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Al-Bzour NN, Al-Bzour AN, Ababneh OE, Al-Jezawi MM, Saeed A, Saeed A. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Gastrointestinal Cancers: Unveiling Their Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16505. [PMID: 38003695 PMCID: PMC10671196 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216505] [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: 10/03/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal cancers are highly aggressive malignancies with significant mortality rates. Recent research emphasizes the critical role of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in these cancers, which includes cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), a key component of the TME that have diverse origins, including fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and endothelial cells. Several markers, such as α-SMA and FAP, have been identified to label CAFs, and some specific markers may serve as potential therapeutic targets. In this review article, we summarize the literature on the multifaceted role of CAFs in tumor progression, including their effects on angiogenesis, immune suppression, invasion, and metastasis. In addition, we highlight the use of single-cell transcriptomics to understand CAF heterogeneity and their interactions within the TME. Moreover, we discuss the dynamic interplay between CAFs and the immune system, which contributes to immunosuppression in the TME, and the potential for CAF-targeted therapies and combination approaches with immunotherapy to improve cancer treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noor N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Ayah N. Al-Bzour
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
| | - Obada E. Ababneh
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Moayad M. Al-Jezawi
- Faculty of Medicine, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan; (O.E.A.); (M.M.A.-J.)
| | - Azhar Saeed
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Vermont Medical Center, Burlington, VT 05401, USA;
| | - Anwaar Saeed
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology & Oncology, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA; (N.N.A.-B.); (A.N.A.-B.)
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, USA
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Muacevic A, Adler JR, Ghenev P. Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and the Invasive Potential in Urothelial Malignancies of the Bladder. Cureus 2023; 15:e34147. [PMID: 36843751 PMCID: PMC9949347 DOI: 10.7759/cureus.34147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 01/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Urothelial carcinomas represent a distinct group of malignancies with a high recurrence potential. Multiple studies have established a set of interactions between the tumor cells of urothelial neoplasms and the extracellular matrix regarding invasion and tumor progression. In the present study, we evaluated the expression of fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) in early-stage urothelial carcinomas of the urinary bladder (pTa and pT1) regarding the invasive potential of these tumors. Materials and methods A retrospective non-clinical approach was utilized for the study. Tumor tissue sections used for the initial diagnosis were stained by immunohistochemical means with an anti-FGF2 antibody and the expression within the extracellular matrix was evaluated using a histo-score (h-score). Statistical parameters regarding tumor invasion, FGF2 expression pattern and levels, patient demographic characteristics, and disease recurrence were analyzed for significance. Results A total of 163 cases were analyzed, with an h-score of 110 determined as the optimal cut-off value for invasive potential regarding FGF2 expression, with a sensitivity of 75.4% and a specificity of 78.9%. No statistical correlation was established between the demographic profile of the patients and the occurrence of disease recurrence. Conclusion Based on our results, the study of tumor-extracellular matrix interactions in regards to FGF2 expression is a promising field, at least in urothelial malignancies of the urinary bladder, in regards to tumor invasive potential, while it remains unestablished how these interactions affect metastatic potential.
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Simon T, Salhia B. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Subpopulations With Diverse and Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:183-192. [PMID: 34670861 PMCID: PMC9306405 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Close interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have repeatedly been reported to support tumor progression. Yet, targeting CAFs has so far failed to show a real benefit in cancer treatment, as preclinical studies have shown that such a strategy can enhance tumor growth. Accordingly, recent paradigm-shifting data suggest that certain CAF subpopulations could also show tumor-inhibitory capabilities. The present review aims to provide an in-depth description of the cellular heterogeneity of the CAF compartment in tumors. Through combining information from different cancer types, here we define 4 main CAF subpopulations that might cohabitate in any tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, a model for the evolution of CAFs during tumor development is introduced. Moreover, the presence of tumor-inhibitory CAFs in the TME as well as their molecular characteristics are extensively discussed. Finally, the potential cellular origins of these distinct CAF subpopulations are reviewed. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at establishing a broad but comprehensive classification of CAF subpopulations. Altogether, the present manuscript aims to provide the latest developments and innovative insights that could help refine future therapeutic targeting of CAFs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Corresponding Author: Bodour Salhia, Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Phone: 323-442-3099; E-mail:
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Pérez Piñero C, Giulianelli S, Lamb CA, Lanari C. New Insights in the Interaction of FGF/FGFR and Steroid Receptor Signaling in Breast Cancer. Endocrinology 2022; 163:6491899. [PMID: 34977930 DOI: 10.1210/endocr/bqab265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Luminal breast cancer (BrCa) has a favorable prognosis compared with other tumor subtypes. However, with time, tumors may evolve and lead to disease progression; thus, there is a great interest in unraveling the mechanisms that drive tumor metastasis and endocrine resistance. In this review, we focus on one of the many pathways that have been involved in tumor progression, the fibroblast growth factor/fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) axis. We emphasize in data obtained from in vivo experimental models that we believe that in luminal BrCa, tumor growth relies in a crosstalk with the stromal tissue. We revisited the studies that illustrate the interaction between hormone receptors and FGFR. We also highlight the most frequent alterations found in BrCa cell lines and provide a short review on the trials that use FGFR inhibitors in combination with endocrine therapies. Analysis of these data suggests there are many players involved in this pathway that might be also targeted to decrease FGF signaling, in addition to specific FGFR inhibitors that may be exploited to increase their efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Pérez Piñero
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Sebastián Giulianelli
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Instituto de Biología de Organismos Marinos, IBIOMAR-CCT CENPAT-CONICET, U9120ACD Puerto Madryn, Argentina
| | - Caroline A Lamb
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Claudia Lanari
- Instituto de Biología y Medicina Experimental, IBYME CONICET, C1428ADN Ciudad de Buenos Aires, Argentina
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Suh J, Kim DH, Lee YH, Jang JH, Surh YJ. Fibroblast growth factor-2, derived from cancer-associated fibroblasts, stimulates growth and progression of human breast cancer cells via FGFR1 signaling. Mol Carcinog 2020; 59:1028-1040. [PMID: 32557854 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2020] [Revised: 05/22/2020] [Accepted: 05/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) constitute a major compartment of the tumor microenvironment. In the present study, we investigated the role for CAFs in breast cancer progression and underlying molecular mechanisms. Human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells treated with the CAF-conditioned media manifested a more proliferative phenotype, as evidenced by enhanced messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of Cyclin D1, c-Myc, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Analysis of data from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF2) expression was well correlated with the presence of CAFs. We noticed that the mRNA level of FGF2 in CAFs was higher than that in normal fibroblasts. FGF2 exerts its biological effects through interaction with FGF receptor 1 (FGFR1). In the breast cancer tissue array, 42% estrogen receptor-negative patients coexpressed FGF2 and FGFR1, whereas only 19% estrogen receptor-positive patients exhibited coexpression. CAF-stimulated MDA-MB-231 cell migration and invasiveness were abolished when FGF2-neutralizing antibody was added to the conditioned media of CAFs. In a xenograft mouse model, coinjection of MDA-MB-231 cells with activated fibroblasts expressing FGF2 dramatically enhanced tumor growth, and this was abrogated by silencing of FGFR1 in cancer cells. In addition, treatment of MDA-MB-231 cells with FGF2 enhanced expression of Cyclin D1, a key molecule involved in cell cycle progression. FGF2-induced cell migration and upregulation of Cyclin D1 were abolished by siRNA-mediated FGFR1 silencing. Taken together, the above findings suggest that CAFs promote growth, migration and invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells via the paracrine FGF2-FGFR1 loop in the breast tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinyoung Suh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Do-Hee Kim
- Department of Chemistry, College of Convergence and Integrated Science, Kyonggi University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Yeon-Hwa Lee
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jeong-Hoon Jang
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Young-Joon Surh
- Tumor Microenvironment Global Core Research Center and Research Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Department of Molecular Medicine and Biopharmaceutical Sciences, Graduate School of Convergence Science and Technology, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea.,Cancer Research Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
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Tan HX, Gong WZ, Zhou K, Xiao ZG, Hou FT, Huang T, Zhang L, Dong HY, Zhang WL, Liu Y, Huang ZC. CXCR4/TGF-β1 mediated hepatic stellate cells differentiation into carcinoma-associated fibroblasts and promoted liver metastasis of colon cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2019; 21:258-268. [PMID: 31825725 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2019.1685157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver metastasis of colon cancer is strongly affected by the tumor microenvironment (TME), with interactions between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in particular. TGF-β is well known for its ability to mediate the CAF phenotype, and CXCR4 expression is closely correlated to poor prognosis in CRC. The relationship between these two signaling pathways remains to be delineated in liver metastasis of colon cancer.Methods: Immunohistochemistry was employed to investigate CXCR4 expression in 45 human specimens of primary colorectal cancer (CRC) and liver metastasis. The functions of SDF-1 released by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) on CXCR4 and TGF-β1 in CRC cells were investigated in vitro. The effects of CRC on HSCs differentiation into CAFs were confirmed using co-culture technology and expression analysis of CAFs markers by qPCR, western blot and immunofluorescence. The involvement of CXCR4 and TGF-β1 was verified with addition of CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 and TGF-β1 inhibitor cyclophosphamide (Cy) both in vitro and in vivo.Results: There were more CXCR4-positive cells at the liver metastatic tissues compared to the primary sites. CRC cells activated and transformed HSCs to CAFs after co-cultivating with HSCs. Activated HSCs stimulated TGF-β1 secretion from CRC cells after co-culture with CRC cells in vitro. Moreover, the expression of CAFs markers was increasing in the activated HSCs. In a mouse hepatic metastasis model, treated with AMD3100 or Cy blocked the metastatic potential of HCT116 cells and the hepatic CAFs differentiation.Conclusions: These results indicated that CXCR4/TGF-β1 axis plays an important role in CRC liver metastasis through mediating HSCs differentiation into CAFs, providing preclinical evidences that blockade of the axis might be beneficial for anti-metastasis therapy in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Xiang Tan
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China.,Department of General Surgery, Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, P.R.China
| | - Wei-Zhi Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Kai Zhou
- Department of Emergency, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Zhi-Gang Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Fu-Tao Hou
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Tao Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Ling Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Hong-Yu Dong
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Wei-Lin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
| | - Zhong-Cheng Huang
- Department of General Surgery, Hunan Provincial People's Hospital (The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University), Changsha, P.R.China
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Hermano E, Goldberg R, Rubinstein AM, Sonnenblick A, Maly B, Nahmias D, Li JP, Bakker MAH, van der Vlag J, Vlodavsky I, Peretz T, Elkin M. Heparanase Accelerates Obesity-Associated Breast Cancer Progression. Cancer Res 2019; 79:5342-5354. [PMID: 31481501 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-4058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 06/06/2019] [Accepted: 08/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Obese women have higher risk of bearing breast tumors that are highly aggressive and resistant to therapies. Tumor-promoting effects of obesity occur locally via adipose inflammation and related alterations to the extracellular matrix (ECM) as well as systemically via circulating metabolic mediators (e.g., free fatty acids, FFA) associated with excess adiposity and implicated in toll-like receptor-mediated activation of macrophages-key cellular players in obesity-related cancer progression. Although the contribution of macrophages to proneoplastic effects of obesity is well documented, the role of ECM components and their enzymatic degradation is less appreciated. We show that heparanase, the sole mammalian endoglucuronidase that cleaves heparan sulfate in ECM, is preferentially expressed in clinical/experimental obesity-associated breast tumors. Heparanase deficiency abolished obesity-accelerated tumor progression in vivo. Heparanase orchestrated a complex molecular program that occurred concurrently in adipose and tumor tissue and sustained the cancer-promoting action of obesity. Heparanase was required for adipose tissue macrophages to produce inflammatory mediators responsible for local induction of aromatase, a rate-limiting enzyme in estrogen biosynthesis. Estrogen upregulated heparanase in hormone-responsive breast tumors. In subsequent stages, elevated levels of heparanase induced acquisition of procancerous phenotype by tumor-associated macrophages, resulting in activation of tumor-promoting signaling and acceleration of breast tumor growth under obese conditions. As techniques to screen for heparanase expression in tumors become available, these findings provide rational and a mechanistic basis for designing antiheparanase approaches to uncouple obesity and breast cancer in a rapidly growing population of obese patients. SIGNIFICANCE: This study reveals the role of heparanase in promoting obesity-associated breast cancer and provides a mechanistically informed approach to uncouple obesity and breast cancer in a rapidly growing population of obese patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esther Hermano
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Rachel Goldberg
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Ariel M Rubinstein
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Amir Sonnenblick
- Oncology Division, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center and Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Bella Maly
- Department of Pathology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Daniela Nahmias
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Jin-Ping Li
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Microbiology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marinka A H Bakker
- Nephrology Research Laboratory, Department of Nephrology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Johan van der Vlag
- Nephrology Research Laboratory, Department of Nephrology, Nijmegen Centre for Molecular Life Sciences, Radboud University Nijmegen Medical Centre, Nijmegen, the Netherlands
| | - Israel Vlodavsky
- Cancer and Vascular Biology Research Center, The Rappaport Faculty of Medicine, Technion, Haifa, Israel
| | - Tamar Peretz
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
- Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - Michael Elkin
- Sharett Institute of Oncology, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
- Hebrew University Medical School, Jerusalem, Israel
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Wu X, Zahari MS, Renuse S, Sahasrabuddhe NA, Chaerkady R, Kim MS, Fackler MJ, Stampfer M, Gabrielson E, Sukumar S, Pandey A. Quantitative phosphoproteomic analysis reveals reciprocal activation of receptor tyrosine kinases between cancer epithelial cells and stromal fibroblasts. Clin Proteomics 2018; 15:21. [PMID: 29946230 PMCID: PMC6003199 DOI: 10.1186/s12014-018-9197-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2018] [Accepted: 06/04/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are one of the most important components of tumor stroma and play a key role in modulating tumor growth. However, a mechanistic understanding of how CAFs communicate with tumor cells to promote their proliferation and invasion is far from complete. A major reason for this is that most current techniques and model systems do not capture the complexity of signal transduction that occurs between CAFs and tumor cells. Methods In this study, we employed a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture (SILAC) strategy to label invasive breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231, and breast cancer patient-derived CAF this has already been defined above cells. We used an antibody-based phosphotyrosine peptide enrichment method coupled to LC-MS/MS to catalog and quantify tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signal transduction events induced by the bidirectional communication between patient-derived CAFs and tumor cells. Results We discovered that distinct signaling events were activated in CAFs and in tumor epithelial cells during the crosstalk between these two cell types. We identified reciprocal activation of a number of receptor tyrosine kinases including EGFR, FGFR1 and EPHA2 induced by this bidirectional communication. Conclusions Our study not only provides insights into the mechanisms of the interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, but the model system described here could be used as a prototype for analysis of intercellular communication in many different tumor microenvironments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyan Wu
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,8Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Muhammad Saddiq Zahari
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Santosh Renuse
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,3Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, 560066 India
| | - Nandini A Sahasrabuddhe
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,3Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, 560066 India.,4Manipal Academy of Higher Education, Manipal, Karnataka 576104 India
| | - Raghothama Chaerkady
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Min-Sik Kim
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA
| | - Mary Jo Fackler
- 5Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Martha Stampfer
- 7Division of Biological Systems and Engineering, Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA USA
| | - Edward Gabrielson
- 5Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA.,6Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Saraswati Sukumar
- 5Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
| | - Akhilesh Pandey
- 1Department of Biological Chemistry, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,2McKusick-Nathans Institute of Genetic Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD USA.,3Institute of Bioinformatics, International Technology Park, Bangalore, 560066 India.,8Johns Hopkins University, 733 N. Broadway, Baltimore, MD 21205 USA
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Christopoulos PF, Corthay A, Koutsilieris M. Aiming for the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 system in breast cancer therapeutics. Cancer Treat Rev 2017; 63:79-95. [PMID: 29253837 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2017.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 11/29/2017] [Accepted: 11/30/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Despite the major discoveries occurred in oncology the recent years, breast malignancies remain one of the most common causes of cancer-related deaths for women in developed countries. Development of HER2-targeting drugs has been considered a breakthrough in anti-cancer approaches and alluded to the potential of targeting growth factors in breast cancer (BrCa) therapeutics. More than twenty-five years have passed since the Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) system was initially recognized as a potential target candidate in BrCa therapy. To date, a growing body of studies have implicated the IGF-1 signaling with the BrCa biology. Despite the promising experimental evidence, the impression from clinical trials is rather disappointing. Several reasons may account for this and the last word regarding the efficacy of this system as a target candidate in BrCa therapeutics is probably not written yet. Herein, we provide the theoretical basis, as well as, a comprehensive overview of the current literature, regarding the different strategies targeting the various components of the IGF-1/IGF-1R axis in several pathophysiological aspects of BrCa, including the tumor micro-environment and cancer stemness. In addition, we review the rationale for targeting the IGF-1 system in the different BrCa molecular subtypes and in treatment resistant breast tumors with a focus on both the molecular mechanisms and on the clinical perspectives of such approaches in specific population subgroups. We also discuss the future challenges, as well as, the development of novel molecules and strategies targeting the system and suggest potential improvements in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis F Christopoulos
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Health Sciences, UiT the Arctic University of Norway, Tromsø, Norway.
| | - Alexandre Corthay
- Tumor Immunology Lab, Department of Pathology, Rikshospitalet, Oslo University Hospital and University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Michael Koutsilieris
- Department of Experimental Physiology, Medical School, National & Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
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10
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Lanz HL, Saleh A, Kramer B, Cairns J, Ng CP, Yu J, Trietsch SJ, Hankemeier T, Joore J, Vulto P, Weinshilboum R, Wang L. Therapy response testing of breast cancer in a 3D high-throughput perfused microfluidic platform. BMC Cancer 2017; 17:709. [PMID: 29096610 PMCID: PMC5668957 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-017-3709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common invasive cancer among women. Currently, there are only a few models used for therapy selection, and they are often poor predictors of therapeutic response or take months to set up and assay. In this report, we introduce a microfluidic OrganoPlate® platform for extracellular matrix (ECM) embedded tumor culture under perfusion as an initial study designed to investigate the feasibility of adapting this technology for therapy selection. METHODS The triple negative breast cancer cell lines MDA-MB-453, MDA-MB-231 and HCC1937 were selected based on their different BRCA1 and P53 status, and were seeded in the platform. We evaluate seeding densities, ECM composition (Matrigel®, BME2rgf, collagen I) and biomechanical (perfusion vs static) conditions. We then exposed the cells to a series of anti-cancer drugs (paclitaxel, olaparib, cisplatin) and compared their responses to those in 2D cultures. Finally, we generated cisplatin dose responses in 3D cultures of breast cancer cells derived from 2 PDX models. RESULTS The microfluidic platform allows the simultaneous culture of 96 perfused micro tissues, using limited amounts of material, enabling drug screening of patient-derived material. 3D cell culture viability is improved by constant perfusion of the medium. Furthermore, the drug response of these triple negative breast cancer cells was attenuated by culture in 3D and differed from that observed in 2D substrates. CONCLUSIONS We have investigated the use of a high-throughput organ-on-a-chip platform to select therapies. Our results have raised the possibility to use this technology in personalized medicine to support selection of appropriate drugs and to predict response to therapy in a real time fashion.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anthony Saleh
- Mimetas BV, Leiden, The Netherlands
- NIH, Bethesda, Maryland USA
| | | | | | | | - Jia Yu
- Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota USA
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11
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Rijal G, Li W. A versatile 3D tissue matrix scaffold system for tumor modeling and drug screening. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2017; 3:e1700764. [PMID: 28924608 PMCID: PMC5597314 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.1700764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 94] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
Most of the anticancer drug candidates entering preclinical trials fail to be approved for clinical applications. The following are among the main causes of these failures: studying molecular mechanisms of cancer development, identifying therapeutic targets, and testing drug candidates using inappropriate tissue culture models, which do not recapitulate the native microenvironment where the cancer cells originate. It has become clear that three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures are more biologically and clinically relevant than 2D models. The spatial and mechanical conditions of 3D cultures enable the cancer cells to display heterogeneous growth, assume diverse phenotypes, express distinct gene and protein products, and attain metastatic potential and resistance to drugs that are reminiscent of tumors in humans. However, the current 3D culture systems using synthetic polymers or selected components of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are defective (particularly the biophysical and biochemical properties of the native ECM) and remain distant to optimally support the signaling cue-oriented cell survival and growth. We introduce a reconstitutable tissue matrix scaffold (TMS) system fabricated using native tissue ECM, with tissue-like architecture and resilience. The structural and compositional properties of TMS favor robust cell survival, proliferation, migration, and invasion in culture and vascularized tumor formation in animals. The combination of porous and hydrogel TMS allows compartmental culture of cancerous and stromal cells, which are distinguishable by biomarkers. The response of the cancer cells grown on TMS to drugs well reflects animal and clinical observations. TMS enables more biologically relevant studies and is suitable for preclinical drug screening.
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12
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Dalla Pozza E, Forciniti S, Palmieri M, Dando I. Secreted molecules inducing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer development. Semin Cell Dev Biol 2017; 78:62-72. [PMID: 28673679 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcdb.2017.06.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2017] [Accepted: 06/29/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a biologic process that allows a polarized epithelial cell to undergo multiple biochemical changes that enable it to assume a mesenchymal cell phenotype. EMT is involved in embryo development, wound healing, tissue regeneration, organ fibrosis and has also been proposed as the critical mechanism for the acquisition of malignant phenotypes by epithelial cancer cells. These cells have been shown to acquire a mesenchymal phenotype when localized at the invasive front of primary tumours increasing aggressiveness, invasiveness, metastatic potential and resistance to chemotherapy. There is now increasing evidence demonstrating that a crucial role in the development of this process is played by factors secreted by cells of the tumour microenvironment or by the tumour cells themselves. This review summarises the current knowledge of EMT induction in cancer by paracrine or autocrine mechanisms, by exosomes or free proteins and miRNAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Dalla Pozza
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Stefania Forciniti
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Marta Palmieri
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy.
| | - Ilaria Dando
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Biochemistry Section, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
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13
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Guo Q, Minnier J, Burchard J, Chiotti K, Spellman P, Schedin P. Physiologically activated mammary fibroblasts promote postpartum mammary cancer. JCI Insight 2017; 2:e89206. [PMID: 28352652 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.89206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Women diagnosed with breast cancer within 5 years of childbirth have poorer prognosis than nulliparous or pregnant women. Weaning-induced breast involution is implicated, as the collagen-rich, immunosuppressive microenvironment of the involuting mammary gland is tumor promotional in mice. To investigate the role of mammary fibroblasts, isolated mammary PDGFRα+ cells from nulliparous and postweaning mice were assessed for activation phenotype and protumorigenic function. Fibroblast activation during involution was evident by increased expression of fibrillar collagens, lysyl oxidase, Tgfb1, and Cxcl12 genes. The ability of mammary tumors to grow in an isogenic, orthotopic transplant model was increased when tumor cells were coinjected with involution-derived compared with nulliparous-derived mammary fibroblasts. Mammary tumors in the involution-fibroblast group had increased Ly6C+ monocytes at the tumor border, and decreased CD8+ T cell infiltration and tumor cell death. Ibuprofen treatment suppressed involution-fibroblast activation and tumor promotional capacity, concurrent with decreases in tumor Ly6C+ monocytes, and increases in intratumoral CD8+ T cell infiltration, granzyme levels, and tumor cell death. In total, our data identify a COX/prostaglandin E2 (PGE2)-dependent activated mammary fibroblast within the involuting mammary gland that displays protumorigenic, immunosuppressive activity, identifying fibroblasts as potential targets for the prevention and treatment of postpartum breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuchen Guo
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology
| | | | | | - Kami Chiotti
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Paul Spellman
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Pepper Schedin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology.,Young Women's Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA.,Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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14
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Akl MR, Nagpal P, Ayoub NM, Tai B, Prabhu SA, Capac CM, Gliksman M, Goy A, Suh KS. Molecular and clinical significance of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF2 /bFGF) in malignancies of solid and hematological cancers for personalized therapies. Oncotarget 2016; 7:44735-44762. [PMID: 27007053 PMCID: PMC5190132 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 130] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2015] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is essential for normal and cancer biology. Mammalian FGF family members participate in multiple signaling pathways by binding to heparan sulfate and FGF receptors (FGFR) with varying affinities. FGF2 is the prototype member of the FGF family and interacts with its receptor to mediate receptor dimerization, phosphorylation, and activation of signaling pathways, such as Ras-MAPK and PI3K pathways. Excessive mitogenic signaling through the FGF/FGFR axis may induce carcinogenic effects by promoting cancer progression and increasing the angiogenic potential, which can lead to metastatic tumor phenotypes. Dysregulated FGF/FGFR signaling is associated with aggressive cancer phenotypes, enhanced chemotherapy resistance and poor clinical outcomes. In vitro experimental settings have indicated that extracellular FGF2 affects proliferation, drug sensitivity, and apoptosis of cancer cells. Therapeutically targeting FGF2 and FGFR has been extensively assessed in multiple preclinical studies and numerous drugs and treatment options have been tested in clinical trials. Diagnostic assays are used to quantify FGF2, FGFRs, and downstream signaling molecules to better select a target patient population for higher efficacy of cancer therapies. This review focuses on the prognostic significance of FGF2 in cancer with emphasis on therapeutic intervention strategies for solid and hematological malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed R. Akl
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Poonam Nagpal
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Nehad M. Ayoub
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Betty Tai
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Sathyen A. Prabhu
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Catherine M. Capac
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Matthew Gliksman
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - Andre Goy
- Lymphoma Division, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
| | - K. Stephen Suh
- Genomics and Biomarkers Program, The John Theurer Cancer Center, Hackensack University Medical Center, Hackensack, NJ, USA
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15
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Capturing tumor complexity in vitro: Comparative analysis of 2D and 3D tumor models for drug discovery. Sci Rep 2016; 6:28951. [PMID: 27364600 PMCID: PMC4929472 DOI: 10.1038/srep28951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2016] [Accepted: 05/27/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Two-dimensional (2D) cell cultures growing on plastic do not recapitulate the three dimensional (3D) architecture and complexity of human tumors. More representative models are required for drug discovery and validation. Here, 2D culture and 3D mono- and stromal co-culture models of increasing complexity have been established and cross-comparisons made using three standard cell carcinoma lines: MCF7, LNCaP, NCI-H1437. Fluorescence-based growth curves, 3D image analysis, immunohistochemistry and treatment responses showed that end points differed according to cell type, stromal co-culture and culture format. The adaptable methodologies described here should guide the choice of appropriate simple and complex in vitro models.
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16
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Rijal G, Li W. 3D scaffolds in breast cancer research. Biomaterials 2016; 81:135-156. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2015.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2015] [Revised: 12/12/2015] [Accepted: 12/15/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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17
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Jiménez-Torres JA, Peery SL, Sung KE, Beebe DJ. LumeNEXT: A Practical Method to Pattern Luminal Structures in ECM Gels. Adv Healthc Mater 2016; 5:198-204. [PMID: 26610188 PMCID: PMC4776323 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.201500608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2015] [Revised: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
In vitro biomimetic modeling of physio-logical structures bridges the gap between 2D in vitro culture and animal models. Lumens (tubular structures) are ubiquitous in vivo, being present in blood vessels, mammary ducts, and the lymphatic system. A method 'LumeNEXT' is presented here that allows the fabrication of 3D embedded lumens where size, structure, distance, and configuration can be controlled using standard poly-dimethylsiloxane micromolding methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- José A. Jiménez-Torres
- Microtechnology, Medicine and Biology Lab, Biomedical Engineering-College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Stephen L. Peery
- Microtechnology, Medicine and Biology Lab, Biomedical Engineering-College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - Kyung E. Sung
- Microtechnology, Medicine and Biology Lab, Biomedical Engineering-College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
| | - David J. Beebe
- Microtechnology, Medicine and Biology Lab, Biomedical Engineering-College of Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, Madison, Wisconsin 53705
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18
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Joshi P, Lee MY. High Content Imaging (HCI) on Miniaturized Three-Dimensional (3D) Cell Cultures. BIOSENSORS 2015; 5:768-90. [PMID: 26694477 PMCID: PMC4697144 DOI: 10.3390/bios5040768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2015] [Revised: 12/09/2015] [Accepted: 12/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
High content imaging (HCI) is a multiplexed cell staining assay developed for better understanding of complex biological functions and mechanisms of drug action, and it has become an important tool for toxicity and efficacy screening of drug candidates. Conventional HCI assays have been carried out on two-dimensional (2D) cell monolayer cultures, which in turn limit predictability of drug toxicity/efficacy in vivo; thus, there has been an urgent need to perform HCI assays on three-dimensional (3D) cell cultures. Although 3D cell cultures better mimic in vivo microenvironments of human tissues and provide an in-depth understanding of the morphological and functional features of tissues, they are also limited by having relatively low throughput and thus are not amenable to high-throughput screening (HTS). One attempt of making 3D cell culture amenable for HTS is to utilize miniaturized cell culture platforms. This review aims to highlight miniaturized 3D cell culture platforms compatible with current HCI technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pranav Joshi
- Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 1960 East 24th Street Cleveland, Ohio, OH 44115-2214, USA.
| | - Moo-Yeal Lee
- Department of Chemical & Biomedical Engineering, Cleveland State University, 1960 East 24th Street Cleveland, Ohio, OH 44115-2214, USA.
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19
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Bischel LL, Beebe DJ, Sung KE. Microfluidic model of ductal carcinoma in situ with 3D, organotypic structure. BMC Cancer 2015; 15:12. [PMID: 25605670 PMCID: PMC4305264 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-015-1007-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2014] [Accepted: 01/03/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) is a non-invasive form of breast cancer that is thought to be a precursor to most invasive and metastatic breast cancers. Understanding the mechanisms regulating the invasive transition of DCIS is critical in order to better understand how some types of DCIS become invasive. While significant insights have been gained using traditional in vivo and in vitro models, existing models do not adequately recapitulate key structure and functions of human DCIS well. In addition, existing models are time-consuming and costly, limiting their use in routine screens. Here, we present a microscale DCIS model that recapitulates key structures and functions of human DCIS, while enhancing the throughput capability of the system to simultaneously screen numerous molecules and drugs. METHODS Our microscale DCIS model is prepared in two steps. First, viscous finger patterning is used to generate mammary epithelial cell-lined lumens through extracellular matrix hydrogels. Next, DCIS cells are added to fill the mammary ducts to create a DCIS-like structure. For coculture experiments, human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) are added to the two side channels connected to the center channel containing DCIS. To validate the invasive transition of the DCIS model, the invasion of cancer cells and the loss of cell-cell junctions are then examined. A student t-test is conducted for statistical analysis. RESULTS We demonstrate that our DCIS model faithfully recapitulates key structures and functions of human mammary DCIS and can be employed to study the mechanisms involved in the invasive progression of DCIS. First, the formation of cell-cell junctions and cell polarity in the normal mammary duct, and the structure of the DCIS model are characterized. Second, coculture with HMF is shown to induce the invasion of DCIS. Third, multiple endpoint analyses are demonstrated to validate the invasion. CONCLUSIONS We have developed and characterized a novel in vitro model of normal and DCIS-inflicted mammary ducts with 3D lumen structures. These models will enable researchers to investigate the role of microenvironmental factors on the invasion of DCIS in more in vivo-like conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren L Bischel
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - David J Beebe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
| | - Kyung E Sung
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Wisconsin Institutes for Medical Research, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
- The University of Wisconsin Carbone Cancer Center, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA.
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20
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Weber CE, Kothari AN, Wai PY, Li NY, Driver J, Zapf MAC, Franzen CA, Gupta GN, Osipo C, Zlobin A, Syn WK, Zhang J, Kuo PC, Mi Z. Osteopontin mediates an MZF1-TGF-β1-dependent transformation of mesenchymal stem cells into cancer-associated fibroblasts in breast cancer. Oncogene 2014; 34:4821-33. [PMID: 25531323 PMCID: PMC4476970 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2014.410] [Citation(s) in RCA: 158] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2014] [Revised: 10/20/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Interactions between tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in the tumor microenvironment (TMEN) significantly influence cancer growth and metastasis. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) is known to be a critical mediator of the CAF phenotype, and osteopontin (OPN) expression in tumors is associated with more aggressive phenotypes and poor patient outcomes. The potential link between these two pathways has not been previously addressed. Utilizing in vitro studies using human mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and MDA-MB231 (OPN+) and MCF7 (OPN−) human breast cancer cell lines, we demonstrate that OPN induces integrin-dependent MSC expression of TGF-β1 to mediate adoption of the CAF phenotype. This OPN-TGF-β1 pathway requires the transcription factor, myeloid zinc finger 1 (MZF1). In vivo studies with xenotransplant models in NOD-scid mice showed that OPN expression increases cancer growth and metastasis by mediating MSC-to-CAF transformation in a process that is MZF1- and TGF-β1-dependent. We conclude that tumor-derived OPN engenders MSC-to-CAF transformation in the microenvironment to promote tumor growth and metastasis via the OPN-MZF1-TGF-β1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Weber
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - A N Kothari
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - P Y Wai
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - N Y Li
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - J Driver
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - M A C Zapf
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - C A Franzen
- The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - G N Gupta
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,Department of Urology, Loyola University Medical Center, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - C Osipo
- The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - A Zlobin
- The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - W K Syn
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,Liver Unit, Barts Health NHS Trust, London, UK.,Regeneration and Repair, The Institute of Hepatology, London, UK
| | - J Zhang
- The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - P C Kuo
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
| | - Z Mi
- Department of Surgery, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA.,The Oncology Institute, Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL, USA
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21
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Sung KE, Beebe DJ. Microfluidic 3D models of cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2014; 79-80:68-78. [PMID: 25017040 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2014.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 124] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2014] [Revised: 06/23/2014] [Accepted: 07/01/2014] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Despite advances in medicine and biomedical sciences, cancer still remains a major health issue. Complex interactions between tumors and their microenvironment contribute to tumor initiation and progression and also contribute to the development of drug resistant tumor cell populations. The complexity and heterogeneity of tumors and their microenvironment make it challenging to both study and treat cancer. Traditional animal cancer models and in vitro cancer models are limited in their ability to recapitulate human structures and functions, thus hindering the identification of appropriate drug targets and therapeutic strategies. The development and application of microfluidic 3D cancer models have the potential to overcome some of the limitations inherent to traditional models. This review summarizes the progress in microfluidic 3D cancer models, their benefits, and their broad application to basic cancer biology, drug screening, and drug discovery.
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22
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Montanez-Sauri SI, Beebe DJ, Sung KE. Microscale screening systems for 3D cellular microenvironments: platforms, advances, and challenges. Cell Mol Life Sci 2014; 72:237-49. [PMID: 25274061 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-014-1738-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2014] [Revised: 09/15/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The increasing interest in studying cells using more in vivo-like three-dimensional (3D) microenvironments has created a need for advanced 3D screening platforms with enhanced functionalities and increased throughput. 3D screening platforms that better mimic in vivo microenvironments with enhanced throughput would provide more in-depth understanding of the complexity and heterogeneity of microenvironments. The platforms would also better predict the toxicity and efficacy of potential drugs in physiologically relevant conditions. Traditional 3D culture models (e.g., spinner flasks, gyratory rotation devices, non-adhesive surfaces, polymers) were developed to create 3D multicellular structures. However, these traditional systems require large volumes of reagents and cells, and are not compatible with high-throughput screening (HTS) systems. Microscale technology offers the miniaturization of 3D cultures and allows efficient screening of various conditions. This review will discuss the development, most influential works, and current advantages and challenges of microscale culture systems for screening cells in 3D microenvironments.
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23
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Berry SM, Singh C, Lang JD, Strotman LN, Alarid ET, Beebe DJ. Streamlining gene expression analysis: integration of co-culture and mRNA purification. Integr Biol (Camb) 2014; 6:224-31. [PMID: 24413730 DOI: 10.1039/c3ib40136g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
Co-culture of multiple cell types within a single device enables the study of paracrine signaling events. However, extracting gene expression endpoints from co-culture experiments is laborious, due in part to pre-PCR processing of the sample (i.e., post-culture cell sorting and nucleic acid purification). Also, a significant loss of nucleic acid may occur during these steps, especially with microfluidic cell culture where lysate volumes are small and difficult to access. Here, we describe an integrated platform for performing microfluidic cell culture and extraction of mRNA for gene expression analysis. This platform was able to recover 30-fold more mRNA than a similar, non-integrated system. Additionally, using a breast cancer/bone marrow stroma co-culture, we recapitulated stromal-dependent, estrogen-independent growth of the breast cancer cells, coincident with transcriptional changes. We anticipate that this platform will be used for streamlined analysis of paracrine signaling events as well as for screening potential drugs and/or patient samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Berry
- Departments of Biomedical Engineering, University of Wisconsin-Madison, 1111 Highland Ave., Madison, WI 53705, USA.
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24
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Tirado-Rodriguez B, Ortega E, Segura-Medina P, Huerta-Yepez S. TGF- β: an important mediator of allergic disease and a molecule with dual activity in cancer development. J Immunol Res 2014; 2014:318481. [PMID: 25110717 PMCID: PMC4071855 DOI: 10.1155/2014/318481] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 05/04/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The transforming growth factor- β (TGF- β ) superfamily is a family of structurally related proteins that includes TGF- β , activins/inhibins, and bone morphogenic proteins (BMPs). Members of the TGF- β superfamily regulate cellular functions such as proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and migration and thus play key roles in organismal development. TGF- β is involved in several human diseases, including autoimmune disorders and vascular diseases. Activation of the TGF- β receptor induces phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues and triggers phosphorylation of intracellular effectors (Smads). Once activated, Smad proteins translocate to the nucleus and induce transcription of their target genes, regulating various processes and cellular functions. Recently, there has been an attempt to correlate the effect of TGF- β with various pathological entities such as allergic diseases and cancer, yielding a new area of research known as "allergooncology," which investigates the mechanisms by which allergic diseases may influence the progression of certain cancers. This knowledge could generate new therapeutic strategies aimed at correcting the pathologies in which TGF- β is involved. Here, we review recent studies that suggest an important role for TGF- β in both allergic disease and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Belen Tirado-Rodriguez
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, SS, Dr. Márquez No. 162, Colonia Doctores, Delegación Cuauhtémoc, 06720 México, DF, Mexico
| | - Enrique Ortega
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Circuito Escolar, Avenida Universidad No. 3000, Delegación Coyoacán, 04510 México, DF, Mexico
| | - Patricia Segura-Medina
- Departamento de Investigación en Hiperreactividad Bronquial, Instituto Nacional de Enfermedades Respiratorias, Calzada de Tlalpan 4502, Sección XVI, 14080 México, DF, Mexico
| | - Sara Huerta-Yepez
- Unidad de Investigación en Enfermedades Oncológicas, Hospital Infantil de México Federico Gómez, SS, Dr. Márquez No. 162, Colonia Doctores, Delegación Cuauhtémoc, 06720 México, DF, Mexico
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25
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Porretti JC, Mohamad NA, Martín GA, Cricco GP. Fibroblasts induce epithelial to mesenchymal transition in breast tumor cells which is prevented by fibroblasts treatment with histamine in high concentration. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 51:29-38. [PMID: 24685678 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.03.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2013] [Revised: 02/28/2014] [Accepted: 03/20/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells is an essential process in cancer progression. Cancer cells that undergone EMT loose cell-cell contacts, acquire mesenchymal properties and develop migratory and invasive abilities. In previous studies we have demonstrated that histamine may modify the invasive phenotype of pancreatic and mammary tumor cells. In this work we proposed to investigate whether histamine may also influence the interaction between tumor cells and normal fibroblasts. The potential activation of normal CCD-1059Sk fibroblasts by histamine and EMT phenotypic changes induced in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 breast tumor cells by the conditioned media (CM) derived from fibroblasts were evaluated. Initially, we determined the presence of H1, H2 and H4 histamine receptors and matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) mRNA in CCD-1059Sk fibroblasts. MMP2 gelatinolytic activity, cell migration and alpha-smooth muscle actin expression were increased in fibroblasts by low doses (<1μM) and decreased by high doses (20μM) of histamine. MCF-7 cells cultured with CM from fibroblasts exhibited spindle-shaped morphology, cell spreading and cytoplasmic expression of β-catenin but there was no change in MMP2 activity and cell migration. MDA-MB-231 cells cultured with CM from fibroblasts showed a more elongated phenotype, cell spreading, cytoplasmic β-catenin, increased MMP2 activity and endogenous TGF-β1 expression, and enhanced cell migration and invasion. Notably, all these features were reversed when mammary tumor cells were cultured with CM from fibroblasts treated with 20μM histamine. In conclusion, high doses of histamine may prevent the activation of fibroblasts and also avert the EMT related changes induced in epithelial tumor cells by fibroblasts CM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliana C Porretti
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Nora A Mohamad
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Gabriela A Martín
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina; Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Graciela P Cricco
- Laboratorio de Radioisótopos, Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica, Universidad de Buenos Aires, Junín 956, C1113AAB Buenos Aires, Argentina.
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Luo J, Guo XR, Tang XJ, Sun XY, Yang ZS, Zhang Y, Dai LJ, Warnock GL. Intravital biobank and personalized cancer therapy: the correlation with omics. Int J Cancer 2013; 135:1511-6. [PMID: 24285244 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.28632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2013] [Revised: 11/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Biobanks have played a decisive role in all aspects of the field of cancer, including pathogenesis, diagnosis, prognosis and treatment. The significance of cancer biobanks is epitomized through the appropriate application of various "-omic" techniques (omics). The mutually motivated relationship between biobanks and omics has intensified the development of cancer research. Human cancer tissues that are maintained in intravital biobanks (or living tissue banks) retain native tumor microenvironment, tissue architecture, hormone responsiveness and cell-to-cell signalling properties. Intravital biobanks replicate the structural complexity and heterogeneity of human cancers, making them an ideal platform for preclinical studies. The application of omics with intravital biobanks renders them more active, which makes it possible for the cancer-related evaluations to be dynamically monitored on a real-time basis. Integrating intravital biobank and modern omics will provide a useful tool for the discovery and development of new drugs or novel therapeutic strategies. More importantly, intravital biobanks may play an essential role in the creation of meaningful patient-tailored therapies as for personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Luo
- Department of Surgery, Hubei Key Laboratory of Stem Cell Research, Taihe Hospital, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, 442000, China
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Clapéron A, Mergey M, Aoudjehane L, Ho-Bouldoires THN, Wendum D, Prignon A, Merabtene F, Firrincieli D, Desbois-Mouthon C, Scatton O, Conti F, Housset C, Fouassier L. Hepatic myofibroblasts promote the progression of human cholangiocarcinoma through activation of epidermal growth factor receptor. Hepatology 2013; 58:2001-11. [PMID: 23787814 DOI: 10.1002/hep.26585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/07/2013] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is characterized by an abundant desmoplastic environment. Poor prognosis of CCA has been associated with the presence of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA)-positive myofibroblasts (MFs) in the stroma and with the sustained activation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) in tumor cells. Among EGFR ligands, heparin-binding epidermal growth factor (HB-EGF) has emerged as a paracrine factor that contributes to intercellular communications between MFs and tumor cells in several cancers. This study was designed to test whether hepatic MFs contributed to CCA progression through EGFR signaling. The interplay between CCA cells and hepatic MFs was examined first in vivo, using subcutaneous xenografts into immunocompromised mice. In these experiments, cotransplantation of CCA cells with human liver myofibroblasts (HLMFs) increased tumor incidence, size, and metastatic dissemination of tumors. These effects were abolished by gefitinib, an EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Immunohistochemical analyses of human CCA tissues showed that stromal MFs expressed HB-EGF, whereas EGFR was detected in cancer cells. In vitro, HLMFs produced HB-EGF and their conditioned media induced EGFR activation and promoted disruption of adherens junctions, migratory and invasive properties in CCA cells. These effects were abolished in the presence of gefitinib or HB-EGF-neutralizing antibody. We also showed that CCA cells produced transforming growth factor beta 1, which, in turn, induced HB-EGF expression in HLMFs. CONCLUSION A reciprocal cross-talk between CCA cells and myofibroblasts through the HB-EGF/EGFR axis contributes to CCA progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Clapéron
- Inserm, UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France; UPMC, Univ Paris 06, UMRS 938, Centre de Recherche Saint-Antoine, Paris, France
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Montanez-Sauri SI, Sung KE, Berthier E, Beebe DJ. Enabling screening in 3D microenvironments: probing matrix and stromal effects on the morphology and proliferation of T47D breast carcinoma cells. Integr Biol (Camb) 2013; 5:631-40. [PMID: 23340769 DOI: 10.1039/c3ib20225a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
During breast carcinoma progression, the three-dimensional (3D) microenvironment is continuously remodeled, and changes in the composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) occur. High throughput screening platforms have been used to decipher the complexity of the microenvironment and to identify ECM components responsible for cancer progression. However, traditional screening platforms are typically limited to two-dimensional (2D) cultures, and often exclude the influence of ECM and stromal components. In this work, a system that integrates 3-dimensional cell culture techniques with an automated microfluidic platform was used to create a new ECM screening platform that cultures cells in more physiologically relevant 3D in vitro microenvironments containing stromal cells and different ECM molecules. This new ECM screening platform was used to culture T47D breast carcinoma cells in mono- and co-culture with human mammary fibroblasts (HMF) with seven combinations of three different ECM proteins (collagen, fibronectin, laminin). Differences in the morphology of T47D clusters, and the proliferation of T47D cells were found in ECM compositions rich in fibronectin or laminin. In addition, an MMP enzyme activity inhibition screening showed the capabilities of the platform for small molecule screening. The platform presented in this work enables screening for the effects of matrix and stromal compositions and show promises for providing new insights in the identification of key ECM components involved in breast cancer.
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Fibroblast-mediated drug resistance in cancer. Biochem Pharmacol 2013; 85:1033-41. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2013.01.018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 108] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2013] [Revised: 01/18/2013] [Accepted: 01/22/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Lin S, Fu S. The correlation of hematopoietic stem cells with cancer stem cells through the regulation of stromal cells in tumor microenvironment. Med Hypotheses 2013; 80:494-7. [PMID: 23317540 DOI: 10.1016/j.mehy.2012.12.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2012] [Revised: 12/09/2012] [Accepted: 12/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells are a small population of tumor cells that have many malignant features such as chemotherapy resistance, radiotherapy resistance, tumorigenicity and are responsible for tumor progression, disease recurrence and metastasis. Therefore, insight into the regulation of the biology of cancer stem cells is important to eradicate cancer. Recently, studies suggested that hematopoietic stem cells could incorporate into tumor stroma and differentiated into stromal cells and the cells derived from hematopoietic stem cells play an important role on tumor progress. Moreover, cancer cells competed with hematopoietic stem cells for occupancy of the hematopoietic stem cell niches to regulate bone metastasis and most cancer cells in bone marrow metastasis were cancer stem cells. Therefore, we hypothesize that cancer stem cells could promote hematopoietic stem cells incorporating into tumor microenvironment and resulting into transformation of hematopoietic stem cells to stromal cells, which could impact the biological behavior of cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuchen Lin
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Sixth People's Hospital of Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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