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Miao X, Wu X, You W, He K, Chen C, Pathak JL, Zhang Q. Tailoring of apoptotic bodies for diagnostic and therapeutic applications:advances, challenges, and prospects. J Transl Med 2024; 22:810. [PMID: 39218900 PMCID: PMC11367938 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05451-w] [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: 02/16/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Apoptotic bodies (ABs) are extracellular vesicles released during apoptosis and possess diverse biological activities. Initially, ABs were regarded as garbage bags with the main function of apoptotic cell clearance. Recent research has found that ABs carry and deliver various biological agents and are taken by surrounding and distant cells, affecting cell functions and behavior. ABs-mediated intercellular communications are involved in various physiological processes including anti-inflammation and tissue regeneration as well as the pathogenesis of a variety of diseases including cancer, cardiovascular diseases, neurodegeneration, and inflammatory diseases. ABs in biological fluids can be used as a window of altered cellular and tissue states which can be applied in the diagnosis and prognosis of various diseases. The structural and constituent versatility of ABs provides flexibility for tailoring ABs according to disease diagnostic and therapeutic needs. An in-depth understanding of ABs' constituents and biological functions is mandatory for the effective tailoring of ABs including modification of bio membrane and cargo constituents. ABs' tailoring approaches including physical, chemical, biological, and genetic have been proposed for bench-to-bed translation in disease diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy. This review summarizes the updates on ABs tailoring approaches, discusses the existing challenges, and speculates the prospects for effective diagnostic and therapeutic applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyu Miao
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Xiaojin Wu
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Wenran You
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Kaini He
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Changzhong Chen
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China
| | - Janak Lal Pathak
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China.
| | - Qing Zhang
- School and Hospital of Stomatology, Guangdong Engineering Research Center of Oral Restoration and Reconstruction, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Basic and Applied Research of Oral Regenerative Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510182, China.
- Laboratory for Myology, Department of Human Movement Sciences, Faculty of Behavioural and Movement Sciences, Amsterdam Movement Sciences, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, 1081 BT, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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2
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Shiralkar J, Anthony T, McCallum GA, Durand DM. Neural recordings can differentiate between spontaneously metastasizing melanomas and melanomas with low metastatic potential. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0297281. [PMID: 38359031 PMCID: PMC10868782 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Multiple studies report that melanomas are innervated tumors with sensory and sympathetic fibers where these neural fibers play crucial functional roles in tumor growth and metastasis with branch specificity. Yet there is no study which reports the direct neural recording and its pattern during in-vivo progression of the cancer. We performed daily neural recordings from male and female mice bearing orthotopic metastasizing- melanomas and melanomas with low metastatic poential, derived from B16-F10 and B16-F1 cells, respectively. Further, to explore the origins of neural activity, 6-Hydroxidopamine mediated chemical sympathectomy was performed followed by daily microneurographic recordings. We also performed the daily bioluminescent imaging to track in vivo growth of primary tumors and distant metastasis to the cranial area. Our results show that metastasizing tumors display high levels of neural activity while tumors with low metastatic potential lack it indicating that the presence of neural activity is linked to the metastasizing potential of the tumors. Moreover, the neural activity is not continuous over the tumor progression and has a sex-specific temporal patterns where males have two peaks of high neural activity while females show a single peak. The neural peak activity originated in peripheral sympathetic nerves as sympathectomy completely eliminated the peak activity in both sexes. Peak activities were highly correlated with the distant metastasis in both sexes. These results show that sympathetic neural activity is crucially involved in tumor metastasis and has sex-specific role in malignancy initiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jay Shiralkar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Tiana Anthony
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Grant A. McCallum
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
| | - Dominique M. Durand
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio, United States of America
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3
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Csonti K, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Wilhelm I, Krizbai IA, Végh AG. Breast adenocarcinoma cells adhere stronger to brain pericytes than to endothelial cells. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 234:113751. [PMID: 38241889 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113751] [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: 10/05/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/07/2024] [Indexed: 01/21/2024]
Abstract
Most of the malignancies detected within the brain parenchyma are of metastatic origin. As the brain lacks classical lymphatic circulation, the primary way for metastasis relies on hematogenous routes. Dissemination of metastatic cells to the brain implies attachment to the luminal surface of brain endothelial cells, transmigration through the vessel wall, and adhesion to the brain surface of the vasculature. During this process, tumor cells must interact with brain endothelial cells and later on with pericytes. Physical interaction between tumor cells and brain vascular cells might be crucial in the successful extravasation of metastatic cells through blood vessels and later in their survival within the brain environment. Therefore, we applied single-cell force spectroscopy to investigate the nanoscale adhesive properties of living breast adenocarcinoma cells to brain endothelial cells and pericytes. We found target cell type-dependent adhesion characteristics, i.e. increased adhesion of the tumor cells to pericytes in comparison to endothelial cells, which underlines the existence of metastatic potential-related nanomechanical differences relying partly on membrane tether dynamics. Varying adhesion strength of the tumor cells to different cell types of brain vessels presumably reflects the transitory adhesion to endothelial cells before extravasation and the long-lasting strong interaction with pericytes during survival and proliferation in the brain. Our results highlight the importance of specific mechanical interactions between tumor cells and host cells during metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katalin Csonti
- HUN-REN BRC, Szeged, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary; Doctoral School of Physics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary; Semilab Semiconductor Physics Laboratory Co. Ltd., Budapest, Hungary
| | | | - Kinga Molnár
- HUN-REN BRC, Szeged, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- HUN-REN BRC, Szeged, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary; Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University, Arad, Romania
| | - István A Krizbai
- HUN-REN BRC, Szeged, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary; Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University, Arad, Romania
| | - Attila G Végh
- HUN-REN BRC, Szeged, Institute of Biophysics, Hungary.
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4
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Chakraborty S, Banerjee S. Understanding crosstalk of organ tropism, tumor microenvironment and noncoding RNAs in breast cancer metastasis. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:9601-9623. [PMID: 37792172 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08852-0] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is one of the major clinical challenges worldwide due to limited existing effective treatments. Metastasis roots from the host organ of origin and gradually migrates to different regional and distant organs. In different breast cancer subtypes, different organs like bones, liver, lungs and brain are targeted by the metastatic tumor cells. Cancer renders mortality to their respective metastasizing sites like bones, brain, liver, and lungs. Metastatic breast cancers are best treated and managed if detected at an early stage. Metastasis is regulated by various molecular activators and suppressors. The conventional theory of 'seed and soil' states that metastatic tumor cells move to tumor microenvironment that has favorable conditions like blood flow for them to grow just like seeds grows when planted in fertile land. Additionally, different coding as well as non-coding RNAs play a very significant role in the process of metastasis by modulating their expression levels leading to a crosstalk of various tumorigenic cascades. Treatments for metastasis is also very critical in controlling this lethal process. Detecting breast cancer metastasis at an early stage is crucial for managing and predicting metastatic progression. In this review, we have compiled several factors that can be targeted to manage the onset and gradual stages of breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sohini Chakraborty
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Satarupa Banerjee
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology, Vellore, 632014, Tamil Nadu, India.
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5
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Saltarin F, Wegmüller A, Bejarano L, Ildiz ES, Zwicky P, Vianin A, Spadin F, Soukup K, Wischnewski V, Engelhardt B, Deutsch U, J. Marques I, Frenz M, Joyce JA, Lyck R. Compromised Blood-Brain Barrier Junctions Enhance Melanoma Cell Intercalation and Extravasation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5071. [PMID: 37894438 PMCID: PMC10605101 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15205071] [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: 07/27/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma frequently metastasises to the brain, and a detailed understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying melanoma cell extravasation across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is important for preventing brain metastasis formation. Making use of primary mouse brain microvascular endothelial cells (pMBMECs) as an in vitro BBB model, we imaged the interaction of melanoma cells into pMBMEC monolayers. We observed exclusive junctional intercalation of melanoma cells and confirmed that melanoma-induced pMBMEC barrier disruption can be rescued by protease inhibition. Interleukin (IL)-1β stimulated pMBMECs or PECAM-1-knockout (-ko) pMBMECs were employed to model compromised BBB barrier properties in vitro and to determine increased melanoma cell intercalation compared to pMBMECs with intact junctions. The newly generated brain-homing melanoma cell line YUMM1.1-BrM4 was used to reveal increased in vivo extravasation of melanoma cells across the BBB of barrier-compromised PECAM-1-deficient mice compared to controls. Taken together, our data indicate that preserving BBB integrity is an important measure to limit the formation of melanoma-brain metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Saltarin
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Adrian Wegmüller
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Leire Bejarano
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland (V.W.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ece Su Ildiz
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Pascale Zwicky
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Andréj Vianin
- Department of Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Florentin Spadin
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.)
| | - Klara Soukup
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland (V.W.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Vladimir Wischnewski
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland (V.W.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Britta Engelhardt
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Urban Deutsch
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
| | - Ines J. Marques
- Department of Developmental Biology and Regeneration, Institute of Anatomy, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland
- Department for BioMedical Research (DBMR), University of Bern, 3010 Bern, Switzerland
| | - Martin Frenz
- Institute of Applied Physics, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.)
| | - Johanna A. Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland (V.W.)
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Ruth Lyck
- Theodor Kocher Institute, University of Bern, 3012 Bern, Switzerland; (F.S.); (P.Z.)
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6
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Duan W, Xia S, Tang M, Lin M, Liu W, Wang Q. Targeting of endothelial cells in brain tumours. Clin Transl Med 2023; 13:e1433. [PMID: 37830128 PMCID: PMC10570772 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1433] [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: 04/17/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/14/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aggressive brain tumours, whether primary gliomas or secondary metastases, are characterised by hypervascularisation and are fatal. Recent research has emphasised the crucial involvement of endothelial cells (ECs) in all brain tumour genesis and development events, with various patterns and underlying mechanisms identified. MAIN BODY Here, we highlight recent advances in knowledge about the contributions of ECs to brain tumour development, providing a comprehensive summary including descriptions of interactions between ECs and tumour cells, the heterogeneity of ECs and new models for research on ECs in brain malignancies. We also discuss prospects for EC targeting in novel therapeutic approaches. CONCLUSION Interventions targeting ECs, as an adjunct to other therapies (e.g. immunotherapies, molecular-targeted therapies), have shown promising clinical efficacy due to the high degree of vascularisation in brain tumours. Developing precise strategies to target tumour-associated vessels based on the heterogeneity of ECs is expected to improve anti-vascular efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhe Duan
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Shengkai Xia
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Mengyi Tang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Manqing Lin
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Wenwen Liu
- Cancer Translational Medicine Research CenterThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
| | - Qi Wang
- Department of Respiratory MedicineThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
- Cancer Translational Medicine Research CenterThe Second HospitalDalian Medical UniversityDalianChina
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7
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McDonald B, Barth K, Schmidt MHH. The origin of brain malignancies at the blood-brain barrier. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:282. [PMID: 37688612 PMCID: PMC10492883 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04934-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/11/2023]
Abstract
Despite improvements in extracranial therapy, survival rate for patients suffering from brain metastases remains very poor. This is coupled with the incidence of brain metastases continuing to rise. In this review, we focus on core contributions of the blood-brain barrier to the origin of brain metastases. We first provide an overview of the structure and function of the blood-brain barrier under physiological conditions. Next, we discuss the emerging idea of a pre-metastatic niche, namely that secreted factors and extracellular vesicles from a primary tumor site are able to travel through the circulation and prime the neurovasculature for metastatic invasion. We then consider the neurotropic mechanisms that circulating tumor cells possess or develop that facilitate disruption of the blood-brain barrier and survival in the brain's parenchyma. Finally, we compare and contrast brain metastases at the blood-brain barrier to the primary brain tumor, glioma, examining the process of vessel co-option that favors the survival and outgrowth of brain malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brennan McDonald
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany.
| | - Kathrin Barth
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mirko H H Schmidt
- Institute of Anatomy, Medical Faculty Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden School of Medicine, Dresden, Germany
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8
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Vasco C, Rizzo A, Cordiglieri C, Corsini E, Maderna E, Ciusani E, Salmaggi A. The Role of Adhesion Molecules and Extracellular Vesicles in an In Vitro Model of the Blood-Brain Barrier for Metastatic Disease. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15113045. [PMID: 37297006 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15113045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/28/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic brain disease (MBD) has seen major advances in clinical management, focal radiation therapy approaches and knowledge of biological factors leading to improved prognosis. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been found to play a role in tumor cross-talk with the target organ, contributing to the formation of a premetastatic niche. Human lung and breast cancer cell lines were characterized for adhesion molecule expression and used to evaluate their migration ability in an in vitro model. Conditioned culture media and isolated EVs, characterized by super resolution and electron microscopy, were tested to evaluate their pro-apoptotic properties on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (HCMEC/D3) by annexin V binding assay. Our data showed a direct correlation between expression of ICAM1, ICAM2, β3-integrin and α2-integrin and the ability to firmly adhere to the blood-brain barrier (BBB) model, whereas the same molecules were down-regulated at a later step. Extracellular vesicles released by tumor cell lines were shown to be able to induce apoptosis in HUVEC while brain endothelial cells showed to be more resistant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Vasco
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry SMeL122, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Ambra Rizzo
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry SMeL122, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Chiara Cordiglieri
- Preclinical Neuroimmunology Lab, Neurology IV Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", 20133 Milan, Italy
- Imaging Facility, National Institute of Molucular Genetics (INGM) "Romeo ed Enrica Invernizzi", c/o Policlinico di Milano Hospital, Padiglione Invernizzi, Via Francesco Sforza 35, 20122 Milan, Italy
| | - Elena Corsini
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry SMeL122, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuela Maderna
- Neurology 5/Neuropathology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Emilio Ciusani
- Laboratory of Clinical Chemistry SMeL122, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico "Carlo Besta", 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Salmaggi
- Neuroscience Department-Neurology/Stroke Unit, Ospedale A. Manzoni, ASST Lecco, 23900 Lecco, Italy
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9
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Modvig S, Jeyakumar J, Marquart HV, Christensen C. Integrins and the Metastasis-like Dissemination of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia to the Central Nervous System. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092504. [PMID: 37173970 PMCID: PMC10177281 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/23/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) disseminates with high prevalence to the central nervous system (CNS) in a process resembling aspects of the CNS surveillance of normal immune cells as well as aspects of brain metastasis from solid cancers. Importantly, inside the CNS, the ALL blasts are typically confined within the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF)-filled cavities of the subarachnoid space, which they use as a sanctuary protected from both chemotherapy and immune cells. At present, high cumulative doses of intrathecal chemotherapy are administered to patients, but this is associated with neurotoxicity and CNS relapse still occurs. Thus, it is imperative to identify markers and novel therapy targets specific to CNS ALL. Integrins represent a family of adhesion molecules involved in cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions, implicated in the adhesion and migration of metastatic cancer cells, normal immune cells, and leukemic blasts. The ability of integrins to also facilitate cell-adhesion mediated drug resistance, combined with recent discoveries of integrin-dependent routes of leukemic cells into the CNS, have sparked a renewed interest in integrins as markers and therapeutic targets in CNS leukemia. Here, we review the roles of integrins in CNS surveillance by normal lymphocytes, dissemination to the CNS by ALL cells, and brain metastasis from solid cancers. Furthermore, we discuss whether ALL dissemination to the CNS abides by known hallmarks of metastasis, and the potential roles of integrins in this context.
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Affiliation(s)
- Signe Modvig
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jenani Jeyakumar
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Hanne Vibeke Marquart
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Claus Christensen
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Copenhagen University Hospital Rigshospitalet, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Alsabbagh R, Ahmed M, Alqudah MAY, Hamoudi R, Harati R. Insights into the Molecular Mechanisms Mediating Extravasation in Brain Metastasis of Breast Cancer, Melanoma, and Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15082258. [PMID: 37190188 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 04/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an incurable end-stage of systemic cancer associated with poor prognosis, and its incidence is increasing. Brain metastasis occurs through a multi-step cascade where cancer cells spread from the primary tumor site to the brain. The extravasation of tumor cells through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is a critical step in brain metastasis. During extravasation, circulating cancer cells roll along the brain endothelium (BE), adhere to it, then induce alterations in the endothelial barrier to transmigrate through the BBB and enter the brain. Rolling and adhesion are generally mediated by selectins and adhesion molecules induced by inflammatory mediators, while alterations in the endothelial barrier are mediated by proteolytic enzymes, including matrix metalloproteinase, and the transmigration step mediated by factors, including chemokines. However, the molecular mechanisms mediating extravasation are not yet fully understood. A better understanding of these mechanisms is essential as it may serve as the basis for the development of therapeutic strategies for the prevention or treatment of brain metastases. In this review, we summarize the molecular events that occur during the extravasation of cancer cells through the blood-brain barrier in three types of cancer most likely to develop brain metastasis: breast cancer, melanoma, and lung cancer. Common molecular mechanisms driving extravasation in these different tumors are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rama Alsabbagh
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Munazza Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohammad A Y Alqudah
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Rifat Hamoudi
- Clinical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Division of Surgery and Interventional Science, University College London, London W1W 7EJ, UK
| | - Rania Harati
- Department of Pharmacy Practice and Pharmacotherapeutics, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates
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11
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Spurling D, Anchan A, Hucklesby J, Finlay G, Angel CE, Graham ES. Melanoma Cells Produce Large Vesicular-Bodies That Cause Rapid Disruption of Brain Endothelial Barrier-Integrity and Disassembly of Junctional Proteins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076082. [PMID: 37047054 PMCID: PMC10093843 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2022] [Revised: 03/16/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
It is known that many cells produce extracellular vesicles, and this includes a range of different cancer cell types. Here we demonstrate the profound effects of large vesicular-like bodies produced by melanoma cells on the barrier integrity of human brain endothelial cells. These vesicular-bodies have not been fully characterised but range in size from ~500 nm to >10 µm, are surrounded by membrane and are enzymatically active based on cell-tracker incorporation. Their size is consistent with previously reported large oncosomes and apoptotic bodies. We demonstrate that these melanoma-derived vesicular-bodies rapidly affect brain endothelial barrier integrity, measured using ECIS biosensor technology, where the disruption is evident within ~60 min. This disruption involves acquisition of the vesicles through transcellular uptake into the endothelial cells. We also observed extensive actin-rearrangement, actin removal from the paracellular boundary of the endothelial cells and envelopment of the vesicular-bodies by actin. This was concordant with widespread changes in CD144 localisation, which was consistent with the loss of junctional strength. High-resolution confocal imaging revealed proximity of the melanoma vesicular-bodies juxtaposed to the endothelial nucleus, often containing fragmented DNA themselves, raising speculation over this association and potential delivery of nuclear material into the brain endothelial cells. The disruption of the endothelial cells occurs in a manner that is faster and completely distinct to that of invasion by intact melanoma cells. Given the clinical observation of large vesicles in the circulation of melanoma patients by others, we hypothesize their involvement in weakening or priming the brain vasculature for melanoma invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dayna Spurling
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Akshata Anchan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - James Hucklesby
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - Graeme Finlay
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
| | - Catherine E Angel
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
- Maurice Wilkins Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
| | - E Scott Graham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand
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12
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Chhichholiya Y, Ruthuparna M, Velagaleti H, Munshi A. Brain metastasis in breast cancer: focus on genes and signaling pathways involved, blood-brain barrier and treatment strategies. Clin Transl Oncol 2023; 25:1218-1241. [PMID: 36897508 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-03050-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2022] [Accepted: 12/12/2022] [Indexed: 03/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is one of the most prevalent types of cancer in women. Despite advancement in early detection and efficient treatment, recurrence and metastasis continue to pose a significant risk to the life of BC patients. Brain metastasis (BM) reported in 17-20 percent of BC patients is considered as a major cause of mortality and morbidity in these patients. BM includes various steps from primary breast tumor to secondary tumor formation. Various steps involved are primary tumor formation, angiogenesis, invasion, extravasation, and brain colonization. Genes involved in different pathways have been reported to be associated with BC cells metastasizing to the brain. ADAM8 gene, EN1 transcription factor, WNT, and VEGF signaling pathway have been associated with primary breast tumor; MMP1, COX2, XCR4, PI3k/Akt, ERK and MAPK pathways in angiogenesis; Noth, CD44, Zo-1, CEMIP, S0X2 and OLIG2 are involved in invasion, extravasation and colonization, respectively. In addition, the blood-brain barrier is also a key factor in BM. Dysregulation of cell junctions, tumor microenvironment and loss of function of microglia leads to BBB disruption ultimately resulting in BM. Various therapeutic strategies are currently used to control the BM in BC. Oncolytic virus therapy, immune checkpoint inhibitors, mTOR-PI3k inhibitors and immunotherapy have been developed to target various genes involved in BM in BC. In addition, RNA interference (RNAi) and CRISPR/Cas9 are novel interventions in the field of BCBM where research to validate these and clinical trials are being carried out. Gaining a better knowledge of metastasis biology is critical for establishing better treatment methods and attaining long-term therapeutic efficacies against BC. The current review has been compiled with an aim to evaluate the role of various genes and signaling pathways involved in multiple steps of BM in BC. The therapeutic strategies being used currently and the novel ones being explored to control BM in BC have also been discussed at length.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yogita Chhichholiya
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Malayil Ruthuparna
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Harini Velagaleti
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India
| | - Anjana Munshi
- Department of Human Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Central University of Punjab, Bathinda, Punjab, India.
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13
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Kiyose M, Herrmann E, Roesler J, Zeiner PS, Steinbach JP, Forster MT, Plate KH, Czabanka M, Vogl TJ, Hattingen E, Mittelbronn M, Breuer S, Harter PN, Bernatz S. MR imaging profile and histopathological characteristics of tumour vasculature, cell density and proliferation rate define two distinct growth patterns of human brain metastases from lung cancer. Neuroradiology 2023; 65:275-285. [PMID: 36184635 PMCID: PMC9859874 DOI: 10.1007/s00234-022-03060-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Non-invasive prediction of the tumour of origin giving rise to brain metastases (BMs) using MRI measurements obtained in radiological routine and elucidating the biological basis by matched histopathological analysis. METHODS Preoperative MRI and histological parameters of 95 BM patients (female, 50; mean age 59.6 ± 11.5 years) suffering from different primary tumours were retrospectively analysed. MR features were assessed by region of interest (ROI) measurements of signal intensities on unenhanced T1-, T2-, diffusion-weighted imaging and apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) normalised to an internal reference ROI. Furthermore, we assessed BM size and oedema as well as cell density, proliferation rate, microvessel density and vessel area as histopathological parameters. RESULTS Applying recursive partitioning conditional inference trees, only histopathological parameters could stratify the primary tumour entities. We identified two distinct BM growth patterns depending on their proliferative status: Ki67high BMs were larger (p = 0.02), showed less peritumoural oedema (p = 0.02) and showed a trend towards higher cell density (p = 0.05). Furthermore, Ki67high BMs were associated with higher DWI signals (p = 0.03) and reduced ADC values (p = 0.004). Vessel density was strongly reduced in Ki67high BM (p < 0.001). These features differentiated between lung cancer BM entities (p ≤ 0.03 for all features) with SCLCs representing predominantly the Ki67high group, while NSCLCs rather matching with Ki67low features. CONCLUSION Interpretable and easy to obtain MRI features may not be sufficient to predict directly the primary tumour entity of BM but seem to have the potential to aid differentiating high- and low-proliferative BMs, such as SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Makoto Kiyose
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Eva Herrmann
- Institute for Biostatistics and Mathematical Modelling, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Jenny Roesler
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Pia S. Zeiner
- Department of Neurology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Joachim P. Steinbach
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Karl H. Plate
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Marcus Czabanka
- Department of Neurosurgery, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Thomas J. Vogl
- Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Elke Hattingen
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg ,Laboratoire National de Santé (LNS), Dudelange, Luxembourg ,Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Dudelange, Luxembourg ,Department of Cancer Research (DoCR), Luxembourg Institute of Health (L.I.H.), Luxembourg, Luxembourg ,Department of Life Sciences and Medicine (DLSM), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg ,Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine (FSTM)S, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Stella Breuer
- Institute of Neuroradiology, University Hospital, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N. Harter
- Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany ,German Cancer Research Centre (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Bernatz
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital, Goethe University, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Neurological Institute (Edinger Institute), University Hospital, Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany ,Department of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University Frankfurt Am Main, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, 60590 Frankfurt am Main, Germany
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14
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Melanoma Mediated Disruption of Brain Endothelial Barrier Integrity Is Not Prevented by the Inhibition of Matrix Metalloproteinases and Proteases. BIOSENSORS 2022; 12:bios12080660. [PMID: 36005056 PMCID: PMC9405625 DOI: 10.3390/bios12080660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that human melanoma cells rapidly decrease human brain endothelial barrier strength. Our findings showed a fast mechanism of melanoma mediated barrier disruption, which was localised to the paracellular junctions of the brain endothelial cells. Melanoma cells are known to release molecules which cleave the surrounding matrix and allow traversal within and out of their metastatic niche. Enzymatic families, such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and proteases are heavily implicated in this process and their complex nature in vivo makes them an intriguing family to assess in melanoma metastasis. Herein, we assessed the expression of MMPs and other proteases in melanoma conditioned media. Our results showed evidence of a high expression of MMP-2, but not MMP-1, -3 or -9. Other proteases including Cathepsins D and B were also detected. Recombinant MMP-2 was added to the apical face of brain endothelial cells (hCMVECs), to measure the change in barrier integrity using biosensor technology. Surprisingly, this showed no decrease in barrier strength. The addition of potent MMP inhibitors (batimastat, marimastat, ONO4817) and other protease inhibitors (such as aprotinin, Pefabloc SC and bestatin) to the brain endothelial cells, in the presence of various melanoma lines, showed no reduction in the melanoma mediated barrier disruption. The inhibitors batimastat, Pefabloc SC, antipain and bestatin alone decreased the barrier strength. These results suggest that although some MMPs and proteases are released by melanoma cells, there is no direct evidence that they are substantially involved in the initial melanoma-mediated disruption of the brain endothelium.
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15
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Liu SY, Wang H, Nie G. Ultrasensitive Fibroblast Activation Protein-α-Activated Fluorogenic Probe Enables Selective Imaging and Killing of Melanoma In Vivo. ACS Sens 2022; 7:1837-1846. [PMID: 35713201 DOI: 10.1021/acssensors.2c00126] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is a malignant cancer with a high risk of metastasis and continued increase in death rates over the past decades, and its prognosis is highly related to the disease's stage, while early detection and treatment of melanoma are significant to the improvement of its therapy outcome. Different from the traditional methods for disease diagnosis, enzyme-activated fluorescent probes were developed rapidly due to their high sensitivity and temporal-spatial ratio and have been widely applied in tumor detection, surgical navigation, and cancer-related research. Fibroblast activation protein-α (FAPα), a serine-type cell surface protease that plays important roles in cell invasion and extracellular matrix degradation, is widely involved in tumor progression such as malignant melanoma, so developing a FAPα activity-based molecular tool would be of great potential for the early diagnosis and therapy of melanoma. However, few fluorescent probes targeting FAPα have been applied in melanoma-related studies, and thus, the construction of FAPα activity-based fluorescent probes for melanoma detection is in urgent need. By incorporating the selective recognition unit with a red-emission fluorophore, cresyl violet, we herein report an ultrasensitive (limit of detection = 5.3 ng/mL) fluorogenic probe for FAPα activity sensing, named CV-FAP; the acquired probe showed a significantly higher binding affinity (15.7-fold) and overall catalytic efficiency (2.6-fold) when compared with those of the best reported FAPα probes. The good performance of CV-FAP made it possible to discriminate malignant melanoma cells and tumor-bearing mice from normal cells and mice with high contrast. More importantly, CV-FAP showed significant antitumor activity toward melanoma in cultured cells and tumor-bearing nude mice (over 95% inhibited tumor growth) with good safety, which made it an ideal theranostic agent for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Yu Liu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, Yangtze University, Jingzhou 434023, P. R. China
| | - Huiling Wang
- College of Chemistry, Central China Normal University, 152 Luoyu Road, Wuhan 430079, P. R. China
| | - Gang Nie
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Nature Medicinal Chemistry and Resource Evaluation, Tongji Medical College of Pharmacy, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430030, P. R. China
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16
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Croce MV. An Introduction to the Relationship Between Lewis x and Malignancy Mainly Related to Breast Cancer and Head Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC). Cancer Invest 2021; 40:173-183. [PMID: 34908476 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2021.2016800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
Lewis x functions as an adhesion molecule in glycolipids and glycoproteins since it mediates homophilic and heterophilic attachment of normal and tumoral cells. During malignancy, altered glycosylation is a frequent event; accumulating data support the expression of Lewis x in tumors although controversial results have been described including its relationship with patient survival. This report has been developed as an introduction to the relationship between Lewis x expression and breast cancer and head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Results obtained in our laboratory are presented in the context of the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Virginia Croce
- Centro de Investigaciones Inmunológicas Básicas y Aplicadas (CINIBA), Facultad de Ciencias Médicas, Universidad Nacional de La Plata, La Plata, Argentina
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17
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Srinivasan ES, Deshpande K, Neman J, Winkler F, Khasraw M. The microenvironment of brain metastases from solid tumors. Neurooncol Adv 2021; 3:v121-v132. [PMID: 34859239 PMCID: PMC8633769 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdab121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Brain metastasis (BrM) is an area of unmet medical need that poses unique therapeutic challenges and heralds a dismal prognosis. The intracranial tumor microenvironment (TME) presents several challenges, including the therapy-resistant blood-brain barrier, a unique immune milieu, distinct intercellular interactions, and specific metabolic conditions, that are responsible for treatment failures and poor clinical outcomes. There is a complex interplay between malignant cells that metastasize to the central nervous system (CNS) and the native TME. Cancer cells take advantage of vascular, neuronal, immune, and anatomical vulnerabilities to proliferate with mechanisms specific to the CNS. In this review, we discuss unique aspects of the TME in the context of brain metastases and pathways through which the TME may hold the key to the discovery of new and effective therapies for patients with BrM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ethan S Srinivasan
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
| | - Krutika Deshpande
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Josh Neman
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Physiology and Neuroscience, USC Brain Tumor Center, Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California, USA
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Unit Neurooncology, German Cancer Consortium, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mustafa Khasraw
- Duke Brain and Spine Metastases Center, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina, USA
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18
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Derk J, Jones HE, Como C, Pawlikowski B, Siegenthaler JA. Corrigendum: Living on the Edge of the CNS: Meninges Cell Diversity in Health and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:761506. [PMID: 34690706 PMCID: PMC8531747 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.761506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/14/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
[This corrects the article DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.703944.].
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Derk
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Hannah E Jones
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christina Como
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Bradley Pawlikowski
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Julie A Siegenthaler
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States.,Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States.,Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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19
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Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is one of the most selective endothelial barriers. An understanding of its cellular, morphological, and biological properties in health and disease is necessary to develop therapeutics that can be transported from blood to brain. In vivo models have provided some insight into these features and transport mechanisms adopted at the brain, yet they have failed as a robust platform for the translation of results into clinical outcomes. In this article, we provide a general overview of major BBB features and describe various models that have been designed to replicate this barrier and neurological pathologies linked with the BBB. We propose several key parameters and design characteristics that can be employed to engineer physiologically relevant models of the blood-brain interface and highlight the need for a consensus in the measurement of fundamental properties of this barrier.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cynthia Hajal
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Baptiste Le Roi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
| | - Ben M Maoz
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02139, USA
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20
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Derk J, Jones HE, Como C, Pawlikowski B, Siegenthaler JA. Living on the Edge of the CNS: Meninges Cell Diversity in Health and Disease. Front Cell Neurosci 2021; 15:703944. [PMID: 34276313 PMCID: PMC8281977 DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.703944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The meninges are the fibrous covering of the central nervous system (CNS) which contain vastly heterogeneous cell types within its three layers (dura, arachnoid, and pia). The dural compartment of the meninges, closest to the skull, is predominantly composed of fibroblasts, but also includes fenestrated blood vasculature, an elaborate lymphatic system, as well as immune cells which are distinct from the CNS. Segregating the outer and inner meningeal compartments is the epithelial-like arachnoid barrier cells, connected by tight and adherens junctions, which regulate the movement of pathogens, molecules, and cells into and out of the cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) and brain parenchyma. Most proximate to the brain is the collagen and basement membrane-rich pia matter that abuts the glial limitans and has recently be shown to have regional heterogeneity within the developing mouse brain. While the meninges were historically seen as a purely structural support for the CNS and protection from trauma, the emerging view of the meninges is as an essential interface between the CNS and the periphery, critical to brain development, required for brain homeostasis, and involved in a variety of diseases. In this review, we will summarize what is known regarding the development, specification, and maturation of the meninges during homeostatic conditions and discuss the rapidly emerging evidence that specific meningeal cell compartments play differential and important roles in the pathophysiology of a myriad of diseases including: multiple sclerosis, dementia, stroke, viral/bacterial meningitis, traumatic brain injury, and cancer. We will conclude with a list of major questions and mechanisms that remain unknown, the study of which represent new, future directions for the field of meninges biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Derk
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Hannah E. Jones
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Christina Como
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Bradley Pawlikowski
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
| | - Julie A. Siegenthaler
- Section of Developmental Biology, Department of Pediatrics, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
- Cell Biology, Stem Cells and Development Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, United States
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, United States
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21
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Erman A, Kamenšek U, Dragin Jerman U, Pavlin M, Čemažar M, Veranič P, Romih R. How Cancer Cells Invade Bladder Epithelium and Form Tumors: The Mouse Bladder Tumor Model as a Model of Tumor Recurrence in Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:6328. [PMID: 34199232 PMCID: PMC8232005 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22126328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-muscle-invasive bladder cancer is the most common form of bladder cancer. The main problem in managing bladder tumors is the high recurrence after the transurethral resection of bladder tumors (TURBT). Our study aimed to examine the fate of intravesically applied cancer cells as the implantation of cancer cells after TURBT is thought to be a cause of tumor recurrence. We established an orthotopic mouse bladder tumor model with MB49-GFP cancer cells and traced them during the first three days to define their location and contacts with normal urothelial cells. Data were obtained by Western blot, immunolabeling, and light and electron microscopy. We showed that within the first two hours, applied cancer cells adhered to the traumatized epithelium by cell projections containing α3β1 integrin on their tips. Cancer cells then migrated through the epithelium and on day 3, they reached the basal lamina or even penetrated it. In established bladder tumors, E-cadherin and desmoplakin 1/2 were shown as feasible immunohistochemical markers of tumor margins based on the immunolabeling of various junctional proteins. Altogether, these results for the first time illustrate cancer cell implantation in vivo mimicking cellular events of tumor recurrence in bladder cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreja Erman
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.E.); (U.D.J.); (P.V.)
| | - Urška Kamenšek
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (M.Č.)
| | - Urška Dragin Jerman
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.E.); (U.D.J.); (P.V.)
| | - Mojca Pavlin
- Institute of Biophysics, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia;
- Group for Nano and Biotechnological Applications, Faculty of Electrical Engineering, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (U.K.); (M.Č.)
| | - Peter Veranič
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.E.); (U.D.J.); (P.V.)
| | - Rok Romih
- Institute of Cell Biology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.E.); (U.D.J.); (P.V.)
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22
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Cutruzzolà F, Bouzidi A, Liberati FR, Spizzichino S, Boumis G, Macone A, Rinaldo S, Giardina G, Paone A. The Emerging Role of Amino Acids of the Brain Microenvironment in the Process of Metastasis Formation. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2891. [PMID: 34207731 PMCID: PMC8227515 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 06/03/2021] [Accepted: 06/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Brain metastases are the most severe clinical manifestation of aggressive tumors. Melanoma, breast, and lung cancers are the types that prefer the brain as a site of metastasis formation, even if the reasons for this phenomenon still remain to be clarified. One of the main characteristics that makes a cancer cell able to form metastases in the brain is the ability to interact with the endothelial cells of the microvasculature, cross the blood-brain barrier, and metabolically adapt to the nutrients available in the new microenvironment. In this review, we analyzed what makes the brain a suitable site for the development of metastases and how this microenvironment, through the continuous release of neurotransmitters and amino acids in the extracellular milieu, is able to support the metabolic needs of metastasizing cells. We also suggested a possible role for amino acids released by the brain through the endothelial cells of the blood-brain barrier into the bloodstream in triggering the process of extravasation/invasion of the brain parenchyma.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Alessio Paone
- Laboratory Affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia, Department of Biochemical Sciences A. Rossi Fanelli, Sapienza University of Rome, Piazzale Aldo Moro 5, 00185 Rome, Italy; (F.C.); (A.B.); (F.R.L.); (S.S.); (G.B.); (A.M.); (S.R.); (G.G.)
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23
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Abstract
In this review, Shen and Kang provide an overview of the tumor-intrinsic and microenvironment- and treatment-induced stresses that tumor cells encounter in the metastatic cascade and the molecular pathways they develop to relieve these stresses. Metastasis is the ultimate “survival of the fittest” test for cancer cells, as only a small fraction of disseminated tumor cells can overcome the numerous hurdles they encounter during the transition from the site of origin to a distinctly different distant organ in the face of immune and therapeutic attacks and various other stresses. During cancer progression, tumor cells develop a variety of mechanisms to cope with the stresses they encounter, and acquire the ability to form metastases. Restraining these stress-releasing pathways could serve as potentially effective strategies to prevent or reduce metastasis and improve the survival of cancer patients. Here, we provide an overview of the tumor-intrinsic, microenvironment- and treatment-induced stresses that tumor cells encounter in the metastatic cascade and the molecular pathways they develop to relieve these stresses. We also summarize the preclinical and clinical studies that evaluate the potential therapeutic benefit of targeting these stress-relieving pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minhong Shen
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
| | - Yibin Kang
- Department of Molecular Biology, Princeton University, Princeton, New Jersey 08544, USA
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24
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Brock T, Boudriot E, Klawitter A, Großer M, Nguyen TTP, Giebe S, Klapproth E, Temme A, El-Armouche A, Breier G. The Influence of VE-Cadherin on Adhesion and Incorporation of Breast Cancer Cells into Vascular Endothelium. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22116049. [PMID: 34205118 PMCID: PMC8199973 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22116049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2021] [Revised: 05/25/2021] [Accepted: 05/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
During metastasis, cancer cells that originate from the primary tumor circulate in the bloodstream, extravasate, and form micrometastases at distant locations. Several lines of evidence suggest that specific interactions between cancer cells and endothelial cells, in particular tumor cell adhesion to the endothelium and transendothelial migration, play a crucial role in extravasation. Here we have studied the role of vascular endothelial (VE)-cadherin which is expressed aberrantly by breast cancer cells and might promote such interactions. By comparing different human breast cancer cell lines, we observed that the number of cancer cells that adhered to endothelium correlated with VE-cadherin expression levels. VE-cadherin silencing experiments confirmed that VE-cadherin enhances cancer cell adhesion to endothelial cells. However, in contrast, the number of cancer cells that incorporated into the endothelium was not dependent on VE-cadherin. Thus, it appears that cancer cell adhesion and incorporation are distinct processes that are governed by different molecular mechanisms. When cancer cells incorporated into the endothelial monolayer, they formed VE-cadherin positive contacts with endothelial cells. On the other hand, we also observed tumor cells that had displaced endothelial cells, reflecting either different modes of incorporation, or a temporal sequence where cancer cells first form contact with endothelial cells and then displace them to facilitate transmigration. Taken together, these results show that VE-cadherin promotes the adhesion of breast cancer cells to the endothelium and is involved in the initial phase of incorporation, but not their transmigration. Thus, VE-cadherin might be of relevance for therapeutic strategies aiming at preventing the metastatic spread of breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Brock
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (T.B.); (E.B.); (A.K.); (T.T.P.N.)
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (E.K.); (A.E.-A.)
| | - Elisabeth Boudriot
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (T.B.); (E.B.); (A.K.); (T.T.P.N.)
| | - Anke Klawitter
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (T.B.); (E.B.); (A.K.); (T.T.P.N.)
| | - Marianne Großer
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Trang T. P. Nguyen
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (T.B.); (E.B.); (A.K.); (T.T.P.N.)
| | - Sindy Giebe
- Division of Vascular Endothelium and Microcirculation, Department of Medicine III, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Erik Klapproth
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (E.K.); (A.E.-A.)
| | - Achim Temme
- Division of Experimental Neurosurgery/Tumor Immunology, Department of Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany;
| | - Ali El-Armouche
- Institute of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (E.K.); (A.E.-A.)
| | - Georg Breier
- Division of Medical Biology, Department of Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, TU Dresden, 01307 Dresden, Germany; (T.B.); (E.B.); (A.K.); (T.T.P.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-351-4586647; Fax: +49-351-4585530
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Wilkes JG, Patel A, McClure E, Pina Y, Zager JS. Developments in therapy for brain metastases in melanoma patients. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2021; 22:1443-1453. [PMID: 33688795 DOI: 10.1080/14656566.2021.1900117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma brain metastases (MBM) are a major cause of morbidity and mortality. While cytotoxic agents, interferon, or interleukin-2, have been used with some success in extracranial disease, limited efficacy is demonstrated in MBM. The rare patient with long-term survival presented with limited intracranial disease amenable to surgery or radiation therapy. However, the development of targeted therapy and immunotherapy over the last decade has significantly improved overall survival in this formerly devastating presentation of metastatic melanoma.Areas covered: This article reviews the mechanism of brain metastasis, challenges with treating the central nervous system, historical treatment of MBM, and outcomes in clinical trials with targeted therapy and immunotherapy.Expert opinion: The MBM patient population now, more than ever, requires a multidisciplinary approach with surgery, radiation therapy, and the use of newer systemic therapies such as immunotherapy agents and targeted therapy agents. MBM has traditionally been excluded from clinical trials for systemic therapy due to poor survival. However, recent data show overall survival rates have significantly improved, supporting the need for inclusion of MBM patients in systemic therapy clinical trials. Understanding the mechanisms of therapeutic activity in the brain, resistance mechanisms, and the appropriate multi-modality treatment approach requires further investigation. Nevertheless, these therapies continue to give some hope to patients with historically poor survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin G Wilkes
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.,University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Ayushi Patel
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Erin McClure
- University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Yolanda Pina
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jonathan S Zager
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, USA.,University of South Florida Morsani College of Medicine, Tampa, FL, USA
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Thomsen MS, Humle N, Hede E, Moos T, Burkhart A, Thomsen LB. The blood-brain barrier studied in vitro across species. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0236770. [PMID: 33711041 PMCID: PMC7954348 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0236770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The blood-brain barrier (BBB) is formed by brain capillary endothelial cells (BECs) supported by pericytes and astrocytes. The BBB maintains homeostasis and protects the brain against toxic substances circulating in the blood, meaning that only a few drugs can pass the BBB. Thus, for drug screening, understanding cell interactions, and pathology, in vitro BBB models have been developed using BECs from various animal sources. When comparing models of different species, differences exist especially in regards to the transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER). Thus, we compared primary mice, rat, and porcine BECs (mBECs, rBECs, and pBECs) cultured in mono- and co-culture with astrocytes, to identify species-dependent differences that could explain the variations in TEER and aid to the selection of models for future BBB studies. The BBB models based on primary mBECs, rBECs, and pBECs were evaluated and compared in regards to major BBB characteristics. The barrier integrity was evaluated by the expression of tight junction proteins and measurements of TEER and apparent permeability (Papp). Additionally, the cell size, the functionality of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) efflux transporter, and the expression of the transferrin receptor were evaluated and compared. Expression and organization of tight junction proteins were in all three species influenced by co-culturing, supporting the findings, that TEER increases after co-culturing with astrocytes. All models had functional polarised P-gp efflux transporters and expressed the transferrin receptor. The most interesting discovery was that even though the pBECs had higher TEER than rBECs and mBECs, the Papp did not show the same variation between species, which could be explained by a significantly larger cell size of pBECs. In conclusion, our results imply that the choice of species for a given BBB study should be defined from its purpose, instead of aiming to reach the highest TEER, as the models studied here revealed similar BBB properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maj Schneider Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Nanna Humle
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Eva Hede
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Torben Moos
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Annette Burkhart
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
| | - Louiza Bohn Thomsen
- Department of Health Science and Technology, Neurobiology Research and Drug Delivery, Aalborg University, Aalborg, Denmark
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27
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In GK, Poorman K, Saul M, O'Day S, Farma JM, Olszanski AJ, Gordon MS, Thomas JS, Eisenberg B, Flaherty L, Weise A, Daveluy S, Gibney G, Atkins MB, Vanderwalde A. Molecular profiling of melanoma brain metastases compared to primary cutaneous melanoma and to extracranial metastases. Oncotarget 2020. [PMID: 32913556 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27686.=] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastases are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for patients with melanoma. We hypothesize that the development of brain metastases may be explained by molecular heterogeneity between primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) or extracranial (ECM) and brain (MBM) melanoma metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared next-generation sequencing, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1 expression, among 132 MBM, 745 PCM, and 1190 ECM. RESULTS The most common genetic alterations among MBM included: BRAF (52.4%), NRAS (26.6%), CDKN2A (23.3%), NF1 (18.9%), TP53 (18%), ARID2 (13.8%), SETD2 (11.9%), and PBRM1 (7.5%). Four genes were found with higher frequency among MBM compared to PCM or ECM: BRAF (52.4% v 40.4% v 40.9%), SETD2 (11.9% v 1.9% v 3.9%), PBRM1 (7.5% v 1.6% v 2.6%), and DICER1 (4.4% v 0.6% v 0.4%). MBM showed higher TMB (p = .04) and higher PD-L1 expression (p = .002), compared to PCM. PD-L1 expression was slightly higher among MBM compared to ECM (p = .042), but there was no difference between TMB (p = .21). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a unique molecular profile for MBM, including higher rates of BRAF mutations, higher TMB and higher PD-L1 expression, and also implicate chromatin remodeling in the pathogenesis of MBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino K In
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Steven O'Day
- John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jacob S Thomas
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Newport Beach, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy Weise
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Geoffrey Gibney
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ari Vanderwalde
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, West Cancer Center, Germantown, TN, USA
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28
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In GK, Poorman K, Saul M, O'Day S, Farma JM, Olszanski AJ, Gordon MS, Thomas JS, Eisenberg B, Flaherty L, Weise A, Daveluy S, Gibney G, Atkins MB, Vanderwalde A. Molecular profiling of melanoma brain metastases compared to primary cutaneous melanoma and to extracranial metastases. Oncotarget 2020; 11:3118-3128. [PMID: 32913556 PMCID: PMC7443369 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Brain metastases are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity for patients with melanoma. We hypothesize that the development of brain metastases may be explained by molecular heterogeneity between primary cutaneous melanoma (PCM) or extracranial (ECM) and brain (MBM) melanoma metastases. MATERIALS AND METHODS We compared next-generation sequencing, tumor mutational burden (TMB), and immunohistochemical staining for PD-L1 expression, among 132 MBM, 745 PCM, and 1190 ECM. RESULTS The most common genetic alterations among MBM included: BRAF (52.4%), NRAS (26.6%), CDKN2A (23.3%), NF1 (18.9%), TP53 (18%), ARID2 (13.8%), SETD2 (11.9%), and PBRM1 (7.5%). Four genes were found with higher frequency among MBM compared to PCM or ECM: BRAF (52.4% v 40.4% v 40.9%), SETD2 (11.9% v 1.9% v 3.9%), PBRM1 (7.5% v 1.6% v 2.6%), and DICER1 (4.4% v 0.6% v 0.4%). MBM showed higher TMB (p = .04) and higher PD-L1 expression (p = .002), compared to PCM. PD-L1 expression was slightly higher among MBM compared to ECM (p = .042), but there was no difference between TMB (p = .21). CONCLUSIONS Our findings suggest a unique molecular profile for MBM, including higher rates of BRAF mutations, higher TMB and higher PD-L1 expression, and also implicate chromatin remodeling in the pathogenesis of MBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gino K In
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Steven O'Day
- John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, CA, USA
| | | | | | | | - Jacob S Thomas
- USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.,Hoag Family Cancer Institute, Newport Beach, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Amy Weise
- Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | | | - Geoffrey Gibney
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Michael B Atkins
- Georgetown Lombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Washington, DC, USA
| | - Ari Vanderwalde
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, West Cancer Center, Germantown, TN, USA
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29
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Lee KL, Chen G, Chen TY, Kuo YC, Su YK. Effects of Cancer Stem Cells in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer and Brain Metastasis: Challenges and Solutions. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082122. [PMID: 32751846 PMCID: PMC7463650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/25/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
A higher propensity of developing brain metastasis exists in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Upon comparing the metastatic patterns of all breast cancer subtypes, patients with TNBC exhibited increased risks of the brain being the initial metastatic site, early brain metastasis development, and shortest brain metastasis-related survival. Notably, the development of brain metastasis differs from that at other sites owing to the brain-unique microvasculature (blood brain barrier (BBB)) and intracerebral microenvironment. Studies of brain metastases from TNBC have revealed the poorest treatment response, mostly because of the relatively backward strategies to target vast disease heterogeneity and poor brain efficacy. Moreover, TNBC is highly associated with the existence of cancer stem cells (CSCs), which contribute to circulating cancer cell survival before BBB extravasation, evasion from immune surveillance, and plasticity in adaptation to the brain-specific microenvironment. We summarized recent literature regarding molecules and pathways and reviewed the effects of CSC biology during the formation of brain metastasis in TNBC. Along with the concept of individualized cancer therapy, certain strategies, namely the patient-derived xenograft model to overcome the lack of treatment-relevant TNBC classification and techniques in BBB disruption to enhance brain efficacy has been proposed in the hope of achieving treatment success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kha-Liang Lee
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; (K.-L.L.); (G.C.); (T.-Y.C.)
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Gao Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; (K.-L.L.); (G.C.); (T.-Y.C.)
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Tai-Yuan Chen
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; (K.-L.L.); (G.C.); (T.-Y.C.)
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- Taipei Medical University (TMU) Research Center for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Kai Su
- Division of Neurosurgery, Department of Surgery, Taipei Medical University-Shuang Ho Hospital, New Taipei City 23561, Taiwan; (K.-L.L.); (G.C.); (T.-Y.C.)
- Taipei Neuroscience Institute, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Department of Neurology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
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Sereno M, Videira M, Wilhelm I, Krizbai IA, Brito MA. miRNAs in Health and Disease: A Focus on the Breast Cancer Metastatic Cascade towards the Brain. Cells 2020; 9:E1790. [PMID: 32731349 PMCID: PMC7463742 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2020] [Revised: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small non-coding RNAs that mainly act by binding to target genes to regulate their expression. Due to the multitude of genes regulated by miRNAs they have been subject of extensive research in the past few years. This state-of-the-art review summarizes the current knowledge about miRNAs and illustrates their role as powerful regulators of physiological processes. Moreover, it highlights their aberrant expression in disease, including specific cancer types and the differential hosting-metastases preferences that influence several steps of tumorigenesis. Considering the incidence of breast cancer and that the metastatic disease is presently the major cause of death in women, emphasis is put in the role of miRNAs in breast cancer and in the regulation of the different steps of the metastatic cascade. Furthermore, we depict their involvement in the cascade of events underlying breast cancer brain metastasis formation and development. Collectively, this review shall contribute to a better understanding of the uniqueness of the biologic roles of miRNAs in these processes, to the awareness of miRNAs as new and reliable biomarkers and/or of therapeutic targets, which can change the landscape of a poor prognosis and low survival rates condition of advanced breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Sereno
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
| | - Mafalda Videira
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Galenic Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - István A. Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Szeged, Hungary, Temesvári krt. 62, 6726 Szeged, Hungary; (I.W.); (I.A.K.)
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania, Str. Liviu Rebreanu 86, 310414 Arad, Romania
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal; (M.S.); (M.V.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Human Biology, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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31
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Nephronectin promotes breast cancer brain metastatic colonization via its integrin-binding domains. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12237. [PMID: 32699247 PMCID: PMC7376038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69242-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2020] [Accepted: 07/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study demonstrates a role for the extracellular matrix protein nephronectin (NPNT) in promoting experimental breast cancer brain metastasis, possibly through enhanced binding to- and migration through brain endothelial cells. With the introduction of more targeted breast cancer treatments, a prolonged survival has resulted during the last decade. Consequently, an increased number of patients develop metastasis in the brain, a challenging organ to treat. We recently reported that NPNT was highly expressed in primary breast cancer and associated with unfavourable prognosis. The current study addresses our hypothesis that NPNT promotes brain metastases through its integrin-binding motifs. SAGE-sequencing revealed that NPNT was significantly up-regulated in human breast cancer tissue compared to pair-matched normal breast tissue. Human brain metastatic breast cancers expressed both NPNT and its receptor, integrin α8β1. Using an open access repository; BreastMark, we found a correlation between high NPNT mRNA levels and poor prognosis for patients with the luminal B subtype. The 66cl4 mouse cell line was used for expression of wild-type and mutant NPNT, which is unable to bind α8β1. Using an in vivo model of brain metastatic colonization, 66cl4-NPNT cells showed an increased ability to form metastatic lesions compared to cells with mutant NPNT, possibly through reduced endothelial adhesion and transmigration.
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32
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Becco P, Gallo S, Poletto S, Frascione MPM, Crotto L, Zaccagna A, Paruzzo L, Caravelli D, Carnevale-Schianca F, Aglietta M. Melanoma Brain Metastases in the Era of Target Therapies: An Overview. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061640. [PMID: 32575838 PMCID: PMC7352598 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2020] [Revised: 06/16/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the third most common type of tumor that causes brain metastases. Patients with cerebral involvement have a dismal prognosis and their treatment is an unmet medical need. Brain involvement is a multistep process involving several signaling pathways such as Janus kinase/signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription (JAK/STAT), Phosphoinositide 3-kinase/Protein Kinase B (PI3K/AKT), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor and Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN). Recently therapy that targets the MAPK signaling (BRAF/MEK inhibitors) and immunotherapy (anti-CTLA4 and anti-PD1 agents) have changed the therapeutic approaches to stage IV melanoma. In contrast, there are no solid data about patients with brain metastases, who are usually excluded from clinical trials. Retrospective data showed that BRAF-inhibitors, alone or in combination with MEK-inhibitors have interesting clinical activity in this setting. Prospective data about the combinations of BRAF/MEK inhibitors have been recently published, showing an improved overall response rate. Short intracranial disease control is still a challenge. Several attempts have been made in order to improve it with combinations between local and systemic therapies. Immunotherapy approaches seem to retain promising activity in the treatment of melanoma brain metastasis as showed by the results of clinical trials investigating the combination of anti-CTL4 (Ipilimumab) and anti-PD1(Nivolumab). Studies about the combination or the sequential approach of target therapy and immunotherapy are ongoing, with immature results. Several clinical trials are ongoing trying to explore new approaches in order to overcome tumor resistance. At this moment the correct therapeutic choices for melanoma with intracranial involvement is still a challenge and new strategies are needed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Becco
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Susanna Gallo
- Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I-Largo Turati 62, 10128 Torino, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Stefano Poletto
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Mirko Pio Manlio Frascione
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Crotto
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Alessandro Zaccagna
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Luca Paruzzo
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Caravelli
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Fabrizio Carnevale-Schianca
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
| | - Massimo Aglietta
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO - IRCCS - Str. Prov.le 142, km 3,95, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; (P.B.); (S.P.); (M.P.M.F.); (L.C.); (A.Z.); (L.P.); (D.C.); (F.C.-S.); (M.A.)
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10124 Torino, Italy
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Babak MV, Zalutsky MR, Balyasnikova IV. Heterogeneity and vascular permeability of breast cancer brain metastases. Cancer Lett 2020; 489:174-181. [PMID: 32561415 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2020] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of systemic breast cancer have led to a prolongation in patient survival. Unfortunately, these advances are also associated with an increased incidence of brain metastases (BM), with the result that many patients succumb due to BM treatment failure. Intracranial delivery of many chemotherapeutic agents and other therapeutics is hindered by the presence of an impermeable blood-brain barrier (BBB) designed to protect the brain from harmful substances. The formation of BM compromises the integrity of the BBB, resulting in a highly heterogeneous blood-tumor barrier (BTB) with varying degrees of vascular permeability. Here, we discuss how blood vessels play an important role in the formation of brain micrometastases as well as in the transformation from poorly permeable BM to highly permeable BM. We then review the role of BTB vascular permeability in the diagnostics and the choice of treatment regimens for breast cancer brain metastases (BCBM) and discuss whether the vasculature of primary breast cancers can serve as a biomarker for BM. Specifically, we examine the association between the vascular permeability of BCBM and their accumulation of large molecules such as antibodies, which remains largely unexplored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria V Babak
- Department of Chemistry, City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, People's Republic of China
| | - Michael R Zalutsky
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center; 311 Research Drive, Box 3808, Durham, NC, 27710, USA
| | - Irina V Balyasnikova
- Department of Neurological Surgery, The Feinberg School of Medicine, 303 E. Superior Street, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, 60611, USA.
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Fares J, Kanojia D, Rashidi A, Ulasov I, Lesniak MS. Genes that Mediate Metastasis across the Blood-Brain Barrier. Trends Cancer 2020; 6:660-676. [PMID: 32417182 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2019] [Revised: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Brain metastasis is an important cause of mortality in patients with cancer and represents the majority of all intracranial tumors. A key step during the metastatic journey of the cancer cell to the brain is the invasion through the blood-brain barrier (BBB). Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms that govern this process remain unknown. The BBB has been blamed for limiting the access of therapeutic drugs to the brain, which provides a safe haven for cancer cells in the brain and confers poor prognosis for the patient. Here, we explore the genes that control the transmigration of metastatic cancer cells across the BBB, offering new targets for the development of gene and cell therapies against brain metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jawad Fares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Deepak Kanojia
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Aida Rashidi
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ilya Ulasov
- Group of Experimental Biotherapy and Diagnostic, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Maciej S Lesniak
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA.
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Brás MM, Radmacher M, Sousa SR, Granja PL. Melanoma in the Eyes of Mechanobiology. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:54. [PMID: 32117980 PMCID: PMC7027391 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Skin is the largest organ of the human body with several important functions that can be impaired by injury, genetic or chronic diseases. Among all skin diseases, melanoma is one of the most severe, which can lead to death, due to metastization. Mechanotransduction has a crucial role for motility, invasion, adhesion and metastization processes, since it deals with the response of cells to physical forces. Signaling pathways are important to understand how physical cues produced or mediated by the Extracellular Matrix (ECM), affect healthy and tumor cells. During these processes, several molecules in the nucleus and cytoplasm are activated. Melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts and the ECM, play a crucial role in melanoma formation. This manuscript will address the synergy among melanocytes, keratinocytes, fibroblasts cells and the ECM considering their mechanical contribution and relevance in this disease. Mechanical properties of melanoma cells can also be influenced by pigmentation, which can be associated with changes in stiffness. Mechanical changes can be related with the adhesion, migration, or invasiveness potential of melanoma cells promoting a high metastization capacity of this cancer. Mechanosensing, mechanotransduction, and mechanoresponse will be highlighted with respect to the motility, invasion, adhesion and metastization in melanoma cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- M. Manuela Brás
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | | | - Susana R. Sousa
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto Superior de Engenharia do Porto, Instituto Politécnico do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Pedro L. Granja
- Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Instituto de Engenharia Biomédica, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
- Faculdade de Engenharia, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
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Gray KM, Jung JW, Inglut CT, Huang HC, Stroka KM. Quantitatively relating brain endothelial cell-cell junction phenotype to global and local barrier properties under varied culture conditions via the Junction Analyzer Program. Fluids Barriers CNS 2020; 17:16. [PMID: 32046757 PMCID: PMC7014765 DOI: 10.1186/s12987-020-0177-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 01/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The endothelial cell-cell junctions of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) play a pivotal role in the barrier's function. Altered cell-cell junctions can lead to barrier dysfunction and have been implicated in several diseases. Despite this, the driving forces regulating junctional protein presentation remain relatively understudied, largely due to the lack of efficient techniques to quantify their presentation at sites of cell-cell adhesion. Here, we used our novel Junction Analyzer Program (JAnaP) to quantify junction phenotype (i.e., continuous, punctate, or perpendicular) in response to various substrate compositions, cell culture times, and cAMP treatments in human brain microvascular endothelial cells (HBMECs). We then quantitatively correlated junction presentation with barrier permeability on both a "global" and "local" scale. METHODS We cultured HBMECs on collagen I, fibronectin, collagen IV, laminin, fibronectin/collagen IV/laminin, or hyaluronic acid/gelatin for 2, 4, and 7 days with varying cAMP treatment schedules. Images of immunostained ZO-1, VE-cadherin, and claudin-5 were analyzed using the JAnaP to calculate the percent of the cell perimeter presenting continuous, punctate, or perpendicular junctions. Transwell permeability assays and resistance measurements were used to measure bulk ("global") barrier properties, and a "local" permeability assay was used to correlate junction presentation proximal to permeable monolayer regions. RESULTS Substrate composition was found to play little role in junction presentation, while cAMP supplements significantly increased the continuous junction architecture. Increased culture time required increased cAMP treatment time to reach similar ZO-1 and VE-cadherin coverage observed with shorter culture, though longer cultures were required for claudin-5 presentation. Prolonged cAMP treatment (6 days) disrupted junction integrity for all three junction proteins. Transwell permeability and TEER assays showed no correlation with junction phenotype, but a local permeability assay revealed a correlation between the number of discontinuous and no junction regions with barrier penetration. CONCLUSIONS These results suggest that cAMP signaling influences HBMEC junction architecture more than matrix composition. Our studies emphasized the need for local barrier measurement to mechanistically understand the role of junction phenotype and supported previous results that continuous junctions are indicative of a more mature/stable endothelial barrier. Understanding what conditions influence junction presentations, and how they, in turn, affect barrier integrity, could lead to the development of therapeutics for diseases associated with BBB dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelsey M Gray
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Collin T Inglut
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
| | - Huang-Chiao Huang
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, MD, 20742, USA.
- Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
- Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland-Baltimore, Baltimore, MD, 21201, USA.
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Yu F, Kumar NDS, Foo LC, Ng SH, Hunziker W, Choudhury D. A pump-free tricellular blood-brain barrier on-a-chip model to understand barrier property and evaluate drug response. Biotechnol Bioeng 2020; 117:1127-1136. [PMID: 31885078 DOI: 10.1002/bit.27260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Revised: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 12/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Disruption of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) leads to various neurovascular diseases. Development of therapeutics required to cross the BBB is difficult due to a lack of relevant in vitro models. We have developed a three-dimensional (3D) microfluidic BBB chip (BBBC) to study cell interactions in the brain microvasculature and to test drug candidates of neurovascular diseases. We isolated primary brain microvascular endothelial cells (ECs), pericytes, and astrocytes from neonatal rats and cocultured them in the BBBC. To mimic the 3D in vivo BBB structure, we used type I collagen hydrogel to pattern the microchannel via viscous finger patterning technique to create a matrix. ECs, astrocytes, and pericytes were cocultured in the collagen matrix. The fluid flow in the BBBC was controlled by a pump-free strategy utilizing gravity as driving force and resistance in a paper-based flow resistor. The primary cells cultured in the BBBC expressed high levels of junction proteins and formed a tight endothelial barrier layer. Addition of tumor necrosis factor alpha to recapitulate neuroinflammatory conditions compromised the BBB functionality. To mitigate the neuroinflammatory stimulus, we treated the BBB model with the glucocorticoid drug dexamethasone, and observed protection of the BBB. This BBBC represents a new simple, cost-effective, and scalable in vitro platform for validating therapeutic drugs targeting neuroinflammatory conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Yu
- Bio-Manufacturing Group, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Nivasini D/O Selva Kumar
- Epithelial Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Lynette C Foo
- Epithelial Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Sum Huan Ng
- Bio-Manufacturing Group, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Walter Hunziker
- Epithelial Cell Biology Laboratory, Institute of Molecular and Cell Biology, A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore.,Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Deepak Choudhury
- Bio-Manufacturing Group, Singapore Institute of Manufacturing Technology (SIMTech), A*STAR, Singapore, Singapore
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Carvalho R, Paredes J, Ribeiro AS. Impact of breast cancer cells´ secretome on the brain metastatic niche remodeling. Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 60:294-301. [PMID: 31711993 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.10.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/16/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Brain metastases occur in approximately 10-20% of patients with metastatic breast cancer showing a very poor overall survival. Curiously, different molecular subtypes (that show specific gene expression signatures and differential prognostic significance) are associated with different risks for brain metastases development, suggesting that cancer cells harbor specific molecular programs that award them intrinsic advantages to survive in this specific foreign tissue. Emerging data has been revealing that biophysical and/or mechanical properties of the brain extracellular matrix (ECM), along with those of the brain resident cells, play a crucial role in creating the best conditions for survival, colonization and outgrowth of breast cancer cells in this distinct microenvironment. Although several reports show that cancer cells modulate metastatic niches way before they reach the target organ, few data exist for the brain metastatic niche. Indeed, little is known concerning how factors secreted by cancer cells activate brain resident cells and/or modify brain ECM biomechanical properties and how these modifications impact cells´ ability to metastasize the brain. The brain is a particular organ, protected by the blood brain barrier (BBB), and containing exclusive functional units and very special cell types. Additionally, it is the organ with the most singular ECM and biomechanical properties. Thus, this cancer cell-brain metastatic niche interaction must present distinct properties. Consequently, the search for putative molecular markers that modulate the brain pre-metastatic niche, thus promoting the successful metastatic homing of cancer cells, is urgently needed. In this review, we will discuss key aspects regarding breast cancer cells and the brain pre-metastatic niche paracrine communication that is crucial to initiate the metastatic cascade. We will focus on cancer cell`s secretome influence into the brain microenvironment, specifically on its impact on tissue mechanics and on brain resident cells as regulators of the pre-metastatic niche formation, ultimately promoting metastatic colonization.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - J Paredes
- i3S/IPATIMUP, 4200-135, Porto, Portugal
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Abstract
Targeted BRAF and MEK inhibition has become an appropriate first-line treatment of BRAF-mutant advanced cutaneous melanoma. The authors present an overview of the MAPK pathway as well as the other major pathways implicated in melanoma development. Melanoma brain metastases are a devastating complication of melanoma that can be traced to derangements in cell signaling pathways, and the current evidence for targeted therapy is reviewed. Finally, activating KIT mutations are rarely found to cause melanomas and may provide an actionable target for therapy. The authors review the current evidence for targeted KIT therapy and summarize the ongoing clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- James Sun
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 10920 North McKinley Drive, 4th Floor, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Michael J Carr
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 10920 North McKinley Drive, 4th Floor, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
| | - Nikhil I Khushalani
- Department of Cutaneous Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, 10920 North McKinley Drive, 4th Floor, Tampa, FL 33612, USA.
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Bernatz S, Ilina EI, Devraj K, Harter PN, Mueller K, Kleber S, Braun Y, Penski C, Renner C, Halder R, Jennewein L, Solbach C, Thorsen F, Pestalozzi BC, Mischo A, Mittelbronn M. Impact of Docetaxel on blood-brain barrier function and formation of breast cancer brain metastases. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2019; 38:434. [PMID: 31665089 PMCID: PMC6819416 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-019-1427-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequent malignant tumor in females and the 2nd most common cause of brain metastasis (BM), that are associated with a fatal prognosis. The increasing incidence from 10% up to 40% is due to more effective treatments of extracerebral sites with improved prognosis and increasing use of MRI in diagnostics. A frequently administered, potent chemotherapeutic group of drugs for BC treatment are taxanes usually used in the adjuvant and metastatic setting, which, however, have been suspected to be associated with a higher incidence of BM. The aim of our study was to experimentally analyze the impact of the taxane docetaxel (DTX) on brain metastasis formation, and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS A monocentric patient cohort was analyzed to determine the association of taxane treatment and BM formation. To identify the specific impact of DTX, a murine brain metastatic model upon intracardial injection of breast cancer cells was conducted. To approach the functional mechanism, dynamic contrast-enhanced MRI and electron microscopy of mice as well as in-vitro transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) and tracer permeability assays using brain endothelial cells (EC) were carried out. PCR-based, immunohistochemical and immunoblotting analyses with additional RNA sequencing of murine and human ECs were performed to explore the molecular mechanisms by DTX treatment. RESULTS Taxane treatment was associated with an increased rate of BM formation in the patient cohort and the murine metastatic model. Functional studies did not show unequivocal alterations of blood-brain barrier properties upon DTX treatment in-vivo, but in-vitro assays revealed a temporary DTX-related barrier disruption. We found disturbance of tubulin structure and upregulation of tight junction marker claudin-5 in ECs. Furthermore, upregulation of several members of the tubulin family and downregulation of tetraspanin-2 in both, murine and human ECs, was induced. CONCLUSION In summary, a higher incidence of BM was associated with prior taxane treatment in both a patient cohort and a murine mouse model. We could identify tubulin family members and tetraspanin-2 as potential contributors for the destabilization of the blood-brain barrier. Further analyses are needed to decipher the exact role of those alterations on tumor metastatic processes in the brain.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simon Bernatz
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Elena I Ilina
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Luxembourg, Luxembourg.,Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Kavi Devraj
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Patrick N Harter
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany.,Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), Frankfurt am Main, Germany.,German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany.,German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Mueller
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Sascha Kleber
- Oncology Centre Hirslanden and Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Yannick Braun
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Cornelia Penski
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany
| | | | - Rashi Halder
- Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Lukas Jennewein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Christine Solbach
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, School of Medicine, J. W. Goethe-University, Theodor-Stern-Kai 7, D-60590, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Frits Thorsen
- KG Jebsen Brain Tumor Research Centre, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway.,Molecular Imaging Center, Department of Biomedicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway
| | - Bernhard C Pestalozzi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), Rämistrasse 100, CH-8891, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Axel Mischo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zurich (USZ), Rämistrasse 100, CH-8891, Zurich, Switzerland.
| | - Michel Mittelbronn
- Edinger Institute, Institute of Neurology, University of Frankfurt am Main, Frankfurt, Germany. .,Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Luxembourg, Luxembourg. .,Department of Oncology, Luxembourg Institute of Health (LIH), NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Luxembourg, Luxembourg. .,Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine (LCSB), University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg. .,National Center of Pathology (NCP), Luxembourg Center of Neuropathology (LCNP), Laboratoire national de santé (LNS), 1, Rue Louis Rech, L-3555, Dudelange, Luxembourg.
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Pedrosa RMSM, Mustafa DA, Soffietti R, Kros JM. Breast cancer brain metastasis: molecular mechanisms and directions for treatment. Neuro Oncol 2019; 20:1439-1449. [PMID: 29566179 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noy044] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The development of brain metastasis (BM) of breast cancer is usually a late event with deleterious effect on the prognosis. Treatment options for intracerebral seeding of breast cancer are limited and, so far, nonspecific. Molecular detailing of subsequent events of penetration, seeding, and outgrowth in brain is highly relevant for developing therapeutic strategies to treat, or prevent, BM.We scrutinize recent literature for molecules and pathways that are operative in the formation of breast cancer BM. We also summarize current data on therapeutic efforts to specifically address BM of breast cancer. Data on molecular pathways underlying the formation of BM of breast cancer are sketchy and to some extent inconsistent. The molecular makeup of BM differs from that of the primary tumors, as well as from metastases at other sites. Current efforts to treat breast cancer BM are limited, and drugs used have proven effects on the primary tumors but lack specificity for the intracerebral tumors.More basic research is necessary to better characterize BM of breast cancer. Apart from the identification of drug targets defined by the intracerebral tumors, also targets in the molecular pathways involved in passing the blood-brain barrier and intracerebral tumor cell growth should be revealed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rute M S M Pedrosa
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Dana A Mustafa
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Soffietti
- Department of Neuro-Oncology, University of Turin and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - Johan M Kros
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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Salehi P, Tafvizi F, Kamyab Hesari K. Low Expression of Occludin in the Melanoma Patient. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2019; 14:272-278. [PMID: 31754355 PMCID: PMC6824771 DOI: 10.30699/ijp.2019.85213.1801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE Malignant melanoma is the fatal cutaneous neoplasm which is curable by the early diagnosis. The expression of occludin protein which is an integral membrane protein is altered in an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Although, recent studies provide sufficient evidence supporting the functional importance of occludin in cancer, the prognostic significance of occludin expression levels in melanoma remains obscure. The aim of this study was to determine occludin expression level and its correlation with clinicopathological features of the patients with melanoma. METHODS The occludin mRNA level was compared between paraffin-embedded tissues of 40 patients with melanoma and 10 subjects with normal skin. The quality and quantity of the RNA was determined and occludin expression level was measured using Real-time PCR and ∆∆CT computational technique. RESULTS The occludin mRNA level reduced five-fold in the melanoma patients compared to the control group (P=0.000). No significant difference was observed between male and female cases (P=0.533). No significant correlation was observed between occludin mRNA level, mitotic count (P=0.252), and Breslow levels (P=0.171). CONCLUSION We can conclude that down-regulation of occludin expression in the patients with melanoma is a hallmark of cancer progression and it might be used as a prognostic factor. No significant correlation was found between occludin gene expression and clinicopathological characteristics including Clark level, Breslow staging, mitotic count, age and gender (P<0.05).
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Affiliation(s)
- Pouri Salehi
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
| | - Farzaneh Tafvizi
- Department of Biology, Parand Branch, Islamic Azad University, Parand, Iran
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Pranda MA, Gray KM, DeCastro AJL, Dawson GM, Jung JW, Stroka KM. Tumor Cell Mechanosensing During Incorporation into the Brain Microvascular Endothelium. Cell Mol Bioeng 2019; 12:455-480. [PMID: 31719927 DOI: 10.1007/s12195-019-00591-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 08/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Introduction Tumor metastasis to the brain occurs in approximately 20% of all cancer cases and often occurs due to tumor cells crossing the blood-brain barrier (BBB). The brain microenvironment is comprised of a soft hyaluronic acid (HA)-rich extracellular matrix with an elastic modulus of 0.1-1 kPa, whose crosslinking is often altered in disease states. Methods To explore the effects of HA crosslinking on breast tumor cell migration, we developed a biomimetic model of the human brain endothelium, consisting of brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) monolayers on HA and gelatin (HA/gelatin) films with different degrees of crosslinking, as established by varying the concentration of the crosslinker Extralink. Results and Discussion Metastatic breast tumor cell migration speed, diffusion coefficient, spreading area, and aspect ratio increased with decreasing HA crosslinking, a mechanosensing trend that correlated with tumor cell actin organization but not CD44 expression. Meanwhile, breast tumor cell incorporation into endothelial monolayers was independent of HA crosslinking density, suggesting that alterations in HA crosslinking density affect tumor cells only after they exit the vasculature. Tumor cells appeared to exploit both the paracellular and transcellular routes of trans-endothelial migration. Quantitative phenotyping of HBMEC junctions via a novel Python software revealed a VEGF-dependent decrease in punctate VE-cadherin junctions and an increase in continuous and perpendicular junctions when HBMECs were treated with tumor cell-secreted factors. Conclusions Overall, our quantitative results suggest that a combination of biochemical and physical factors promote tumor cell migration through the BBB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Pranda
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Kelsey M Gray
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Ariana Joy L DeCastro
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Gregory M Dawson
- Department of Biology, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Jae W Jung
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA
| | - Kimberly M Stroka
- Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA.,Biophysics Program, University of Maryland, College Park, College Park, MD 20742 USA.,Center for Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, University of Maryland - Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,Marlene and Stewart Greenebaum Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Maryland - Baltimore, Baltimore, MD 21201 USA.,Fischell Department of Bioengineering, University of Maryland, College Park, 3110 A. James Clark Hall, 8278 Paint Branch Drive, College Park, MD 20742 USA
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Haskó J, Fazakas C, Molnár K, Mészáros Á, Patai R, Szabó G, Erdélyi F, Nyúl-Tóth Á, Győri F, Kozma M, Farkas AE, Krizbai IA, Wilhelm I. Response of the neurovascular unit to brain metastatic breast cancer cells. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2019; 7:133. [PMID: 31426859 PMCID: PMC6699134 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-019-0788-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic resistance of cerebral secondary tumours largely depends on unique aspects linked to the neurovascular unit, especially cerebral endothelial cells and astrocytes. By using advanced microscopy techniques, here we explored novel mechanisms related to the neurovascular unit during extravasation and proliferation of triple negative breast cancer cells in the brain. Metastatic mammary carcinoma cells arrested and elongated within one hour in cerebral microvessels, but their number decreased by almost 80% in the first two days. Interestingly, malignant cells induced vasoconstriction and development of intraluminal endothelial plugs, which isolated invading cells from the circulation. During diapedesis - which usually took place on day four and five after inoculation of the tumour cells - continuity of cerebral endothelial tight junctions remained intact, indicating migration of cancer cells through the transcellular pathway. In addition, metastatic cells induced formation of multiluminal vessels and claudin-5-positive endothelial blebs. However, even severe endothelial blebbing could be reversed and the vessel morphology was restored shortly after the tumour cells completed transendothelial migration. Similar to neuro-inflammatory leukocytes, tumour cells migrated not only through the endothelial layer, but through the glia limitans perivascularis as well. Nevertheless, along with the growth of metastatic lesions by co-option of pre-existing capillaries, astrocytes and astrocyte end-feet were gradually expelled from the vessels to the border of the tumour. Taken together, we identified previously unknown mechanisms involved in the reaction of brain resident cells to invading breast cancer cells. Our results contribute to a better understanding of the complex cross-talk between tumour cells and host cells in the brain, which is essential for the identification of new therapeutic targets in this devastating disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Roland Patai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Erdélyi
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ádám Nyúl-Tóth
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
| | - Fanni Győri
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Mihály Kozma
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Attila E Farkas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Temesvári krt. 62, Szeged, 6726, Hungary.
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary.
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.
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45
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Tran TT, Mahajan A, Chiang VL, Goldberg SB, Nguyen DX, Jilaveanu LB, Kluger HM. Perilesional edema in brain metastases: potential causes and implications for treatment with immune therapy. J Immunother Cancer 2019; 7:200. [PMID: 31362777 PMCID: PMC6668163 DOI: 10.1186/s40425-019-0684-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2019] [Accepted: 07/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Little is known about tumor-associated vasogenic edema in brain metastasis, yet it causes significant morbidity and mortality. Our purpose was to characterize edema in patients treated with anti-PD-1 and to study potential causes of vessel leakage in humans and in pre-clinical models. Methods We analyzed tumor and edema volume in 18 non-small cell lung (NSCLC) and 18 melanoma patients with untreated brain metastases treated with pembrolizumab on a phase II clinical trial. Melanoma brain metastases were stained with anti-CD34 to assess vessel density and its association with edema. We employed an in vitro model of the blood-brain barrier using short-term cultures from melanoma brain and extracranial metastases to determine tight junction resistance as a measure of vessel leakiness. Results Edema volumes are similar in NSCLC and melanoma brain metastases. While larger tumors tended to have more edema, the correlation was weak (R2 = 0.30). Patients responding to pembrolizumab had concurrent shrinkage of edema volume and vice versa (R2 = 0.81). Vessel density was independent of the degree of edema (R2 = 0.037). Melanoma brain metastasis cells in culture caused loss of tight junction resistance in an in vitro blood-brain barrier model system in some cases, whereas extracerebral cell cultures did not. Conclusions Edema itself should not preclude using anti-PD-1 with caution, as sensitive tumors have resultant decreases in edema, and anti-PD-1 itself does not exacerbate edema in sensitive tumors. Additional factors aside from tumor mass effect and vessel density cause perilesional edema. Melanoma cells themselves can cause decline in tight junction resistance in a system void of immune cells, suggesting they secrete factors that cause leakiness, which might be harnessed for pharmacologic targeting in patients with significant perilesional edema. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s40425-019-0684-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thuy T Tran
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Amit Mahajan
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Department of Radiology & Biomedical Imaging, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Veronica L Chiang
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.,Yale School of Medicine and Yale Department of Neurosurgery, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Sarah B Goldberg
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Don X Nguyen
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Department of Pathology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Lucia B Jilaveanu
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA
| | - Harriet M Kluger
- Yale School of Medicine and Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, USA.
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46
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Leibold AT, Monaco GN, Dey M. The role of the immune system in brain metastasis. CURRENT NEUROBIOLOGY 2019; 10:33-48. [PMID: 31097897 PMCID: PMC6513348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic brain tumors are the most common brain tumors in adults. With numerous successful advancements in systemic treatment of most common cancer types, brain metastasis is becoming increasingly important in the overall prognosis of cancer patients. Brain metastasis of peripheral tumor is the result of complex interplay of primary tumor, immune system and central nervous system microenvironment. Once formed, brain metastases hide behind the blood brain barrier and become inaccessible to chemotherapies that are otherwise successful in targeting systemic cancer. The approval of immune checkpoint inhibitors for several common cancers such as advanced melanoma and lung cancers brings with it the opportunity and obligation to further understand the mechanisms of immunosuppression by tumors that spread to the brain as well as the interaction between the brain environment and tumor microenvironment. In this review paper we define the central role of the immune system in the development of brain metastases. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature to outline the molecular mechanisms of immunosuppression used by tumors and how the immune system interacts with the central nervous system to facilitate brain metastasis. In particular we discuss the tumor-type-specific mechanisms of metastasis of cancers that preferentially metastasize to the brain as well as the therapies that effectively modulate the immune response, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam T Leibold
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Gina N Monaco
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
| | - Mahua Dey
- Department of Neurosurgery, Indiana University School of Medicine, IU Simon Cancer Center, Indiana University, Purdue University Indianapolis, Indiana, USA
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Jassam SA, Maherally Z, Ashkan K, Pilkington GJ, Fillmore HL. Fucosyltransferase 4 and 7 mediates adhesion of non-small cell lung cancer cells to brain-derived endothelial cells and results in modification of the blood-brain-barrier: in vitro investigation of CD15 and CD15s in lung-to-brain metastasis. J Neurooncol 2019; 143:405-415. [PMID: 31104223 PMCID: PMC6591197 DOI: 10.1007/s11060-019-03188-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2019] [Accepted: 05/06/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Metastatic non-small cell lung (NSCLC) cancer represents one of the most common types of brain metastasis. The mechanisms involved in how circulating cancer cells transmigrate into brain parenchyma are not fully understood. The aim of this work was to investigate the role of fucosylated carbohydrate epitopes CD15 and sialyated CD15s in cancer adhesion to brain-derived endothelial cells and determine their influence in blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption METHODS: Three distinct, independent methods were used to measure brain endothelial integrity and include voltohmmeter (EVOM™), impedance spectroscopy (CellZscope®) and electric cell-substrate impedance sensing system (ECIS™). Two fucosyltransferases (FUT4 and 7) responsible for CD15 and CD15s synthesis were modulated in four human cancer cell lines (three lung cancer and one glioma). RESULTS Overexpression of CD15 or CD15s epitopes led to increase in adhesion of cancer cells to cerebral endothelial cells compared with wild-type and cells with silenced CD15 or CD15s (p < 0.01). This overexpression led to the disruption of cerebral endothelial cell monolayers (p < 0.01). Knockdown of FUT4 and FUT7 in metastatic cancer cells prevented disruption of an in vitro BBB model. Surprisingly, although the cells characterised as 'non-metastatic', they became 'metastatic' -like when cells were forced to over-express either FUT4 or FUT7. CONCLUSIONS Results from these studies suggest that overexpression of CD15 and CD15s could potentiate the transmigration of circulating NSCLC cells into the brain. The clinical significance of these studies includes the possible use of these epitopes as biomarkers for metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Samah A Jassam
- Cellular and Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, P01 2DT, UK
| | - Zaynah Maherally
- Cellular and Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, P01 2DT, UK
| | - Keyoumars Ashkan
- Neuro-Surgery, King's College Hospital, Denmark Hill, London, SE5 9RS, UK
| | - Geoffrey J Pilkington
- Cellular and Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, P01 2DT, UK
| | - Helen L Fillmore
- Cellular and Molecular Neuro-Oncology Research Group, School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth, P01 2DT, UK.
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48
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Anchan A, Kalogirou-Baldwin P, Johnson R, Kho DT, Joseph W, Hucklesby J, Finlay GJ, O'Carroll SJ, Angel CE, Graham ES. Real-Time Measurement of Melanoma Cell-Mediated Human Brain Endothelial Barrier Disruption Using Electric Cell-Substrate Impedance Sensing Technology. BIOSENSORS 2019; 9:E56. [PMID: 30991758 PMCID: PMC6627833 DOI: 10.3390/bios9020056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2019] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) is an impedance-based method for monitoring changes in cell behaviour in real-time. In this paper, we highlight the importance of ECIS in measuring the kinetics of human melanoma cell invasion across human brain endothelium. ECIS data can be mathematically modelled to assess which component of the endothelial paracellular and basolateral barriers is being affected and when. Our results reveal that a range of human melanoma cells can mediate disruption of human brain endothelium, primarily involving the paracellular route, as demonstrated by ECIS. The sensitivity of ECIS also reveals that the paracellular barrier weakens within 30-60 min of the melanoma cells being added to the apical face of the endothelial cells. Imaging reveals pronounced localisation of the melanoma cells at the paracellular junctions consistent with paracellular migration. Time-lapse imaging further reveals junctional opening and disruption of the endothelial monolayer by the invasive melanoma cells all within several hours. We suggest that the ability of ECIS to resolve changes to barrier integrity in real time, and to determine the route of migration, provides a powerful tool for future studies investigating the key molecules involved in the invasive process of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Akshata Anchan
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Panagiota Kalogirou-Baldwin
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Rebecca Johnson
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Dan T Kho
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Wayne Joseph
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - James Hucklesby
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - Graeme J Finlay
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Auckland Cancer Society Research Centre, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Simon J O'Carroll
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Department of Anatomy and Medical Imaging, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
| | - Catherine E Angel
- School of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
- Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, University of Auckland, Auckland 1010, New Zealand.
| | - E Scott Graham
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Pathology, School of Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medical and Health Sciences, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
- Centre for Brain Research, University of Auckland, Auckland 1023, New Zealand.
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49
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Santiago-Tirado FH, Klein RS, Doering TL. An In Vitro Brain Endothelial Model for Studies of Cryptococcal Transmigration into the Central Nervous System. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2019; 53:e78. [PMID: 30776307 DOI: 10.1002/cpmc.78] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Cryptococcus neoformans is an environmental yeast found worldwide that causes lethal brain infections, particularly in immunocompromised hosts. In 2016, there were 280,000 cases of cryptococcal meningitis in the HIV+ population, two-thirds of them fatal; other immunocompromised patients are also affected. The burden of cryptococcal disease and the limits of current chemotherapy create a pressing need for improved treatment. One hindrance to the development of new therapies is lack of understanding of how this pathogen breaches the barriers protecting the brain. Here we describe a tool for investigating this process. This simple in vitro blood-brain-barrier (BBB) model, based on a human brain endothelial cell line grown on a permeable membrane, may be used to assay the BBB transmigration of C. neoformans or other neurotropic pathogens. © 2019 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felipe H Santiago-Tirado
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri.,Current address: Department of Biological Sciences, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, Indiana
| | - Robyn S Klein
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Tamara L Doering
- Department of Molecular Microbiology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
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50
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Herman H, Fazakas C, Haskó J, Molnár K, Mészáros Á, Nyúl-Tóth Á, Szabó G, Erdélyi F, Ardelean A, Hermenean A, Krizbai IA, Wilhelm I. Paracellular and transcellular migration of metastatic cells through the cerebral endothelium. J Cell Mol Med 2019; 23:2619-2631. [PMID: 30712288 PMCID: PMC6433661 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.14156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 12/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer and melanoma are among the most frequent cancer types leading to brain metastases. Despite the unquestionable clinical significance, important aspects of the development of secondary tumours of the central nervous system are largely uncharacterized, including extravasation of metastatic cells through the blood-brain barrier. By using transmission electron microscopy, here we followed interactions of cancer cells and brain endothelial cells during the adhesion, intercalation/incorporation and transendothelial migration steps. We observed that brain endothelial cells were actively involved in the initial phases of the extravasation by extending filopodia-like membrane protrusions towards the tumour cells. Melanoma cells tended to intercalate between endothelial cells and to transmigrate by utilizing the paracellular route. On the other hand, breast cancer cells were frequently incorporated into the endothelium and were able to migrate through the transcellular way from the apical to the basolateral side of brain endothelial cells. When co-culturing melanoma cells with cerebral endothelial cells, we observed N-cadherin enrichment at melanoma-melanoma and melanoma-endothelial cell borders. However, for breast cancer cells N-cadherin proved to be dispensable for the transendothelial migration both in vitro and in vivo. Our results indicate that breast cancer cells are more effective in the transcellular type of migration than melanoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hildegard Herman
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Csilla Fazakas
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - János Haskó
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Kinga Molnár
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.,Theoretical Medicine Doctoral School, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Mészáros
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.,Doctoral School of Biology, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Ádám Nyúl-Tóth
- Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Gábor Szabó
- Medical Gene Technology Unit, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ferenc Erdélyi
- Medical Gene Technology Unit, Institute of Experimental Medicine, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Aurel Ardelean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - Anca Hermenean
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania
| | - István A Krizbai
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary
| | - Imola Wilhelm
- Institute of Life Sciences, Vasile Goldiş Western University of Arad, Arad, Romania.,Institute of Biophysics, Biological Research Centre, Hungarian Academy of Sciences, Szeged, Hungary.,Department of Physiology, Anatomy and Neuroscience, Faculty of Science and Informatics, University of Szeged, Szeged, Hungary
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