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Villegas-Novoa C, Wang Y, Sims CE, Allbritton NL. Creation of a spatially complex mucus bilayer on an in vitro colon model. Sci Rep 2024; 14:16849. [PMID: 39039235 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-67591-9] [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: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The colonic epithelium is comprised of three-dimensional crypts (3D) lined with mucus secreted by a heterogeneous population of goblet cells. In this study, we report the formation of a long-lived, and self-renewing replica of human 3D crypts with a mucus layer patterned in the X-Y-Z dimensions. Primary colon cells were cultured on a shaped scaffold under an air-liquid interface to yield architecturally accurate crypts with a mucus bilayer (605 ± 180 μm thick) possessing an inner (149 ± 50 μm) and outer (435 ± 111 μm) region. Lectins with distinct carbohydrate-binding preferences demonstrated that the mucus in the intercrypt regions was chemically distinct from that above and within the crypts replicating in vivo chemical patterning. Constitutive mucus secretion ejected beads from crypt lumens in 8-10 days, while agonist-stimulated secretion increased mucus thickness by 17-fold in 8 h. The tissue was long-lived, > 50 days, the longest time assessed. In conclusion, the in vitro mucus replicated key physiology of the human mucus, including the bilayer (Z) structure and intercrypt-crypt (X-Y) zones, constitutive mucus flow, spatially complex chemical attributes, and mucus secretion response to stimulation, with the potential to reveal local and global determinants of mucus function and its breakdown in disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yuli Wang
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Christopher E Sims
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Nancy L Allbritton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.
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2
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Pond KW, Morris JM, Alkhimenok O, Varghese RP, Cabel CR, Ellis NA, Chakrabarti J, Zavros Y, Merchant JL, Thorne CA, Paek AL. Live-cell imaging in human colonic monolayers reveals ERK waves limit the stem cell compartment to maintain epithelial homeostasis. eLife 2022; 11:e78837. [PMID: 36094159 PMCID: PMC9499537 DOI: 10.7554/elife.78837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The establishment and maintenance of different cellular compartments in tissues is a universal requirement across all metazoans. Maintaining the correct ratio of cell types in time and space allows tissues to form patterned compartments and perform complex functions. Patterning is especially evident in the human colon, where tissue homeostasis is maintained by stem cells in crypt structures that balance proliferation and differentiation. Here, we developed a human 2D patient derived organoid screening platform to study tissue patterning and kinase pathway dynamics in single cells. Using this system, we discovered that waves of ERK signaling induced by apoptotic cells play a critical role in maintaining tissue patterning and homeostasis. If ERK is activated acutely across all cells instead of in wave-like patterns, then tissue patterning and stem cells are lost. Conversely, if ERK activity is inhibited, then stem cells become unrestricted and expand dramatically. This work demonstrates that the colonic epithelium requires coordinated ERK signaling dynamics to maintain patterning and tissue homeostasis. Our work reveals how ERK can antagonize stem cells while supporting cell replacement and the function of the gut.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelvin W Pond
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- University of Arizona Cancer CenterTucsonUnited States
| | - Julia M Morris
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Olga Alkhimenok
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Reeba P Varghese
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Carly R Cabel
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- Cancer Biology Graduate Interdisciplinary Program, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Nathan A Ellis
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- University of Arizona Cancer CenterTucsonUnited States
| | - Jayati Chakrabarti
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
| | - Yana Zavros
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- University of Arizona Cancer CenterTucsonUnited States
| | | | - Curtis A Thorne
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
- University of Arizona Cancer CenterTucsonUnited States
| | - Andrew L Paek
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, The University of ArizonaTucsonUnited States
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3
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Development and Characterization of 5-Fluorouracil Solid Lipid Nanoparticles for Treatment of Colorectal Cancer. J Pharm Innov 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12247-021-09605-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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4
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Esposito A. Cooperation of partially-transformed clones: an invisible force behind the early stages of carcinogenesis. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:201532. [PMID: 33594337 PMCID: PMC7116746 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.201532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
1Most tumours exhibit significant heterogeneity and are best described as communities of cellular populations competing for resources. Growing experimental evidence also suggests, however, that cooperation between cancer clones is important as well for the maintenance of tumour heterogeneity and tumour progression. However, a role for cell communication during the earliest steps in oncogenesis is not well characterised despite its vital importance in normal tissue and clinically manifest tumours. Here, we present a simple analytical model and stochastic lattice-based simulations to study how the interaction between the mutational process and cell-to-cell communication in three-dimensional tissue architecture might contribute to shape early oncogenesis. We show that non-cell-autonomous mechanisms of carcinogenesis could support and accelerate pre-cancerous clonal expansion through the cooperation of different, non- or partially- transformed mutants. We predict the existence of a 'cell-autonomous time-horizon', a time before which cooperation between cell-to-cell communication and DNA mutations might be one of the most fundamental forces shaping the early stages of oncogenesis. The understanding of this process could shed new light on the mechanisms leading to clinically manifest cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Esposito
- The Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
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5
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Metformin and Probiotics in the Crosstalk between Colitis-Associated Colorectal Cancer and Diabetes in Mice. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12071857. [PMID: 32664279 PMCID: PMC7408863 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12071857] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The co-occurrence of colorectal cancer (CRC) and diabetes mellitus along with inflammation and dismicrobism has been frequently reported. Several studies shed light on the antioncogenic potential of metformin on colorectal carcinogenesis. This study aimed to demonstrate that metformin in association with probiotics acts in a synergic effect in breaking the crosstalk, thus inhibiting CRC progression, improving diabetes, and reducing inflammation. Ninety-six male Balb/c mice, 6–8 weeks old, were divided into 16 control and experimental groups to assess the effect of the different treatments and combinations at the clinical, histological, and molecular levels. Metformin and probiotics showed beneficial outcomes on CRC and diabetes, alone and most importantly in combination. Their effects were exerted by inhibiting the inflammatory process whereby a downregulation of IL-6 and TNF-α as well as oxidative stress were depicted. The characterization of the effects of probiotics and metformin on CRC and diabetes sheds light on the role of inflammation and microbiota in this crosstalk. Deciphering the downstream signaling pathways elicited by these compounds will help in developing new effective targeted treatment modalities.
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6
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Abstract
The gut is a continuously renewing organ, with cell proliferation, migration, and death occurring rapidly under basal conditions. As the impact of critical illness on cell movement from crypt base to villus tip is poorly understood, the purpose of this study was to determine how sepsis alters enterocyte migration. Wild-type, transgenic, and knockout mice were injected with 5-bromo-2'deoxyuridine (BrdU) to label cells in S-phase before and after the onset of cecal ligation and puncture and were sacrificed at predetermined endpoints to determine distance proliferating cells migrated up the crypt-villus unit. Enterocyte migration rate was decreased from 24 to 96 h after sepsis. BrdU was not detectable on villi 6 days after sham laparotomy, meaning all cells had migrated the length of the gut and been exfoliated into its lumen. However, BrdU positive cells were detectable on villi 10 days after sepsis. Multiple components of gut integrity altered enterocyte migration. Sepsis decreased crypt proliferation, which further slowed enterocyte transit as mice injected with BrdU after the onset of sepsis (decreased proliferation) had slower migration than mice injected with BrdU before the onset of sepsis (normal proliferation). Decreasing intestinal apoptosis via gut-specific overexpression of Bcl-2 prevented sepsis-induced slowing of enterocyte migration. In contrast, worsened intestinal hyperpermeability by genetic deletion of JAM-A increased enterocyte migration. Sepsis therefore significantly slows enterocyte migration, and intestinal proliferation, apoptosis and permeability all affect migration time, which can potentially be targeted both genetically and pharmacologically.
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7
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Jilkine A. Mathematical Models of Stem Cell Differentiation and Dedifferentiation. CURRENT STEM CELL REPORTS 2019. [DOI: 10.1007/s40778-019-00156-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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8
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Mahdipour-Shirayeh A, Shahriyari L. Modeling Cell Dynamics in Colon and Intestinal Crypts: The Significance of Central Stem Cells in Tumorigenesis. Bull Math Biol 2018; 80:2273-2305. [PMID: 29978308 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-018-0457-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Colon and intestinal crypts have been widely chosen to study cell dynamics because of their fairly simple structures. In the colon and intestinal crypts, stem cells (SCs) are located at very bottom of the crypt, fully differentiated cells (FDs) are located in the top of the crypt, and transit-amplifying cells (TAs) are in the middle of the crypt between FDs and SCs. Recently, it has been discovered that there are two types of stem cells in the intestinal crypts: central stem cells (CeSCs) and border stem cells. To investigate dynamics of mutants in colon and intestinal crypts, we develop a four-compartmental stochastic model, which includes two SC compartments, and TAs and FDs compartments. We calculate the probability of the progeny of marked or mutant cells located at each of these compartments taking over the entire crypt or being washed out from the crypt. We found that the progeny of CeSCs will take over the entire crypt with a probability close to one. Interestingly, the progeny of advantageous mutant TAs and FDs will be washed out faster than disadvantageous mutants. Saliently, the model predicts that the time that the progeny of wild-type central stem cells will take over the mouse intestinal crypt is around 60 days, which is in perfect agreement with an experimental observation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali Mahdipour-Shirayeh
- Biomedical Research Group, Applied Mathematics Department, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada. .,Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada.
| | - Leili Shahriyari
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
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9
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Emerging functional markers for cancer stem cell-based therapies: Understanding signaling networks for targeting metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2018; 53:90-109. [PMID: 29966677 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2018.06.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/28/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is one of the most challenging issues in cancer patient management, and effective therapies to specifically target disease progression are missing, emphasizing the urgent need for developing novel anti-metastatic therapeutics. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) gained fast attention as a minor population of highly malignant cells within liquid and solid tumors that are responsible for tumor onset, self-renewal, resistance to radio- and chemotherapies, and evasion of immune surveillance accelerating recurrence and metastasis. Recent progress in the identification of their phenotypic and molecular characteristics and interactions with the tumor microenvironment provides great potential for the development of CSC-based targeted therapies and radical improvement in metastasis prevention and cancer patient prognosis. Here, we report on newly uncovered signaling mechanisms controlling CSC's aggressiveness and treatment resistance, and CSC-specific agents and molecular therapeutics, some of which are currently under investigation in clinical trials, gearing towards decisive functional CSC intrinsic or surface markers. One special research focus rests upon subverted regulatory pathways such as insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signaling and its interactors in metastasis-initiating cell populations directly related to the gain of stem cell- and EMT-associated properties, as well as key components of the E2F transcription factor network regulating metastatic progression, microenvironmental changes, and chemoresistance. In addition, the study provides insight into systems biology tools to establish complex molecular relationships behind the emergence of aggressive phenotypes from high-throughput data that rely on network-based analysis and their use to investigate immune escape mechanisms or predict clinical outcome-relevant CSC receptor signaling signatures. We further propose that customized vector technologies could drastically enhance systemic drug delivery to target sites, and summarize recent progress and remaining challenges. This review integrates available knowledge on CSC biology, computational modeling approaches, molecular targeting strategies, and delivery techniques to envision future clinical therapies designed to conquer metastasis-initiating cells.
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10
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Kohoutova D, Pejchal J, Bures J. Mitotic and apoptotic activity in colorectal neoplasia. BMC Gastroenterol 2018; 18:65. [PMID: 29776402 PMCID: PMC5960157 DOI: 10.1186/s12876-018-0786-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) is third most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. The aim of the prospective study was to evaluate mitosis and apoptosis of epithelial cells at each stage of colorectal neoplasia. Methods A total of 61 persons were enrolled into the study: 18 patients with non-advanced colorectal adenoma (non-a-A), 13 patients with advanced colorectal adenoma (a-A), 13 patients with CRC and 17 controls: individuals with normal findings on colonoscopy. Biopsy samples were taken from pathology (patients) and healthy mucosa (patients and healthy controls). Samples were formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded and stained with haematoxylin-eosin. Mitotic and apoptotic activity were evaluated in lower and upper part of the crypts and in the superficial compartment. Apoptotic activity was also assessed using detection of activated caspase-3. Results In controls, mitotic activity was present in lower part of crypts, accompanied with low apoptotic activity. Mitotic and apoptotic activity decreased (to almost zero) in upper part of crypts. In superficial compartment, increase in apoptotic activity was observed. Transformation of healthy mucosa into non-a-A was associated with significant increase of mitotic activity in lower and upper part of the crypts and with significant increase of apoptotic activity in all three compartments; p < 0.05. Transformation of non-a-A into a-A did not lead to any further significant increase in apoptotic activity, but was related to significant increase in mitotic activity in upper part of crypts and superficial compartment. A significant decrease in apoptotic activity was detected in all three comparments of CRC samples compared to a-A; p < 0.05. No differences in mitotic and apoptotic activity between biopsies in healthy controls and biopsy samples from healthy mucosa in patients with colorectal neoplasia were observed. Detection of activated caspase-3 confirmed the above findings in apoptotic activity. Conclusions Significant dysregulation of mitosis and apoptosis during the progression of colorectal neoplasia, corresponding with histology, was confirmed. In patients with sporadic colorectal neoplasia, healthy mucosa does not display different mitotic and apoptotic activity compared to mucosa in healthy controls and therefore adequate endoscopic/surgical removal of colorectal neoplasia is sufficient.
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Affiliation(s)
- Darina Kohoutova
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic.
| | - Jaroslav Pejchal
- University of Defence, Faculty of Military Health Sciences, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Bures
- Charles University, Faculty of Medicine in Hradec Kralove, University Hospital Hradec Kralove, 2nd Department of Internal Medicine - Gastroenterology, Sokolska 581, 500 05, Hradec Kralove, Czech Republic
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11
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Chen J, Vitetta L. Inflammation-Modulating Effect of Butyrate in the Prevention of Colon Cancer by Dietary Fiber. Clin Colorectal Cancer 2018; 17:e541-e544. [PMID: 29866614 DOI: 10.1016/j.clcc.2018.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 04/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/02/2018] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The intestinal microbiota plays key roles in human health, and adverse dysbiosis shifts of the microbiota have been associated with chronic diseases, including large bowel cancer. High-fiber diets may reduce the risk for large bowel cancer in association with gut microbiota modulation and butyrate production. Butyrate can inhibit histone deacetylases and associated signaling pathways in cultured cancer cells, promoting cancer cell apoptosis. However, butyrate has prevented colon cancer through the regulation of immune homeostasis rather than histone deacetylases inhibition. It could be important to further examine the pathways of how butyrate encourages immune system changes. We posited that butyrate-activated T-regulatory cells block proinflammatory T cells and thus reduce proinflammatory cytokine production; these cytokines increase cell proliferation and cell survival, the 2 most important cancer cell characteristics. Butyrate can exert anticancer effects through inhibition of multiple signaling pathways. It is possible that a low concentration of butyrate could modulate the immune system before other pathways to exert an anticancer effect. Increasing the concentration of butyrate in the intestines may produce a synergistic inhibitory signaling pathway response and an anti-inflammatory effect.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Luis Vitetta
- Medlab Clinical, Sydney, Australia; The University of Sydney, Sydney Medical School, Sydney, Australia.
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12
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Alvarado C, Fider NA, Wearing HJ, Komarova NL. Optimizing homeostatic cell renewal in hierarchical tissues. PLoS Comput Biol 2018; 14:e1005967. [PMID: 29447149 PMCID: PMC5831642 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1005967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 02/28/2018] [Accepted: 01/08/2018] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
In order to maintain homeostasis, mature cells removed from the top compartment of hierarchical tissues have to be replenished by means of differentiation and self-renewal events happening in the more primitive compartments. As each cell division is associated with a risk of mutation, cell division patterns have to be optimized, in order to minimize or delay the risk of malignancy generation. Here we study this optimization problem, focusing on the role of division tree length, that is, the number of layers of cells activated in response to the loss of terminally differentiated cells, which is related to the balance between differentiation and self-renewal events in the compartments. Using both analytical methods and stochastic simulations in a metapopulation-style model, we find that shorter division trees are advantageous if the objective is to minimize the total number of one-hit mutants in the cell population. Longer division trees on the other hand minimize the accumulation of two-hit mutants, which is a more likely evolutionary goal given the key role played by tumor suppressor genes in cancer initiation. While division tree length is the most important property determining mutant accumulation, we also find that increasing the size of primitive compartments helps to delay two-hit mutant generation. Cells in multicellular organisms are organized hierarchically. A stem cell gives rise to a chain of dividing and progressively differentiating offspring. At the end of this chain (called a lineage) are terminally differentiated cells that perform their function and undergo programmed cell death, to be replaced by new divisions of less differentiated cells. Here we are interested in the design of such lineages. At one extreme, one can imagine that a loss of terminally differentiated cells only results in divisions of cells in close hierarchical proximity to them, giving rise to very short division trees. On the other hand, it is possible that a long chain of increasingly primitive cells gets activated in response to the loss of differentiated cells. We expect that an important type of selection pressure acting upon tissue design is the minimization of mutations that happen in the course of everyday tissue maintenance (homeostasis). For example, tumor suppressor gene inactivation (two consecutive mutations) is an early rate-limiting step in many cancers. Using mathematical and computational methods, we find that the length of division trees is anti-correlated with the likelihood of double mutations, and lengthening the trees may provide an evolutionary advantage to the organism by delaying the onset of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesar Alvarado
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Nicole A. Fider
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
| | - Helen J. Wearing
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
- Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, United States of America
| | - Natalia L. Komarova
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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13
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Nikolov S, Santos G, Wolkenhauer O, Vera J. Model-Based Phenotypic Signatures Governing the Dynamics of the Stem and Semi-differentiated Cell Populations in Dysplastic Colonic Crypts. Bull Math Biol 2017; 80:360-384. [PMID: 29218591 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-017-0378-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/01/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Mathematical modeling of cell differentiated in colonic crypts can contribute to a better understanding of basic mechanisms underlying colonic tissue organization, but also its deregulation during carcinogenesis and tumor progression. Here, we combined bifurcation analysis to assess the effect that time delay has in the complex interplay of stem cells and semi-differentiated cells at the niche of colonic crypts, and systematic model perturbation and simulation to find model-based phenotypes linked to cancer progression. The models suggest that stem cell and semi-differentiated cell population dynamics in colonic crypts can display chaotic behavior. In addition, we found that clinical profiling of colorectal cancer correlates with the in silico phenotypes proposed by the mathematical model. Further, potential therapeutic targets for chemotherapy resistant phenotypes are proposed, which in any case will require experimental validation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetoslav Nikolov
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany. .,Institute of Mechanics and Biomechanics-BAS, Acad. G. Bonchev Str., Bl. 4, 1113, Sofia, Bulgaria. .,University of Transport, Geo Milev Str., 158, 1574, Sofia, Bulgaria. .,Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
| | - Guido Santos
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.,Systems Biology and Mathematical Modelling Group, Departamento de Bioquímica, Microbiología, Biología Celular y Genética, Instituto de Tecnología Biomédica, CIBICAN, Universidad de La Laguna, Campus Ciencias de La Salud, 38071, La Laguna (Tenerife), Spain
| | - Olaf Wolkenhauer
- Department of Systems Biology and Bioinformatics, University of Rostock, 18051, Rostock, Germany.,Stellenbosch Institute for Advanced Study (STIAS), Wallenberg Research Centre at Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Julio Vera
- Laboratory of Systems Tumor Immunology, Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany.
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14
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Raskov H, Burcharth J, Pommergaard HC. Linking Gut Microbiota to Colorectal Cancer. J Cancer 2017; 8:3378-3395. [PMID: 29151921 PMCID: PMC5687151 DOI: 10.7150/jca.20497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/10/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Pre-clinical and clinical data produce mounting evidence that the microbiota is strongly associated with colorectal carcinogenesis. Dysbiosis may change the course of carcinogenesis as microbial actions seem to impact genetic and epigenetic alterations leading to dysplasia, clonal expansion and malignant transformation. Initiation and promotion of colorectal cancer may result from direct bacterial actions, bacterial metabolites and inflammatory pathways. Newer aspects of microbiota and colorectal cancer include quorum sensing, biofilm formation, sidedness and effects/countereffects of microbiota and probiotics on chemotherapy. In the future, targeting the microbiota will probably be a powerful weapon in the battle against CRC as gut microbiology, genomics and metabolomics promise to uncover important linkages between microbiota and intestinal health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Raskov
- Speciallægecentret ved Diakonissestiftelsen, Frederiksberg, Denmark
| | - Jakob Burcharth
- Department of Surgery, Zealand University Hospital, University of Copenhagen, Denmark
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15
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Zaccaro C, Saracino IM, Fiorini G, Figura N, Holton J, Castelli V, Pesci V, Gatta L, Vaira D. Power of screening tests for colorectal cancer enhanced by high levels of M2-PK in addition to FOBT. Intern Emerg Med 2017; 12:333-339. [PMID: 28155016 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-017-1610-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a multistep process that involves adenoma-carcinoma sequence. CRC can be prevented by routine screening, which can detect precancerous lesions. The aim of this study is to clarify whether faecal occult blood test (i-FOBT), tumor M2 pyruvate kinase (t-M2-PK), and endocannabinoid system molecules (cannabinoid receptors type 1-CB1, type 2-CB2, and fatty acid amide hydrolase-FAAH) might represent better diagnostic tools, alone or in combination, for an early diagnosis of CRC. An immunochemical FOB test (i-FOBT) and quantitative ELISA stool test for t-M2-PK were performed in 127 consecutive patients during a 12 month period. Endocannabinoid system molecules and t-M2-PK expression were detected by immunostaining in healthy tissues and normal mucosa surrounding adenomatous and cancerous colon lesions. i-FOBT and t-M2-PK combination leads to a better diagnostic accuracy for pre-neoplastic and neoplastic colon lesions. T-M2-PK quantification in stool samples and in biopsy samples (immunostaining) correlates with tumourigenesis stages. CB1 and CB2 are well expressed in healthy tissues, and their expression decreases in the presence of advanced stages of carcinogenesis and disappears in CRC. FAAH signal is well expressed in normal mucosa and low-risk adenoma, and increased in high-risk adenoma and carcinoma adjacent tissues. This study shows that high levels of t-M2-PK in addition to FOBT enhance the power of a CRC screening test. Endocannabinoid system molecule expression correlates with colon carcinogenesis stages. Developing future faecal tests for their quantification must be undertaken to obtain a more accurate early non-invasive diagnosis for CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Zaccaro
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Ilaria Maria Saracino
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Fiorini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Natale Figura
- Department of Medical, Surgical and Neurological Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Castelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria Pesci
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
| | - Luigi Gatta
- Gastroenterology and Endoscopy Unit, Versilia Hospital, Lido di Camaiore, Italy
| | - Dino Vaira
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, S. Orsola Hospital via Massarenti, 9, 40138, Bologna, Italy
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Optimal architecture of differentiation cascades with asymmetric and symmetric stem cell division. J Theor Biol 2016; 407:106-117. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtbi.2016.07.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2015] [Revised: 07/02/2016] [Accepted: 07/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
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Shahriyari L, Komarova NL, Jilkine A. The role of cell location and spatial gradients in the evolutionary dynamics of colon and intestinal crypts. Biol Direct 2016; 11:42. [PMID: 27549762 PMCID: PMC4994304 DOI: 10.1186/s13062-016-0141-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2016] [Accepted: 07/15/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Colon and intestinal crypts serve as an important model system for adult stem cell proliferation and differentiation. We develop a spatial stochastic model to study the rate of somatic evolution in a normal crypt, focusing on the production of two-hit mutants that inactivate a tumor suppressor gene. We investigate the effect of cell division pattern along the crypt on mutant production, assuming that the division rate of each cell depends on its location. RESULTS We find that higher probability of division at the bottom of the crypt, where the stem cells are located, leads to a higher rate of double-hit mutant production. The optimal case for delaying mutations occurs when most of the cell divisions happen at the top of the crypt. We further consider an optimization problem where the "evolutionary" penalty for double-hit mutant generation is complemented with a "functional" penalty that assures that fully differentiated cells at the top of the crypt cannot divide. CONCLUSION The trade-off between the two types of objectives leads to the selection of an intermediate division pattern, where the cells in the middle of the crypt divide with the highest rate. This matches the pattern of cell divisions obtained experimentally in murine crypts. REVIEWERS This article was reviewed by David Axelrod (nominated by an Editorial Board member, Marek Kimmel), Yang Kuang and Anna Marciniak-Czochra. For the full reviews, please go to the Reviewers' comments section.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leili Shahriyari
- Mathematical Biosciences Institute, The Ohio State University, 1735 Neil Ave, Columbus, 43210, USA
| | - Natalia L Komarova
- Department of Mathematics, University of California Irvine, 340 Rowland Hall, Irvine, 92697, USA.
| | - Alexandra Jilkine
- Department of Applied and Computational Mathematics and Statistics, University of Notre Dame, 153 Hurley Hall, Notre Dame, 46556, USA.
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Khanal N, Upadhyay S, Silberstein PT. Colorectal Carcinoma and Emerging Targeted Therapies. Fed Pract 2015; 32:27S-31S. [PMID: 30766127 PMCID: PMC6375427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Targeted therapies for specific mutations in colorectal cancer have led to an increase in patient overall survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nabin Khanal
- and are third year internal medicine residents, both in the Department of Internal Medicine, and is the division chief of hematology/oncology and professor of internal medicine, all at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Silberstein is also the chief of oncology at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Smrity Upadhyay
- and are third year internal medicine residents, both in the Department of Internal Medicine, and is the division chief of hematology/oncology and professor of internal medicine, all at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Silberstein is also the chief of oncology at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Peter T Silberstein
- and are third year internal medicine residents, both in the Department of Internal Medicine, and is the division chief of hematology/oncology and professor of internal medicine, all at Creighton University in Omaha, Nebraska. Dr. Silberstein is also the chief of oncology at the VA Nebraska-Western Iowa Health Care System in Omaha, Nebraska
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Beerenwinkel N, Schwarz RF, Gerstung M, Markowetz F. Cancer evolution: mathematical models and computational inference. Syst Biol 2015; 64:e1-25. [PMID: 25293804 PMCID: PMC4265145 DOI: 10.1093/sysbio/syu081] [Citation(s) in RCA: 203] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2013] [Accepted: 09/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a somatic evolutionary process characterized by the accumulation of mutations, which contribute to tumor growth, clinical progression, immune escape, and drug resistance development. Evolutionary theory can be used to analyze the dynamics of tumor cell populations and to make inference about the evolutionary history of a tumor from molecular data. We review recent approaches to modeling the evolution of cancer, including population dynamics models of tumor initiation and progression, phylogenetic methods to model the evolutionary relationship between tumor subclones, and probabilistic graphical models to describe dependencies among mutations. Evolutionary modeling helps to understand how tumors arise and will also play an increasingly important prognostic role in predicting disease progression and the outcome of medical interventions, such as targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niko Beerenwinkel
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20RE, United Kingdom Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20RE, United Kingdom
| | - Roland F Schwarz
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20RE, United Kingdom
| | - Moritz Gerstung
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20RE, United Kingdom
| | - Florian Markowetz
- Department of Biosystems Science and Engineering, ETH Zurich, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, 4058 Basel, Switzerland; European Molecular Biology Laboratory, European Bioinformatics Institute, Wellcome Trust Genome Campus, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Wellcome Trust Sanger Institute, Hinxton, Cambridgeshire, CB10 1SA, United Kingdom; Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB20RE, United Kingdom
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Raskov H, Pommergaard HC, Burcharth J, Rosenberg J. Colorectal carcinogenesis-update and perspectives. World J Gastroenterol 2014; 20:18151-18164. [PMID: 25561783 PMCID: PMC4277953 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v20.i48.18151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 116] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2014] [Revised: 08/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/30/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a very common malignancy in the Western World and despite advances in surgery, chemotherapy and screening, it is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths in this part of the world. Numerous factors are found important in the development of CRC including colonocyte metbolism, high risk luminal environment, inflammation, as well as lifestyle factors such as diet, tobacco, and alchohol consumption. In recent years focus has turned towards the genetics and molecular biology of CRC and several interesting and promising correlations and pathways have been discovered. The major genetic pathways of CRC are the Chromosome Instability Pathway representing the pathway of sporadic CRC through the K-ras, APC, and P53 mutations, and the Microsatellite Instability Pathway representing the pathway of hereditary non-polyposis colon cancer through mutations in mismatch repair genes. To identify early cancers, screening programs have been initiated, and the leading strategy has been the use of faecal occult blood testing followed by colonoscopy in positive cases. Regarding the treatment of colorectal cancer, significant advances have been made in the recent decade. The molecular targets of CRC include at least two important cell surface receptors: the epidermal growth factor receptor and the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor. The genetic and molecular knowledge of CRC has widen the scientific and clinical perspectives of diagnosing and treatment. However, despite significant advances in the understanding and treatment of CRC, results from targeted therapy are still not convincing. Future studies will determine the role for this new treatment modality.
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Sánchez-Taltavull D, Alarcón T. Robustness of differentiation cascades with symmetric stem cell division. J R Soc Interface 2014; 11:20140264. [PMID: 24718457 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2014.0264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Stem cells (SCs) perform the task of maintaining tissue homeostasis by both self-renewal and differentiation. While it has been argued that SCs divide asymmetrically, there is also evidence that SCs undergo symmetric division. Symmetric SC division has been speculated to be key for expanding cell numbers in development and regeneration after injury. However, it might lead to uncontrolled growth and malignancies such as cancer. In order to explore the role of symmetric SC division, we propose a mathematical model of the effect of symmetric SC division on the robustness of a population regulated by a serial differentiation cascade and we show that this may lead to extinction of such population. We examine how the extinction likelihood depends on defining characteristics of the population such as the number of intermediate cell compartments. We show that longer differentiation cascades are more prone to extinction than systems with less intermediate compartments. Furthermore, we have analysed the possibility of mixed symmetric and asymmetric cell division against invasions by mutant invaders in order to find optimal architecture. Our results show that more robust populations are those with unfrequent symmetric behaviour.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Sánchez-Taltavull
- Centre de Recerca Matemàtica, , Edifici C, Campus de Bellaterra, 08193 Bellaterra (Barcelona), Spain
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