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Ho HY, Chung KS(K, Kan CM, Wong SC(C. Liquid Biopsy in the Clinical Management of Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:8594. [PMID: 39201281 PMCID: PMC11354853 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25168594] [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: 06/14/2024] [Revised: 08/02/2024] [Accepted: 08/02/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy, a noninvasive diagnosis that examines circulating tumor components in body fluids, is increasingly used in cancer management. An overview of relevant literature emphasizes the current state of liquid biopsy applications in cancer care. Biomarkers in liquid biopsy, particularly circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA), circulating tumor RNAs (ctRNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), extracellular vesicles (EVs), and other components, offer promising opportunities for early cancer diagnosis, treatment selection, monitoring, and disease assessment. The implementation of liquid biopsy in precision medicine has shown significant potential in various cancer types, including lung cancer, colorectal cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer. Advances in genomic and molecular technologies such as next-generation sequencing (NGS) and digital polymerase chain reaction (dPCR) have expanded the utility of liquid biopsy, enabling the detection of somatic variants and actionable genomic alterations in tumors. Liquid biopsy has also demonstrated utility in predicting treatment responses, monitoring minimal residual disease (MRD), and assessing tumor heterogeneity. Nevertheless, standardizing liquid biopsy techniques, interpreting results, and integrating them into the clinical routine remain as challenges. Despite these challenges, liquid biopsy has significant clinical implications in cancer management, offering a dynamic and noninvasive approach to understanding tumor biology and guiding personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Sze-Chuen (Cesar) Wong
- Department of Applied Biology & Chemical Technology, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University, Hong Kong SAR, China; (H.-Y.H.); (K.-S.C.); (C.-M.K.)
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2
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Yoshimoto K, Maki K, Adachi T, Kamei KI. Cyclic Stretching Enhances Angiocrine Signals at Liver Bud Stage from Human Pluripotent Stem Cells in Two-Dimensional Culture. Tissue Eng Part A 2024; 30:426-439. [PMID: 38062736 DOI: 10.1089/ten.tea.2023.0148] [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: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Angiocrine signals during the development and growth of organs, including the liver, intestine, lung, and bone, are essential components of intercellular communication. The signals elicited during the liver bud stage are critical for vascularization and enhanced during the intercellular communication between the cells negative for kinase insert domain receptor (KDR) (KDR- cells) and the cells positive for KDR (KDR+ cells), which constitute the liver bud. However, the use of a human pluripotent stem cell (hPSC)-derived system has not facilitated the generation of a perfusable vascularized liver organoid that allows elucidation of liver development and has great potential for liver transplantation. This is largely owing to the lack of fundamental understanding to induce angiocrine signals in KDR- and KDR+ cells during the liver bud stage. We hypothesized that mechanical stimuli of cyclic stretching/pushing by the fetal heart adjacent to the liver bud could be the main contributor to promoting angiocrine signals in KDR- and KDR+ cells during the liver bud stage. In this study, we show that an organ-on-a-chip platform allows the emulation of an in vivo-like mechanical environment for the liver bud stage in vitro and investigate the role of cyclic mechanical stretching (cMS) to angiocrine signals in KDR- and KDR+ cells derived from hPSCs. RNA sequencing revealed that the expression of genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, including angiocrine signals, such as hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), were increased by cMS in cocultured KDR- and KDR+ cells. The expression and secretions of HGF and MMP9 were increased by 1.98- and 1.69-fold and 3.23- and 3.72-fold with cMS in the cocultured KDR- and KDR+ cells but were not increased by cMS in the monocultured KDR- and KDR+ cells, respectively. Finally, cMS during the liver bud stage did not lead to the dedifferentiation of hepatocytes, as the cells with cMS showed hepatic maker expression (CYP3A4, CYP3A7, ALB, and AAT) and 1.71-fold higher CYP3A activity than the cells without cMS, during 12 day-hepatocyte maturation after halting cMS. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanical factors during the liver bud stage and directions for future improvements in the engineered liver tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Yoshimoto
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Koichiro Maki
- Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Taiji Adachi
- Department of Mammalian Regulatory Network, Graduate School of Biostudies, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Department of Biosystems Science, Institute for Life and Medical Sciences, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
| | - Ken-Ichiro Kamei
- Institute for Integrated Cell-Material Sciences, Institute for Advanced Study, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning, China
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Liaoning, China
- Programs of Biology and Bioengineering, Divisions of Science and Engineering, New York University Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Tandon School of Engineering, New York University, Brooklyn, New York, USA
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Fakhri S, Moradi SZ, Abbaszadeh F, Faraji F, Amirian R, Sinha D, McMahon EG, Bishayee A. Targeting the key players of phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells by phytochemicals. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:261-292. [PMID: 38169011 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10161-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Plasticity of phenotypic traits refers to an organism's ability to change in response to environmental stimuli. As a result, the response may alter an organism's physiological state, morphology, behavior, and phenotype. Phenotypic plasticity in cancer cells describes the considerable ability of cancer cells to transform phenotypes through non-genetic molecular signaling activities that promote therapy evasion and tumor metastasis via amplifying cancer heterogeneity. As a result of metastable phenotypic state transitions, cancer cells can tolerate chemotherapy or develop transient adaptive resistance. Therefore, new findings have paved the road in identifying factors and agents that inhibit or suppress phenotypic plasticity. It has also investigated novel multitargeted agents that may promise new effective strategies in cancer treatment. Despite the efficiency of conventional chemotherapeutic agents, drug toxicity, development of resistance, and high-cost limit their use in cancer therapy. Recent research has shown that small molecules derived from natural sources are capable of suppressing cancer by focusing on the plasticity of phenotypic responses. This systematic, comprehensive, and critical review analyzes the current state of knowledge regarding the ability of phytocompounds to target phenotypic plasticity at both preclinical and clinical levels. Current challenges/pitfalls, limitations, and future perspectives are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Faraji
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, 6517838678, Iran
| | - Roshanak Amirian
- Student Research Committee, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah, 6734667149, Iran
| | - Dona Sinha
- Department of Receptor Biology and Tumor Metastasis, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, Kolkata, 700 026, West Bengal, India
| | - Emily G McMahon
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA
| | - Anupam Bishayee
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine, Bradenton, FL, 34211, USA.
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Payne K, Brooks J, Batis N, Khan N, El-Asrag M, Nankivell P, Mehanna H, Taylor G. Feasibility of mass cytometry proteomic characterisation of circulating tumour cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for deep phenotyping. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1590-1598. [PMID: 37735243 PMCID: PMC10645808 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02428-2] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a potential cancer biomarker, but current methods of CTC analysis at single-cell resolution are limited. Here, we describe high-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry proteomic analysis of CTCs in HNSCC. METHODS Parsortix microfluidic-enriched CTCs from 14 treatment-naïve HNSCC patients were analysed by mass cytometry analysis using 41 antibodies. Immune cell lineage, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, proliferation and immune checkpoint expression was assessed alongside phosphorylation status of multiple signalling proteins. Patient-matched tumour gene expression and CTC EMT profiles were compared. Standard bulk CTC RNAseq was performed as a baseline comparator to assess mass cytometry data. RESULTS CTCs were detected in 13/14 patients with CTC counts of 2-24 CTCs/ml blood. Unsupervised clustering separated CTCs into epithelial, early EMT and advanced EMT groups that differed in signalling pathway activation state. Patient-specific CTC cluster patterns separated into immune checkpoint low and high groups. Patient tumour and CTC EMT profiles differed. Mass cytometry outperformed bulk RNAseq to detect CTCs and characterise cell phenotype. DISCUSSION We demonstrate mass cytometry allows high-plex proteomic characterisation of CTCs at single-cell resolution and identify common CTC sub-groups with potential for novel biomarker development and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Payne
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jill Brooks
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolaos Batis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Naeem Khan
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mohammed El-Asrag
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Nankivell
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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Gohlke L, Alahdab A, Oberhofer A, Worf K, Holdenrieder S, Michaelis M, Cinatl J, Ritter CA. Loss of Key EMT-Regulating miRNAs Highlight the Role of ZEB1 in EGFR Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor-Resistant NSCLC. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14742. [PMID: 37834189 PMCID: PMC10573279 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914742] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite recent advances in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), acquired drug resistance to targeted therapy remains a major obstacle. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been identified as a key resistance mechanism in NSCLC. Here, we investigated the mechanistic role of key EMT-regulating small non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in sublines of the NSCLC cell line HCC4006 adapted to afatinib, erlotinib, gefitinib, or osimertinib. The most differentially expressed miRNAs derived from extracellular vesicles were associated with EMT, and their predicted target ZEB1 was significantly overexpressed in all resistant cell lines. Transfection of a miR-205-5p mimic partially reversed EMT by inhibiting ZEB1, restoring CDH1 expression, and inhibiting migration in erlotinib-resistant cells. Gene expression of EMT-markers, transcription factors, and miRNAs were correlated during stepwise osimertinib adaptation of HCC4006 cells. Temporally relieving cells of osimertinib reversed transition trends, suggesting that the implementation of treatment pauses could provide prolonged benefits for patients. Our results provide new insights into the contribution of miRNAs to drug-resistant NSCLC harboring EGFR-activating mutations and highlight their role as potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linus Gohlke
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Ahmad Alahdab
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
| | - Angela Oberhofer
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Karolina Worf
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute of Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Center, Technical University Munich, 80636 Munich, Germany; (A.O.); (K.W.); (S.H.)
| | - Martin Michaelis
- School of Biosciences, Division of Natural Sciences, University of Kent, Canterbury, Kent CT2 7NJ, UK;
| | - Jindrich Cinatl
- Institute of Medical Virology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, 60596 Frankfurt am Main, Germany;
| | - Christoph A Ritter
- Institute of Pharmacy, Clinical Pharmacy, University Greifswald, Friedrich-Ludwig-Jahn-Str. 17, 17489 Greifswald, Germany;
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Puppo M, Valluru MK, Croset M, Ceresa D, Iuliani M, Khan A, Wicinski J, Charafe-Jauffret E, Ginestier C, Pantano F, Ottewell PD, Clézardin P. MiR-662 is associated with metastatic relapse in early-stage breast cancer and promotes metastasis by stimulating cancer cell stemness. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:754-771. [PMID: 37443350 PMCID: PMC10449914 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02340-9] [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: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer (BC) metastasis, which often occurs in bone, contributes substantially to mortality. MicroRNAs play a fundamental role in BC metastasis, although microRNA-regulated mechanisms driving metastasis progression remain poorly understood. METHODS MiRome analysis in serum from BC patients was performed by TaqMan™ low-density array. MiR-662 was overexpressed following MIMIC-transfection or lentivirus transduction. Animal models were used to investigate the role of miR-662 in BC (bone) metastasis. The effect of miR-662-overexpressing BC cell conditioned medium on osteoclastogenesis was investigated. ALDEFLUOR assays were performed to study BC stemness. RNA-sequencing transcriptomic analysis of miR-662-overexpressing BC cells was performed to evaluate gene expression changes. RESULTS High levels of hsa-miR-662 (miR-662) in serum from BC patients, at baseline (time of surgery), were associated with future recurrence in bone. At an early-stage of the metastatic disease, miR-662 could mask the presence of BC metastases in bone by inhibiting the differentiation of bone-resorbing osteoclasts. Nonetheless, metastatic miR-662-overexpressing BC cells then progressed as overt osteolytic metastases thanks to increased stem cell-like traits. CONCLUSIONS MiR-662 is involved in BC metastasis progression, suggesting it may be used as a prognostic marker to identify BC patients at high risk of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Puppo
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
| | - Manoj Kumar Valluru
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
- Department of Infection, Immunity and Cardiovascular, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Martine Croset
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France
- INSERM U1052, CNRS UMR_5286, Centre Léon Bérard, Centre de Recherche en Cancérologie de Lyon, Lyon, France
| | - Davide Ceresa
- IRCCS AOU San Martino, Università degli studi di Genova, Genova, Italy
| | - Michele Iuliani
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Ashrin Khan
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Julien Wicinski
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Emmanuelle Charafe-Jauffret
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Christophe Ginestier
- Aix-Marseille Univ, Inserm, CNRS, Institut Paoli-Calmettes, CRCM, Epithelial Stem Cells and Cancer Lab, "Equipe labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer", Marseille, France
| | - Francesco Pantano
- Medical Oncology, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Via Alvaro del Portillo 200, 00128, Roma, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Università Campus Bio-Medico di Roma, Via Alvaro del Portillo 21, 00128, Roma, Italy
| | - Penelope Dawn Ottewell
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK
| | - Philippe Clézardin
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, UK.
- INSERM, Research Unit UMR_S1033, LyOS, Faculty of Medicine Lyon-Est, Lyon, France.
- Univ Lyon, Université Claude Bernard Lyon 1, F-69008, Lyon, France.
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Pérez-Aliacar M, Ayensa-Jiménez J, Doblaré M. Modelling cell adaptation using internal variables: Accounting for cell plasticity in continuum mathematical biology. Comput Biol Med 2023; 164:107291. [PMID: 37586203 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2023.107291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
Cellular adaptation is the ability of cells to change in response to different stimuli and environmental conditions. It occurs via phenotypic plasticity, that is, changes in gene expression derived from changes in the physiological environment. This phenomenon is important in many biological processes, in particular in cancer evolution and its treatment. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the mechanisms behind it. Specifically, the emergence of the cancer stem cell phenotype, showing enhanced proliferation and invasion rates, is an essential process in tumour progression. We present a mathematical framework to simulate phenotypic heterogeneity in different cell populations as a result of their interaction with chemical species in their microenvironment, through a continuum model using the well-known concept of internal variables to model cell phenotype. The resulting model, derived from conservation laws, incorporates the relationship between the phenotype and the history of the stimuli to which cells have been subjected, together with the inheritance of that phenotype. To illustrate the model capabilities, it is particularised for glioblastoma adaptation to hypoxia. A parametric analysis is carried out to investigate the impact of each model parameter regulating cellular adaptation, showing that it permits reproducing different trends reported in the scientific literature. The framework can be easily adapted to any particular problem of cell plasticity, with the main limitation of having enough cells to allow working with continuum variables. With appropriate calibration and validation, it could be useful for exploring the underlying processes of cellular adaptation, as well as for proposing favourable/unfavourable conditions or treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Pérez-Aliacar
- Mechanical Engineering Department, School of Engineering and Architecture, University of Zaragoza, C/ Maria de Luna, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain; Engineering Research Institute of Aragón (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain.
| | - Jacobo Ayensa-Jiménez
- Engineering Research Institute of Aragón (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain; Aragón Health Research Institute (IISAragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain.
| | - Manuel Doblaré
- Engineering Research Institute of Aragón (I3A), University of Zaragoza, C/ Mariano Esquillor, Zaragoza, 50018, Spain; Aragón Health Research Institute (IISAragón), Avda. San Juan Bosco, Zaragoza, 50009, Spain; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red en Bioingeniería, Biomateriales y Nanomedicina (CIBERBBN), Avda. Monforte de Lemos, Madrid, 28029, Spain; Nanjing Tech University, South Puzhu Road, Nanging, 211800, China.
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Huang W, Aabed N, Shah YM. Reactive Oxygen Species and Ferroptosis at the Nexus of Inflammation and Colon Cancer. Antioxid Redox Signal 2023; 39:551-568. [PMID: 36792928 PMCID: PMC10517337 DOI: 10.1089/ars.2023.0246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
Significance: Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are essential in maintaining normal intestinal physiology. Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a relapsing chronic inflammatory disease of the intestine that is a major risk factor for colorectal cancer (CRC). Excess ROS are widely implicated in intestinal inflammation and cancer. Recent Advances: Clinical data have shown that targeting ROS broadly does not yield improved outcomes in IBD and CRC. However, selectively limiting oxidative damage may improve the efficacy of ROS targeting. An accumulation of lipid ROS induces a novel oxidative cell death pathway known as ferroptosis. A growing body of evidence suggests that ferroptosis is relevant to both IBD and CRC. Critical Issues: We propose that inhibition of ferroptosis will improve disease severity in IBD, whereas activating ferroptosis will limit CRC progression. Data from preclinical models suggest that methods of modulating ferroptosis have been successful in attenuating IBD and CRC. Future Directions: The etiology of IBD and progression of IBD to CRC are still unclear. Further understanding of ferroptosis in intestinal diseases will provide novel therapies. Ferroptosis is highly linked to inflammation, cell metabolism, and is cell-type dependent. Further research in assessing the inflammatory and tumor microenvironment in the intestine may provide novel vulnerabilities that can be targeted. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 39, 551-568.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wesley Huang
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Medical Scientist Training Program; University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Noora Aabed
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
| | - Yatrik M. Shah
- Department of Molecular and Integrative Physiology and Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA
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Dahut M, Fousek K, Horn LA, Angstadt S, Qin H, Hamilton DH, Schlom J, Palena C. Fulvestrant increases the susceptibility of enzalutamide-resistant prostate cancer cells to NK-mediated lysis. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007386. [PMID: 37678915 PMCID: PMC10496692 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007386] [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: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Enzalutamide, a next-generation antiandrogen agent, is approved for the treatment of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). While enzalutamide has been shown to improve time to progression and extend overall survival in men with CRPC, the majority of patients ultimately develop resistance to treatment. Immunotherapy approaches have shown limited clinical benefit in this patient population; understanding resistance mechanisms could help develop novel and more effective treatments for CRPC. One of the mechanisms involved in tumor resistance to various therapeutics is tumor phenotypic plasticity, whereby carcinoma cells acquire mesenchymal features with or without the loss of classical epithelial characteristics. This work investigated a potential link between enzalutamide resistance, tumor phenotypic plasticity, and resistance to immune-mediated lysis in prostate cancer. METHODS Models of prostate cancer resistant to enzalutamide were established by long-term exposure of human prostate cancer cell lines to the drug in culture. Tumor cells were evaluated for phenotypic features in vitro and in vivo, as well as for sensitivity to immune effector cell-mediated cytotoxicity. RESULTS Resistance to enzalutamide was associated with gain of mesenchymal tumor features, upregulation of estrogen receptor expression, and significantly reduced tumor susceptibility to natural killer (NK)-mediated lysis, an effect that was associated with decreased tumor/NK cell conjugate formation with enzalutamide-resistant cells. Fulvestrant, a selective estrogen receptor degrader, restored the formation of target/NK cell conjugates and increased susceptibility to NK cell lysis in vitro. In vivo, fulvestrant demonstrated antitumor activity against enzalutamide-resistant cells, an effect that was associated with activation of NK cells. CONCLUSION NK cells are emerging as a promising therapeutic approach in prostate cancer. Modifying tumor plasticity via blockade of estrogen receptor with fulvestrant may offer an opportunity for immune intervention via NK cell-based approaches in enzalutamide-resistant CRPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madeline Dahut
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Kristen Fousek
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lucas A Horn
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Shantel Angstadt
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Haiyan Qin
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Duane H Hamilton
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Jeffrey Schlom
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Claudia Palena
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
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10
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Guo L, Mohanty A, Singhal S, Srivastava S, Nam A, Warden C, Ramisetty S, Yuan YC, Cho H, Wu X, Li A, Vohra M, Saladi SV, Wheeler D, Arvanitis L, Massarelli E, Kulkarni P, Zeng Y, Salgia R. Targeting ITGB4/SOX2-driven lung cancer stem cells using proteasome inhibitors. iScience 2023; 26:107302. [PMID: 37554452 PMCID: PMC10405066 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.107302] [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: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the role of integrin β4 (ITGB4) and stemness-associated factor SOX2 in platinum resistance in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC). The expression of SOX2 and ITGB4 is found to be high in all LUSC subtypes, but the impact of ITGB4 expression on overall patient survival varies by subtype. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) isolated from LUSC patients were found to be resistant to cisplatin, but knocking down ITGB4 or SOX2 sensitized them to cisplatin. Carfilzomib (CFZ) synergized with cisplatin and suppressed CSC growth by inhibiting ITGB4 and SOX2 expression. Additionally, CFZ was found to inhibit SOX2 expression epigenetically by inhibiting histone acetylation at the SOX2 promoter site. CFZ also suppressed the growth of SOX2-dependent small cell lung cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. The study highlights the unique function of CFZ as a transcriptional suppressor of SOX2, independent of its proteasome inhibitory function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Guo
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Atish Mohanty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Sharad Singhal
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Saumya Srivastava
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Arin Nam
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Charles Warden
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Sravani Ramisetty
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yate-Ching Yuan
- Divison of Translational Bioinformatics, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Hyejin Cho
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Xiwei Wu
- Integrative Genomics Core, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope, Monrovia, CA 91016, USA
| | - Aimin Li
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Manik Vohra
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Srinivas Vinod Saladi
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Deric Wheeler
- Department of Human Oncology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, WI, USA
| | - Leonidas Arvanitis
- Department of Pathology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Erminia Massarelli
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Prakash Kulkarni
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
- Department of Systems Biology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Yiming Zeng
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Respirology Medicine Centre of Fujian Province, Quanzhou, China
| | - Ravi Salgia
- Department of Medical Oncology and Experimental Therapeutics, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
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11
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Welter L, Zheng S, Setayesh SM, Morikado M, Agrawal A, Nevarez R, Naghdloo A, Pore M, Higa N, Kolatkar A, Thiele JA, Sharma P, Moore HCF, Richer JK, Elias A, Pienta KJ, Zurita AJ, Gross ME, Shishido SN, Hicks J, Velasco CR, Kuhn P. Cell State and Cell Type: Deconvoluting Circulating Tumor Cell Populations in Liquid Biopsies by Multi-Omics. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3949. [PMID: 37568766 PMCID: PMC10417732 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Bi-directional crosstalk between the tumor and the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been shown to increase the rate of tumor evolution and to play a key role in neoplastic progression, therapeutic resistance, and a patient's overall survival. Here, we set out to use a comprehensive liquid-biopsy analysis to study cancer and specific TME cells in circulation and their association with disease status. Cytokeratin+, CD45- circulating rare cells (CRCs) from nine breast and four prostate cancer patients were characterized through morphometrics, single-cell copy number analysis, and targeted multiplexed proteomics to delineate cancer cell lineage from other rare cells originating in the TME. We show that we can detect epithelial circulating tumor cells (EPI.CTC), CTCs undergoing epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT.CTC) and circulating endothelial cells (CECs) using a universal rare event detection platform (HDSCA). Longitudinal analysis of an index patient finds that CTCs are present at the time of disease progression, while CECs are predominately present at the time of stable disease. In a small cohort of prostate and breast cancer patients, we find high inter-patient and temporal intra-patient variability in the expression of tissue specific markers such as ER, HER2, AR, PSA and PSMA and EpCAM. Our study stresses the importance of the multi-omic characterization of circulating rare cells in patients with breast and prostate carcinomas, specifically highlighting overlapping and cell type defining proteo-genomic characteristics of CTCs and CECs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Welter
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Serena Zheng
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Sonia Maryam Setayesh
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Michael Morikado
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Arushi Agrawal
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Rafael Nevarez
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Amin Naghdloo
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Milind Pore
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Nikki Higa
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Medicine, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
| | - Anand Kolatkar
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Jana-Aletta Thiele
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Priyanka Sharma
- University of Kansas Medical Center, Westwood, KS 66205, USA;
| | - Halle C. F. Moore
- Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute, Cleveland, OH 44195, USA;
| | - Jennifer K. Richer
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.K.R.); (A.E.)
| | - Anthony Elias
- University of Colorado Cancer Center, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA; (J.K.R.); (A.E.)
| | - Kenneth J. Pienta
- The Cancer Ecology Center, Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Amado J. Zurita
- Department of Genitourinary Medical Oncology, MD Anderson, Houston, TX 77230, USA;
| | - Mitchell E. Gross
- Lawrence J. Ellison Institute for Transformative Medicine, Los Angeles, CA 90064, USA;
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Stephanie N. Shishido
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - James Hicks
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
| | - Carmen Ruiz Velasco
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
| | - Peter Kuhn
- Convergent Science Institute in Cancer, Michelson Center for Convergent Bioscience, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA; (L.W.); (S.Z.); (S.M.S.); (M.M.); (A.A.); (R.N.); (A.N.); (M.P.); (N.H.); (A.K.); (J.-A.T.); (S.N.S.); (C.R.V.)
- Department of Biological Sciences, Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Viterbi School of Engineering, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90089, USA
- Catherine & Joseph Aresty Department of Urology, Institute of Urology, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 90033, USA
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12
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Mishra AB, Nishank SS. Therapeutic targeting approach on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity to combat cancer metastasis. Med Oncol 2023; 40:190. [PMID: 37247000 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02049-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/30/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a process in which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal properties, leading to increased motility and invasiveness, which are key factors in cancer metastasis. Targeting EMP has emerged as a promising therapeutic approach to combat cancer metastasis. Various strategies have been developed to target EMP, including inhibition of key signaling pathways, such as TGF-β, Wnt/β-catenin, and Notch, that regulate EMP, as well as targeting specific transcription factors, such as Snail, Slug, and Twist, that promote EMP. Additionally, targeting the tumor microenvironment, which plays a critical role in promoting EMP, has also shown promise. Several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of EMP-targeting therapies in inhibiting cancer metastasis. However, further research is needed to optimize these strategies and improve their clinical efficacy. Overall, therapeutic targeting of EMP represents a promising approach for the development of novel cancer therapies that can effectively inhibit metastasis, a major cause of cancer-related mortality.
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13
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Banushi B, Joseph SR, Lum B, Lee JJ, Simpson F. Endocytosis in cancer and cancer therapy. Nat Rev Cancer 2023:10.1038/s41568-023-00574-6. [PMID: 37217781 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00574-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Endocytosis is a complex process whereby cell surface proteins, lipids and fluid from the extracellular environment are packaged, sorted and internalized into cells. Endocytosis is also a mechanism of drug internalization into cells. There are multiple routes of endocytosis that determine the fate of molecules, from degradation in the lysosomes to recycling back to the plasma membrane. The overall rates of endocytosis and temporal regulation of molecules transiting through endocytic pathways are also intricately linked with signalling outcomes. This process relies on an array of factors, such as intrinsic amino acid motifs and post-translational modifications. Endocytosis is frequently disrupted in cancer. These disruptions lead to inappropriate retention of receptor tyrosine kinases on the tumour cell membrane, changes in the recycling of oncogenic molecules, defective signalling feedback loops and loss of cell polarity. In the past decade, endocytosis has emerged as a pivotal regulator of nutrient scavenging, response to and regulation of immune surveillance and tumour immune evasion, tumour metastasis and therapeutic drug delivery. This Review summarizes and integrates these advances into the understanding of endocytosis in cancer. The potential to regulate these pathways in the clinic to improve cancer therapy is also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Blerida Banushi
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Shannon R Joseph
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Benedict Lum
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Jason J Lee
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia
| | - Fiona Simpson
- Frazer Institute, University of Queensland, Woolloongabba, Queensland, Australia.
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14
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Isert L, Mehta A, Loiudice G, Oliva A, Roidl A, Merkel OM. An In Vitro Approach to Model EMT in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097757. [PMID: 37175467 PMCID: PMC10177865 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097757] [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: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/12/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
During the progression from ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) to invasive breast cancer (IBC), cells must overcome the physically restraining basement membrane (BM), which compartmentalizes the epithelium from the stroma. Since the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the epithelial and stromal compartments are biochemically and physically distinct from one another, the progression demands a certain degree of cellular plasticity for a primary tumor to become invasive. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) depicts such a cell program, equipping cancer cells with features allowing for dissemination from the epithelial entity and stromal invasion at the single-cell level. Here, the reciprocal interference between an altering tumor microenvironment and the EMT phenotype was investigated in vitro. BM-typical collagen IV and stroma-typical collagen I coatings were applied as provisional 2D matrices. Pro-inflammatory growth factors were introduced to improve tissue mimicry. Whereas the growth on coated surfaces only slightly affected the EMT phenotype, the combinatorial action of collagen with growth factor TGF-β1 induced prominent phenotypic changes. However, EMT induction was independent of collagen type, and cellular accessibility for EMT-like changes was strongly cell-line dependent. Summarizing the entire body of data, an EMT-phenotyping model was used to determine cellular EMT status and estimate EMT-like changes. The miR200c-mediated reversion of mesenchymal MDA-MB-231 cells is reflected by our EMT-phenotype model, thus emphasizing its potential to predict the therapeutic efficacy of EMT-targeting drugs in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lorenz Isert
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Aditi Mehta
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gabriele Loiudice
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Altea Oliva
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Roidl
- Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivia M Merkel
- Pharmaceutical Technology and Biopharmacy, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Butenandtstr. 5-13, 81377 Munich, Germany
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15
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Janke EK, Chalmers SB, Roberts-Thomson SJ, Monteith GR. Intersection between calcium signalling and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in the context of cancer. Cell Calcium 2023; 112:102741. [PMID: 37060674 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceca.2023.102741] [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: 02/19/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a form of cellular phenotypic plasticity and is considered a crucial step in the progression of many cancers. The calcium ion (Ca2+) acts as a ubiquitous second messenger and is implicated in many cellular processes, including cell death, migration, invasion and more recently EMT. Throughout this review, the complex interplay between Ca2+ signalling and EMT will be explored. An overview of the Ca2+ pathways that are remodelled as a consequence of EMT is provided and the role of Ca2+ signalling in regulating EMT and its significance is considered. Ca2+ signalling pathways may represent a therapeutic opportunity to regulate EMT. However, as will be described in this review, the complexity of these signalling pathways represents significant challenges that must be considered if Ca2+ signalling is to be manipulated with the aim of therapeutic intervention in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ellen K Janke
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Silke B Chalmers
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, Nordre Ringgade 1, Aarhus C, 8000, Denmark
| | - Sarah J Roberts-Thomson
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia
| | - Gregory R Monteith
- School of Pharmacy, The University of Queensland, 20 Cornwall Street, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Queensland, 4102, Australia.
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16
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Lee J, Roh JL. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity: Implications for Ferroptosis Vulnerability and Cancer Therapy. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2023; 185:103964. [PMID: 36931615 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2023.103964] [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: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancers polarized to a mesenchymal or poorly differentiated state can often evade cell death induced by conventional therapies. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition is involved in lipid metabolism and increases polyunsaturated fatty acid levels in cancer cells, contributing to chemo- and radio-resistance. Altered metabolism in cancer enables invasion and metastasis but is prone to lipid peroxidation under oxidative stress. Cancers with mesenchymal rather than epithelial signatures are highly vulnerable to ferroptosis. Therapy-resistant persister cancer cells show a high mesenchymal cell state and dependence on the lipid peroxidase pathway, which can respond more sensitively to ferroptosis inducers. Cancer cells may survive under specific metabolic and oxidative stress conditions, and targeting this unique defense system can selectively kill only cancer cells. Therefore, this article summarizes the core regulatory mechanisms of ferroptosis in cancer, the relationship between ferroptosis and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, and the implications of epithelial-mesenchymal transition for ferroptosis-based cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaewang Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, General Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea
| | - Jong-Lyel Roh
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, CHA Bundang Medical Center, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea; Department of Biomedical Science, General Graduate School, CHA University, Seongnam, Republic of Korea.
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17
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Payne K, Brooks J, Batis N, Taylor G, Nankivell P, Mehanna H. Characterizing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition status of circulating tumor cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Head Neck 2022; 44:2545-2554. [PMID: 35932094 PMCID: PMC9804280 DOI: 10.1002/hed.27167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), in particular those undergoing an epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), are a promising source of biomarkers in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Our aim was to validate a protocol using microfluidic enrichment (Parsortix platform) with flow-cytometry CTC characterization. METHOD Blood samples from 20 treatment naïve HNSCC patients underwent Parsortix enrichment and flow cytometry analysis to quantify CTCs and identify epithelial or EMT subgroups-correlated to clinical outcomes and EMT gene-expression in tumor tissue. RESULTS CTCs were detected in 65% of patients (mean count 4 CTCs/ml). CTCs correlated with advanced disease (p = 0.0121), but not T or N classification. Epithelial or EMT CTCs did not correlate with progression-free or overall survival. Tumor mesenchymal gene-expression did not correlate with CTC EMT expression (p = 0.347). DISCUSSION Microfluidic enrichment and flow cytometry successfully characterizes EMT CTCs in HNSCC. The lack of association between tumor and CTC EMT profile suggests CTCs may undergo an adaptive EMT in response to stimuli within the circulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Payne
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Jill Brooks
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Nikolaos Batis
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Graham Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and ImmunotherapyUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Paul Nankivell
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic SciencesUniversity of BirminghamBirminghamUK
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18
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Crosstalk between Immune Checkpoint Modulators, Metabolic Reprogramming and Cellular Plasticity in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. Curr Oncol 2022; 29:6847-6863. [PMID: 36290817 PMCID: PMC9601266 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol29100540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the major causes of mortality in women worldwide. Accounting for 15-20% of all breast cancer diagnoses, the triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) subtype presents with an aggressive clinical course, heightened metastatic potential and the poorest short-term prognosis. TNBC does not respond to hormonal therapy, only partially responds to radio- and chemotherapy, and has limited targeted therapy options, thus underlining the critical need for better therapeutic treatments. Although immunotherapy based on immune checkpoint inhibition is emerging as a promising treatment option for TNBC patients, activation of cellular plasticity programs such as metabolic reprogramming (MR) and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) causes immunotherapy to fail. In this report, we review the role of MR and EMT in immune checkpoint dysregulation in TNBCs and specifically shed light on development of novel combination treatment modalities for this challenging disease. We highlight the clinical relevance of crosstalk between MR, EMT, and immune checkpoints in TNBCs.
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A Review on Annona muricata and Its Anticancer Activity. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14184539. [PMID: 36139697 PMCID: PMC9497149 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer is becoming more prevalent, raising concerns regarding how well current treatments work. Cancer patients frequently seek alternative treatments to surgery, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. The use of medicinal plants in both preventative and curative healthcare is widely acknowledged. The compounds of graviola have shown promise as possible cancer-fighting agents and could be used to treat cancer. This review discusses bioactive metabolites present in graviola and their role in affecting the growth and death of different cancer cell types and the molecular mechanism of how it works to downregulate anti-apoptotic genes and the genes involved in pro-cancer metabolic pathways. Also, it reviews how simultaneously increasing the expression of genes promotes apoptosis and causes cancer cells to die so that the active phytochemicals found in graviola could be used as a promising anti-cancer agent. Abstract The ongoing rise in the number of cancer cases raises concerns regarding the efficacy of the various treatment methods that are currently available. Consequently, patients are looking for alternatives to traditional cancer treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy as a replacement. Medicinal plants are universally acknowledged as the cornerstone of preventative medicine and therapeutic practices. Annona muricata is a member of the family Annonaceae and is familiar for its medicinal properties. A. muricata has been identified to have promising compounds that could potentially be utilized for the treatment of cancer. The most prevalent phytochemical components identified and isolated from this plant are alkaloids, phenols, and acetogenins. This review focuses on the role of A. muricata extract against various types of cancer, modulation of cellular proliferation and necrosis, and bioactive metabolites responsible for various pharmacological activities along with their ethnomedicinal uses. Additionally, this review highlights the molecular mechanism of the role of A. muricata extract in downregulating anti-apoptotic and several genes involved in the pro-cancer metabolic pathways and decreasing the expression of proteins involved in cell invasion and metastasis while upregulating proapoptotic genes and genes involved in the destruction of cancer cells. Therefore, the active phytochemicals identified in A. muricata have the potential to be employed as a promising anti-cancer agent.
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20
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Kirdeeva Y, Fedorova O, Daks A, Barlev N, Shuvalov O. How Should the Worldwide Knowledge of Traditional Cancer Healing Be Integrated with Herbs and Mushrooms into Modern Molecular Pharmacology? Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2022; 15:868. [PMID: 35890166 PMCID: PMC9320176 DOI: 10.3390/ph15070868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 07/04/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional herbal medicine (THM) is a "core" from which modern medicine has evolved over time. Besides this, one third of people worldwide have no access to modern medicine and rely only on traditional medicine. To date, drugs of plant origin, or their derivates (paclitaxel, vinblastine, vincristine, vinorelbine, etoposide, camptothecin, topotecan, irinotecan, and omacetaxine), are very important in the therapy of malignancies and they are included in most chemotherapeutic regimes. To date, 391,000 plant and 14,000 mushroom species exist. Their medical and biochemical capabilities have not been studied in detail. In this review, we systematized the information about plants and mushrooms, as well as their active compounds with antitumor properties. Plants and mushrooms are divided based on the regions where they are used in ethnomedicine to treat malignancies. The majority of their active compounds with antineoplastic properties and mechanisms of action are described. Furthermore, on the basis of the available information, we divided them into two priority groups for research and for their potential of use in antitumor therapy. As there are many prerequisites and some examples how THM helps and strengthens modern medicine, finally, we discuss the positive points of THM and the management required to transform and integrate THM into the modern medicine practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yulia Kirdeeva
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.K.); (O.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Olga Fedorova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.K.); (O.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Alexandra Daks
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.K.); (O.F.); (A.D.)
| | - Nikolai Barlev
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.K.); (O.F.); (A.D.)
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119435 Moscow, Russia
| | - Oleg Shuvalov
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia; (Y.K.); (O.F.); (A.D.)
- Orekhovich Institute of Biomedical Chemistry, 119435 Moscow, Russia
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21
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Hatami E, B Nagesh PK, Sikander M, Dhasmana A, Chauhan SC, Jaggi M, Yallapu MM. Tannic Acid Exhibits Antiangiogenesis Activity in Nonsmall-Cell Lung Cancer Cells. ACS OMEGA 2022; 7:23939-23949. [PMID: 35847334 PMCID: PMC9281317 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.2c02727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/20/2023]
Abstract
Nonsmall-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common type of lung cancer, with a dismal prognosis. NSCLC is a highly vascularized tumor, and chemotherapy is often hampered by the development of angiogenesis. Therefore, suppression of angiogenesis is considered a potential treatment approach. Tannic acid (TA), a natural polyphenol, has been demonstrated to have anticancer properties in a variety of cancers; however, its angiogenic properties have yet to be studied. Hence, in the current study, we investigated the antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects of TA on NSCLC cells. The (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-5-(3-carboxymethoxyphenyl)-2-(4-sulfophenyl)-2H-tetrazolium) (MTS) assay revealed that TA induced a dose- and time-dependent decrease in the proliferation of A549 and H1299 cells. However, TA had no significant toxicity effects on human bronchial epithelial cells. Clonogenicity assay revealed that TA suppressed colony formation ability in NSCLC cells in a dose-dependent manner. The anti-invasiveness and antimigratory potential of TA were confirmed by Matrigel and Boyden chamber studies, respectively. Importantly, TA also decreased the ability of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) to form tube-like networks, demonstrating its antiangiogenic properties. Extracellular vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) release was reduced in TA-treated cells compared to that in control cells, as measured by the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Overall, these results demonstrate that TA can induce antiproliferative and antiangiogenic effects against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elham Hatami
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department
of Bioengineering, University of California, Los Angeles, California 90095, United States
| | - Prashanth K. B Nagesh
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Laboratory
of Signal Transduction, Memorial Sloan Kettering
Cancer Center, New York, New York 10065, United States
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
| | - Mohammed Sikander
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- South
Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
| | - Anupam Dhasmana
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- South
Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
| | - Subhash C. Chauhan
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- South
Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
| | - Meena Jaggi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- South
Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
| | - Murali M. Yallapu
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of
Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, Tennessee 38163, United States
- Department
of Immunology and Microbiology, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- South
Texas Center of Excellence in Cancer Research, School of Medicine, University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, McAllen, Texas 78504, United States
- . Tel: 956-296-1734
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22
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Regulation of Tissue Factor by CD44 Supports Coagulant Activity in Breast Tumor Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133288. [PMID: 35805061 PMCID: PMC9266039 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Revised: 06/29/2022] [Accepted: 07/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis and thromboembolic complications are the main cause of cancer-associated death. An overexpression of coagulation factors, and particularly Tissue factor, by tumor cells is a key event implicated in this observed hypercoagulability. Tissue Factor is indeed a cellular initiator of the coagulation cascade which has been associated with aggressive tumor phenotypes such as those characteristic of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMTs) and Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). Understanding molecular mechanisms controlling Tissue Factor overexpression in those tumor phenotypes is thus an important aspect of cancer research. We show here that CD44 (a transmembrane marker of CSC and EMT phenotypes) contributes to regulate TF expression at a transcriptional level, thereby supporting procoagulant properties in tumor cells that facilitate their metastatic spread. Abstract Previous work identified Tissue Factor (TF), a key activator of the coagulation cascade, as a gene induced in cellular contexts of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions (EMTs), providing EMT+ Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) with coagulant properties that facilitate their metastatic seeding. Deciphering further molecular aspects of TF regulation in tumor cells, we report here that CD44 and TF coexpress in EMT contexts, and that CD44 acts as a regulator of TF expression supporting procoagulant properties and metastatic seeding. A transcriptional regulatory mechanism bridging CD44 to TF expression was further evidenced. Comparing different TF –promoter luciferase reporter constructs, we indeed found that the shortest -111 pb TF promoter fragment harboring three Specificity Protein 1 (Sp1) binding sites is still responsive to CD44 silencing. The observation that (i) mutation within Sp1 binding sites decreased the basal activity of the -111 pb TF promoter construct, (ii) CD44 silencing decreased Sp1 protein and mRNA levels and (iii) Sp1 silencing diminished TF expression further points to Sp1 as a key mediator linking CD44 to TF regulation. All together, these data thus report a transcriptional regulatory mechanism of TF expression by CD44 supporting procoagulant activity and metastatic competence of CTCs.
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23
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Iser IC, Vedovatto S, Oliveira FD, Beckenkamp LR, Lenz G, Wink MR. The crossroads of adenosinergic pathway and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:202-213. [PMID: 35779713 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Revised: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 06/26/2022] [Indexed: 10/31/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key mechanism related to tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, resistance to therapy and poor prognosis in several types of cancer. However, targeting EMT or partial-EMT, as well as the molecules involved in this process, has remained a challenge. Recently, the CD73 enzyme, which hydrolyzes AMP to produce adenosine (ADO), has been linked to the EMT process. This relationship is not only due to the production of the immunosuppressant ADO but also to its role as a receptor for extracellular matrix proteins, being involved in cell adhesion and migration. This article reviews the crosstalk between the adenosinergic pathway and the EMT program and the impact of this interrelation on cancer development and progression. An in silico analysis of RNAseq datasets showed that several tumor types have a significant correlation between an EMT score and NT5E (CD73) and ENTPD1 (CD39) expressions, with the strongest correlations in prostate adenocarcinoma. Furthermore, it is evident that the cooperation between EMT and adenosinergic pathway in tumor progression is context and tumor-dependent. The increased knowledge about this topic will help broaden the view to explore new treatments and therapies for different types of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isabele Cristiana Iser
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Samlai Vedovatto
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Fernanda Dittrich Oliveira
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Liziane Raquel Beckenkamp
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Guido Lenz
- Department of Biophysics and Center of Biotechnology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul (UFRGS), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Márcia Rosângela Wink
- Department of Basics Health Sciences and Laboratory of Cell Biology, Federal University of Health Sciences of Porto Alegre (UFCSPA), Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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24
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Margarido AS, Uceda-Castro R, Hahn K, de Bruijn R, Kester L, Hofland I, Lohuis J, Seinstra D, Broeks A, Jonkers J, Broekman MLD, Wesseling P, Vennin C, Vizoso M, van Rheenen J. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Drives Invasiveness of Breast Cancer Brain Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133115. [PMID: 35804890 PMCID: PMC9264851 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
(1) Background: an increasing number of breast cancer patients develop lethal brain metastases (BM). The complete removal of these tumors by surgery becomes complicated when cells infiltrate into the brain parenchyma. However, little is known about the nature of these invading cells in breast cancer brain metastasis (BCBM). (2) Methods: we use intravital microscopy through a cranial window to study the behavior of invading cells in a mouse model of BCBM. (3) Results: we demonstrate that BCBM cells that escape from the metastatic mass and infiltrate into brain parenchyma undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, cells undergoing EMT revert to an epithelial state when growing tumor masses in the brain. Lastly, through multiplex immunohistochemistry, we confirm the presence of these infiltrative cells in EMT in patient samples. (4) Conclusions: together, our data identify the critical role of EMT in the invasive behavior of BCBM, which warrants further consideration to target those cells when treating BCBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreia S. Margarido
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Rebeca Uceda-Castro
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Kerstin Hahn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Roebi de Bruijn
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Lennart Kester
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Ingrid Hofland
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (I.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Jeroen Lohuis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Danielle Seinstra
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/VUmc and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Annegien Broeks
- Core Facility Molecular Pathology & Biobanking, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (I.H.); (A.B.)
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Marike L. D. Broekman
- Department of Neurosurgery, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, The Netherlands;
- Department of Neurosurgery, Haaglanden Medical Center, Lijnbaan, 2512 VA The Hague, The Netherlands
- Department of Neurology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Pieter Wesseling
- Department of Pathology, Amsterdam University Medical Centers/VUmc and Brain Tumor Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (D.S.); (P.W.)
- Laboratory for Childhood Cancer Pathology, Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CS Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Claire Vennin
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
| | - Miguel Vizoso
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (J.v.R.)
| | - Jacco van Rheenen
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, The Netherlands; (A.S.M.); (R.U.-C.); (K.H.); (R.d.B.); (L.K.); (J.L.); (J.J.); (C.V.)
- Correspondence: (M.V.); (J.v.R.)
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25
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Essential role of aerobic glycolysis in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition during carcinogenesis. Clin Transl Oncol 2022; 24:1844-1855. [PMID: 35751743 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-022-02851-6] [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: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 05/02/2022] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers the most lethal characteristics to cancer cells i.e., metastasis and resistance to chemo-and-radio-therapy, and therefore exhibit an appealing target in the field of oncology. Research in the past decade has demonstrated the crucial role of aerobic glycolysis in EMT, which is generally credited as the glucose metabolism for the creation of biomass such as fatty acids, amino acids, and nucleotides thereby providing building blocks for limitless proliferation. In the present review, apart from discussing EMT's evident role in the metastatic process and cancer stemness, we also talked about the vital role of glycolytic enzymes viz. GLUTs, HKs, PGI, PFK-1, aldolase, enolase, PK, LDHA, etc. in the induction of the EMT process in cancerous cells.
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26
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Aramini B, Masciale V, Arienti C, Dominici M, Stella F, Martinelli G, Fabbri F. Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs), Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Their Interplay with Cancer Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs): A New World of Targets and Treatments. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102408. [PMID: 35626011 PMCID: PMC9139858 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/09/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The world of small molecules in solid tumors as cancer stem cells (CSCs), circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) continues to be under-debated, but not of minor interest in recent decades. One of the main problems in regard to cancer is the development of tumor recurrence, even in the early stages, in addition to drug resistance and, consequently, ineffective or an incomplete response against the tumor. The findings behind this resistance are probably justified by the presence of small molecules such as CSCs, CTCs and CAFs connected with the tumor microenvironment, which may influence the aggressiveness and the metastatic process. The mechanisms, connections, and molecular pathways behind them are still unknown. Our review would like to represent an important step forward to highlight the roles of these molecules and the possible connections among them. Abstract The importance of defining new molecules to fight cancer is of significant interest to the scientific community. In particular, it has been shown that cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors with capabilities of self-renewal, differentiation, and tumorigenicity; on the other side, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) seem to split away from the primary tumor and appear in the circulatory system as singular units or clusters. It is becoming more and more important to discover new biomarkers related to these populations of cells in combination to define the network among them and the tumor microenvironment. In particular, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are a key component of the tumor microenvironment with different functions, including matrix deposition and remodeling, extensive reciprocal signaling interactions with cancer cells and crosstalk with immunity. The settings of new markers and the definition of the molecular connections may present new avenues, not only for fighting cancer but also for the definition of more tailored therapies.
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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;
- Correspondence:
| | - Valentina Masciale
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41122 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (M.D.)
| | - Chiara Arienti
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.A.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Massimo Dominici
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, 41122 Modena, Italy; (V.M.); (M.D.)
| | - 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;
| | - Giovanni Martinelli
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.A.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, 47014 Meldola, Italy; (C.A.); (G.M.); (F.F.)
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27
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Kufe DW. Chronic activation of MUC1-C in wound repair promotes progression to cancer stem cells. JOURNAL OF CANCER METASTASIS AND TREATMENT 2022; 8. [PMID: 35539431 PMCID: PMC9083497 DOI: 10.20517/2394-4722.2022.03] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The mucin 1 (MUC1) gene emerged in mammals to afford protection of barrier epithelial tissues from the external environment. MUC1 encodes a transmembrane C-terminal (MUC1-C) subunit that is activated by loss of homeostasis and induces inflammatory, proliferative, and remodeling pathways associated with wound repair. As a consequence, chronic activation of MUC1-C promotes lineage plasticity, epigenetic reprogramming, and carcinogenesis. In driving cancer progression, MUC1-C is imported into the nucleus, where it induces NF-κB inflammatory signaling and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). MUC1-C represses gene expression by activating (i) DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1) and DNMT3b, (ii) Polycomb Repressive Complex 1 (PRC1) and PRC2, and (iii) the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. PRC1/2-mediated gene repression is counteracted by the SWI/SNF chromatin remodeling complexes. MUC1-C activates the SWI/SNF BAF and PBAF complexes in cancer stem cell (CSC) models with the induction of genome-wide differentially accessible regions and expressed genes. MUC1-C regulates chromatin accessibility of enhancer-like signatures in association with the induction of the Yamanaka pluripotency factors and recruitment of JUN and BAF, which promote increases in histone activation marks and opening of chromatin. These and other findings described in this review have uncovered a pivotal role for MUC1-C in integrating lineage plasticity and epigenetic reprogramming, which are transient in wound repair and sustained in promoting CSC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Donald W Kufe
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
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28
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Huldani H, Jasim SA, Sergeenva KN, Bokov DO, Abdelbasset WK, Turakulov R, Al-Gazally ME, Ahmadzadeh B, Jawhar ZH, Siahmansouri H. Mechanisms of cancer stem cells drug resistance and the pivotal role of HMGA2. Pathol Res Pract 2022; 234:153906. [PMID: 35468338 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2022.153906] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2022] [Revised: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Nowadays, the focus of researchers is on perceiving the heterogeneity observed in a tumor. The researchers studied the role of a specific subset of cancer cells with high resistance to traditional treatments, recurrence, and unregulated metastasis. This small population of tumor cells that have stem-cell-like specifications was named Cancer Stem Cells (CSCs). The unique features that distinguish this type of cancer cell are self-renewing, generating clones of the tumor, plasticity, recurrence, and resistance to therapies. There are various mechanisms that contribute to the drug resistance of CSCs, such as CSCs markers, Epithelial mesenchymal transition, hypoxia, other cells, inflammation, and signaling pathways. Recent investigations have revealed the primary role of HMGA2 in the development and invasion of cancer cells. Importantly, HMGA2 also plays a key role in resistance to treatment through their function in the drug resistance mechanisms of CSCs and challenge it. Therefore, a deep understanding of this issue can provide a clearer perspective for researchers in the face of this problem.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huldani Huldani
- Department of Physiology, Lambung Mangkurat University, Banjarmasin, South Borneo, Indonesia
| | - Saade Abdalkareem Jasim
- Medical Laboratory Techniques Department, Al-Maarif University College, Al-Anbar-Ramadi, Iraq
| | - Klunko Nataliya Sergeenva
- Department of post-graduate and doctoral programs, Russian New University, Building 5, Radio Street, Moscow City, Russian Federation
| | - Dmitry Olegovich Bokov
- Institute of Pharmacy, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, 8 Trubetskaya St., Bldg. 2, Moscow 119991, Russian Federation
| | - Walid Kamal Abdelbasset
- Department of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Prince Sattam bin Abdulaziz University, Al Kharj, Saudi Arabia; Department of Physical Therapy, Kasr Al-Aini Hospital, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rustam Turakulov
- Department of Internal diseases, Tashkent Medical Academy, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Behnam Ahmadzadeh
- Doctoral School of the University of Szczecin, Institute of Biology, University of Szczecin, 71-412 Szczecin, Poland
| | - Zanko Hassan Jawhar
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, College of Health Science, Lebanese French University, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Homayoon Siahmansouri
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran.
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29
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Cancer: More than a geneticist’s Pandora’s box. J Biosci 2022. [DOI: 10.1007/s12038-022-00254-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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30
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Cook DP, Vanderhyden BC. Transcriptional census of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2022; 8:eabi7640. [PMID: 34985957 PMCID: PMC8730603 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abi7640] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) contributes to tumor progression, promoting therapy resistance and immune cell evasion. Definitive molecular features of this plasticity have largely remained elusive due to the limited scale of most studies. Leveraging single-cell RNA sequencing data from 266 tumors spanning eight different cancer types, we identify expression patterns associated with intratumoral EMP. Integrative analysis of these programs confirmed a high degree of diversity among tumors. These diverse programs are associated with combinations of various common regulatory mechanisms initiated from cues within the tumor microenvironment. We show that inferring regulatory features can inform effective therapeutics to restrict EMP.
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Affiliation(s)
- David P. Cook
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Corresponding author. (D.P.C.)
| | - Barbara C. Vanderhyden
- Cancer Therapeutics Program, Ottawa Hospital Research Institute, Ottawa, ON, Canada
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of Ottawa, Ottawa, ON, Canada
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31
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Garg M. Emerging roles of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in invasion-metastasis cascade and therapy resistance. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:131-145. [PMID: 34978017 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10003-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Strong association of cancer incidence and its progression with mortality highlights the need to decipher the cellular and molecular mechanisms that drive tumor cells to rapidly progress to metastatic disease and therapy resistance. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) emerged as a key regulator of metastatic outgrowth. It allows neoplastic epithelial cells to delaminate from their neighbors either individually or collectively, traverse the extracellular matrix (ECM) barrier, enter into the circulation, and establish distal metastases. Plasticity between epithelial and mesenchymal states and the existence of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes are increasingly being reported in different tumor contexts. Small subset of cancer cells with stemness called cancer stem cells (CSCs) exhibit plasticity, possess high tumorigenic potential, and contribute to high degree of tumoral heterogeneity. EMP characterized by the presence of dynamic intermediate states is reported to be influenced by (epi)genomic reprograming, growth factor signaling, inflammation, and low oxygen generated by tumor stromal microenvironment. EMP alters the genotypic and phenotypic characteristics of tumor cells/CSCs, disrupts tissue homeostasis, induces the reprogramming of angiogenic and immune recognition functions, and renders tumor cells to survive hostile microenvironments and resist therapy. The present review summarizes the roles of EMP in tumor invasion and metastasis and provides an update on therapeutic strategies to target the metastatic and refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minal Garg
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow, 226007, Uttar Pradesh, India.
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32
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The YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment and Carcinogenesis: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Promises. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010430. [PMID: 35008857 PMCID: PMC8745604 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 12/23/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The yes-associated protein (YAP) and the transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators, members of the Hippo signaling pathway, which play a critical role in cell growth regulation, embryonic development, regeneration, proliferation, and cancer origin and progression. The mechanism involves the nuclear binding of the un-phosphorylated YAP/TAZ complex to release the transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) from its repressors. The active ternary complex is responsible for the aforementioned biological effects. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ has been reported in cancer stem cells and tumor resistance. The resistance involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of YAP/TAZ pathways’ role in carcinogenesis and tumor microenvironment. Potential therapeutic alternatives are also discussed.
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33
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Nachiyappan A, Gupta N, Taneja R. EHMT1/EHMT2 in EMT, Cancer Stemness and Drug Resistance: Emerging Evidence and Mechanisms. FEBS J 2021; 289:1329-1351. [PMID: 34954891 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2021] [Revised: 11/25/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis, therapy failure and tumor recurrence are major clinical challenges in cancer. The interplay between tumor initiating cells (TICs) and Epithelial-Mesenchymal transition (EMT) drives tumor progression and spread. Recent advances have highlighted the involvement of epigenetic deregulation in these processes. The Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 1 (EHMT1) and Euchromatin Histone Lysine Methyltransferase 2 (EHMT2) that primarily mediate histone 3 lysine 9 di-methylation (H3K9me2), as well as methylation of non-histone proteins, are now recognized to be aberrantly expressed in many cancers. Their deregulated expression is associated with EMT, cellular plasticity and therapy resistance. In this review, we summarize evidence of their myriad roles in cancer metastasis, stemness and drug resistance. We discuss cancer-type specific molecular targets, context-dependent mechanisms and future directions of research in targeting EHMT1/EHMT2 for the treatment of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alamelu Nachiyappan
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Neelima Gupta
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
| | - Reshma Taneja
- Department of Physiology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593.,Healthy Longevity Translational Research Program, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, 117593
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Borkiewicz L. Histone 3 Lysine 27 Trimethylation Signature in Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12853. [PMID: 34884658 PMCID: PMC8657745 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222312853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer development and progression rely on complicated genetic and also epigenetic changes which regulate gene expression without altering the DNA sequence. Epigenetic mechanisms such as DNA methylation, histone modifications, and regulation by lncRNAs alter protein expression by either promoting gene transcription or repressing it. The presence of so-called chromatin modification marks at various gene promoters and gene bodies is associated with normal cell development but also with tumorigenesis and progression of different types of cancer, including the most frequently diagnosed breast cancer. This review is focused on the significance of one of the abundant post-translational modifications of histone 3- trimethylation of lysine 27 (H3K27me3), which was shown to participate in tumour suppressor genes' silencing. Unlike other reviews in the field, here the overview of existing evidence linking H3K27me3 status with breast cancer biology and the tumour outcome is presented especially in the context of diverse breast cancer subtypes. Moreover, the potential of agents that target H3K27me3 for the treatment of this complex disease as well as H3K27 methylation in cross-talk with other chromatin modifications and lncRNAs are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lidia Borkiewicz
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, 20-059 Lublin, Poland
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35
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Sorolla MA, Hidalgo I, Sorolla A, Montal R, Pallisé O, Salud A, Parisi E. Microenvironmental Reactive Oxygen Species in Colorectal Cancer: Involved Processes and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5037. [PMID: 34680186 PMCID: PMC8534037 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the fourth most common cause of cancer deaths worldwide. Although screening programs have reduced mortality rates, there is a need for research focused on finding the main factors that lead primary CRC to progress and metastasize. During tumor progression, malignant cells modify their habitat, corrupting or transforming cells of different origins and creating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Cells forming the TME like macrophages, neutrophils, and fibroblasts generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) that modify the cancer niche. The effects of ROS in cancer are very diverse: they promote cellular proliferation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), evasion of cell death programs, migration, and angiogenesis. Due to the multifaceted role of ROS in cancer cell survival and function, ROS-modulating agents such as antioxidants or pro-oxidants could have therapeutic potential in cancer prevention and/or as a complement to systemic treatments. In this review, we will examine the main ROS producer cells and their effects on cancer progression and metastasis. Furthermore, we will enumerate the latest clinical trials where pro-oxidants and antioxidants have therapeutic uses in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Alba Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Ivan Hidalgo
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Anabel Sorolla
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
| | - Robert Montal
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Ona Pallisé
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Antonieta Salud
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
- Department of Medical Oncology, Arnau de Vilanova University Hospital (HUAV), 25198 Lleida, Spain
| | - Eva Parisi
- Research Group of Cancer Biomarkers, Biomedical Research Institute of Lleida (IRBLleida), 25198 Lleida, Spain; (M.A.S.); (I.H.); (A.S.); (R.M.); (O.P.); (A.S.)
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36
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Modulating cell differentiation in cancer models. Biochem Soc Trans 2021; 49:1803-1816. [PMID: 34436513 DOI: 10.1042/bst20210230] [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: 06/14/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer has been traditionally viewed as a disease characterised by excessive and uncontrolled proliferation, leading to the development of cytotoxic therapies against highly proliferating malignant cells. However, tumours frequently relapse due to the presence of slow-cycling cancer stem cells eluding chemo and radiotherapy. Since these malignant stem cells are largely undifferentiated, inducing their lineage commitment has been proposed as a potential intervention strategy to deplete tumours from their most resistant components. Pro-differentiation approaches have thus far yielded clinical success in the reversion of acute promyelocytic leukaemia (APL), and new developments are fast widening their therapeutic applicability to solid carcinomas. Recent advances in cancer differentiation discussed here highlight the potential and outstanding challenges of differentiation-based approaches.
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37
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The Role of the IL-6 Cytokine Family in Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158334. [PMID: 34361105 PMCID: PMC8347315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 07/12/2021] [Accepted: 07/28/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) plays critical roles during embryonic development, wound repair, fibrosis, inflammation and cancer. During cancer progression, EMP results in heterogeneous and dynamic populations of cells with mixed epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics, which are required for local invasion and metastatic dissemination. Cancer development is associated with an inflammatory microenvironment characterized by the accumulation of multiple immune cells and pro-inflammatory mediators, such as cytokines and chemokines. Cytokines from the interleukin 6 (IL-6) family play fundamental roles in mediating tumour-promoting inflammation within the tumour microenvironment, and have been associated with chronic inflammation, autoimmunity, infectious diseases and cancer, where some members often act as diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers. All IL-6 family members signal through the Janus kinase (JAK)–signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) pathway and are able to activate a wide array of signalling pathways and transcription factors. In general, IL-6 cytokines activate EMP processes, fostering the acquisition of mesenchymal features in cancer cells. However, this effect may be highly context dependent. This review will summarise all the relevant literature related to all members of the IL-6 family and EMP, although it is mainly focused on IL-6 and oncostatin M (OSM), the family members that have been more extensively studied.
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38
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Partial EMT in head and neck cancer biology: a spectrum instead of a switch. Oncogene 2021; 40:5049-5065. [PMID: 34239045 PMCID: PMC8934590 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-021-01868-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2021] [Revised: 05/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Our understanding of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has slowly evolved from a simple two state, binary model to a multi-step, dynamic continuum of epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity, with metastable intermediate transition states that may drive cancer metastasis. Head and neck cancer is no exception, and in this review, we use head and neck as a case study for how partial-EMT (p-EMT) cell states may play an important role in cancer progression. In particular, we summarize recent in vitro and in vivo studies that uncover these intermediate transition states, which exhibit both epithelial and mesenchymal properties and appear to have distinct advantages in migration, survival in the bloodstream, and seeding and propagation within secondary metastatic sites. We then summarize the common and distinct regulators of p-EMT as well as methodologies for identifying this unique cellular subpopulation, with a specific emphasis on the role of cutting-edge technologies, such as single cell approaches. Finally, we propose strategies to target p-EMT cells, highlighting potential opportunities for therapeutic intervention to specifically target the process of metastasis. Thus, although significant challenges remain, including numerous gaps in current knowledge, a deeper understanding of EMT plasticity and a genuine identification of EMT as spectrum rather than a switch will be critical for improving patient diagnosis and treatment across oncology.
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39
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Dardare J, Witz A, Merlin JL, Bochnakian A, Toussaint P, Gilson P, Harlé A. Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Patients with Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma: State-of-the-Art and Therapeutic Opportunities. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2021; 14:740. [PMID: 34451837 PMCID: PMC8399337 DOI: 10.3390/ph14080740] [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: 07/07/2021] [Revised: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the malignancies with the worst prognosis despite a decade of efforts. Up to eighty percent of patients are managed at late stages with metastatic disease, in part due to a lack of diagnosis. The effectiveness of PDAC therapies is challenged by the early and widespread metastasis. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a major driver of cancer progression and metastasis. This process allows cancer cells to gain invasive properties by switching their phenotype from epithelial to mesenchymal. The importance of EMT has been largely described in PDAC, and its importance is notably highlighted by the two major subtypes found in PDAC: the classical epithelial and the quasi-mesenchymal subtypes. Quasi-mesenchymal subtypes have been associated with a poorer prognosis. EMT has also been associated with resistance to treatments such as chemotherapy and immunotherapy. EMT is associated with several key molecular markers both epithelial and mesenchymal. Those markers might be helpful as a biomarker in PDAC diagnosis. EMT might becoming a key new target of interest for the treatment PDAC. In this review, we describe the role of EMT in PDAC, its contribution in diagnosis, in the orientation and treatment follow-up. We also discuss the putative role of EMT as a new therapeutic target in the management of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Dardare
- Université de Lorraine, CNRS UMR7039 CRAN, Service de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, 54519 Vandoeuvre-lès-Nancy, France; (A.W.); (J.-L.M.); (A.B.); (P.T.); (P.G.); (A.H.)
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40
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Liao C, Wang Q, An J, Long Q, Wang H, Xiang M, Xiang M, Zhao Y, Liu Y, Liu J, Guan X. Partial EMT in Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Snapshot. Int J Biol Sci 2021; 17:3036-3047. [PMID: 34421348 PMCID: PMC8375241 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.61566] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In the process of cancer EMT, some subgroups of cancer cells simultaneously exhibit both mesenchymal and epithelial characteristics, a phenomenon termed partial EMT (pEMT). pEMT is a plastic state in which cells coexpress epithelial and mesenchymal markers. In squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), pEMT is regulated, and the phenotype is maintained via the HIPPO pathway, NOTCH pathway and TGF-β pathways and by microRNAs, lncRNAs and the cancer microenvironment (CME); thus, SCC exhibits aggressive tumorigenic properties and high stemness, which leads collective migration and therapy resistance. Few studies have reported therapeutic interventions to address cells that have undergone pEMT, and this approach may be an effective way to inhibit the plasticity, drug resistance and metastatic potential of SCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Liao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
- Microbial Resources and Drug Development Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, Life Sciences Institute, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Qian Long
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Meiling Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Mingli Xiang
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
| | - Yujie Zhao
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Yulin Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Jianguo Liu
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
- Oral Disease Research Key Laboratory of Guizhou Tertiary Institution, School of Stomatology, Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563006, China
| | - Xiaoyan Guan
- Department of Orthodontics II, Affiliated Stomatological Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi 563000, China
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41
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Exploring the Crosstalk between Inflammation and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:9918379. [PMID: 34220337 PMCID: PMC8219436 DOI: 10.1155/2021/9918379] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 05/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells undergo invasion and metastasis through epithelial-to-mesenchymal cell transition (EMT) by activation of alterations in extracellular matrix (ECM) protein-encoding genes, enzymes responsible for the breakdown of ECM, and activation of genes that drive the transformation of the epithelial cell to the mesenchymal type. Inflammatory cytokines such as TGFβ, TNFα, IL-1, IL-6, and IL-8 activate transcription factors such as Smads, NF-κB, STAT3, Snail, Twist, and Zeb that drive EMT. EMT drives primary tumors to metastasize in different parts of the body. T and B cells, dendritic cells (DCs), and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) which are present in the tumor microenvironment induce EMT. The current review elucidates the interaction between EMT tumor cells and immune cells under the microenvironment. Such complex interactions provide a better understanding of tumor angiogenesis and metastasis and in defining the aggressiveness of the primary tumors. Anti-inflammatory molecules in this context may open new therapeutic options for the better treatment of tumor progression. Targeting EMT and the related mechanisms by utilizing natural compounds may be an important and safe therapeutic alternative in the treatment of tumor growth.
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42
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Wang P, Zhou R, Thomas P, Zhao L, Zhou R, Mandal S, Jolly MK, Richard DJ, Rehm BHA, Ostrikov K(K, Dai X, Williams ED, Thompson EW. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Enhances Cancer Cell Sensitivity to Cytotoxic Effects of Cold Atmospheric Plasmas in Breast and Bladder Cancer Systems. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2889. [PMID: 34207708 PMCID: PMC8226878 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13122889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/26/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cold atmospheric plasma (CAP) has emerged as a highly selective anticancer agent, most recently in the form of plasma-activated medium (PAM). Since epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) has been implicated in resistance to various cancer therapies, we assessed whether EMT status is associated with PAM response. Mesenchymal breast cancer cell lines, as well as the mesenchymal variant in an isogenic EMT/MET human breast cancer cell system (PMC42-ET/LA), were more sensitive to PAM treatment than their epithelial counterparts, contrary to their responses to other therapies. The same trend was seen in luminal muscle-invasive bladder cancer model (TSU-Pr1/B1/B2) and the non-muscle-invasive basal 5637 bladder cancer cell line. Three-dimensional spheroid cultures of the bladder cancer cell lines were less sensitive to the PAM treatment compared to their two-dimensional counterparts; however, incrementally better responses were again seen in more mesenchymally-shifted cell lines. This study provides evidence that PAM preferentially inhibits mesenchymally-shifted carcinoma cells, which have been associated with resistance to other therapies. Thus, PAM may represent a novel treatment that can selectively inhibit triple-negative breast cancers and a subset of aggressive bladder cancers, which tend to be more mesenchymal. Our approach may potentially be utilized for other aggressive cancers exhibiting EMT and opens new opportunities for CAP and PAM as a promising new onco-therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peiyu Wang
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane 4059, Australia; (P.W.); (P.T.)
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Renwu Zhou
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (R.Z.)
| | - Patrick Thomas
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane 4059, Australia; (P.W.); (P.T.)
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Liqian Zhao
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Rusen Zhou
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (R.Z.)
| | - Susmita Mandal
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Derek J. Richard
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane 4059, Australia; (P.W.); (P.T.)
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
| | - Bernd H. A. Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, Nathan, Queensland 4111, Australia
| | - Kostya (Ken) Ostrikov
- School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane 4000, Australia
| | - Xiaofeng Dai
- Wuxi School of Medicine, Jiangnan University, Wuxi 214122, China
| | - Elizabeth D. Williams
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane 4059, Australia; (P.W.); (P.T.)
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
- School of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, The University of Sydney, Sydney 2006, Australia; (R.Z.)
| | - Erik W. Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Brisbane 4059, Australia; (P.W.); (P.T.)
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Queensland 4102, Australia
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43
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Murphy RJ, Buenzli PR, Tambyah TA, Thompson EW, Hugo HJ, Baker RE, Simpson MJ. The role of mechanical interactions in EMT. Phys Biol 2021; 18. [PMID: 33789261 DOI: 10.1088/1478-3975/abf425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The detachment of cells from the boundary of an epithelial tissue and the subsequent invasion of these cells into surrounding tissues is important for cancer development and wound healing, and is strongly associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Chemical signals, such as TGF-β, produced by surrounding tissue can be uptaken by cells and induce EMT. In this work, we present a novel cell-based discrete mathematical model of mechanical cellular relaxation, cell proliferation, and cell detachment driven by chemically-dependent EMT in an epithelial tissue. A continuum description of the model is then derived in the form of a novel nonlinear free boundary problem. Using the discrete and continuum models we explore how the coupling of chemical transport and mechanical interactions influences EMT, and postulate how this could be used to help control EMT in pathological situations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan J Murphy
- Queensland University of Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Pascal R Buenzli
- Queensland University of Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Tamara A Tambyah
- Queensland University of Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Honor J Hugo
- Queensland University of Technology, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Brisbane, Australia.,Queensland University of Technology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Ruth E Baker
- University of Oxford, Mathematical Institute, Oxford, United Kingdom
| | - Matthew J Simpson
- Queensland University of Technology, Mathematical Sciences, Brisbane, Australia
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44
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Barkovskaya A, Goodwin CM, Seip K, Hilmarsdottir B, Pettersen S, Stalnecker C, Engebraaten O, Briem E, Der CJ, Moestue SA, Gudjonsson T, Maelandsmo GM, Prasmickaite L. Detection of phenotype-specific therapeutic vulnerabilities in breast cells using a CRISPR loss-of-function screen. Mol Oncol 2021; 15:2026-2045. [PMID: 33759347 PMCID: PMC8333781 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12951] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2020] [Revised: 02/18/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular phenotype plasticity between the epithelial and mesenchymal states has been linked to metastasis and heterogeneous responses to cancer therapy, and remains a challenge for the treatment of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Here, we used isogenic human breast epithelial cell lines, D492 and D492M, representing the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, respectively. We employed a CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen targeting a 2240-gene 'druggable genome' to identify phenotype-specific vulnerabilities. Cells with the epithelial phenotype were more vulnerable to the loss of genes related to EGFR-RAS-MAPK signaling, while the mesenchymal-like cells had increased sensitivity to knockout of G2 -M cell cycle regulators. Furthermore, we discovered knockouts that sensitize to the mTOR inhibitor everolimus and the chemotherapeutic drug fluorouracil in a phenotype-specific manner. Specifically, loss of EGFR and fatty acid synthase (FASN) increased the effectiveness of the drugs in the epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes, respectively. These phenotype-associated genetic vulnerabilities were confirmed using targeted inhibitors of EGFR (gefitinib), G2 -M transition (STLC), and FASN (Fasnall). In conclusion, a CRISPR-Cas9 loss-of-function screen enables the identification of phenotype-specific genetic vulnerabilities that can pinpoint actionable targets and promising therapeutic combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Barkovskaya
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Craig M Goodwin
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Kotryna Seip
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Bylgja Hilmarsdottir
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Pathology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Solveig Pettersen
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
| | - Clint Stalnecker
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Olav Engebraaten
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Norway.,Department of Oncology, Oslo University Hospital, Norway
| | - Eirikur Briem
- Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Channing J Der
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Siver A Moestue
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Health Sciences, Nord University, Bodø, Norway
| | - Thorarinn Gudjonsson
- Biomedical Center, School of Health Sciences, University of Iceland, Reykjavik, Iceland.,Department of Laboratory Hematology, Landspitali University Hospital, Reykjavik, Iceland
| | - Gunhild M Maelandsmo
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway.,Faculty of Health Sciences, Institute of Medical Biology, The Arctic University of Norway - University of Tromsø, Norway
| | - Lina Prasmickaite
- Department of Tumor Biology, Institute for Cancer Research, Oslo University Hospital, The Norwegian Radium Hospital, Oslo, Norway
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45
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Development and validation of epithelial mesenchymal transition-related prognostic model for hepatocellular carcinoma. Aging (Albany NY) 2021; 13:13822-13845. [PMID: 33929972 PMCID: PMC8202896 DOI: 10.18632/aging.202976] [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: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Epithelial cell transformation (EMT) plays an important role in the pathogenesis and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We aimed to establish a genetic risk model to evaluate HCC prognosis based on the expression levels of EMT-related genes. The data of HCC patients were collected from TCGA and ICGC databases. Gene expression differential analysis, univariate analysis, and lasso combined with stepwise Cox regression were used to construct the prognostic model. Kaplan–Meier curve, receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration analysis, Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), and decision curve analysis (DCA) were used to evaluate the predictive ability of the risk model or nomogram. GO and KEGG were used to analyze differently expressed EMT genes, or genes that directly or indirectly interact with the risk-associated genes. A 10-gene signature, including TSC2, ACTA2, SLC2A1, PGF, MYCN, PIK3R1, EOMES, BDNF, ZNF746, and TFDP3, was identified. Kaplan–Meier survival analysis showed a significant prognostic difference between high- and low-risk groups of patients. ROC curve analysis showed that the risk score model could effectively predict the 1-, 3-, and 5-year overall survival rates of patients with HCC. The nomogram showed a stronger predictive effect than clinical indicators. C-index, DCA, and calibration analysis demonstrated that the risk score and nomogram had high accuracy. The single sample gene set enrichment analysis results confirmed significant differences in the types of infiltrating immune cells between patients in the high- and low-risk groups. This study established a new prediction model of risk gene signature for predicting prognosis in patients with HCC, and provides a new molecular tool for the clinical evaluation of HCC prognosis.
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46
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Huang M, Fu M, Wang J, Xia C, Zhang H, Xiong Y, He J, Liu J, Liu B, Pan S, Liu F. TGF-β1-activated cancer-associated fibroblasts promote breast cancer invasion, metastasis and epithelial-mesenchymal transition by autophagy or overexpression of FAP-α. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 188:114527. [PMID: 33741330 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114527] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2021] [Revised: 03/03/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) play an important role in the initiation, metastasis, and invasion of breast cancer. However, whether autophagy acts as a tumor promotion mechanism by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is still controversial and remains undefined at the mechanistic levels. In this study, we investigated whether autophagy or FAP-α is required for the invasion, pulmonary metastasis and EMT of breast cancer cells and underlying mechanism. We employed an in vitro model of NIH3T3 fibroblasts treated with H2O2 and confirmed that TGF-β1 could convert fibroblasts into CAFs through autophagy under oxidative stress in the tumor microenvironment. Modulation of autophagy by rapamycin, 3-methyladenine or ATG-5 knockdown regulated the expression of CAFs markers, suggesting a role of autophagy in the tumor promotion mechanism of TGF-β1-induced CAFs activation. Furthermore, we established an indirect co-culture model and a mixed xenograft as a corresponding in vivo model. We demonstrated that TGF-β1-activated CAFs promote tumor invasion, pulmonary metastasis and EMT, which act through autophagy and overexpression of FAP-α in both models, while autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine blocked these effects induced by TGF-β1-activated CAFs. Moreover, the co-localization of LC3β and EMT marker vimentin in mixed xenograft also revealed that TGF-β1-activated CAFs promote tumor growth, pulmonary metastasis, and EMT program partly through autophagy. In addition, knockdown of FAP-α resulted in reversed EMT and abolished tumor invasion and pulmonary metastasis induced by TGF-β1-activated CAFs. Taken together, we conclude that both autophagy and FAP-α are required for breast cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Targeting autophagy or FAP-α rather than both can serve as a potential approach to improve the prognosis for human breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minli Huang
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Mengru Fu
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Jia Wang
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Chunhua Xia
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Hong Zhang
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Yuqing Xiong
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Jiake He
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, PR China
| | - Jianming Liu
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Bingchen Liu
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Siyi Pan
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China
| | - Fanglan Liu
- Clinical Pharmacology Institute, Nanchang University, Nanchang 330031, PR China.
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47
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Karinen S, Juurikka K, Hujanen R, Wahbi W, Hadler-Olsen E, Svineng G, Eklund KK, Salo T, Åström P, Salem A. Tumour cells express functional lymphatic endothelium-specific hyaluronan receptor in vitro and in vivo: Lymphatic mimicry promotes oral oncogenesis? Oncogenesis 2021; 10:23. [PMID: 33674563 PMCID: PMC7977063 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-021-00312-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Lymphatic metastasis represents the main route of tumour cell dissemination in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Yet, there are no FDA-approved therapeutics targeting cancer-related lymphangiogenesis to date. The lymphatic vessel endothelial hyaluronic acid receptor 1 (LYVE-1), a specific lymphatic marker, is associated with poor survival in OSCC patients. In this study, we present a potential novel mechanism of lymphatic metastasis in OSCC-lymphatic mimicry (LM), a process whereby tumour cells form cytokeratin+/LYVE-1+, but podoplanin-negative, mosaic endothelial-like vessels. LM was detected in one-third (20/57; 35.08%) of randomly selected OSCC patients. The LM-positive patients had shorter overall survival (OS) compared to LM-negative group albeit not statistically significant. Highly-metastatic tumour cells formed distinct LM structures in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, the siRNA-mediated knockdown of LYVE-1 not only impaired tumour cell migration but also blunted their capacity to form LM-vessels in vitro and reduced tumour metastasis in vivo. Together, our findings uncovered, to our knowledge, a previously unknown expression and function of LYVE-1 in OSCC, whereby tumour cells could induce LM formation and promote lymphatic metastasis. Finally, more detailed studies on LM are warranted to better define this phenomenon in the future. These studies could benefit the development of targeted therapeutics for blocking tumour-related lymphangiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sini Karinen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Krista Juurikka
- Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland
| | - Roosa Hujanen
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Wafa Wahbi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elin Hadler-Olsen
- Department of medical biology, Faculty of Health sciences, Arctic university of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway.,The Public Dental Health Competence Center of Northern Norway, 9271, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Gunbjørg Svineng
- Department of medical biology, Faculty of Health sciences, Arctic university of Norway, 9037, Tromsø, Norway
| | - Kari K Eklund
- Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Department of Rheumatology, Helsinki University and Helsinki University Hospital, and Orton Orthopedic Hospital and Research Institute, 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland.,Medical Research Centre Oulu, Oulu University Hospital and University of Oulu, 90220, Oulu, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital (HUS), 00014, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Pirjo Åström
- The Research Unit of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, 90014, Oulu, Finland
| | - Abdelhakim Salem
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland. .,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit (RPU), University of Helsinki, 00014, Helsinki, Finland.
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48
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Amos SE, Choi YS. The Cancer Microenvironment: Mechanical Challenges of the Metastatic Cascade. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2021; 9:625859. [PMID: 33644019 PMCID: PMC7907606 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2021.625859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The metastatic cascade presents a significant challenge to patient survival in the fight against cancer. As metastatic cells disseminate and colonize a secondary site, stepwise exposure to microenvironment-specific mechanical stimuli influences and protects successful metastasis. Following cancerous transformation and associated cell recruitment, the tumor microenvironment (TME) becomes a mechanically complex niche, owing to changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and architecture. The ECM mechanically reprograms the cancer cell phenotype, priming cells for invasion. 2D and 3D hydrogel-based culture platforms approximate these environmental variables and permit investigations into tumor-dependent shifts in malignancy. Following TME modification, malignant cells must invade the local ECM, driven toward blood, and lymph vessels by sensing biochemical and biophysical gradients. Microfluidic chips recreate cancer-modified ECM tracks, empowering studies into modes of confined motility. Intravasation and extravasation consist of complex cancer-endothelial interactions that modify an otherwise submicron-scale migration. Perfused microfluidic platforms facilitate the physiological culture of endothelial cells and thus enhance the translatability of basic research into metastatic transendothelial migration. These platforms also shed light on the poorly understood circulating tumor cell, which defies adherent cell norms by surviving the shear stress of blood flow and avoiding anoikis. Metastatic cancers possess the plasticity to adapt to new mechanical conditions, permitting their invasiveness, and ensuring their survival against anomalous stimuli. Here, we review the cellular mechanics of metastasis in the context of current in vitro approaches. Advances that further expose the mechanisms underpinning the phenotypic fluidity of metastatic cancers remain central to the development of novel interventions targeting cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Yu Suk Choi
- School of Human Sciences, The University of Western Australia, Perth, WA, Australia
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49
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Berenguer J, Celià-Terrassa T. Cell memory of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2021; 69:103-110. [PMID: 33578288 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2021.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Fundamental biological processes of cell identity and cell fate determination are controlled by complex regulatory networks. These processes require molecular mechanisms that confer cellular phenotypic memory and state persistence. In this minireview, we will summarize mechanisms of cell memory based on regulatory hysteretic feedback loops and explore epigenetic mechanisms widely represented in nature, with special focus on epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity. We will also discuss the functional consequences of cell memory and epithelial-to-mesenchymal plasticity dynamics during development and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Berenguer
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain.
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50
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Aggarwal V, Montoya CA, Donnenberg VS, Sant S. Interplay between tumor microenvironment and partial EMT as the driver of tumor progression. iScience 2021; 24:102113. [PMID: 33659878 PMCID: PMC7892926 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionary conserved phenomenon, has been extensively studied to address the unresolved variable treatment response across therapeutic regimes in cancer subtypes. EMT has long been envisaged to regulate tumor invasion, migration, and therapeutic resistance during tumorigenesis. However, recently it has been highlighted that EMT involves an intermediate partial EMT (pEMT) phenotype, defined by incomplete loss of epithelial markers and incomplete gain of mesenchymal markers. It has been further emphasized that pEMT transition involves a spectrum of intermediate hybrid states on either side of pEMT spectrum. Emerging evidence underlines bi-directional crosstalk between tumor cells and surrounding microenvironment in acquisition of pEMT phenotype. Although much work is still ongoing to gain mechanistic insights into regulation of pEMT phenotype, it is evident that pEMT plays a critical role in tumor aggressiveness, invasion, migration, and metastasis along with therapeutic resistance. In this review, we focus on important role of tumor-intrinsic factors and tumor microenvironment in driving pEMT and emphasize that engineered controlled microenvironments are instrumental to provide mechanistic insights into pEMT biology. We also discuss the significance of pEMT in regulating hallmarks of tumor progression i.e. cell cycle regulation, collective migration, and therapeutic resistance. Although constantly evolving, current progress and momentum in the pEMT field holds promise to unravel new therapeutic targets to halt tumor progression at early stages as well as tackle the complex therapeutic resistance observed across many cancer types. Partial EMT phenotype drives key hallmarks of tumor progression Role of tumor microenvironment in pEMT phenotype via cellular signaling pathways Engineering 3D in vitro models to study pEMT phenotype Opportunities and challenges in understanding pEMT phenotype
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Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Catalina Ardila Montoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vera S Donnenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, 700 Technology Drive, Room 4307, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
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