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Gu X, Wei S, Lv X. Circulating tumor cells: from new biological insights to clinical practice. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:226. [PMID: 39218931 PMCID: PMC11366768 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01938-6] [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: 11/02/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2024] [Accepted: 07/29/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
The primary reason for high mortality rates among cancer patients is metastasis, where tumor cells migrate through the bloodstream from the original site to other parts of the body. Recent advancements in technology have significantly enhanced our comprehension of the mechanisms behind the bloodborne spread of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). One critical process, DNA methylation, regulates gene expression and chromosome stability, thus maintaining dynamic equilibrium in the body. Global hypomethylation and locus-specific hypermethylation are examples of changes in DNA methylation patterns that are pivotal to carcinogenesis. This comprehensive review first provides an overview of the various processes that contribute to the formation of CTCs, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), immune surveillance, and colonization. We then conduct an in-depth analysis of how modifications in DNA methylation within CTCs impact each of these critical stages during CTC dissemination. Furthermore, we explored potential clinical implications of changes in DNA methylation in CTCs for patients with cancer. By understanding these epigenetic modifications, we can gain insights into the metastatic process and identify new biomarkers for early detection, prognosis, and targeted therapies. This review aims to bridge the gap between basic research and clinical application, highlighting the significance of DNA methylation in the context of cancer metastasis and offering new avenues for improving patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xuyu Gu
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shiyou Wei
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xin Lv
- Department of Anesthesiology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China.
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Tian B, Pang Y, Gao Y, Meng Q, Xin L, Sun C, Tang X, Wang Y, Li Z, Lin H, Wang L. A pan-cancer analysis of the oncogenic role of Golgi transport 1B in human tumors. J Transl Int Med 2023; 11:433-448. [PMID: 38130634 PMCID: PMC10732491 DOI: 10.2478/jtim-2023-0002] [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] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Owing to the aggressiveness and treatment-refractory nature of cancer, ideal candidates for early diagnosis and treatment are needed. Golgi transport 1B (GOLT1B) has been associated with cellular malignant behaviors and immune responses in colorectal and lung cancer, but a systematic pan-cancer analysis on GOLT1B has not been conducted. Methods The expression status and clinical association of GOLT1B in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed. Genetic and methylation alterations in GOLT1B were explored. The relationship between GOLT1B and immune cell infiltration was also investigated. Genes related to GOLT1B expression were selected and analyzed. Results GOLT1B was highly expressed in most tumors, and there was a positive correlation between GOLT1B expression and clinical pathological parameters. High expression levels of GOLT1B have been associated with poor prognosis of most cancers. Copy number amplification was the primary type of GOLT1B genetic alterations, which was related to the prognosis of pan-cancer cases. There were different levels of GOLT1B promoter methylation across cancer types. The methylation level of the probe cg07371838 and cg25816357 was closely associated with prognosis in diverse cancers. There was also a positive correlation between GOLT1B genetic alterations and CD4+ T lymphocytes, especially the Th2 subset, as well as between GOLT1B expression and the estimated infiltration value of cancer-associated fibroblasts. Serine/threonine kinase receptor-associated protein (STRAP), integrator complex subunit 13 (INTS13), and ethanolamine kinase 1 (ETNK1) were the most relevant genes for GOLT1B expression, and their interactions with GOLT1B were involved in regulating the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β receptor signaling pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Conclusions This pan-cancer analysis provided a comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic role of GOLT1B, highlighting a potential mechanism whereby GOLT1B influences the tumor microenvironment, as well as cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo Tian
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Yanan Pang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
- Shanghai Institute of Pancreatic Diseases, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Ye Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Qianqian Meng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Lei Xin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Chang Sun
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Xin Tang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Yilin Wang
- Georgetown Preparatory School, North Bethesda20852, MD, USA
| | - Zhaoshen Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Han Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
| | - Luowei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changhai Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai200433, China
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Hu Y, Shen F, Yang X, Han T, Long Z, Wen J, Huang J, Shen J, Guo Q. Single-cell sequencing technology applied to epigenetics for the study of tumor heterogeneity. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:161. [PMID: 37821906 PMCID: PMC10568863 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01574-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previous studies have traditionally attributed the initiation of cancer cells to genetic mutations, considering them as the fundamental drivers of carcinogenesis. However, recent research has shed light on the crucial role of epigenomic alterations in various cell types present within the tumor microenvironment, suggesting their potential contribution to tumor formation and progression. Despite these significant findings, the progress in understanding the epigenetic mechanisms regulating tumor heterogeneity has been impeded over the past few years due to the lack of appropriate technical tools and methodologies. RESULTS The emergence of single-cell sequencing has enhanced our understanding of the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumor heterogeneity by revealing the distinct epigenetic layers of individual cells (chromatin accessibility, DNA/RNA methylation, histone modifications, nucleosome localization) and the diverse omics (transcriptomics, genomics, multi-omics) at the single-cell level. These technologies provide us with new insights into the molecular basis of intratumoral heterogeneity and help uncover key molecular events and driving mechanisms in tumor development. CONCLUSION This paper provides a comprehensive review of the emerging analytical and experimental approaches of single-cell sequencing in various omics, focusing specifically on epigenomics. These approaches have the potential to capture and integrate multiple dimensions of individual cancer cells, thereby revealing tumor heterogeneity and epigenetic features. Additionally, this paper outlines the future trends of these technologies and their current technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhua Hu
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Feng Shen
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xi Yang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610041, China
| | - Tingting Han
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
| | - Zhuowen Long
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiale Wen
- Graduate School, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, 116044, Liaoning, China
- Department of Cardiology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Junxing Huang
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Jiangfeng Shen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Qing Guo
- Department of Oncology, The Affiliated Taizhou People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou School of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Taizhou, 225300, Jiangsu, China.
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Liu F, Wang Y, Gu H, Wang X. Technologies and applications of single-cell DNA methylation sequencing. Theranostics 2023; 13:2439-2454. [PMID: 37215576 PMCID: PMC10196823 DOI: 10.7150/thno.82582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/09/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is the most stable epigenetic modification. In mammals, it usually occurs at the cytosine of CpG dinucleotides. DNA methylation is essential for many physiological and pathological processes. Aberrant DNA methylation has been observed in human diseases, particularly cancer. Notably, conventional DNA methylation profiling technologies require a large amount of DNA, often from a heterogeneous cell population, and provide an average methylation level of many cells. It is often not realistic to collect sufficient numbers of cells, such as rare cells and circulating tumor cells in peripheral blood, for bulk sequencing assays. It is therefore essential to develop sequencing technologies that can accurately profile DNA methylation using small numbers of cells or even single cells. Excitingly, many single-cell DNA methylation sequencing and single-cell omics sequencing technologies have been developed, and applications of these methods have greatly expanded our understanding of the molecular mechanism of DNA methylation. Here, we summaries single-cell DNA methylation and multi-omics sequencing methods, delineate their applications in biomedical sciences, discuss technical challenges, and present our perspective on future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fang Liu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Yunfei Wang
- Zhejiang ShengTing Biotech. Ltd, Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Hongcang Gu
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
- University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, 230026, China
- Hefei Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, 230031, China
| | - Xiaoxue Wang
- Department of Hematology, the First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, 110001, China
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O'Neill H, Lee H, Gupta I, Rodger EJ, Chatterjee A. Single-Cell DNA Methylation Analysis in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:6171. [PMID: 36551655 PMCID: PMC9777108 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 12/07/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Morphological, transcriptomic, and genomic defects are well-explored parameters of cancer biology. In more recent years, the impact of epigenetic influences, such as DNA methylation, is becoming more appreciated. Aberrant DNA methylation has been implicated in many types of cancers, influencing cell type, state, transcriptional regulation, and genomic stability to name a few. Traditionally, large populations of cells from the tissue of interest are coalesced for analysis, producing averaged methylome data. Considering the inherent heterogeneity of cancer, analysing populations of cells as a whole denies the ability to discover novel aberrant methylation patterns, identify subpopulations, and trace cell lineages. Due to recent advancements in technology, it is now possible to obtain methylome data from single cells. This has both research and clinical implications, ranging from the identification of biomarkers to improved diagnostic tools. As with all emerging technologies, distinct experimental, bioinformatic, and practical challenges present themselves. This review begins with exploring the potential impact of single-cell sequencing on understanding cancer biology and how it could eventually benefit a clinical setting. Following this, the techniques and experimental approaches which made this technology possible are explored. Finally, the present challenges currently associated with single-cell DNA methylation sequencing are described.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannah O'Neill
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Heather Lee
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, The University of Newcastle, Callaghan, NSW 2308, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW 2305, Australia
| | - Ishaan Gupta
- Department of Biochemical Engineering and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Euan J Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin 9016, New Zealand
- School of Health Sciences and Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies (UPES), Dehradun 248007, India
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Casado-Pelaez M, Bueno-Costa A, Esteller M. Single cell cancer epigenetics. Trends Cancer 2022; 8:820-838. [PMID: 35821003 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Bulk sequencing methodologies have allowed us to make great progress in cancer research. Unfortunately, these techniques lack the resolution to fully unravel the epigenetic mechanisms that govern tumor heterogeneity. Consequently, many novel single cell-sequencing methodologies have been developed over the past decade, allowing us to explore the epigenetic components that regulate different aspects of cancer heterogeneity, namely: clonal heterogeneity, tumor microenvironment (TME), spatial organization, intratumoral differentiation programs, metastasis, and resistance mechanisms. In this review, we explore the different sequencing techniques that enable researchers to study different aspects of epigenetics (DNA methylation, chromatin accessibility, histone modifications, DNA-protein interactions, and chromatin 3D architecture) at the single cell level, their potential applications in cancer, and their current technical limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Casado-Pelaez
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Alberto Bueno-Costa
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain
| | - Manel Esteller
- Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Badalona, Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Centro de Investigacion Biomedica en Red Cancer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain; Institucio Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain; Physiological Sciences Department, School of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona (UB), Barcelona, Catalonia, Spain.
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Aleotti V, Catoni C, Poggiana C, Rosato A, Facchinetti A, Scaini MC. Methylation Markers in Cutaneous Melanoma: Unravelling the Potential Utility of Their Tracking by Liquid Biopsy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:6217. [PMID: 34944843 PMCID: PMC8699653 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2021] [Revised: 12/02/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is the most serious, life-threatening form of all dermatologic diseases, with a poor prognosis in the presence of metastases and advanced disease. Despite recent advances in targeted therapy and immunotherapy, there is still a critical need for a better understanding of the fundamental mechanisms behind melanoma progression and resistance onset. Recent advances in genome-wide methylation methods have revealed that aberrant changes in the pattern of DNA methylation play an important role in many aspects of cancer progression, including cell proliferation and migration, evasion of cell death, invasion, and metastasization. The purpose of the current review was to gather evidence regarding the usefulness of DNA methylation tracking in liquid biopsy as a potential biomarker in melanoma. We investigated the key genes and signal transduction pathways that have been found to be altered epigenetically in melanoma. We then highlighted the circulating tumor components present in blood, including circulating melanoma cells (CMC), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), and tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a valuable source for identifying relevant aberrations in DNA methylation. Finally, we focused on DNA methylation signatures as a marker for tracking response to therapy and resistance, thus facilitating personalized medicine and decision-making in the treatment of melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Aleotti
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Cristina Catoni
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Cristina Poggiana
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
| | - Antonio Rosato
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Antonella Facchinetti
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
- Department of Surgery, Oncology and Gastroenterology, Oncology and Immunology Section, University of Padua, 35128 Padua, Italy
| | - Maria Chiara Scaini
- Immunology and Molecular Oncology Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, 35128 Padua, Italy; (V.A.); (C.C.); (A.F.); (M.C.S.)
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