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Pickett MR, Chen YI, Kamra M, Kumar S, Kalkunte N, Sugerman GP, Varodom K, Rausch MK, Zoldan J, Yeh HC, Parekh SH. Assessing the impact of extracellular matrix fiber orientation on breast cancer cellular metabolism. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:199. [PMID: 38840117 PMCID: PMC11151503 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03385-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic and complex microenvironment that modulates cell behavior and cell fate. Changes in ECM composition and architecture have been correlated with development, differentiation, and disease progression in various pathologies, including breast cancer [1]. Studies have shown that aligned fibers drive a pro-metastatic microenvironment, promoting the transformation of mammary epithelial cells into invasive ductal carcinoma via the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) [2]. The impact of ECM orientation on breast cancer metabolism, however, is largely unknown. Here, we employ two non-invasive imaging techniques, fluorescence-lifetime imaging microscopy (FLIM) and intensity-based multiphoton microscopy, to assess the metabolic states of cancer cells cultured on ECM-mimicking nanofibers in a random and aligned orientation. By tracking the changes in the intrinsic fluorescence of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and flavin adenine dinucleotide, as well as expression levels of metastatic markers, we reveal how ECM fiber orientation alters cancer metabolism and EMT progression. Our study indicates that aligned cellular microenvironments play a key role in promoting metastatic phenotypes of breast cancer as evidenced by a more glycolytic metabolic signature on nanofiber scaffolds of aligned orientation compared to scaffolds of random orientation. This finding is particularly relevant for subsets of breast cancer marked by high levels of collagen remodeling (e.g. pregnancy associated breast cancer), and may serve as a platform for predicting clinical outcomes within these subsets [3-6].
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison R Pickett
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
| | - Yuan-I Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Mohini Kamra
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Sachin Kumar
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, New Delhi, 110016, India
| | - Nikhith Kalkunte
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Gabriella P Sugerman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Kelsey Varodom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Manuel K Rausch
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Department of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
- Oden Institute for Computational Engineering and Sciences, The University of Texas at Austin, 78712, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Janet Zoldan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
| | - Hsin-Chin Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA
- Texas Materials Institute, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Sapun H Parekh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, 107 W Dean Keeton Street Stop C0800, Austin, TX, 78712, USA.
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2
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Chiu KH, Karpat M, Hahn J, Chang KY, Weber M, Wolf M, Aveic S, Fischer H. Cyclic Stretching Triggers Cell Orientation and Extracellular Matrix Remodeling in a Periodontal Ligament 3D In Vitro Model. Adv Healthc Mater 2023; 12:e2301422. [PMID: 37703581 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202301422] [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: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
During orthodontic tooth movement (OTM), the periodontal ligament (PDL) plays a crucial role in regulating the tissue remodeling process. To decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying this process in vitro, suitable 3D models are needed that more closely approximate the situation in vivo. Here, a customized bioreactor is developed that allows dynamic loading of PDL-derived fibroblasts (PDLF). A collagen-based hydrogel mixture is optimized to maintain structural integrity and constant cell growth during stretching. Numerical simulations show a uniform stress distribution in the hydrogel construct under stretching. Compared to static conditions, controlled cyclic stretching results in directional alignment of collagen fibers and enhances proliferation and spreading ability of the embedded PDLF cells. Effective force transmission to the embedded cells is demonstrated by a more than threefold increase in Periostin protein expression. The cyclic stretch conditions also promote extensive remodeling of the extracellular matrix, as confirmed by increased glycosaminoglycan production. These results highlight the importance of dynamic loading over an extended period of time to determine the behavior of PDLF and to identify in vitro mechanobiological cues triggered during OTM-like stimulus. The introduced dynamic bioreactor is therefore a useful in vitro tool to study these mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kuo-Hui Chiu
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Mert Karpat
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Johannes Hahn
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Kao-Yuan Chang
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Weber
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Michael Wolf
- Department of Orthodontics, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Sanja Aveic
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
| | - Horst Fischer
- Department of Dental Materials and Biomaterials Research, RWTH Aachen University Hospital, Pauwelsstrasse 30, 52074, Aachen, Germany
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3
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Kamin H, Nolte L, Bleilevens A, Stickeler E, Heinemann D, Maurer J, Johannsmeier S, Ripken T. Imaging and quantification of the tumor microenvironment of triple negative breast cancer using TPEF and scanning laser optical tomography. BIOMEDICAL OPTICS EXPRESS 2023; 14:4579-4593. [PMID: 37791264 PMCID: PMC10545185 DOI: 10.1364/boe.494181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer is an aggressive subtype of breast cancer that has a poor five-year survival rate. The tumor's extracellular matrix is a major compartment of its microenvironment and influences the proliferation, migration and the formation of metastases. The study of such dependencies requires methods to analyze the tumor matrix in its native form. In this work, the limits of SHG-microscopy, namely limited penetration depth, sample size and specificity, are addressed by correlative three-dimensional imaging. We present the combination of scanning laser optical tomography (SLOT) and multiphoton microscopy, to depict the matrix collagen on different scales. Both methods can be used complementarily to generate full-volume views and allow for in-depth analysis. Additionally, we explore the use of SHG as a contrast mechanism for complex samples in SLOT. It was possible to depict the overall collagen structure and specific fibers using marker free imaging on different scales. An appropriate sample preparation enables the fixation of the structures while simultaneously conserving the fluorescence of antibody staining. We find that SHG is a suitable contrast mechanism to depict matrix collagen even in complex samples and using SLOT. The insights presented here shall further facilitate the study of the tumor extracellular matrix by correlative 3d imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hannes Kamin
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Lena Nolte
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany
| | - Andreas Bleilevens
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Elmar Stickeler
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Dag Heinemann
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany
- Department of Phytophotonics, Institute of Horticultural Production Systems, Leibniz University Hannover, Herrenhäuser Str. 2, 30419 Hannover, Germany
- Hannover Centre for Optical Technologies (HOT), Leibniz University Hannover, Nienburger Str. 17, 30167 Hannover, Germany
| | - Jochen Maurer
- Clinic for Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Hospital Aachen, Pauwelstr. 30, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Sonja Johannsmeier
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Stadtfelddamm 34, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Tammo Ripken
- Industrial and Biomedical Optics Department, Laser Zentrum Hannover e.V., Hollerithallee 8, 30419 Hannover, Germany
- Lower Saxony Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Implant Research and Development, Stadtfelddamm 34, 30625 Hannover, Germany
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Sendín-Martín M, Posner J, Harris U, Moronta M, Conejo-Mir Sánchez J, Mukherjee S, Rajadhyaksha M, Kose K, Jain M. Quantitative collagen analysis using second harmonic generation images for the detection of basal cell carcinoma with ex vivo multiphoton microscopy. Exp Dermatol 2023; 32:392-402. [PMID: 36409162 PMCID: PMC10478030 DOI: 10.1111/exd.14713] [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: 08/23/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common skin cancer, and its incidence is rising. Millions of benign biopsies are performed annually for BCC diagnosis, increasing morbidity, and healthcare costs. Non-invasive in vivo technologies such as multiphoton microscopy (MPM) can aid in diagnosing BCC, reducing the need for biopsies. Furthermore, the second harmonic generation (SHG) signal generated from MPM can classify and prognosticate cancers based on extracellular matrix changes, especially collagen type I. We explored the potential of MPM to differentiate collagen changes associated with different BCC subtypes compared to normal skin structures and benign lesions. Quantitative analysis such as frequency band energy analysis in Fourier domain, CurveAlign and CT-FIRE fibre analysis was performed on SHG images from 52 BCC and 12 benign lesions samples. Our results showed that collagen distribution is more aligned surrounding BCCs nests compared to the skin's normal structures (p < 0.001) and benign lesions (p < 0.001). Also, collagen was orientated more parallelly surrounding indolent BCC subtypes (superficial and nodular) versus those with more aggressive behaviour (infiltrative BCC) (p = 0.021). In conclusion, SHG signal from type I collagen can aid not only in the diagnosis of BCC but could be useful for prognosticating these tumors. Our initial results are limited to a small number of samples, requiring large-scale studies to validate them. These findings represent the groundwork for future in vivo MPM for diagnosis and prognosis of BCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Sendín-Martín
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Dermatology Department, Sevilla (Spain)
- Universidad de Sevilla, Department of Medicine, Sevilla (Spain)
| | - Jasmine Posner
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Ucalene Harris
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Matthew Moronta
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Julián Conejo-Mir Sánchez
- Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocío, Dermatology Department, Sevilla (Spain)
- Universidad de Sevilla, Department of Medicine, Sevilla (Spain)
| | - Sushmita Mukherjee
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Milind Rajadhyaksha
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Kivanc Kose
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
| | - Manu Jain
- Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
- Weill Cornell Medicine, Dermatology Service, Department of Medicine, New York (USA)
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Iftikhar R, Snarski P, King AN, Ghimire J, Ruiz E, Lau F, Savkovic SD. Epiploic Adipose Tissue (EPAT) in Obese Individuals Promotes Colonic Tumorigenesis: A Novel Model for EPAT-Dependent Colorectal Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030977. [PMID: 36765934 PMCID: PMC9913240 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030977] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The obesity epidemic is associated with increased colorectal cancer (CRC) risk and progression, the mechanisms of which remain unclear. In obese individuals, hypertrophic epiploic adipose tissue (EPAT), attached to the colon, has unique characteristics compared to other fats. We hypothesized that this understudied fat could serve as a tumor-promoting tissue and developed a novel microphysiological system (MPS) for human EPAT-dependent colorectal cancer (CRC-MPS). In CRC-MPS, obese EPAT, unlike lean EPAT, considerably attracted colon cancer HT29-GFP cells and enhanced their growth. Conditioned media (CM) from the obese CRC-MPS significantly increased the growth and migration of HT29 and HCT116 cells (p < 0.001). In HT29 cells, CM stimulated differential gene expression (hOEC867) linked to cancer, tumor morphology, and metabolism similar to those in the colon of high-fat-diet obese mice. The hOEC867 signature represented pathways found in human colon cancer. In unsupervised clustering, hOEC867 separated transcriptomes of colon cancer samples from normal with high significance (PCA, p = 9.6 × 10-11). These genes, validated in CM-treated HT29 cells (p < 0.05), regulate the cell cycle, cancer stem cells, methylation, and metastasis, and are similarly altered in human colon cancer (TCGA). These findings highlight a tumor-promoting role of EPAT in CRC facilitated with obesity and establishes a platform to explore critical mechanisms and develop effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rida Iftikhar
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Patricia Snarski
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Angelle N. King
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Jenisha Ghimire
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Emmanuelle Ruiz
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Frank Lau
- Department of Surgery, Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Suzana D. Savkovic
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-504-988-1409
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Sorvina A, Antoniou M, Esmaeili Z, Kochetkova M. Unusual Suspects: Bone and Cartilage ECM Proteins as Carcinoma Facilitators. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030791. [PMID: 36765749 PMCID: PMC9913341 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is the complex three-dimensional network of fibrous proteins and proteoglycans that constitutes an essential part of every tissue to provide support for normal tissue homeostasis. Tissue specificity of the ECM in its topology and structure supports unique biochemical and mechanical properties of each organ. Cancers, like normal tissues, require the ECM to maintain multiple processes governing tumor development, progression and spread. A large body of experimental and clinical evidence has now accumulated to demonstrate essential roles of numerous ECM components in all cancer types. Latest findings also suggest that multiple tumor types express, and use to their advantage, atypical ECM components that are not found in the cancer tissue of origin. However, the understanding of cancer-specific expression patterns of these ECM proteins and their exact roles in selected tumor types is still sketchy. In this review, we summarize the latest data on the aberrant expression of bone and cartilage ECM proteins in epithelial cancers and their specific functions in the pathogenesis of carcinomas and discuss future directions in exploring the utility of this selective group of ECM components as future drug targets.
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