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Srivastava A, Ahmad R, Yadav K, Siddiqui S, Trivedi A, Misra A, Mehrotra S, Ahmad B, Ali Khan M. An update on existing therapeutic options and status of novel anti-metastatic agents in breast cancer: Elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying the pleiotropic action of Withania somnifera (Indian ginseng) in breast cancer attenuation. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 136:112232. [PMID: 38815352 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112232] [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: 01/02/2024] [Revised: 04/14/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Major significant advancements in pharmacology and drug technology have been made to heighten the impact of cancer therapies, improving the life expectancy of subjects diagnosed with malignancy. Statistically, 99% of breast cancers occur in women while 0.5-1% occur in men, the female gender being the strongest breast cancer risk factor. Despite several breakthroughs, breast cancer continues to have a worldwide impact and is one of the leading causes of mortality. Additionally, resistance to therapy is a crucial factor enabling cancer cell persistence and resurgence. As a result, the search and discovery of novel modulatory agents and effective therapies capable of controlling tumor progression and cancer cell proliferation is critical. Withania somnifera (L.) Dunal (WS), commonly known as Indian ginseng, has long been used traditionally for the treatment of several ailments in the Indian context. Recently, WS and its phytoconstituents have shown promising anti-breast cancer properties and, as such, can be employed as prophylactic as well as therapeutic adjuncts to the main line of breast cancer treatment. The present review is an attempt to explore and provide experimental evidences in support of the prophylactic and therapeutic potential of WS in breast cancer, along with a deeper insight into the multiple molecular mechanisms and novel targets through which it acts against breast and other hormonally-induced cancers viz. ovarian, uterine and cervical. This exploration might prove crucial in providing better understanding of breast cancer progression and metastasis and its use as an adjunct in improving disease prognosis and therapeutic outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aditi Srivastava
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Rumana Ahmad
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Kusum Yadav
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, UP., India.
| | - Sahabjada Siddiqui
- Dept. of Biotechnology, Era's Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Anchal Trivedi
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Aparna Misra
- Dept. of Biochemistry, Era's Lucknow Medical College and Hospital, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Sudhir Mehrotra
- Dept. of Biochemistry, University of Lucknow, Lucknow 226007, UP., India.
| | - Bilal Ahmad
- Research Cell, Era University, Sarfarazganj, Hardoi Road, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
| | - Mohsin Ali Khan
- Dept. of Research & Development, Era University, Lucknow 226003, UP., India.
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2
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Kowalewski A, Borowczak J, Maniewski M, Gostomczyk K, Grzanka D, Szylberg Ł. Targeting apoptosis in clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 175:116805. [PMID: 38781868 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116805] [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: 04/02/2024] [Revised: 05/16/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most prevalent subtype of renal cancer, accounting for approximately 80% of all renal cell cancers. Due to its exceptional inter- and intratumor heterogeneity, it is highly resistant to conventional systemic therapies. Targeting the evasion of cell death, one of cancer's hallmarks, is currently emerging as an alternative strategy for ccRCC. In this article, we review the current state of apoptosis-inducing therapies against ccRCC, including antisense oligonucleotides, BH3 mimetics, histone deacetylase inhibitors, cyclin-kinase inhibitors, inhibitors of apoptosis protein antagonists, and monoclonal antibodies. Although preclinical studies have shown encouraging results, these compounds fail to improve patients' outcomes significantly. Current evidence suggests that inducing apoptosis in ccRCC may promote tumor progression through apoptosis-induced proliferation, anastasis, and apoptosis-induced nuclear expulsion. Therefore, re-evaluating this approach is expected to enable successful preclinical-to-clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Kowalewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Center of Medical Sciences, University of Science and Technology, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland.
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Clinical Department of Oncology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Doctoral School of Medical and Health Sciences, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Dariusz Grzanka
- Department of Clinical Pathomorphology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz 85-796, Poland; Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Bydgoszcz 85-094, Poland
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3
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Akinpelu A, Akinsipe T, Avila LA, Arnold RD, Mistriotis P. The impact of tumor microenvironment: unraveling the role of physical cues in breast cancer progression. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:823-844. [PMID: 38238542 PMCID: PMC11156564 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10166-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/30/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis accounts for the vast majority of breast cancer-related fatalities. Although the contribution of genetic and epigenetic modifications to breast cancer progression has been widely acknowledged, emerging evidence underscores the pivotal role of physical stimuli in driving breast cancer metastasis. In this review, we summarize the changes in the mechanics of the breast cancer microenvironment and describe the various forces that impact migrating and circulating tumor cells throughout the metastatic process. We also discuss the mechanosensing and mechanotransducing molecules responsible for promoting the malignant phenotype in breast cancer cells. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of the mechanobiology of breast cancer carries substantial potential to propel progress in prognosis, diagnosis, and patient treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - L Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Robert D Arnold
- Department of Drug Discovery and Development, Harrison College of Pharmacy, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Chemical Engineering, Samuel Ginn College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, 36849, USA.
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Zhang X, Weeramange CE, Hughes BGM, Vasani S, Liu ZY, Warkiani M, Hartel G, Ladwa R, Thiery JP, Kenny L, Breik O, Punyadeera C. Circulating tumour cells predict recurrences and survival in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma patients. Cell Mol Life Sci 2024; 81:233. [PMID: 38780775 PMCID: PMC11116312 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-024-05269-1] [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: 10/22/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 05/07/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) are at a high risk of developing recurrence and secondary cancers. This study evaluates the prognostic and surveillance utilities of circulating tumour cells (CTCs) in HNSCC. A total of 154 HNSCC patients were recruited and followed up for 4.5 years. Blood samples were collected at baseline and follow-up. CTCs were isolated using a spiral microfluid device. Recurrence and death due to cancer were assessed during the follow-up period. In patients with HNSCC, the presence of CTCs at baseline was a predictor of recurrence (OR = 8.40, p < 0.0001) and death (OR= ∞, p < 0.0001). Patients with CTCs at baseline had poor survival outcomes (p < 0.0001). Additionally, our study found that patients with CTCs in a follow-up appointment were 2.5 times more likely to experience recurrence or death from HNSCC (p < 0.05) prior to their next clinical visit. Our study highlights the prognostic and monitoring utilities of CTCs' in HNSCC patients. Early identification of CTCs facilitates precise risk assessment, guiding treatment choices and ultimately enhancing patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhang
- Saliva & Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46, Don Young Rd, Queensland, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Chameera Ekanayake Weeramange
- Saliva & Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46, Don Young Rd, Queensland, QLD, 4111, Australia
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold coast, QLD, Australia
| | - Brett G M Hughes
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Sarju Vasani
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Zhen Yu Liu
- Saliva & Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46, Don Young Rd, Queensland, QLD, 4111, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Department of Otolaryngology, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Majid Warkiani
- School of Biomedical Engineering, Center for Health Technologies (CHT) & Institute for Biomedical Materials & Devices (IBMD), University of Technology Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Gunter Hartel
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
- Dept of medical oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, Australia
| | - Jean Paul Thiery
- Guangzhou Laboratory, Guangzhou International Bio Island, No. 9 XingDaoHuanBei Road, Guangzhou, 510005, Guangdong Province, China
| | - Liz Kenny
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women's Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Omar Breik
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Saliva & Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery, Griffith University, 46, Don Young Rd, Queensland, QLD, 4111, Australia.
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, School of Medical Science, Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold coast, QLD, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Brisbane, Australia.
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Perucca P, Bassi E, Vetro M, Tricarico A, Prosperi E, Stivala LA, Cazzalini O. Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and NF-kB pathways are promoted by a mutant form of DDB2, unable to bind PCNA, in UV-damaged human cells. BMC Cancer 2024; 24:616. [PMID: 38773406 PMCID: PMC11110260 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-024-12368-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND DNA-Damaged Binding protein 2 (DDB2) is a protein involved in the early step of Nucleotide Excision Repair. Recently, it has been reported that DDB2 is involved in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), key process in tumour invasiveness and metastasis formation. However, its role is not completely known. METHODS Boyden chamber and cell adhesion assays, and ICELLigence analysis were performed to detect HEK293 adhesion and invasion. Western blotting and gelatine zymography techniques were employed to assess the EMT protein levels and MMP enzymatic activity. Immunofluorescence analysis and pull-down assays facilitated the detection of NF-kB sub-cellular localization and interaction. RESULTS We have previously demonstrated that the loss of DDB2-PCNA binding favours genome instability, and increases cell proliferation and motility. Here, we have investigated the phenotypic and molecular EMT-like changes after UV DNA damage, in HEK293 clones stably expressing DDB2Wt protein or a mutant form unable to interact with PCNA (DDB2PCNA-), as well as in HeLa cells transiently expressing the same DDB2 constructs. Cells expressing DDB2PCNA- showed morphological modifications along with a reduced expression of E-cadherin, an increased activity of MMP-9 and an improved ability to migrate, in concomitance with a significant upregulation of EMT-associated Transcription Factors (TFs), whose expression has been reported to favour tumour invasion. We observed a higher expression of c-Myc oncogene, NF-kB, both regulating cell proliferation and metastatic process, as well as ZEB1, a TF significantly associated with tumorigenic potential and cell migratory ability. Interestingly, a novel interaction of DDB2 with NF-kB was detected and found to be increased in cells expressing the DDB2PCNA-, suggesting a direct modulation of NF-kB by DDB2. CONCLUSION These results highlight the role of DDB2-PCNA interaction in counteracting EMT since DDB2PCNA- protein induces in HEK293 transformed cells a gain of function contributing to the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paola Perucca
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Bassi
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Martina Vetro
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Anna Tricarico
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
| | - Ennio Prosperi
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare (IGM) del CNR, Pavia, Italy
| | - Lucia Anna Stivala
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy.
| | - Ornella Cazzalini
- Dipartimento di Medicina molecolare, Unità di Immunologia e Patologia generale, Università degli Studi di Pavia, Pavia, Italy
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6
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Nair MG, Mavatkar AD, Naidu CM, V. P. S, C. E. A, Rajarajan S, Sahoo S, Mohan G, Jaikumar VS, Ramesh RS, B. S. S, Jolly MK, Maliekal TT, Prabhu JS. Elucidating the Role of MicroRNA-18a in Propelling a Hybrid Epithelial-Mesenchymal Phenotype and Driving Malignant Progression in ER-Negative Breast Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:821. [PMID: 38786043 PMCID: PMC11119613 DOI: 10.3390/cells13100821] [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: 02/28/2024] [Revised: 04/19/2024] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic alterations that lead to differential expression of microRNAs (miRNAs/miR) are known to regulate tumour cell states, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the progression to metastasis in breast cancer. This study explores the key contribution of miRNA-18a in mediating a hybrid E/M cell state that is pivotal to the malignant transformation and tumour progression in the aggressive ER-negative subtype of breast cancer. The expression status and associated effects of miR-18a were evaluated in patient-derived breast tumour samples in combination with gene expression data from public datasets, and further validated in in vitro and in vivo breast cancer model systems. The clinical relevance of the study findings was corroborated against human breast tumour specimens (n = 446 patients). The down-regulated expression of miR-18a observed in ER-negative tumours was found to drive the enrichment of hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) cells with luminal attributes, enhanced traits of migration, stemness, drug-resistance and immunosuppression. Further analysis of the miR-18a targets highlighted possible hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (HIF-1α)-mediated signalling in these tumours. This is a foremost report that validates the dual role of miR-18a in breast cancer that is subtype-specific based on hormone receptor expression. The study also features a novel association of low miR-18a levels and subsequent enrichment of hybrid E/M cells, increased migration and stemness in a subgroup of ER-negative tumours that may be attributed to HIF-1α mediated signalling. The results highlight the possibility of stratifying the ER-negative disease into clinically relevant groups by analysing miRNA signatures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhumathy G. Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Apoorva D. Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrakala M. Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Snijesh V. P.
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Anupama C. E.
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Savitha Rajarajan
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Sarthak Sahoo
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Gayathri Mohan
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Vishnu Sunil Jaikumar
- Animal Research Facility, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Rakesh S. Ramesh
- Department of Surgical Oncology, St. John’s Medical College and Hospital, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
| | - Srinath B. S.
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Sri Shankara Cancer Hospital and Research Centre, Bangalore 560004, Karnataka, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science (Bangalore), Bengaluru 560012, Karnataka, India
| | - Tessy Thomas Maliekal
- Cancer Research, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology (RGCB), Thiruvananthapuram 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Jyothi S. Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John’s Research Institute, St. John’s Medical College, Bangalore 560034, Karnataka, India
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Bagheri M, Mohamed GA, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, LaCroix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological induction of chromatin remodeling drives chemosensitization in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Rep Med 2024; 5:101504. [PMID: 38593809 PMCID: PMC11031425 DOI: 10.1016/j.xcrm.2024.101504] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/11/2024]
Abstract
Targeted therapies have improved outcomes for certain cancer subtypes, but cytotoxic chemotherapy remains a mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by cancer cells that promotes metastasis and chemoresistance. There are no therapeutic strategies specifically targeting mesenchymal-like cancer cells. We report that the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved chemotherapeutic eribulin induces ZEB1-SWI/SNF-directed chromatin remodeling to reverse EMT that curtails the metastatic propensity of TNBC preclinical models. Eribulin induces mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in primary TNBC in patients, but conventional chemotherapy does not. In the treatment-naive setting, but not after acquired resistance to other agents, eribulin sensitizes TNBC cells to subsequent treatment with other chemotherapeutics. These findings provide an epigenetic mechanism of action of eribulin, supporting its use early in the disease process for MET induction to prevent metastatic progression and chemoresistance. These findings warrant prospective clinical evaluation of the chemosensitizing effects of eribulin in the treatment-naive setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Nevena B Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Fred W Kolling
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Owen M Wilkins
- Center for Quantitative Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | | | - Ian S LaCroix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Shivashankar H Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia; Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E Muller
- Department of Pathology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Scott A Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA
| | - Todd W Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA; Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA; Department of Pathology, Medical College of Wisconsin, Milwaukee, WI, USA.
| | - Diwakar R Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Lebanon, NH, USA.
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8
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Rea M, Kimmerer G, Mittendorf S, Xiong X, Green M, Chandler D, Saintilnord W, Blackburn J, Gao T, Fondufe-Mittendorf YN. A dynamic model of inorganic arsenic-induced carcinogenesis reveals an epigenetic mechanism for epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2024; 347:123586. [PMID: 38467368 PMCID: PMC11005477 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2024.123586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic arsenic (iAs) causes cancer by initiating dynamic transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal cell phenotypes. These transitions transform normal cells into cancerous cells, and cancerous cells into metastatic cells. Most in vitro models assume that transitions between states are binary and complete, and do not consider the possibility that intermediate, stable cellular states might exist. In this paper, we describe a new, two-hit in vitro model of iAs-induced carcinogenesis that extends to 28 weeks of iAs exposure. Through week 17, the model faithfully recapitulates known and expected phenotypic, genetic, and epigenetic characteristics of iAs-induced carcinogenesis. By 28 weeks, however, exposed cells exhibit stable, intermediate phenotypes and epigenetic properties, and key transcription factor promoters (SNAI1, ZEB1) enter an epigenetically poised or bivalent state. These data suggest that key epigenetic transitions and cellular states exist during iAs-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and that it is important for our in vitro models to encapsulate all aspects of EMT and the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). In so doing, and by understanding the epigenetic systems controlling these transitions, we might find new, unexpected opportunities for developing targeted, cell state-specific therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew Rea
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49502, USA
| | - Greg Kimmerer
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Shania Mittendorf
- Department of Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40506, USA
| | - Xiaopeng Xiong
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Meghan Green
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Darrell Chandler
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49502, USA
| | - Wesley Saintilnord
- Department of Epigenetics, Van Andel Institute, Grand Rapids, MI, 49502, USA; Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Jessica Blackburn
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
| | - Tianyan Gao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biochemistry, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA; Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, 40536, USA
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Naganuma T. Selective inhibition of partial EMT-induced tumour cell growth by cerium valence states of extracellular ceria nanoparticles for anticancer treatment. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2024; 236:113794. [PMID: 38382224 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2024.113794] [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: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Targeting specific tumour cells and their microenvironments is essential for enhancing the efficacy of chemotherapy and reducing its side effects. A partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition state (pEMT, with a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype) in tumour cells is an attractive targeting for anticancer treatment because it potentially provides maximal stemness and metastasis relevant to malignant cancer stem cell-like features. However, treatment strategies to target pEMT in tumour cells remain a challenge. This study demonstrates that extracellular cerium oxide nanoparticles (CNPs) selectively inhibit the growth of pEMT-induced tumour cells, without affecting full epithelial tumour cells. Herein, highly concentrated Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions are formed on CNP-layered poly-L-lactic acid surfaces. Cell cultures of pEMT-induced and uninduced lung cancer cell lines on the CNP-layered substrates allow the effect of extracellular CNPs on tumour cell growth to be investigated. The extracellular CNPs with dominant Ce3+ and Ce4+ ions were able to trap pEMT-induced tumour cells in a growth-arrested quiescent/dormant or cytostatic state without generating redox-related reactive oxygen species (ROS), i.e. non-redox mechanisms. The dominant Ce3+ state provided highly efficient growth inhibition of the pEMT-induced tumour cells. In contrast, the dominant Ce4+ state showed highly selective and appropriate growth regulation of normal and tumour cells, including a mesenchymal phenotype. Furthermore, Ce4+-CNPs readily adsorbed serum-derived fibronectin and laminin. Cerium valence-specific proteins adsorbed on CNPs may influence receptor-mediated cell-CNP interactions, leading to tumour cell growth inhibition. These findings provide new perspectives for pEMT-targeting anticancer treatments based on the unique biointerface of extracellular CNPs with different Ce valence states.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tamaki Naganuma
- Research Center for Macromolecules and Biomaterials, National Institute for Materials Science, 1-1 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-0044, Japan.
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10
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Sayed ZS, Khattap MG, Madkour MA, Yasen NS, Elbary HA, Elsayed RA, Abdelkawy DA, Wadan AHS, Omar I, Nafady MH. Circulating tumor cells clusters and their role in Breast cancer metastasis; a review of literature. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:94. [PMID: 38557916 PMCID: PMC10984915 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant and deadly threat to women globally. Moreover, Breast cancer metastasis is a complicated process involving multiple biological stages, which is considered a substantial cause of death, where cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other organs in the body-representing the primary mortality factor. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells detached from the primary or metastatic tumor and enter the bloodstream, allowing them to establish new metastatic sites. CTCs can travel alone or in groups called CTC clusters. Studies have shown that CTC clusters have more potential for metastasis and a poorer prognosis than individual CTCs in breast cancer patients. However, our understanding of CTC clusters' formation, structure, function, and detection is still limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge of CTC clusters' biological properties, isolation, and prognostic significance in breast cancer. It also highlights the challenges and future directions for research and clinical application of CTC clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab S Sayed
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Mohamed G Khattap
- Technology of Radiology and Medical Imaging Program, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Galala University, Suez, 435611, Egypt
| | | | - Noha S Yasen
- Radiology and Imaging Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Health Science Technology, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Al Mansurah, Egypt
| | - Hanan A Elbary
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Reem A Elsayed
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Dalia A Abdelkawy
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | | | - Islam Omar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Nafady
- Radiation Sciences Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Faculty of Applied Health Science Technology, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of october, Egypt.
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11
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Aleksandrowicz K, Hempel D, Polityńska B, Wojtukiewicz AM, Honn KV, Tang DG, Wojtukiewicz MZ. The Complex Role of Thrombin in Cancer and Metastasis: Focus on Interactions with the Immune System. Semin Thromb Hemost 2024; 50:462-473. [PMID: 37984359 DOI: 10.1055/s-0043-1776875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
Thrombin, a pleiotropic enzyme involved in coagulation, plays a crucial role in both procoagulant and anticoagulant pathways. Thrombin converts fibrinogen into fibrin, initiates platelet activation, and promotes clot formation. Thrombin also activates anticoagulant pathways, indirectly inhibiting factors involved in coagulation. Tissue factor triggers thrombin generation, and the overexpression of thrombin in various cancers suggests that it is involved in tumor growth, angiogenesis, and metastasis. Increased thrombin generation has been observed in cancer patients, especially those with metastases. Thrombin exerts its effects through protease-activated receptors (PARs), particularly PAR-1 and PAR-2, which are involved in cancer progression, angiogenesis, and immunological responses. Thrombin-mediated signaling promotes angiogenesis by activating endothelial cells and platelets, thereby releasing proangiogenic factors. These functions of thrombin are well recognized and have been widely described. However, in recent years, intriguing new findings concerning the association between thrombin activity and cancer development have come to light, which justifies a review of this research. In particular, there is evidence that thrombin-mediated events interact with the immune system, and may regulate its response to tumor growth. It is also worth reevaluating the impact of thrombin on thrombocytes in conjunction with its multifaceted influence on tumor progression. Understanding the role of thrombin/PAR-mediated signaling in cancer and immunological responses is crucial, particularly in the context of developing immunotherapies. In this systematic review, we focus on the impact of the thrombin-related immune system response on cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolina Aleksandrowicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Dominika Hempel
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
| | - Barbara Polityńska
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Anna M Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Psychology and Philosophy, Medical University of Białystok, Białystok, Poland
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Department of Pathology-School of Medicine, Bioactive Lipids Research Program, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, New York
| | - Marek Z Wojtukiewicz
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Medical University, Białystok, Poland
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Bialystok, Poland
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12
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Rashid M, Devi BM, Banerjee M. Combinatorial Cooperativity in miR200-Zeb Feedback Network can Control Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition. Bull Math Biol 2024; 86:48. [PMID: 38555331 DOI: 10.1007/s11538-024-01277-1] [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: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
Carcinomas often utilize epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs for cancer progression and metastasis. Numerous studies report SNAIL-induced miR200/Zeb feedback circuit as crucial in regulating EMT by placing cancer cells in at least three phenotypic states, viz. epithelial (E), hybrid (h-E/M), mesenchymal (M), along the E-M phenotypic spectrum. However, a coherent molecular-level understanding of how such a tiny circuit controls carcinoma cell entrance into and residence in various states is lacking. Here, we use molecular binding data and mathematical modeling to report that the miR200/Zeb circuit can essentially utilize combinatorial cooperativity to control E-M phenotypic plasticity. We identify minimal combinatorial cooperativities that give rise to E, h-E/M, and M phenotypes. We show that disrupting a specific number of miR200 binding sites on Zeb as well as Zeb binding sites on miR200 can have phenotypic consequences-the circuit can dynamically switch between two (E, M) and three (E, h-E/M, M) phenotypes. Further, we report that in both SNAIL-induced and SNAIL knock-out miR200/Zeb circuits, cooperative transcriptional feedback on Zeb as well as Zeb translation inhibition due to miR200 are essential for the occurrence of intermediate h-E/M phenotype. Finally, we demonstrate that SNAIL can be dispensable for EMT, and in the absence of SNAIL, the transcriptional feedback can control cell state transition from E to h-E/M, to M state. Our results thus highlight molecular-level regulation of EMT in miR200/Zeb circuit and we expect these findings to be crucial to future efforts aiming to prevent EMT-facilitated dissemination of carcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mubasher Rashid
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India.
| | - Brasanna M Devi
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
| | - Malay Banerjee
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur, Kanpur, 208016, India
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13
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Fustaino V, Papoff G, Ruberti F, Ruberti G. Co-Expression Network Analysis Unveiled lncRNA-mRNA Links Correlated to Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor-Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Resistance and/or Intermediate Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Phenotypes in a Human Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cellular Model System. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3863. [PMID: 38612674 PMCID: PMC11011530 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073863] [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: 02/13/2024] [Revised: 03/24/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
We investigated mRNA-lncRNA co-expression patterns in a cellular model system of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitive and resistant to the epithelial growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) erlotinib/gefitinib. The aim of this study was to unveil insights into the complex mechanisms of NSCLC targeted therapy resistance and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Genome-wide RNA expression was quantified for weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) to correlate the expression levels of mRNAs and lncRNAs. Functional enrichment analysis and identification of lncRNAs were conducted on modules associated with the EGFR-TKI response and/or intermediate EMT phenotypes. We constructed lncRNA-mRNA co-expression networks and identified key modules and their enriched biological functions. Processes enriched in the selected modules included RHO (A, B, C) GTPase and regulatory signaling pathways, apoptosis, inflammatory and interleukin signaling pathways, cell adhesion, cell migration, cell and extracellular matrix organization, metabolism, and lipid metabolism. Interestingly, several lncRNAs, already shown to be dysregulated in cancer, are connected to a small number of mRNAs, and several lncRNAs are interlinked with each other in the co-expression network.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Fustaino
- Institute of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, National Research Council (IBBC-CNR), Campus Adriano Buzzati Traverso, Via E. Ramarini 32, 00015 Monterotondo (Roma), Italy; (G.P.); (F.R.)
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14
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Najafi A, Jolly MK, George JT. Protocol for inferring epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition trajectories from single-cell RNA sequencing data using R. STAR Protoc 2024; 5:102819. [PMID: 38183653 PMCID: PMC10789639 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102819] [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: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 12/19/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) provides crucial insights into the metastatic process and possesses prognostic value within the cancer context. Here, we present COMET, an R package for inferring EMT trajectories and inter-state transition rates from single-cell RNA sequencing data. We describe steps for finding the optimal number of EMT genes for a specific context, estimating EMT-related trajectories, optimal fitting of continuous-time Markov chain to inferred trajectories, and estimating inter-state transition rates.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annice Najafi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Jason T George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA; Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA; Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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15
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Pastorino GA, Sheraj I, Huebner K, Ferrero G, Kunze P, Hartmann A, Hampel C, Husnugil HH, Maiuthed A, Gebhart F, Schlattmann F, Gulec Taskiran AE, Oral G, Palmisano R, Pardini B, Naccarati A, Erlenbach-Wuensch K, Banerjee S, Schneider-Stock R. A partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition signature for highly aggressive colorectal cancer cells that survive under nutrient restriction. J Pathol 2024; 262:347-361. [PMID: 38235615 DOI: 10.1002/path.6240] [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: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2024]
Abstract
Partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (p-EMT) has recently been identified as a hybrid state consisting of cells with both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics and is associated with the migration, metastasis, and chemoresistance of cancer cells. Here, we describe the induction of p-EMT in starved colorectal cancer (CRC) cells and identify a p-EMT gene signature that can predict prognosis. Functional characterisation of starvation-induced p-EMT in HCT116, DLD1, and HT29 cells showed changes in proliferation, morphology, and drug sensitivity, supported by in vivo studies using the chorioallantoic membrane model. An EMT-specific quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) array was used to screen for deregulated genes, leading to the establishment of an in silico gene signature that was correlated with poor disease-free survival in CRC patients along with the CRC consensus molecular subtype CMS4. Among the significantly deregulated p-EMT genes, a triple-gene signature consisting of SERPINE1, SOX10, and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) was identified. Starvation-induced p-EMT was characterised by increased migratory potential and chemoresistance, as well as E-cadherin processing and internalisation. Both gene signature and E-cadherin alterations could be reversed by the proteasomal inhibitor MG132. Spatially resolving EGFR expression with high-resolution immunofluorescence imaging identified a proliferation stop in starved CRC cells caused by EGFR internalisation. In conclusion, we have gained insight into a previously undiscovered EMT mechanism that may become relevant when tumour cells are under nutrient stress, as seen in early stages of metastasis. Targeting this process of tumour cell dissemination might help to prevent EMT and overcome drug resistance. © 2024 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gil A Pastorino
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Ilir Sheraj
- Department of Biological Sciences, Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Kerstin Huebner
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Giulio Ferrero
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Philipp Kunze
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Chuanpit Hampel
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Arnatchai Maiuthed
- Department of Pharmacology, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
- Centre of Biopharmaceutical Science for Healthy Ageing, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Florian Gebhart
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Fynn Schlattmann
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Aliye Ezgi Gulec Taskiran
- Department of Biological Sciences, Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Baskent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Goksu Oral
- Department of Biological Sciences, Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ralph Palmisano
- Optical Imaging Competence Centre FAU OICE, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Barbara Pardini
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o FPO-IRCCS Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Naccarati
- Italian Institute for Genomic Medicine (IIGM), c/o FPO-IRCCS Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Katharina Erlenbach-Wuensch
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sreeparna Banerjee
- Department of Biological Sciences, Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey
- Cancer Systems Biology Laboratory (CanSyl), Orta Dogu Teknik Universitesi, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Regine Schneider-Stock
- Institute of Pathology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
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16
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Bose A, Datta S, Mandal R, Ray U, Dhar R. Increased heterogeneity in expression of genes associated with cancer progression and drug resistance. Transl Oncol 2024; 41:101879. [PMID: 38262110 PMCID: PMC10832509 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 12/16/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Fluctuations in the number of regulatory molecules and differences in timings of molecular events can generate variation in gene expression among genetically identical cells in the same environmental condition. This variation, termed as expression noise, can create differences in metabolic state and cellular functions, leading to phenotypic heterogeneity. Expression noise and phenotypic heterogeneity have been recognized as important contributors to intra-tumor heterogeneity, and have been associated with cancer growth, progression, and therapy resistance. However, how expression noise changes with cancer progression in actual cancer patients has remained poorly explored. Such an analysis, through identification of genes with increasing expression noise, can provide valuable insights into generation of intra-tumor heterogeneity, and could have important implications for understanding immune-suppression, drug tolerance and therapy resistance. In this work, we performed a genome-wide identification of changes in gene expression noise with cancer progression using single-cell RNA-seq data of lung adenocarcinoma patients at different stages of cancer. We identified 37 genes in epithelial cells that showed an increasing noise trend with cancer progression, many of which were also associated with cancer growth, EMT and therapy resistance. We found that expression of several of these genes was positively associated with expression of mitochondrial genes, suggesting an important role of mitochondria in generation of heterogeneity. In addition, we uncovered substantial differences in sample-specific noise profiles which could have implications for personalized prognosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anwesha Bose
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Subhasis Datta
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Rakesh Mandal
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Upasana Ray
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India
| | - Riddhiman Dhar
- Department of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Kharagpur, India.
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17
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Kim YJ, Lee DB, Jeong E, Jeon JY, Kim HD, Kang H, Kim YK. Magnetically Stimulated Integrin Binding Alters Cell Polarity and Affects Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Metastatic Cancer Cells. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:8365-8377. [PMID: 38319067 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16720] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Inorganic nanoparticles (NPs) have been widely recognized for their stability and biocompatibility, leading to their widespread use in biomedical applications. Our study introduces a novel approach that harnesses inorganic magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs) to stimulate apical-basal polarity and induce epithelial traits in cancer cells, targeting the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) state often linked to metastasis. We employed mesocrystalline iron oxide MNPs to apply an external magnetic field, disrupting normal cell polarity and simulating an artificial cellular environment. These led to noticeable changes in the cell shape and function, signaling a shift toward the hybrid E/M state. Our research suggests that apical-basal stimulation in cells through MNPs can effectively modulate key cellular markers associated with both epithelial and mesenchymal states without compromising the structural properties typical of mesenchymal cells. These insights advance our understanding of how cells respond to physical cues and pave the way for novel cancer treatment strategies. We anticipate that further research and validation will be instrumental in exploring the full potential of these findings in clinical applications, ensuring their safety and efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Jin Kim
- Institute for High Technology Materials and Devices, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Dae Beom Lee
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Eunjin Jeong
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Joo Yeong Jeon
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul 03759, Korea
| | - Hee-Dae Kim
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, University of Arizona College of Medicine─Phoenix, Phoenix, Arizona 85004, United States
| | - Heemin Kang
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
| | - Young Keun Kim
- Institute for High Technology Materials and Devices, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea
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18
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Philipp LM, Yesilyurt UU, Surrow A, Künstner A, Mehdorn AS, Hauser C, Gundlach JP, Will O, Hoffmann P, Stahmer L, Franzenburg S, Knaack H, Schumacher U, Busch H, Sebens S. Epithelial and Mesenchymal-like Pancreatic Cancer Cells Exhibit Different Stem Cell Phenotypes Associated with Different Metastatic Propensities. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:686. [PMID: 38398077 PMCID: PMC10886860 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is mostly diagnosed at advanced or even metastasized stages, limiting the prognoses of patients. Metastasis requires high tumor cell plasticity, implying phenotypic switching in response to changing environments. Here, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), being associated with an increase in cancer stem cell (CSC) properties, and its reversion are important. Since it is poorly understood whether different CSC phenotypes exist along the EMT axis and how these impact malignancy-associated properties, we aimed to characterize CSC populations of epithelial and mesenchymal-like PDAC cells. Single-cell cloning revealed CSC (Holoclone) and non-CSC (Paraclone) clones from the PDAC cell lines Panc1 and Panc89. The Panc1 Holoclone cells showed a mesenchymal-like phenotype, dominated by a high expression of the stemness marker Nestin, while the Panc89 Holoclone cells exhibited a SOX2-dominated epithelial phenotype. The Panc89 Holoclone cells showed enhanced cell growth and a self-renewal capacity but slow cluster-like invasion. Contrarily, the Panc1 Holoclone cells showed slower cell growth and self-renewal ability but were highly invasive. Moreover, cell variants differentially responded to chemotherapy. In vivo, the Panc1 and Panc89 cell variants significantly differed regarding the number and size of metastases, as well as organ manifestation, leading to different survival outcomes. Overall, these data support the existence of different CSC phenotypes along the EMT axis in PDAC, manifesting different metastatic propensities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa-Marie Philipp
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Umut-Ulas Yesilyurt
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Arne Surrow
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Anne-Sophie Mehdorn
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Charlotte Hauser
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Jan-Paul Gundlach
- Department of General, Visceral-, Thoracic-, Transplantation- and Pediatric Surgery, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24105 Kiel, Germany
| | - Olga Will
- Molecular Imaging North Competence Center, Clinic of Radiology and Neuroradiology, Kiel University, UKSH, Campus Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Patrick Hoffmann
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Lea Stahmer
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
| | - Sören Franzenburg
- Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Kiel University, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Hendrike Knaack
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
- Academic Affairs Office, Hannover Medical School, 30625 Hannover, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Department of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Medical Systems Biology Group, Lübeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology, University of Lübeck, 23538 Lübeck, Germany
- Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Lübeck, 23562 Lübeck, Germany
| | - Susanne Sebens
- Institute for Experimental Cancer Research, Kiel University, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein (UKSH), Campus Kiel, 23562 Kiel, Germany
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Sehgal M, Ramu S, Vaz JM, Ganapathy YR, Muralidharan S, Venkatraghavan S, Jolly MK. Characterizing heterogeneity along EMT and metabolic axes in colorectal cancer reveals underlying consensus molecular subtype-specific trends. Transl Oncol 2024; 40:101845. [PMID: 38029508 PMCID: PMC10698572 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101845] [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: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is highly heterogeneous with variable survival outcomes and therapeutic vulnerabilities. A commonly used classification system in CRC is the Consensus Molecular Subtypes (CMS) based on gene expression patterns. However, how these CMS categories connect to axes of phenotypic plasticity and heterogeneity remains unclear. Here, in our analysis of CMS-specific TCGA data and 101 bulk transcriptomic datasets, we found the epithelial phenotype score to be consistently positively correlated with scores of glycolysis, OXPHOS and FAO pathways, while PD-L1 activity scores positively correlated with mesenchymal phenotype scoring, revealing possible interconnections among plasticity axes. Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis of patient samples revealed that that CMS2 and CMS3 subtype samples were relatively more epithelial as compared to CMS1 and CMS4. CMS1 revealed two subpopulations: one close to CMS4 (more mesenchymal) and the other closer to CMS2 or CMS3 (more epithelial), indicating a partial EMT-like behavior. Consistent observations were made in single-cell analysis of metabolic axes and PD-L1 activity scores. Together, our results quantify the patterns of two functional interconnected axes of phenotypic heterogeneity - EMT and metabolic reprogramming - in a CMS-specific manner in CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manas Sehgal
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Soundharya Ramu
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Joel Markus Vaz
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India; School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta 30332, United States
| | | | - Srinath Muralidharan
- 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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20
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Wu W, Peng Y, Xu M, Yan T, Zhang D, Chen Y, Mei K, Chen Q, Wang X, Qiao Z, Wang C, Wu S, Zhang Q. Deep-Learning-Based Nanomechanical Vibration for Rapid and Label-Free Assay of Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition. ACS NANO 2024; 18:3480-3496. [PMID: 38169507 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c10811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer is a profound danger to our life and health. The classification and related studies of epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes of cancer cells are key scientific questions in cancer research. Here, we investigated cancer cell colonies from a mechanical perspective and developed an assay for classifying epithelial/mesenchymal cancer cell colonies using the biomechanical fingerprint in the form of "nanovibration" in combination with deep learning. The classification method requires only 1 s of vibration data and has a classification accuracy of nearly 92.5%. The method has also been validated for the screening of anticancer drugs. Compared with traditional methods, the method has the advantages of being nondestructive, label-free, and highly sensitive. Furthermore, we proposed a perspective that subcellular structure influences the amplitude and spectrum of nanovibrations and demonstrated it using experiments and numerical simulation. These findings allow internal changes in the cell colony to be manifested by nanovibrations. This work provides a perspective and an ancillary method for cancer cell phenotype diagnosis and promotes the study of biomechanical mechanisms of cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjie Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongpei Peng
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Mengjun Xu
- Department of Electronic Engineering and Information Science, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Tianhao Yan
- Department of Cell Biology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, People's Republic of China
| | - Duo Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Kainan Mei
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Qiubo Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiapeng Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Zihan Qiao
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen Wang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Shangquan Wu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingchuan Zhang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Mechanical Behavior and Design of Material, Department of Modern Mechanics, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui 230027, People's Republic of China
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21
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Long Y, Wu J, Shen Y, Gan C, Zhang C, Wang G, Jing J, Zhang C, Pan W. CAPG is a novel biomarker for early gastric cancer and is involved in the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Cell Death Discov 2024; 10:15. [PMID: 38191512 PMCID: PMC10774411 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01767-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Past studies have shown that the Gelsolin-like actin-capping protein (CAPG) regulates cell migration and proliferation and is strongly associated with tumor progression. We present the first study of the mechanism of action of CAPG in early gastric cancer (EGC). We demonstrate that CAPG expression is upregulated in gastric cancer (GC) especially EGC. CAPG promotes GC proliferation, migration, invasion, and metastasis in vivo and in vitro. More importantly, CAPG plays a role in GC by involving the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Our findings suggest that CAPG may function as a novel biomarker for EGC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Long
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - JiaQi Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, 310015, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yu Shen
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chenxiao Gan
- Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chuandong Zhang
- The Medical College of QingDao University, Qingdao, Shandong, China
| | - Gang Wang
- Shulan International Medical College, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jiyong Jing
- Department of Medical Education and Simulation Center, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, 310014, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenjing Zhang
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Wensheng Pan
- Cancer Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Affiliated People's Hospital, Hangzhou Medical College, No. 158 Shangtang Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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22
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den Hollander P, Maddela JJ, Mani SA. Spatial and Temporal Relationship between Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and Stem Cells in Cancer. Clin Chem 2024; 70:190-205. [PMID: 38175600 PMCID: PMC11246550 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvad197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/02/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is often linked with carcinogenesis. However, EMT is also important for embryo development and only reactivates in cancer. Connecting how EMT occurs during embryonic development and in cancer could help us further understand the root mechanisms of cancer diseases. CONTENT There are key regulatory elements that contribute to EMT and the induction and maintenance of stem cell properties during embryogenesis, tissue regeneration, and carcinogenesis. Here, we explore the implications of EMT in the different stages of embryogenesis and tissue development. We especially highlight the necessity of EMT in the mesodermal formation and in neural crest cells. Through EMT, these cells gain epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). With this transition, crucial morphological changes occur to progress through the metastatic cascade as well as tissue regeneration after an injury. Stem-like cells, including cancer stem cells, are generated from EMT and during this process upregulate factors necessary for stem cell maintenance. Hence, it is important to understand the key regulators allowing stem cell awakening in cancer, which increases plasticity and promotes treatment resistance, to develop strategies targeting this cell population and improve patient outcomes. SUMMARY EMT involves multifaceted regulation to allow the fluidity needed to facilitate adaptation. This regulatory mechanism, plasticity, involves many cooperating transcription factors. Additionally, posttranslational modifications, such as splicing, activate the correct isoforms for either epithelial or mesenchymal specificity. Moreover, epigenetic regulation also occurs, such as acetylation and methylation. Downstream signaling ultimately results in the EMT which promotes tissue generation/regeneration and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Petra den Hollander
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Joanna Joyce Maddela
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
| | - Sendurai A. Mani
- Legorreta Cancer Center, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
- Department of Pathology and Lab Medicine, The Warren Alpert Medical School, Brown University, Providence, RI, United States
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23
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Shakartalla SB, Ashmawy NS, Semreen MH, Fayed B, Al Shareef ZM, Jayakumar MN, Ibrahim S, Rahmani M, Hamdy R, Soliman SSM. 1H-NMR metabolomics analysis identifies hypoxanthine as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:253. [PMID: 38167685 PMCID: PMC10762038 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50866-y] [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: 09/23/2023] [Accepted: 12/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is one of the leading causes of death in females, mainly because of metastasis. Oncometabolites, produced via metabolic reprogramming, can influence metastatic signaling cascades. Accordingly, and based on our previous results, we propose that metabolites from highly metastatic breast cancer cells behave differently from less-metastatic cells and may play a significant role in metastasis. For instance, we aim to identify these metabolites and their role in breast cancer metastasis. Less metastatic cells (MCF-7) were treated with metabolites secreted from highly metastatic cells (MDA-MB-231) and the gene expression of three epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers including E-cadherin, N-cadherin and vimentin were examined. Some metabolites secreted from MDA-MB-231 cells significantly induced EMT activity. Specifically, hypoxanthine demonstrated a significant EMT effect and increased the migration and invasion effects of MCF-7 cells through a hypoxia-associated mechanism. Hypoxanthine exhibited pro-angiogenic effects via increasing the VEGF and PDGF gene expression and affected lipid metabolism by increasing the gene expression of PCSK-9. Notably, knockdown of purine nucleoside phosphorylase, a gene encoding for an important enzyme in the biosynthesis of hypoxanthine, and inhibition of hypoxanthine uptake caused a significant decrease in hypoxanthine-associated EMT effects. Collectively for the first time, hypoxanthine was identified as a novel metastasis-associated metabolite in breast cancer cells and represents a promising target for diagnosis and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarra B Shakartalla
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Gezira, P.O. Box. 21111, Wadmedani, Sudan
| | - Naglaa S Ashmawy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, P.O. Box 4184, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, P.O. Box 11566, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohammad H Semreen
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Bahgat Fayed
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Chemistry of Natural and Microbial Product Department, National Research Centre, P.O. Box 12622, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Zainab M Al Shareef
- College of Medicine, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Manju N Jayakumar
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
| | - Saleh Ibrahim
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Mohamed Rahmani
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Center for Biotechnology, Khalifa University, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
- College of Medicine and Health Sciences, Khalifa University, P.O. Box 127788, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
| | - Rania Hamdy
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, P.O. Box 44519, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Sameh S M Soliman
- Research Institute for Medical and Health Sciences, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
- Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Sharjah, P.O. Box 27272, Sharjah, United Arab Emirates.
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24
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Catalanotto M, Vaz JM, Abshire C, Youngblood R, Chu M, Levine H, Jolly MK, Dragoi AM. Dual role of CASP8AP2/FLASH in regulating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition plasticity (EMP). Transl Oncol 2024; 39:101837. [PMID: 37984255 PMCID: PMC10689956 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101837] [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: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program that consists of the loss of epithelial features concomitant with the acquisition of mesenchymal features. Activation of EMT in cancer facilitates the acquisition of aggressive traits and cancer invasion. EMT plasticity (EMP), the dynamic transition between multiple hybrid states in which cancer cells display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, confers survival advantages for cancer cells in constantly changing environments during metastasis. METHODS RNAseq analysis was performed to assess genome-wide transcriptional changes in cancer cells depleted for histone regulators FLASH, NPAT, and SLBP. Quantitative PCR and Western blot were used for the detection of mRNA and protein levels. Computational analysis was performed on distinct sets of genes to determine the epithelial and mesenchymal score in cancer cells and to correlate FLASH expression with EMT markers in the CCLE collection. RESULTS We demonstrate that loss of FLASH in cancer cells gives rise to a hybrid E/M phenotype with high epithelial scores even in the presence of TGFβ, as determined by computational methods using expression of predetermined sets of epithelial and mesenchymal genes. Multiple genes involved in cell-cell junction formation are similarly specifically upregulated in FLASH-depleted cells, suggesting that FLASH acts as a repressor of the epithelial phenotype. Further, FLASH expression in cancer lines is inversely correlated with the epithelial score. Nonetheless, subsets of mesenchymal markers were distinctly up-regulated in FLASH, NPAT, or SLBP-depleted cells. CONCLUSIONS The ZEB1low/SNAILhigh/E-cadherinhigh phenotype described in FLASH-depleted cancer cells is driving a hybrid E/M phenotype in which epithelial and mesenchymal markers coexist.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Joel Markus Vaz
- School of Biological Sciences, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | - Reneau Youngblood
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Min Chu
- Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Center for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ana-Maria Dragoi
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Physiology, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA; Feist-Weiller Cancer Center, INLET Core, LSUHSC, Shreveport, LA, USA.
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25
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Akrida I, Mulita F, Plachouri KM, Benetatos N, Maroulis I, Papadaki H. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in metaplastic breast cancer and phyllodes breast tumors. Med Oncol 2023; 41:20. [PMID: 38104042 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02259-4] [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: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 11/16/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), a transdifferentiation program whereby epithelial cells acquire mesenchymal phenotype, is essential during embryonic development. EMT has also been implicated in cancer progression by conferring migratory and metastatic potential, as well as cell plasticity and stem cell like traits, to cancer cells. Metaplastic breast carcinoma (MBC) is a rare aggressive type of breast cancer characterized by the presence of heterologous elements, typically by the existence of epithelial and mesenchymal components. Phyllodes tumors (PTs) are uncommon fibroepithelial neoplasms consisting of epithelial and mesenchymal elements. Although various hypotheses have been proposed on the pathogenesis of these biphasic tumors, there is growing evidence supporting the theory that PTs and MBC could both correlate with cancer related EMT. This review summarizes the existing literature on the emerging role of EMT in the pathogenesis of MBC and PTs. Both malignant PTs and MBC are characterized by poor prognosis. Therefore, several anti-EMT targeting strategies such as blocking upstream signaling pathways, targeting the molecular drivers of EMT and targeting mesenchymal cells and the extracellular matrix, could potentially represent a promising therapeutic approach for patients suffering from these aggressive neoplasms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioanna Akrida
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece.
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University of Patras Medical School, Rion, Greece.
- Department of Surgery, Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, School of Medicine, University of Patras, 26504, Rion, Greece.
| | - Francesk Mulita
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | | | - Nikolaos Benetatos
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Ioannis Maroulis
- Department of General Surgery, University General Hospital of Patras, Rion, Greece
| | - Helen Papadaki
- Department of Anatomy-Histology-Embryology, University of Patras Medical School, Rion, Greece
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26
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Huang J, Levine H, Bi D. Bridging the gap between collective motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions through the active finite voronoi model. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:9389-9398. [PMID: 37795526 PMCID: PMC10843280 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00327b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
We introduce an active version of the recently proposed finite Voronoi model of epithelial tissue. The resultant Active Finite Voronoi (AFV) model enables the study of both confluent and non-confluent geometries and transitions between them, in the presence of active cells. Our study identifies six distinct phases, characterized by aggregation-segregation, dynamical jamming-unjamming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), thereby extending the behavior beyond that observed in previously studied vertex-based models. The AFV model with rich phase diagram provides a cohesive framework that unifies the well-observed progression to collective motility via unjamming with the intricate dynamics enabled by EMT. This approach should prove useful for challenges in developmental biology systems as well as the complex context of cancer metastasis. The simulation code is also provided.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junxiang Huang
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Dapeng Bi
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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27
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Guo Z, Han S. Targeting cancer stem cell plasticity in triple-negative breast cancer. EXPLORATION OF TARGETED ANTI-TUMOR THERAPY 2023; 4:1165-1181. [PMID: 38213533 PMCID: PMC10776602 DOI: 10.37349/etat.2023.00190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer subtype with limited treatment options. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to play a crucial role in TNBC progression and resistance to therapy. CSCs are a small subpopulation of cells within tumors that possess self-renewal and differentiation capabilities and are responsible for tumor initiation, maintenance, and metastasis. CSCs exhibit plasticity, allowing them to switch between states and adapt to changing microenvironments. Targeting CSC plasticity has emerged as a promising strategy for TNBC treatment. This review summarizes recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying CSC plasticity in TNBC and discusses potential therapeutic approaches targeting CSC plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhengwang Guo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
| | - Shuyan Han
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education), Department of Integration of Chinese and Western Medicine, Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing 100142, China
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28
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Merckens A, Sieler M, Keil S, Dittmar T. Altered Phenotypes of Breast Epithelial × Breast Cancer Hybrids after ZEB1 Knock-Out. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:17310. [PMID: 38139138 PMCID: PMC10744253 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242417310] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
ZEB1 plays a pivotal role in epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (cancer) cell stemness and cancer therapy resistance. The M13HS tumor hybrids, which were derived from spontaneous fusion events between the M13SV1-EGFP-Neo breast epithelial cells and HS578T-Hyg breast cancer cells, express ZEB1 and exhibit prospective cancer stem cell properties. To explore a possible correlation between the ZEB1 and stemness/ EMT-related properties in M13HS tumor hybrids, ZEB1 was knocked-out by CRISPR/Cas9. Colony formation, mammosphere formation, cell migration, invasion assays, flow cytometry and Western blot analyses were performed for the characterization of ZEB1 knock-out cells. The ZEB1 knock-out in M13HS tumor cells was not correlated with the down-regulation of the EMT-related markers N-CADHERIN (CDH2) and VIMENTIN and up-regulation of miR-200c-3p. Nonetheless, both the colony formation and mammosphere formation capacities of the M13HS ZEB1 knock-out cells were markedly reduced. Interestingly, the M13HS-2 ZEB1-KO cells harbored a markedly higher fraction of ALDH1-positive cells. The Transwell/ Boyden chamber migration assay data indicated a reduced migratory activity of the M13HS ZEB1-knock-out tumor hybrids, whereas in scratch/ wound-healing assays only the M13SH-8 ZEB1-knock-out cells possessed a reduced locomotory activity. Similarly, only the M13HS-8 ZEB1-knock-out tumor hybrids showed a reduced invasion capacity. Although the ZEB1 knock-out resulted in only moderate phenotypic changes, our data support the role of ZEB1 in EMT and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58448 Witten, Germany; (A.M.); (M.S.); (S.K.)
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29
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Alexandrova M, Manchorova D, You Y, Terzieva A, Dimitrova V, Mor G, Dimova T. Validation of the Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells. Am J Reprod Immunol 2023; 90:e13800. [PMID: 38009060 DOI: 10.1111/aji.13800] [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: 07/21/2023] [Revised: 10/05/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/28/2023] Open
Abstract
PROBLEM Human implantation is a limiting factor for the success of natural and IVF reproduction since about 60% of pregnancy losses occur in the peri-implantation period. The in vitro modeling of human implantation challenges the researchers in accurate recreation of the complex in vivo differentiation and function of human blastocyst in the peri-implantation period. In previous studies, we constructed Sw71-spheroid models, which like human blastocyst undergo compactization, attaches to the endometrial epithelium, invade, and migrate. The aim of this study was to validate the trophoblast Sw71-spheroid model with primary trophoblast cells, derived from healthy women in early pregnancy. METHOD OF STUDY We performed a direct comparison of Sw71-spheroid model with placenta-derived primary trophoblasts regarding their hybrid phenotype and HLA status, as well as the ability to generate spheroids able to migrate and invade. From the primary trophoblast cells, isolated by mild enzymatic treatment and Percoll gradient separation, were generated long-lived clones, which phenotype was assessed by FACS and immunocytochemistry. RESULTS Our results showed that cultured primary trophoblasts have the EVT phenotype (Vim+/CK7+/HLA-C+/HLA-G+), like Sw71 cells. In both 3D culture settings, we obtained stable, round-shaped, multilayered spheroids. Although constructed from the same number of cells, the primary trophoblast spheroids were smaller. The primary trophoblast spheroids migrate successfully, and in term of invasion are equally potent but less stable as compared to Sw71 spheroids. CONCLUSIONS The Sw71 cell line and cultured native trophoblast cells are interchangeable regarding their EVT phenotype (HLA-C+/HLA-G+/Vim+/CK7+). The blastocyst-like spheroids sourced by both types of cells differentiate in the same time frame and function similarly. We strongly advise the use of Sw71 spheroids as blastocyst surrogate for observation on trophectoderm differentiation and function during early human implantation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Alexandrova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Diana Manchorova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Yuan You
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Antonia Terzieva
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Violeta Dimitrova
- Fetal medicine clinic, Medical University, University Obstetrics and Gynecology Hospital "Maichin Dom", Sofia, Bulgaria
| | - Gil Mor
- C.S. Mott Center for Human Growth and Development, Wayne State University, Detroit, Michigan, USA
| | - Tanya Dimova
- Institute of Biology and Immunology of Reproduction "Acad. Kiril Bratanov", Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, Sofia, Bulgaria
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30
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Badaoui M, Chanson M. Intercellular Communication in Airway Epithelial Cell Regeneration: Potential Roles of Connexins and Pannexins. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16160. [PMID: 38003349 PMCID: PMC10671439 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216160] [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: 09/26/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Connexins and pannexins are transmembrane proteins that can form direct (gap junctions) or indirect (connexons, pannexons) intercellular communication channels. By propagating ions, metabolites, sugars, nucleotides, miRNAs, and/or second messengers, they participate in a variety of physiological functions, such as tissue homeostasis and host defense. There is solid evidence supporting a role for intercellular signaling in various pulmonary inflammatory diseases where alteration of connexin/pannexin channel functional expression occurs, thus leading to abnormal intercellular communication pathways and contributing to pathophysiological aspects, such as innate immune defense and remodeling. The integrity of the airway epithelium, which is the first line of defense against invading microbes, is established and maintained by a repair mechanism that involves processes such as proliferation, migration, and differentiation. Here, we briefly summarize current knowledge on the contribution of connexins and pannexins to necessary processes of tissue repair and speculate on their possible involvement in the shaping of the airway epithelium integrity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marc Chanson
- Department of Cell Physiology & Metabolism, Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211 Geneva, Switzerland;
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31
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Nyalali AMK, Leonard AU, Xu Y, Li H, Zhou J, Zhang X, Rugambwa TK, Shi X, Li F. CD147: an integral and potential molecule to abrogate hallmarks of cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1238051. [PMID: 38023152 PMCID: PMC10662318 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1238051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CD147 also known as EMMPRIN, basigin, and HAb18G, is a single-chain type I transmembrane protein shown to be overexpressed in aggressive human cancers of CNS, head and neck, breasts, lungs, gastrointestinal, genitourinary, skin, hematological, and musculoskeletal. In these malignancies, the molecule is integral to the diverse but complimentary hallmarks of cancer: it is pivotal in cancerous proliferative signaling, growth propagation, cellular survival, replicative immortality, angiogenesis, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, invasion, and metastasis. CD147 also has regulatory functions in cancer-enabling characteristics such as DNA damage response (DDR) and immune evasion. These neoplastic functions of CD147 are executed through numerous and sometimes overlapping molecular pathways: it transduces signals from upstream molecules or ligands such as cyclophilin A (CyPA), CD98, and S100A9; activates a repertoire of downstream molecules and pathways including matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2,3,9, hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF)-1/2α, PI3K/Akt/mTOR/HIF-1α, and ATM/ATR/p53; and also functions as an indispensable chaperone or regulator to monocarboxylate, fatty acid, and amino acid transporters. Interestingly, induced loss of functions to CD147 prevents and reverses the acquired hallmarks of cancer in neoplastic diseases. Silencing of Cd147 also alleviates known resistance to chemoradiotherapy exhibited by malignant tumors like carcinomas of the breast, lung, pancreas, liver, gastric, colon, ovary, cervix, prostate, urinary bladder, glioblastoma, and melanoma. Targeting CD147 antigen in chimeric and induced-chimeric antigen T cell or antibody therapies is also shown to be safer and more effective. Moreover, incorporating anti-CD147 monoclonal antibodies in chemoradiotherapy, oncolytic viral therapy, and oncolytic virus-based-gene therapies increases effectiveness and reduces on and off-target toxicity. This study advocates the expedition and expansion by further exploiting the evidence acquired from the experimental studies that modulate CD147 functions in hallmarks of cancer and cancer-enabling features and strive to translate them into clinical practice to alleviate the emergency and propagation of cancer, as well as the associated clinical and social consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alphonce M. K. Nyalali
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
- Department of Surgery, Songwe Regional Referral Hospital, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Department of Orthopedics and Neurosurgery, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital and Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Angela U. Leonard
- Department of Pediatrics and Child Health, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital and Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania
- Department of Public Health, Muhimbili University of Health and Allied Sciences, Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
| | - Yongxiang Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Huayu Li
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Junlin Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Xinrui Zhang
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tibera K. Rugambwa
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Department of Internal Medicine, Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital and Mbeya College of Health and Allied Sciences, University of Dar Es Salaam, Mbeya, Tanzania
| | - Xiaohan Shi
- School of Nursing and Rehabilitation, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Feng Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute, Shandong First Medical University and Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, Jinan, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, China
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32
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Adhikary R, Roy A, Jolly MK, Das D. Effects of microRNA-mediated negative feedback on gene expression noise. Biophys J 2023; 122:4220-4240. [PMID: 37803829 PMCID: PMC10645566 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2023.09.019] [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: 02/24/2023] [Revised: 07/19/2023] [Accepted: 09/28/2023] [Indexed: 10/08/2023] Open
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are small noncoding RNAs that regulate gene expression post-transcriptionally in eukaryotes by binding with target mRNAs and preventing translation. miRNA-mediated feedback motifs are ubiquitous in various genetic networks that control cellular decision making. A key question is how such a feedback mechanism may affect gene expression noise. To answer this, we have developed a mathematical model to study the effects of a miRNA-dependent negative-feedback loop on mean expression and noise in target mRNAs. Combining analytics and simulations, we show the existence of an expression threshold demarcating repressed and expressed regimes in agreement with earlier studies. The steady-state mRNA distributions are bimodal near the threshold, where copy numbers of mRNAs and miRNAs exhibit enhanced anticorrelated fluctuations. Moreover, variation of negative-feedback strength shifts the threshold locations and modulates the noise profiles. Notably, the miRNA-mRNA binding affinity and feedback strength collectively shape the bimodality. We also compare our model with a direct auto-repression motif, where a gene produces its own repressor. Auto-repression fails to produce bimodal mRNA distributions as found in miRNA-based indirect repression, suggesting the crucial role of miRNAs in creating phenotypic diversity. Together, we demonstrate how miRNA-dependent negative feedback modifies the expression threshold and leads to a broader parameter regime of bimodality compared to the no-feedback case.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raunak Adhikary
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education And Research Kolkata Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Arnab Roy
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education And Research Kolkata Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Dipjyoti Das
- Department of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Science Education And Research Kolkata Mohanpur, Nadia, West Bengal, India.
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33
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Bhatia S, Gunter JH, Burgess JT, Adams MN, O'Byrne K, Thompson EW, Duijf PH. Stochastic epithelial-mesenchymal transitions diversify non-cancerous lung cell behaviours. Transl Oncol 2023; 37:101760. [PMID: 37611490 PMCID: PMC10466920 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2023.101760] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) is a hallmark of cancer. By enabling cells to shift between different morphological and functional states, EMP promotes invasion, metastasis and therapy resistance. We report that near-diploid non-cancerous human epithelial lung cells spontaneously shift along the EMP spectrum without genetic changes. Strikingly, more than half of single cell-derived clones adopt a mesenchymal morphology. We independently characterise epithelial-like and mesenchymal-like clones. Mesenchymal clones lose epithelial markers, display larger cell aspect ratios and lower motility, with mostly unaltered proliferation rates. Stemness marker expression and metabolic rewiring diverge independently of phenotypes. In 3D culture, more epithelial clones become mesenchymal-like. Thus, non-cancerous epithelial cells may acquire cancer metastasis-associated features prior to genetic alterations and cancerous transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sugandha Bhatia
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia.
| | - Jennifer H Gunter
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre-Queensland (APCRC-Q), Queensland University of Technology, Woolloongabba 4102, Australia
| | - Joshua T Burgess
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Mark N Adams
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O'Byrne
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia
| | - Pascal Hg Duijf
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT), School of Biomedical Sciences, Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health at the Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba 4102, QLD, Australia; Centre for Cancer Biology, Clinical and Health Sciences, University of South Australia and SA Pathology, Adelaide SA, 5001, Australia; Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway; Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway.
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34
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Saydullaeva I, Butuner BD, Korkmaz KS. NKX3.1 Expression Contributes to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Prostate Cancer Cells. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:32580-32592. [PMID: 37720744 PMCID: PMC10500679 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c03127] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
Studies demonstrate that inflammation synergizes with high-grade aggressive prostate tumor development and ultimately metastatic spread, in which a lot of work has been done in recent years. However, the clear mechanism of inflammation inciting prostate cancer remains largely uncharacterized. Our previous study has shown that the conditioned media (CM)-mediated LNCaP cell migration is partially correlated with the loss of expression of the tumor suppressor NKX3.1. Here, we continue to investigate the inflammation-mediated migration of prostate cancer cells, and the role of NKX3.1 in this process to gain insights into cell migration-related changes comprehensively. Earlier, the model of inflammation in the tumor microenvironment have been optimized by our research group; here, we continue to investigate the time-dependent effect of CM exposure together with NKX3.1 changes, in which we observed that these changes play important roles in gaining heterogeneous epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype. Hence, this is an important parameter of tumor progression; we depleted NKX3.1 expression using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and examined the migrating cell clusters after exposure to inflammatory cytokines. We found that the migrated cells clearly demonstrate reversible loss of E-cadherin expression, which is consistent with subsequent vimentin expression alterations in comparison to control cells. Moreover, the data suggest that the AR-mediated transcriptional program also contributes to mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in prostate cancer progression. Furthermore, the quantitative proteomic analysis showed that migrated subpopulations from the same cell line presented different phenotypes in which the proteins overexpressed are involved in cell metabolism and RNA processing. According to KEGG pathway analysis, the ABC transporters were found to be the most significant. Thus, the dynamic process of cellular migration favors diverse genetic compositions under changing tumor microenvironments. The different levels of invasiveness are supported by shifting the cells in between these EMT and MET phenotypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iroda Saydullaeva
- Faculty
of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Bilge Debelec Butuner
- Faculty
of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
| | - Kemal Sami Korkmaz
- Faculty
of Engineering, Department of Bioengineering, Cancer Biology Laboratory, Ege University, Izmir 35040, Turkey
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35
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Bocci F, Jia D, Nie Q, Jolly MK, Onuchic J. Theoretical and computational tools to model multistable gene regulatory networks. REPORTS ON PROGRESS IN PHYSICS. PHYSICAL SOCIETY (GREAT BRITAIN) 2023; 86:10.1088/1361-6633/acec88. [PMID: 37531952 PMCID: PMC10521208 DOI: 10.1088/1361-6633/acec88] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/04/2023]
Abstract
The last decade has witnessed a surge of theoretical and computational models to describe the dynamics of complex gene regulatory networks, and how these interactions can give rise to multistable and heterogeneous cell populations. As the use of theoretical modeling to describe genetic and biochemical circuits becomes more widespread, theoreticians with mathematical and physical backgrounds routinely apply concepts from statistical physics, non-linear dynamics, and network theory to biological systems. This review aims at providing a clear overview of the most important methodologies applied in the field while highlighting current and future challenges. It also includes hands-on tutorials to solve and simulate some of the archetypical biological system models used in the field. Furthermore, we provide concrete examples from the existing literature for theoreticians that wish to explore this fast-developing field. Whenever possible, we highlight the similarities and differences between biochemical and regulatory networks and 'classical' systems typically studied in non-equilibrium statistical and quantum mechanics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Bocci
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Dongya Jia
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Qing Nie
- The NSF-Simons Center for Multiscale Cell Fate Research, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
- Department of Mathematics, University of California, Irvine, CA 92697, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - José Onuchic
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Chemistry, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
- Department of Biosciences, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA
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36
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Kahounová Z, Pícková M, Drápela S, Bouchal J, Szczyrbová E, Navrátil J, Souček K. Circulating tumor cell-derived preclinical models: current status and future perspectives. Cell Death Dis 2023; 14:530. [PMID: 37591867 PMCID: PMC10435501 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-023-06059-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Revised: 08/01/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023]
Abstract
Despite the advancements made in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer, the stages associated with metastasis remain largely incurable and represent the primary cause of cancer-related deaths. The dissemination of cancer is facilitated by circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which originate from the primary tumor or metastatic sites and enter the bloodstream, subsequently spreading to distant parts of the body. CTCs have garnered significant attention in research due to their accessibility in peripheral blood, despite their low abundance. They are being extensively studied to gain a deeper understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer dissemination and to identify effective therapeutic strategies for advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, substantial efforts have been directed towards establishing and characterizing relevant experimental models derived from CTCs, aiming to provide relevant tools for research. In this review, we provide an overview of recent progress in the establishment of preclinical CTC-derived models, such as CTC-derived xenografts (CDX) and cell cultures, which show promise for the study of CTCs. We discuss the advantages and limitations of these models and conclude by summarizing the potential future use of CTCs and CTC-derived models in cancer treatment decisions and their utility as precision medicine tools.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Kahounová
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Markéta Pícková
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Stanislav Drápela
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic
- Department of Molecular Oncology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Jan Bouchal
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Eva Szczyrbová
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Pathology, Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacký University and University Hospital, 779 00, Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Navrátil
- Department of Comprehensive Cancer Care, Masaryk Memorial Cancer Institute, 656 53, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Souček
- Department of Cytokinetics, Institute of Biophysics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 612 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- International Clinical Research Center, St. Anne's University Hospital, 602 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
- Department of Experimental Biology, Faculty of Science, Masaryk University, 625 00, Brno, Czech Republic.
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Gallerani G, Rossi T, Ferracin M, Bonafè M. Settling the uncertainty about unconventional circulating tumor cells: Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cell fusion and trogocytosis. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:99-111. [PMID: 37739485 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) were first described 150 years ago. The so-called "classical" CTC populations (EpCAM+/CK+/CD45-) have been fully characterized and proposed as the most representative CTC subset, with clinical relevance. Nonetheless, other "atypical" or "unconventional" CTCs have also been identified, and their critical role in metastasis formation was demonstrated. In this chapter we illustrate the studies that led to the discovery of unconventional CTCs, defined as CTCs that display both epithelial and mesenchymal markers, or both cancer and immune markers, also in the form of hybrid cancer-immune cells. We also present biological explanations for the origin of these unconventional CTCs: epithelial to mesenchymal transition, cell-cell fusion and trogocytosis. We believe that a deeper knowledge on the biology of CTCs is needed to fully elucidate their role in cancer progression and their use as cancer biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulia Gallerani
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Tania Rossi
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
| | - Manuela Ferracin
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Bonafè
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences (DIMEC), University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy; IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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38
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Rapanotti MC, Cugini E, Campione E, Di Raimondo C, Costanza G, Rossi P, Ferlosio A, Bernardini S, Orlandi A, De Luca A, Bianchi L. Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition Gene Signature in Circulating Melanoma Cells: Biological and Clinical Relevance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11792. [PMID: 37511550 PMCID: PMC10380315 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411792] [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: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The most promising method for monitoring patients with minimal morbidity is the detection of circulating melanoma cells (CMCs). We have shown that CD45-CD146+ABCB5+ CMCs identify a rare primitive stem/mesenchymal CMCs population associated with disease progression. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) confers cancer cells a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype promoting metastatization. Thus, we investigated the potential clinical value of the EMT gene signature of these primitive CMCs. A reliable quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) protocol was settled up using tumor cell lines RNA dilutions. Afterwards, immune-magnetically isolated CMCs from advanced melanoma patients, at onset and at the first checkpoint (following immune or targeted therapy), were tested for the level of EMT hallmarks and EMT transcription factor genes. Despite the small cohort of patients, we obtained promising results. Indeed, we observed a deep gene rewiring of the EMT investigated genes: in particular we found that the EMT gene signature of isolated CMCs correlated with patients' clinical outcomes. In conclusion, We established a reliable qRT-PCR protocol with high sensitivity and specificity to characterize the gene expression of isolated CMCs. To our knowledge, this is the first evidence demonstrating the impact of immune or targeted therapies on EMT hallmark gene expressions in CMCs from advanced melanoma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Cristina Rapanotti
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elisa Cugini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Elena Campione
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Cosimo Di Raimondo
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Gaetana Costanza
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Piero Rossi
- Surgery Division, Department of Surgery Sciences, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Amedeo Ferlosio
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sergio Bernardini
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Augusto Orlandi
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Viale Oxford 81, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Anastasia De Luca
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via della Ricerca Scientifica 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Bianchi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Systems Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
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Najafi A, Jolly MK, George JT. Population dynamics of EMT elucidates the timing and distribution of phenotypic intra-tumoral heterogeneity. iScience 2023; 26:106964. [PMID: 37426354 PMCID: PMC10329148 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) is a hallmark of cancer metastasis and morbidity. EMT is a non-binary process, and cells can be stably arrested en route to EMT in an intermediate hybrid state associated with enhanced tumor aggressiveness and worse patient outcomes. Understanding EMT progression in detail will provide fundamental insights into the mechanisms underlying metastasis. Despite increasingly available single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) data that enable in-depth analyses of EMT at the single-cell resolution, current inferential approaches are limited to bulk microarray data. There is thus a great need for computational frameworks to systematically infer and predict the timing and distribution of EMT-related states at single-cell resolution. Here, we develop a computational framework for reliable inference and prediction of EMT-related trajectories from scRNA-seq data. Our model can be utilized across a variety of applications to predict the timing and distribution of EMT from single-cell sequencing data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Annice Najafi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Mohit K. Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason T. George
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
- Intercollegiate School of Engineering Medicine, Texas A&M University, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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40
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Waryah C, Alves E, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thompson EW, Redfern A, Blancafort P. Unpacking the Complexity of Epithelial Plasticity: From Master Regulator Transcription Factors to Non-Coding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3152. [PMID: 37370762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123152] [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: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity in cancer enables adaptation to selective pressures and stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment. This plasticity facilitates the remodeling of cancer cell phenotype and function (such as tumor stemness, metastasis, chemo/radio resistance), and the reprogramming of the surrounding tumor microenvironment to enable immune evasion. Epithelial plasticity is one form of cellular plasticity, which is intrinsically linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Traditionally, EMT has been regarded as a binary state. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that EMT involves a spectrum of quasi-epithelial and quasi-mesenchymal phenotypes governed by complex interactions between cellular metabolism, transcriptome regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we review the complex cross-talk between the different layers of epithelial plasticity in cancer, encompassing the core layer of transcription factors, their interacting epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs, and the manipulation of cancer immunogenicity in transitioning between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In examining these factors, we provide insights into promising therapeutic avenues and potential anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Eric Alves
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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Javed AA, Ding D, Hasanain A, van Oosten F, Yu J, Cameron JL, Burkhart RA, Zheng L, He J, Wolfgang CL. Persistent Circulating Tumor Cells at 1 Year After Oncologic Resection Predict Late Recurrence in Pancreatic Cancer. Ann Surg 2023; 277:859-865. [PMID: 36111892 DOI: 10.1097/sla.0000000000005708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to assess the association between persistent circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and subsequent recurrence in patients who were clinically recurrence free ~12 months postoperatively. BACKGROUND Circulating tumor cells have been proposed as biomarkers to predict survival in pancreatic cancer. Some patients demonstrate persistent CTCs postoperatively, which could represent minimal residual disease. METHODS Patients from previously published prospective circulating tumor cell in pancreatic cancer trial without clinical evidence of recurrence 12 months postoperatively and CTC testing performed 9 to 15 months postoperatively were included. The presence of epithelial and transitional CTCs (trCTCs) was evaluated as predictor of recurrence. Kaplan-Meier curve, log-rank test, and Cox model were used for survival analysis. RESULTS Thirty-three of 129 eligible patients (circulating tumor cell in pancreatic cancer trial) were included. The trCTC-positive and negative patients were well balanced in clinicopathologic features. Patients with trCTCs had a recurrence rate per-person-month of 10.3% compared with 3.1% in trCTCs-negative patients with a median time to recurrence of 3.9 versus 27.1 months, respectively. On multivariable analysis, trCTCs positivity was associated with higher risk of late recurrence (hazard ratio: 4.7, 95% CI, 1.2-18.3, P =0.024). Fourteen (42.4%) patients recurred during the second postoperative year. One-year postoperative trCTCs positivity was associated with a higher rate of recurrence during the second year (odds ratio:13.1, 95% CI, 1.6-1953.4, P =0.028, area under curve=0.72). Integrating clinicopathologic features with trCTCs increased the area under curve to 0.80. A majority of trCTCs-positive patients (N=5, 62.5%) had multisite recurrence, followed by local-only (N=2, 25.0%) and liver-only (N=1, 12.5%) recurrence. This was in striking contrast to trCTCs-negative patients, where a majority (N=6, 66.7%) had a local-only recurrence, followed by liver-only (N=2, 22.2%) and multisite (N=1, 11.1%) recurrence. CONCLUSIONS In patients deemed to be clinically disease-free 12 months postoperatively, trCTCs positivity is associated with higher rates of subsequent recurrence with distinct patterns of recurrence. CTCs could be used a putative biomarker to guide patient prognostication and management in pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ammar A Javed
- Department of Surgery, New York University Langone Hospital, New York City, NY
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Ding Ding
- Department of Surgery, Donald and Barbara Zucker School of Medicine at Hofstra/Northwell, Manhasset, NY
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Alina Hasanain
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Floortje van Oosten
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Surgery, Regional Academic Cancer Center Utrecht, UMC Utrecht Cancer Center & St. Antonius Hospital Nieuwegein, Utrecht University, The Netherlands
| | - Jun Yu
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - John L Cameron
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Richard A Burkhart
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Lei Zheng
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
- Department of Oncology, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
| | - Jin He
- Department of Surgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD
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Grody EI, Abraham A, Shukla V, Goyal Y. Toward a systems-level probing of tumor clonality. iScience 2023; 26:106574. [PMID: 37192968 PMCID: PMC10182304 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106574] [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] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been described as a genetic disease that clonally evolves in the face of selective pressures imposed by cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors. Although classical models based on genetic data predominantly propose Darwinian mechanisms of cancer evolution, recent single-cell profiling of cancers has described unprecedented heterogeneity in tumors providing support for alternative models of branched and neutral evolution through both genetic and non-genetic mechanisms. Emerging evidence points to a complex interplay between genetic, non-genetic, and extrinsic environmental factors in shaping the evolution of tumors. In this perspective, we briefly discuss the role of cell-intrinsic and extrinsic factors that shape clonal behaviors during tumor progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. Taking examples of pre-malignant states associated with hematological malignancies and esophageal cancer, we discuss recent paradigms of tumor evolution and prospective approaches to further enhance our understanding of this spatiotemporally regulated process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuelle I. Grody
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Synthetic Biology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60208, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Ajay Abraham
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Vipul Shukla
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Center for Human Immunobiology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - 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 60208, USA
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Corresponding author
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Tugizov SM. Molecular Pathogenesis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Associated Disease of Oropharyngeal Mucosal Epithelium. Biomedicines 2023; 11:1444. [PMID: 37239115 PMCID: PMC10216750 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11051444] [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: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The oropharyngeal mucosal epithelia have a polarized organization, which is critical for maintaining a highly efficient barrier as well as innate immune functions. In human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) disease, the barrier and innate immune functions of the oral mucosa are impaired via a number of mechanisms. The goal of this review was to discuss the molecular mechanisms of HIV/AIDS-associated changes in the oropharyngeal mucosa and their role in promoting HIV transmission and disease pathogenesis, notably the development of opportunistic infections, including human cytomegalovirus, herpes simplex virus, and Epstein-Barr virus. In addition, the significance of adult and newborn/infant oral mucosa in HIV resistance and transmission was analyzed. HIV/AIDS-associated changes in the oropharyngeal mucosal epithelium and their role in promoting human papillomavirus-positive and negative neoplastic malignancy are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharof M Tugizov
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
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Sharma R, Balta S, Raza A, Escalona RM, Kannourakis G, Prithviraj P, Ahmed N. In Vitro and In Silico Analysis of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Stemness as Prognostic Markers of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092586. [PMID: 37174052 PMCID: PMC10177434 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092586] [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: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) involves the phenotypic transformation of cells from epithelial to mesenchymal status. The cells exhibiting EMT contain features of cancer stem cells (CSC), and the dual processes are responsible for progressive cancers. Activation of hypoxia-inducible factors (HIF) is fundamental to the pathogenesis of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC), and their role in promoting EMT and CSCs is crucial for ccRCC tumour cell survival, disease progression, and metastatic spread. In this study, we explored the status of HIF genes and their downstream targets, EMT and CSC markers, by immunohistochemistry on in-house accrued ccRCC biopsies and adjacent non-tumorous tissues from patients undergoing partial or radical nephrectomy. In combination, we comprehensively analysed the expression of HIF genes and its downstream EMT and CSC-associated targets relevant to ccRCC by using publicly available datasets, the cancer genome atlas (TCGA) and the clinical proteome tumour analysis consortium (CPTAC). The aim was to search for novel biological prognostic markers that can stratify high-risk patients likely to experience metastatic disease. Using the above two approaches, we report the development of novel gene signatures that may help to identify patients at a high risk of developing metastatic and progressive disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Revati Sharma
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Showan Balta
- Dorevitch Pathology, Ballarat Base Hospital, Drummond Street, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Ali Raza
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Ruth M Escalona
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
| | - George Kannourakis
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Prashanth Prithviraj
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
| | - Nuzhat Ahmed
- Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute, Ballarat, VIC 3353, Australia
- Health Innovation and Transformation Centre, Mt Helen Campus, Federation University Australia, Ballarat, VIC 3350, Australia
- Centre for Reproductive Health, The Hudson Institute of Medical Research, 27-31 Wright Street, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3168, Australia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
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Palma AM, Vudatha V, Peixoto ML, Madan E. Tumor heterogeneity: An oncogenic driver of PDAC progression and therapy resistance under stress conditions. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 159:203-249. [PMID: 37268397 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/04/2023]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a clinically challenging disease usually diagnosed at advanced or metastasized stage. By this year end, there are an expected increase in 62,210 new cases and 49,830 deaths in the United States, with 90% corresponding to PDAC subtype alone. Despite advances in cancer therapy, one of the major challenges combating PDAC remains tumor heterogeneity between PDAC patients and within the primary and metastatic lesions of the same patient. This review describes the PDAC subtypes based on the genomic, transcriptional, epigenetic, and metabolic signatures observed among patients and within individual tumors. Recent studies in tumor biology suggest PDAC heterogeneity as a major driver of disease progression under conditions of stress including hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, leading to metabolic reprogramming. We therefore advance our understanding in identifying the underlying mechanisms that interfere with the crosstalk between the extracellular matrix components and tumor cells that define the mechanics of tumor growth and metastasis. The bilateral interaction between the heterogeneous tumor microenvironment and PDAC cells serves as another important contributor that characterizes the tumor-promoting or tumor-suppressing phenotypes providing an opportunity for an effective treatment regime. Furthermore, we highlight the dynamic reciprocating interplay between the stromal and immune cells that impact immune surveillance or immune evasion response and contribute towards a complex process of tumorigenesis. In summary, the review encapsulates the existing knowledge of the currently applied treatments for PDAC with emphasis on tumor heterogeneity, manifesting at multiple levels, impacting disease progression and therapy resistance under stress.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Vignesh Vudatha
- Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States
| | | | - Esha Madan
- Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal; Department of Surgery, Virginia Commonwealth University School of Medicine, Richmond, VA, United States.
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Bagheri M, Aisha Mohamed G, Mohamed Saleem MA, Ognjenovic NB, Lu H, Kolling FW, Wilkins OM, Das S, La Croix IS, Nagaraj SH, Muller KE, Gerber SA, Miller TW, Pattabiraman DR. Pharmacological Induction of mesenchymal-epithelial transition chemosensitizes breast cancer cells and prevents metastatic progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.19.537586. [PMID: 37131809 PMCID: PMC10153261 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.19.537586] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a developmental program co-opted by tumor cells that aids the initiation of the metastatic cascade. Tumor cells that undergo EMT are relatively chemoresistant, and there are currently no therapeutic avenues specifically targeting cells that have acquired mesenchymal traits. We show that treatment of mesenchymal-like triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) cells with the microtubule-destabilizing chemotherapeutic eribulin, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of advanced breast cancer, leads to a mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). This MET is accompanied by loss of metastatic propensity and sensitization to subsequent treatment with other FDA-approved chemotherapeutics. We uncover a novel epigenetic mechanism of action that supports eribulin pretreatment as a path to MET induction that curtails metastatic progression and the evolution of therapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meisam Bagheri
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Gadisti Aisha Mohamed
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | | | - Nevena B. Ognjenovic
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Hanxu Lu
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Fred W. Kolling
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Owen M. Wilkins
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
- Department of Biomedical Data Science, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755 USA
| | | | - Ian S. La Croix
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
| | - Shivashankar H. Nagaraj
- Centre for Genomics and Personalised Health, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Kristen E. Muller
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Scott A. Gerber
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Todd W. Miller
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
| | - Diwakar R. Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover NH 03755, USA
- Dartmouth Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon NH 03756, USA
- Lead contact
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Mavatkar AD, Naidu CM, Prabhu JS, Nair MG. The dynamic tumor-stromal crosstalk: implications of 'stromal-hot' tumors in the process of epithelial-mesenchymal transition in breast cancer. Mol Biol Rep 2023; 50:5379-5393. [PMID: 37046108 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-023-08422-4] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/01/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer metastatic programming involves an intricate process by which the tumor cell coevolves with the surrounding extracellular niche. The supporting cells from the local host stroma get transformed into cancer-associated stromal cells. This complex crosstalk leads to extracellular matrix remodeling, invasion, and eventually distant metastasis. METHODS In this review, we examine the protein-miRNA secretome that is crucial for this crosstalk. We also provide evidence from the literature for the pivotal role played by the various stromal cells like fibroblasts, adipocytes, and immune cells in promoting the process of EMT in breast cancer. Through in-silico analysis, we have also attempted to establish that stromal presence is integral to the process of EMT. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The in-silico analysis delineates the persuasive role of the stroma in mediating epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. This review elucidates the importance of examining the role of the stromal niche that can yield promising diagnostic markers and pave avenues for formulating tailored anti-cancer therapy. Process of EMT as driven by 'stroma-hot' tumors: The process of EMT is driven by the stromal cells. The stromal cells in the form of fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, mesenchymal stromal cells and tissue associated macrophages secrete the miRNA-protein secretome that modulates the stromal niche and the tumor cells to be become 'tumor associated'. This drives tumor progression and invasion. The 'stromal-hot' tumors eventually get the benefit of the surplus nurturing from the stroma that facilitates EMT leading to distant organ seeding and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Apoorva D Mavatkar
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Chandrakala M Naidu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Jyothi S Prabhu
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India
| | - Madhumathy G Nair
- Division of Molecular Medicine, St. John's Research Institute, St. John's Medical College, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Joshi VB, Gutierrez Ruiz OL, Razidlo GL. The Cell Biology of Metastatic Invasion in Pancreatic Cancer: Updates and Mechanistic Insights. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072169. [PMID: 37046830 PMCID: PMC10093482 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. This is largely due to the lack of routine screening protocols, an absence of symptoms in early-stage disease leading to late detection, and a paucity of effective treatment options. Critically, the majority of patients either present with metastatic disease or rapidly develop metastatic disease. Thus, there is an urgent need to deepen our understanding of metastasis in PDAC. During metastasis, tumor cells escape from the primary tumor, enter the circulation, and travel to a distant site to form a secondary tumor. In order to accomplish this relatively rare event, tumor cells develop an enhanced ability to detach from the primary tumor, migrate into the surrounding matrix, and invade across the basement membrane. In addition, cancer cells interact with the various cell types and matrix proteins that comprise the tumor microenvironment, with some of these factors working to promote metastasis and others working to suppress it. In PDAC, many of these processes are not well understood. The purpose of this review is to highlight recent advances in the cell biology of the early steps of the metastatic cascade in pancreatic cancer. Specifically, we will examine the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in PDAC and its requirement for metastasis, summarize our understanding of how PDAC cells invade and degrade the surrounding matrix, and discuss how migration and adhesion dynamics are regulated in PDAC to optimize cancer cell motility. In addition, the role of the tumor microenvironment in PDAC will also be discussed for each of these invasive processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidhu B Joshi
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Omar L Gutierrez Ruiz
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
| | - Gina L Razidlo
- Department of Biochemistry & Molecular Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN 55905, USA
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Basu B, Karmakar S, Basu M, Ghosh MK. USP7 imparts partial EMT state in colorectal cancer by stabilizing the RNA helicase DDX3X and augmenting Wnt/β-catenin signaling. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2023; 1870:119446. [PMID: 36791810 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119446] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a fundamental and highly regulated process that is normally observed during embryonic development and tissue repair but is deregulated during advanced cancer. Classically, through the process of EMT, cancer cells gradually transition from a predominantly epithelial phenotype to a more invasive mesenchymal phenotype. Increasing studies have, however, brought into light the existence of unique intermediary states in EMT, often referred to as partial EMT states. Through our studies we have found the deubiquitinase USP7 to be strongly associated with the development of such a partial EMT state in colon cancer cells, characterized by the acquisition of mesenchymal characteristics but without the reduction in epithelial markers. We found USP7 to be overexpressed in colon adenocarcinomas and to be closely associated with advancing tumor stage. We found that functional inhibition or knockdown of USP7 is associated with a marked reduction in mesenchymal markers and in overall migration potential of cancer cells. Starting off with a proteomics-based approach we were able to identify and later on verify the DEAD box RNA helicase DDX3X to be an interacting partner of USP7. We then went on to show that USP7, through the stabilization of DDX3X, augments Wnt/β-catenin signaling, which has previously been shown to be greatly associated with colorectal cancer cell invasiveness. Our results indicate USP7 as a novel key player in establishing a partial mesenchymal phenotype in colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bhaskar Basu
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Subhajit Karmakar
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India
| | - Malini Basu
- Department of Microbiology, Dhruba Chand Halder College, Dakshin Barasat, South 24 Parganas PIN-743372, India
| | - Mrinal K Ghosh
- Cancer Biology and Inflammatory Disorder Division, Council of Scientific and Industrial Research-Indian Institute of Chemical Biology (CSIR-IICB), TRUE Campus, CN-6, Sector-V, Salt Lake, Kolkata-700091 & 4, Raja S.C. Mullick Road, Jadavpur, Kolkata 700032, India.
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50
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Jing H, Wu X, Xiang M, Wang C, Novakovic VA, Shi J. Microparticle Phosphatidylserine Mediates Coagulation: Involvement in Tumor Progression and Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071957. [PMID: 37046617 PMCID: PMC10093313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071957] [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: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor progression and cancer metastasis has been linked to the release of microparticles (MPs), which are shed upon cell activation or apoptosis and display parental cell antigens, phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine (PS), and nucleic acids on their external surfaces. In this review, we highlight the biogenesis of MPs as well as the pathophysiological processes of PS externalization and its involvement in coagulation activation. We review the available evidence, suggesting that coagulation factors (mainly tissue factor, thrombin, and fibrin) assist in multiple steps of tumor dissemination, including epithelial-mesenchymal transition, extracellular matrix remodeling, immune escape, and tumor angiogenesis to support the formation of the pre-metastatic niche. Platelets are not just bystander cells in circulation but are functional players in primary tumor growth and metastasis. Tumor-induced platelet aggregation protects circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the blood flow shear forces and immune cell attack while also promoting the binding of CTCs to endothelial cells and extravasation, which activates tumor invasion and sustains metastasis. Finally, in terms of therapy, lactadherin can inhibit coagulation by competing effectively with coagulation factors for PS binding sites and may similarly delay tumor progression. Furthermore, we also investigate the therapeutic potential of coagulation factor inhibitors within the context of cancer treatment. The development of multiple therapies targeting platelet activation and platelet-tumor cell interactions may not only reduce the lethal consequences of thrombosis but also impede tumor growth and spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haijiao Jing
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaoming Wu
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Mengqi Xiang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Chengyue Wang
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Valerie A Novakovic
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
| | - Jialan Shi
- Department of Hematology, The First Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
- Department of Research, VA Boston Healthcare System, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02132, USA
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