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Ma Y, Lv H, Xing F, Xiang W, Wu Z, Feng Q, Wang H, Yang W. Cancer stem cell-immune cell crosstalk in the tumor microenvironment for liver cancer progression. Front Med 2024; 18:430-445. [PMID: 38600350 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1049-z] [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: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/12/2024]
Abstract
Crosstalk between cancer cells and the immune microenvironment is determinant for liver cancer progression. A tumor subpopulation called liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) significantly accounts for the initiation, metastasis, therapeutic resistance, and recurrence of liver cancer. Emerging evidence demonstrates that the interaction between liver CSCs and immune cells plays a crucial role in shaping an immunosuppressive microenvironment and determining immunotherapy responses. This review sheds light on the bidirectional crosstalk between liver CSCs and immune cells for liver cancer progression, as well as the underlying molecular mechanisms after presenting an overview of liver CSCs characteristic and their microenvironment. Finally, we discuss the potential application of liver CSCs-targeted immunotherapy for liver cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Ma
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongwei Lv
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Fuxue Xing
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Wei Xiang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Zixin Wu
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Qiyu Feng
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
| | - Wen Yang
- Cancer Research Center, First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230027, China.
- National Center for Liver Cancer, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 201805, China.
- International Co-operation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Naval Medical University (Second Military Medical University), Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Hepato-biliary Tumor Biology, Shanghai, 200438, China.
- Key Laboratory of Signaling Regulation and Targeting Therapy of Liver Cancer, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200438, China.
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Min K, Karuppannan SK, Tae G. The impact of matrix stiffness on hepatic cell function, liver fibrosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma-Based on quantitative data. BIOPHYSICS REVIEWS 2024; 5:021306. [PMID: 38846007 PMCID: PMC11151446 DOI: 10.1063/5.0197875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024]
Abstract
Over the past few decades, extensive research has explored the development of supportive scaffold materials for in vitro hepatic cell culture, to effectively mimic in vivo microenvironments. It is crucial for hepatic disease modeling, drug screening, and therapeutic evaluations, considering the ethical concerns and practical challenges associated with in vivo experiments. This review offers a comprehensive perspective on hepatic cell culture using bioscaffolds by encompassing all stages of hepatic diseases-from a healthy liver to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-with a specific focus on matrix stiffness. This review begins by providing physiological and functional overviews of the liver. Subsequently, it explores hepatic cellular behaviors dependent on matrix stiffness from previous reports. For hepatic cell activities, softer matrices showed significant advantages over stiffer ones in terms of cell proliferation, migration, and hepatic functions. Conversely, stiffer matrices induced myofibroblastic activation of hepatic stellate cells, contributing to the further progression of fibrosis. Elevated matrix stiffness also correlates with HCC by increasing proliferation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, metastasis, and drug resistance of HCC cells. In addition, we provide quantitative information on available data to offer valuable perspectives for refining the preparation and development of matrices for hepatic tissue engineering. We also suggest directions for further research on this topic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiyoon Min
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Sathish Kumar Karuppannan
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
| | - Giyoong Tae
- School of Materials Science and Engineering, Gwangju Institute of Science and Technology (GIST), Gwangju 61005, Republic of Korea
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Wang C, Dong R, Yang F, Zheng L, Liu Y, Yan Y, Zhang M, Ni B, Li J. LARP4B promotes hepatocellular carcinoma progression and impairs sorafenib efficacy by activating SPINK1-mediated EGFR pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:208. [PMID: 38693111 PMCID: PMC11063073 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-024-01985-6] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
La-related proteins (LARPs) regulate gene expression by binding to RNAs and exhibit critical effects on disease progression, including tumors. However, the role of LARP4B and its underlying mechanisms in the progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain largely unclear. In this study, we found that LARP4B expression is upregulated and correlates with poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Gain- and loss-of-function assays showed that LARP4B promotes stemness, proliferation, metastasis, and angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, LARP4B inhibition enhances the antitumor effects of sorafenib and blocks the metastasis-enhancing effects of low sorafenib concentrations in HCC. Mechanistically, LARP4B expression is upregulated by METTL3-mediated N6-methyladenosine (m6A)-IGF2BP3-dependent modification in HCC. RNA- and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP)- sequencing uncovered that LARP4B upregulates SPINK1 by binding to SPINK1 mRNA via the La motif and maintaining mRNA stability. LARP4B activates the SPINK1-mediated EGFR signaling pathway, which supports stemness, progression and sorafenib resistance in HCC. Additionally, a positive feedback loop with the LARP4B/SPINK1/p-AKT/C/EBP-β axis is responsible for the sorafenib-therapeutic benefit of LARP4B depletion. Overall, this study demonstrated that LARP4B facilitates HCC progression, and LARP4B inhibition provides benefits to sorafenib treatment in HCC, suggesting that LARP4B might be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuanxu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
- Chongqing International Institute for Immunology, Chongqing, China
| | - Feicheng Yang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hunan Normal University (Hunan Provincial People's Hospital), Changsha, China
| | - Lu Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yingling Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Yue Yan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Mengjie Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Bing Ni
- Department of Pathophysiology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Xinqiao Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China.
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Zheng H, Cao Z, Lv Y, Cai X. WTAP-mediated N6-methyladenine Modification of circEEF2 Promotes Lung Adenocarcinoma Tumorigenesis by Stabilizing CANT1 in an IGF2BP2-dependent Manner. Mol Biotechnol 2024:10.1007/s12033-024-01134-5. [PMID: 38619801 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-024-01134-5] [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: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/16/2024]
Abstract
N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is a common posttranscriptional RNA modification and plays an important role in cancer biology. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are also reported to participate in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) progression. Here, we aimed to investigate the functions of Wilms tumor 1-associating protein (WTAP) methyltransferase and circEEF2 in LUAD cell tumorigenesis, and probe whether circEEF2 functioned through WTAP-induced m6A modification and its potential mechanisms. Functional analyses were conducted by tube formation, sphere formation, 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU), flow cytometry, and transwell assays in vitro as well as tumor formation experiments in mice, respectively. The N6-methyladenine (m6A) modification in circEEF2 mRNA was determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (Me-RIP) assay. The interaction between IGF2BP2 (Insulin Like Growth Factor 2 MRNA-Binding Protein 2) and circEEF2 or Calcium-activated nucleotidase 1 (CANT1) mRNA was confirmed using RIP assay. LUAD tissues and cells showed high circEEF2 expression, and the deficiency of circEEF2 suppressed LUAD cell angiogenesis, stemness, proliferation, migration, and invasion. WTAP induced circEEF2 m6A modification. WTAP silencing repressed the oncogenic phenotypes of LUAD cells via stabilizing circEEF2 in an m6A-dependent manner. IGF2BP2 interacted with circEEF2 and CANT1, and WTAP and circEEF2 could regulate CANT1 expression through IGF2BP2. The inhibition of LUAD cell oncogenic phenotypes caused by circEEF2 deficiency was abolished by CANT1 overexpression. In addition, WTAP silencing impeded LUAD growth via modulating circEEF2 and CANT1 in vivo. WTAP-mediated m6A modification of circEEF2 promotes lung adenocarcinoma growth and tumorigenesis by stabilizing CANT1 through IGF2BP2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Lishui People's Hospital, 15, Dazhong Street, Liandu District 323000, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Zhuo Cao
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Lishui People's Hospital, 15, Dazhong Street, Liandu District 323000, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Yuankai Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Lishui People's Hospital, 15, Dazhong Street, Liandu District 323000, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiaoping Cai
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Lishui People's Hospital, 15, Dazhong Street, Liandu District 323000, Lishui City, Zhejiang Province, China.
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5
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Zhang X, Zhao Y, Li M, Wang M, Qian J, Wang Z, Wang Y, Wang F, Guo K, Gao D, Zhao Y, Chen R, Ren Z, Song H, Cui J. A synergistic regulation works in matrix stiffness-driven invadopodia formation in HCC. Cancer Lett 2024; 582:216597. [PMID: 38145655 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216597] [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: 09/15/2023] [Revised: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Growing evidence has suggested that increased matrix stiffness can significantly strengthen the malignant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells. However, whether and how increased matrix stiffness regulates the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells remain largely unknown. In the study, we developed different experimental systems in vitro and in vivo to explore the effects of matrix stiffness on the formation of invadopodia and its relevant molecular mechanism. Our results demonstrated that increased matrix stiffness remarkably augmented the migration and invasion abilities of HCC cells, upregulated the expressions of invadopodia-associated genes and enhanced the number of invadopodia. Two regulatory pathways contribute to matrix stiffness-driven invadopodia formation together in HCC cells, including direct triggering invadopodia formation through activating integrin β1 or Piezo1/ FAK/Src/Arg/cortactin pathway, and indirect stimulating invadopodia formation through improving EGF production to activate EGFR/Src/Arg/cortactin pathway. Src was identified as the common hub molecule of two synergistic regulatory pathways. Simultaneously, activation of integrin β1/RhoA/ROCK1/MLC2 and Piezo1/Ca2+/MLCK/MLC2 pathways mediate matrix stiffness-reinforced cell migration. This study uncovers a new mechanism by which mechanosensory pathway and biochemical signal pathway synergistically regulate the formation of invadopodia in HCC cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yingying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200080, PR China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Haiyan Song
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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Moreno-Londoño AP, Robles-Flores M. Functional Roles of CD133: More than Stemness Associated Factor Regulated by the Microenvironment. Stem Cell Rev Rep 2024; 20:25-51. [PMID: 37922108 PMCID: PMC10799829 DOI: 10.1007/s12015-023-10647-6] [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] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
CD133 protein has been one of the most used surface markers to select and identify cancer cells with stem-like features. However, its expression is not restricted to tumoral cells; it is also expressed in differentiated cells and stem/progenitor cells in various normal tissues. CD133 participates in several cellular processes, in part orchestrating signal transduction of essential pathways that frequently are dysregulated in cancer, such as PI3K/Akt signaling and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. CD133 expression correlates with enhanced cell self-renewal, migration, invasion, and survival under stress conditions in cancer. Aside from the intrinsic cell mechanisms that regulate CD133 expression in each cellular type, extrinsic factors from the surrounding niche can also impact CD33 levels. The enhanced CD133 expression in cells can confer adaptive advantages by amplifying the activation of a specific signaling pathway in a context-dependent manner. In this review, we do not only describe the CD133 physiological functions known so far, but importantly, we analyze how the microenvironment changes impact the regulation of CD133 functions emphasizing its value as a marker of cell adaptability beyond a cancer-stem cell marker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela Patricia Moreno-Londoño
- Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Mexico City, Mexico
| | - Martha Robles-Flores
- Department of Biochemistry, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), 04510, Mexico City, Mexico.
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Wu Y, Liang H, Luo A, Li Y, Liu Z, Li X, Li W, Liang K, Li J, Liu Z, Du Y. Gelatin-based 3D biomimetic scaffolds platform potentiates culture of cancer stem cells in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Biomaterials 2023; 302:122323. [PMID: 37717405 DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2023.122323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/09/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are crucial for tumorigenesis, metastasis, and therapy resistance in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). To further elucidate the mechanism underlying characteristics of CSCs and develop CSCs-targeted therapy, an efficient culture system that could expand and maintain CSCs is needed. CSCs reside in a complex tumor microenvironment, and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems of biomimetic scaffolds are expected to better support the growth of CSCs by recapitulating the biophysical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we established gelatin-based 3D biomimetic scaffolds mimicking the stiffness and collagen content of ESCC, which could enrich ESCC CSCs efficiently. Biological changes of ESCC cells laden in scaffolds with three different viscoelasticity emulating physiological stiffness of esophageal tissues were thoroughly investigated in varied aspects such as cell morphology, viability, cell phenotype markers, and transcriptomic profiling. The results demonstrated the priming effects of viscoelasticity on the stemness of ESCC. The highly viscous scaffolds (G': 6-403 Pa; G'': 2-75 Pa) better supported the enrichment of ESCC CSCs, and the TGF-beta signaling pathway might be involved in regulating the stemness of ESCC cells. Compared to two-dimensional (2D) cultures, highly viscous scaffolds significantly promoted the clonal expansion of ESCC cells in vitro and tumor formation ability in vivo. Our findings highlight the crucial role of biomaterials' viscoelasticity for the 3D culture of ESCC CSCs in vitro, and this newly-established culture system represents a valuable platform to support their growth, which could facilitate the CSCs-targeted therapy in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yenan Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Haiwei Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Aiping Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Zhiqiang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Xin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Wenxin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Kaini Liang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Junyang Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China
| | - Zhihua Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| | - Yanan Du
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Tsinghua-Peking Center for Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing, 100084, China.
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Feng M, Wang J, Li K, Nakamura F. UBE2A/B is the trans-acting factor mediating mechanotransduction and contact inhibition. Biochem J 2023; 480:1659-1674. [PMID: 37818922 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20230208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Mechanotransduction and contact inhibition (CI) control gene expression to regulate proliferation, differentiation, and even tumorigenesis of cells. However, their downstream trans-acting factors (TAFs) are not well known due to a lack of a high-throughput method to quantitatively detect them. Here, we developed a method to identify TAFs on the cis-acting sequences that reside in open chromatin or DNaseI-hypersensitive sites (DHSs) and to detect nucleocytoplasmic shuttling TAFs using computational and experimental screening. The DHS-proteomics revealed over 1000 potential mechanosensing TAFs and UBE2A/B (Ubiquitin-conjugating enzyme E2 A) was experimentally identified as a force- and CI-dependent nucleocytoplasmic shuttling TAF. We found that translocation of YAP/TAZ and UBE2A/B are distinctively regulated by inhibition of myosin contraction, actin-polymerization, and CI depending on cell types. Next-generation sequence analysis revealed many downstream genes including YAP are transcriptionally regulated by ubiquitination of histone by UBE2A/B. Our results suggested a YAP-independent mechanotransduction and CI pathway mediated by UBE2A/B.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingwei Feng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jiale Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Kangjing Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Fumihiko Nakamura
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, 92 Weijin Road, Nankai District, Tianjin 300072, China
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Gao X, Qian J, Zhang Y, Wang H, Cui J, Yang Y. Analysis of differential membrane proteins related to matrix stiffness-mediated metformin resistance in hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Proteome Sci 2023; 21:14. [PMID: 37740172 PMCID: PMC10517517 DOI: 10.1186/s12953-023-00216-7] [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: 08/05/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Our previous work shows that increased matrix stiffness not only alters malignant characteristics of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells, but also attenuates metformin efficacy in treating HCC cells. Here, we identified differential membrane proteins related to matrix stiffness-mediated metformin resistance for better understand therapeutic resistance of metformin in HCC. METHODS Differential membrane proteins in HCC cells grown on different stiffness substrates before and after metformin intervention were screened and identified using isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) labeling coupled with the liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS), then bioinformatic analysis were applied to determine candidate membrane protein and their possible signaling pathway. RESULTS A total of 5159 proteins were identified and 354 differential membrane proteins and membrane associated proteins, which might be associated with matrix stiffness-mediated metformin resistance were discovered. Then 94 candidate membrane proteins including 21 up-regulated protein molecules and 73 down-regulated protein molecules were further obtained. Some of them such as Annexin A2 (ANXA2), Filamin-A (FLNA), Moesin (MSN), Myosin-9 (MYH9), Elongation factor 2 (eEF2), and Tax1 binding Protein 3 (TAX1BP3) were selected for further validation. Their expressions were all downregulated in HCC cells grown on different stiffness substrates after metformin intervention. More importantly, the degree of decrease was obviously weakened on the higher stiffness substrate compared with that on the lower stiffness substrate, indicating that these candidate membrane proteins might contribute to matrix stiffness-mediated metformin resistance in HCC. CONCLUSIONS There was an obvious change in membrane proteins in matrix stiffness-mediated metformin resistance in HCC cells. Six candidate membrane proteins may reflect the response of HCC cells under high stiffness stimulation to metformin intervention, which deserve to be investigated in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangyu Gao
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Urumqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Urumqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, PR China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Institute of Biomedical Science, Fudan University, 131 Dong' an Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Heming Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 136 Yi Xue Yuan Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
| | - Yehong Yang
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, 12 Middle Urumqi Road, Shanghai, 200040, PR China.
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11
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Zhong X, Long H, Chen L, Xie Y, Shi Y, Peng J, Zheng R, Su L, Duan Y, Xie X, Lin M. Stiffness on shear wave elastography as a potential microenvironment biomarker for predicting tumor recurrence in HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma. Insights Imaging 2023; 14:147. [PMID: 37697029 PMCID: PMC10495298 DOI: 10.1186/s13244-023-01505-7] [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: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND To explore the pathologic basis and prognostic value of tumor and liver stiffness measured pre-operatively by two-dimensional shear wave elastography (2D-SWE) in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who undergo hepatic resection. METHODS A total of 191 HBV-infected patients with solitary resectable HCC were prospectively enrolled. The stiffness of intratumoral tissue, peritumoral tissue, adjacent liver tissue, and distant liver tissue was evaluated by 2D-SWE. The correlations between stiffness and pathological characteristics were analyzed in 114 patients. The predictive value of stiffness for recurrence-free survival (RFS) was evaluated, and Cutoff Finder was used for determining optimal cut-off stiffness values. Cox proportional hazards analysis was used to identify independent predictors of RFS. RESULTS Pathologically, intratumoral stiffness was associated with stroma proportion and microvascular invasion (MVI) while peritumoral stiffness was associated with tumor size, capsule, and MVI. Adjacent liver stiffness was correlated with capsule and liver fibrosis stage while distant liver stiffness was correlated with liver fibrosis stage. Peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, and distant liver stiffness were all correlated to RFS (all p < 0.05). Higher peritumoral stiffness (> 49.4 kPa) (HR = 1.822, p = 0.023) and higher adjacent liver stiffness (> 24.1 kPa) (HR = 1.792, p = 0.048) were significant independent predictors of worse RFS, along with tumor size and MVI. The nomogram based on these variables showed a C-index of 0.77 for RFS prediction. CONCLUSIONS Stiffness measured by 2D-SWE could be a tumor microenvironment and tumor invasiveness biomarker. Peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness showed important values in predicting tumor recurrence after curative resection in HBV-related HCC. CLINICAL RELEVANCE STATEMENT Tumor and liver stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography serve as imaging biomarkers for predicting hepatocellular carcinoma recurrence, reflecting biological behavior and tumor microenvironment. KEY POINTS • Stiffness measured by two-dimensional shear wave elastography is a useful biomarker of tumor microenvironment and invasiveness. • Higher stiffness indicated more aggressive behavior of hepatocellular carcinoma. • The study showed the prognostic value of peritumoral stiffness and adjacent liver stiffness for recurrence-free survival. • The nomogram integrating peritumoral stiffness, adjacent liver stiffness, tumor size, and microvascular invasion showed a C-index of 0.77.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Zhong
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Haiyi Long
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lili Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuhua Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yifan Shi
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Jianyun Peng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ruiying Zheng
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Liya Su
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yu Duan
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xiaoyan Xie
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Manxia Lin
- Department of Ultrasound, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, 58 Zhongshan Second Road, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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12
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Gong T, Wu D, Pan H, Sun Z, Yao X, Wang D, Huang Y, Li X, Guo Y, Lu Y. Biomimetic Microenvironmental Stiffness Boosts Stemness of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma via Augmented Autophagy. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5347-5360. [PMID: 37561610 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c00487] [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] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) features high recurrence rates and intensified lethality, accompanied by stiffening of the extracellular matrix (ECM) microenvironment, which is mainly due to the deposition, remodeling, and cross-linking of collagen. Boosted stemness plays an essential role during occurrence and progression, which indicates a poor prognosis. Therefore, it is of great importance to understand the effect of the underlying interaction of matrix stiffness and stemness on PDAC. For this purpose, a methacrylated gelatin (GelMA) hydrogel with tunable stiffness was applied for incubating MIA PaCa-2 and PANC-1 cells. The results demonstrated that compared to the soft group (5% GelMA, w/v), the expression of stemness-related genes (SOX2, OCT4, and NANOG) in the stiff group (10% GelMA, w/v) displayed pronounced elevation as well as sphere formation. Intriguingly, we also observed that matrix stiffness regulated autophagy of PDAC, which played a momentous role in stemness promotion. In order to clarify the underlying relationship between matrix stiffness-mediated cell autophagy and stemness, rescue experiments with rapamycin and chloroquine were conducted with transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, sphere formation, and qRT-PCR assays to evaluate the level of stemness and autophagy. For exploring the molecular mechanism in depth, RNA-seq and differential expression of miRNAs were carried out, which may sensor and respond to matrix stiffness during the regulation of stemness and autophagy. In conclusion, we validated that blocking autophagy repressed the stemness induced by matrix stiffness in PDAC and provided a potential therapeutic strategy for this aggressive cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiancheng Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Di Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haopeng Pan
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongxiang Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xihao Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Dongzhi Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yibing Guo
- Research Center of Clinical Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuhua Lu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Medical School of Nantong University, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
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13
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Lam KH, Ma S. Noncellular components in the liver cancer stem cell niche: Biology and potential clinical implications. Hepatology 2023; 78:991-1005. [PMID: 35727189 DOI: 10.1002/hep.32629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are now recognized as one of the major root causes of therapy failure and tumor recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Early studies in the field focused primarily on the intrinsic regulators of CSC maintenance, but in recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated the presence and role of extrinsic regulators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) in the control of liver CSCs. In addition to direct interaction with cellular components, noncellular components, including the extracellular matrix, hypoxia, nutrient deprivation, and secreted molecules within the tumor stroma and hepatitis viruses, also play a critical role in shaping the CSC niche. In this review, we highlight how various noncellular components in the TME play a role in regulating CSCs and how CSCs secrete components to interact with the TME to generate their own niche, working hand in hand to drive tumor physiology in HCC. In addition, we describe the potential clinical applications of these findings and propose perspectives on future research of noncellular components in the liver CSC niche.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ka-Hei Lam
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences , Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong , Shenzhen Hospital , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver Research , The University of Hong Kong , Hong Kong , Hong Kong
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14
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Safaei S, Sajed R, Shariftabrizi A, Dorafshan S, Saeednejad Zanjani L, Dehghan Manshadi M, Madjd Z, Ghods R. Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:143. [PMID: 37468874 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02992-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Accepted: 07/12/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadegh Safaei
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Roya Sajed
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Ahmad Shariftabrizi
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA, USA
- Division of Nuclear Medicine, Department of Radiology, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Shima Dorafshan
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Leili Saeednejad Zanjani
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Department of Pathology and Genomic Medicine, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Masoumeh Dehghan Manshadi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran
| | - Zahra Madjd
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
| | - Roya Ghods
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
- Oncopathology Research Center, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Hemmat Street (Highway), Next to Milad Tower, Tehran, 14496-14530, Iran.
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15
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Razi S, Haghparast A, Chodari Khameneh S, Ebrahimi Sadrabadi A, Aziziyan F, Bakhtiyari M, Nabi-Afjadi M, Tarhriz V, Jalili A, Zalpoor H. The role of tumor microenvironment on cancer stem cell fate in solid tumors. Cell Commun Signal 2023; 21:143. [PMID: 37328876 PMCID: PMC10273768 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01129-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the role of cancer stem cells in initiating tumors, metastasis, invasion, and resistance to therapies has been recognized as a potential target for tumor therapy. Understanding the mechanisms by which CSCs contribute to cancer progression can help to provide novel therapeutic approaches against solid tumors. In this line, the effects of mechanical forces on CSCs such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cellular plasticity, etc., the metabolism pathways of CSCs, players of the tumor microenvironment, and their influence on the regulating of CSCs can lead to cancer progression. This review focused on some of these mechanisms of CSCs, paving the way for a better understanding of their regulatory mechanisms and developing platforms for targeted therapies. While progress has been made in research, more studies will be required in the future to explore more aspects of how CSCs contribute to cancer progression. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Razi
- Vira Pioneers of Modern Science (VIPOMS), Tehran, Iran
| | | | | | - Amin Ebrahimi Sadrabadi
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran
- Cytotech and Bioinformatics Research Group, Tehran, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Aziziyan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Bakhtiyari
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Allied Medicine, Qazvin University of Medical Sciences, Qazvin, Iran
| | - Mohsen Nabi-Afjadi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Tarbiat Modares University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Vahideh Tarhriz
- Infectious and Tropical Diseases Research Center, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, P.O. Box 5163639888, Tabriz, Iran.
| | - Arsalan Jalili
- Department of Stem Cells and Developmental Biology, Cell Science Research Center, Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology, ACER, Tehran, Iran.
- Parvaz Research Ideas Supporter Institute, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Hamidreza Zalpoor
- Network of Immunity in Infection, Malignancy & Autoimmunity (NIIMA), Universal Scientific Education & Research Network (USERN), Tehran, Iran.
- Shiraz Neuroscience Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran.
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16
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Xiong YX, Zhang XC, Zhu JH, Zhang YX, Pan YL, Wu Y, Zhao JP, Liu JJ, Lu YX, Liang HF, Zhang ZG, Zhang WG. Collagen I-DDR1 signaling promotes hepatocellular carcinoma cell stemness via Hippo signaling repression. Cell Death Differ 2023:10.1038/s41418-023-01166-5. [PMID: 37117273 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01166-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a minority population of cancer cells with stemness and multiple differentiation potentials, leading to cancer progression and therapeutic resistance. However, the concrete mechanism of CSCs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains obscure. We found that in advanced HCC tissues, collagen I was upregulated, which is consistent with the expression of its receptor DDR1. Accordingly, high collagen I levels accompanied by high DDR1 expression are associated with poor prognoses in patients with HCC. Collagen I-induced DDR1 activation enhanced HCC cell stemness in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, DDR1 interacts with CD44, which acts as a co-receptor that amplifies collagen I-induced DDR1 signaling, and collagen I-DDR1 signaling antagonized Hippo signaling by facilitating the recruitment of PP2AA to MST1, leading to exaggerated YAP activation. The combined inhibition of DDR1 and YAP synergistically abrogated HCC cell stemness in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo. A radiomic model based on T2 weighted images can noninvasively predict collagen I expression. These findings reveal the molecular basis of collagen I-DDR1 signaling inhibiting Hippo signaling and highlight the role of CD44/DDR1/YAP axis in promoting cancer cell stemness, suggesting that DDR1 and YAP may serve as novel prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Xiao Xiong
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Xiao-Chao Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Dermatology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jing-Han Zhu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu-Xin Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Long Pan
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yu Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jian-Ping Zhao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Jun-Jie Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Yuan-Xiang Lu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Hui-Fang Liang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Zhan-Guo Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Wan-Guang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Clinical Medical Research Center of Hepatic Surgery at Hubei Province, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Hepato-Pancreato-Biliary Diseases, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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17
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Heussner RK, Zhang H, Qian G, Baker MJ, Provenzano PP. Differential contractility regulates cancer stem cell migration. Biophys J 2023; 122:1198-1210. [PMID: 36772795 PMCID: PMC10111274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2021] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are known to have a high capacity for tumor initiation and the formation of metastases. We have previously shown that in collagen constructs mimetic of aligned extracellular matrix architectures observed in carcinomas, breast CSCs demonstrate enhanced directional and total motility compared with more differentiated carcinoma populations. Here, we show that CSCs maintain increased motility in diverse environments including on 2D elastic polyacrylamide gels of various stiffness, 3D randomly oriented collagen matrices, and ectopic cerebral slices representative of a common metastatic site. A consistent twofold increase of CSC motility across platforms suggests a general shift in cell migration mechanics between well-differentiated carcinoma cells and their stem-like counterparts. To further elucidate the source of differences in migration, we demonstrate that CSCs are less contractile than the whole population (WP) and develop fewer and smaller focal adhesions and show that enhanced CSC migration can be tuned via contractile forces. The WP can be shifted to a CSC-like migratory phenotype using partial myosin II inhibition. Inversely, CSCs can be shifted to a less migratory WP-like phenotype using microtubule-destabilizing drugs that increase contractility or by directly enhancing contractile forces. This work begins to reveal the mechanistic differences driving CSC migration and raises important implications regarding the potentially disparate effects of microtubule-targeting agents on the motility of different cell populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel K Heussner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Hongrong Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Guhan Qian
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Mikayla J Baker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota
| | - Paolo P Provenzano
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Physical Sciences in Oncology Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota; University of Minnesota Center for Multiparametric Imaging of Tumor Immune Microenvironments, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Transplantation, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Institute for Engineering in Medicine, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota; Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, Minnesota.
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18
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Gao Q, Sun Z, Fang D. Integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma tumorigenesis and therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:253-268. [PMID: 36848180 PMCID: PMC10106235 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Integrins are a family of transmembrane receptors that connect the extracellular matrix and actin skeleton, which mediate cell adhesion, migration, signal transduction, and gene transcription. As a bi-directional signaling molecule, integrins can modulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, angiogenesis, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Therefore, integrins have a great potential as antitumor therapeutic targets. In this review, we summarize the recent reports of integrins in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), focusing on the abnormal expression, activation, and signaling of integrins in cancer cells as well as their roles in other cells in the tumor microenvironment. We also discuss the regulation and functions of integrins in hepatitis B virus-related HCC. Finally, we update the clinical and preclinical studies of integrin-related drugs in the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiong Gao
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, China
| | - Zhaolin Sun
- College of Basic Medical Sciences, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, China
| | - Deyu Fang
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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19
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Huang H, Tsui YM, Ng IOL. Fueling HCC Dynamics: Interplay Between Tumor Microenvironment and Tumor Initiating Cells. Cell Mol Gastroenterol Hepatol 2023; 15:1105-1116. [PMID: 36736664 PMCID: PMC10036749 DOI: 10.1016/j.jcmgh.2023.01.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) is a common cancer worldwide. It is an aggressive cancer, with high rates of tumor relapse and metastasis, high chemoresistance, and poor prognosis. Liver tumor-initiating cells (LTICs) are a distinctive subset of liver cancer cells with self-renewal and differentiation capacities that contribute to intratumoral heterogeneity, tumor recurrence, metastasis, and chemo-drug resistance. LTICs, marked by different TIC markers, have high plasticity and use diverse signaling pathways to promote tumorigenesis and tumor progression. LTICs are nurtured in the tumor microenvironment (TME), where noncellular and cellular components participate to build an immunosuppressive and tumor-promoting niche. As a result, the TME has emerged as a promising anticancer therapeutic target, as exemplified by some successful applications of tumor immunotherapy. In this review, we discuss the plasticity of LTICs in terms of cellular differentiation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and cellular metabolism. We also discuss the various components of the TME, including its noncellular and cellular components. Thereafter, we discuss the mutual interactions between TME and LTICs, including recently reported molecular mechanisms. Lastly, we summarize and describe new ideas concerning novel approaches and strategies for liver cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongyang Huang
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yu-Man Tsui
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Irene Oi-Lin Ng
- Department of Pathology, School of Clinical Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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20
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Calitz C, Rosenquist J, Degerstedt O, Khaled J, Kopsida M, Fryknäs M, Lennernäs H, Samanta A, Heindryckx F. Influence of extracellular matrix composition on tumour cell behaviour in a biomimetic in vitro model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Sci Rep 2023; 13:748. [PMID: 36639512 PMCID: PMC9839216 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-27997-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The tumor micro-environment (TME) of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) consists out of cirrhotic liver tissue and is characterized by an extensive deposition of extracellular matrix proteins (ECM). The evolution from a reversible fibrotic state to end-stage of liver disease, namely cirrhosis, is characterized by an increased deposition of ECM, as well as changes in the exact ECM composition, which both contribute to an increased liver stiffness and can alter tumor phenotype. The goal of this study was to assess how changes in matrix composition and stiffness influence tumor behavior. HCC-cell lines were grown in a biomimetic hydrogel model resembling the stiffness and composition of a fibrotic or cirrhotic liver. When HCC-cells were grown in a matrix resembling a cirrhotic liver, they increased proliferation and protein content, compared to those grown in a fibrotic environment. Tumour nodules spontaneously formed outside the gels, which appeared earlier in cirrhotic conditions and were significantly larger compared to those found outside fibrotic gels. These tumor nodules had an increased expression of markers related to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), when comparing cirrhotic to fibrotic gels. HCC-cells grown in cirrhotic gels were also more resistant to doxorubicin compared with those grown in fibrotic gels or in 2D. Therefore, altering ECM composition affects tumor behavior, for instance by increasing pro-metastatic potential, inducing EMT and reducing response to chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carlemi Calitz
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jenny Rosenquist
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Oliver Degerstedt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Jaafar Khaled
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria Kopsida
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fryknäs
- Department of Medical Sciences, Cancer Pharmacology and Computational Medicine, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Hans Lennernäs
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biosciences, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Ayan Samanta
- Polymer Chemistry, Department of Chemistry-Ångström Laboratory, Uppsala University, Box 538, 75121, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Femke Heindryckx
- Department of Medical Cell Biology, Uppsala University, Husargatan 3, Box 571, 75431, Uppsala, Sweden.
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21
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Guo T, Wantono C, Tan Y, Deng F, Duan T, Liu D. Regulators, functions, and mechanotransduction pathways of matrix stiffness in hepatic disease. Front Physiol 2023; 14:1098129. [PMID: 36711017 PMCID: PMC9878334 DOI: 10.3389/fphys.2023.1098129] [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: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) provides physical support and imparts significant biochemical and mechanical cues to cells. Matrix stiffening is a hallmark of liver fibrosis and is associated with many hepatic diseases, especially liver cirrhosis and carcinoma. Increased matrix stiffness is not only a consequence of liver fibrosis but is also recognized as an active driver in the progression of fibrotic hepatic disease. In this article, we provide a comprehensive view of the role of matrix stiffness in the pathological progression of hepatic disease. The regulators that modulate matrix stiffness including ECM components, MMPs, and crosslinking modifications are discussed. The latest advances of the research on the matrix mechanics in regulating intercellular signaling and cell phenotype are classified, especially for hepatic stellate cells, hepatocytes, and immunocytes. The molecular mechanism that sensing and transducing mechanical signaling is highlighted. The current progress of ECM stiffness's role in hepatic cirrhosis and liver cancer is introduced and summarized. Finally, the recent trials targeting ECM stiffness for the treatment of liver disease are detailed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ting Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Cindy Wantono
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yuyong Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Feihong Deng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Tianying Duan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Deliang Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, China,Research Center of Digestive Disease, Central South University, Changsha, China,*Correspondence: Deliang Liu,
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22
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Aleman J, Young CD, Karam SD, Wang XJ. Revisiting laminin and extracellular matrix remodeling in metastatic squamous cell carcinoma: What have we learned after more than four decades of research? Mol Carcinog 2023; 62:5-23. [PMID: 35596706 PMCID: PMC9676410 DOI: 10.1002/mc.23417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 04/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Patients with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) have significantly lower survival upon the development of distant metastases. The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a consistent yet dynamic influence on the metastatic capacity of SCCs. The ECM encompasses a milieu of structural proteins, signaling molecules, and enzymes. Just over 40 years ago, the fibrous ECM glycoprotein laminin was identified. Roughly four decades of research have revealed a pivotal role of laminins in metastasis. However, trends in ECM alterations in some cancers have been applied broadly to all metastatic diseases, despite evidence that these characteristics vary by tumor type. We will summarize how laminins influence the SCC metastatic process exclusively. Enhanced laminin protein deposition occurs at the invasive edge of SCC tumors, which correlates with elevated levels of laminin-binding β1 integrins on SCC cells, increased MMP-3 presence, worse prognosis, and lymphatic dissemination. Although these findings are significant, gaps in knowledge of the formation of a premetastatic niche, the processes of intra- and extravasation, and the contributions of the ECM to SCC metastatic cell dormancy persist. Bridging these gaps requires novel in vitro systems and animal models that reproduce tumor-stromal interactions and spontaneous metastasis seen in the clinic. These advances will allow accurate assessment of laminins to predict responders to transforming growth factor-β inhibitors and immunotherapy, as well as potential combinatorial therapies with the standard of care. Such clinical interventions may drastically improve quality of life and patient survival by explicitly targeting SCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John Aleman
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Christian D. Young
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Sana D. Karam
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Xiao-Jing Wang
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado, Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, Colorado, USA
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center, VA Eastern Colorado Health Care System, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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23
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Ning Y, Lin K, Fang J, Ding Y, Zhang Z, Chen X, Zhao Q, Wang H, Wang F. Gastrointestinal pan-cancer landscape of tumor matrix heterogeneity identifies biologically distinct matrix stiffness subtypes predicting prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2744-2758. [PMID: 37181656 PMCID: PMC10173364 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a heterogeneous group of primary solid tumors, arising in GI tract from the esophagus to rectum. Matrix stiffness (MS) is a critical physical factor for cancer progression; however, its importance in tumor progression remains to be comprehensively recognized. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of MS subtypes across seven GI-cancer types. Using unsupervised clustering based on literature-derived MS-specific pathway signatures, the GI-tumor samples were divided into three MS subtypes, termed as the Soft, Mixed and Stiff. Then, distinct prognoses, biological features, tumor microenvironments and mutation landscapes among three MS subtypes were revealed. The Stiff tumor subtype was associated with the poorest prognosis, the most malignant biological behaviors, and the immunosuppressive tumor stromal microenvironment. Furthermore, multiple machine learning algorithms were used to develop an 11-gene MS-signature to identify the MS subtypes of GI-caner and predict chemotherapy sensitivity, which were further validated in two external GI-cancer cohorts. This novel MS-based classification on GI-cancers could enhance our understanding of the important role of MS in tumor progression, and may have implications for the optimization of individualized cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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24
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The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Regulating the Plasticity of Osteosarcoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232416155. [PMID: 36555795 PMCID: PMC9788144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232416155] [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: 11/10/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Osteosarcoma (OS) is a malignancy that is becoming increasingly common in adolescents. OS stem cells (OSCs) form a dynamic subset of OS cells that are responsible for malignant progression and chemoradiotherapy resistance. The unique properties of OSCs, including self-renewal, multilineage differentiation and metastatic potential, 149 depend closely on their tumor microenvironment. In recent years, the likelihood of its dynamic plasticity has been extensively studied. Importantly, the tumor microenvironment appears to act as the main regulatory component of OS cell plasticity. For these reasons aforementioned, novel strategies for OS treatment focusing on modulating OS cell plasticity and the possibility of modulating the composition of the tumor microenvironment are currently being explored. In this paper, we review recent studies describing the phenomenon of OSCs and factors known to influence phenotypic plasticity. The microenvironment, which can regulate OSC plasticity, has great potential for clinical exploitation and provides different perspectives for drug and treatment design for OS.
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25
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Deng B, Zhao Z, Kong W, Han C, Shen X, Zhou C. Biological role of matrix stiffness in tumor growth and treatment. J Transl Med 2022; 20:540. [PMID: 36419159 PMCID: PMC9682678 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-022-03768-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
In recent years, the biological role of changes in physical factors in carcinogenesis and progression has attracted increasing attention. Matrix stiffness, also known as ECM stress, is a critical physical factor of tumor microenvironment and remains alternating during carcinogenesis as a result of ECM remodeling through activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts and extracellular collagen accumulation, crosslinking and fibrosis. Different content and density of extracellular collagen in ECM endows matrix with varying stiffness. Physical signals induced by matrix stiffness are transmitted to tumor cells primarily by the integrins receptor family and trigger a series of mechanotransduction that result in changes in tumor cell morphology, proliferative capacity, and invasive ability. Importantly, accumulating evidence revealed that changes in matrix stiffness in tumor tissues greatly control the sensitivity of tumor cells in response to chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy through integrin signaling, YAP signaling, and related signaling pathways. Here, the present review analyzes the current research advances on matrix stiffness and tumor cell behavior with a view to contributing to tumor cell growth and treatment, with the hope of improving the understanding of the biological role of matrix stiffness in tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boer Deng
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Ziyi Zhao
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Weimin Kong
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Chao Han
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaochang Shen
- grid.24696.3f0000 0004 0369 153XDepartment of Gynecologic Oncology, Beijing Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Beijing, People’s Republic of China ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
| | - Chunxiao Zhou
- grid.10698.360000000122483208Division of Gynecologic Oncology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA ,grid.10698.360000000122483208Lineberger Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC 27599 USA
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26
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Gonzalez-Molina J, Moyano-Galceran L, Single A, Gultekin O, Alsalhi S, Lehti K. Chemotherapy as a regulator of extracellular matrix-cell communication: Implications in therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:224-236. [PMID: 35331851 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of most solid cancers, including pancreatic, breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancer, involves a desmoplastic reaction: a process of major remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) affecting the ECM composition, mechanics, and microarchitecture. These properties of the ECM influence key cancer cell functions, including treatment resistance. Furthermore, emerging data show that various chemotherapeutic treatments lead to alterations in ECM features and ECM-cell communication. Here, we summarize the current knowledge around the effects of chemotherapy on both the ECM remodeling and ECM-cell signaling and discuss the implications of these alterations on distinct mechanisms of chemoresistance. Additionally, we provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials utilizing anti-cancer drugs to target the ECM-cell communication and explore the future challenges of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gonzalez-Molina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Single
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Okan Gultekin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shno Alsalhi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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27
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Li M, Zhang X, Wang M, Wang Y, Qian J, Xing X, Wang Z, You Y, Guo K, Chen J, Gao D, Zhao Y, Zhang L, Chen R, Cui J, Ren Z. Activation of Piezo1 contributes to matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma. CANCER COMMUNICATIONS (LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 42:1162-1184. [PMID: 36181398 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2022] [Revised: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite integrin being highlighted as a stiffness-sensor molecule in matrix stiffness-driven angiogenesis, other stiffness-sensor molecules and their mechanosensory pathways related to angiogenesis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remain obscure. Here, we explored the interplay between Piezo1 and integrin β1 in the mechanosensory pathway and their effects on HCC angiogenesis to better understand matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis. METHODS The role of Piezo1 in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was investigated using orthotopic liver cancer SD rat models with high liver stiffness background, and its clinical significance was evaluated in human HCC tissues. Matrix stiffness-mediated Piezo1 upregulation and activation were assayed using an in vitro fibronectin (FN)-coated cell culture system with different stiffness, Western blotting and Ca2+ probe. The effects of shPiezo1-conditioned medium (CM) on angiogenesis were examined by tube formation assay, wound healing assay and angiogenesis array. The underlying mechanism by which Piezo1 participated in matrix stiffness-induced angiogenesis was analyzed by microRNA quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), matrix stiffness measurement, dual-luciferase reporter assay, ubiquitination assay and co-immunoprecipitation. RESULTS Increased matrix stiffness significantly upregulated Piezo1 expression at both cellular and tissue levels, and high expression of Piezo1 indicated an unfavorable prognosis. High matrix stiffness also noticeably enhanced the activation level of Piezo1, similar to its expression level. Piezo1 knockdown significantly suppressed tumor growth, angiogenesis, and lung metastasis of HCC rat models with high liver stiffness background. shPiezo1-CM from HCC cells attenuated tube formation and migration abilities of vascular endothelial cells remarkably, and analysis of differentially expressed pro-angiogenic factors revealed that Piezo1 promoted the expression and secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), CXC chemokine ligand 16 (CXCL16) and insulin-like growth factor binding protein 2 (IGFBP2). Matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation/activation restrained hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) ubiquitination, subsequently enhanced the expression of downstream pro-angiogenic factors to accelerate HCC angiogenesis. Besides, collagen 1 (COL1)-reinforced tissue stiffening resulted in more expression of Piezo1 via miR-625-5p. CONCLUSIONS This study unravels a new mechanism by which the integrin β1/Piezo1 activation/Ca2+ influx/HIF-1α ubiquitination/VEGF, CXCL16 and IGFBP2 pathway participates in matrix stiffness-driven HCC angiogenesis. Simultaneously, a positive feedback regulation loop as stiff matrix/integrin β1/miR-625-5p/Piezo1 and COL1/stiffer matrix mediates matrix stiffness-caused Piezo1 upregulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Qian
- Department of Endocrinology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Xiaoxia Xing
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yang You
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Kun Guo
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jie Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Lan Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, Shanghai, 200032, P. R. China
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SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts and derived-extracellular matrix as mediators of drug resistance in colorectal cancer patients. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2022; 450:116171. [PMID: 35878797 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2022.116171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to antitumor treatments is one of the most important problems faced by clinicians in the management of colorectal cancer (CRC) patients. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs) are the main producers and remodelers of the extracellular matrix (ECM), which is directly involved in drug resistance mechanisms. Primary Normal Fibroblasts (NFs) and CAFs and cell lines (fibroblasts and tumor cells), were used to generate ECM and to identify its role in the oxaliplatin and cetuximab chemoresistance processes of CRC cells mediated by SNAI1-expressing fibroblasts. Matrices generated by Snai1 KO MEFs (Knockout Mouse Embryonic Fibroblasts) confer less resistance on oxaliplatin and cetuximab than wild-type MEF-derived matrices. Similarly, matrices derived from CAFs cause greater survival of colorectal cancer cells than NF-derived matrices, in a similar way to Snai1 expression levels. In addition, Snail1 expression in fibroblasts regulates drug resistance and metabolism gene expression in tumor cells mediated by ECM. Finally, a series of 531 patients (TCGA) with CRC was used to assess the role of SNAI1 expression in patients' prognosis indicating an association between tumor SNAI1 expression and overall survival in colon cancer patients but not in rectal cancer patients. SNAI1 expression in CRC cancer patients, together with in vitro experimentation, suggests the possible use of SNAI1 expression in tumor-associated fibroblasts as a predictive biomarker of response to oxaliplatin and cetuximab treatments in patients with CRC.
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Chen L, Zhang D, Zheng S, Li X, Gao P. Stemness analysis in hepatocellular carcinoma identifies an extracellular matrix gene–related signature associated with prognosis and therapy response. Front Genet 2022; 13:959834. [PMID: 36110210 PMCID: PMC9468756 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.959834] [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: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Tumor stemness is the stem-like phenotype of cancer cells, as a hallmark for multiple processes in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, comprehensive functions of the regulators of tumor cell’s stemness in HCC remain unclear.Methods: Gene expression data and clinical information of HCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset as the training set, and three validation datasets were derived from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC). Patients were dichotomized according to median mRNA expression–based stemness index (mRNAsi) scores, and differentially expressed genes were further screened out. Functional enrichment analysis of these DEGs was performed to identify candidate extracellular matrix (ECM)–related genes in key pathways. A prognostic signature was constructed by applying least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) to the candidate ECM genes. The Kaplan–Meier curve and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the prognostic value of the signature. Correlations between signatures and genomic profiles, tumor immune microenvironment, and treatment response were also explored using multiple bioinformatic methods.Results: A prognostic prediction signature was established based on 10 ECM genes, including TRAPPC4, RSU1, ILK, LAMA1, LAMB1, FLNC, ITGAV, AGRN, ARHGEF6, and LIMS2, which could effectively distinguish patients with different outcomes in the training and validation sets, showing a good prognostic prediction ability. Across different clinicopathological parameter stratifications, the ECMs signature still retains its robust efficacy in discriminating patient with different outcomes. Based on the risk score, vascular invasion, α-fetoprotein (AFP), T stage, and N stage, we further constructed a nomogram (C-index = 0.70; AUCs at 1-, 3-, and 5-year survival = 0.71, 0.75, and 0.78), which is more practical for clinical prognostic risk stratification. The infiltration abundance of macrophages M0, mast cells, and Treg cells was significantly higher in the high-risk group, which also had upregulated levels of immune checkpoints PD-1 and CTLA-4. More importantly, the ECMs signature was able to distinguish patients with superior responses to immunotherapy, transarterial chemoembolization, and sorafenib.Conclusion: In this study, we constructed an ECM signature, which is an independent prognostic biomarker for HCC patients and has a potential guiding role in treatment selection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Chen
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Dafang Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Shengmin Zheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xinyu Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Peking University People’s Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Pengji Gao
- Department of General Surgery, Beijing Jishuitan Hospital, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Pengji Gao,
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Li N, Zhang X, Zhou J, Li W, Shu X, Wu Y, Long M. Multiscale biomechanics and mechanotransduction from liver fibrosis to cancer. Adv Drug Deliv Rev 2022; 188:114448. [PMID: 35820602 DOI: 10.1016/j.addr.2022.114448] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of multiscale biomechanical studies has been proposed to highlight the mechanical cues in the development of hepatic fibrosis and cancer. At the cellular level, changes in mechanical microenvironment induce phenotypic and functional alterations of hepatic cells, initiating a positive feedback loop that promotes liver fibrogenesis and hepatocarcinogenesis. Tumor mechanical microenvironment of hepatocellular carcinoma facilitates tumor cell growth and metastasis, and hinders the drug delivery and immunotherapy. At the molecular level, mechanical forces are sensed and transmitted into hepatic cells via allosteric activation of mechanoreceptors on the cell membrane, leading to the activation of various mechanotransduction pathways including integrin and YAP signaling and then regulating cell function. Thus, the application of mechanomedicine concept in the treatment of liver diseases is promising for rational design and cell-specific delivery of therapeutic drugs. This review mainly discusses the correlation between biomechanical cues and liver diseases from the viewpoint of mechanobiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ning Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jin Zhou
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
| | - Wang Li
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Xinyu Shu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Yi Wu
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Mian Long
- Center for Biomechanics and Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Microgravity (National Microgravity Laboratory), and Beijing Key Laboratory of Engineered Construction and Mechanobiology, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China; School of Engineering Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China.
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Wu H, Liu Y, Liao Z, Mo J, Zhang Q, Zhang B, Zhang L. The role of YAP1 in liver cancer stem cells: proven and potential mechanisms. Biomark Res 2022; 10:42. [PMID: 35672802 PMCID: PMC9171972 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-022-00387-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
YAP1 (Yes-associated protein 1) is one of the principal factors that mediates oncogenesis by acting as a driver of gene expression. It has been confirmed to play an important role in organ volume control, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, tumorigenesis and tumor metastasis. Recent research findings show that YAP1 is correlated with the stemness of liver cancer stem cells, and liver cancer stem cells are closely associated with YAP1-induced tumor initiation and progression. This article reviews the advancements made in research on the mechanisms by which YAP1 promotes liver cancer stem cells and discusses some potential mechanisms that require further study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haofeng Wu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Yachong Liu
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhibin Liao
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Mo
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiaofeng Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China
| | - Bixiang Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China.
| | - Lei Zhang
- Hepatic Surgery Center, Institute of Hepato-Pancreato-Bililary Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, People's Republic of China. .,Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Shanxi Bethune Hospital, Shanxi Academy of Medical Sciences, Shanxi Medical University; Shanxi Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Taiyuan, 030032, China.
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Integrin α2 and β1 Cross-Communication with mTOR/AKT and the CDK-Cyclin Axis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102430. [PMID: 35626034 PMCID: PMC9139686 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression depends on two major processes, tumor growth and invasion. The present study investigated how these events are linked. A panel of HCC cell lines were stimulated with insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and the biological behavior was evaluated. IGF1 activated the proliferation and invasion cascade by altering the expression level of integrin α subtypes, which were associated with the AKT-mTOR pathway and the CDK-Cyclin axis. We assume that HCC progression is controlled by a fine-tuned network between IGF1 driven integrin signaling, the Akt-mTOR pathway, and the CDK-Cyclin axis. Concerted targeting of these pathways may, therefore, become an innovative option to prevent cancer dissemination. Abstract Integrin receptors contribute to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion, while AKT-mTOR signaling controls mitosis. The present study was designed to explore the links between integrins and the AKT-mTOR pathway and the CDK-Cyclin axis. HCC cell lines (HepG2, Huh7, Hep3B) were stimulated with soluble collagen or Matrigel to activate integrins, or with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) to activate AKT-mTOR. HCC growth, proliferation, adhesion, and chemotaxis were evaluated. AKT/mTOR-related proteins, proteins of the CDK-Cyclin axis, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), and integrin-linked kinase (ILK) were determined following IGF1-stimulation or integrin knockdown. Stimulation with collagen or Matrigel increased tumor cell growth and proliferation. This was associated with significant alteration of the integrins α2, αV, and β1. Blockade of these integrins led to cell cycle arrest in G2/M and diminished the number of tumor cell clones. Knocking down the integrins α2 or β1 suppressed ILK, reduced FAK-phosphorylation and diminished AKT/mTOR, as well as the proteins of the CDK-Cyclin axis. Activating the cells with IGF1 enhanced the expression of the integrins α2, αV, β1, activated FAK, and increased tumor cell adhesion and chemotaxis. Blocking the AKT pathway canceled the enhancing effect of IGF on the integrins α2 and β1. These findings reveal that HCC growth, proliferation, and invasion are controlled by a fine-tuned network between α2/β1-FAK signaling, the AKT-mTOR pathway, and the CDK–Cyclin axis. Concerted blockade of the integrin α2/β1 complex along with AKT-mTOR signaling could, therefore, provide an option to prevent progressive dissemination of HCC.
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Zhao YY, Wang MM, Cui JF. New progress in the mechanism of microenvironment-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2022; 30:341-348. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v30.i8.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor microenvironment (TME) is the cornerstone of the survival of tumor cells. It generally presents unique physical and chemical characteristics such as hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffening, which not only offer suitable soil to support tumorigenesis and progression, but also resist the effects of radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Here, we summarize new progress in the mechanism of hypoxia, immunosuppression, metabolic reprogramming, and matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance in digestive system tumors, and discuss the new intervention strategy against matrix stiffness-driven chemoradiotherapy resistance, which underlines the contribution of physical and chemical characteristics of tumor microenvironment in drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Ying Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Mi-Mi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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34
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Matrix Stiffness Contributes to Cancer Progression by Regulating Transcription Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041049. [PMID: 35205794 PMCID: PMC8870363 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Matrix stiffness is recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression. Recent studies have shown that matrix stiffening is caused by the accumulation, contraction, and crosslinking of the extracellular matrix by cancer and stromal cells. Cancer and stromal cells respond to matrix stiffness, which determines the phenotypes of these cells. In addition, matrix stiffness activates and/or inactivates specific transcription factors in cancer and stromal cells to regulate cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of cancer stiffening and progression that are regulated by transcription factors responding to matrix stiffness. Abstract Matrix stiffness is critical for the progression of various types of cancers. In solid cancers such as mammary and pancreatic cancers, tumors often contain abnormally stiff tissues, mainly caused by stiff extracellular matrices due to accumulation, contraction, and crosslinking. Stiff extracellular matrices trigger mechanotransduction, the conversion of mechanical cues such as stiffness of the matrix to biochemical signaling in the cells, and as a result determine the cellular phenotypes of cancer and stromal cells in tumors. Transcription factors are key molecules for these processes, as they respond to matrix stiffness and are crucial for cellular behaviors. The Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is one of the most studied transcription factors that is regulated by matrix stiffness. The YAP/TAZ are activated by a stiff matrix and promotes malignant phenotypes in cancer and stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts. In addition, other transcription factors such as β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) also play key roles in mechanotransduction in cancer tissues. In this review, the mechanisms of stiffening cancer tissues are introduced, and the transcription factors regulated by matrix stiffness in cancer and stromal cells and their roles in cancer progression are shown.
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35
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Ponomarev A, Gilazieva Z, Solovyeva V, Allegrucci C, Rizvanov A. Intrinsic and Extrinsic Factors Impacting Cancer Stemness and Tumor Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:970. [PMID: 35205716 PMCID: PMC8869813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040970] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity represents an important limitation to the development of effective cancer therapies. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) and their differentiation hierarchies contribute to cancer complexity and confer tumors the ability to grow, resist treatment, survive unfavorable conditions, and invade neighboring and distant tissues. A large body of research is currently focusing on understanding the properties of CSCs, including their cellular and molecular origin, as well as their biological behavior in different tumor types. In turn, this knowledge informs strategies for targeting these tumor initiating cells and related cancer stemness. Cancer stemness is modulated by the tumor microenvironment, which influences CSC function and survival. Several advanced in vitro models are currently being developed to study cancer stemness in order to advance new knowledge of the key molecular pathways involved in CSC self-renewal and dormancy, as well as to mimic the complexity of patients' tumors in pre-clinical drug testing. In this review, we discuss CSCs and the modulation of cancer stemness by the tumor microenvironment, stemness factors and signaling pathways. In addition, we introduce current models that allow the study of CSCs for the development of new targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexey Ponomarev
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Zarema Gilazieva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Valeriya Solovyeva
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
| | - Cinzia Allegrucci
- School of Veterinary Medicine and Science (SVMS) and Biodiscovery Institute, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK;
| | - Albert Rizvanov
- Institute of Fundamental Medicine and Biology, Kazan Federal University, 420008 Kazan, Russia; (A.P.); (Z.G.); (V.S.)
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Grisendi G, Bertolini F, Maur M, Guaitoli G, Chrystel I, Morandi U, Stella F, Dominici M, Haider KH. Dissecting Tumor Growth: The Role of Cancer Stem Cells in Drug Resistance and Recurrence. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14040976. [PMID: 35205721 PMCID: PMC8869911 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14040976] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is one of the most debated problems all over the world. Cancer stem cells are considered responsible of tumor initiation, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. This subpopulation of cells has been found into the tumor bulk and showed the capacity to self-renew, differentiate, up to generate a new tumor. In the last decades, several studies have been set on the molecular mechanisms behind their specific characteristics as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, Hedgehog signaling, transcription factors, etc. The most powerful part of CSCs is represented by the niches as “promoter” of their self-renewal and “protector” from the common oncological treatment as chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In our review article we highlighted the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis for the setting of further targets to control the metastatic process. Abstract Emerging evidence suggests that a small subpopulation of cancer stem cells (CSCs) is responsible for initiation, progression, and metastasis cascade in tumors. CSCs share characteristics with normal stem cells, i.e., self-renewal and differentiation potential, suggesting that they can drive cancer progression. Consequently, targeting CSCs to prevent tumor growth or regrowth might offer a chance to lead the fight against cancer. CSCs create their niche, a specific area within tissue with a unique microenvironment that sustains their vital functions. Interactions between CSCs and their niches play a critical role in regulating CSCs’ self-renewal and tumorigenesis. Differences observed in the frequency of CSCs, due to the phenotypic plasticity of many cancer cells, remain a challenge in cancer therapeutics, since CSCs can modulate their transcriptional activities into a more stem-like state to protect themselves from destruction. This plasticity represents an essential step for future therapeutic approaches. Regarding self-renewal, CSCs are modulated by the same molecular pathways found in normal stem cells, such as Wnt/β-catenin signaling, Notch signaling, and Hedgehog signaling. Another key characteristic of CSCs is their resistance to standard chemotherapy and radiotherapy treatments, due to their capacity to rest in a quiescent state. This review will analyze the primary mechanisms involved in CSC tumorigenesis, with particular attention to the roles of CSCs in tumor progression in benign and malignant diseases; and will examine future perspectives on the identification of new markers to better control tumorigenesis, as well as dissecting the metastasis process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beatrice Aramini
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Giulia Grisendi
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Federica Bertolini
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Michela Maur
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Giorgia Guaitoli
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Isca Chrystel
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
| | - Uliano Morandi
- Thoracic Surgery Unit, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (U.M.)
| | - Franco Stella
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Experimental Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine–DIMES of the Alma Mater Studiorum, University of Bologna, G.B. Morgagni-L. Pierantoni Hospital, 47121 Forlì, Italy;
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences for Children & Adults, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41124 Modena, Italy; (G.G.); (F.B.); (M.M.); (G.G.); (I.C.); (M.D.)
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Drug Resistance and Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040632. [PMID: 35203283 PMCID: PMC8870354 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/26/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and deadly cancers worldwide. It is usually diagnosed in an advanced stage and is characterized by a high intrinsic drug resistance, leading to limited chemotherapeutic efficacy and relapse after treatment. There is therefore a vast need for understanding underlying mechanisms that contribute to drug resistance and for developing therapeutic strategies that would overcome this. The rapid proliferation of tumor cells, in combination with a highly inflammatory microenvironment, causes a chronic increase of protein synthesis in different hepatic cell populations. This leads to an intensified demand of protein folding, which inevitably causes an accumulation of misfolded or unfolded proteins in the lumen of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). This process is called ER stress and triggers the unfolded protein response (UPR) in order to restore protein synthesis or—in the case of severe or prolonged ER stress—to induce cell death. Interestingly, the three different arms of the ER stress signaling pathways have been shown to drive chemoresistance in several tumors and could therefore form a promising therapeutic target. This review provides an overview of how ER stress and activation of the UPR contributes to drug resistance in HCC.
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mTOR Signaling Components in Tumor Mechanobiology. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23031825. [PMID: 35163745 PMCID: PMC8837098 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23031825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2022] [Accepted: 02/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a central signaling hub that integrates networks of nutrient availability, cellular metabolism, and autophagy in eukaryotic cells. mTOR kinase, along with its upstream regulators and downstream substrates, is upregulated in most human malignancies. At the same time, mechanical forces from the tumor microenvironment and mechanotransduction promote cancer cells’ proliferation, motility, and invasion. mTOR signaling pathway has been recently found on the crossroads of mechanoresponsive-induced signaling cascades to regulate cell growth, invasion, and metastasis in cancer cells. In this review, we examine the emerging association of mTOR signaling components with certain protein tools of tumor mechanobiology. Thereby, we highlight novel mechanisms of mechanotransduction, which regulate tumor progression and invasion, as well as mechanisms related to the therapeutic efficacy of antitumor drugs.
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Li H, Sun Y, Li Q, Luo Q, Song G. Matrix Stiffness Potentiates Stemness of Liver Cancer Stem Cells Possibly via the Yes-Associated Protein Signal. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2022; 8:598-609. [PMID: 35084830 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
A hepatocellular carcinoma tissue has mechanical heterogeneity, where the stiffness gradually increases from the core to the invasion front. Furthermore, there is evidence that stem cells from liver cancer (LCSCs) preferentially enrich the invasion front, exhibiting the stiffest modulus in the tumor. LCSCs have the features of stem/progenitor cells and play a vital part in liver cancer development. However, whether matrix stiffness affects LCSC stemness remains unclear. Here, we established a three-dimensional hydrogel for culturing LCSCs to simulate the stiffness of the core and the invasion front of a liver cancer tissue. The results showed that a stiffer matrix (72.2 ± 0.90 kPa) significantly potentiated LCSC stemness as compared with a soft matrix (7.7 ± 0.41 kPa). Moreover, Yes-associated protein signaling might mediate this promotion. Together, our findings illustrate the relationship between matrix stiffness and LCSC stemness, which may aid the production of novel treatment approaches against liver cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Yuchuan Sun
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Li
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Qing Luo
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
| | - Guanbin Song
- College of Bioengineering, Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400030, P.R. China
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Cancer stem cells in hepatocellular carcinoma - from origin to clinical implications. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 19:26-44. [PMID: 34504325 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-021-00508-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 91.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is an aggressive disease with a poor clinical outcome. The cancer stem cell (CSC) model states that tumour growth is powered by a subset of tumour stem cells within cancers. This model explains several clinical observations in HCC (as well as in other cancers), including the almost inevitable recurrence of tumours after initial successful chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy, as well as the phenomena of tumour dormancy and treatment resistance. The past two decades have seen a marked increase in research on the identification and characterization of liver CSCs, which has encouraged the design of novel diagnostic and treatment strategies for HCC. These studies revealed novel aspects of liver CSCs, including their heterogeneity and unique immunobiology, which are suggestive of opportunities for new research directions and potential therapies. In this Review, we summarize the present knowledge of liver CSC markers and the regulators of stemness in HCC. We also comprehensively describe developments in the liver CSC field with emphasis on experiments utilizing single-cell transcriptomics to understand liver CSC heterogeneity, lineage-tracing and cell-ablation studies of liver CSCs, and the influence of the CSC niche and tumour microenvironment on liver cancer stemness, including interactions between CSCs and the immune system. We also discuss the potential application of liver CSC-based therapies for treatment of HCC.
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Yu JH, Ma S. Organoids as research models for hepatocellular carcinoma. Exp Cell Res 2021; 411:112987. [PMID: 34942189 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2021.112987] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Organoid culture is an emerging research tool that has proved tremendously useful in a multitude of aspects, one of which is cancer research. They largely overcome the limitations of previous cancer models by their faithful recapitulation of the in vivo biology, while still remaining amenable to perturbations. Using a cocktail of biologicals that mimic the stem cell niche signaling, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) organoids could be generated from tissue samples of both human and murine origin. Existing reports show that HCC organoids retain key characteristics of their parental tumor tissue, including the histological architecture, genomic landscape, expression profile and intra-tumor heterogeneity. There is ongoing effort to establish living biobanks of patient-derived cancer organoids, annotated with multi-omics data and clinical data, and they can be particularly valuable in stratification of HCC subtypes, pre-clinical drug discovery and personalized medicine. In the future, efforts in the standardization of procedures and nomenclature, refinement of protocols, as well as engineering of the culture systems will enable scientists to unleash the full potential of organoid technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Hy Yu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
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Tian BR, Lin WF, Zhang Y. Effects of biomechanical forces on the biological behavior of cancer stem cells. J Cancer 2021; 12:5895-5902. [PMID: 34476003 PMCID: PMC8408108 DOI: 10.7150/jca.60893] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), dynamic subsets of cancer cells, are responsible for malignant progression. The unique properties of CSCs, including self-renewal, differentiation, and malignancy, closely depend on the tumor microenvironment. Mechanical components in the microenvironment, including matrix stiffness, fluid shear stress, compression and tension stress, affect the fate of CSCs and further influence the cancer process. This paper reviews recent studies of mechanical components and CSCs, and further discusses the intrinsic correlation among them. Regulatory mechanisms of mechanical microenvironment, which act on CSCs, have great potential for clinical application and provide different perspectives to drugs and treatment design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Ren Tian
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Fan Lin
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Zhang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Gene Function and Regulation, School of Life Sciences, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510006, Guangdong, People's Republic of China
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Liu Y, Zheng C, Huang Y, He M, Xu WW, Li B. Molecular mechanisms of chemo- and radiotherapy resistance and the potential implications for cancer treatment. MedComm (Beijing) 2021; 2:315-340. [PMID: 34766149 PMCID: PMC8554658 DOI: 10.1002/mco2.55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Revised: 12/25/2020] [Accepted: 12/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide. Surgery is the primary treatment approach for cancer, but the survival rate is very low due to the rapid progression of the disease and presence of local and distant metastasis at diagnosis. Adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy are important components of the multidisciplinary approaches for cancer treatment. However, resistance to radiotherapy and chemotherapy may result in treatment failure or even cancer recurrence. Radioresistance in cancer is often caused by the repair response to radiation-induced DNA damage, cell cycle dysregulation, cancer stem cells (CSCs) resilience, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Understanding the molecular alterations that lead to radioresistance may provide new diagnostic markers and therapeutic targets to improve radiotherapy efficacy. Patients who develop resistance to chemotherapy drugs cannot benefit from the cytotoxicity induced by the prescribed drug and will likely have a poor outcome with these treatments. Chemotherapy often shows a low response rate due to various drug resistance mechanisms. This review focuses on the molecular mechanisms of radioresistance and chemoresistance in cancer and discusses recent developments in therapeutic strategies targeting chemoradiotherapy resistance to improve treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ya‐Ping Liu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education InstitutesInstitute of Life and Health EngineeringJinan UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Can‐Can Zheng
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education InstitutesInstitute of Life and Health EngineeringJinan UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Yun‐Na Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineNational Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineCollege of Life Science and TechnologyJinan UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Ming‐Liang He
- Department of Biomedical SciencesCity University of Hong KongHong KongChina
| | - Wen Wen Xu
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Bioengineering MedicineNational Engineering Research Center of Genetic MedicineInstitute of BiomedicineCollege of Life Science and TechnologyJinan UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
| | - Bin Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Tumor Molecular Biology and Key Laboratory of Functional Protein Research of Guangdong Higher Education InstitutesInstitute of Life and Health EngineeringJinan UniversityGuangzhouP. R. China
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Wang MM, Cui JF. Role of mechanosensitive ion channel Piezo1 in tumors. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2021; 29:758-764. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v29.i14.758] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
A better understanding of mechanotransduction mechanisms is the key to exploring biomechanical signal-regulated tumor malignant characteristics, and it is also the theoretical and practical basis for effective intervention from the upstream of mechanical cues. The discovery of the novel mechanosensitive ion channel protein Piezo1 (piezo type mechanosensitive ion channel component 1) provides a new perspective for the study of mechanotransduction mechanism in tumors. This article summarizes some of the latest research progress of Piezo1 in modulating tumor progression, including inducing cell carcinogenesis; regulating cell cycle, proliferation, invasion, and metastasis; influencing tumor stemness and angiogenesis; as well as reprogramming tumor immune microenvironment, etc.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi-Mi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jie-Feng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
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Zbiral B, Weber A, Iturri J, Vivanco MDM, Toca-Herrera JL. Estrogen Modulates Epithelial Breast Cancer Cell Mechanics and Cell-to-Cell Contacts. MATERIALS 2021; 14:ma14112897. [PMID: 34071397 PMCID: PMC8198807 DOI: 10.3390/ma14112897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2021] [Revised: 05/23/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Excessive estrogen exposure is connected with increased risk of breast cancer and has been shown to promote epithelial-mesenchymal-transition. Malignant cancer cells accumulate changes in cell mechanical and biochemical properties, often leading to cell softening. In this work we have employed atomic force microscopy to probe the influence of estrogen on the viscoelastic properties of MCF-7 breast cancer cells cultured either in normal or hormone free-medium. Estrogen led to a significant softening of the cells in all studied cases, while growing cells in hormone free medium led to an increase in the studied elastic and viscoelastic moduli. In addition, fluorescence microscopy shows that E-cadherin distribution is changed in cells when culturing them under estrogenic conditions. Furthermore, cell-cell contacts seemed to be weakened. These results were supported by AFM imaging showing changes in surfaces roughness, cell-cell contacts and cell height as result of estrogen treatment. This study therefore provides further evidence for the role of estrogen signaling in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Zbiral
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (B.Z.); (J.I.)
| | - Andreas Weber
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (B.Z.); (J.I.)
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (J.L.T.-H.)
| | - Jagoba Iturri
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (B.Z.); (J.I.)
| | - Maria d. M. Vivanco
- CIC bioGUNE, Basque Research and Technology Alliance, BRTA, Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain;
| | - José L. Toca-Herrera
- Institute for Biophysics, Department of Nanobiotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11, 1190 Vienna, Austria; (B.Z.); (J.I.)
- Correspondence: (A.W.); (J.L.T.-H.)
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Khalaf K, Hana D, Chou JTT, Singh C, Mackiewicz A, Kaczmarek M. Aspects of the Tumor Microenvironment Involved in Immune Resistance and Drug Resistance. Front Immunol 2021; 12:656364. [PMID: 34122412 PMCID: PMC8190405 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.656364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 175] [Impact Index Per Article: 58.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex and ever-changing "rogue organ" composed of its own blood supply, lymphatic and nervous systems, stroma, immune cells and extracellular matrix (ECM). These complex components, utilizing both benign and malignant cells, nurture the harsh, immunosuppressive and nutrient-deficient environment necessary for tumor cell growth, proliferation and phenotypic flexibility and variation. An important aspect of the TME is cellular crosstalk and cell-to-ECM communication. This interaction induces the release of soluble factors responsible for immune evasion and ECM remodeling, which further contribute to therapy resistance. Other aspects are the presence of exosomes contributed by both malignant and benign cells, circulating deregulated microRNAs and TME-specific metabolic patterns which further potentiate the progression and/or resistance to therapy. In addition to biochemical signaling, specific TME characteristics such as the hypoxic environment, metabolic derangements, and abnormal mechanical forces have been implicated in the development of treatment resistance. In this review, we will provide an overview of tumor microenvironmental composition, structure, and features that influence immune suppression and contribute to treatment resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khalil Khalaf
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Doris Hana
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Jadzia Tin-Tsen Chou
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Chandpreet Singh
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Andrzej Mackiewicz
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
| | - Mariusz Kaczmarek
- Department of Cancer Diagnostics and Immunology, Greater Poland Cancer Center, Poznań, Poland
- Department of Cancer Immunology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznań, Poland
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Chiang CT, Lau R, Ghaffarizadeh A, Brovold M, Vyas D, Juárez EF, Atala A, Agus DB, Soker S, Macklin P, Ruderman D, Mumenthaler SM. High-throughput microscopy reveals the impact of multifactorial environmental perturbations on colorectal cancer cell growth. Gigascience 2021; 10:6237161. [PMID: 33871006 PMCID: PMC8054261 DOI: 10.1093/gigascience/giab026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Revised: 11/21/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Colorectal cancer (CRC) mortality is principally due to metastatic disease, with the most frequent organ of metastasis being the liver. Biochemical and mechanical factors residing in the tumor microenvironment are considered to play a pivotal role in metastatic growth and response to therapy. However, it is difficult to study the tumor microenvironment systematically owing to a lack of fully controlled model systems that can be investigated in rigorous detail. Results We present a quantitative imaging dataset of CRC cell growth dynamics influenced by in vivo–mimicking conditions. They consist of tumor cells grown in various biochemical and biomechanical microenvironmental contexts. These contexts include varying oxygen and drug concentrations, and growth on conventional stiff plastic, softer matrices, and bioengineered acellular liver extracellular matrix. Growth rate analyses under these conditions were performed via the cell phenotype digitizer (CellPD). Conclusions Our data indicate that the growth of highly aggressive HCT116 cells is affected by oxygen, substrate stiffness, and liver extracellular matrix. In addition, hypoxia has a protective effect against oxaliplatin-induced cytotoxicity on plastic and liver extracellular matrix. This expansive dataset of CRC cell growth measurements under in situ relevant environmental perturbations provides insights into critical tumor microenvironment features contributing to metastatic seeding and tumor growth. Such insights are essential to dynamical modeling and understanding the multicellular tumor-stroma dynamics that contribute to metastatic colonization. It also establishes a benchmark dataset for training and testing data-driven dynamical models of cancer cell lines and therapeutic response in a variety of microenvironmental conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Te Chiang
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Roy Lau
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Ahmadreza Ghaffarizadeh
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Matthew Brovold
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Dipen Vyas
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Edwin F Juárez
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Anthony Atala
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - David B Agus
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Shay Soker
- Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA
| | - Paul Macklin
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA.,Intelligent Systems Engineering, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN 47408, USA
| | - Daniel Ruderman
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
| | - Shannon M Mumenthaler
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA
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Wu S, Xing X, Wang Y, Zhang X, Li M, Wang M, Wang Z, Chen J, Gao D, Zhao Y, Chen R, Ren Z, Zhang K, Cui J. The pathological significance of LOXL2 in pre-metastatic niche formation of HCC and its related molecular mechanism. Eur J Cancer 2021; 147:63-73. [PMID: 33618200 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2021.01.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2020] [Revised: 12/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The mechanisms underlying the contribution of primary tumour to pre-metastatic niche formation remains largely unknown in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We previously reported that the released LOXL2 from HCC cells under higher stiffness stimulation facilitated the formation of lung pre-metastatic niche. Here, we further clarified the pathological role of LOXL2 in promoting lung pre-metastatic niche formation and lung metastasis occurrence in HCC and its relevant molecular mechanism. METHODS Using two different animal models and an in vitro system of mechanically tuneable gel mirroring lung tissue stiffness, we explored the underlying mechanism of LOXL2 in pre-metastatic niche formation. RESULTS We applied tail vein injection of CM-LV-LOXL2-OEsimulating tumour-released soluble factors to induce lung pre-metastatic niche formation and found that the injected LOXL2 remarkably enhanced CD11b+/CD45+ bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs) recruitment and fibronectin expression in lung. Subsequently, LOXL2-overexpressed xenograft HCC models validated that tumour-secreted LOXL2 significantly promoted the occurrence of pulmonary metastasis. In vitro, LOXL2 and LOXL2-caused matrix stiffening not only obviously upregulated the expressions of MMP9 and fibronectin in lung fibroblasts, but also evidently increased the number of adherent HCC cells and the expression of chemokine CXCL12. The activation of PI3K-AKT pathway mediated LOXL2-upregulated fibronectin. HCC patients in High-LOXL2 group had higher ratio of tumour recurrence than HCC patients in Low-LOXL2 group, supporting a significance of LOXL2 in HCC progression and unfavourable outcome. CONCLUSION Primary tumour-released LOXL2 promotes lung pre-metastatic niche formation and lung metastasis occurrence. LOXL2-caused matrix stiffening synergistically regulates lung pre-metastatic niche formation. Targeting LOXL2-induced lung pre-metastatic niche may be a novel intervention approach against HCC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sifan Wu
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xiaoxia Xing
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yaohui Wang
- Department of Radiology, Shanghai Cancer Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Miao Li
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Mimi Wang
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Oncology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Jie Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Dongmei Gao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Rongxin Chen
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Zhenggang Ren
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China
| | - Kezhi Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Taizhou People's Hospital, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu Province, PR China.
| | - Jiefeng Cui
- Liver Cancer Institute, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University & Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion, Ministry of Education, 180 Feng Lin Road, Shanghai, 200032, PR China.
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Ng K, Shea QT, Wong T, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo C, Man K, Yun J, Guan X, Lee TK, Zheng Y, Ma S. Chemotherapy-Enriched THBS2-Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2021; 8:2002483. [PMID: 33717837 PMCID: PMC7927606 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy-enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed-forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM-modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Queenie T. Shea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Tin‐Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Steve T. Luk
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Chung‐Mau Lo
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
- Department of Clinical OncologyQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Terence K. Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Yong‐Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
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Ngo MHT, Jeng HY, Kuo YC, Nanda JD, Brahmadhi A, Ling TY, Chang TS, Huang YH. The Role of IGF/IGF-1R Signaling in Hepatocellular Carcinomas: Stemness-Related Properties and Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041931. [PMID: 33669204 PMCID: PMC7919800 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 02/10/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF)/IGF-1 Receptor (IGF-1R) signaling is known to regulate stem cell pluripotency and differentiation to trigger cell proliferation, organ development, and tissue regeneration during embryonic development. Unbalanced IGF/IGF-1R signaling can promote cancer cell proliferation and activate cancer reprogramming in tumor tissues, especially in the liver. Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death, with a high incidence and mortality rate in Asia. Most patients with advanced HCC develop tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI)-refractoriness after receiving TKI treatment. Dysregulation of IGF/IGF-1R signaling in HCC may activate expression of cancer stemness that leads to TKI refractoriness and tumor recurrence. In this review, we summarize the evidence for dysregulated IGF/IGF-1R signaling especially in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC. The regulation of cancer stemness expression and drug resistance will be highlighted. Current clinical treatments and potential therapies targeting IGF/IGF-1R signaling for the treatment of HCC will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mai-Huong Thi Ngo
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yin Jeng
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Yung-Che Kuo
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
| | - Josephine Diony Nanda
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Ageng Brahmadhi
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
| | - Thai-Yen Ling
- Department and Graduate Institute of Pharmacology, National Taiwan University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Te-Sheng Chang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, College of Medicine, Chang Gung University, Taoyuan 33382, Taiwan
- Division of Internal Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, Chiayi 61363, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
| | - Yen-Hua Huang
- International PhD Program for Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (M.-H.T.N.); (J.D.N.); (A.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Cell Biology, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cell Therapy and Regeneration Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan; (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-C.K.)
- Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Center for Reproductive Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- PhD Program for Translational Medicine, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (T.-Y.L.); (T.-S.C.); (Y.-H.H.); Tel.: +886-2-2312-3456 (ext. 8-8322) (T.-Y.L.); +886-5-3621-000 (ext. 2242) (T.-S.C.); +886-2-2736-1661 (ext. 3150) (Y.-H.H.)
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