options in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suqian Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Suqian, China
| | - Wenxian Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, China
| | - Weiwei Pan
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing, China
| | - Xiaojing Lv
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suqian Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Suqian, China
| | - Kaiming Zheng
- Department of Geriatric Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Fang Tian
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Chunwei Xu, ; Fang Tian,
| | - Chunwei Xu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Jinling Hospital, Nanjing University School of Medicine, Nanjing, China
- *Correspondence: Chunwei Xu, ; Fang Tian,
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Production and optimization of a vasostatin-30 and vasoinhibin fusion protein that inhibits tumor angiogenesis and dissemination of breast cancer cells in a zebrafish model. Process Biochem 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2022.05.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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