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Prasanna CVS, Jolly MK, Bhat R. Spatial heterogeneity in tumor adhesion qualifies collective cell invasion. Biophys J 2024; 123:1635-1647. [PMID: 38725244 PMCID: PMC11214055 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell invasion (CCI), a canon of most invasive solid tumors, is an emergent property of the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, tumor populations invariably consist of cells expressing variable levels of adhesive proteins that mediate such interactions, disallowing an intuitive understanding of how tumor invasiveness at a multicellular scale is influenced by spatial heterogeneity of cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion. Here, we have used a Cellular Potts model-based multiscale computational framework that is constructed on the histopathological principles of glandular cancers. In earlier efforts on homogenous cancer cell populations, this framework revealed the relative ranges of interactions, including cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion that drove collective, dispersed, and mixed multimodal invasion. Here, we constitute a tumor core of two separate cell subsets showing distinct intra- and inter-subset cell-cell or cell-ECM adhesion strengths. These two subsets of cells are arranged to varying extents of spatial intermingling, which we call the heterogeneity index (HI). We observe that low and high inter-subset cell adhesion favors invasion of high-HI and low-HI intermingled populations with distinct intra-subset cell-cell adhesion strengths, respectively. In addition, for explored values of cell-ECM adhesion strengths, populations with high HI values collectively invade better than those with lower HI values. We then asked how spatial invasion is regulated by progressively intermingled cellular subsets that are epithelial, i.e., showed high cell-cell but poor cell-ECM adhesion, and mesenchymal, i.e., with reversed adhesion strengths to the former. Here too, inter-subset adhesion plays an important role in contextualizing the proportionate relationship between HI and invasion. An exception to this relationship is seen for cases of heterogeneous cell-ECM adhesion where sub-maximal HI patterns with higher outer localization of cells with stronger ECM adhesion collectively invade better than their relatively higher-HI counterparts. Our simulations also reveal how adhesion heterogeneity qualifies collective invasion, when either cell-cell or cell-ECM adhesion type is varied but results in an invasive dispersion when both adhesion types are simultaneously altered.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| | - Ramray Bhat
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
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2
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Wang R, Yan Z. Cancer spreading patterns based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1259953. [PMID: 38665432 PMCID: PMC11043583 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1259953] [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: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Metastasis is a major cause of cancer-related deaths, underscoring the necessity to discern the rules and patterns of cancer cell spreading. Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity contributes to cancer aggressiveness and metastasis. Despite establishing key determinants of cancer aggressiveness and metastatic ability, a comprehensive understanding of the underlying mechanism is unknown. We aimed to propose a classification system for cancer cells based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, focusing on hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Methods: We extensively reviewed the concept of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, specifically considering the hysteresis of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Results: In this review and hypothesis article, based on epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, especially the hysteresis of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype, we proposed a classification of cancer cells, indicating that cancer cells with epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity potential could be classified into four types: irreversible hysteresis, weak hysteresis, strong hysteresis, and hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. These four types of cancer cells had varied biology, spreading features, and prognoses. Discussion: Our results highlight that the proposed classification system offers insights into the diverse behaviors of cancer cells, providing implications for cancer aggressiveness and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Zhaopeng Yan
- Department of General Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China
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3
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Chen F, Xiao M, Hu S, Wang M. Keap1-Nrf2 pathway: a key mechanism in the occurrence and development of cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1381467. [PMID: 38634043 PMCID: PMC11021590 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1381467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
The Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway is a major regulator of the cytoprotective response, participating in endogenous and exogenous stress caused by ROS (reactive oxygen species). Nrf2 is the core of this pathway. We summarized the literature on Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway and summarized the following three aspects: structure, function pathway, and cancer and clinical application status. This signaling pathway is similar to a double-edged sword: on the one hand, Nrf2 activity can protect cells from oxidative and electrophilic stress; on the other hand, increasing Nrf2 activity can enhance the survival and proliferation of cancer cells. Notably, oxidative stress is also considered a marker of cancer in humans. Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway, as a typical antioxidant stress pathway, is abnormal in a variety of human malignant tumor diseases (such as lung cancer, liver cancer, and thyroid cancer). In recent years, research on the Keap1-Nrf2 signaling pathway has become increasingly in-depth and detailed. Therefore, it is of great significance for cancer prevention and treatment to explore the molecular mechanism of the occurrence and development of this pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feilong Chen
- Sports Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Expert Centre of Sichuan Province, Institute of Sports Medicine and Health, Chengdu Sport University, Chengdu, China
| | - Mei Xiao
- College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shaofan Hu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
| | - Meng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing, China
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4
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Kumar A, Lunawat AK, Kumar A, Sharma T, Islam MM, Kahlon MS, Mukherjee D, Narang RK, Raikwar S. Recent Trends in Nanocarrier-Based Drug Delivery System for Prostate Cancer. AAPS PharmSciTech 2024; 25:55. [PMID: 38448649 DOI: 10.1208/s12249-024-02765-2] [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: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/10/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer remains a significant global health concern, requiring innovative approaches for improved therapeutic outcomes. In recent years, nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems have emerged as promising strategies to address the limitations of conventional cancer chemotherapy. The key trends include utilizing nanoparticles for enhancing drug delivery to prostate cancer cells. Nanoparticles have some advantages such as improved drug solubility, prolonged circulation time, and targeted delivery of drugs. Encapsulation of chemotherapeutic agents within nanoparticles allows for controlled release kinetics, reducing systemic toxicity while maintaining therapeutic efficacy. Additionally, site-specific accumulation within the prostate tumor microenvironment is made possible by the functionalization of nanocarrier with targeted ligands, improving therapeutic effectiveness. This article highlights the basics of prostate cancer, statistics of prostate cancer, mechanism of multidrug resistance, targeting approach, and different types of nanocarrier used for the treatment of prostate cancer. It also includes the applications of nanocarriers for the treatment of prostate cancer and clinical trial studies to validate the safety and efficacy of the innovative drug delivery systems. The article focused on developing nanocarrier-based drug delivery systems, with the goal of translating these advancements into clinical applications in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amit Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Akshay Kumar Lunawat
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Ashutosh Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Tarun Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Md Moidul Islam
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Milan Singh Kahlon
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Debanjan Mukherjee
- Department of Quality Assurance, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Raj Kumar Narang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India
| | - Sarjana Raikwar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, ISF College of Pharmacy, Moga, 142001, Punjab, India.
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5
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Bae T, Hallis SP, Kwak MK. Hypoxia, oxidative stress, and the interplay of HIFs and NRF2 signaling in cancer. Exp Mol Med 2024; 56:501-514. [PMID: 38424190 PMCID: PMC10985007 DOI: 10.1038/s12276-024-01180-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oxygen is crucial for life and acts as the final electron acceptor in mitochondrial energy production. Cells adapt to varying oxygen levels through intricate response systems. Hypoxia-inducible factors (HIFs), including HIF-1α and HIF-2α, orchestrate the cellular hypoxic response, activating genes to increase the oxygen supply and reduce expenditure. Under conditions of excess oxygen and resulting oxidative stress, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) activates hundreds of genes for oxidant removal and adaptive cell survival. Hypoxia and oxidative stress are core hallmarks of solid tumors and activated HIFs and NRF2 play pivotal roles in tumor growth and progression. The complex interplay between hypoxia and oxidative stress within the tumor microenvironment adds another layer of intricacy to the HIF and NRF2 signaling systems. This review aimed to elucidate the dynamic changes and functions of the HIF and NRF2 signaling pathways in response to conditions of hypoxia and oxidative stress, emphasizing their implications within the tumor milieu. Additionally, this review explored the elaborate interplay between HIFs and NRF2, providing insights into the significance of these interactions for the development of novel cancer treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taegeun Bae
- Integrated Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi‑do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Steffanus Pranoto Hallis
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School of The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi‑do, 14662, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Kwak
- Integrated Research Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi‑do, 14662, Republic of Korea.
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School of The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi‑do, 14662, Republic of Korea.
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon, Gyeonggi‑do, 14662, Republic of Korea.
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6
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Wen B, Liao H, Lin W, Li Z, Ma X, Xu Q, Yu F. The Role of TGF-β during Pregnancy and Pregnancy Complications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16882. [PMID: 38069201 PMCID: PMC10706464 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316882] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/28/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), a multifunctional cytokine, is one of the most important inflammatory cytokines closely related to pregnancy. It plays significant roles in hormone secretion, placental development, and embryonic growth during pregnancy. TGF-β is implicated in embryo implantation and inhibits the invasion of extraepithelial trophoblast cells. It also moderates the mother-fetus interaction by adjusting the secretion pattern of immunomodulatory factors in the placenta, consequently influencing the mother's immune cells. The TGF-β family regulates the development of the nervous, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems by regulating gene expression. Furthermore, TGF-β has been associated with various pregnancy complications. An increase in TGF-β levels can induce the occurrences of pre-eclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus, while a decrease can lead to recurrent miscarriage due to the interference of the immune tolerance environment. This review focuses on the role of TGF-β in embryo implantation and development, providing new insights for the clinical prevention and treatment of pregnancy complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baohong Wen
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Huixin Liao
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Weilin Lin
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Zhikai Li
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Xiaoqing Ma
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
| | - Qian Xu
- Laboratory of Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
| | - Feiyuan Yu
- Basic Medical Experiment Teaching Center, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China; (B.W.); (H.L.); (W.L.); (Z.L.); (X.M.)
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou 515041, China
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7
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Shyam S, Ramu S, Sehgal M, Jolly MK. A systems-level analysis of the mutually antagonistic roles of RKIP and BACH1 in dynamics of cancer cell plasticity. J R Soc Interface 2023; 20:20230389. [PMID: 37963558 PMCID: PMC10645512 DOI: 10.1098/rsif.2023.0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important axis of phenotypic plasticity-a hallmark of cancer metastasis. Raf kinase-B inhibitor protein (RKIP) and BTB and CNC homology 1 (BACH1) are reported to influence EMT. In breast cancer, they act antagonistically, but the exact nature of their roles in mediating EMT and associated other axes of plasticity remains unclear. Here, analysing transcriptomic data, we reveal their antagonistic trends in a pan-cancer manner in terms of association with EMT, metabolic reprogramming and immune evasion via PD-L1. Next, we developed and simulated a mechanism-based gene regulatory network that captures how RKIP and BACH1 engage in feedback loops with drivers of EMT and stemness. We found that RKIP and BACH1 belong to two antagonistic 'teams' of players-while BACH1 belonged to the one driving pro-EMT, stem-like and therapy-resistant cell states, RKIP belonged to the one enabling pro-epithelial, less stem-like and therapy-sensitive phenotypes. Finally, we observed that low RKIP levels and upregulated BACH1 levels associated with worse clinical outcomes in many cancer types. Together, our systems-level analysis indicates that the emergent dynamics of underlying regulatory network enable the antagonistic patterns of RKIP and BACH1 with various axes of cancer cell plasticity, and with patient survival data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sai Shyam
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Manas Sehgal
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
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8
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Jain P, Pillai M, Duddu AS, Somarelli JA, Goyal Y, Jolly MK. Dynamical hallmarks of cancer: Phenotypic switching in melanoma and epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 96:48-63. [PMID: 37788736 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.09.007] [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: 04/19/2023] [Revised: 09/24/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity was recently incorporated as a hallmark of cancer. This plasticity can manifest along many interconnected axes, such as stemness and differentiation, drug-sensitive and drug-resistant states, and between epithelial and mesenchymal cell-states. Despite growing acceptance for phenotypic plasticity as a hallmark of cancer, the dynamics of this process remains poorly understood. In particular, the knowledge necessary for a predictive understanding of how individual cancer cells and populations of cells dynamically switch their phenotypes in response to the intensity and/or duration of their current and past environmental stimuli remains far from complete. Here, we present recent investigations of phenotypic plasticity from a systems-level perspective using two exemplars: epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in carcinomas and phenotypic switching in melanoma. We highlight how an integrated computational-experimental approach has helped unravel insights into specific dynamical hallmarks of phenotypic plasticity in different cancers to address the following questions: a) how many distinct cell-states or phenotypes exist?; b) how reversible are transitions among these cell-states, and what factors control the extent of reversibility?; and c) how might cell-cell communication be able to alter rates of cell-state switching and enable diverse patterns of phenotypic heterogeneity? Understanding these dynamic features of phenotypic plasticity may be a key component in shifting the paradigm of cancer treatment from reactionary to a more predictive, proactive approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Jain
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Maalavika Pillai
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | | | - Jason A Somarelli
- Department of Medicine, Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University, Durham, NC 27710, USA
| | - Yogesh Goyal
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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9
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Xia L, Ma W, Afrashteh A, Sajadi MA, Fakheri H, Valilo M. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/p53 axis in breast cancer. Biochem Med (Zagreb) 2023; 33:030504. [PMID: 37841775 PMCID: PMC10564154 DOI: 10.11613/bm.2023.030504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/17/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the most important factors involved in the response to oxidative stress (OS) is the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), which regulates the expression of components such as antioxidative stress proteins and enzymes. Under normal conditions, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) keeps Nrf2 in the cytoplasm, thus preventing its translocation to the nucleus and inhibiting its role. It has been established that Nrf2 has a dual function; on the one hand, it promotes angiogenesis and cancer cell metastasis while causing resistance to drugs and chemotherapy. On the other hand, Nrf2 increases expression and proliferation of glutathione to protect cells against OS. p53 is a tumour suppressor that activates the apoptosis pathway in aging and cancer cells in addition to stimulating the glutaminolysis and antioxidant pathways. Cancer cells use the antioxidant ability of p53 against OS. Therefore, in the present study, we discussed function of Nrf2 and p53 in breast cancer (BC) cells to elucidate their role in protection or destruction of cancer cells as well as their drug resistance or antioxidant properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Xia
- Surgical oncology ward 2, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining Qinghai, China
| | - Wenbiao Ma
- Surgical oncology ward 2, Qinghai Provincial People’s Hospital, Xining Qinghai, China
| | - Ahmad Afrashteh
- Department of Periodontics, Faculty of Dentistry, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | | | - Hadi Fakheri
- Paramedical Faculty, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Valilo
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Urmia University of Medical Sciences, Urmia, Iran
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10
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Scicchitano S, Faniello MC, Mesuraca M. Zinc Finger 521 Modulates the Nrf2-Notch Signaling Pathway in Human Ovarian Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:14755. [PMID: 37834202 PMCID: PMC10572470 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241914755] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/27/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The human zinc finger protein 521 (ZNF521) is a co-transcriptional factor with multiple recognized regulatory functions in a range of normal, cancer and stem cell compartments. ZNF521 regulates proliferation, progression and CSC (cancer stem cell) compartments in human ovarian cancer (hOC), which is a very aggressive and late-diagnosed female tumor. Two other important regulators of hOC are the NRF2 and NOTCH signaling pathways. In the present paper, the mRNA and protein levels of ZNF521 were correlated with those of the NRF2-NOTCH signaling components in two different hOC cell lines and in a public dataset of 381 hOC patients. The data show that high levels of ZNF521 significantly increase NRF2-NOTCH signaling expression; conversely, the silencing of ZNF521 impairs NRF2-NOTCH signaling. This experimental work shows that, in hOC, different levels of ZNF521 modulate the NRF2-NOTCH signaling pathway and also influences hOC CSC properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefania Scicchitano
- Research Center of Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Concetta Faniello
- Research Center of Biochemistry and Advanced Molecular Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, “Magna Graecia” University of Catanzaro, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Maria Mesuraca
- Laboratory of Molecular Haematopoiesis and Stem Cell Biology, Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University Magna Græcia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy
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Haerinck J, Goossens S, Berx G. The epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity landscape: principles of design and mechanisms of regulation. Nat Rev Genet 2023; 24:590-609. [PMID: 37169858 DOI: 10.1038/s41576-023-00601-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) enables cells to interconvert between several states across the epithelial-mesenchymal landscape, thereby acquiring hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotypic features. This plasticity is crucial for embryonic development and wound healing, but also underlies the acquisition of several malignant traits during cancer progression. Recent research using systems biology and single-cell profiling methods has provided novel insights into the main forces that shape EMP, which include the microenvironment, lineage specification and cell identity, and the genome. Additionally, key roles have emerged for hysteresis (cell memory) and cellular noise, which can drive stochastic transitions between cell states. Here, we review these forces and the distinct but interwoven layers of regulatory control that stabilize EMP states or facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) and discuss the therapeutic potential of manipulating the EMP landscape.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jef Haerinck
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Steven Goossens
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
- Unit for Translational Research in Oncology, Department of Diagnostic Sciences, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
- Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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12
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Zhu N, Ahmed M, Li Y, Liao JC, Wong PK. Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305410120. [PMID: 37364126 PMCID: PMC10319025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305410120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells collectively invade using a leader-follower organization, but the regulation of leader cells during this dynamic process is poorly understood. Using a dual double-stranded locked nucleic acid (LNA) nanobiosensor that tracks long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dynamics in live single cells, we monitored the spatiotemporal distribution of lncRNA during collective cancer invasion. We show that the lncRNA MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) is dynamically regulated in the invading fronts of cancer cells and patient-derived spheroids. MALAT1 transcripts exhibit distinct abundance, diffusivity, and distribution between leader and follower cells. MALAT1 expression increases when a cancer cell becomes a leader and decreases when the collective migration process stops. Transient knockdown of MALAT1 prevents the formation of leader cells and abolishes the invasion of cancer cells. Taken together, our single-cell analysis suggests that MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ninghao Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Mona Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Yanlin Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Joseph C. Liao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA17033
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13
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Verstappe J, Berx G. A role for partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in enabling stemness in homeostasis and cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 90:15-28. [PMID: 36773819 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2023.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2022] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023]
Abstract
Stem cells have self-renewal capacities and the ability to give rise to differentiated cells thereby sustaining tissues during homeostasis and injury. This structural hierarchy extends to tumours which harbor stem-like cells deemed cancer stem cells that propagate the tumour and drive metastasis and relapse. The process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which plays an important role in development and cancer cell migration, was shown to be correlated with stemness in both homeostasis and cancer indicating that stemness can be acquired and is not necessarily an intrinsic trait. Nowadays it is experimentally proven that the activation of an EMT program does not necessarily drive cells towards a fully mesenchymal phenotype but rather to hybrid E/M states. This review offers the latest advances in connecting the EMT status and stem-cell state of both non-transformed and cancer cells. Recent literature clearly shows that hybrid EMT states have a higher probability of acquiring stem cell traits. The position of a cell along the EMT-axis which coincides with a stem cell-like state is known as the stemness window. We show how the original EMT-state of a cell dictates the EMT/MET inducing programmes required to reach stemness. Lastly we present the mechanism of stemness regulation and the regulatory feedback loops which position cells at a certain EMT state along the EMT axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeroen Verstappe
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium
| | - Geert Berx
- Molecular and Cellular Oncology Laboratory, Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), Ghent, Belgium.
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14
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Hallis SP, Kim JM, Kwak MK. Emerging Role of NRF2 Signaling in Cancer Stem Cell Phenotype. Mol Cells 2023; 46:153-164. [PMID: 36994474 PMCID: PMC10070166 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2196] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small population of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal and differentiation capacity. CSCs are currently postulated as the driving force that induces intra-tumor heterogeneity leading to tumor initiation, metastasis, and eventually tumor relapse. Notably, CSCs are inherently resistant to environmental stress, chemotherapy, and radiotherapy due to high levels of antioxidant systems and drug efflux transporters. In this context, a therapeutic strategy targeting the CSC-specific pathway holds a promising cure for cancer. NRF2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2; NFE2L2) is a master transcription factor that regulates an array of genes involved in the detoxification of reactive oxygen species/electrophiles. Accumulating evidence suggests that persistent NRF2 activation, observed in multiple types of cancer, supports tumor growth, aggressive malignancy, and therapy resistance. Herein, we describe the core properties of CSCs, focusing on treatment resistance, and review the evidence that demonstrates the roles of NRF2 signaling in conferring unique properties of CSCs and the associated signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steffanus P. Hallis
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Jin Myung Kim
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
| | - Mi-Kyoung Kwak
- Department of Pharmacy, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
- College of Pharmacy, The Catholic University of Korea, Bucheon 14662, Korea
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15
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Zhang L, Chen W, Liu S, Chen C. Targeting Breast Cancer Stem Cells. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:552-570. [PMID: 36632469 PMCID: PMC9830502 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.76187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The potential roles of breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) in tumor initiation and recurrence have been recognized for many decades. Due to their strong capacity for self-renewal and differentiation, BCSCs are the major reasons for poor clinical outcomes and low therapeutic response. Several hypotheses on the origin of cancer stem cells have been proposed, including critical gene mutations in stem cells, dedifferentiation of somatic cells, and cell plasticity remodeling by epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the tumor microenvironment. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment, including cellular components and cytokines, modulates the self-renewal and therapeutic resistance of BCSCs. Small molecules, antibodies, and chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells targeting BCSCs have been developed, and their applications in combination with conventional therapies are undergoing clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the features of BCSCs, emphasize the major factors and tumor environment that regulate the stemness of BCSCs, and discuss potential BCSC-targeting therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Zhang
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenmin Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Kunming College of Life Sciences, the University of the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, China
| | - Suling Liu
- Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center & Institutes of Biomedical Sciences; State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering; Cancer Institutes; Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai; The Shanghai paracrine Key Laboratory of Medical Epigenetics; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Radiation Oncology; The International Co-laboratory of Medical Epigenetics and Metabolism, Ministry of Science and Technology; Shanghai Medical College; Fudan University, Shanghai 200032, China.,Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
| | - Ceshi Chen
- Key Laboratory of Animal Models and Human Disease Mechanisms of Chinese Academy of Sciences and Yunnan Province, Kunming Institute of Zoology, Kunming 650201, China.,Academy of Biomedical Engineering, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650500, China.,The Third Affiliated Hospital, Kunming Medical University, Kunming 650118, China.,✉ Corresponding authors: Ceshi Chen, E-mail: or Suling Liu, E-mail:
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16
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Wang H, Mi K. Emerging roles of endoplasmic reticulum stress in the cellular plasticity of cancer cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1110881. [PMID: 36890838 PMCID: PMC9986440 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1110881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity is a well-known dynamic feature of tumor cells that endows tumors with heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance and alters their invasion-metastasis progression, stemness, and drug sensitivity, thereby posing a major challenge to cancer therapy. It is becoming increasingly clear that endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is a hallmark of cancer. The dysregulated expression of ER stress sensors and the activation of downstream signaling pathways play a role in the regulation of tumor progression and cellular response to various challenges. Moreover, mounting evidence implicates ER stress in the regulation of cancer cell plasticity, including epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, drug resistance phenotype, cancer stem cell phenotype, and vasculogenic mimicry phenotype plasticity. ER stress influences several malignant characteristics of tumor cells, including epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stem cell maintenance, angiogenic function, and tumor cell sensitivity to targeted therapy. The emerging links between ER stress and cancer cell plasticity that are implicated in tumor progression and chemoresistance are discussed in this review, which may aid in formulating strategies to target ER stress and cancer cell plasticity in anticancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Wang
- Breast Surgery, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Kun Mi
- Radiation Oncology Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
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17
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Castaneda M, den Hollander P, Kuburich NA, Rosen JM, Mani SA. Mechanisms of cancer metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 87:17-31. [PMID: 36354098 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.10.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is almost always terminal, and more than 90% of cancer deaths result from metastatic disease. Combating cancer metastasis and post-therapeutic recurrence successfully requires understanding each step of metastatic progression. This review describes the current state of knowledge of the etiology and mechanism of cancer progression from primary tumor growth to the formation of new tumors in other parts of the body. Open questions, avenues for future research, and therapeutic approaches with the potential to prevent or inhibit metastasis through personalization to each patient's mutation and/or immune profile are also highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Castaneda
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Petra den Hollander
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA
| | - Nick A Kuburich
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Molecular & Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
| | - Sendurai A Mani
- Translational Molecular Pathology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, Brown University, Providence, RI 02912, USA; Legoretta Cancer Center, Brown University, Providence, RI 021912, USA.
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18
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Chatterjee D, Costa CAM, Wang XF, Jevitt A, Huang YC, Deng WM. Single-cell transcriptomics identifies Keap1-Nrf2 regulated collective invasion in a Drosophila tumor model. eLife 2022; 11:80956. [PMID: 36321803 PMCID: PMC9708074 DOI: 10.7554/elife.80956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Apicobasal cell polarity loss is a founding event in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and epithelial tumorigenesis, yet how pathological polarity loss links to plasticity remains largely unknown. To understand the mechanisms and mediators regulating plasticity upon polarity loss, we performed single-cell RNA sequencing of Drosophila ovaries, where inducing polarity-gene l(2)gl-knockdown (Lgl-KD) causes invasive multilayering of the follicular epithelia. Analyzing the integrated Lgl-KD and wildtype transcriptomes, we discovered the cells specific to the various discernible phenotypes and characterized the underlying gene expression. A genetic requirement of Keap1-Nrf2 signaling in promoting multilayer formation of Lgl-KD cells was further identified. Ectopic expression of Keap1 increased the volume of delaminated follicle cells that showed enhanced invasive behavior with significant changes to the cytoskeleton. Overall, our findings describe the comprehensive transcriptome of cells within the follicle cell tumor model at the single-cell resolution and identify a previously unappreciated link between Keap1-Nrf2 signaling and cell plasticity at early tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Deeptiman Chatterjee
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, United States
| | - Caique Almeida Machado Costa
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, United States
| | - Xian-Feng Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, United States
| | - Allison Jevitt
- Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, United States
| | - Yi-Chun Huang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, United States
| | - Wu-Min Deng
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, Tulane Cancer Center, New Orleans, United States.,Department of Biological Science, Florida State University, Tallahassee, United States
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19
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Vasileva NS, Kuligina EV, Dymova MA, Savinovskaya YI, Zinchenko ND, Ageenko AB, Mishinov SV, Dome AS, Stepanov GA, Richter VA, Semenov DV. Transcriptome Changes in Glioma Cells Cultivated under Conditions of Neurosphere Formation. Cells 2022; 11:cells11193106. [PMID: 36231068 PMCID: PMC9563256 DOI: 10.3390/cells11193106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioma is the most common and heterogeneous primary brain tumor. The development of a new relevant preclinical models is necessary. As research moves from cultures of adherent gliomas to a more relevant model, neurospheres, it is necessary to understand the changes that cells undergo at the transcriptome level. In the present work, we used three patient-derived gliomas and two immortalized glioblastomas, while their cultivation was carried out under adherent culture and neurosphere (NS) conditions. When comparing the transcriptomes of monolayer (ML) and NS cell cultures, we used Enrichr genes sets enrichment analysis to describe transcription factors (TFs) and the pathways involved in the formation of glioma NS. It was observed that NS formation is accompanied by the activation of five common gliomas of TFs, SOX2, UBTF, NFE2L2, TCF3 and STAT3. The sets of transcripts controlled by TFs MYC and MAX were suppressed in NS. Upregulated genes are involved in the processes of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness, invasion and migration of glioma cells. However, MYC/MAX-dependent downregulated genes are involved in translation, focal adhesion and apical junction. Furthermore, we found three EGFR and FGFR signaling feedback regulators common to all analyzed gliomas-SPRY4, ERRFI1, and RAB31-which can be used for creating new therapeutic strategies of suppressing the invasion and progression of gliomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia S. Vasileva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Elena V. Kuligina
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Maya A. Dymova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Yulya I. Savinovskaya
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nikita D. Zinchenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Alisa B. Ageenko
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Sergey V. Mishinov
- Novosibirsk Research Institute of Traumatology and Orthopedics n.a. Ya.L. Tsivyan, Department of Neurosurgery, Frunze Street 17, Novosibirsk 630091, Russia
| | - Anton S. Dome
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Grigory A. Stepanov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Vladimir A. Richter
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Dmitry V. Semenov
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, Siberian Branch, Russian Academy of Sciences, Lavrentyev Avenue 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +73-833635189
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20
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Bacon S, Seeneevassen L, Fratacci A, Rose F, Tiffon C, Sifré E, Haykal MM, Moubarak MM, Ducournau A, Bruhl L, Claverol S, Tokarski C, Gouloumi AR, Pateras IS, Daubon T, Lehours P, Varon C, Martin OCB. Nrf2 Downregulation Contributes to Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Helicobacter pylori-Infected Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174316. [PMID: 36077851 PMCID: PMC9455077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174316] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/26/2022] [Accepted: 08/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Gastric cancer is mainly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. It is therefore important to decipher the mechanisms involved in H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis, and especially the early events. We have previously demonstrated that the infection leads to an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) favoring gastric carcinogenesis. H. pylori infection is also associated with high levels of oxidative stress. In this work, we aimed at investigating the modulation of Nrf2, a major regulator of cellular antioxidant response to oxidative stress, upon infection with H. pylori and to decipher its implication in EMT. We demonstrated that H. pylori-induced Nrf2 downregulation may participate in gastric cells’ EMT, one crucial tumorigenic event in gastric cancer. These results could pave the way for new therapeutic strategies using Nrf2 modulators to reduce gastric carcinogenesis associated with H. pylori infection. Abstract Background: Gastric cancer, the fifth most common cancer worldwide, is mainly linked to Helicobacter pylori infection. H. pylori induces chronic inflammation of the gastric mucosa associated with high oxidative stress. Our study aimed at assessing the implication of Nrf2, a major regulator of cellular redox homeostasis, in H. pylori-induced gastric carcinogenesis. Methods: Using three different gastric epithelial cell lines, a non-cancerous (HFE-145) and two different subtypes of gastric cancer (AGS and MKN74), we analyzed the modulation of Nrf2 expression over time. After invalidation of Nrf2 by CRISPR-cas9, we assessed its role in H. pylori-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Finally, we evaluated the expression of Nrf2 and ZEB1, a central EMT transcription factor, in human gastric tissues. Results: We first demonstrated that the Nrf2 signaling pathway is differentially regulated depending on the infection stage. Rapidly and transiently activated, Nrf2 was downregulated 24 h post-infection in a VacA-dependent manner. We then demonstrated that Nrf2 invalidation leads to increased EMT, which is even exacerbated after H. pylori infection. Finally, Nrf2 expression tended to decrease in human patients’ gastric mucosa infected with H. pylori. Conclusions: Our work supports the hypothesis that Nrf2 downregulation upon H. pylori infection participates in EMT, one of the most important events in gastric carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bacon
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Lornella Seeneevassen
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Alison Fratacci
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Faustine Rose
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Camille Tiffon
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Elodie Sifré
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Maria M. Haykal
- Institut Gustave Roussy, Université Paris-Saclay, Inserm U981, Biomarqueurs Prédictifs et Nouvelles Stratégies Thérapeutiques en Oncologie, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Maya M. Moubarak
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires (IBGC), Unité Mixte de Recherche 5095, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Astrid Ducournau
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Centre National de Référence des Campylobacters et Helicobacters, CHU de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Lucie Bruhl
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Centre National de Référence des Campylobacters et Helicobacters, CHU de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | | | - Caroline Tokarski
- Plateforme Proteome, University Bordeaux, F-33000 Bordeaux, France
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Bordeaux Institut National Polytechnique (INP), Institute of Chemistry & Biology of Membranes & Nano-objects (CBMN), Université de Bordeaux, Unité Mixte de Recherche 5248, F-33600 Pessac, France
| | - Alina-Roxani Gouloumi
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 104 31 Athens, Greece
| | - Ioannis S. Pateras
- 2nd Department of Pathology, “Attikon” University Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian, University of Athens, 104 31 Athens, Greece
| | - Thomas Daubon
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique (CNRS), Institut de Biochimie et Génétique Cellulaires (IBGC), Unité Mixte de Recherche 5095, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Philippe Lehours
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Centre National de Référence des Campylobacters et Helicobacters, CHU de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
| | - Christine Varon
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (O.C.B.M.)
| | - Océane C. B. Martin
- INSERM U1312 BRIC BoRdeaux Institute of onCology, Université de Bordeaux, 33077 Bordeaux, France
- Correspondence: (C.V.); (O.C.B.M.)
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21
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Jouida A, O’Callaghan M, Mc Carthy C, Fabre A, Nadarajan P, Keane MP. Exosomes from EGFR-Mutated Adenocarcinoma Induce a Hybrid EMT and MMP9-Dependant Tumor Invasion. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14153776. [PMID: 35954442 PMCID: PMC9367273 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14153776] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2022] [Revised: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Exosomes, a class of extra cellular nano-sized vesicles (EVs), and their contents have gained attention as potential sources of information on tumor detection and regulatory drivers of tumor progression and metastasis. The effect of exosomes isolated from patients with an Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)-mutated adenocarcinoma on the promotion of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and invasion were examined. Exosomes derived from serum of patients with EGFR-mutated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) mediate the activation of the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and induce an invasion through the up-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in A549 cells. We observed a significant increase in the expression of vimentin, a mesenchymal marker, while retaining the epithelial characteristics, as evidenced by the unaltered levels of E-cadherin and Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EPCAM). We also observed an increase of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NFR2) and P-cadherin expression, markers of hybrid EMT. Exosomes derived from EGFR-mutated adenocarcinoma serum could be a potential mediator of hybrid EMT and tumor invasion. Understanding how cancerous cells communicate and interact with their environment via exosomes will improve our understanding of lung cancer progression and metastasis formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina Jouida
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
| | - Marissa O’Callaghan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Cormac Mc Carthy
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Aurelie Fabre
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Parthiban Nadarajan
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland
| | - Michael P. Keane
- School of Medicine, University College Dublin, D14 E099 Dublin, Ireland; (A.J.); (M.O.); (C.M.C.); (A.F.); (P.N.)
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, St. Vincent’s University Hospital, D04 T6F4 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +353-1-221-4474; Fax: +353-1-221-3750
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