1
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Ayla S, Karakoc E, Byrne YY, Parlayan C, Keskin I, Karahuseyinoglu S, Taskiran A, Oktem G. Splicing variants of versican in CD133 +/CD44 + prostate cancer stem cells. Pathol Res Pract 2024; 260:155440. [PMID: 38964119 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2024.155440] [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: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
A cancer mass is composed of a heterogeneous group of cells, a small part of which constitutes the cancer stem cells since they are less differentiated and have a high capacity to develop cancer. Versican is an extracellular matrix protein located in many human tissues. The mRNA of versican has been shown to have "splicing patterns" as detected by RT-PCR, northern blot analysis, and cDNA sequencing. Based on this knowledge this study aims to reveal the splice variants of versican molecules, which are thought to be involved in the pathogenesis of the DU-145 human prostatic carcinoma cell line and prostatic cancer stem cells isolated from this cell line. In this study, RWPE-1 normal prostatic and DU-145 human prostate cancer cell lines have been used. Prostatic cancer stem cells and the remaining group of non-prostatic-cancer stem cells (bulk population) were isolated according to their CD133+/CD44+. RNA was isolated in all groups, and sequence analysis was accomplished for splicing variants by Illumina NextSeq 500 sequencing system. The results were analyzed by bioinformatic evaluation. As five isoforms of the versican gene in the differential transcript expression are analyzed, it was observed that a significant change was only found in the isoforms Versican 0 and Versican 1. In this study, we explored the function of this molecule which we think to be effective in cancer progression, and suggested that more valuable results can be obtained after the accomplishment of in vivo experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sule Ayla
- Istanbul Medeniyet University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul 34700, Turkey.
| | - Emre Karakoc
- Wellcome Sanger Institute, Cambridge, England, United Kingdom
| | - Yasemin Yozgat Byrne
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Cancer Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Beykoz, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
| | - Cuneyd Parlayan
- Bahçeşehir University School of Medicine, Department of Biostatistics and Medical Informatics, Sahrayıcedit, Istanbul 34353, Turkey
| | - Ilknur Keskin
- Research Institute for Health Sciences and Technologies (SABITA), Cancer Research Center, Istanbul Medipol University, Beykoz, Istanbul 34810, Turkey; Istanbul Medipol University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Istanbul 34810, Turkey
| | - Sercin Karahuseyinoglu
- Koc University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Sariyer, Istanbul 34450, Turkey
| | - Aysegul Taskiran
- Ege University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey
| | - Gulperi Oktem
- Ege University, School of Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, Bornova, Izmir 35100, Turkey
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2
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Alnassar N, Hajto J, Rumney RMH, Verma S, Borczyk M, Saha C, Kanczler J, Butt AM, Occhipinti A, Pomeroy J, Angione C, Korostynski M, Górecki DC. Ablation of the dystrophin Dp71f alternative C-terminal variant increases sarcoma tumour cell aggressiveness. Hum Mol Genet 2024:ddae094. [PMID: 38850567 DOI: 10.1093/hmg/ddae094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Alterations in Dp71 expression, the most ubiquitous dystrophin isoform, have been associated with patient survival across tumours. Intriguingly, in certain malignancies, Dp71 acts as a tumour suppressor, while manifesting oncogenic properties in others. This diversity could be explained by the expression of two Dp71 splice variants encoding proteins with distinct C-termini, each with specific properties. Expression of these variants has impeded the exploration of their unique roles. Using CRISPR/Cas9, we ablated the Dp71f variant with the alternative C-terminus in a sarcoma cell line not expressing the canonical C-terminal variant, and conducted molecular (RNAseq) and functional characterisation of the knockout cells. Dp71f ablation induced major transcriptomic alterations, particularly affecting the expression of genes involved in calcium signalling and ECM-receptor interaction pathways. The genome-scale metabolic analysis identified significant downregulation of glucose transport via membrane vesicle reaction (GLCter) and downregulated glycolysis/gluconeogenesis pathway. Functionally, these molecular changes corresponded with, increased calcium responses, cell adhesion, proliferation, survival under serum starvation and chemotherapeutic resistance. Knockout cells showed reduced GLUT1 protein expression, survival without attachment and their migration and invasion in vitro and in vivo were unaltered, despite increased matrix metalloproteinases release. Our findings emphasise the importance of alternative splicing of dystrophin transcripts and underscore the role of the Dp71f variant, which appears to govern distinct cellular processes frequently dysregulated in tumour cells. The loss of this regulatory mechanism promotes sarcoma cell survival and treatment resistance. Thus, Dp71f is a target for future investigations exploring the intricate functions of specific DMD transcripts in physiology and across malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nancy Alnassar
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Jacek Hajto
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Robin M H Rumney
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Suraj Verma
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Malgorzata Borczyk
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Chandrika Saha
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Janos Kanczler
- Bone & Joint Research Group, Department of Human Development and Health, University of Southampton, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, United Kingdom
| | - Arthur M Butt
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Annalisa Occhipinti
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Joanna Pomeroy
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
| | - Claudio Angione
- School of Computing, Engineering and Digital Technologies, Teesside University, Middlesbrough, Tees Valley TS1 3BX, United Kingdom
| | - Michal Korostynski
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Maj Institute of Pharmacology PAS, Smetna 12, Krakow 31155, Poland
| | - Dariusz C Górecki
- School of Pharmacy and Biomedical Sciences, University of Portsmouth, White Swan Road, Portsmouth PO1 2DT, United Kingdom
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3
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Mai Z, Lin Y, Lin P, Zhao X, Cui L. Modulating extracellular matrix stiffness: a strategic approach to boost cancer immunotherapy. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:307. [PMID: 38693104 PMCID: PMC11063215 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06697-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
The interplay between extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and the tumor microenvironment is increasingly recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression and the efficacy of immunotherapy. This review comprehensively discusses the key factors regulating ECM remodeling, including the activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and the accumulation and crosslinking of ECM proteins. Furthermore, it provides a detailed exploration of how ECM stiffness influences the behaviors of both tumor and immune cells. Significantly, the impact of ECM stiffness on the response to various immunotherapy strategies, such as immune checkpoint blockade, adoptive cell therapy, oncolytic virus therapy, and therapeutic cancer vaccines, is thoroughly examined. The review also addresses the challenges in translating research findings into clinical practice, highlighting the need for more precise biomaterials that accurately mimic the ECM and the development of novel therapeutic strategies. The insights offered aim to guide future research, with the potential to enhance the effectiveness of cancer immunotherapy modalities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zizhao Mai
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Yunfan Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Pei Lin
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China
| | - Xinyuan Zhao
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
| | - Li Cui
- Stomatological Hospital, School of Stomatology, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510280, Guangdong, China.
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4
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Crossley RM, Johnson S, Tsingos E, Bell Z, Berardi M, Botticelli M, Braat QJS, Metzcar J, Ruscone M, Yin Y, Shuttleworth R. Modeling the extracellular matrix in cell migration and morphogenesis: a guide for the curious biologist. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1354132. [PMID: 38495620 PMCID: PMC10940354 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1354132] [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: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a highly complex structure through which biochemical and mechanical signals are transmitted. In processes of cell migration, the ECM also acts as a scaffold, providing structural support to cells as well as points of potential attachment. Although the ECM is a well-studied structure, its role in many biological processes remains difficult to investigate comprehensively due to its complexity and structural variation within an organism. In tandem with experiments, mathematical models are helpful in refining and testing hypotheses, generating predictions, and exploring conditions outside the scope of experiments. Such models can be combined and calibrated with in vivo and in vitro data to identify critical cell-ECM interactions that drive developmental and homeostatic processes, or the progression of diseases. In this review, we focus on mathematical and computational models of the ECM in processes such as cell migration including cancer metastasis, and in tissue structure and morphogenesis. By highlighting the predictive power of these models, we aim to help bridge the gap between experimental and computational approaches to studying the ECM and to provide guidance on selecting an appropriate model framework to complement corresponding experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca M. Crossley
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Samuel Johnson
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Erika Tsingos
- Computational Developmental Biology Group, Institute of Biodynamics and Biocomplexity, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Zoe Bell
- Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, United Kingdom
| | - Massimiliano Berardi
- LaserLab, Department of Physics and Astronomy, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, Netherlands
- Optics11 life, Amsterdam, Netherlands
| | | | - Quirine J. S. Braat
- Department of Applied Physics and Science Education, Eindhoven University of Technology, Eindhoven, Netherlands
| | - John Metzcar
- Department of Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
- Department of Informatics, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN, United States
| | | | - Yuan Yin
- Wolfson Centre for Mathematical Biology, Mathematical Institute, University of Oxford, Oxford, United Kingdom
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5
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Samaržija I. The Potential of Extracellular Matrix- and Integrin Adhesion Complex-Related Molecules for Prostate Cancer Biomarker Discovery. Biomedicines 2023; 12:79. [PMID: 38255186 PMCID: PMC10813710 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12010079] [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: 11/18/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/26/2023] [Indexed: 01/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is among the top five cancer types according to incidence and mortality. One of the main obstacles in prostate cancer management is the inability to foresee its course, which ranges from slow growth throughout years that requires minimum or no intervention to highly aggressive disease that spreads quickly and resists treatment. Therefore, it is not surprising that numerous studies have attempted to find biomarkers of prostate cancer occurrence, risk stratification, therapy response, and patient outcome. However, only a few prostate cancer biomarkers are used in clinics, which shows how difficult it is to find a novel biomarker. Cell adhesion to the extracellular matrix (ECM) through integrins is among the essential processes that govern its fate. Upon activation and ligation, integrins form multi-protein intracellular structures called integrin adhesion complexes (IACs). In this review article, the focus is put on the biomarker potential of the ECM- and IAC-related molecules stemming from both body fluids and prostate cancer tissue. The processes that they are involved in, such as tumor stiffening, bone turnover, and communication via exosomes, and their biomarker potential are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Samaržija
- Laboratory for Epigenomics, Division of Molecular Medicine, Ruđer Bošković Institute, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
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6
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Khan SU, Fatima K, Malik F, Kalkavan H, Wani A. Cancer metastasis: Molecular mechanisms and clinical perspectives. Pharmacol Ther 2023; 250:108522. [PMID: 37661054 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2023.108522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic progression combined with non-responsiveness towards systemic therapy often shapes the course of disease for cancer patients and commonly determines its lethal outcome. The complex molecular events that promote metastasis are a combination of both, the acquired pro-metastatic properties of cancer cells and a metastasis-permissive or -supportive tumor micro-environment (TME). Yet, dissemination is a challenging process for cancer cells that requires a series of events to enable cancer cell survival and growth. Metastatic cancer cells have to initially detach themselves from primary tumors, overcome the challenges of their intravasal journey and colonize distant sites that are suited for their metastases. The implicated obstacles including anoikis and immune surveillance, can be overcome by intricate intra- and extracellular signaling pathways, which we will summarize and discuss in this review. Further, emerging modulators of metastasis, like the immune-microenvironment, microbiome, sublethal cell death engagement, or the nervous system will be integrated into the existing working model of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sameer Ullah Khan
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India
| | - Kaneez Fatima
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ASIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India
| | - Fayaz Malik
- Division of Cancer Pharmacology, CSIR-Indian Institute of Integrative Medicine, Jammu and Kashmir, India; Academy of Scientific and Innovative Research (ASIR), Ghaziabad 201002, India.
| | - Halime Kalkavan
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site University Hospital Essen, Essen, Germany.
| | - Abubakar Wani
- St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, 262 Danny Thomas Pl, Memphis, TN 38105, United States.
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7
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Ahmad M, Weiswald LB, Poulain L, Denoyelle C, Meryet-Figuiere M. Involvement of lncRNAs in cancer cells migration, invasion and metastasis: cytoskeleton and ECM crosstalk. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2023; 42:173. [PMID: 37464436 PMCID: PMC10353155 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02741-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is the main cause of death worldwide and metastasis is a major cause of poor prognosis and cancer-associated mortality. Metastatic conversion of cancer cells is a multiplex process, including EMT through cytoskeleton remodeling and interaction with TME. Tens of thousands of putative lncRNAs have been identified, but the biological functions of most are still to be identified. However, lncRNAs have already emerged as key regulators of gene expression at transcriptional and post-transcriptional level to control gene expression in a spatio-temporal fashion. LncRNA-dependent mechanisms can control cell fates during development and their perturbed expression is associated with the onset and progression of many diseases including cancer. LncRNAs have been involved in each step of cancer cells metastasis through different modes of action. The investigation of lncRNAs different roles in cancer metastasis could possibly lead to the identification of new biomarkers and innovative cancer therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Ahmad
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Damanhour University, Damanhour, 14000, Egypt
| | - Louis-Bastien Weiswald
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Laurent Poulain
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Christophe Denoyelle
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France
| | - Matthieu Meryet-Figuiere
- (Interdisciplinary Research Unit for Cancer Prevention and Treatment), Baclesse Cancer Centre, Université de Caen Normandie Inserm Anticipe UMR 1086, Normandie Univ, Research Building, F-14000 François 3 Avenue Général Harris, BP 45026, 14 076, cedex 05, Caen, France.
- Comprehensive Cancer Center François Baclesse, UNICANCER, Caen, France.
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8
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Kurma K, Alix-Panabières C. Mechanobiology and survival strategies of circulating tumor cells: a process towards the invasive and metastatic phenotype. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1188499. [PMID: 37215087 PMCID: PMC10196185 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1188499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic progression is the deadliest feature of cancer. Cancer cell growth, invasion, intravasation, circulation, arrest/adhesion and extravasation require specific mechanical properties to allow cell survival and the completion of the metastatic cascade. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) come into contact with the capillary bed during extravasation/intravasation at the beginning of the metastatic cascade. However, CTC mechanobiology and survival strategies in the bloodstream, and specifically in the microcirculation, are not well known. A fraction of CTCs can extravasate and colonize distant areas despite the biomechanical constriction forces that are exerted by the microcirculation and that strongly decrease tumor cell survival. Furthermore, accumulating evidence shows that several CTC adaptations, via molecular factors and interactions with blood components (e.g., immune cells and platelets inside capillaries), may promote metastasis formation. To better understand CTC journey in the microcirculation as part of the metastatic cascade, we reviewed how CTC mechanobiology and interaction with other cell types in the bloodstream help them to survive the harsh conditions in the circulatory system and to metastasize in distant organs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Keerthi Kurma
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (E LBS), Hamburg, Germany
| | - Catherine Alix-Panabières
- Laboratory of Rare Human Circulating Cells (LCCRH), University Medical Centre of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
- CREEC/CANECEV, MIVEGEC (CREES), University of Montpellier, CNRS, IRD, Montpellier, France
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (E LBS), Hamburg, Germany
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9
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Raskov H, Gaggar S, Tajik A, Orhan A, Gögenur I. The Matrix Reloaded-The Role of the Extracellular Matrix in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2057. [PMID: 37046716 PMCID: PMC10093330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/03/2023] Open
Abstract
As the core component of all organs, the extracellular matrix (ECM) is an interlocking macromolecular meshwork of proteins, glycoproteins, and proteoglycans that provides mechanical support to cells and tissues. In cancer, the ECM can be remodelled in response to environmental cues, and it controls a plethora of cellular functions, including metabolism, cell polarity, migration, and proliferation, to sustain and support oncogenesis. The biophysical and biochemical properties of the ECM, such as its structural arrangement and being a reservoir for bioactive molecules, control several intra- and intercellular signalling pathways and induce cytoskeletal changes that alter cell shapes, behaviour, and viability. Desmoplasia is a major component of solid tumours. The abnormal deposition and composition of the tumour matrix lead to biochemical and biomechanical alterations that determine disease development and resistance to treatment. This review summarises the complex roles of ECM in cancer and highlights the possible therapeutic targets and how to potentially remodel the dysregulated ECM in the future. Furthering our understanding of the ECM in cancer is important as the modification of the ECM will probably become an important tool in the characterisation of individual tumours and personalised treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hans Raskov
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark
| | - Shruti Gaggar
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark
| | - Asma Tajik
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark
| | - Adile Orhan
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Zealand University Hospital, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark
| | - Ismail Gögenur
- Center for Surgical Science, Zealand University Hospital, Lykkebækvej 1, 4600 Køge, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Medicine, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
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10
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Saha S, Pradhan N, B N, Mahadevappa R, Minocha S, Kumar S. Cancer plasticity: Investigating the causes for this agility. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:138-156. [PMID: 36584960 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is not a hard-wired phenomenon but an evolutionary disease. From the onset of carcinogenesis, cancer cells continuously adapt and evolve to satiate their ever-growing proliferation demands. This results in the formation of multiple subtypes of cancer cells with different phenotypes, cellular compositions, and consequently displaying varying degrees of tumorigenic identity and function. This phenomenon is referred to as cancer plasticity, during which the cancer cells exist in a plethora of cellular states having distinct phenotypes. With the advent of modern technologies equipped with enhanced resolution and depth, for example, single-cell RNA-sequencing and advanced computational tools, unbiased cancer profiling at a single-cell resolution are leading the way in understanding cancer cell rewiring both spatially and temporally. In this review, the processes and mechanisms that give rise to cancer plasticity include both intrinsic genetic factors such as epigenetic changes, differential expression due to changes in DNA, RNA, or protein content within the cancer cell, as well as extrinsic environmental factors such as tissue perfusion, extracellular milieu are detailed and their influence on key cancer plasticity hallmarks such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell stemness (CSCs) are discussed. Due to therapy evasion and drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity caused by cancer plasticity has major therapeutic ramifications. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend all the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control cellular plasticity. How this process evades therapy, and the therapeutic avenue of targeting cancer plasticity must be diligently investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shubhraneel Saha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Nikita Pradhan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Neha B
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562163, India
| | - Shilpi Minocha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Saran Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
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11
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Franchi M, Karamanos KA, Cappadone C, Calonghi N, Greco N, Franchi L, Onisto M, Masola V. Substrate Type and Concentration Differently Affect Colon Cancer Cells Ultrastructural Morphology, EMT Markers, and Matrix Degrading Enzymes. Biomolecules 2022; 12:1786. [PMID: 36551219 PMCID: PMC9775446 DOI: 10.3390/biom12121786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim of the study was to understand the behavior of colon cancer LoVo-R cells (doxorubicin-resistant) vs. LoVo-S (doxorubicin sensitive) in the initial steps of extracellular matrix (ECM) invasion. We investigated how the matrix substrates Matrigel and type I collagen-mimicking the basement membrane (BM) and the normal or desmoplastic lamina propria, respectively-could affect the expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, matrix-degrading enzymes, and phenotypes. Gene expression with RT-qPCR, E-cadherin protein expression using Western blot, and phenotypes using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) were analyzed. The type and different concentrations of matrix substrates differently affected colon cancer cells. In LoVo-S cells, the higher concentrated collagen, mimicking the desmoplastic lamina propria, strongly induced EMT, as also confirmed by the expression of Snail, metalloproteases (MMPs)-2, -9, -14 and heparanase (HPSE), as well as mesenchymal phenotypes. Stimulation in E-cadherin expression in LoVo-S groups suggests that these cells develop a hybrid EMT phenotype. Differently, LoVo-R cells did not increase their aggressiveness: no changes in EMT markers, matrix effectors, and phenotypes were evident. The low influence of ECM components in LoVo-R cells might be related to their intrinsic aggressiveness related to chemoresistance. These results improve understanding of the critical role of tumor microenvironment in colon cancer cell invasion, driving the development of new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Franchi
- Department for Life Quality Studies, University of Bologna, 47921 Rimini, Italy
| | | | - Concettina Cappadone
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Natalia Calonghi
- Department of Pharmacy and Biotechnologies, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Nicola Greco
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Leonardo Franchi
- Department of Medicine, University of Bologna, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Maurizio Onisto
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
| | - Valentina Masola
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padova, 35131 Padova, Italy
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Ionescu
- 7Th Surgical Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Surgical Department, Municipal Hospital, 400139, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139, Targu Mures, Romania.
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