1
|
Wahoski CC, Singh B. The Roles of RAC1 and RAC1B in Colorectal Cancer and Their Potential Contribution to Cetuximab Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:2472. [PMID: 39001533 PMCID: PMC11240352 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16132472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2024] [Revised: 07/03/2024] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the most diagnosed cancers and a leading contributor to cancer-related deaths in the United States. Clinically, standard treatment regimens include surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy; however, there has been increasing development and clinical use of targeted therapies for CRC. Unfortunately, many patients develop resistance to these treatments. Cetuximab, the first targeted therapy approved to treat advanced CRC, is a monoclonal antibody that targets the epidermal growth factor receptor and inhibits downstream pathway activation to restrict tumor cell growth and proliferation. CRC resistance to cetuximab has been well studied, and common resistance mechanisms include constitutive signal transduction through downstream protein mutations and promotion of the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. While the most common resistance mechanisms are known, a proportion of patients develop resistance through unknown mechanisms. One protein predicted to contribute to therapy resistance is RAC1, a small GTPase that is involved in cytoskeleton rearrangement, cell migration, motility, and proliferation. RAC1 has also been shown to be overexpressed in CRC. Despite evidence that RAC1 and its alternative splice isoform RAC1B play important roles in CRC and the pathways known to contribute to cetuximab resistance, there is a need to directly study the relationship between RAC1 and RAC1B and cetuximab resistance. This review highlights the recent studies investigating RAC1 and RAC1B in the context of CRC and suggests that these proteins could play a role in resistance to cetuximab.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Claudia C. Wahoski
- Program in Cancer Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| | - Bhuminder Singh
- Department of Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Speciale A, Molonia MS, Muscarà C, Cristani M, Salamone FL, Saija A, Cimino F. An overview on the cellular mechanisms of anthocyanins in maintaining intestinal integrity and function. Fitoterapia 2024; 175:105953. [PMID: 38588905 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2024.105953] [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: 02/02/2024] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/04/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
Structural and functional changes of the intestinal barrier, as a consequence of a number of (epi)genetic and environmental causes, have a main role in penetrations of pathogens and toxic agents, and lead to the development of inflammation-related pathological conditions, not only at the level of the GI tract but also in other extra-digestive tissues and organs. Anthocyanins (ACNs), a subclass of polyphenols belonging to the flavonoid group, are well known for their health-promoting properties and are widely distributed in the human diet. There is large evidence about the correlation between the human intake of ACN-rich products and a reduction of intestinal inflammation and dysfunction. Our review describes the more recent advances in the knowledge of cellular and molecular mechanisms through which ACNs can modulate the main mechanisms involved in intestinal dysfunction and inflammation, in particular the inhibition of the NF-κB, JNK, MAPK, STAT3, and TLR4 proinflammatory pathways, the upregulation of the Nrf2 transcription factor and the expression of tight junction proteins and mucins.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antonio Speciale
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Maria Sofia Molonia
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy; "Prof. Antonio Imbesi" Foundation, University of Messina, Messina 98100, Italy.
| | - Claudia Muscarà
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Mariateresa Cristani
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Federica Lina Salamone
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Antonella Saija
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| | - Francesco Cimino
- Department of Chemical, Biological, Pharmaceutical and Environmental Sciences, University of Messina, Viale F. Stagno D'Alcontres 31, Messina 98166, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Liu X, Wu L, Wang L, Li Y. Identification and classification of glioma subtypes based on RNA-binding proteins. Comput Biol Med 2024; 174:108404. [PMID: 38582000 DOI: 10.1016/j.compbiomed.2024.108404] [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: 12/04/2023] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 04/01/2024] [Indexed: 04/08/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is a common and aggressive primary malignant cancer known for its high morbidity, mortality, and recurrence rates. Despite this, treatment options for glioma are currently restricted. The dysregulation of RBPs has been linked to the advancement of several types of cancer, but their precise role in glioma evolution is still not fully understood. This study sought to investigate how RBPs may impact the development and prognosis of glioma, with potential implications for prognosis and therapy. METHODS RNA-seq profiles of glioma and corresponding clinical data from the CGGA database were initially collected for analysis. Unsupervised clustering was utilized to identify crucial tumor subtypes in glioma development. Subsequent time-series analysis and MS model were employed to track the progression of these identified subtypes. RBPs playing a significant role in glioma progression were then pinpointed using WGCNA and Lasso Cox regression models. Functional analysis of these key RBP-related genes was conducted through GSEA. Additionally, the CIBERSORT algorithm was utilized to estimate immune infiltrating cells, while the STRING database was consulted to uncover potential mechanisms of the identified biomarkers. RESULTS Six tumor subgroups were identified and found to be highly homogeneous within each subgroup. The progression stages of these tumor subgroups were determined using time-series analysis and a MS model. Through WGCNA, Lasso Cox, and multivariate Cox regression analysis, it was confirmed that BCLAF1 is correlated with survival in glioma patients and is closely linked to glioma progression. Functional annotation suggests that BCLAF1 may impact glioma progression by influencing RNA splicing, which in turn affects the cell cycle, Wnt signaling pathway, and other cancer development pathways. CONCLUSIONS The study initially identified six subtypes of glioma progression and assessed their malignancy ranking. Furthermore, it was determined that BCLAF1 could serve as an RBP-related prognostic marker, offering significant implications for the clinical diagnosis and personalized treatment of glioma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xudong Liu
- School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400044, China; Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lei Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China
| | - Lei Wang
- College of Life Sciences, Xinyang Normal University, Xinyang, 464000, China.
| | - Yongsheng Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, 400030, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Perri G, Vilas Boas VG, Nogueira MRS, Mello Júnior EJF, Coelho AL, Posadas EM, Hogaboam C, Cavassani KA, Campanelli AP. Interleukin 33 supports squamous cell carcinoma growth via a dual effect on tumour proliferation, migration and invasion, and T cell activation. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2024; 73:110. [PMID: 38662248 PMCID: PMC11045681 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-024-03676-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024]
Abstract
Interleukin (IL)-33 is an important cytokine in the tumour microenvironment; it is known to promote the growth and metastasis of solid cancers, such as gastric, colorectal, ovarian and breast cancer. Our group demonstrated that the IL-33/ST2 pathway enhances the development of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). Conversely, other researchers have reported that IL-33 inhibits tumour progression. In addition, the crosstalk between IL-33, cancer cells and immune cells in SCC remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of IL-33 on the biology of head and neck SCC lines and to evaluate the impact of IL-33 neutralisation on the T cell response in a preclinical model of SCC. First, we identified epithelial and peritumoural cells as a major local source of IL-33 in human SCC samples. Next, in vitro experiments demonstrated that the addition of IL-33 significantly increased the proliferative index, motility and invasiveness of SCC-25 cells, and downregulated MYC gene expression in SCC cell lines. Finally, IL-33 blockade significantly delayed SCC growth and led to a marked decrease in the severity of skin lesions. Importantly, anti-IL-33 monoclonal antibody therapy increase the percentage of CD4+IFNγ+ T cells and decreased CD4+ and CD8+ T cells secreting IL-4 in tumour-draining lymph nodes. Together, these data suggest that the IL-33/ST2 pathway may be involved in the crosstalk between the tumour and immune cells by modulating the phenotype of head and neck SCC and T cell activity. IL-33 neutralisation may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for SCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Graziela Perri
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil
| | - Vanessa Garcia Vilas Boas
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil
| | - Maria Renata Sales Nogueira
- Research and Teaching Division, State Department of Health, Instituto Lauro de Souza Lima, Bauru, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Ana Lucia Coelho
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Edwin M Posadas
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Cory Hogaboam
- Department of Medicine, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Karen A Cavassani
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA
| | - Ana Paula Campanelli
- Department of Biological Sciences, Bauru School of Dentistry, University of São Paulo, Al. Dr. Octávio Pinheiro Brisolla, Bauru, SP, 17012-901, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Huangfu Y, Guo J, Zhao Y, Cao X, Han L. Linking EMT Status of Circulating Tumor Cells to Clinical Outcomes in Lung Cancer. Cancer Manag Res 2024; 16:325-336. [PMID: 38654718 PMCID: PMC11036334 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s449777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Lung cancer (LC) remains a leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, with its prognosis influenced by complex biological factors. Objective This study delves into the clinical relevance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and their Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) status in LC patients. Methods We enrolled 30 newly diagnosed LC patients and utilized the CanPatrol technique for the separation and categorization of CTCs from peripheral blood samples. Immunofluorescent staining identified epithelial (CK8/18/19, EpCAM), mesenchymal (Vimentin, Twist), and leukocyte (CD45) markers in these cells. Fluorescence microscopy analyzed the slides, and RECIST 1.1 criteria assessed treatment response. Spearman's method was used to correlate CTCs' EMT states with their count and clinical characteristics. Results Our findings reveal three distinct CTC groups: epithelial (E-CTCs), hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M-CTCs), and mesenchymal (M-CTCs). Significant statistical differences were observed in stages III-IV vs I-II, tumor sizes T3-T4 vs T1-T2, and in the presence or absence of distant metastasis and lymph node involvement. Notably, the count of E/M-CTCs was positively correlated with TNM staging, tumor size, lymph node, and distant metastasis. Changes in M-CTC count pre- and post-treatment closely mirrored disease progression and control, showing considerable consistency with RECIST criteria. Conclusion In conclusion, the EMT status of CTCs, especially E/M-CTCs, holds predictive value for LC staging, tumor size, and metastasis. Dynamic monitoring of M-CTCs can accurately reflect disease progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huangfu
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jianxin Guo
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yang Zhao
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xuexia Cao
- Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| | - Lei Han
- Henan Eye Hospital, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, Henan Province, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Marmarelis MG, Littman R, Battaglin F, Niedzwiecki D, Venook A, Ambite JL, Galstyan A, Lenz HJ, Ver Steeg G. q-Diffusion leverages the full dimensionality of gene coexpression in single-cell transcriptomics. Commun Biol 2024; 7:400. [PMID: 38565955 PMCID: PMC11255321 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-024-06104-w] [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: 06/23/2023] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Unlocking the full dimensionality of single-cell RNA sequencing data (scRNAseq) is the next frontier to a richer, fuller understanding of cell biology. We introduce q-diffusion, a framework for capturing the coexpression structure of an entire library of genes, improving on state-of-the-art analysis tools. The method is demonstrated via three case studies. In the first, q-diffusion helps gain statistical significance for differential effects on patient outcomes when analyzing the CALGB/SWOG 80405 randomized phase III clinical trial, suggesting precision guidance for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer. Secondly, q-diffusion is benchmarked against existing scRNAseq classification methods using an in vitro PBMC dataset, in which the proposed method discriminates IFN-γ stimulation more accurately. The same case study demonstrates improvements in unsupervised cell clustering with the recent Tabula Sapiens human atlas. Finally, a local distributional segmentation approach for spatial scRNAseq, driven by q-diffusion, yields interpretable structures of human cortical tissue.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Myrl G Marmarelis
- Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA.
| | - Russell Littman
- University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, 90095, USA
| | - Francesca Battaglin
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | | | - Alan Venook
- University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, 94143, USA
| | - Jose-Luis Ambite
- Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| | - Aram Galstyan
- Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
| | - Heinz-Josef Lenz
- Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1975 Zonal Ave., Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Greg Ver Steeg
- Information Sciences Institute, University of Southern California, 4676 Admiralty Way, Marina del Rey, CA, 90292, USA
- University of California Riverside, Riverside, CA, 92521, USA
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Postwala H, Shah Y, Parekh PS, Chorawala MR. Unveiling the genetic and epigenetic landscape of colorectal cancer: new insights into pathogenic pathways. Med Oncol 2023; 40:334. [PMID: 37855910 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-023-02201-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/20/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a complex disease characterized by genetic and epigenetic alterations, playing a crucial role in its development and progression. This review aims to provide insights into the emerging landscape of these alterations in CRC pathogenesis to develop effective diagnostic tools and targeted therapies. Genetic alterations in signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, and PI3K/Akt/mTOR are pivotal in CRC development. Genetic profiling has identified distinct molecular subtypes, enabling personalized treatment strategies. Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation and histone modifications, also contribute to CRC pathogenesis by influencing critical cellular processes through gene silencing or activation. Non-coding RNAs have emerged as essential players in epigenetic regulation and CRC progression. Recent research highlights the interplay between genetic and epigenetic alterations in CRC. Genetic mutations can affect epigenetic modifications, leading to dysregulated gene expression and signaling cascades. Conversely, epigenetic changes can modulate genetic expression, amplifying or dampening the effects of genetic alterations. Advancements in understanding pathogenic pathways have potential clinical applications. Identifying genetic and epigenetic markers as diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers promises more accurate risk assessment and early detection. Challenges remain, including validating biomarkers and developing robust therapeutic strategies through extensive research and clinical trials. The dynamic nature of genetic and epigenetic alterations necessitates a comprehensive understanding of their temporal and spatial patterns during CRC progression. In conclusion, the genetic and epigenetic landscape of CRC is increasingly being unraveled, providing valuable insights into its pathogenesis. Integrating genetic and epigenetic knowledge holds great potential for improving diagnostics, prognostics, and personalized therapies in CRC. Continued research efforts are vital to translate these findings into clinical practice, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Humzah Postwala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Yesha Shah
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India
| | - Priyajeet S Parekh
- AV Pharma LLC, 1545 University Blvd N Ste A, Jacksonville, Florida, 32211, USA
| | - Mehul R Chorawala
- Department of Pharmacology and Pharmacy Practice, L. M. College of Pharmacy, Opp. Gujarat University, Ahmedabad, 380009, Gujarat, India.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Pavlič A, Urh K, Boštjančič E, Zidar N. Analyzing the invasive front of colorectal cancer - By punching tissue block or laser capture microdissection? Pathol Res Pract 2023; 248:154727. [PMID: 37517168 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154727] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to determine the advantages and limitations of two commonly used sampling techniques, i.e., punching tissue block (PTB) and laser capture microdissection (LCM) when investigating tumor cell-derived gene expression patterns at the invasive front of colorectal cancer (CRC). We obtained samples from 20 surgically removed CRCs at locations crucial for tumor progression, i.e., the central part, the expansive front and the infiltrative front exhibiting tumor budding (TB), using both sampling techniques. At each location, we separately analyzed the expressions of miR-200 family (miR-141, miR-200a, miR-200b, miR-200c and miR-429), known as reliable markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We found significant downregulation of all members of miR-200 family at the infiltrative front in comparison to the central part regardless of the used sampling technique. However, when comparing miR-200 expression between the expansive and the infiltrative front, we found significant downregulation of all tested miR-200 at the infiltrative front only in samples obtained by LCM. Our results suggest that, PTB is an adequate technique for studying the differences in tumor gene expression between the central part and the invasive front of CRC, but is insufficient to analyze and compare morphologically distinct patterns along the invasive front including TB. For this purpose, the use of LCM is essential.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pavlič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristian Urh
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Boštjančič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Zidar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Korytkova 2, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Strating E, Verhagen MP, Wensink E, Dünnebach E, Wijler L, Aranguren I, De la Cruz AS, Peters NA, Hageman JH, van der Net MMC, van Schelven S, Laoukili J, Fodde R, Roodhart J, Nierkens S, Snippert H, Gloerich M, Rinkes IB, Elias SG, Kranenburg O. Co-cultures of colon cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts recapitulate the aggressive features of mesenchymal-like colon cancer. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1053920. [PMID: 37261365 PMCID: PMC10228738 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1053920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Poor prognosis in colon cancer is associated with a high content of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment. The relationship between these two features is incompletely understood. Here, we aimed to generate a model system for studying the interaction between cancer cells and CAFs and their effect on immune-related cytokines and T cell proliferation. Methods CAFs were isolated from colon cancer liver metastases and were immortalized to prolong lifespan and improve robustness and reproducibility. Established medium and matrix compositions that support the growth of patient-derived organoids were adapted to also support CAF growth. Changes in growth pattern and cellular re-organization were assessed by confocal microscopy, live cell imaging, and immunofluorescence. Single cell RNA sequencing was used to study CAF/organoid co-culture-induced phenotypic changes in both cell types. Conditioned media were used to quantify the production of immunosuppressive factors and to assess their effect on T cell proliferation. Results We developed a co-culture system in which colon cancer organoids and CAFs spontaneously organize into superstructures with a high capacity to contract and stiffen the extracellular matrix (ECM). CAF-produced collagen IV provided a basement membrane supporting cancer cell organization into glandular structures, reminiscent of human cancer histology. Single cell RNA sequencing analysis showed that CAFs induced a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal-transition in a subpopulation of cancer cells, similar to what is observed in the mesenchymal-like consensus molecular subtype 4 (CMS4) colon cancer. CAFs in co-culture were characterized by high expression of ECM components, ECM-remodeling enzymes, glycolysis, hypoxia, and genes involved in immunosuppression. An expression signature derived from CAFs in co-culture identified a subpopulation of glycolytic myofibroblasts specifically residing in CMS1 and CMS4 colon cancer. Medium conditioned by co-cultures contained high levels of the immunosuppressive factors TGFβ1, VEGFA and lactate, and potently inhibited T cell proliferation. Conclusion Co-cultures of organoids and immortalized CAFs recapitulate the histological, biophysical, and immunosuppressive features of aggressive mesenchymal-like human CRC. The model can be used to study the mechanisms of immunosuppression and to test therapeutic strategies targeting the cross-talk between CAFs and cancer cells. It can be further modified to represent distinct colon cancer subtypes and (organ-specific) microenvironments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Esther Strating
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | | | - Emerens Wensink
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Ester Dünnebach
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Liza Wijler
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Itziar Aranguren
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Alberto Sanchez De la Cruz
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Niek A. Peters
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Joris H. Hageman
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Mirjam M. C. van der Net
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Susanne van Schelven
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Jamila Laoukili
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Riccardo Fodde
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Jeanine Roodhart
- Department of Medical Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Stefan Nierkens
- Center for Translational Immunology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Hugo Snippert
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gloerich
- Center for Molecular Medicine, Division LAB, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Inne Borel Rinkes
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Sjoerd G. Elias
- Department of Epidemiology, Julius Center for Health Sciences and Primary Care, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Laboratory Translational Oncology, Division of Imaging and Cancer, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, Netherlands
- Utrecht Platform for Organoid Technology, Utrecht University, Utrecht, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Selvaggi F, Catalano T, Lattanzio R, Cotellese R, Aceto GM. Wingless/It/β-catenin signaling in liver metastasis from colorectal cancer: A focus on biological mechanisms and therapeutic opportunities. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:2764-2783. [PMID: 37274070 PMCID: PMC10237106 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i18.2764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Revised: 02/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is the most common site of metastases in patients with colorectal cancer. Colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs) are the result of molecular mechanisms that involve different cells of the liver microenvironment. The aberrant activation of Wingless/It (Wnt)/β-catenin signals downstream of Wnt ligands initially drives the oncogenic transformation of the colon epithelium, but also the progression of metastatization through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition/mesenchymal-epithelial transition interactions. In liver microenvironment, metastatic cells can also survive and adapt through dormancy, which makes them less susceptible to pro-apoptotic signals and therapies. Treatment of CRLMs is challenging due to its variability and heterogeneity. Advances in surgery and oncology have been made in the last decade and a pivotal role for Wnt/β-catenin pathway has been re-cognized in chemoresistance. At the state of art, there is a lack of clear understanding of why and how this occurs and thus where exactly the opportunities for developing anti-CRLMs therapies may lie. In this review, current knowledge on the involvement of Wnt signaling in the development of CRLMs was considered. In addition, an overview of useful biomarkers with a revision of surgical and non-surgical therapies currently accepted in the clinical practice for colorectal liver metastasis patients were provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Federico Selvaggi
- Department of Surgical, ASL2 Lanciano-Vasto-Chieti, Ospedale Clinicizzato SS Annunziata of Chieti, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Teresa Catalano
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Messina 98125, Italy
| | - Rossano Lattanzio
- Department of Innovative Technologies in Medicine & Dentistry, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| | - Roberto Cotellese
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
- Villa Serena Foundation for Research, Villa Serena - Del Dott. L. Petruzzi, Città Sant’Angelo 65013, Pescara, Italy
| | - Gitana Maria Aceto
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti 66100, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Rozenberg JM, Buzdin AA, Mohammad T, Rakitina OA, Didych DA, Pleshkan VV, Alekseenko IV. Molecules promoting circulating clusters of cancer cells suggest novel therapeutic targets for treatment of metastatic cancers. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1099921. [PMID: 37006265 PMCID: PMC10050392 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1099921] [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: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Treatment of metastatic disease remains among the most challenging tasks in oncology. One of the early events that predicts a poor prognosis and precedes the development of metastasis is the occurrence of clusters of cancer cells in the blood flow. Moreover, the presence of heterogeneous clusters of cancerous and noncancerous cells in the circulation is even more dangerous. Review of pathological mechanisms and biological molecules directly involved in the formation and pathogenesis of the heterotypic circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters revealed their common properties, which include increased adhesiveness, combined epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype, CTC-white blood cell interaction, and polyploidy. Several molecules involved in the heterotypic CTC interactions and their metastatic properties, including IL6R, CXCR4 and EPCAM, are targets of approved or experimental anticancer drugs. Accordingly, analysis of patient survival data from the published literature and public datasets revealed that the expression of several molecules affecting the formation of CTC clusters predicts patient survival in multiple cancer types. Thus, targeting of molecules involved in CTC heterotypic interactions might be a valuable strategy for the treatment of metastatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian M. Rozenberg
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Anton A. Buzdin
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
- PathoBiology Group, European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC), Brussels, Belgium
- Group for Genomic Analysis of Cell Signaling, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory for Clinical Genomic Bioinformatics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Tharaa Mohammad
- Laboratory of Translational Bioinformatics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Olga A. Rakitina
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Dmitry A. Didych
- Laboratory of human genes structure and functions, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
| | - Victor V. Pleshkan
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina V. Alekseenko
- Gene Immunooncotherapy Group, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Gene oncotherapy sector, Institute of Molecular Genetics of National Research Centre (Kurchatov Institute), Moscow, Russia
- Laboratory of Epigenetics, Institute of Oncogynecology and Mammology, National Medical Research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology Named after Academician V.I. Kulakov, Ministry of Healthcare of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
An Updated Review on Recent Advances in the Usage of Novel Therapeutic Peptides for Breast Cancer Treatment. Int J Pept Res Ther 2023. [DOI: 10.1007/s10989-023-10503-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/06/2023]
|
13
|
Lambros M, Sella Y, Bergman A. Phenotypic pliancy and the breakdown of epigenetic polycomb mechanisms. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010889. [PMID: 36809239 PMCID: PMC9983867 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010889] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 03/03/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulatory mechanisms allow multicellular organisms to develop distinct specialized cell identities despite having the same total genome. Cell-fate choices are based on gene expression programs and environmental cues that cells experience during embryonic development, and are usually maintained throughout the life of the organism despite new environmental cues. The evolutionarily conserved Polycomb group (PcG) proteins form Polycomb Repressive Complexes that help orchestrate these developmental choices. Post-development, these complexes actively maintain the resulting cell fate, even in the face of environmental perturbations. Given the crucial role of these polycomb mechanisms in providing phenotypic fidelity (i.e. maintenance of cell fate), we hypothesize that their dysregulation after development will lead to decreased phenotypic fidelity allowing dysregulated cells to sustainably switch their phenotype in response to environmental changes. We call this abnormal phenotypic switching phenotypic pliancy. We introduce a general computational evolutionary model that allows us to test our systems-level phenotypic pliancy hypothesis in-silico and in a context-independent manner. We find that 1) phenotypic fidelity is an emergent systems-level property of PcG-like mechanism evolution, and 2) phenotypic pliancy is an emergent systems-level property resulting from this mechanism's dysregulation. Since there is evidence that metastatic cells behave in a phenotypically pliant manner, we hypothesize that progression to metastasis is driven by the emergence of phenotypic pliancy in cancer cells as a result of PcG mechanism dysregulation. We corroborate our hypothesis using single-cell RNA-sequencing data from metastatic cancers. We find that metastatic cancer cells are phenotypically pliant in the same manner as predicted by our model.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryl Lambros
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Yehonatan Sella
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
| | - Aviv Bergman
- Department of Systems and Computational Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Dominick P. Purpura Department of Neuroscience, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, United States of America
- Santa Fe Institute, Santa Fe, New Mexico, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Stevens LE, Peluffo G, Qiu X, Temko D, Fassl A, Li Z, Trinh A, Seehawer M, Jovanović B, Alečković M, Wilde CM, Geck RC, Shu S, Kingston NL, Harper NW, Almendro V, Pyke AL, Egri SB, Papanastasiou M, Clement K, Zhou N, Walker S, Salas J, Park SY, Frank DA, Meissner A, Jaffe JD, Sicinski P, Toker A, Michor F, Long HW, Overmoyer BA, Polyak K. JAK-STAT Signaling in Inflammatory Breast Cancer Enables Chemotherapy-Resistant Cell States. Cancer Res 2023; 83:264-284. [PMID: 36409824 PMCID: PMC9845989 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-0423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 09/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a difficult-to-treat disease with poor clinical outcomes due to high risk of metastasis and resistance to treatment. In breast cancer, CD44+CD24- cells possess stem cell-like features and contribute to disease progression, and we previously described a CD44+CD24-pSTAT3+ breast cancer cell subpopulation that is dependent on JAK2/STAT3 signaling. Here we report that CD44+CD24- cells are the most frequent cell type in IBC and are commonly pSTAT3+. Combination of JAK2/STAT3 inhibition with paclitaxel decreased IBC xenograft growth more than either agent alone. IBC cell lines resistant to paclitaxel and doxorubicin were developed and characterized to mimic therapeutic resistance in patients. Multi-omic profiling of parental and resistant cells revealed enrichment of genes associated with lineage identity and inflammation in chemotherapy-resistant derivatives. Integrated pSTAT3 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) analyses showed pSTAT3 regulates genes related to inflammation and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in resistant cells, as well as PDE4A, a cAMP-specific phosphodiesterase. Metabolomic characterization identified elevated cAMP signaling and CREB as a candidate therapeutic target in IBC. Investigation of cellular dynamics and heterogeneity at the single cell level during chemotherapy and acquired resistance by CyTOF and single cell RNA-seq identified mechanisms of resistance including a shift from luminal to basal/mesenchymal cell states through selection for rare preexisting subpopulations or an acquired change. Finally, combination treatment with paclitaxel and JAK2/STAT3 inhibition prevented the emergence of the mesenchymal chemo-resistant subpopulation. These results provide mechanistic rational for combination of chemotherapy with inhibition of JAK2/STAT3 signaling as a more effective therapeutic strategy in IBC. SIGNIFICANCE Chemotherapy resistance in inflammatory breast cancer is driven by the JAK2/STAT3 pathway, in part via cAMP/PKA signaling and a cell state switch, which can be overcome using paclitaxel combined with JAK2 inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura E Stevens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Guillermo Peluffo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Xintao Qiu
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Daniel Temko
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Fassl
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Zheqi Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Anne Trinh
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Marco Seehawer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Bojana Jovanović
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Maša Alečković
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Callahan M Wilde
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Renee C Geck
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shaokun Shu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Natalie L Kingston
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Nicholas W Harper
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Vanessa Almendro
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alanna L Pyke
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Shawn B Egri
- The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | | | - Kendell Clement
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Ningxuan Zhou
- Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sarah Walker
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jacqueline Salas
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - So Yeon Park
- Department of Pathology, Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seoul National University College of Medicine, Seongnam, Korea
| | - David A Frank
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alexander Meissner
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Jacob D Jaffe
- The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts
| | - Piotr Sicinski
- Department of Cancer Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Genetics, Blavatnik Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Alex Toker
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Franziska Michor
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Biostatistics, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Cancer Evolution, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Henry W Long
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Beth A Overmoyer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kornelia Polyak
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts.,Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Functional Cancer Epigenetics, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts.,The Eli and Edythe L. Broad Institute, Cambridge, Massachusetts.,The Ludwig Center at Harvard, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts.,Center for Cancer Evolution, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Pavlič A, Boštjančič E, Kavalar R, Ilijevec B, Bonin S, Zanconati F, Zidar N. Tumour budding and poorly differentiated clusters in colon cancer - different manifestations of partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition. J Pathol 2022; 258:278-288. [PMID: 36062412 PMCID: PMC9825925 DOI: 10.1002/path.5998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2022] [Revised: 07/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Morphological features including infiltrative growth, tumour budding (TB), and poorly differentiated clusters (PDCs) have a firmly established negative predictive value in colorectal cancer (CRC). Despite extensive research, the mechanisms underlying different tumour growth patterns remain poorly understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in TB and PDCs in CRC. Using laser-capture microdissection, we obtained distinct parts of the primary CRC including TB, PDCs, expansive tumour front, and the central part of the tumour, and analysed the expression of EMT-related markers, i.e. the miR-200 family, ZEB1/2, RND3, and CDH1. In TB, the miR-200 family and CDH1 were significantly downregulated, while ZEB2 was significantly upregulated. In PDCs, miR-141, miR-200c, and CDH1 were significantly downregulated. No significant differences were observed in the expression of any EMT-related markers between the expansive tumour front and the central part of the tumour. Our results suggest that both TB and PDCs are related to partial EMT. Discrete differences in morphology and expression of EMT-related markers between TB and PDCs indicate that they represent different manifestations of partial EMT. TB seems to be closer to complete EMT than PDCs. © 2022 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pavlič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Emanuela Boštjančič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| | - Rajko Kavalar
- Department of PathologyUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Bojan Ilijevec
- Department of Abdominal and General SurgeryUniversity Medical Centre MariborMariborSlovenia
| | - Serena Bonin
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TriesteTriesteItaly
| | | | - Nina Zidar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of MedicineUniversity of LjubljanaLjubljanaSlovenia
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Pavlič A, Hauptman N, Boštjančič E, Zidar N. Long Non-Coding RNAs as Potential Regulators of EMT-Related Transcription Factors in Colorectal Cancer—A Systematic Review and Bioinformatics Analysis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092280. [PMID: 35565409 PMCID: PMC9105237 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092280] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Emerging evidence highlights long non-coding RNAs as important regulators of epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Numerous studies have attempted to define their possible diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic values in various human cancers. The aim of this review is to summarize long non-coding RNAs involved in the regulation of epithelial–mesenchymal transition in colorectal carcinoma. Additional candidate long non-coding RNAs are identified through a bioinformatics analysis. Abstract Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) plays a pivotal role in carcinogenesis, influencing cancer progression, metastases, stemness, immune evasion, metabolic reprogramming and therapeutic resistance. EMT in most carcinomas, including colorectal carcinoma (CRC), is only partial, and can be evidenced by identification of the underlying molecular drivers and their regulatory molecules. During EMT, cellular reprogramming is orchestrated by core EMT transcription factors (EMT-TFs), namely ZEB1/2, TWIST1/2, SNAI1 (SNAIL) and SNAI2 (SLUG). While microRNAs have been clearly defined as regulators of EMT, the role of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) in EMT is poorly defined and controversial. Determining the role of lncRNAs in EMT remains a challenge, because they are involved in a number of cellular pathways and are operating through various mechanisms. Adding to the complexity, some lncRNAs have controversial functions across different tumor types, acting as EMT promotors in some tumors and as EMT suppressors in others. The aim of this review is to summarize the role of lncRNAs involved in the regulation of EMT-TFs in human CRC. Additional candidate lncRNAs were identified through a bioinformatics analysis.
Collapse
|
17
|
Chen X, Sun M, Yang Z. Single cell mass spectrometry analysis of drug-resistant cancer cells: Metabolomics studies of synergetic effect of combinational treatment. Anal Chim Acta 2022; 1201:339621. [PMID: 35300794 PMCID: PMC8933618 DOI: 10.1016/j.aca.2022.339621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/10/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Irinotecan (IRI), a topoisomerase I inhibitor blocking DNA synthesis, is a widely used chemotherapy drug for metastatic colorectal cancer. Despite being an effective chemotherapy drug, its clinical effectiveness is limited by both intrinsic and acquired drug resistance. Previous studies indicate IRI induces cancer stemness in irinotecan-resistant (IRI-resistant) cells. Metformin, an oral antidiabetic drug, was recently reported for anticancer effects, likely due to its selective killing of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Given IRI-resistant cells exhibiting high cancer stemness, we hypothesize metformin can sensitize IRI-resistant cells and rescue the therapeutic effect. In this work, we utilized the Single-probe mass spectrometry technique to analyze live IRI-resistant cells under different treatment conditions. We discovered that metformin treatment was associated with the downregulation of lipids and fatty acids, potentially through the inhibition of fatty acid synthase (FASN). Importantly, certain species can be only detected from cells in their living status. The level of synergistic effect of metformin and IRI in their co-treatment of IRI-resistant cells was evaluated using Chou-Talalay combinational index. Using enzymatic activity assay, we determined that the co-treatment exhibit the highest FASN inhibition compared with the mono-treatment of IRI or metformin. To our knowledge, this is the first single-cell MS metabolomics study demonstrating metformin-IRI synergistic effect overcoming drug resistance in IRI-resistant cells.
Collapse
|
18
|
The Autophagic Route of E-Cadherin and Cell Adhesion Molecules in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246328. [PMID: 34944948 PMCID: PMC8699259 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary A hallmark of carcinoma progression is the loss of epithelial integrity. In this context, the deregulation of adhesion molecules, such as E-cadherin, affects epithelial structures and associates with epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). This, in turn, fosters cancer progression. Autophagy endows cancer cells with the ability to overcome intracellular and environmental stress stimuli, such as anoikis, nutrient deprivation, hypoxia, and drugs. Furthermore, it plays an important role in the degradation of cell adhesion proteins and in EMT. This review focuses on the interplay between the turnover of adhesion molecules, primarily E-cadherin, and autophagy in cancer progression. Abstract Cell-to-cell adhesion is a key element in epithelial tissue integrity and homeostasis during embryogenesis, response to damage, and differentiation. Loss of cell adhesion and gain of mesenchymal features, a phenomenon known as epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), are essential steps in cancer progression. Interestingly, downregulation or degradation by endocytosis of epithelial adhesion molecules (e.g., E-cadherin) associates with EMT and promotes cell migration. Autophagy is a physiological intracellular degradation and recycling process. In cancer, it is thought to exert a tumor suppressive role in the early phases of cell transformation but, once cells have gained a fully transformed phenotype, autophagy may fuel malignant progression by promoting EMT and conferring drug resistance. In this review, we discuss the crosstalk between autophagy, EMT, and turnover of epithelial cell adhesion molecules, with particular attention to E-cadherin.
Collapse
|
19
|
Sirakov M, Claret L, Plateroti M. Thyroid Hormone Nuclear Receptor TRα1 and Canonical WNT Pathway Cross-Regulation in Normal Intestine and Cancer. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:725708. [PMID: 34956074 PMCID: PMC8705541 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.725708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
A pivotal role of thyroid hormones and their nuclear receptors in intestinal development and homeostasis have been described, whereas their involvement in intestinal carcinogenesis is still controversial. In this perspective article we briefly summarize the recent advances in this field and present new data regarding their functional interaction with one of the most important signaling pathway, such as WNT, regulating intestinal development and carcinogenesis. These complex interactions unveil new concepts and will surely be of importance for translational research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sirakov
- Department of Biology and Evolution of Marine Organisms, Stazione Zoologica Anton Dohrn, Naples, Italy
| | - Leo Claret
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Interface de Recherche fondamentale et Appliquée en Cancérologie (IRFAC)/Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S1113, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| | - Michelina Plateroti
- Université de Strasbourg, Inserm, Interface de Recherche fondamentale et Appliquée en Cancérologie (IRFAC)/Unité Mixte de Recherche (UMR)-S1113, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg, France
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Schuster E, Taftaf R, Reduzzi C, Albert MK, Romero-Calvo I, Liu H. Better together: circulating tumor cell clustering in metastatic cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1020-1032. [PMID: 34481763 PMCID: PMC8541931 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital components of liquid biopsies for diagnosis of residual cancer, monitoring of therapy response, and prognosis of recurrence. Scientific dogma focuses on metastasis mediated by single CTCs, but advancement of CTC detection technologies has elucidated multicellular CTC clusters, which are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and a 20- to 100-fold greater metastatic potential than single CTCs. While the mechanistic understanding of CTC cluster formation is still in its infancy, multiple cell adhesion molecules and tight junction proteins have been identified that underlie the outperforming attributes of homotypic and heterotypic CTC clusters, such as cell survival, cancer stemness, and immune evasion. Future directions include high-resolution characterization of CTCs at multiomic levels for diagnostic/prognostic evaluations and targeted therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emma Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary K Albert
- Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Isabel Romero-Calvo
- Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Li L, Liu P, Xie Y, Liu Y, Chen Z, Geng Y, Zhang L. Xanthatin inhibits human colon cancer cells progression via mTOR signaling mediated energy metabolism alteration. Drug Dev Res 2021; 83:119-130. [PMID: 34180556 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 06/08/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells exhibit higher glycolysis and rely on abnormal energy metabolism to produce ATP, which is essential for cell proliferation and migration. Abnormal energy metabolism inhibition is considered a promising tumor treatment strategy. Xanthatin is an active sesquiterpene lactone isolated from Xanthium strumarium L. This study evaluated the effect of xanthatin on the energy metabolism of human colon cancer cells. The results showed that xanthatin significantly inhibited the migration and invasion of human HT-29 and HCT-116 colon cancer cells. We found that xanthatin effectively reduced the production of ATP and promoted the accumulation of lactate. Xanthatin inhibited glycolysis which may be related to the reduction of glucose transporter 1 (Glut1) and monocarboxylate transporter 4 (MCT4) mRNA and protein levels. Concomitantly, xanthatin promoted complex II activity and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), resulting in mitochondrial damage and cell death in HT-29 cells. Furthermore, xanthatin inhibited the phosphorylation of mTOR, the phosphorylation of 4E-binding protein 1 (4E-BP1) and c-myc in HT-29 cells. Moreover, rapamycin, a mTOR inhibitor, could enhance the cytotoxicity effect in xanthatin treated HT-29 cells. Additionally, HT-29 cells transfected with si-mTOR aggravated xanthatin induced cell viability inhibition. Based on these results, we observed that the effect of xanthatin on energy metabolism may be related to its inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. Collectively, this study provides important insights into xanthatin's anticancer effect, which occurs by regulation of the energy metabolism of human colon cancer cells, and suggest that xanthatin has potential as a botanical drug against abnormal tumor energy metabolism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingli Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yanbo Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yunxiao Liu
- Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Zhaolin Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yadi Geng
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230001, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sacchetti A, Teeuwssen M, Verhagen M, Joosten R, Xu T, Stabile R, van der Steen B, Watson MM, Gusinac A, Kim WK, Ubink I, Van de Werken HJG, Fumagalli A, Paauwe M, Van Rheenen J, Sansom OJ, Kranenburg O, Fodde R. Phenotypic plasticity underlies local invasion and distant metastasis in colon cancer. eLife 2021; 10:e61461. [PMID: 34036938 PMCID: PMC8192123 DOI: 10.7554/elife.61461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 05/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic plasticity represents the most relevant hallmark of the carcinoma cell as it bestows it with the capacity of transiently altering its morphological and functional features while en route to the metastatic site. However, the study of phenotypic plasticity is hindered by the rarity of these events within primary lesions and by the lack of experimental models. Here, we identified a subpopulation of phenotypic plastic colon cancer cells: EpCAMlo cells are motile, invasive, chemo-resistant, and highly metastatic. EpCAMlo bulk and single-cell RNAseq analysis indicated (1) enhanced Wnt/β-catenin signaling, (2) a broad spectrum of degrees of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) activation including hybrid E/M states (partial EMT) with highly plastic features, and (3) high correlation with the CMS4 subtype, accounting for colon cancer cases with poor prognosis and a pronounced stromal component. Of note, a signature of genes specifically expressed in EpCAMlo cancer cells is highly predictive of overall survival in tumors other than CMS4, thus highlighting the relevance of quasi-mesenchymal tumor cells across the spectrum of colon cancers. Enhanced Wnt and the downstream EMT activation represent key events in eliciting phenotypic plasticity along the invasive front of primary colon carcinomas. Distinct sets of epithelial and mesenchymal genes define transcriptional trajectories through which state transitions arise. pEMT cells, often earmarked by the extracellular matrix glycoprotein SPARC together with nuclear ZEB1 and β-catenin along the invasive front of primary colon carcinomas, are predicted to represent the origin of these (de)differentiation routes through biologically distinct cellular states and to underlie the phenotypic plasticity of colon cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Tong Xu
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Berdine van der Steen
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Erasmus University Medical Center, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Alem Gusinac
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MCRotterdamNetherlands
| | - Won Kyu Kim
- Natural Product Research Center, Korea Institute of Science and TechnologyGangneungRepublic of Korea
| | - Inge Ubink
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | - Harmen JG Van de Werken
- Cancer Computational Biology Center and Department of Urology; Erasmus University Medical CenterRotterdamNetherlands
| | | | - Madelon Paauwe
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Jacco Van Rheenen
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Oncode Institute, Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamNetherlands
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson InstituteGlasgowUnited Kingdom
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of GlasgowGlasgowUnited Kingdom
| | - Onno Kranenburg
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Cancer Centre, University Medical Centre UtrechtUtrechtNetherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
23
|
Pavlič A, Urh K, Štajer K, Boštjančič E, Zidar N. Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Colorectal Carcinoma: Comparison Between Primary Tumor, Lymph Node and Liver Metastases. Front Oncol 2021; 11:662806. [PMID: 34046357 PMCID: PMC8144630 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.662806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
There is emerging evidence suggesting that epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) play an important role in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), but their exact role remains controversial. Our aim was to analyze the miR-200 family as EMT markers and their target genes expression at invasive tumor front and in nodal and liver metastases. Sixty-three formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 19 patients with CRC were included. Using a micropuncture technique, tissue was obtained from central part and invasive front of the primary tumor, and nodal and liver metastases. Expression of the miR-200 family and their target genes CDKN1B, ONECUT2, PTPN13, RND3, SOX2, TGFB2 and ZEB2 was analyzed using real-time PCR. We found miR-200 family down-regulation at invasive front compared to central part, and up-regulation of miRNA-200a/b/c and miR-429 in metastases compared to invasive front. At invasive front, TGFB2 was the only gene with inverse expression to the miR-200 family, whereas in metastases inverse expression was found for ONECUT2 and SOX2. CDKN1B, PTPN13 and ZEB2 were down-regulated at invasive front and up-regulated in metastases. Our results suggest the involvement of partial EMT at invasive tumor front, and partial MET in metastases in CRC, based on miR-200 family and its target genes expression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ana Pavlič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Kristian Urh
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Katarina Štajer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Emanuela Boštjančič
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Nina Zidar
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Moran KL, Shlyakhtina Y, Portal MM. The role of non-genetic information in evolutionary frameworks. Crit Rev Biochem Mol Biol 2021; 56:255-283. [PMID: 33970731 DOI: 10.1080/10409238.2021.1908949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The evolution of organisms has been a subject of paramount debate for hundreds of years and though major advances in the field have been made, the precise mechanisms underlying evolutionary processes remain fragmentary. Strikingly, the majority of the core principles accepted across the many fields of biology only consider genetic information as the major - if not exclusive - biological information carrier and thus consider it as the main evolutionary avatar. However, the real picture appears far more complex than originally anticipated, as compelling data suggest that nongenetic information steps up when highly dynamic evolutionary frameworks are explored. In light of recent evidence, we discuss herein the dynamic nature and complexity of nongenetic information carriers, and their emerging relevance in the evolutionary process. We argue that it is possible to overcome the historical arguments which dismissed these carriers, and instead consider that they are indeed core to life itself as they support a sustainable, continuous source of rapid adaptation in ever-changing environments. Ultimately, we will address the intricacies of genetic and non-genetic networks underlying evolutionary models to build a framework where both core biological information concepts are considered non-negligible and equally fundamental.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Katherine L Moran
- Cell Plasticity & Epigenetics Lab, Cancer Research UK - Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Yelyzaveta Shlyakhtina
- Cell Plasticity & Epigenetics Lab, Cancer Research UK - Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| | - Maximiliano M Portal
- Cell Plasticity & Epigenetics Lab, Cancer Research UK - Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Ebrahimi S, Nonacs P. Genetic diversity through social heterosis can increase virulence in RNA viral infections and cancer progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202219. [PMID: 34035948 PMCID: PMC8097216 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In viral infections and cancer tumours, negative health outcomes often correlate with increasing genetic diversity. Possible evolutionary processes for such relationships include mutant lineages escaping host control or diversity, per se, creating too many immune system targets. Another possibility is social heterosis where mutations and replicative errors create clonal lineages varying in intrinsic capability for successful dispersal; improved environmental buffering; resource extraction or effective defence against immune systems. Rather than these capabilities existing in one genome, social heterosis proposes complementary synergies occur across lineages in close proximity. Diverse groups overcome host defences as interacting 'social genomes' with group genetic tool kits exceeding limited individual plasticity. To assess the possibility of social heterosis in viral infections and cancer progression, we conducted extensive literature searches for examples consistent with general and specific predictions from the social heterosis hypothesis. Numerous studies found supportive patterns in cancers across multiple tissues and in several families of RNA viruses. In viruses, social heterosis mechanisms probably result from long coevolutionary histories of competition between pathogen and host. Conversely, in cancers, social heterosis is a by-product of recent mutations. Investigating how social genomes arise and function in viral quasi-species swarms and cancer tumours may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Saba Ebrahimi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Peter Nonacs
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Kalita B, Coumar MS. Deciphering molecular mechanisms of metastasis: novel insights into targets and therapeutics. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:751-775. [PMID: 33914273 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition of a primary tumour to metastatic progression is driven by dynamic molecular changes, including genetic and epigenetic alterations. The metastatic cascade involves bidirectional interactions among extracellular and intracellular components leading to disintegration of cellular junctions, cytoskeleton reorganization and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These events promote metastasis by reprogramming the primary cancer cell's molecular framework, enabling them to cause local invasion, anchorage-independent survival, cell death and immune resistance, extravasation and colonization of distant organs. Metastasis follows a site-specific pattern that is still poorly understood at the molecular level. Although various drugs have been tested clinically across different metastatic cancer types, it has remained difficult to develop efficacious therapeutics due to complex molecular layers involved in metastasis as well as experimental limitations. CONCLUSIONS In this review, a systemic evaluation of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is outlined and the potential molecular components and their status as therapeutic targets and the associated pre-clinical and clinical agents available or under investigations are discussed. Integrative methods like pan-cancer data analysis, which can provide clinical insights into both targets and treatment decisions and help in the identification of crucial components driving metastasis such as mutational profiles, gene signatures, associated pathways, site specificities and disease-gene phenotypes, are discussed. A multi-level data integration of the metastasis signatures across multiple primary and metastatic cancer types may facilitate the development of precision medicine and open up new opportunities for future therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bikashita Kalita
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India.
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Poturnajova M, Furielova T, Balintova S, Schmidtova S, Kucerova L, Matuskova M. Molecular features and gene expression signature of metastatic colorectal cancer (Review). Oncol Rep 2021; 45:10. [PMID: 33649827 PMCID: PMC7876998 DOI: 10.3892/or.2021.7961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2020] [Accepted: 12/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Uncontrollable metastatic outgrowth process is the leading cause of mortality worldwide, even in the case of colorectal cancer. Colorectal cancer (CRC) accounts for approximately 10% of all annually diagnosed cancers and 50% of CRC patients will develop metastases in the course of disease. Most patients with metastatic CRC have incurable disease. Even if patients undergo resection of liver metastases, the 5‑year survival rate ranges from 25 to 58%. Next‑generation sequencing of tumour specimens from large colorectal cancer patient cohorts has led to major advances in elucidating the genomic landscape of these tumours and paired metastases. The expression profiles of primary CRC and their metastatic lesions at both the gene and pathway levels were compared and led to the selection of early driver genes responsible for carcinogenesis and metastasis‑specific genes that increased the metastatic process. The genetic, transcriptional and epigenetic alteration encoded by these genes and their combination influence many pivotal signalling pathways, enabling the dissemination and outgrowth in distant organs. Therapeutic regimens affecting several different active pathways may have important implications for therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Martina Poturnajova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Tatiana Furielova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Sona Balintova
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University, 84215 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Silvia Schmidtova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, 81499 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center of Slovak Academy of Sciences, University Science Park for Biomedicine, 84505 Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Identification of a subpopulation of long-term tumor-initiating cells in colon cancer. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:225947. [PMID: 32729895 PMCID: PMC7447854 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20200437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2020] [Revised: 06/30/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Long-term tumor-initiating cells (LT-TICs) are viewed as a quantifiable target for colon cancer therapy owing to their extensive self-renewal and tumorigenic and metastatic capacities. However, it is unknown which subpopulation of colon cancer cells contains LT-TICs. Here, based on the methods for isolating and identifying cancer stem cells (CSCs) and the functional features of LT-TICs, we aimed to identify a subpopulation of LT-TICs. Among the six cell lines assessed, our results showed that CD133 and CD44 coexpression was only detected in HCT116 and HT29 cell lines. In HCT116 and HT29 cells, CD133+CD44+ cells not only shared the extensive tumorigenic potential of LT-TICs but also functionally reproduced the behaviors of LT-TICs that drive tumor metastasis (TM) formation, suggesting that CD133+CD44+ cells are a typical representation of LT-TICs in colon cancer. Mechanistically, the enhanced capacity of CD133+CD44+ cells to drive metastasis involves the up-regulated expression of Wnt-, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT)-, and metastasis-related genes in these cells. Additionally, CD133+CD44+ cells presented significant chemoresistance compared with corresponding nontumorigenic CD133−CD44− cells following exposure to oxaliplatin (OXLP) or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). Accordingly, CD133+CD44+ cells contained lower reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels than CD1133−CD44− cells, and the low ROS levels in CD133+CD44+ cells were related to the enhancement of antioxidant defense systems. More importantly, CD133+CD44+ cells developed less DNA damage after exposure to chemotherapeutics than CD133−CD44− cells. In conclusion, we identified a subpopulation of LT-TICs in colon cancer.
Collapse
|
29
|
Aggarwal V, Montoya CA, Donnenberg VS, Sant S. Interplay between tumor microenvironment and partial EMT as the driver of tumor progression. iScience 2021; 24:102113. [PMID: 33659878 PMCID: PMC7892926 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), an evolutionary conserved phenomenon, has been extensively studied to address the unresolved variable treatment response across therapeutic regimes in cancer subtypes. EMT has long been envisaged to regulate tumor invasion, migration, and therapeutic resistance during tumorigenesis. However, recently it has been highlighted that EMT involves an intermediate partial EMT (pEMT) phenotype, defined by incomplete loss of epithelial markers and incomplete gain of mesenchymal markers. It has been further emphasized that pEMT transition involves a spectrum of intermediate hybrid states on either side of pEMT spectrum. Emerging evidence underlines bi-directional crosstalk between tumor cells and surrounding microenvironment in acquisition of pEMT phenotype. Although much work is still ongoing to gain mechanistic insights into regulation of pEMT phenotype, it is evident that pEMT plays a critical role in tumor aggressiveness, invasion, migration, and metastasis along with therapeutic resistance. In this review, we focus on important role of tumor-intrinsic factors and tumor microenvironment in driving pEMT and emphasize that engineered controlled microenvironments are instrumental to provide mechanistic insights into pEMT biology. We also discuss the significance of pEMT in regulating hallmarks of tumor progression i.e. cell cycle regulation, collective migration, and therapeutic resistance. Although constantly evolving, current progress and momentum in the pEMT field holds promise to unravel new therapeutic targets to halt tumor progression at early stages as well as tackle the complex therapeutic resistance observed across many cancer types. Partial EMT phenotype drives key hallmarks of tumor progression Role of tumor microenvironment in pEMT phenotype via cellular signaling pathways Engineering 3D in vitro models to study pEMT phenotype Opportunities and challenges in understanding pEMT phenotype
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vaishali Aggarwal
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Catalina Ardila Montoya
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA
| | - Vera S Donnenberg
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, University of Pittsburgh, School of Medicine Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA
| | - Shilpa Sant
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.,McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15219, USA.,Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Pharmacy; Department of Bioengineering, Swanson School of Engineering; McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, UPMC-Hillman Cancer Center, 700 Technology Drive, Room 4307, Pittsburgh, PA 15261, USA
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cysteine and Folate Metabolism Are Targetable Vulnerabilities of Metastatic Colorectal Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030425. [PMID: 33498690 PMCID: PMC7866204 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030425] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/20/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary In this work, we studied the metabolic reprogramming of same-patient-derived cell lines with increasing metastatic potential to develop new therapeutic approaches against metastatic colorectal cancer. Using a novel systems biology approach to integrate multiple layers of omics data, we predicted and validated that cystine uptake and folate metabolism, two key pathways related to redox metabolism, are potential targets against metastatic colorectal cancer. Our findings indicate that metastatic cell lines are selectively dependent on redox homeostasis, paving the way for new targeted therapies. Abstract With most cancer-related deaths resulting from metastasis, the development of new therapeutic approaches against metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) is essential to increasing patient survival. The metabolic adaptations that support mCRC remain undefined and their elucidation is crucial to identify potential therapeutic targets. Here, we employed a strategy for the rational identification of targetable metabolic vulnerabilities. This strategy involved first a thorough metabolic characterisation of same-patient-derived cell lines from primary colon adenocarcinoma (SW480), its lymph node metastasis (SW620) and a liver metastatic derivative (SW620-LiM2), and second, using a novel multi-omics integration workflow, identification of metabolic vulnerabilities specific to the metastatic cell lines. We discovered that the metastatic cell lines are selectively vulnerable to the inhibition of cystine import and folate metabolism, two key pathways in redox homeostasis. Specifically, we identified the system xCT and MTHFD1 genes as potential therapeutic targets, both individually and combined, for combating mCRC.
Collapse
|
31
|
Ascenção K, Dilek N, Augsburger F, Panagaki T, Zuhra K, Szabo C. Pharmacological induction of mesenchymal-epithelial transition via inhibition of H2S biosynthesis and consequent suppression of ACLY activity in colon cancer cells. Pharmacol Res 2021; 165:105393. [PMID: 33484818 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Revised: 12/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) is an important endogenous gaseous transmitter mediator, which regulates a variety of cellular functions in autocrine and paracrine manner. The enzymes responsible for the biological generation of H2S include cystathionine-β-synthase (CBS), cystathionine-γ-lyase (CSE) and 3-mercaptopyruvate sulfurtransferase (3-MST). Increased expression of these enzymes and overproduction of H2S has been implicated in essential processes of various cancer cells, including the stimulation of metabolism, maintenance of cell proliferation and cytoprotection. Cancer cell identity is characterized by so-called "transition states". The progression from normal (epithelial) to transformed (mesenchymal) state is termed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) whereby epithelial cells lose their cell-to-cell adhesion capacity and gain mesenchymal characteristics. The transition process can also proceed in the opposite direction, and this process is termed mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET). The current project was designed to determine whether inhibition of endogenous H2S production in colon cancer cells affects the EMT/MET balance in vitro. Inhibition of H2S biosynthesis in HCT116 human colon cancer cells was achieved either with aminooxyacetic acid (AOAA) or 2-[(4-hydroxy-6-methylpyrimidin-2-yl)sulfanyl]-1-(naphthalen-1-yl)ethan-1-one (HMPSNE). These inhibitors induced an upregulation of E-cadherin and Zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1) expression and downregulation of fibronectin expression, demonstrating that H2S biosynthesis inhibitors can produce a pharmacological induction of MET in colon cancer cells. These actions were functionally reflected in an inhibition of cell migration, as demonstrated in an in vitro "scratch wound" assay. The mechanisms involved in the action of endogenously produced H2S in cancer cells in promoting (or maintaining) EMT (or tonically inhibiting MET) relate, at least in part, in the induction of ATP citrate lyase (ACLY) protein expression, which occurs via upregulation of ACLY mRNA (via activation of the ACLY promoter). ACLY in turn, regulates the Wnt-β-catenin pathway, an essential regulator of the EMT/MET balance. Taken together, pharmacological inhibition of endogenous H2S biosynthesis in cancer cells induces MET. We hypothesize that this may contribute to anti-cancer / anti-metastatic effects of H2S biosynthesis inhibitors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Ascenção
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Nahzli Dilek
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Fiona Augsburger
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Theodora Panagaki
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Karim Zuhra
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| | - Csaba Szabo
- Chair of Pharmacology, Faculty of Science and Medicine, University of Fribourg, Fribourg, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Moradpoor R, Salimi M. Crosstalk between Tumor Cells and Immune System Leads to Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition Induction and Breast Cancer Progression. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2021; 25:1-7. [PMID: 33129234 PMCID: PMC7748115 DOI: 10.29252/ibj.25.1.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/08/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Herein, we review the current findings of how a variety of accessory cells could participate in shaping the tumor microenvironment and supporting the mechanisms by which cancer cells undertake the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). EMT, a complex of phenotypic changes, promotes cancer cell invasion and creates resistance to chemotherapies. Among the accessory cells present in the EMT, immune cells (both native and adaptive) can reciprocally influence the tumor cells features, promote EMT and negatively regulate the anticancer immune response. In this review, we look over the role of EMT in crosstalk between tumor cells and the immune system, with specific emphasis on breast tumors. Finally, we suggest that understanding the role of immune cells in cancer progression could create new opportunities for diagnostic and therapeutic interventions in cancer combination therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raheleh Moradpoor
- Department of Basic Sciences, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mona Salimi
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Pasteur Institute of Iran, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Kasprzak A. Angiogenesis-Related Functions of Wnt Signaling in Colorectal Carcinogenesis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12123601. [PMID: 33276489 PMCID: PMC7761462 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12123601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2020] [Revised: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Angiogenesis belongs to the most clinical characteristics of colorectal cancer (CRC) and is strongly linked to the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The most prominent factors stimulating constitutive activation of this pathway, and in consequence angiogenesis, are genetic alterations (mainly mutations) concerning APC and the β-catenin encoding gene (CTNNB1), detected in a large majority of CRC patients. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is involved in the basic types of vascularization (sprouting and nonsprouting angiogenesis), vasculogenic mimicry as well as the formation of mosaic vessels. The number of known Wnt/β-catenin signaling components and other pathways interacting with Wnt signaling, regulating angiogenesis, and enabling CRC progression continuously increases. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of the Wnt/Fzd/β-catenin signaling pathway in the process of CRC angiogenesis, aiming to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis as well as improvements in the management of this cancer. Abstract Aberrant activation of the Wnt/Fzd/β-catenin signaling pathway is one of the major molecular mechanisms of colorectal cancer (CRC) development and progression. On the other hand, one of the most common clinical CRC characteristics include high levels of angiogenesis, which is a key event in cancer cell dissemination and distant metastasis. The canonical Wnt/β-catenin downstream signaling regulates the most important pro-angiogenic molecules including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) family members, matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), and chemokines. Furthermore, mutations of the β-catenin gene associated with nuclear localization of the protein have been mainly detected in microsatellite unstable CRC. Elevated nuclear β-catenin increases the expression of many genes involved in tumor angiogenesis. Factors regulating angiogenesis with the participation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling include different groups of biologically active molecules including Wnt pathway components (e.g., Wnt2, DKK, BCL9 proteins), and non-Wnt pathway factors (e.g., chemoattractant cytokines, enzymatic proteins, and bioactive compounds of plants). Several lines of evidence argue for the use of angiogenesis inhibition in the treatment of CRC. In the context of this paper, components of the Wnt pathway are among the most promising targets for CRC therapy. This review summarizes the current knowledge about the role of the Wnt/Fzd/β-catenin signaling pathway in the process of CRC angiogenesis, aiming to improve the understanding of the mechanisms of metastasis as well as improvements in the management of this cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aldona Kasprzak
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Swiecicki Street 6, 60-781 Poznań, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Gottlieb B, Trifiro M, Batist G. Why Tumor Genetic Heterogeneity May Require Rethinking Cancer Genesis and Treatment. Trends Cancer 2020; 7:400-409. [PMID: 33243702 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2020.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2019] [Revised: 10/21/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Tumor genetic heterogeneity, in which individual tumors contain both multiple variant cancer-associated and normal genes, has been widely reported, although its significance has yet to be fully understood. We propose a genetic heterogeneity-based selection-centric hypothesis in which genetic heterogeneity, caused by the temporary reduction of DNA repair efficiency, occurs very early in human development, resulting in a small minority of cells in normal tissues acquiring cancer-associated genes that remain dormant. Cancer develops when precancer cells are selected for by altered tissue microenvironments; similar scenarios occur with development of metastases and therapeutic resistance in established cancer. This suggests that a normal cell selection treatment approach based on preferentially selecting normal cells within tumors may be effective in treating cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bruce Gottlieb
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Nursing, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
| | - Mark Trifiro
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| | - Gerald Batist
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Segal Cancer Center, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; Department of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada; McGill Centre for Translational Research in Cancer, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yin B, Mi JY, Zhai HL, Zhao BQ, Bi KX. An effective approach to the early diagnosis of colorectal cancer based on three-dimensional fluorescence spectra of human blood plasma. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2020; 193:113757. [PMID: 33197831 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2020.113757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 11/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a common malignancy in the gastrointestinal tract, and its screening rates remain relatively low in the general population due to the lack of specific symptoms and effective methods. It is still in urgent need to develop rapid and reliable approach to the early diagnosis of CRC. Herein, based on the three-dimensional (3D) fluorescence spectra of human blood plasma, a combination strategy of Tchebichef image moments coupled with partial least squares-discriminate analysis (TM-PLS-DA) was proposed for the detection of CRC from three classes (CRC samples, adenomas samples and non-malignant findings). The established TM-PLS-DA classification model provided an 84 % correct classification for CRC prediction. Venetian blinds 10-fold cross validation was carried out. The error rates both in cross validation and test sets were less than 0.16. Sensitivity and specificity for CRC prediction were 0.95 and 0.88, respectively. At the same time, the diagnostic capacity of the proposed method was tested by receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis with area under the curve (AUC) of 0.94 for CRC diagnosis. These results demonstrate that the proposed TM-PLS-DA method based on the 3D fluorescence spectra of blood plasma has great advantage for the accurate CRC detection, which will provide a potential alternative approach for cancer diagnostics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bo Yin
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China; College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Qinghai Normal University, Xining, 810000, PR China
| | - Jia Ying Mi
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Hong Lin Zhai
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
| | - Bing Qiang Zhao
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| | - Ke Xin Bi
- College of Chemistry & Chemical Engineering, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hamid FB, Gopalan V, Matos M, Lu CT, Lam AKY. Genetic Heterogeneity of Single Circulating Tumour Cells in Colorectal Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21207766. [PMID: 33092235 PMCID: PMC7589365 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21207766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to isolate and investigate the genetic heterogeneities in single circulating tumour cells (CTCs) from patients with colorectal carcinoma (CRC). Twenty-eight single CTCs were collected from eight patients with CRC using a negative immunomagnetic enrichment method. After validation with glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) gene expression in 3 colon cancer cell lines, a panel of 19 genes were used to analyse the single CTCs (n = 28), primary colorectal carcinoma tissues (n = 8) and colon carcinoma cells (n = 6) using real-time qPCR. Genetic heterogeneities were assessed by comparing gene expression profiles of single CTCs from the different patients and in the same patient, respectively. Genetic profiling of the single CTCs showed extensive heterogeneities of the selected genes among the CTCs. Hierarchical clustering analyses exhibited two clusters of CTCs with differentially expressed genes, which highlighted different modifications from the primary carcinomas. Further, the genetic heterogeneities were observed between different patients or in the same patient. Finally, AKT1 expression was significantly (p = 0.0129) higher in single CTCs from CRC of advanced pathological stages (III or IV) CRC than in CTCs from CRC of early stages (I or II). Our findings suggest that single-cell genetic analysis can monitor the genetic heterogeneities and guide the personalised therapeutic targets in clinical sectors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Faysal Bin Hamid
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (A.K.L.)
| | - Marco Matos
- Oncology, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Cu-Tai Lu
- Colorectal Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Alfred King-yin Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Correspondence: (V.G.); (A.K.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Abstract
The outstanding evidence of phthalimide pharmacophore in securing enhanced biological activities had encouraged further research and development into phthalimide-based derivatives as potential new drugs. In this study, phthalimide core was hybridized with aldehydes giving integrated imines displaying different types of functionalities and at alternating positions. The resulting compounds, therefore, provide an innovative window to explore possible differential biological effects as antioxidants and anticancer agents. A total of sixteen compounds were synthesized, and each was verified by FT-IR, H NMR, C NMR, and MS characterization. Herein, a facile single-step synthesis method was employed substituting the conventional two-step chemical production routes. Among the sixteen tested compounds, the H7 compound with hydroxyl phenolic group has shown an eminent antioxidant activity with a 19.52% decrease to the IC50 value compared to that of the control standard BHT antioxidant. On the other hand, the halogenated H6 Schiff base structure was successful in securing effective cancer inhibition to both colon and breast cancer cell lines, while maintaining selective action toward normal tissues. Results have collectively indicated the importance and impactful effects of functional groups position and types within similar basic structures, in directing different biological outcomes.
Collapse
|
38
|
Gu L, Liu Y, Jiang C, Sun L, Zhou H. Identification and clinical validation of metastasis-associated biomarkers based on large-scale samples in colon-adenocarcinoma. Pharmacol Res 2020; 160:105087. [PMID: 32683036 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2020.105087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2020] [Revised: 06/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIM Distant metastasis is the main cause of death in patients with colon-adenocarcinoma(COAD). Due to the lack of effective molecular markers and treatment, the prognosis of patients with metastatic colon cancer is still rather poor. METHODS Metastatic related signature (MRS) of stage I and stage IV in colon cancer were identified from different cohorts. Univariate cox regression is used to analyze the relationship between MRS and the overall survival. L1000FWD and DGIdb databases are used to identify molecular drugs. Expression and functional experimental validation of the hub MRS were carried out. RESULTS 16 MRS were identified, of which 14 MRS was significantly correlated with overall survival. Further functional enrichment analysis showed that MRS was significantly involved with important biological functions such as cell migration, and apoptosis. As important metastatic related genes, GSR, FAS and CYP1B1 have significant interaction with drug molecules. Further studies have confirmed that the expression of FAS and GSR is low, and inhibition of its expression can promote the metastasis of COAD. CYP1B1 expression is highly expressed, and inhibition of its expression can attenuate the malignant biological behavior of colon cancer. CONCLUSION Our research could increase the understanding of the mechanism of colon cancer metastasis and provide theoretical basis for the treatment of metastatic colon cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Gu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Ye Liu
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Chunhui Jiang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Longci Sun
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China
| | - Hong Zhou
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Correction: Teeuwssen and Fodde; Colon Cancer Heterogeneity and Phenotypic Plasticity in Metastasis Formation. Cancers 2019, 11(9), 1368. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061392. [PMID: 32481638 PMCID: PMC7352558 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Accepted: 05/09/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
|
40
|
Kim SK, Jang SD, Kim H, Chung S, Park JK, Kuh HJ. Phenotypic Heterogeneity and Plasticity of Cancer Cell Migration in a Pancreatic Tumor Three-Dimensional Culture Model. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12051305. [PMID: 32455681 PMCID: PMC7281339 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Invasive cancer cell migration is a key feature of metastatic human pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. Here, we investigated modes of cancer cell invasion using two pancreatic cancer cell lines with differential epithelial–mesenchymal status, PANC-1 and BxPC-3, under 3D culture conditions. Multicellular tumor spheroids (TSs) were grown in a collagen matrix co-cultured with pancreatic stellate cells (PSCs) using microchannel chips. PANC-1 cells showed individual migration from TSs via invadopodium formation. BxPC-3 cells showed plasticity between collective and individual migration in either mesenchymal mode, with filopodium-like protrusions, or blebby amoeboid mode. These two cell lines showed significantly different patterns of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling, with MMP-dependent degradation in a limited area of ECM around invadopodia for PANC-1 cells, or MMP-independent extensive deformation of ECM for BxPC-3 cells. Cancer cell migration out of the collagen channel significantly increased by PSCs and directional cancer cell migration was mediated by fibronectin deposited by PSCs. Our results highlight the phenotypic heterogeneity and plasticity of PDAC cell migration and ECM remodeling under 3D culture conditions. This 3D co-culture model of pancreatic cancer cells and PSCs offers a useful tool for studying cancer cell migration and ECM remodeling to identify and develop potential molecular targets and anti-cancer agents against human PDAC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Seul-Ki Kim
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-K.K.); (S.D.J.)
| | - So Dam Jang
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-K.K.); (S.D.J.)
| | - Hyunho Kim
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (H.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Seok Chung
- School of Mechanical Engineering, College of Engineering, Korea University, Seoul 02841, Korea; (H.K.); (S.C.)
| | - Jong Kook Park
- Department of Biomedical Science, Research Institute for Bioscience & Biotechnology, Hallym University, Chuncheon, Gangwon-do 24252, Korea;
| | - Hyo-Jeong Kuh
- Department of Biomedicine & Health Sciences, Graduate School, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea; (S.-K.K.); (S.D.J.)
- Cancer Evolution Research Center, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Department of Medical Life Sciences, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 06591, Korea
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
The Neuropeptide System and Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Mechanisms and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2020. [DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103494
expr 969553959 + 931886332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), classified as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, remains to be a clinical and research challenge. It is estimated that ~50% of CRC patients die from distant metastases, with treatment of this complication still posing significant difficulties. While liver metastasis (LM) cascade is known in the literature, its mechanisms are still unclear and remain studied in different research models. A connection is suggested between nervous system dysfunctions and a range of Neurotransmitters (Nts) (including Neuropeptides, NPs), Neurotrophins (Ntt) and their receptors (Rs) in CRC liver metastasis development. Studies on the role of NP/NP-Rs in the progression and metastasis of CRC, show the complexity of brain–tumor interactions, caused by their different forms of release to the extracellular environment (endocrine, autocrine, paracrine and neurocrine). Many stages of LM are connected to the activity of pro-inflammatory, e.g., Corticotropin-releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Neurotensin (NT), anti-inflammatory, e.g., Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP), CRHR2 and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) or dual role neuropeptides, e.g., Substance P (SP). The regulation of the local immunological profile (e.g., CRH/CRHRs), dysfunctions of enteroprotective role of NPs on epithelial cells (e.g., NT/NT-R), as well as structural-functional changes in enteric nervous system innervation of the tumor are also important. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of communication between the neurons and tumor cells. The knowledge on the mechanisms regulating tumor growth and different stages of metastasis, as well as effects of the action of a numerous group of Nts/NPs/Ntt as growth factors, have implications for future therapeutic strategies. To obtain the best treatment outcomes, it is important to use signaling pathways common for many NPs, as well to develop a range of broad-spectrum antagonists. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the importance of neuroactive molecules in the promotion of the invasion-metastasis cascade in CRC, as well as the improvements of clinical management of CRC liver metastasis.
Collapse
|
42
|
The Neuropeptide System and Colorectal Cancer Liver Metastases: Mechanisms and Management. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21103494. [PMID: 32429087 PMCID: PMC7279011 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21103494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 05/05/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC), classified as the third most prevalent cancer worldwide, remains to be a clinical and research challenge. It is estimated that ~50% of CRC patients die from distant metastases, with treatment of this complication still posing significant difficulties. While liver metastasis (LM) cascade is known in the literature, its mechanisms are still unclear and remain studied in different research models. A connection is suggested between nervous system dysfunctions and a range of Neurotransmitters (Nts) (including Neuropeptides, NPs), Neurotrophins (Ntt) and their receptors (Rs) in CRC liver metastasis development. Studies on the role of NP/NP-Rs in the progression and metastasis of CRC, show the complexity of brain–tumor interactions, caused by their different forms of release to the extracellular environment (endocrine, autocrine, paracrine and neurocrine). Many stages of LM are connected to the activity of pro-inflammatory, e.g., Corticotropin-releasing Hormone Receptor 1 (CRHR1), Neuropeptide Y (NPY) and Neurotensin (NT), anti-inflammatory, e.g., Calcitonin Gene-related Peptide (CGRP), CRHR2 and Vasoactive Intestinal Polypeptide (VIP) or dual role neuropeptides, e.g., Substance P (SP). The regulation of the local immunological profile (e.g., CRH/CRHRs), dysfunctions of enteroprotective role of NPs on epithelial cells (e.g., NT/NT-R), as well as structural-functional changes in enteric nervous system innervation of the tumor are also important. More research is needed to understand the exact mechanisms of communication between the neurons and tumor cells. The knowledge on the mechanisms regulating tumor growth and different stages of metastasis, as well as effects of the action of a numerous group of Nts/NPs/Ntt as growth factors, have implications for future therapeutic strategies. To obtain the best treatment outcomes, it is important to use signaling pathways common for many NPs, as well to develop a range of broad-spectrum antagonists. This review aims to summarize the current knowledge on the importance of neuroactive molecules in the promotion of the invasion-metastasis cascade in CRC, as well as the improvements of clinical management of CRC liver metastasis.
Collapse
|
43
|
Abstract
Introduction: Metastatic cancers are extremely difficult to treat, and account for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. The dissemination of tumor cells to distant sites is highly dynamic, asynchronous, and involves both tumor and host intrinsic factors. Effective therapeutic targets to block metastasis will need to disrupt key pathways that are required for multiple stages of metastasis.Areas covered: This review discusses the heterogeneity of cancers and metastasis, with an emphasis on motility as a key driver trait of metastasis. Recent metastatic cancer studies that identified either host or cancer cell intrinsic factors important for metastasis, using single gene-deficient animal models or 3D intravital imaging of avian embryo models, are also discussed. Potential metastatic blocking targets are listed as they relate to metastatic cancer therapy.Expert opinion: The development of metastatic disease is a complex interplay of genetic and epigenetic factors from the host and cancer cells acting in a patient-specific manner. Inhibiting key driver traits of metastasis should yield survival benefit at any stage of the disease, and we look forward to the next generation of personalized medicines for cancer therapy that target cancer cell motility for increased therapeutic efficacy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Perrin H Beatty
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| | - John D Lewis
- Department of Oncology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Canada
| |
Collapse
|