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Debruyne A, Okkelman IA, Heymans N, Pinheiro C, Hendrix A, Nobis M, Borisov SM, Dmitriev RI. Live Microscopy of Multicellular Spheroids with the Multimodal Near-Infrared Nanoparticles Reveals Differences in Oxygenation Gradients. ACS NANO 2024; 18:12168-12186. [PMID: 38687976 PMCID: PMC11100290 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c12539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Assessment of hypoxia, nutrients, metabolite gradients, and other hallmarks of the tumor microenvironment within 3D multicellular spheroid and organoid models represents a challenging analytical task. Here, we report red/near-infrared (NIR) emitting cell staining with O2-sensitive nanoparticles, which enable measurements of spheroid oxygenation on a conventional fluorescence microscope. Nanosensor probes, termed "MMIR" (multimodal infrared), incorporate an NIR O2-sensitive metalloporphyrin (PtTPTBPF) and deep red aza-BODIPY reference dyes within a biocompatible polymer shell, allowing for oxygen gradient quantification via fluorescence ratio and phosphorescence lifetime readouts. We optimized staining techniques and evaluated the nanosensor probe characteristics and cytotoxicity. Subsequently, we applied nanosensors to the live spheroid models based on HCT116, DPSCs, and SKOV3 cells, at rest, and treated with drugs affecting cell respiration. We found that the growth medium viscosity, spheroid size, and formation method influenced spheroid oxygenation. Some spheroids produced from HCT116 and dental pulp stem cells exhibited "inverted" oxygenation gradients, with higher core oxygen levels than the periphery. This contrasted with the frequently encountered "normal" gradient of hypoxia toward the core caused by diffusion. Further microscopy analysis of spheroids with an "inverted" gradient demonstrated metabolic stratification of cells within spheroids: thus, autofluorescence FLIM of NAD(P)H indicated the formation of a glycolytic core and localization of OxPhos-active cells at the periphery. Collectively, we demonstrate a strong potential of NIR-emitting ratiometric nanosensors for advanced microscopy studies targeting live and quantitative real-time monitoring of cell metabolism and hypoxia in complex 3D tissue models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angela
C. Debruyne
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Irina A. Okkelman
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent
Light
Microscopy Core, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nina Heymans
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Cláudio Pinheiro
- Laboratory
of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and
Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer
Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - An Hendrix
- Laboratory
of Experimental Cancer Research, Department of Human Structure and
Repair, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Cancer
Research Institute Ghent (CRIG), 9000 Ghent, Belgium
| | - Max Nobis
- Intravital
Imaging Expertise Center, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, 3000 Leuven, Belgium
| | - Sergey M. Borisov
- Institute
of Analytical Chemistry and Food Chemistry, Graz University of Technology, Stremayrgasse 9, Graz 8010, Austria
| | - Ruslan I. Dmitriev
- Tissue
Engineering and Biomaterials Group, Department of Human Structure
and Repair, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Ghent University, C. Heymanslaan 10, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
- Ghent
Light
Microscopy Core, Ghent University, 9000 Ghent, Belgium
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2
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Rodrigues DB, Moreira HR, Jarnalo M, Horta R, Marques AP, Reis RL, Pirraco RP. Generation of 3D melanoma models using an assembloid-based approach. Acta Biomater 2024; 178:93-110. [PMID: 38382833 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2024.02.023] [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: 07/25/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
While 3D tumor models have greatly evolved over the past years, there is still a strong requirement for more biosimilar models which are capable of recapitulating cellular crosstalk within the tumor microenvironment while equally displaying representative levels of tumor aggressiveness and invasion. Herein, we disclose an assembloid melanoma model based on the fusion of individual stromal multicellular spheroids (MCSs). In contrast to more traditional tumor models, we show that it is possible to develop self-organizing, heterotypic melanoma models where tumor cells present stem-cell like features like up-regulated pluripotency master regulators SOX2, POU5F1 and NANOG. Additionally, these assembloids display high levels of invasiveness while embedded in 3D matrices as evidenced by stromal cell promotion of melanoma cell invasion via metalloproteinase production. Furthermore, sensitivity to anticancer drug doxorubicin was demonstrated for the melanoma assembloid model. These findings suggest that melanoma assembloids may play a significant role in the field of 3D cancer models as they more closely mimic the tumor microenvironment when compared to more traditional MCSs, opening the doors to a better understanding of the role of tumor microenvironment in supporting tumor progression. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The development of complex 3D tumor models that better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment is crucial for both an improved comprehension of intercellular crosstalk and for more efficient drug screening. We have herein developed a self-organizing heterotypic assembloid-based melanoma model capable of closely mimicking the tumor microenvironment. Key features recapitulated were the preservation of cancer cell stemness, sensitivity to anti-cancer agents and tumor cell invasion promoted by stromal cells. The approach of pre-establishing distinct stromal domains for subsequent combination into more complex tumor constructs provides a route for developing superior tumor models with a higher degree of similarity to native cancer tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel B Rodrigues
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Helena R Moreira
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Mariana Jarnalo
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Ricardo Horta
- Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and Burn Unity, Centro Hospitalar de São João, Porto, Portugal; Faculty of Medicine - University of Porto, Portugal
| | - Alexandra P Marques
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rui L Reis
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal
| | - Rogério P Pirraco
- 3B's Research Group, I3Bs - Research Institute on Biomaterials, Biodegradables and Biomimetics, University of Minho, Headquarters of the European Institute of Excellence on Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine, AvePark, Parque de Ciência e Tecnologia, Zona Industrial da Gandra, 4805-017 Barco, Guimarães, Portugal; ICVS/3B's - PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães 4805-017, Portugal.
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3
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Lujano Olazaba O, Farrow J, Monkkonen T. Fibroblast heterogeneity and functions: insights from single-cell sequencing in wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer and melanoma. Front Genet 2024; 15:1304853. [PMID: 38525245 PMCID: PMC10957653 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1304853] [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: 09/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/26/2024] [Indexed: 03/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer has been described as the wound that does not heal, in large part due to fibroblast involvement. Activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) contributes to critical features of the tumor microenvironment, including upregulation of key marker proteins, recruitment of immune cells, and deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM)-similar to fibroblast activation in injury-induced wound healing. Prior to the widespread availability of single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA seq), studies of CAFs or fibroblasts in wound healing largely relied on models guided by individual fibroblast markers, or methods with less resolution to unravel the heterogeneous nature of CAFs and wound healing fibroblasts (especially regarding scarring outcome). Here, insights from the enhanced resolution provided by scRNA sequencing of fibroblasts in normal wound healing, breast cancer, ovarian cancer, and melanoma are discussed. These data have revealed differences in expression of established canonical activation marker genes, epigenetic modifications, fibroblast lineages, new gene and proteins of clinical interest for further experimentation, and novel signaling interactions with other cell types that include spatial information.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Teresa Monkkonen
- Department of Biology, San Diego State University, San Diego, CA, United States
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4
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Taborska P, Lukac P, Stakheev D, Rajsiglova L, Kalkusova K, Strnadova K, Lacina L, Dvorankova B, Novotny J, Kolar M, Vrana M, Cechova H, Ransdorfova S, Valerianova M, Smetana K, Vannucci L, Smrz D. Novel PD-L1- and collagen-expressing patient-derived cell line of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (JBT19) as a model for cancer immunotherapy. Sci Rep 2023; 13:19079. [PMID: 37925511 PMCID: PMC10625569 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-46305-7] [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: 03/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas are aggressive mesenchymal-origin malignancies. Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) belongs to the aggressive, high-grade, and least characterized sarcoma subtype, affecting multiple tissues and metastasizing to many organs. The treatment of localized UPS includes surgery in combination with radiation therapy. Metastatic forms are treated with chemotherapy. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment modality for many cancers. However, the development of immunotherapy for UPS is limited due to its heterogeneity, antigenic landscape variation, lower infiltration with immune cells, and a limited number of established patient-derived UPS cell lines for preclinical research. In this study, we established and characterized a novel patient-derived UPS cell line, JBT19. The JBT19 cells express PD-L1 and collagen, a ligand of the immune checkpoint molecule LAIR-1. JBT19 cells can form spheroids in vitro and solid tumors in immunodeficient nude mice. We found JBT19 cells induce expansion of JBT19-reactive autologous and allogeneic NK, T, and NKT-like cells, and the reactivity of the expanded cells was associated with cytotoxic impact on JBT19 cells. The PD-1 and LAIR-1 ligand-expressing JBT19 cells show ex vivo immunogenicity and effective in vivo xenoengraftment properties that can offer a unique resource in the preclinical research developing novel immunotherapeutic interventions in the treatment of UPS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavla Taborska
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Pavol Lukac
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Dmitry Stakheev
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5, Prague, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Rajsiglova
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Katerina Kalkusova
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karolina Strnadova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lukas Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenerology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and General University Hospital, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Dvorankova
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jiri Novotny
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolar
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Milena Vrana
- HLA Department, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Hana Cechova
- HLA Department, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Sarka Ransdorfova
- Department of Cytogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Marie Valerianova
- Department of Cytogenetics, Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
- First Faculty of Medicine, BIOCEV, Charles University, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Luca Vannucci
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Smrz
- Department of Immunology, Second Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, and Motol University Hospital, V Uvalu 84, 150 06 Praha 5, Prague, Czech Republic.
- Laboratory of Immunotherapy, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague, Czech Republic.
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Kharouf N, Flanagan TW, Hassan SY, Shalaby H, Khabaz M, Hassan SL, Megahed M, Haikel Y, Santourlidis S, Hassan M. Tumor Microenvironment as a Therapeutic Target in Melanoma Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3147. [PMID: 37370757 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2023] [Revised: 06/02/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The role of the tumor microenvironment in tumor growth and therapy has recently attracted more attention in research and drug development. The ability of the microenvironment to trigger tumor maintenance, progression, and resistance is the main cause for treatment failure and tumor relapse. Accumulated evidence indicates that the maintenance and progression of tumor cells is determined by components of the microenvironment, which include stromal cells (endothelial cells, fibroblasts, mesenchymal stem cells, and immune cells), extracellular matrix (ECM), and soluble molecules (chemokines, cytokines, growth factors, and extracellular vesicles). As a solid tumor, melanoma is not only a tumor mass of monolithic tumor cells, but it also contains supporting stroma, ECM, and soluble molecules. Melanoma cells are continuously in interaction with the components of the microenvironment. In the present review, we focus on the role of the tumor microenvironment components in the modulation of tumor progression and treatment resistance as well as the impact of the tumor microenvironment as a therapeutic target in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naji Kharouf
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Thomas W Flanagan
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, LSU Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Sofie-Yasmin Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Hosam Shalaby
- Department of Urology, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Marla Khabaz
- Department of Production, Beta Factory for Veterinary Pharmaceutical Industries, Damascus 0100, Syria
| | - Sarah-Lilly Hassan
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Dusseldorf, Germany
| | - Mosaad Megahed
- Clinic of Dermatology, University Hospital of Aachen, 52074 Aachen, Germany
| | - Youssef Haikel
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Pôle de Médecine et Chirurgie Bucco-Dentaire, Hôpital Civil, Hôpitaux Universitaire de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Simeon Santourlidis
- Epigenetics Core Laboratory, Institute of Transplantation Diagnostics and Cell Therapeutics, Medical Faculty, Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, 40225 Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mohamed Hassan
- Biomaterials and Bioengineering, Institut National de la Santé et de la Recherche Médicale, Université de Strasbourg, Unité Mixte de Recherche 1121, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Department of Endodontics and Conservative Dentistry, Faculty of Dental Medicine, University of Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
- Research Laboratory of Surgery-Oncology, Department of Surgery, School of Medicine, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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6
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Lian W, Zheng X. Identification and validation of TME-related signatures to predict prognosis and response to anti-tumor therapies in skin cutaneous melanoma. Funct Integr Genomics 2023; 23:153. [PMID: 37160578 DOI: 10.1007/s10142-023-01051-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 04/06/2023] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) dynamically regulates cancer progression and affects clinical outcomes. This study aimed to identify molecular subtypes and construct a prognostic risk model based on TME-related signatures in skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) patients. We categorized SKCM patients based on transcriptome data of SKCM from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database and 29 TME-related gene signatures. Differentially expressed genes were identified using univariate Cox regression and Lasso regression analysis, which were used for risk model construction. The robustness of this model was validated in independent external cohorts. Genetic landscape alterations, immune characteristics, and responsiveness to immunotherapy/chemotherapy were evaluated. Three TME-related subtypes were identified, and subtype C3 exhibited the most favorable prognosis, had enriched immune-related pathways, and possessed more infiltration of T_cells_CD8, T_cells_CD4_memory_activated, and Macrophages_M1 but a lower TumorPurity, whereas Macrophages_M2 were increased in subtype C1 and subtype C2. Subtype C1 was more sensitive to Cisplatin, subtype C2 was more sensitive to Temozolomide, and subtype C3 was more sensitive to Paclitaxel; 8 TME-related genes (NOTCH3, HEYL, ZNF703, ABCC2, PAEP, CCL8, HAPLN3, and HPDL) were screened for risk model construction. High-risk patients had dismal prognosis with good prediction performance. Moreover, low-risk patients were more sensitive to Paclitaxel and Temozolomide, whereas high-risk patients were more sensitive to Cisplatin. This risk model had robustness in predicting prognosis in SKCM patients. The results facilitate the understanding of TME-related genes in SKCM and provide a TME-related genes-based predictive model in prognosis and direction of personalized options for SKCM patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqin Lian
- Department of Burns and Plastic & Wound Repair Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361100, China
| | - Xiao Zheng
- Department of General Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 200437, China.
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7
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MUG CCArly: A Novel Autologous 3D Cholangiocarcinoma Model Presents an Increased Angiogenic Potential. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061757. [PMID: 36980644 PMCID: PMC10046314 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061757] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) are characterized by their desmoplastic and hypervascularized tumor microenvironment (TME), which is mainly composed of tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). CAFs play a pivotal role in general and CCA tumor progression, angiogenesis, metastasis, and the development of treatment resistance. To our knowledge, no continuous human in vivo-like co-culture model is available for research. Therefore, we aimed to establish a new model system (called MUG CCArly) that mimics the desmoplastic microenvironment typically seen in CCA. Proteomic data comparing the new CCA tumor cell line with our co-culture tumor model (CCTM) indicated a higher gene expression correlation of the CCTM with physiological CCA characteristics. A pro-angiogenic TME that is typically observed in CCA could also be better simulated in the CCTM group. Further analysis of secreted proteins revealed CAFs to be the main source of these angiogenic factors. Our CCTM MUG CCArly represents a new, reproducible, and easy-to-handle 3D CCA model for preclinical studies focusing on CCA-stromal crosstalk, tumor angiogenesis, and invasion, as well as the immunosuppressive microenvironment and the involvement of CAFs in the way that drug resistance develops.
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8
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Arora L, Kalia M, Dasgupta S, Singh N, Verma AK, Pal D. Development of a Multicellular 3D Tumor Model to Study Cellular Heterogeneity and Plasticity in NSCLC Tumor Microenvironment. Front Oncol 2022; 12:881207. [PMID: 35837091 PMCID: PMC9273950 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.881207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Heterogeneity is a characteristic feature of solid tumors. Intra-tumor heterogeneity includes phenotypic diversity, epigenetic abnormalities, cell proliferation, and plasticity that eventually drives disease progression. Studying tumor heterogeneity in 2D culture is challenging as it cannot simulate the microenvironmental features, such as hypoxia, nutrient unavailability, and cell-ECM interactions. We propose the development of multicellular (tri-culture) 3D spheroids using a hanging drop method to study the non-tumorigenic (BEAS-2B) vs. tumorigenic NSCLC (A549/NCI-H460)cells’ interaction with lung fibroblasts (MRC-5) and monocytes (THP-1). Unlike the non-tumorigenic model, the tumorigenic 3D spheroids show significant induction of cell proliferation, hypoxia, pluripotency markers, notable activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-associated macrophages. CD68+ macrophages isolated from tumorigenic spheroids exhibited profound induction of phenotypic endothelial characteristics. The results are zebrafish tumor xenograft model and by using human patient samples. This multicellular 3D tumor model is a promising tool to study tumor-stroma interaction and cellular plasticity, targeting tumor heterogeneity, and facilitating cancer therapy success against NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leena Arora
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
| | - Moyna Kalia
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
| | - Suman Dasgupta
- Department of Molecular Biology & Biotechnology, Tezpur University, Assam, India
| | - Navneet Singh
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), Chandigarh, India
| | - Anita K. Verma
- Department of Zoology, Kirori Mal College, University of Delhi, Delhi, India
| | - Durba Pal
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Ropar, Punjab, India
- *Correspondence: Durba Pal, ; orcid.org/0000-0001-7672-3529
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9
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Karagiannis D, Rampias T. Cancer Evolution in Precision Medicine Era. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14081885. [PMID: 35454790 PMCID: PMC9032969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14081885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in our understanding of cancer, driven mainly by the emergence of new technologies have highlighted that heterogeneity shapes not only the genetic profile of tumors but also their epigenetic and gene expression profile [...]
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitris Karagiannis
- Department of Genetics and Development, Columbia University Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Correspondence: (D.K.); (T.R.); Tel.: +1-347-261-4743 (D.K.); +30-210-659-7459 (T.R.)
| | - Theodoros Rampias
- Biomedical Research Foundation of the Academy of Athens, 11527 Athens, Greece
- Correspondence: (D.K.); (T.R.); Tel.: +1-347-261-4743 (D.K.); +30-210-659-7459 (T.R.)
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10
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Simon T, Salhia B. Cancer-Associated Fibroblast Subpopulations With Diverse and Dynamic Roles in the Tumor Microenvironment. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:183-192. [PMID: 34670861 PMCID: PMC9306405 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0282] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Close interactions between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) have repeatedly been reported to support tumor progression. Yet, targeting CAFs has so far failed to show a real benefit in cancer treatment, as preclinical studies have shown that such a strategy can enhance tumor growth. Accordingly, recent paradigm-shifting data suggest that certain CAF subpopulations could also show tumor-inhibitory capabilities. The present review aims to provide an in-depth description of the cellular heterogeneity of the CAF compartment in tumors. Through combining information from different cancer types, here we define 4 main CAF subpopulations that might cohabitate in any tumor microenvironment (TME). In addition, a model for the evolution of CAFs during tumor development is introduced. Moreover, the presence of tumor-inhibitory CAFs in the TME as well as their molecular characteristics are extensively discussed. Finally, the potential cellular origins of these distinct CAF subpopulations are reviewed. To our knowledge, this is the first attempt at establishing a broad but comprehensive classification of CAF subpopulations. Altogether, the present manuscript aims to provide the latest developments and innovative insights that could help refine future therapeutic targeting of CAFs for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Simon
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California
| | - Bodour Salhia
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California.,Corresponding Author: Bodour Salhia, Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, 1450 Biggy Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. Phone: 323-442-3099; E-mail:
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Vokurka M, Lacina L, Brábek J, Kolář M, Ng YZ, Smetana K. Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts Influence the Biological Properties of Malignant Tumours via Paracrine Secretion and Exosome Production. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:964. [PMID: 35055153 PMCID: PMC8778626 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23020964] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2021] [Revised: 01/10/2022] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are an essential component of the tumour microenvironment. They represent a heterogeneous group of cells that are under the control of cancer cells and can reversely influence the cancer cell population. They affect the cancer cell differentiation status, and the migration and formation of metastases. This is achieved through the production of the extracellular matrix and numerous bioactive factors. IL-6 seems to play the central role in the communication of noncancerous and cancer cells in the tumour. This review outlines the role of exosomes in cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Available data on the exosomal cargo, which can significantly intensify interactions in the tumour, are summarised. The role of exosomes as mediators of the dialogue between cancer cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts is discussed together with their therapeutic relevance. The functional unity of the paracrine- and exosome-mediated communication of cancer cells with the tumour microenvironment represented by CAFs is worthy of attention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Vokurka
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic;
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
- Department of Dermatovenereology, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00 Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brábek
- Department of Cell Biology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic;
- BIOCEV, Faculty of Science, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Institute of Molecular Genetics, Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20 Prague 4, Czech Republic;
| | - Yi Zhen Ng
- A*STAR Skin Research Labs (A*SRL)—Biopolis, Skin Research Institute of Singapore, 8A Biomedical Grove #06-06 Immunos Singapore, Singapore 138665, Singapore;
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 120 00 Prague 2, Czech Republic
- BIOCEV, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 252 50 Vestec, Czech Republic
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12
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Strnadová K, Pfeiferová L, Přikryl P, Dvořánková B, Vlčák E, Frýdlová J, Vokurka M, Novotný J, Šáchová J, Hradilová M, Brábek J, Šmigová J, Rösel D, Smetana K, Kolář M, Lacina L. Exosomes produced by melanoma cells significantly influence the biological properties of normal and cancer-associated fibroblasts. Histochem Cell Biol 2021; 157:153-172. [PMID: 34837514 PMCID: PMC8847298 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-021-02052-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of cutaneous malignant melanoma is increasing worldwide. While the treatment of initial stages of the disease is simple, the advanced disease frequently remains fatal despite novel therapeutic options . This requires identification of novel therapeutic targets in melanoma. Similarly to other types of tumours, the cancer microenvironment plays a prominent role and determines the biological properties of melanoma. Importantly, melanoma cell-produced exosomes represent an important tool of intercellular communication within this cancer ecosystem. We have focused on potential differences in the activity of exosomes produced by melanoma cells towards melanoma-associated fibroblasts and normal dermal fibroblasts. Cancer-associated fibroblasts were activated by the melanoma cell-produced exosomes significantly more than their normal counterparts, as assessed by increased transcription of genes for inflammation-supporting cytokines and chemokines, namely IL-6 or IL-8. We have observed that the response is dependent on the duration of the stimulus via exosomes and also on the quantity of exosomes. Our study demonstrates that melanoma-produced exosomes significantly stimulate the tumour-promoting proinflammatory activity of cancer-associated fibroblasts. This may represent a potential new target of oncologic therapy .
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Affiliation(s)
- Karolína Strnadová
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,BIOCEV, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Lucie Pfeiferová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Department of Informatics and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Petr Přikryl
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Dvořánková
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,BIOCEV, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Erik Vlčák
- Electron Microscopy Core Facility, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Frýdlová
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Martin Vokurka
- Institute of Pathological Physiology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Praha, Czech Republic
| | - Jiří Novotný
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic.,Department of Informatics and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šáchová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Miluše Hradilová
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic
| | - Jan Brábek
- BIOCEV, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Jana Šmigová
- BIOCEV, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Daniel Rösel
- BIOCEV, Faculty of Sciences, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Karel Smetana
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.,BIOCEV, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic
| | - Michal Kolář
- Laboratory of Genomics and Bioinformatics, Institute of Molecular Genetics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, 142 20, Prague 4, Czech Republic. .,Department of Informatics and Chemistry, Faculty of Chemical Technology, University of Chemistry and Technology, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lukáš Lacina
- Institute of Anatomy, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 128 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic. .,BIOCEV, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, 25250, Vestec, Czech Republic. .,Department of Dermatovenereology, 1st Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital, 120 00, Prague 2, Czech Republic.
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13
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Matias M, Pinho JO, Penetra MJ, Campos G, Reis CP, Gaspar MM. The Challenging Melanoma Landscape: From Early Drug Discovery to Clinical Approval. Cells 2021; 10:3088. [PMID: 34831311 PMCID: PMC8621991 DOI: 10.3390/cells10113088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is recognized as the most dangerous type of skin cancer, with high mortality and resistance to currently used treatments. To overcome the limitations of the available therapeutic options, the discovery and development of new, more effective, and safer therapies is required. In this review, the different research steps involved in the process of antimelanoma drug evaluation and selection are explored, including information regarding in silico, in vitro, and in vivo experiments, as well as clinical trial phases. Details are given about the most used cell lines and assays to perform both two- and three-dimensional in vitro screening of drug candidates towards melanoma. For in vivo studies, murine models are, undoubtedly, the most widely used for assessing the therapeutic potential of new compounds and to study the underlying mechanisms of action. Here, the main melanoma murine models are described as well as other animal species. A section is dedicated to ongoing clinical studies, demonstrating the wide interest and successful efforts devoted to melanoma therapy, in particular at advanced stages of the disease, and a final section includes some considerations regarding approval for marketing by regulatory agencies. Overall, considerable commitment is being directed to the continuous development of optimized experimental models, important for the understanding of melanoma biology and for the evaluation and validation of novel therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mariana Matias
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta O Pinho
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria João Penetra
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Gonçalo Campos
- CICS-UBI-Health Sciences Research Centre, University of Beira Interior, Av. Infante D. Henrique, 6201-506 Covilhã, Portugal
| | - Catarina Pinto Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines, iMed.ULisboa, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
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14
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IL-6 in the Ecosystem of Head and Neck Cancer: Possible Therapeutic Perspectives. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222011027. [PMID: 34681685 PMCID: PMC8540903 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222011027] [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: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 09/25/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-6 (IL-6) is a highly potent cytokine involved in multiple biological processes. It was previously reported to play a distinct role in inflammation, autoimmune and psychiatric disorders, ageing and various types of cancer. Furthermore, it is understood that IL-6 and its signaling pathways are substantial players in orchestrating the cancer microenvironment. Thus, they appear to be potential targets in anti-tumor therapy. The aim of this article is to elucidate the role of IL-6 in the tumor ecosystem and to review the possible therapeutic approaches in head and neck cancer.
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15
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Van Hove L, Hoste E. Activation of Fibroblasts in Skin Cancer. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 142:1026-1031. [PMID: 34600919 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.09.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/15/2021] [Indexed: 10/20/2022]
Abstract
Fibroblasts have emerged as a dominant component of the tumor microenvironment, but despite the surging interest in the activation of fibroblasts and their role in cancer, they remain an elusive and complex cell type. In this perspective, we discuss the phenotypic plasticity of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in melanoma and nonmelanoma skin cancer identified by genome-wide transcriptomic studies and focus on the molecular pathways underlying their activation. These studies reveal distinct fibroblast activation profiles depending on tumor type and stage. A better understanding of skin CAF heterogeneity in origin and function will guide novel therapeutic approaches targeting this cell type in clinical cancer care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisette Van Hove
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Esther Hoste
- VIB Center for Inflammation Research, Ghent, Belgium; Department of Biomedical Molecular Biology, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium; Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.
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16
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Scatena C, Murtas D, Tomei S. Cutaneous Melanoma Classification: The Importance of High-Throughput Genomic Technologies. Front Oncol 2021; 11:635488. [PMID: 34123788 PMCID: PMC8193952 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.635488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is an aggressive tumor responsible for 90% of mortality related to skin cancer. In the recent years, the discovery of driving mutations in melanoma has led to better treatment approaches. The last decade has seen a genomic revolution in the field of cancer. Such genomic revolution has led to the production of an unprecedented mole of data. High-throughput genomic technologies have facilitated the genomic, transcriptomic and epigenomic profiling of several cancers, including melanoma. Nevertheless, there are a number of newer genomic technologies that have not yet been employed in large studies. In this article we describe the current classification of cutaneous melanoma, we review the current knowledge of the main genetic alterations of cutaneous melanoma and their related impact on targeted therapies, and we describe the most recent high-throughput genomic technologies, highlighting their advantages and disadvantages. We hope that the current review will also help scientists to identify the most suitable technology to address melanoma-related relevant questions. The translation of this knowledge and all actual advancements into the clinical practice will be helpful in better defining the different molecular subsets of melanoma patients and provide new tools to address relevant questions on disease management. Genomic technologies might indeed allow to better predict the biological - and, subsequently, clinical - behavior for each subset of melanoma patients as well as to even identify all molecular changes in tumor cell populations during disease evolution toward a real achievement of a personalized medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristian Scatena
- Division of Pathology, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - Daniela Murtas
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Section of Cytomorphology, University of Cagliari, Cagliari, Italy
| | - Sara Tomei
- Omics Core, Integrated Genomics Services, Research Department, Sidra Medicine, Doha, Qatar
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Lacina L, Brábek J, Fingerhutová Š, Zeman J, Smetana K. Pediatric Inflammatory Multisystem Syndrome (PIMS) - Potential role for cytokines such Is IL-6. Physiol Res 2021; 70:153-159. [PMID: 33992044 DOI: 10.33549/physiolres.934673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
COVID-19 is a transmissible respiratory disease caused by coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, which is similar to SARS or MERS. Its increased severity was noted in aged patients usually over 65 years of age. Children and young people have an asymptomatic or mild course of the disease.Unfortunately, the number of children with problems after mild or asymptomatic COVID-19 recovery is increasing and their troubles resemble Kawasaki disease, although the laboratory findings seem to be different. This condition is called pediatric inflammatory multisystem syndrome (PIMS), and it is a new disease seen in children directly influenced by previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. The literature reports that PIMS typically follows 2-4 weeks after SARS-CoV-2 infection. The clinical symptoms of the affected children are extremely complex, ranging from gastrointestinal to cardiovascular problems with frequent skin and mucosal manifestations, and without intensive treatment they can be fatal. The exact causes of PIMS are recently unknown, however, it is explained as hyperactivation of immunity.In this minireview, we summarize data on the prominent role of the IL-6-IL-6R-STAT3 axis in PIMS aetiopathogenesis. Therapeutic manipulation of IL-6 or IL-6 receptor could be an approach to the treatment of children with severe PIMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Lacina
- Charles University, First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Anatomy, Prague, Czech Republic.
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