1
|
Mpekris F, Panagi M, Charalambous A, Voutouri C, Stylianopoulos T. Modulating cancer mechanopathology to restore vascular function and enhance immunotherapy. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101626. [PMID: 38944037 PMCID: PMC11293360 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2024] [Revised: 04/12/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/01/2024]
Abstract
Solid tumor pathology, characterized by abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment (TME), challenges therapeutic effectiveness. Mechanical factors, including increased tumor stiffness and accumulation of intratumoral forces, can determine the success of cancer treatments, defining the tumor's "mechanopathology" profile. These abnormalities cause extensive vascular compression, leading to hypoperfusion and hypoxia. Hypoperfusion hinders drug delivery, while hypoxia creates an unfavorable TME, promoting tumor progression through immunosuppression, heightened metastatic potential, drug resistance, and chaotic angiogenesis. Strategies targeting TME mechanopathology, such as vascular and stroma normalization, hold promise in enhancing cancer therapies with some already advancing to the clinic. Normalization can be achieved using anti-angiogenic agents, mechanotherapeutics, immune checkpoint inhibitors, engineered bacterial therapeutics, metronomic nanomedicine, and ultrasound sonopermeation. Here, we review the methods developed to rectify tumor mechanopathology, which have even led to cures in preclinical models, and discuss their bench-to-bedside translation, including the derivation of biomarkers from tumor mechanopathology for personalized therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Liang L, Song X, Zhao H, Lim CT. Insights into the mechanobiology of cancer metastasis via microfluidic technologies. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021506. [PMID: 38841688 PMCID: PMC11151435 DOI: 10.1063/5.0195389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
During cancer metastasis, cancer cells will encounter various microenvironments with diverse physical characteristics. Changes in these physical characteristics such as tension, stiffness, viscosity, compression, and fluid shear can generate biomechanical cues that affect cancer cells, dynamically influencing numerous pathophysiological mechanisms. For example, a dense extracellular matrix drives cancer cells to reorganize their cytoskeleton structures, facilitating confined migration, while this dense and restricted space also acts as a physical barrier that potentially results in nuclear rupture. Identifying these pathophysiological processes and understanding their underlying mechanobiological mechanisms can aid in the development of more effective therapeutics targeted to cancer metastasis. In this review, we outline the advances of engineering microfluidic devices in vitro and their role in replicating tumor microenvironment to mimic in vivo settings. We highlight the potential cellular mechanisms that mediate their ability to adapt to different microenvironments. Meanwhile, we also discuss some important mechanical cues that still remain challenging to replicate in current microfluidic devices in future direction. While much remains to be explored about cancer mechanobiology, we believe the developments of microfluidic devices will reveal how these physical cues impact the behaviors of cancer cells. It will be crucial in the understanding of cancer metastasis, and potentially contributing to better drug development and cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lanfeng Liang
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | - Xiao Song
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, Singapore
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
3
|
Fujimoto K, Shiinoki T, Kawazoe Y, Yuasa Y, Mukaidani W, Manabe Y, Kajima M, Tanaka H. Biomechanical imaging biomarker during chemoradiotherapy predicts treatment response in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Phys Med Biol 2024; 69:055033. [PMID: 38359451 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6560/ad29b9] [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: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Objective. For response-adapted adaptive radiotherapy (R-ART), promising biomarkers are needed to predict post-radiotherapy (post-RT) responses using routine clinical information obtained during RT. In this study, a patient-specific biomechanical model (BM) of the head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) was proposed using the pre-RT maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) of18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) and tumor structural changes during RT as evaluated using computed tomography (CT). In addition, we evaluated the predictive performance of BM-driven imaging biomarkers for the treatment response of patients with HNSCC who underwent concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Approach. Patients with histologically confirmed HNSCC treated with definitive CCRT were enrolled in this study. All patients underwent CT two times as follows: before the start of RT (pre-RT) and 3 weeks after the start of RT (mid-RT). Among these patients, 67 patients who underwent positron emission tomography/CT during the pre-RT period were included in the final analysis. The locoregional control (LC), progression-free survival (PFS), and overall survival (OS) prediction performances of whole tumor stress change (TS) between pre- and mid-RT computed using BM were assessed using univariate, multivariate, and Kaplan-Meier survival curve analyses, respectively. Furthermore, performance was compared with the pre and post-RT SUVmax, tumor volume reduction rate (TVRR) during RT, and other clinical prognostic factors.Main results. For both univariate, multivariate, and survival curve analyses, the significant prognostic factors were as follows (p< 0.05): TS and TVRR for LC; TS and pre-RT FDG-SUVmaxfor PFS; and TS only for OS. In addition, for 2 year LC, PFS, and OS prediction, TS showed a comparable predictive performance to post-RT FDG-SUVmax.Significance. BM-driven TS is an effective prognostic factor for tumor treatment response after CCRT. The proposed method can be a feasible functional imaging biomarker that can be acquired during RT using only routine clinical data and may provide useful information for decision-making during R-ART.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Koya Fujimoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Takehiro Shiinoki
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawazoe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
- Department of Radiological Technology, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Yuki Yuasa
- Department of Radiological Technology, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Wataru Mukaidani
- Department of Radiological Technology, Yamaguchi University Hospital, Ube, Japan
| | - Yuki Manabe
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Miki Kajima
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| | - Hidekazu Tanaka
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Graduate School of Medicine, Yamaguchi University, Ube, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Mpekris F, Papaphilippou PC, Panagi M, Voutouri C, Michael C, Charalambous A, Marinov Dinev M, Katsioloudi A, Prokopi-Demetriades M, Anayiotos A, Cabral H, Krasia-Christoforou T, Stylianopoulos T. Pirfenidone-Loaded Polymeric Micelles as an Effective Mechanotherapeutic to Potentiate Immunotherapy in Mouse Tumor Models. ACS NANO 2023; 17:24654-24667. [PMID: 38054429 PMCID: PMC10753878 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 11/21/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Ongoing research is actively exploring the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors to treat solid tumors by inhibiting the PD-1/PD-L1 axis and reactivating the function of cytotoxic T effector cells. Many types of solid tumors, however, are characterized by a dense and stiff stroma and are difficult to treat. Mechanotherapeutics have formed a recent class of drugs that aim to restore biomechanical abnormalities of the tumor microenvironment, related to increased stiffness and hypo-perfusion. Here, we have developed a polymeric formulation containing pirfenidone, which has been successful in restoring the tumor microenvironment in breast tumors and sarcomas. We found that the micellar formulation can induce similar mechanotherapeutic effects to mouse models of 4T1 and E0771 triple negative breast tumors and MCA205 fibrosarcoma tumors but with a dose 100-fold lower than that of the free pirfenidone. Importantly, a combination of pirfenidone-loaded micelles with immune checkpoint inhibition significantly delayed primary tumor growth, leading to a significant improvement in overall survival and in a complete cure for the E0771 tumor model. Furthermore, the combination treatment increased CD4+ and CD8+ T cell infiltration and suppressed myeloid-derived suppressor cells, creating favorable immunostimulatory conditions, which led to immunological memory. Ultrasound shear wave elastography (SWE) was able to monitor changes in tumor stiffness during treatment, suggesting optimal treatment conditions. Micellar encapsulation is a promising strategy for mechanotherapeutics, and imaging methods, such as SWE, can assist their clinical translation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Petri Ch. Papaphilippou
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Christina Michael
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Antonia Charalambous
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mariyan Marinov Dinev
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Marianna Prokopi-Demetriades
- Theramir
Ltd, R&D Laboratory, 4101 Limassol, Cyprus
- Biomechanics
and Living Systems Analysis Laboratory, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Biomechanics
and Living Systems Analysis Laboratory, Cyprus University of Technology, 3036 Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Horacio Cabral
- Department
of Bioengineering, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo, Bunkyo, 113-8656 Tokyo, Japan
| | - Theodora Krasia-Christoforou
- Polymers
and Polymer Processing Laboratories, Department of Mechanical and
Manufacturing Engineering, University of
Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer
Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing
Engineering, University of Cyprus, 1678 Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Dwairy M, Reddy JN, Righetti R. Predicting stress and interstitial fluid pressure in tumors based on biphasic theory. Comput Biol Med 2023; 167:107651. [PMID: 37931527 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
The uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells causes the growth of the tumor mass. Consequently, the normal surrounding tissue exerts a compressive force on the tumor mass to oppose its expansion. These stresses directly promote tumor metastasis and invasion and affect drug delivery. In the past, the mechanical behavior of solid tumors has been extensively studied using linear elastic and nonlinear hyperelastic constitutive models. In this study, we develop a two-dimensional biomechanical model based on the biphasic assumption of the solid matrix and fluid phase of the tissues. Heterogeneous vasculature and nonuniform blood perfusion are also investigated by incorporating in the model a necrotic core and a well-vascularized zone. The findings of our study demonstrate a significant difference between the linear and nonlinear tissue responses to stress, while the interstitial fluid pressure (IFP) distribution is found to be independent of the constitutive model. The proposed biphasic model may be useful for elasticity imaging techniques aiming at predicting stress and IFP in tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mutaz Dwairy
- Department of Civil Engineering, Yarmouk University, Irbid, 21163, Jordan.
| | - J N Reddy
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Raffaella Righetti
- Department of Electrical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Xin Y, Li K, Huang M, Liang C, Siemann D, Wu L, Tan Y, Tang X. Biophysics in tumor growth and progression: from single mechano-sensitive molecules to mechanomedicine. Oncogene 2023; 42:3457-3490. [PMID: 37864030 PMCID: PMC10656290 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02844-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 10/22/2023]
Abstract
Evidence from physical sciences in oncology increasingly suggests that the interplay between the biophysical tumor microenvironment and genetic regulation has significant impact on tumor progression. Especially, tumor cells and the associated stromal cells not only alter their own cytoskeleton and physical properties but also remodel the microenvironment with anomalous physical properties. Together, these altered mechano-omics of tumor tissues and their constituents fundamentally shift the mechanotransduction paradigms in tumorous and stromal cells and activate oncogenic signaling within the neoplastic niche to facilitate tumor progression. However, current findings on tumor biophysics are limited, scattered, and often contradictory in multiple contexts. Systematic understanding of how biophysical cues influence tumor pathophysiology is still lacking. This review discusses recent different schools of findings in tumor biophysics that have arisen from multi-scale mechanobiology and the cutting-edge technologies. These findings range from the molecular and cellular to the whole tissue level and feature functional crosstalk between mechanotransduction and oncogenic signaling. We highlight the potential of these anomalous physical alterations as new therapeutic targets for cancer mechanomedicine. This framework reconciles opposing opinions in the field, proposes new directions for future cancer research, and conceptualizes novel mechanomedicine landscape to overcome the inherent shortcomings of conventional cancer diagnosis and therapies.
Collapse
Grants
- R35 GM150812 NIGMS NIH HHS
- This work was financially supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China (Project no. 11972316, Y.T.), Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission (Project no. JCYJ20200109142001798, SGDX2020110309520303, and JCYJ20220531091002006, Y.T.), General Research Fund of Hong Kong Research Grant Council (PolyU 15214320, Y. T.), Health and Medical Research Fund (HMRF18191421, Y.T.), Hong Kong Polytechnic University (1-CD75, 1-ZE2M, and 1-ZVY1, Y.T.), the Cancer Pilot Research Award from UF Health Cancer Center (X. T.), the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health under award number R35GM150812 (X. T.), the National Science Foundation under grant number 2308574 (X. T.), the Air Force Office of Scientific Research under award number FA9550-23-1-0393 (X. T.), the University Scholar Program (X. T.), UF Research Opportunity Seed Fund (X. T.), the Gatorade Award (X. T.), and the National Science Foundation REU Site at UF: Engineering for Healthcare (Douglas Spearot and Malisa Sarntinoranont). We are deeply grateful for the insightful discussions with and generous support from all members of Tang (UF)’s and Tan (PolyU)’s laboratories and all staff members of the MAE/BME/ECE/Health Cancer Center at UF and BME at PolyU.
- National Natural Science Foundation of China (National Science Foundation of China)
- Shenzhen Science and Technology Innovation Commission
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xin
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Keming Li
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China
| | - Miao Huang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Chenyu Liang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Dietmar Siemann
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Lizi Wu
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA
| | - Youhua Tan
- The Hong Kong Polytechnic University Shenzhen Research Institute, Shenzhen, China.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
- Research Institute of Smart Ageing, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Herbert Wertheim College of Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- UF Health Cancer Center, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- J. Crayton Pruitt Family Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
- Department of Physiology and Functional Genomics, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Zhang S, Grifno G, Passaro R, Regan K, Zheng S, Hadzipasic M, Banerji R, O'Connor L, Chu V, Kim SY, Yang J, Shi L, Karrobi K, Roblyer D, Grinstaff MW, Nia HT. Intravital measurements of solid stresses in tumours reveal length-scale and microenvironmentally dependent force transmission. Nat Biomed Eng 2023; 7:1473-1492. [PMID: 37640900 PMCID: PMC10836235 DOI: 10.1038/s41551-023-01080-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
In cancer, solid stresses impede the delivery of therapeutics to tumours and the trafficking and tumour infiltration of immune cells. Understanding such consequences and the origin of solid stresses requires their probing in vivo at the cellular scale. Here we report a method for performing volumetric and longitudinal measurements of solid stresses in vivo, and findings from its applicability to tumours. We used multimodal intravital microscopy of fluorescently labelled polyacrylamide beads injected in breast tumours in mice as well as mathematical modelling to compare solid stresses at the single-cell and tissue scales, in primary and metastatic tumours, in vitro and in mice, and in live mice and post-mortem tissue. We found that solid-stress transmission is scale dependent, with tumour cells experiencing lower stresses than their embedding tissue, and that tumour cells in lung metastases experience substantially higher solid stresses than those in the primary tumours. The dependence of solid stresses on length scale and the microenvironment may inform the development of therapeutics that sensitize cancer cells to such mechanical forces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sue Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Gabrielle Grifno
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rachel Passaro
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kathryn Regan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Siyi Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Muhamed Hadzipasic
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Rohin Banerji
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Logan O'Connor
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Vinson Chu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Sung Yeon Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Jiarui Yang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Linzheng Shi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Kavon Karrobi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Darren Roblyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mark W Grinstaff
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Hadi T Nia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Kuznetsov M, Kolobov A. Optimization of Size of Nanosensitizers for Antitumor Radiotherapy Using Mathematical Modeling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11806. [PMID: 37511566 PMCID: PMC10380738 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/19/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The efficacy of antitumor radiotherapy can be enhanced by utilizing nonradioactive nanoparticles that emit secondary radiation when activated by a primary beam. They consist of small volumes of a radiosensitizing substance embedded within a polymer layer, which is coated with tumor-specific antibodies. The efficiency of nanosensitizers relies on their successful delivery to the tumor, which depends on their size. Increasing their size leads to a higher concentration of active substance; however, it hinders the penetration of nanosensitizers through tumor capillaries, slows down their movement through the tissue, and accelerates their clearance. In this study, we present a mathematical model of tumor growth and radiotherapy with the use of intravenously administered tumor-specific nanosensitizers. Our findings indicate that their optimal size for achieving maximum tumor radiosensitization following a single injection of their fixed total volume depends on the permeability of the tumor capillaries. Considering physiologically plausible spectra of capillary pore radii, with a nanoparticle polymer layer width of 7 nm, the optimal radius of nanoparticles falls within the range of 13-17 nm. The upper value is attained when considering an extreme spectrum of capillary pores.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maxim Kuznetsov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 53, Leninskiy Prospekt, Moscow 119991, Russia
| | - Andrey Kolobov
- P.N. Lebedev Physical Institute of the Russian Academy of Sciences, 53, Leninskiy Prospekt, Moscow 119991, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Bagher-Ebadian H, Brown SL, Ghassemi MM, Nagaraja TN, Movsas B, Ewing JR, Chetty IJ. Radiomics characterization of tissues in an animal brain tumor model imaged using dynamic contrast enhanced (DCE) MRI. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10693. [PMID: 37394559 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37723-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we investigate radiomics-based characterization of tumor vascular and microenvironmental properties in an orthotopic rat brain tumor model measured using dynamic-contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI. Thirty-two immune compromised-RNU rats implanted with human U-251N cancer cells were imaged using DCE-MRI (7Tesla, Dual-Gradient-Echo). The aim was to perform pharmacokinetic analysis using a nested model (NM) selection technique to classify brain regions according to vasculature properties considered as the source of truth. A two-dimensional convolutional-based radiomics analysis was performed on the raw-DCE-MRI of the rat brains to generate dynamic radiomics maps. The raw-DCE-MRI and respective radiomics maps were used to build 28 unsupervised Kohonen self-organizing-maps (K-SOMs). A Silhouette-Coefficient (SC), k-fold Nested-Cross-Validation (k-fold-NCV), and feature engineering analyses were performed on the K-SOMs' feature spaces to quantify the distinction power of radiomics features compared to raw-DCE-MRI for classification of different Nested Models. Results showed that eight radiomics features outperformed respective raw-DCE-MRI in prediction of the three nested models. The average percent difference in SCs between radiomics features and raw-DCE-MRI was: 29.875% ± 12.922%, p < 0.001. This work establishes an important first step toward spatiotemporal characterization of brain regions using radiomics signatures, which is fundamental toward staging of tumors and evaluation of tumor response to different treatments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Bagher-Ebadian
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA.
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA.
| | - Stephen L Brown
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Mohammad M Ghassemi
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tavarekere N Nagaraja
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Benjamin Movsas
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - James R Ewing
- Department of Radiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| | - Indrin J Chetty
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Henry Ford Health, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, 48309, USA
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, 48202, USA
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Mechanotransduction in tumor dynamics modeling. Phys Life Rev 2023; 44:279-301. [PMID: 36841159 DOI: 10.1016/j.plrev.2023.01.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotherapy is a groundbreaking approach to impact carcinogenesis. Cells sense and respond to mechanical stimuli, translating them into biochemical signals in a process known as mechanotransduction. The impact of stress on tumor growth has been studied in the last three decades, and many papers highlight the role of mechanics as a critical self-inducer of tumor fate at the in vitro and in vivo biological levels. Meanwhile, mathematical models attempt to determine laws to reproduce tumor dynamics. This review discusses biological mechanotransduction mechanisms and mathematical-biomechanical models together. The aim is to provide a common framework for the different approaches that have emerged in the literature from the perspective of tumor avascularity and to provide insight into emerging mechanotherapies that have attracted interest in recent years.
Collapse
|
11
|
Pancreatic Cancer Presents Distinct Nanomechanical Properties During Progression. Ann Biomed Eng 2023:10.1007/s10439-023-03168-3. [PMID: 36813931 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-023-03168-3] [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: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is closely related to changes in the structure and mechanical properties of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In many solid tumors, including pancreatic cancer, the interplay among the different components of the TME leads to a desmoplastic reaction mainly due to collagen overproduction. Desmoplasia is responsible for the stiffening of the tumor, poses a major barrier to effective drug delivery and has been associated with poor prognosis. The understanding of the involved mechanisms in desmoplasia and the identification of nanomechanical and collagen-based properties that characterize the state of a particular tumor can lead to the development of novel diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers. In this study, in vitro experiments were conducted using two human pancreatic cell lines. Morphological and cytoskeleton characteristics, cells' stiffness and invasive properties were assessed using optical and atomic force microscopy techniques and cell spheroid invasion assay. Subsequently, the two cell lines were used to develop orthotopic pancreatic tumor models. Tissue biopsies were collected at different times of tumor growth for the study of the nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties of the tissue using Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) and picrosirius red polarization microscopy, respectively. The results from the in vitro experiments demonstrated that the more invasive cells are softer and present a more elongated shape with more oriented F-actin stress fibers. Furthermore, ex vivo studies of orthotopic tumor biopsies on MIAPaCa-2 and BxPC-3 murine tumor models highlighted that pancreatic cancer presents distinct nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties relevant to cancer progression. The stiffness spectrums (in terms of Young's modulus values) showed that the higher elasticity distributions were increasing during cancer progression mainly due desmoplasia (collagen overproduction), while a lower elasticity peak was evident - due to cancer cells softening - on both tumor models. Optical microscopy studies highlighted that collagen content increases while collagen fibers tend to form align patterns. Consequently, during cancer progression nanomechanical and collagen-based optical properties alter in relation to changes in collagen content. Therefore, they have the potential to be used as novel biomarkers for assessing and monitoring tumor progression and treatment outcomes.
Collapse
|
12
|
In-silico study of asymmetric remodeling of tumors in response to external biochemical stimuli. Sci Rep 2023; 13:941. [PMID: 36653410 PMCID: PMC9849277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-26891-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Among different hallmarks of cancer, understanding biomechanics of tumor growth and remodeling benefits the most from the theoretical framework of continuum mechanics. Tumor remodeling initiates when cancer cells seek new homeostasis in response to the microenvironmental stimuli. Cells within a growing tumor are capable to remodel their inter- and intra-connections and become more mobile to achieve a new homeostasis. This mobility enables the tumor to undergo large deformation. In this work, we studied the remodeling of homogeneous tumors, at their early stage of growth, in the context of continuum mechanics. We developed an evolution law for the remodeling-associated deformation which correlates the remodeling to a characteristic tensor of external stimuli. The asymmetric remodeling and the induced mechanical stresses were analyzed for different types of biochemical distributions. To experimentally investigate the model, we studied the remodeling of human glioblastoma (hGB) tumoroids in response to the gradient of nutrients. Using a tumoroid-on-a-chip platform, the degree of remodeling was estimated for the ellipsoidal tumoroids over time. It was observed that higher gradient of nutrients induces higher degree of ellipticity suggesting that the gradient of nutrient is a characteristic property of nutrient distribution that derives the remodeling. We also showed that remodeling gives rise to heterogeneity in cell distribution forming circumferentially aligned cells within the tumors. Compared to the existing studies on tumor growth, our work provides a biomechanical module that relates the remodeling to biochemical stimuli, and allows for large deformation. It also includes experimental component, a necessary but challenging step, that connects the theory and reality to evaluate the practicability of the model.
Collapse
|
13
|
Dhara V, Shetty SS, de Arruda JAA, Silva TA, Russo RC, Shetty NJ, Pidaparthi M, Wollenberg B, Rao VUS, Gopinath TPS. Decoding the influence of the immune system and immunotherapy targets on carcinomas: A hidden prism in oral cancer therapy. Dis Mon 2023; 69:101353. [PMID: 35311656 DOI: 10.1016/j.disamonth.2022.101353] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In recent decades, understanding tumorigenesis and the complex interaction between the host and the immune system has been the pillar for significant advances in anticancer therapy. Conventional anticancer therapy (e.g., cut, burn, and cytotoxic drugs) involves multiple targeting of tumor cells. However, the tumor tissue microenvironment can present a dysregulated, stimulating, or subverted immune response which, in turn, reveals pro-tumor activities favoring tumor expansion and progression. Recently, new potential targets have been identified based on immunomodulatory therapies, which are crafted to re-establish the host anti-tumoral immune response. Clinicians should fully understand the intricate interactions between carcinogens, the tumor milieu, the immune system, and traditional anticancer therapies in order to progress and to overcome the refractory/recurrent challenges and morbidity of the disease. Thus, in this article, we highlight the complex milieu of the oral cancer immune response, pointing out potential therapeutic immunotargets for oral squamous cell carcinomas. The impact of traditional anticancer therapy on the immune system is also outlined.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasantha Dhara
- Consultant Maxillofacial Surgeon, Hyderabad, Telangana, India
| | - Sameep S Shetty
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, A constituent of MAHE, Manipal, Karnataka, India.
| | - José Alcides Almeida de Arruda
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil.
| | - Tarcília Aparecida Silva
- Department of Oral Surgery, Pathology and Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Remo Castro Russo
- Laboratory of Pulmonary Immunology and Mechanics, Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Neetha J Shetty
- Department of Periodontology, Manipal College of Dental Sciences, Mangalore, Manipal Academy of Higher Education, A constituent of MAHE, Mangalore, Karnataka, India
| | | | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Klinik für Hals-, Nasen- und Ohrenheilkunde, Klinikum rechts der Isar der TU München, Ismaningerstraße 22, 81675 München, Germany
| | - Vishal U S Rao
- Department of Head and Neck Surgical Oncology, HealthCare Global Enterprises Ltd., Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Thilak P S Gopinath
- Nitte (Deemed to be University) , AB Shetty Memorial Institute of Dental Sciences (ABSMIDS) , Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Mangalore, India
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Ahmadian H, Mageswaran P, Walter BA, Blakaj DM, Bourekas EC, Mendel E, Marras WS, Soghrati S. Toward an artificial intelligence-assisted framework for reconstructing the digital twin of vertebra and predicting its fracture response. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2022; 38:e3601. [PMID: 35403831 PMCID: PMC9285948 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.3601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/10/2021] [Revised: 02/13/2022] [Accepted: 04/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This article presents an effort toward building an artificial intelligence (AI) assisted framework, coined ReconGAN, for creating a realistic digital twin of the human vertebra and predicting the risk of vertebral fracture (VF). ReconGAN consists of a deep convolutional generative adversarial network (DCGAN), image-processing steps, and finite element (FE) based shape optimization to reconstruct the vertebra model. This DCGAN model is trained using a set of quantitative micro-computed tomography (micro-QCT) images of the trabecular bone obtained from cadaveric samples. The quality of synthetic trabecular models generated using DCGAN are verified by comparing a set of its statistical microstructural descriptors with those of the imaging data. The synthesized trabecular microstructure is then infused into the vertebra cortical shell extracted from the patient's diagnostic CT scans using an FE-based shape optimization approach to achieve a smooth transition between trabecular to cortical regions. The final geometrical model of the vertebra is converted into a high-fidelity FE model to simulate the VF response using a continuum damage model under compression and flexion loading conditions. A feasibility study is presented to demonstrate the applicability of digital twins generated using this AI-assisted framework to predict the risk of VF in a cancer patient with spinal metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hossein Ahmadian
- Department of Integrated Systems EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Prasath Mageswaran
- Department of Integrated Systems EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Benjamin A. Walter
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Dukagjin M. Blakaj
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Eric C. Bourekas
- Department of Neurological SurgeryThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of RadiologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of NeurologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Ehud Mendel
- Department of Radiation OncologyThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Neurological SurgeryThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of OrthopedicsThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - William S. Marras
- Department of Integrated Systems EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| | - Soheil Soghrati
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
- Department of Materials Science and EngineeringThe Ohio State UniversityColumbusOhioUSA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Luo Z, Yao X, Li M, Fang D, Fei Y, Cheng Z, Xu Y, Zhu B. Modulating tumor physical microenvironment for fueling CAR-T cell therapy. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 185:114301. [PMID: 35439570 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell therapy has achieved unprecedented clinical success against hematologic malignancies. However, the transition of CAR-T cell therapies for solid tumors is limited by heterogenous antigen expression, immunosuppressive microenvironment (TME), immune adaptation of tumor cells and impeded CAR-T-cell infiltration/transportation. Recent studies increasingly reveal that tumor physical microenvironment could affect various aspects of tumor biology and impose profound impacts on the antitumor efficacy of CAR-T therapy. In this review, we discuss the critical roles of four physical cues in solid tumors for regulating the immune responses of CAR-T cells, which include solid stress, interstitial fluid pressure, stiffness and microarchitecture. We highlight new strategies exploiting these features to enhance the therapeutic potency of CAR-T cells in solid tumors by correlating with the state-of-the-art technologies in this field. A perspective on the future directions for developing new CAR-T therapies for solid tumor treatment is also provided.
Collapse
|
16
|
Mpekris F, Voutouri C, Panagi M, Baish JW, Jain RK, Stylianopoulos T. Normalizing tumor microenvironment with nanomedicine and metronomic therapy to improve immunotherapy. J Control Release 2022; 345:190-199. [PMID: 35271911 PMCID: PMC9168447 DOI: 10.1016/j.jconrel.2022.03.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Nanomedicine offered hope for improving the treatment of cancer but the survival benefits of the clinically approved nanomedicines are modest in many cases when compared to conventional chemotherapy. Metronomic therapy, defined as the frequent, low dose administration of chemotherapeutics – is being tested in clinical trials as an alternative to the conventional maximum tolerated dose (MTD) chemotherapy schedule. Although metronomic chemotherapy has not been clinically approved yet, it has shown better survival than MTD in many preclinical studies. When beneficial, metronomic therapy seems to be associated with normalization of the tumor microenvironment including improvements in tumor perfusion, tissue oxygenation and drug delivery as well as activation of the immune system. Recent preclinical studies suggest that nanomedicines can cause similar changes in the tumor microenvironment. Here, by employing a mathematical framework, we show that both approaches can serve as normalization strategies to enhance treatment. Furthermore, employing murine breast and fibrosarcoma tumor models as well as ultrasound shear wave elastography and contrast-enhanced ultrasound, we provide evidence that the approved nanomedicine Doxil can induce normalization in a dose-dependent manner by improving tumor perfusion as a result of tissue softening. Finally, we show that pretreatment with a normalizing dose of Doxil can improve the efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fotios Mpekris
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus; Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - James W Baish
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Bucknell University, Lewisburg, PA, USA
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Harkos C, Svensson SF, Emblem KE, Stylianopoulos T. Inducing Biomechanical Heterogeneity in Brain Tumor Modeling by MR Elastography: Effects on Tumor Growth, Vascular Density and Delivery of Therapeutics. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040884. [PMID: 35205632 PMCID: PMC8870149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040884] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Biomechanical forces aggravate brain tumor progression. In this study, magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) is employed to extract tissue biomechanical properties from five glioblastoma patients and a healthy subject, and data are incorporated in a mathematical model that simulates tumor growth. Mathematical modeling enables further understanding of glioblastoma development and allows patient-specific predictions for tumor vascularity and delivery of drugs. Incorporating MRE data results in a more realistic intratumoral distribution of mechanical stress and anisotropic tumor growth and a better description of subsequent events that are closely related to the development of stresses, including heterogeneity of the tumor vasculature and intrapatient variations in tumor perfusion and delivery of drugs. Abstract The purpose of this study is to develop a methodology that incorporates a more accurate assessment of tissue mechanical properties compared to current mathematical modeling by use of biomechanical data from magnetic resonance elastography. The elastography data were derived from five glioblastoma patients and a healthy subject and used in a model that simulates tumor growth, vascular changes due to mechanical stresses and delivery of therapeutic agents. The model investigates the effect of tumor-specific biomechanical properties on tumor anisotropic growth, vascular density heterogeneity and chemotherapy delivery. The results showed that including elastography data provides a more realistic distribution of the mechanical stresses in the tumor and induces anisotropic tumor growth. Solid stress distribution differs among patients, which, in turn, induces a distinct functional vascular density distribution—owing to the compression of tumor vessels—and intratumoral drug distribution for each patient. In conclusion, incorporating elastography data results in a more accurate calculation of intratumoral mechanical stresses and enables a better mathematical description of subsequent events, such as the heterogeneous development of the tumor vasculature and intrapatient variations in tumor perfusion and delivery of drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Constantinos Harkos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
| | - Siri Fløgstad Svensson
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway; (S.F.S.); (K.E.E.)
- Department of Physics, The Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, University of Oslo, 0371 Oslo, Norway
| | - Kyrre E. Emblem
- Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Department of Diagnostic Physics, Oslo University Hospital, 0372 Oslo, Norway; (S.F.S.); (K.E.E.)
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus;
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Nandalur KR, Colvin R, Walker D, Nandalur SR, Seifman B, Gangwish D, Hafron J. Benign prostate hyperplasia as a potential protective factor against prostate cancer: Insights from a magnetic resonance imaging study of compositional characteristics. Prostate 2021; 81:1097-1104. [PMID: 34375453 DOI: 10.1002/pros.24207] [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: 06/29/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 07/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The structural relationship between benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH) and prostate cancer (Pca) is controversial. The purpose of our study was to examine the association between quantitative prostate compositional metrics by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and Pca. METHODS We identified 405 patients who underwent prostate MRI and biopsy and/or prostatectomy from January 2019 to January 2021 at our institution. Segmentation volumetric methods were used to assess central gland (CG) and peripheral zone (PZ) volume. PZ mean thickness and mean apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC), marker of underlying histologic components, were measured. Multivariable logistic regression was performed with outcomes of ≥Grade Group (GG) 2 Pca and for multifocal disease. RESULTS On multivariable analysis, higher CG volumes were at lower odds of ≥GG2 disease (n = 227) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, p < 0.0001), taking into account PZ volume (p = 0.18) and thickness (p = 0.70). For every one cc increase in CG volume, there was an approximately 3% decrease in odds of ≥GG2 disease. Similar findings were noted for multifocal disease (n = 180) (OR: 0.97, 95% CI 0.96-0.98, p < 0.0001). Notably, ADC of the normal PZ was not significantly associated with CG volume (p = 0.21) nor a predictor of disease (p = 0.49). CONCLUSIONS Increasing central gland volume, driven by BPH, is associated with lower odds of significant Pca, including multifocal disease, while PZ anatomic and histologic surrogate changes were noncontributory. Findings support BPH impediment of global tumor growth predicted by theoretical mechanobiological model. This potential stabilizing factor should be further studied for risk stratification and in consideration for BPH therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kiran R Nandalur
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Robert Colvin
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - David Walker
- Department of Radiology and Molecular Imaging, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Sirisha R Nandalur
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Brian Seifman
- Department of Urology, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - David Gangwish
- Department of Urology, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| | - Jason Hafron
- Department of Urology, Oakland University William Beaumont Hospital School of Medicine, Royal Oak, Michigan, USA
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Asif PJ, Longobardi C, Hahne M, Medema JP. The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts in Cancer Invasion and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:4720. [PMID: 34572947 PMCID: PMC8472587 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13184720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 09/13/2021] [Accepted: 09/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play a key role in cancer progression by contributing to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodeling, extensive crosstalk with cancer cells, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. As metastasis is a main reason for cancer-related deaths, it is crucial to understand the role of CAFs in this process. Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous disease and lethality is especially common in a subtype of CRC with high stromal infiltration. A key component of stroma is cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). To provide new perspectives for research on CAFs and CAF-targeted therapeutics, especially in CRC, we discuss the mechanisms, crosstalk, and functions involved in CAF-mediated cancer invasion, metastasis, and protection. This summary can serve as a framework for future studies elucidating these roles of CAFs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Paris Jabeen Asif
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ciro Longobardi
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Michael Hahne
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, Université de Montpellier, 34090 Montpellier, France;
| | - Jan Paul Medema
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (P.J.A.); (C.L.)
- Oncode Institute, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Meibergdreef 9, 1105 AZ Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Combined Influence of Nutrient Supply Level and Tissue Mechanical Properties on Benign Tumor Growth as Revealed by Mathematical Modeling. MATHEMATICS 2021. [DOI: 10.3390/math9182213] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
A continuous mathematical model of non-invasive avascular tumor growth in tissue is presented. The model considers tissue as a biphasic material, comprised of a solid matrix and interstitial fluid. The convective motion of tissue elements happens due to the gradients of stress, which change as a result of tumor cells proliferation and death. The model accounts for glucose as the crucial nutrient, supplied from the normal tissue, and can reproduce both diffusion-limited and stress-limited tumor growth. Approximate tumor growth curves are obtained semi-analytically in the limit of infinite tissue hydraulic conductivity, which implies instantaneous equalization of arising stress gradients. These growth curves correspond well to the numerical solutions and represent classical sigmoidal curves with a short initial exponential phase, subsequent almost linear growth phase and a phase with growth deceleration, in which tumor tends to reach its maximum volume. The influence of two model parameters on tumor growth curves is investigated: tissue hydraulic conductivity, which links the values of stress gradient and convective velocity of tissue phases, and tumor nutrient supply level, which corresponds to different permeability and surface area density of capillaries in the normal tissue that surrounds the tumor. In particular, it is demonstrated, that sufficiently low tissue hydraulic conductivity (intrinsic, e.g., to tumors arising from connective tissue) and sufficiently high nutrient supply can lead to formation of giant benign tumors, reaching tens of centimeters in diameter, which are indeed observed clinically.
Collapse
|
21
|
Reye G, Huang X, Haupt LM, Murphy RJ, Northey JJ, Thompson EW, Momot KI, Hugo HJ. Mechanical Pressure Driving Proteoglycan Expression in Mammographic Density: a Self-perpetuating Cycle? J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2021; 26:277-296. [PMID: 34449016 PMCID: PMC8566410 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-021-09494-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Regions of high mammographic density (MD) in the breast are characterised by a proteoglycan (PG)-rich fibrous stroma, where PGs mediate aligned collagen fibrils to control tissue stiffness and hence the response to mechanical forces. Literature is accumulating to support the notion that mechanical stiffness may drive PG synthesis in the breast contributing to MD. We review emerging patterns in MD and other biological settings, of a positive feedback cycle of force promoting PG synthesis, such as in articular cartilage, due to increased pressure on weight bearing joints. Furthermore, we present evidence to suggest a pro-tumorigenic effect of increased mechanical force on epithelial cells in contexts where PG-mediated, aligned collagen fibrous tissue abounds, with implications for breast cancer development attributable to high MD. Finally, we summarise means through which this positive feedback mechanism of PG synthesis may be intercepted to reduce mechanical force within tissues and thus reduce disease burden.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gina Reye
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Xuan Huang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Larisa M Haupt
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, Genomics Research Centre, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), 60 Musk Ave, Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
| | - Ryan J Murphy
- School of Mathematical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
| | - Jason J Northey
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, 19104, USA
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Konstantin I Momot
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Honor J Hugo
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Gardens Point, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Kelvin Grove, QLD, 4059, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Rey JA, Ewing JR, Sarntinoranont M. A computational model of glioma reveals opposing, stiffness-sensitive effects of leaky vasculature and tumor growth on tissue mechanical stress and porosity. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2021; 20:1981-2000. [PMID: 34363553 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-021-01488-8] [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: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
A biphasic computational model of a growing, vascularized glioma within brain tissue was developed to account for unique features of gliomas, including soft surrounding brain tissue, their low stiffness relative to brain tissue, and a lack of draining lymphatics. This model is the first to couple nonlinear tissue deformation with porosity and tissue hydraulic conductivity to study the mechanical interaction of leaky vasculature and solid growth in an embedded glioma. The present model showed that leaky vasculature and elevated interstitial fluid pressure produce tensile stress within the tumor in opposition to the compressive stress produced by tumor growth. This tensile effect was more pronounced in softer tissue and resulted in a compressive stress concentration at the tumor rim that increased when tumor was softer than host. Aside from generating solid stress, fluid pressure-driven tissue deformation decreased the effective stiffness of the tumor while growth increased it, potentially leading to elevated stiffness in the tumor rim. A novel prediction of reduced porosity at the tumor rim was corroborated by direct comparison with estimates from our in vivo imaging studies. Antiangiogenic and radiation therapy were simulated by varying vascular leakiness and tissue hydraulic conductivity. These led to greater solid compression and interstitial pressure in the tumor, respectively, the former of which may promote tumor infiltration of the host. Our findings suggest that vascular leakiness has an important influence on in vivo solid stress, stiffness, and porosity fields in gliomas given their unique mechanical microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian A Rey
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO BOX 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA
| | - James R Ewing
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Hospital, Detroit, MI, USA
- Department of Physics, Oakland University, Rochester, MI, USA
- Department of Neurology, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Malisa Sarntinoranont
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University of Florida, PO BOX 116250, Gainesville, FL, 32611, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Fiorito M, Fovargue D, Capilnasiu A, Hadjicharalambous M, Nordsletten D, Sinkus R, Lee J. Impact of axisymmetric deformation on MR elastography of a nonlinear tissue-mimicking material and implications in peri-tumour stiffness quantification. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0253804. [PMID: 34242296 PMCID: PMC8270167 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0253804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumour growth is often associated with the accumulation of mechanical stresses acting on the surrounding host tissue. Due to tissue nonlinearity, the shear modulus of the peri-tumoural region inherits a signature from the tumour expansion which depends on multiple factors, including the soft tissue constitutive behaviour and its stress/strain state. Shear waves used in MR-elastography (MRE) sense the apparent change in shear modulus along their propagation direction, thereby probing the anisotropic stiffness field around the tumour. We developed an analytical framework for a heterogeneous shear modulus distribution using a thick-shelled sphere approximation of the tumour and soft tissue ensemble. A hyperelastic material (plastisol) was identified to validate the proposed theory in a phantom setting. A balloon-catheter connected to a pressure sensor was used to replicate the stress generated from tumour pressure and growth while MRE data were acquired. The shear modulus anisotropy retrieved from the reconstructed elastography data confirmed the analytically predicted patterns at various levels of inflation. An alternative measure, combining the generated deformation and the local wave direction and independent of the reconstruction strategy, was also proposed to correlate the analytical findings with the stretch probed by the waves. Overall, this work demonstrates that MRE in combination with non-linear mechanics, is able to identify the apparent shear modulus variation arising from the strain generated by a growth within tissue, such as an idealised model of tumour. Investigation in real tissue represents the next step to further investigate the implications of endogenous forces in tissue characterisation through MRE.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marco Fiorito
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Fovargue
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Adela Capilnasiu
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - David Nordsletten
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering and Cardiac Surgery, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Ralph Sinkus
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- U1148, INSERM, Hôpital Bichat, Paris, France
| | - Jack Lee
- School of Biomedical Engineering and Imaging Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Wang Y, Brodin E, Nishii K, Frieboes HB, Mumenthaler SM, Sparks JL, Macklin P. Impact of tumor-parenchyma biomechanics on liver metastatic progression: a multi-model approach. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1710. [PMID: 33462259 PMCID: PMC7813881 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78780-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer and other cancers often metastasize to the liver in later stages of the disease, contributing significantly to patient death. While the biomechanical properties of the liver parenchyma (normal liver tissue) are known to affect tumor cell behavior in primary and metastatic tumors, the role of these properties in driving or inhibiting metastatic inception remains poorly understood, as are the longer-term multicellular dynamics. This study adopts a multi-model approach to study the dynamics of tumor-parenchyma biomechanical interactions during metastatic seeding and growth. We employ a detailed poroviscoelastic model of a liver lobule to study how micrometastases disrupt flow and pressure on short time scales. Results from short-time simulations in detailed single hepatic lobules motivate constitutive relations and biological hypotheses for a minimal agent-based model of metastatic growth in centimeter-scale tissue over months-long time scales. After a parameter space investigation, we find that the balance of basic tumor-parenchyma biomechanical interactions on shorter time scales (adhesion, repulsion, and elastic tissue deformation over minutes) and longer time scales (plastic tissue relaxation over hours) can explain a broad range of behaviors of micrometastases, without the need for complex molecular-scale signaling. These interactions may arrest the growth of micrometastases in a dormant state and prevent newly arriving cancer cells from establishing successful metastatic foci. Moreover, the simulations indicate ways in which dormant tumors could "reawaken" after changes in parenchymal tissue mechanical properties, as may arise during aging or following acute liver illness or injury. We conclude that the proposed modeling approach yields insight into the role of tumor-parenchyma biomechanics in promoting liver metastatic growth, and advances the longer term goal of identifying conditions to clinically arrest and reverse the course of late-stage cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yafei Wang
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA
| | - Erik Brodin
- Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Kenichiro Nishii
- Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA
| | - Hermann B Frieboes
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- James Graham Brown Cancer Center, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
- Center for Predictive Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY, USA
| | - Shannon M Mumenthaler
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jessica L Sparks
- Department of Chemical, Paper and Biomedical Engineering, Miami University, Oxford, OH, USA.
| | - Paul Macklin
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Jo J, Abdi Nansa S, Kim DH. Molecular Regulators of Cellular Mechanoadaptation at Cell-Material Interfaces. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:608569. [PMID: 33364232 PMCID: PMC7753015 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.608569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Diverse essential cellular behaviors are determined by extracellular physical cues that are detected by highly orchestrated subcellular interactions with the extracellular microenvironment. To maintain the reciprocity of cellular responses and mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix, cells utilize a variety of signaling pathways that transduce biophysical stimuli to biochemical reactions. Recent advances in the micromanipulation of individual cells have shown that cellular responses to distinct physical and chemical features of the material are fundamental determinants of cellular mechanosensation and mechanotransduction. In the process of outside-in signal transduction, transmembrane protein integrins facilitate the formation of focal adhesion protein clusters that are connected to the cytoskeletal architecture and anchor the cell to the substrate. The linkers of nucleoskeleton and cytoskeleton molecular complexes, collectively termed LINC, are critical signal transducers that relay biophysical signals between the extranuclear cytoplasmic region and intranuclear nucleoplasmic region. Mechanical signals that involve cytoskeletal remodeling ultimately propagate into the nuclear envelope comprising the nuclear lamina in assistance with various nuclear membrane proteins, where nuclear mechanics play a key role in the subsequent alteration of gene expression and epigenetic modification. These intracellular mechanical signaling cues adjust cellular behaviors directly associated with mechanohomeostasis. Diverse strategies to modulate cell-material interfaces, including alteration of surface rigidity, confinement of cell adhesive region, and changes in surface topology, have been proposed to identify cellular signal transduction at the cellular and subcellular levels. In this review, we will discuss how a diversity of alterations in the physical properties of materials induce distinct cellular responses such as adhesion, migration, proliferation, differentiation, and chromosomal organization. Furthermore, the pathological relevance of misregulated cellular mechanosensation and mechanotransduction in the progression of devastating human diseases, including cardiovascular diseases, cancer, and aging, will be extensively reviewed. Understanding cellular responses to various extracellular forces is expected to provide new insights into how cellular mechanoadaptation is modulated by manipulating the mechanics of extracellular matrix and the application of these materials in clinical aspects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Dong-Hwee Kim
- KU-KIST Graduate School of Converging Science and Technology, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Zakaria MA, Rajab NF, Chua EW, Selvarajah GT, Masre SF. The Roles of Tissue Rigidity and Its Underlying Mechanisms in Promoting Tumor Growth. Cancer Invest 2020; 38:445-462. [PMID: 32713210 DOI: 10.1080/07357907.2020.1802474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tissues become more rigid during tumorigenesis and have been identified as a driving factor for tumor growth. Here, we highlight the concept of tissue rigidity, contributing factors that increase tissue rigidity, and mechanisms that promote tumor growth initiated by increased tissue rigidity. Various factors lead to increased tissue rigidity, promoting tumor growth by activating focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and Rho-associated kinase (ROCK). Consequently, result in recruitment of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor protection from immunosurveillance. We also discussed the rationale for targeting tumor tissue rigidity and its potential for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Asyaari Zakaria
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Programme, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Nor Fadilah Rajab
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Centre for Healthy Ageing and Wellness, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Eng Wee Chua
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Gayathri Thevi Selvarajah
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Department of Veterinary Clinical Studies, Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Serdang, Malaysia
| | - Siti Fathiah Masre
- Faculty of Health Sciences, Biomedical Science Programme, Centre for Toxicology & Health Risk Studies, Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Katsamba I, Evangelidis P, Voutouri C, Tsamis A, Vavourakis V, Stylianopoulos T. Biomechanical modelling of spinal tumour anisotropic growth. Proc Math Phys Eng Sci 2020; 476:20190364. [PMID: 32831581 DOI: 10.1098/rspa.2019.0364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2020] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Biomechanical abnormalities of solid tumours involve stiffening of the tissue and accumulation of mechanical stresses. Both abnormalities affect cancer cell proliferation and invasiveness and thus, play a crucial role in tumour morphology and metastasis. Even though, it has been known for more than two decades that high mechanical stresses reduce cancer cell proliferation rates driving growth towards low-stress regions, most biomechanical models of tumour growth account for isotropic growth. This cannot be valid, however, in tumours that grow within multiple host tissues of different mechanical properties, such as the spine. In these cases, structural heterogeneity would result in anisotropic growth of tumours. To this end, we present a biomechanical, biphasic model for anisotropic growth of spinal tumours. The model that accounts for both the fluid and the solid phase of the tumour was used to predict the evolution of solid stress and interstitial fluid pressure in intramedullary spinal tumours and highlight the differences between isotropic and anisotropic growth. Varying the degree of anisotropy, we found considerable differences in the shape of the tumours, leading to tumours of more realistic ellipsoidal shapes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Katsamba
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Pavlos Evangelidis
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | | | - Vasileios Vavourakis
- Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.,Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus.,Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Ohta K, Ikenaga M, Ueda M, Iede K, Tsuda Y, Nakashima S, Nojiri T, Matsuyama J, Endo S, Murata J, Kobayashi I, Tsujii M, Yamada T. Bridge to surgery using a self-expandable metallic stent for stages II-III obstructive colorectal cancer. BMC Surg 2020; 20:189. [PMID: 32819354 PMCID: PMC7441724 DOI: 10.1186/s12893-020-00847-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Bridge to surgery (BTS) using a self-expandable metallic stent (SEMS) for the treatment of obstructive colorectal cancer improves the patient's quality of life. This study aimed to examine prognostic factors of obstructive colorectal cancer. METHODS We analyzed stage II-III resectable colon cancer cases (Cur A) retrospectively registered between January 2005 and December 2017. Overall, 117 patients with Cur A obstructive colorectal cancer were evaluated: 67 of them underwent emergency surgery (ES Group) and 50 of them after BTS with SEMS placement (BTS group). We compared surgical results and prognoses between the two groups. RESULTS A total of 50 patients underwent endoscopic SEMS placement, which technical success of 96% and morbidity rate of 18%. Primary anastomosis rates were 77.6% in ES and 95.7% in BTS (p < 0.001); postoperative complication, 46.3% in ES and 10.5% in BTS (p < 0.001); pathological findings of lymphatic invasion, 66.7% in ES and 100% in BTS (p < 0.001); venous invasion were 66.8% in ES and 92% in BTS (p = 0.04); and recurrence of 25.4% in ES and 39.1% in BTS. The 3-year overall survival was significantly different between two groups (ES, 86.8%:BTS, 58.8%), BTS is worse than ES (log-rank test; p < 0.001). Venous invasion independently predicted worsened recurrence-free and overall survival. CONCLUSIONS The vascular invasiveness was correlated with tumor progression after SEMS placement, and the survival rate was lower in BTS. SEMS potentially worsens prognostic outcomes in stage II-III obstructive colorectal cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Ohta
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan. .,Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Kindai University Nara Hospital, 1248-1 Otoda-cho, Ikoma-city, Nara, 630-0293, Japan.
| | - Masakazu Ikenaga
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masami Ueda
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kiyotsugu Iede
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Yujiro Tsuda
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Nakashima
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takashi Nojiri
- Thoracic Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Jin Matsuyama
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shunji Endo
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan.,Digestive Surgery, Kawasaki Medical School, Okayama, Japan
| | - Jun Murata
- Gastroenterology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Ichizo Kobayashi
- Gastroenterology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Masahiko Tsujii
- Gastroenterology, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Terumasa Yamada
- Gastroenterological Surgery, Higashiosaka City Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Faghihi D, Feng X, Lima EABF, Oden JT, Yankeelov TE. A Coupled Mass Transport and Deformation Theory of Multi-constituent Tumor Growth. JOURNAL OF THE MECHANICS AND PHYSICS OF SOLIDS 2020; 139:103936. [PMID: 32394987 PMCID: PMC7213200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jmps.2020.103936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
We develop a general class of thermodynamically consistent, continuum models based on mixture theory with phase effects that describe the behavior of a mass of multiple interacting constituents. The constituents consist of solid species undergoing large elastic deformations and compressible viscous fluids. The fundamental building blocks framing the mixture theories consist of the mass balance law of diffusing species and microscopic (cellular scale) and macroscopic (tissue scale) force balances, as well as energy balance and the entropy production inequality derived from the first and second laws of thermodynamics. A general phase-field framework is developed by closing the system through postulating constitutive equations (i.e., specific forms of free energy and rate of dissipation potentials) to depict the growth of tumors in a microenvironment. A notable feature of this theory is that it contains a unified continuum mechanics framework for addressing the interactions of multiple species evolving in both space and time and involved in biological growth of soft tissues (e.g., tumor cells and nutrients). The formulation also accounts for the regulating roles of the mechanical deformation on the growth of tumors, through a physically and mathematically consistent coupled diffusion and deformation framework. A new algorithm for numerical approximation of the proposed model using mixed finite elements is presented. The results of numerical experiments indicate that the proposed theory captures critical features of avascular tumor growth in the various microenvironment of living tissue, in agreement with the experimental studies in the literature.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Danial Faghihi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, University at Buffalo
| | - Xinzeng Feng
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
| | | | - J. Tinsley Oden
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Mathematics, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Computer Science, The University of Texas at Austin
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin
| | - Thomas E. Yankeelov
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Diagnostic Medicine, The University of Texas at Austin
- Department of Oncology, The University of Texas at Austin
- Livestrong Cancer Institutes, The University of Texas at Austin
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Stylianou A, Gkretsi V, Louca M, Zacharia LC, Stylianopoulos T. Collagen content and extracellular matrix cause cytoskeletal remodelling in pancreatic fibroblasts. J R Soc Interface 2020; 16:20190226. [PMID: 31113335 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2019.0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In many solid tumours a desmoplastic reaction takes place, which results in tumour tissue stiffening due to the extensive production of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins, such as collagen, by stromal cells, mainly fibroblasts (FBs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). In this study, we investigated the effect of collagen stiffness on pancreatic FBs and CAFs, particularly on specific cytoskeleton properties and gene expression involved in tumour invasion. We found that cells become stiffer when they are cultured on stiff substrates and express higher levels of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Also, it was confirmed that on stiff substrates, CAFs are softer than FBs, while on soft substrates they have comparable Young's moduli. Furthermore, the number of spread FBs and CAFs was higher in stiffer substrates, which was also confirmed by Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 ( RAC1) mRNA expression, which mediates cell spreading. Although stress fibres in FBs become more oriented on stiff substrates, CAFs have oriented stress fibres regardless of substrate stiffness. Subsequently, we demonstrated that cells' invasion has a differential response to stiffness, which was associated with regulation of Ras homologue family member ( RhoA) and Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing protein kinase 1 ( ROCK-1) mRNA expression. Overall, our results demonstrate that collagen stiffness modulates FBs and CAFs cytoskeleton remodelling and alters their invasion properties.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Stylianou
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Maria Louca
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| | - Lefteris C Zacharia
- 2 Department of Life and Health Sciences, School of Sciences and Engineering, University of Nicosia , 1700 Nicosia , Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- 1 Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus , Nicosia 1678 , Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Giverso C, Di Stefano S, Grillo A, Preziosi L. A three dimensional model of multicellular aggregate compression. SOFT MATTER 2019; 15:10005-10019. [PMID: 31761911 DOI: 10.1039/c9sm01628g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Multicellular aggregates are an excellent model system to explore the role of tissue biomechanics, which has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in many physiological and pathological processes. In this paper, we propose a three-dimensional mechanical model and apply it to the uniaxial compression of a multicellular aggregate in a realistic biological setting. In particular, we consider an aggregate of initially spherical shape and describe both its elastic deformations and the reorganisation of the cells forming the spheroid. The latter phenomenon, understood as remodelling, is accounted for by assuming that the aggregate undergoes plastic-like distortions. The study of the compression of the spheroid, achieved by means of two parallel, compressive plates, needs the formulation of a contact problem between the living spheroid itself and the plates, and is solved with the aid of the augmented Lagrangian method. The results of the performed numerical simulations are in qualitative agreement with the biological observations reported in the literature and can also be used to estimate quantitatively some fundamental aggregate mechanical parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Giverso
- Department of Mathematical Sciences, Politecnico di Torino, Corso Duca degli Abruzzi, 24 - 10129 Torino, Italy.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Chen H, Cai Y, Chen Q, Li Z. Multiscale modeling of solid stress and tumor cell invasion in response to dynamic mechanical microenvironment. Biomech Model Mechanobiol 2019; 19:577-590. [PMID: 31571083 DOI: 10.1007/s10237-019-01231-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/23/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Mathematical models can provide a quantitatively sophisticated description of tumor cell (TC) behaviors under mechanical microenvironment and help us better understand the role of specific biophysical factors based on their influences on the TC behaviors. To this end, we propose an off-lattice cell-based multiscale mathematical model to describe the dynamic growth-induced solid stress during tumor progression and investigate the influence of the mechanical microenvironment on TC invasion. At the cellular level, cell-cell and cell-matrix interactive forces depend on the mechanical properties of the cells and the cancer-associated fibroblasts in the stroma, respectively. The constitutive relationship between the interactive forces and cell migrations obeys the Hooke's law and damping effects. At the tissue level, the integrated growth-induced forces caused by proliferating cells within the simulation region are balanced by the external forces applied by the surrounding host tissues. Then, the cell movements are calculated according to the Newton's second law of motion, and the morphology of TC invasion is updated. The simulation results reveal the continuous changes of the macroscopic mechanical forces due to the interactions among the structural components and the microscopic environmental factors. Moreover, the simulation results demonstrate the adverse effect of the stiffness of tumor tissue on tumor growth and invasion. A decrease in the stiffness of tumor and matrix can promote TCs to proliferate at a much faster rate and invade into the surrounding healthy tissue more easily, whereas an increase in the stiffness can lead to an aggressive morphology of tumor invasion. We envision that the proposed model can be served as a quantitative theoretical platform to study the underlying biophysical role of the mechanical microenvironmental factors during tumor invasion and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- H Chen
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China.,School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia
| | - Y Cai
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Q Chen
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China
| | - Z Li
- School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, Nanjing, 210096, China. .,School of Chemistry, Physics and Mechanical Engineering, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, 4001, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kalli M, Voutouri C, Minia A, Pliaka V, Fotis C, Alexopoulos LG, Stylianopoulos T. Mechanical Compression Regulates Brain Cancer Cell Migration Through MEK1/Erk1 Pathway Activation and GDF15 Expression. Front Oncol 2019; 9:992. [PMID: 31612114 PMCID: PMC6777415 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00992] [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: 07/15/2019] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanical compression is a common abnormality of brain tumors that has been shown to be responsible for the severe neurological defects of brain cancer patients representing a negative prognostic factor. Indeed, it is of note that patients that undergo resection exhibited higher survival rates than those subjected to biopsy only, suggesting that compressive forces generated during brain tumor growth play a key role in tumor progression. Despite the importance of mechanical compression in brain tumors, there is a lack of studies examining its direct effects on brain cancer cells and the mechanisms involved. In the present study, we used two brain cancer cell lines with distinct metastatic potential, the less aggressive H4 and the highly aggressive A172 cell lines, in order to study the effect of compression on their proliferative and migratory ability. Specifically, we used multicellular tumor spheroids (MCS) embedded in agarose matrix to show that compression strongly impaired their growth. Using mathematical modeling, we estimated the levels of compressive stress generated during the growth of brain MCS and then we applied the respective stress levels on brain cancer cell monolayers using our previously established transmembrane pressure device. By performing a scratch assay, we found that compression strongly induced the migration of the less aggressive H4 cells, while a less pronounced effect was observed for A172 cells. Analysis of the gene expression profile of both cell lines revealed that GDF15 and small GTPases are strongly regulated by mechanical compression, while GDF15 was further shown to be necessary for cells to migrate under compression. Through a phospho-proteomic screening, we further found that compressive stimulus is transmitted through the MEK1/Erk1 signaling pathway, which is also necessary for the migration of brain cancer cells. Finally, our results gave the first indication that GDF15 could regulate and being regulated by MEK1/Erk1 signaling pathway in order to facilitate the compression-induced brain cancer cell migration, rendering them along with small GTPases as potential targets for future anti-metastatic therapeutic innovations to treat brain tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | | | - Christos Fotis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Leonidas G Alexopoulos
- ProtATonce Ltd, Athens, Greece.,Department of Mechanical Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Stella GM, Kolling S, Benvenuti S, Bortolotto C. Lung-Seeking Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1010. [PMID: 31330946 PMCID: PMC6678078 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11071010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2019] [Revised: 07/13/2019] [Accepted: 07/17/2019] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastases from different cancer types most often affect the lung parenchyma. Moreover, the lungs are among the most frequent sites of growth of metastatic masses of uncertain/unknown lineage of origin. Thus, with regards to pulmonary neoplastic parenchymal nodules, the critical issue is to determine if they are IN the lung or OF the lung. In this review, we highlight the clinical, instrumental and molecular features which characterize lung metastases, mainly focusing on recently advancing and emerging concepts regarding the metastatic niche, inflammation, angiogenesis, immune modulation and gene expression. A novel issue is related to the analysis of biomechanical forces which cooperate in the expansion of tumor masses in the lungs. We here aim to analyze the biological, genetic and pathological features of metastatic lesions to the lungs, here referred to as site of metastatic growth. This point should be a crucial part of the algorithm for a proper diagnostic and therapeutic approach in the era of personalized medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Giulia M Stella
- Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Unit of Respiratory System Diseases, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy.
| | | | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Department of Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Chandra Bortolotto
- Department of Intensive Medicine, Unit of Radiology, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, 27100 Pavia, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Kontomaris SV, Stylianou A, Nikita KS, Malamou A, Stylianopoulos T. A simplified approach for the determination of fitting constants in Oliver-Pharr method regarding biological samples. Phys Biol 2019; 16:056003. [PMID: 31137017 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/ab252e] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
The atomic force microscopy (AFM) nanoindentation regarding biological samples is a challenging procedure. Biological samples at the nanoscale can be considered as purely elastic materials under the condition that the indentation depth is very small and the indenter is smooth. However, the indenters that are commonly used are pyramidal and in several cases the indentation depths are big comparing to the dimensions of the tip apex. Hence, pyramidal indenters usually cause a permanent damage to the sample. In this case, the best model that can be applied for the data processing is the Oliver-Pharr model which takes into account the elastic-plastic behavior of the sample. The Oliver-Pharr model is based on the fitting of the unloading load-indentation data to a power law equation. In this paper a simplified procedure which ensures the accurate fitting of the unloading load-indentation data to the Oliver-Pharr model is presented and validated on experimental data obtained from a human glioma cell line. It should be noted that the proposed method can be also applied for the data fitting in the case of purely elastic response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- S V Kontomaris
- Mobile Radio Communications Laboratory, School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece. Athens Metropolitan College, Athens, Greece. Author to whom any correspondence should be addressed
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Das J, Chakraborty S, Maiti TK. Mechanical stress-induced autophagic response: A cancer-enabling characteristic? Semin Cancer Biol 2019; 66:101-109. [PMID: 31150765 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2019.05.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2019] [Revised: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 05/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer mortality. Throughout the cascade of metastasis, cancer cells are exposed to both chemical and mechanical cues which influence their migratory behavior and survival. Mechanical forces in the milieu of cancer may arise due to excessive growth of cells in a confinement as in case of solid tumors, interstitial flows within tumors and due to blood flow in the vasculature as in case of circulating tumor cells. The focus of this review is to highlight the mechanical forces prevalent in the cancer microenvironment and discuss the impact of mechanical stresses on cancer progression, with special focus on mechanically induced autophagic response in cancer cells. Autophagy is a cellular homeostatic mechanism that a cell employs not only for recycling of damaged organelles and turnover of proteins involved in cellular migration but also as an adaptive response to survive through unfavourable stresses. Elucidation of the role of mechanically triggered autophagic response may lead to a better understanding of the mechanobiological aspects of metastatic cancer and unravelling the associated signaling mechanochemical pathways may hint at potential therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Joyjyoti Das
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| | - Tapas K Maiti
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur, West Bengal, 721302, India.
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pagé G, Tardieu M, Besret L, Blot L, Lopes J, Sinkus R, Van Beers BE, Garteiser P. Assessing Tumor Mechanics by MR Elastography at Different Strain Levels. J Magn Reson Imaging 2019; 50:1982-1989. [DOI: 10.1002/jmri.26787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2019] [Revised: 04/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Gwenaël Pagé
- Laboratory of Imaging BiomarkersUMR1149, INSERM‐University Paris Diderot Paris France
| | - Marion Tardieu
- Laboratory of Imaging BiomarkersUMR1149, INSERM‐University Paris Diderot Paris France
| | | | | | | | - Ralph Sinkus
- Laboratory of Vascular Translational ScienceUMR1148, INSERM‐University Paris Diderot Paris France
- Imaging Sciences and Biomedical EngineeringKing's College London London UK
| | - Bernard E. Van Beers
- Laboratory of Imaging BiomarkersUMR1149, INSERM‐University Paris Diderot Paris France
- Department of RadiologyBeaujon University Hospital Paris Nord Clichy France
| | - Philippe Garteiser
- Laboratory of Imaging BiomarkersUMR1149, INSERM‐University Paris Diderot Paris France
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Bregenzer ME, Horst EN, Mehta P, Novak CM, Raghavan S, Snyder CS, Mehta G. Integrated cancer tissue engineering models for precision medicine. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0216564. [PMID: 31075118 PMCID: PMC6510431 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0216564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors are not merely cancerous cells that undergo mindless proliferation. Rather, they are highly organized and interconnected organ systems. Tumor cells reside in complex microenvironments in which they are subjected to a variety of physical and chemical stimuli that influence cell behavior and ultimately the progression and maintenance of the tumor. As cancer bioengineers, it is our responsibility to create physiologic models that enable accurate understanding of the multi-dimensional structure, organization, and complex relationships in diverse tumor microenvironments. Such models can greatly expedite clinical discovery and translation by closely replicating the physiological conditions while maintaining high tunability and control of extrinsic factors. In this review, we discuss the current models that target key aspects of the tumor microenvironment and their role in cancer progression. In order to address sources of experimental variation and model limitations, we also make recommendations for methods to improve overall physiologic reproducibility, experimental repeatability, and rigor within the field. Improvements can be made through an enhanced emphasis on mathematical modeling, standardized in vitro model characterization, transparent reporting of methodologies, and designing experiments with physiological metrics. Taken together these considerations will enhance the relevance of in vitro tumor models, biological understanding, and accelerate treatment exploration ultimately leading to improved clinical outcomes. Moreover, the development of robust, user-friendly models that integrate important stimuli will allow for the in-depth study of tumors as they undergo progression from non-transformed primary cells to metastatic disease and facilitate translation to a wide variety of biological and clinical studies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael E. Bregenzer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Eric N. Horst
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Pooja Mehta
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Caymen M. Novak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Catherine S. Snyder
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
| | - Geeta Mehta
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Rogel Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- Macromolecular Science and Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Experimental and computational analyses reveal dynamics of tumor vessel cooption and optimal treatment strategies. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:2662-2671. [PMID: 30700544 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1818322116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Cooption of the host vasculature is a strategy that some cancers use to sustain tumor progression without-or before-angiogenesis or in response to antiangiogenic therapy. Facilitated by certain growth factors, cooption can mediate tumor infiltration and confer resistance to antiangiogenic drugs. Unfortunately, this mode of tumor progression is difficult to target because the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. Here, we analyzed the dynamics of vessel cooption during tumor progression and in response to antiangiogenic treatment in gliomas and brain metastases. We followed tumor evolution during escape from antiangiogenic treatment as cancer cells coopted, and apparently mechanically compressed, host vessels. To gain deeper understanding, we developed a mathematical model, which incorporated compression of coopted vessels, resulting in hypoxia and formation of new vessels by angiogenesis. Even if antiangiogenic therapy can block such secondary angiogenesis, the tumor can sustain itself by coopting existing vessels. Hence, tumor progression can only be stopped by combination therapies that judiciously block both angiogenesis and cooption. Furthermore, the model suggests that sequential blockade is likely to be more beneficial than simultaneous blockade.
Collapse
|
40
|
Computer simulations suggest that prostate enlargement due to benign prostatic hyperplasia mechanically impedes prostate cancer growth. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2019; 116:1152-1161. [PMID: 30617074 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1815735116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia are common genitourinary diseases in aging men. Both pathologies may coexist and share numerous similarities, which have suggested several connections or some interplay between them. However, solid evidence confirming their existence is lacking. Recent studies on extensive series of prostatectomy specimens have shown that tumors originating in larger prostates present favorable pathological features. Hence, large prostates may exert a protective effect against prostate cancer. In this work, we propose a mechanical explanation for this phenomenon. The mechanical stress fields that originate as tumors enlarge have been shown to slow down their dynamics. Benign prostatic hyperplasia contributes to these mechanical stress fields, hence further restraining prostate cancer growth. We derived a tissue-scale, patient-specific mechanically coupled mathematical model to qualitatively investigate the mechanical interaction of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia. This model was calibrated by studying the deformation caused by each disease independently. Our simulations show that a history of benign prostatic hyperplasia creates mechanical stress fields in the prostate that impede prostatic tumor growth and limit its invasiveness. The technology presented herein may assist physicians in the clinical management of benign prostate hyperplasia and prostate cancer by predicting pathological outcomes on a tissue-scale, patient-specific basis.
Collapse
|
41
|
The emergence of solid stress as a potent biomechanical marker of tumour progression. Emerg Top Life Sci 2018; 2:739-749. [PMID: 33530664 DOI: 10.1042/etls20180049] [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] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of dysregulated mechanics which alters cell behaviour, compromises tissue structure, and promotes tumour growth and metastasis. In the context of tumour progression, the most widely studied of biomechanical markers is matrix stiffness as tumour tissue is typically stiffer than healthy tissue. However, solid stress has recently been identified as another marker of tumour growth, with findings strongly suggesting that its role in cancer is distinct from that of stiffness. Owing to the relative infancy of the field which draws from diverse disciplines, a comprehensive knowledge of the relationships between solid stress, tumorigenesis, and metastasis is likely to provide new and valuable insights. In this review, we discuss the micro- and macro-scale biomechanical interactions that give rise to solid stresses, and also examine the techniques developed to quantify solid stress within the tumour environment. Moreover, by reviewing the effects of solid stress on tissues, cancer and stromal cells, and signalling pathways, we also detail its mode of action at each level of the cancer cascade.
Collapse
|
42
|
Angeli S, Emblem KE, Due-Tonnessen P, Stylianopoulos T. Towards patient-specific modeling of brain tumor growth and formation of secondary nodes guided by DTI-MRI. NEUROIMAGE-CLINICAL 2018; 20:664-673. [PMID: 30211003 PMCID: PMC6134360 DOI: 10.1016/j.nicl.2018.08.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2018] [Revised: 07/25/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Previous studies to simulate brain tumor progression, often investigate either temporal changes in cancer cell density or the overall tissue-level growth of the tumor mass. Here, we developed a computational model to bridge these two approaches. The model incorporates the tumor biomechanical response at the tissue level and accounts for cellular events by modeling cancer cell proliferation, infiltration to surrounding tissues, and invasion to distant locations. Moreover, acquisition of high resolution human data from anatomical magnetic resonance imaging, diffusion tensor imaging and perfusion imaging was employed within the simulations towards a realistic and patient specific model. The model predicted the intratumoral mechanical stresses to range from 20 to 34 kPa, which caused an up to 4.5 mm displacement to the adjacent healthy tissue. Furthermore, the model predicted plausible cancer cell invasion patterns within the brain along the white matter fiber tracts. Finally, by varying the tumor vascular density and its invasive outer ring thickness, our model showed the potential of these parameters for guiding the timing (83–90 days) of cancer cell distant invasion as well as the number (0–2 sites) and location (temportal and/or parietal lobe) of the invasion sites.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stelios Angeli
- Cancer Biophysics laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Kyrre E Emblem
- Department of Diagnostic Physics, Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Paulina Due-Tonnessen
- Department of Radiology, Division of Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Gkretsi V, Stylianopoulos T. Cell Adhesion and Matrix Stiffness: Coordinating Cancer Cell Invasion and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2018; 8:145. [PMID: 29780748 PMCID: PMC5945811 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00145] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2017] [Accepted: 04/20/2018] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process in which tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) and cancer cell cytoskeleton interactions are pivotal. ECM is connected, through integrins, to the cell’s adhesome at cell–ECM adhesion sites and through them to the actin cytoskeleton and various downstream signaling pathways that enable the cell to respond to external stimuli in a coordinated manner. Cues from cell-adhesion proteins are fundamental for defining the invasive potential of cancer cells, and many of these proteins have been proposed as potent targets for inhibiting cancer cell invasion and thus, metastasis. In addition, ECM accumulation is quite frequent within the tumor microenvironment leading in many cases to an intense fibrotic response, known as desmoplasia, and tumor stiffening. Stiffening is not only required for the tumor to be able to displace the host tissue and grow in size but also contributes to cell–ECM interactions and can promote cancer cell invasion to surrounding tissues. Here, we review the role of cell adhesion and matrix stiffness in cancer cell invasion and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Department of Life Sciences, Biomedical Sciences Program, School of Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Stylianopoulos T, Munn LL, Jain RK. Reengineering the Physical Microenvironment of Tumors to Improve Drug Delivery and Efficacy: From Mathematical Modeling to Bench to Bedside. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:292-319. [PMID: 29606314 PMCID: PMC5930008 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 334] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2018] [Revised: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 02/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Physical forces have a crucial role in tumor progression and cancer treatment. The application of principles of engineering and physical sciences to oncology has provided powerful insights into the mechanisms by which these forces affect tumor progression and confer resistance to delivery and efficacy of molecular, nano-, cellular, and immuno-medicines. Here, we discuss the mechanics of the solid and fluid components of a tumor, with a focus on how they impede the transport of therapeutic agents and create an abnormal tumor microenvironment (TME) that fuels tumor progression and treatment resistance. We also present strategies to reengineer the TME by normalizing the tumor vasculature and the extracellular matrix (ECM) to improve cancer treatment. Finally, we summarize various mathematical models that have provided insights into the physical barriers to cancer treatment and revealed new strategies to overcome these barriers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 1678, Cyprus.
| | - Lance L Munn
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| | - Rakesh K Jain
- Edwin L. Steele Laboratories, Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Voutouri C, Stylianopoulos T. Accumulation of mechanical forces in tumors is related to hyaluronan content and tissue stiffness. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0193801. [PMID: 29561855 PMCID: PMC5862434 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0193801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyaluronan is abundant in the extracellular matrix of many desmoplastic tumors and determines in large part the tumor biochemical and mechanical microenvironment. Additionally, it has been identified as one of the major physiological barriers to the effective delivery of drugs to solid tumors and its targeting with the use of pharmaceutical agents has shown to decompress tumor blood vessels, and thus improve tumor perfusion and efficacy of cytotoxic drugs. In this study, we investigated the contribution of hyaluronan to the accumulation of mechanical forces in tumors. Using experimental data from two orthotopic breast tumor models and treating tumors with two clinically approved anti-fibrotic drugs (tranilast and pirfenidone), we found that accumulation of growth-induced, residual forces in tumors are associated with hyaluronan content. Furthermore, mechanical characterization of the tumors revealed a good correlation of the accumulated forces with the elastic modulus of the tissue. Our results provide important insights on the mechano-pathology of solid tumors and can be used for the design of therapeutic strategies that target hyaluronan.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Kalli M, Stylianopoulos T. Defining the Role of Solid Stress and Matrix Stiffness in Cancer Cell Proliferation and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2018; 8:55. [PMID: 29594037 PMCID: PMC5857934 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2018.00055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 165] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2017] [Accepted: 02/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Solid tumors are characterized by an abnormal stroma that contributes to the development of biomechanical abnormalities in the tumor microenvironment. In particular, these abnormalities include an increase in matrix stiffness and an accumulation of solid stress in the tumor interior. So far, it is not clearly defined whether matrix stiffness and solid stress are strongly related to each other or they have distinct roles in tumor progression. Moreover, while the effects of stiffness on tumor progression are extensively studied compared to the contribution of solid stress, it is important to ascertain the biological outcomes of both abnormalities in tumorigenesis and metastasis. In this review, we discuss how each of these parameters is evolved during tumor growth and how these parameters are influenced by each other. We further review the effects of matrix stiffness and solid stress on the proliferative and metastatic potential of cancer and stromal cells and summarize the in vitro experimental setups that have been designed to study the individual contribution of these parameters.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Santagiuliana R, Pereira RC, Schrefler BA, Decuzzi P. Predicting the role of microstructural and biomechanical cues in tumor growth and spreading. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL FOR NUMERICAL METHODS IN BIOMEDICAL ENGINEERING 2018; 34:e2935. [PMID: 29083532 DOI: 10.1002/cnm.2935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2017] [Revised: 09/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/17/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
A continuum porous media model is developed for elucidating the role of the mechanical cues in regulating tumor growth and spreading. It is shown that stiffer matrices and higher cell-matrix adhesion limit tumor growth and spreading toward the surrounding tissue. Higher matrix porosities, conversely, favor the growth and the dissemination of tumor cells. This model could be used for predicting the response of malignant masses to novel therapeutic agents affecting directly the tumor microenvironment and its micromechanical cues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raffaella Santagiuliana
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genoa, 16163, Italy
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile Edile ed Ambientale, Università di Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
| | - Rui C Pereira
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genoa, 16163, Italy
| | - Bernhard A Schrefler
- Dipartimento di Ingegneria Civile Edile ed Ambientale, Università di Padova, Via Marzolo 9, 35131, Padova, Italy
- Institute for Advanced Study, Technische Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Paolo Decuzzi
- Laboratory of Nanotechnology for Precision Medicine, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia, Via Morego 30, Genoa, 16163, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Northcott JM, Dean IS, Mouw JK, Weaver VM. Feeling Stress: The Mechanics of Cancer Progression and Aggression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2018. [PMID: 29541636 PMCID: PMC5835517 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2018.00017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 222] [Impact Index Per Article: 37.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment is a dynamic landscape in which the physical and mechanical properties evolve dramatically throughout cancer progression. These changes are driven by enhanced tumor cell contractility and expansion of the growing tumor mass, as well as through alterations to the material properties of the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). Consequently, tumor cells are exposed to a number of different mechanical inputs including cell–cell and cell-ECM tension, compression stress, interstitial fluid pressure and shear stress. Oncogenes engage signaling pathways that are activated in response to mechanical stress, thereby reworking the cell's intrinsic response to exogenous mechanical stimuli, enhancing intracellular tension via elevated actomyosin contraction, and influencing ECM stiffness and tissue morphology. In addition to altering their intracellular tension and remodeling the microenvironment, cells actively respond to these mechanical perturbations phenotypically through modification of gene expression. Herein, we present a description of the physical changes that promote tumor progression and aggression, discuss their interrelationship and highlight emerging therapeutic strategies to alleviate the mechanical stresses driving cancer to malignancy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Josette M Northcott
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Ivory S Dean
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Janna K Mouw
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Valerie M Weaver
- Department of Surgery, Center for Bioengineering and Tissue Regeneration, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Department of Bioengineering and Therapeutic Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,Eli and Edythe Broad Center of Regeneration Medicine and Stem Cell Research, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States.,UCSF Helen Diller Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, United States
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kalli M, Papageorgis P, Gkretsi V, Stylianopoulos T. Solid Stress Facilitates Fibroblasts Activation to Promote Pancreatic Cancer Cell Migration. Ann Biomed Eng 2018; 46:657-669. [PMID: 29470747 DOI: 10.1007/s10439-018-1997-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic fibroblasts are continuously gaining ground as an important component of tumor microenvironment that dynamically interact with cancer cells to promote tumor progression. In addition, these tumor-infiltrated fibroblasts can acquire an activated phenotype and produce excessive amounts of extracellular matrix creating a highly dense stroma, a situation known as desmoplasia. Desmoplasia, along with the uncontrolled proliferation of cancer cells, leads to the development of compressive forces within the tumor, generating the so-called solid stress. Solid stress is previously shown to affect cancer cell proliferation and migration, however there is no pertinent study taking into account the effects of solid stress on fibroblasts and whether these effects contribute to tumor progression. In this work, we applied a defined compressive stress on pancreatic fibroblasts, similar in magnitude to that experienced by cells in native pancreatic tumors. Our results suggest that solid stress stimulates fibroblasts activation and strongly upregulates Growth Differentiation Factor-15 (GDF15) expression. Moreover, co-culture of compression-induced activated fibroblasts with pancreatic cancer cells significantly promotes cancer cell migration, which is inhibited by shRNA-mediated silencing of GDF15 in fibroblasts. Conclusively, our findings highlight the involvement of biophysical factors, such as solid stress, in tumor progression and malignancy revealing a novel role for GDF15.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Kalli
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vasiliki Gkretsi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, P.O. Box 20537, 1678, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Wijeratne PA, Hipwell JH, Hawkes DJ, Stylianopoulos T, Vavourakis V. Multiscale biphasic modelling of peritumoural collagen microstructure: The effect of tumour growth on permeability and fluid flow. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0184511. [PMID: 28902902 PMCID: PMC5597211 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0184511] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2017] [Accepted: 08/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We present an in-silico model of avascular poroelastic tumour growth coupled with a multiscale biphasic description of the tumour–host environment. The model is specified to in-vitro data, facilitating biophysically realistic simulations of tumour spheroid growth into a dense collagen hydrogel. We use the model to first confirm that passive mechanical remodelling of collagen fibres at the tumour boundary is driven by solid stress, and not fluid pressure. The model is then used to demonstrate the influence of collagen microstructure on peritumoural permeability and interstitial fluid flow. Our model suggests that at the tumour periphery, remodelling causes the peritumoural stroma to become more permeable in the circumferential than radial direction, and the interstitial fluid velocity is found to be dependent on initial collagen alignment. Finally we show that solid stresses are negatively correlated with peritumoural permeability, and positively correlated with interstitial fluid velocity. These results point to a heterogeneous, microstructure-dependent force environment at the tumour–peritumoural stroma interface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peter A. Wijeratne
- Department of Computer Science, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
| | - John H. Hipwell
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - David J. Hawkes
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Vasileios Vavourakis
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|