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Barrett L, Coopman K. Cell microencapsulation techniques for cancer modelling and drug discovery. ARTIFICIAL CELLS, NANOMEDICINE, AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2024; 52:345-354. [PMID: 38829715 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2024.2359996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2024] [Indexed: 06/05/2024]
Abstract
Cell encapsulation into spherical microparticles is a promising bioengineering tool in many fields, including 3D cancer modelling and pre-clinical drug discovery. Cancer microencapsulation models can more accurately reflect the complex solid tumour microenvironment than 2D cell culture and therefore would improve drug discovery efforts. However, these microcapsules, typically in the range of 1 - 5000 µm in diameter, must be carefully designed and amenable to high-throughput production. This review therefore aims to outline important considerations in the design of cancer cell microencapsulation models for drug discovery applications and examine current techniques to produce these. Extrusion (dripping) droplet generation and emulsion-based techniques are highlighted and their suitability to high-throughput drug screening in terms of tumour physiology and ease of scale up is evaluated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisa Barrett
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
| | - Karen Coopman
- Department of Chemical Engineering, School of Aeronautical, Automotive, Chemical and Materials Engineering, Loughborough University, Loughborough, UK
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2
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Fujimoto H, Yoshihara M, Rodgers R, Iyoshi S, Mogi K, Miyamoto E, Hayakawa S, Hayashi M, Nomura S, Kitami K, Uno K, Sugiyama M, Koya Y, Yamakita Y, Nawa A, Enomoto A, Ricciardelli C, Kajiyama H. Tumor-associated fibrosis: a unique mechanism promoting ovarian cancer metastasis and peritoneal dissemination. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:1037-1053. [PMID: 38546906 PMCID: PMC11300578 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10169-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 08/06/2024]
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is often diagnosed in advanced stage with peritoneal dissemination. Recent studies indicate that aberrant accumulation of collagen fibers in tumor stroma has a variety of effects on tumor progression. We refer to remodeled fibrous stroma with altered expression of collagen molecules, increased stiffness, and highly oriented collagen fibers as tumor-associated fibrosis (TAF). TAF contributes to EOC cell invasion and metastasis in the intraperitoneal cavity. However, an understanding of molecular events involved is only just beginning to emerge. Further development in this field will lead to new strategies to treat EOC. In this review, we focus on the recent findings on how the TAF contributes to EOC malignancy. Furthermore, we will review the recent initiatives and future therapeutic strategies for targeting TAF in EOC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Fujimoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Masato Yoshihara
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan.
| | - Raymond Rodgers
- School of Biomedicine, Robinson Research Institute, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Shohei Iyoshi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany
| | - Kazumasa Mogi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Emiri Miyamoto
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Sae Hayakawa
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maia Hayashi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nomura
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kazuhisa Kitami
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Kitasato University School of Medicine, Sagamihara, Japan
| | - Kaname Uno
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Clinical Genetics, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University Graduate School of Medicine, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mai Sugiyama
- Bell Research Center-Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Koya
- Bell Research Center-Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yoshihiko Yamakita
- Bell Research Center-Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akihiro Nawa
- Bell Research Center-Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology Collaborative Research, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Carmela Ricciardelli
- Discipline of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Adelaide Medical School, Robinson Research Institute, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
| | - Hiroaki Kajiyama
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Sheth M, Sharma M, Lehn M, Reza H, Takebe T, Takiar V, Wise-Draper T, Esfandiari L. Three-dimensional matrix stiffness modulates mechanosensitive and phenotypic alterations in oral squamous cell carcinoma spheroids. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:036106. [PMID: 39092008 PMCID: PMC11293878 DOI: 10.1063/5.0210134] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 07/22/2024] [Indexed: 08/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical cues such as matrix stiffness are key stimuli tuning cell fate and affecting tumor progression in vivo. However, it remains unclear how cancer spheroids in a 3D microenvironment perceive matrix mechanical stiffness stimuli and translate them into intracellular signals driving progression. Mechanosensitive Piezo1 and TRPV4 ion channels, upregulated in many malignancies, are major transducers of such physical stimuli into biochemical responses. Most mechanotransduction studies probing the reception of changing stiffness cues by cells are, however, still limited to 2D culture systems or cell-extracellular matrix models, which lack the major cell-cell interactions prevalent in 3D cancer tumors. Here, we engineered a 3D spheroid culture environment with varying mechanobiological properties to study the effect of static matrix stiffness stimuli on mechanosensitive and malignant phenotypes in oral squamous cell carcinoma spheroids. We find that spheroid growth is enhanced when cultured in stiff extracellular matrix. We show that the protein expression of mechanoreceptor Piezo1 and stemness marker CD44 is upregulated in stiff matrix. We also report the upregulation of a selection of genes with associations to mechanoreception, ion channel transport, extracellular matrix organization, and tumorigenic phenotypes in stiff matrix spheroids. Together, our results indicate that cancer cells in 3D spheroids utilize mechanosensitive ion channels Piezo1 and TRPV4 as means to sense changes in static extracellular matrix stiffness, and that stiffness drives pro-tumorigenic phenotypes in oral squamous cell carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maulee Sheth
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA
| | - Manju Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, Ohio 45221, USA
| | - Maria Lehn
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio 45219, USA
| | - HasanAl Reza
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Division of Developmental Biology, and Center for Stem Cell and Organoid Medicine (CuSTOM), Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio 45229, USA
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Aydin HB, Ozcelikkale A, Acar A. Exploiting Matrix Stiffness to Overcome Drug Resistance. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2024; 10:4682-4700. [PMID: 38967485 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.4c00445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
Drug resistance is arguably one of the biggest challenges facing cancer research today. Understanding the underlying mechanisms of drug resistance in tumor progression and metastasis are essential in developing better treatment modalities. Given the matrix stiffness affecting the mechanotransduction capabilities of cancer cells, characterization of the related signal transduction pathways can provide a better understanding for developing novel therapeutic strategies. In this review, we aimed to summarize the recent advancements in tumor matrix biology in parallel to therapeutic approaches targeting matrix stiffness and its consequences in cellular processes in tumor progression and metastasis. The cellular processes governed by signal transduction pathways and their aberrant activation may result in activating the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, cancer stemness, and autophagy, which can be attributed to drug resistance. Developing therapeutic strategies to target these cellular processes in cancer biology will offer novel therapeutic approaches to tailor better personalized treatment modalities for clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hakan Berk Aydin
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Altug Ozcelikkale
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
- Graduate Program of Biomedical Engineering, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Acar
- Department of Biological Sciences, Middle East Technical University, 06800, Ankara, Turkey
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Famta P, Shah S, Vambhurkar G, Pandey G, Bagasariya D, Kumar KC, Prasad SB, Shinde A, Wagh S, Srinivasarao DA, Kumar R, Khatri DK, Asthana A, Srivastava S. Amelioration of breast cancer therapies through normalization of tumor vessels and microenvironment: paradigm shift to improve drug perfusion and nanocarrier permeation. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2024:10.1007/s13346-024-01669-9. [PMID: 39009931 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-024-01669-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/04/2024] [Indexed: 07/17/2024]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women. Chemo-, immune- and photothermal therapies are employed to manage BC. However, the tumor microenvironment (TME) prevents free drugs and nanocarriers (NCs) from entering the tumor premises. Formulation scientists rely on enhanced permeation and retention (EPR) to extravasate NCs in the TME. However, recent research has demonstrated the inconsistent nature of EPR among different patients and tumor types. In addition, angiogenesis, high intra-tumor fluid pressure, desmoplasia, and high cell and extracellular matrix density resist the accumulation of NCs in the TME. In this review, we discuss TME normalization as an approach to improve the penetration of drugs and NCSs in the tumor premises. Strategies such as normalization of tumor vessels, reversal of hypoxia, alleviation of high intra-tumor pressure, and infiltration of lymphocytes for the reversal of therapy failure have been discussed in this manuscript. Strategies to promote the infiltration of anticancer immune cells in the TME after vascular normalization have been discussed. Studies strategizing time points to administer TME-normalizing agents are highlighted. Mechanistic pathways controlling the angiogenesis and normalization processes are discussed along with the studies. This review will provide greater tumor-targeting insights to the formulation scientists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paras Famta
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Saurabh Shah
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Ganesh Vambhurkar
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Giriraj Pandey
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Deepkumar Bagasariya
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Kondasingh Charan Kumar
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Sajja Bhanu Prasad
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Akshay Shinde
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Suraj Wagh
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Dadi A Srinivasarao
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India
| | - Rahul Kumar
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Dharmendra Kumar Khatri
- Department of Biological Sciences, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Laboratory, Department of Pharmacology, Nims Institute of Pharmacy, Nims University, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
| | - Amit Asthana
- Department of Medical Devices, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research, Hyderabad, India
| | - Saurabh Srivastava
- Pharmaceutical Innovation and Translational Research Lab (PITRL), Department of Pharmaceutics, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Balanagar, Hyderabad, 500037, Telangana, India.
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Mancini A, Gentile MT, Pentimalli F, Cortellino S, Grieco M, Giordano A. Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406644. [PMID: 39015505 PMCID: PMC11249764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406644] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- BioUp Sagl, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe De Gennaro,” Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, Naples, NA, Italy
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (S.H.R.O.) Italia Foundation ETS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Michele Grieco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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Chawla P, Gau D, Chen F, Welling N, Boone D, Taboas J, Lee AV, Galson DL, Roy P. Breast cancer cells promote osteoclast differentiation in an MRTF-dependent paracrine manner. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.12.06.570453. [PMID: 38106226 PMCID: PMC10723471 DOI: 10.1101/2023.12.06.570453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Bone is a frequent site for breast cancer metastasis. Conditioning of the local tumor microenvironment (TME) through crosstalk between tumor cells and bone resident cells in the metastatic niche is a major driving force for bone colonization of breast cancer cells. The vast majority of breast cancer-associated metastasis is osteolytic in nature, and RANKL-induced differentiation of bone marrow-derived macrophages to osteoclasts (OCLs) is a key requirement for osteolytic metastatic growth of cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that breast cancer cell-secreted factors stimulate RANKL-induced OCL differentiation of BMDMs requiring the function of Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) in tumor cells. This is partly attributed to the critical role of MRTF in maintaining the basal cellular expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), a pro-osteoclastogenic matricellular factor known to promote bone metastasis in human breast cancer. Supporting these in vitro findings, bioinformatics analyses of multiple human breast cancer transcriptome datasets reveal a strong positive correlation between CTGF expression and MRTF gene signature further establishing the relevance of our findings in a human disease context. By Luminex analyses, we show that MRTF depletion in breast cancer cells has a broad impact on OCL-regulatory cell-secreted factors that extends beyond CTGF. These findings, taken together with demonstration of MRTF-dependence for bone colonization breast cancer cells in vivo, suggest that MRTF inhibition could be an effective strategy to diminish OCL formation and skeletal involvement in breast cancer. In summary, this study highlights a novel tumor-extrinsic function of MRTF relevant to breast cancer metastasis.
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Kuriyama S, Thasaneeya K, Itoh G, Kidoaki S, Tanaka M. Glyoxal-methyl-ethylene sulfonic acid fixative enhances the fixation of cytoskeletal structures for Förster resonance energy transfer measurements. Histochem Cell Biol 2024:10.1007/s00418-024-02304-x. [PMID: 38880796 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-024-02304-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/18/2024]
Abstract
Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) serves as a tool for measuring protein-protein interactions using various sensor molecules. The tension sensor module relies on FRET technology. In our study, this module was inserted within the actinin molecule to measure the surface tension of the cells. Given that the decay curve of FRET efficiency correlates with surface tension increase, precise and accurate efficiency measurement becomes crucial. Among the methods of FRET measurements, FRET efficiency remains the most accurate if sample fixation is successful. However, when cells were fixed with 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA), the actinin-FRET sensor diffused across the cytoplasm; this prompted us to explore fixation method enhancements. Glyoxal fixative has been reported to improve cytoskeletal morphologies compared to PFA. However, it was not known whether glyoxal fits FRET measurements. Glyoxal necessitates an acetic acid solution for fixation; however, acidic conditions could compromise fluorescence stability. We observed that the pH working range of glyoxal fixative aligns closely with MES (methyl-ethylene sulfonic acid) Good's buffer. Initially, we switched the acidic solution for MES buffer and optimized the fixation procedure for in vitro and in vivo FRET imaging. By comparing FRET measurements on hydrogels with known stiffness to tumor nodules in mouse lung, we estimated in vivo stiffness. The estimated stiffness of cancerous tissue was harder than the reported stiffness of smooth muscle. This discovery shed lights on how cancer cells perceive environmental stiffness during metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sei Kuriyama
- Department Molecular Medicine & Biochemistry, Akita University Fac. & Grad. Sch. Med, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan.
| | - Kuboki Thasaneeya
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Division Biomolecular Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-Oka, Nishi-Ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Go Itoh
- Department Molecular Medicine & Biochemistry, Akita University Fac. & Grad. Sch. Med, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
| | - Satoru Kidoaki
- Institute for Materials Chemistry and Engineering, Division Biomolecular Chemistry, Kyushu University, 744 Moto-Oka, Nishi-Ku, Fukuoka, 819-0395, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Tanaka
- Department Molecular Medicine & Biochemistry, Akita University Fac. & Grad. Sch. Med, Akita City, Akita, 010-8543, Japan
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Lee JWN, Holle AW. Engineering approaches for understanding mechanical memory in cancer metastasis. APL Bioeng 2024; 8:021503. [PMID: 38605886 PMCID: PMC11008915 DOI: 10.1063/5.0194539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Understanding cancer metastasis is crucial for advancing therapeutic strategies and improving clinical outcomes. Cancer cells face dynamic changes in their mechanical microenvironment that occur on timescales ranging from minutes to years and exhibit a spectrum of cellular transformations in response to these mechanical cues. A crucial facet of this adaptive response is the concept of mechanical memory, in which mechanosensitive cell behavior and function persists even when mechanical cues are altered. This review explores the evolving mechanical landscape during metastasis, emphasizing the significance of mechanical memory and its influence on cell behavior. We then focus on engineering techniques that are being utilized to probe mechanical memory of cancer cells. Finally, we highlight promising translational approaches poised to harness mechanical memory for new therapies, thereby advancing the frontiers of bioengineering applications in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Wen Nicole Lee
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411 Singapore, Singapore
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D'Aguanno S, Brignone M, Scalera S, Chiacchiarini M, Di Martile M, Valentini E, De Nicola F, Ricci A, Pelle F, Botti C, Maugeri-Saccà M, Del Bufalo D. Bcl-2 dependent modulation of Hippo pathway in cancer cells. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:277. [PMID: 38755629 PMCID: PMC11097437 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01647-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL are the most studied anti-apoptotic members of Bcl-2 family proteins. We previously characterized both of them, not only for their role in regulating apoptosis and resistance to therapy in cancer cells, but also for their non-canonical functions, mainly including promotion of cancer progression, metastatization, angiogenesis, and involvement in the crosstalk among cancer cells and components of the tumor microenvironment. Our goal was to identify transcriptional signature and novel cellular pathways specifically modulated by Bcl-2. METHODS We performed RNAseq analysis of siRNA-mediated transient knockdown of Bcl-2 or Bcl-xL in human melanoma cells and gene ontology analysis to identify a specific Bcl-2 transcriptional signature. Expression of genes modulated by Bcl-2 and associated to Hippo pathway were validated in human melanoma, breast adenocarcinoma and non-small cell lung cancer cell lines by qRT-PCR. Western blotting analysis were performed to analyse protein expression of upstream regulators of YAP and in relation to different level of Bcl-2 protein. The effects of YAP silencing in Bcl-2 overexpressing cancer cells were evaluated in migration and cell viability assays in relation to different stiffness conditions. In vitro wound healing assays and co-cultures were used to evaluate cancer-specific Bcl-2 ability to activate fibroblasts. RESULTS We demonstrated the Bcl-2-dependent modulation of Hippo Pathway in cancer cell lines from different tumor types by acting on upstream YAP regulators. YAP inhibition abolished the ability of Bcl-2 to increase tumor cell migration and proliferation on high stiffness condition of culture, to stimulate in vitro fibroblasts migration and to induce fibroblasts activation. CONCLUSIONS We discovered that Bcl-2 regulates the Hippo pathway in different tumor types, promoting cell migration, adaptation to higher stiffness culture condition and fibroblast activation. Our data indicate that Bcl-2 inhibitors should be further investigated to counteract cancer-promoting mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona D'Aguanno
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy.
| | - Matteo Brignone
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Stefano Scalera
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Martina Chiacchiarini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Marta Di Martile
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Valentini
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Ricci
- Department of Pharmacy, University "G. d'Annunzio" of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, 66100, Italy
| | - Fabio Pelle
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Claudio Botti
- Department of Surgery, Division of Breast Surgery, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Marcello Maugeri-Saccà
- Clinical Trial Center, Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
| | - Donatella Del Bufalo
- Preclinical Models and New Therapeutic Agents Unit, IRCCS Regina Elena National Cancer Institute, Rome, 00144, Italy
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Buruiană A, Gheban BA, Gheban-Roșca IA, Georgiu C, Crișan D, Crișan M. The Tumor Stroma of Squamous Cell Carcinoma: A Complex Environment That Fuels Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1727. [PMID: 38730679 PMCID: PMC11083853 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16091727] [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: 04/08/2024] [Revised: 04/25/2024] [Accepted: 04/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME), a complex assembly of cellular and extracellular matrix (ECM) components, plays a crucial role in driving tumor progression, shaping treatment responses, and influencing metastasis. This narrative review focuses on the cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) tumor stroma, highlighting its key constituents and their dynamic contributions. We examine how significant changes within the cSCC ECM-specifically, alterations in fibronectin, hyaluronic acid, laminins, proteoglycans, and collagens-promote cancer progression, metastasis, and drug resistance. The cellular composition of the cSCC TME is also explored, detailing the intricate interplay of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), endothelial cells, pericytes, adipocytes, and various immune cell populations. These diverse players modulate tumor development, angiogenesis, and immune responses. Finally, we emphasize the TME's potential as a therapeutic target. Emerging strategies discussed in this review include harnessing the immune system (adoptive cell transfer, checkpoint blockade), hindering tumor angiogenesis, disrupting CAF activity, and manipulating ECM components. These approaches underscore the vital role that deciphering TME interactions plays in advancing cSCC therapy. Further research illuminating these complex relationships will uncover new avenues for developing more effective treatments for cSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Buruiană
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Bogdan-Alexandru Gheban
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
- Emergency Clinical County Hospital, 400347 Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana-Andreea Gheban-Roșca
- Department of Medical Informatics and Biostatistics, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400129 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
| | - Carmen Georgiu
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Doința Crișan
- Department of Pathology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania; (A.B.); (C.G.); (D.C.)
| | - Maria Crișan
- Department of Histology, Iuliu Haţieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400012 Cluj-Napoca, Romania;
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12
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Mogal MR, Jame JA, Sohel M, Mozibullah M, Mahmod MR, Junayed A, Kar N, Arbia L, Al Mamun A, Sikder MA. Integrated bioinformatics analysis reveals upregulated extracellular matrix hub genes in pancreatic cancer: Implications for diagnosis, prognosis, immune infiltration, and therapeutic strategies. Cancer Rep (Hoboken) 2024; 7:e2059. [PMID: 38639039 PMCID: PMC11027013 DOI: 10.1002/cnr2.2059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 02/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/24/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pancreatic cancer (PC) stands out as one of the most formidable malignancies and exhibits an exceptionally unfavorable clinical prognosis due to the absence of well-defined diagnostic indicators and its tendency to develop resistance to therapeutic interventions. The primary objective of this present study was to identify extracellular matrix (ECM)-related hub genes (HGs) and their corresponding molecular signatures, with the intent of potentially utilizing them as biomarkers for diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic applications. METHODS Three microarray datasets were sourced from the NCBI database to acquire upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs), while MatrisomeDB was employed for filtering ECM-related genes. Subsequently, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established using the STRING database. The created network was visually inspected through Cytoscape, and HGs were identified using the CytoHubba plugin tool. Furthermore, enrichment analysis, expression pattern analysis, clinicopathological correlation, survival analysis, immune cell infiltration analysis, and examination of chemical compounds were carried out using Enrichr, GEPIA2, ULCAN, Kaplan Meier plotter, TIMER2.0, and CTD web platforms, respectively. The diagnostic and prognostic significance of HGs was evaluated through the ROC curve analysis. RESULTS Ten genes associated with ECM functions were identified as HGs among 131 DEGs obtained from microarray datasets. Notably, the expression of these HGs exhibited significantly (p < 0.05) higher in PC, demonstrating a clear association with tumor advancement. Remarkably, higher expression levels of these HGs were inversely correlated with the likelihood of patient survival. Moreover, ROC curve analysis revealed that identified HGs are promising biomarkers for both diagnostic (AUC > 0.75) and prognostic (AUC > 0.64) purposes. Furthermore, we observed a positive correlation between immune cell infiltration and the expression of most HGs. Lastly, our study identified nine compounds with significant interaction profiles that could potentially act as effective chemical agents targeting the identified HGs. CONCLUSION Taken together, our findings suggest that COL1A1, KRT19, MMP1, COL11A1, SDC1, ITGA2, COL1A2, POSTN, FN1, and COL5A1 hold promise as innovative biomarkers for both the diagnosis and prognosis of PC, and they present as prospective targets for therapeutic interventions aimed at impeding the progression PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Roman Mogal
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Jasmin Akter Jame
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Md Sohel
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyPrimeasia UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Md Mozibullah
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Md Rashel Mahmod
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Asadullah Junayed
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Newton Kar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Lubatul Arbia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyPrimeasia UniversityDhakaBangladesh
| | - Abdullah Al Mamun
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
| | - Md Asaduzzaman Sikder
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular BiologyMawlana Bhashani Science and Technology UniversityTangailBangladesh
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13
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Buckenmeyer MJ, Brooks EA, Taylor MS, Yang L, Holewinski RJ, Meyer TJ, Galloux M, Garmendia-Cedillos M, Pohida TJ, Andresson T, Croix B, Wolf MT. Engineering Tumor Stroma Morphogenesis Using Dynamic Cell-Matrix Spheroid Assembly. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.19.585805. [PMID: 38903106 PMCID: PMC11188064 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.19.585805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment consists of resident tumor cells organized within a compositionally diverse, three-dimensional (3D) extracellular matrix (ECM) network that cannot be replicated in vitro using bottom-up synthesis. We report a new self-assembly system to engineer ECM-rich 3D MatriSpheres wherein tumor cells actively organize and concentrate microgram quantities of decellularized ECM dispersions which modulate cell phenotype. 3D colorectal cancer (CRC) MatriSpheres were created using decellularized small intestine submucosa (SIS) as an orthotopic ECM source that had greater proteomic homology to CRC tumor ECM than traditional ECM formulations such as Matrigel. SIS ECM was rapidly concentrated from its environment and assembled into ECM-rich 3D stroma-like regions by mouse and human CRC cell lines within 4-5 days via a mechanism that was rheologically distinct from bulk hydrogel formation. Both ECM organization and transcriptional regulation by 3D ECM cues affected programs of malignancy, lipid metabolism, and immunoregulation that corresponded with an in vivo MC38 tumor cell subpopulation identified via single cell RNA sequencing. This 3D modeling approach stimulates tumor specific tissue morphogenesis that incorporates the complexities of both cancer cell and ECM compartments in a scalable, spontaneous assembly process that may further facilitate precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael J. Buckenmeyer
- Cancer Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory, Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Elizabeth A. Brooks
- Cancer Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory, Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Madison S. Taylor
- Cancer Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory, Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Liping Yang
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Ronald J. Holewinski
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Thomas J. Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mélissa Galloux
- Independent Bioinformatician, Marseille, Provence-Alpes-Côte d’Azur, France
| | - Marcial Garmendia-Cedillos
- Instrumentation Development and Engineering Application Solutions, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thomas J. Pohida
- Instrumentation Development and Engineering Application Solutions, National Institute of Biomedical Imaging and Bioengineering, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Thorkell Andresson
- Protein Characterization Laboratory, Cancer Research Technology Program, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, 21701, USA
| | - Brad Croix
- Tumor Angiogenesis Unit, Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
| | - Matthew T. Wolf
- Cancer Biomaterials Engineering Laboratory, Cancer Innovation Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Frederick, MD, 21702, USA
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14
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Ozmen E, Demir TD, Ozcan G. Cancer-associated fibroblasts: protagonists of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1340124. [PMID: 38562556 PMCID: PMC10982390 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1340124] [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: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Enhanced knowledge of the interaction of cancer cells with their environment elucidated the critical role of tumor microenvironment in tumor progression and chemoresistance. Cancer-associated fibroblasts act as the protagonists of the tumor microenvironment, fostering the metastasis, stemness, and chemoresistance of cancer cells and attenuating the anti-cancer immune responses. Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive cancers in the clinic, refractory to anti-cancer therapies. Growing evidence indicates that cancer-associated fibroblasts are the most prominent risk factors for a poor tumor immune microenvironment and dismal prognosis in gastric cancer. Therefore, targeting cancer-associated fibroblasts may be central to surpassing resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics, molecular-targeted agents, and immunotherapies, improving survival in gastric cancer. However, the heterogeneity in cancer-associated fibroblasts may complicate the development of cancer-associated fibroblast targeting approaches. Although single-cell sequencing studies started dissecting the heterogeneity of cancer-associated fibroblasts, the research community should still answer these questions: "What makes a cancer-associated fibroblast protumorigenic?"; "How do the intracellular signaling and the secretome of different cancer-associated fibroblast subpopulations differ from each other?"; and "Which cancer-associated fibroblast subtypes predominate specific cancer types?". Unveiling these questions can pave the way for discovering efficient cancer-associated fibroblast targeting strategies. Here, we review current knowledge and perspectives on these questions, focusing on how CAFs induce aggressiveness and therapy resistance in gastric cancer. We also review potential therapeutic approaches to prevent the development and activation of cancer-associated fibroblasts via inhibition of CAF inducers and CAF markers in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ece Ozmen
- Koç University Graduate School of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Tevriz Dilan Demir
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
| | - Gulnihal Ozcan
- Koç University Research Center for Translational Medicine (KUTTAM), Istanbul, Türkiye
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Koç University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye
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15
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Zhao Z, Han W, Huang G, He Y, Zuo X, Hong L. Increased extracellular matrix stiffness regulates myofibroblast transformation through induction of autophagy-mediated Kindlin-2 cytoplasmic translocation. Exp Cell Res 2024; 436:113974. [PMID: 38346630 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2024.113974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/11/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) mechanical properties regulate biological processes, such as fibroblast-myofibroblast transformation (FMT), which is a crucial component in pelvic organ prolapse (POP) development. The 'Kindlin-2' protein, expressed by fibroblasts, plays an important role in the development of the mesoderm, which is responsible for connective tissue formation; however, the role of Kindlin-2 in FMT remains to be explored. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of Kindlin-2 in FMT as it relates to POP. We found that ECM stiffness induces autophagy to translocate Kindlin-2 to the cytoplasm of L929 cells, where it interacts with and degrades MOB1, thereby facilitating Yes-associated protein (YAP) entry into the nucleus and influencing FMT progression. Stiffness-induced autophagy was inhibited when using an autophagy inhibitor, which blocked the translocation of Kindlin-2 to the cytoplasm and partially reversed high-stiffness-induced FMT. In patients with POP, we observed an increase in cytoplasmic Kindlin-2 and nuclear YAP levels. Similar changes in vaginal wall-associated proteins were observed in a mouse model of acute vaginal injury. In conclusion, Kindlin-2 is a key gene affecting ECM stiffness, which regulates FMT by inducing autophagy and may influence the development of POP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhihan Zhao
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Wuyue Han
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Guotao Huang
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Yong He
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Xiaohu Zuo
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China
| | - Li Hong
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei Province, PR China.
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16
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Rainu SK, Singh N. Dual-Sensitive Fluorescent Nanoprobes for Simultaneously Monitoring In Situ Changes in pH and Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Stiffness-Tunable Three-Dimensional In Vitro Scaffolds. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2024; 16:12175-12187. [PMID: 38420964 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.3c16334] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/02/2024]
Abstract
A tumor microenvironment often presents altered physicochemical characteristics of the extracellular matrix (ECM) including changes in matrix composition, stiffness, protein expression, pH, temperature, or the presence of certain stromal and immune cells. Of these, overexpression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and extracellular acidosis are the two major hallmarks of cancer that can be exploited for tumor detection. The change in matrix stiffness and the release of certain cytokines (TNF-α) in the tumor microenvironment play major roles in inducing MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells. This study highlights the role of mechanical cues in upregulating MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells using stiffness-tunable matrix compositions and dual-sensitive fluorescent nanoprobes. Ionically cross-linked 3D alginate/gelatin (AG) scaffolds with three stiffnesses were chosen to reflect the ECM stiffnesses corresponding to healthy and pathological tissues. Moreover, a dual-sensitive nanoprobe, an MMP-sensitive peptide conjugated to carbon nanoparticles with intrinsic pH fluorescence properties, was utilized for in situ monitoring of the two cancer hallmarks in the 3D scaffolds. This platform was further utilized for designing a 3D core-shell platform for spatially mapping tumor margins and for visualizing TNF-α-induced MMP-9 expression in cancerous cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Kaur Rainu
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Neetu Singh
- Centre for Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
- Biomedical Engineering Unit, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Ansari Nagar, New Delhi 110029, India
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17
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Sandoghdar V. Essay: Exploring the Physics of Basic Medical Research. PHYSICAL REVIEW LETTERS 2024; 132:090001. [PMID: 38489629 DOI: 10.1103/physrevlett.132.090001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Indexed: 03/17/2024]
Abstract
The 20th century witnessed the emergence of many paradigm-shifting technologies from the physics community, which have revolutionized medical diagnostics and patient care. However, fundamental medical research has been mostly guided by methods from areas such as cell biology, biochemistry, and genetics, with fairly small contributions from physicists. In this Essay, I outline some key phenomena in the human body that are based on physical principles and yet govern our health over a vast range of length and time scales. I advocate that research in life sciences can greatly benefit from the methodology, know-how, and mindset of the physics community and that the pursuit of basic research in medicine is compatible with the mission of physics. Part of a series of Essays that concisely present author visions for the future of their field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Sandoghdar
- Max Planck Institute for the Science of Light, Staudtstr. 2, 91058 Erlangen, Germany; Max-Planck-Zentrum für Physik und Medizin, Kußmaulallee 2, 91054 Erlangen, Germany; and Department of Physics, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, 91058 Erlangen, Germany
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18
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Piwocka O, Piotrowski I, Suchorska WM, Kulcenty K. Dynamic interactions in the tumor niche: how the cross-talk between CAFs and the tumor microenvironment impacts resistance to therapy. Front Mol Biosci 2024; 11:1343523. [PMID: 38455762 PMCID: PMC10918473 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2024.1343523] [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: 11/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a complex ecosystem of cells, signaling molecules, and extracellular matrix components that profoundly influence cancer progression. Among the key players in the TME, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) have gained increasing attention for their diverse and influential roles. CAFs are activated fibroblasts found abundantly within the TME of various cancer types. CAFs contribute significantly to tumor progression by promoting angiogenesis, remodeling the extracellular matrix, and modulating immune cell infiltration. In order to influence the microenvironment, CAFs engage in cross-talk with immune cells, cancer cells, and other stromal components through paracrine signaling and direct cell-cell interactions. This cross-talk can result in immunosuppression, tumor cell proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition, contributing to disease progression. Emerging evidence suggests that CAFs play a crucial role in therapy resistance, including resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. CAFs can modulate the tumor response to treatment by secreting factors that promote drug efflux, enhance DNA repair mechanisms, and suppress apoptosis pathways. This paper aims to understand the multifaceted functions of CAFs within the TME, discusses cross-talk between CAFs with other TME cells, and sheds light on the contibution of CAFs to therapy resistance. Targeting CAFs or disrupting their cross-talk with other cells holds promise for overcoming drug resistance and improving the treatment efficacy of various cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Oliwia Piwocka
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Doctoral School, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Igor Piotrowski
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria M. Suchorska
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Kulcenty
- Radiobiology Laboratory, Department of Medical Physics, Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan, Poland
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19
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Takahashi H, Ito R, Matsumura Y, Sakai J. Environmental factor reversibly determines cellular identity through opposing Integrators that unify epigenetic and transcriptional pathways. Bioessays 2024; 46:e2300084. [PMID: 38013256 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202300084] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 09/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Organisms must adapt to environmental stresses to ensure their survival and prosperity. Different types of stresses, including thermal, mechanical, and hypoxic stresses, can alter the cellular state that accompanies changes in gene expression but not the cellular identity determined by a chromatin state that remains stable throughout life. Some tissues, such as adipose tissue, demonstrate remarkable plasticity and adaptability in response to environmental cues, enabling reversible cellular identity changes; however, the mechanisms underlying these changes are not well understood. We hypothesized that positive and/or negative "Integrators" sense environmental cues and coordinate the epigenetic and transcriptional pathways required for changes in cellular identity. Adverse environmental factors such as pollution disrupt the coordinated control contributing to disease development. Further research based on this hypothesis will reveal how organisms adapt to fluctuating environmental conditions, such as temperature, extracellular matrix stiffness, oxygen, cytokines, and hormonal cues by changing their cellular identities.
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Grants
- JP20gm1310007 Japan Agency for Medical Research and Development
- JP16H06390 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP21H04826 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP20H04835 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP20K21747 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP22K18411 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP21K21211 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JP19J11909 Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology
- JPMJPF2013 Japan Science and Technology Agency
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroki Takahashi
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ryo Ito
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Matsumura
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Juro Sakai
- Division of Molecular Physiology and Metabolism, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
- Division of Metabolic Medicine, Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
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20
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Park Y, Lee D, Lee JE, Park HS, Jung SS, Park D, Kang DH, Lee SI, Woo SD, Chung C. The Matrix Stiffness Coordinates the Cell Proliferation and PD-L1 Expression via YAP in Lung Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:598. [PMID: 38339350 PMCID: PMC10854616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16030598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts physiological activity, facilitates cell-to-cell communication, promotes cell proliferation and metastasis, and provides mechanical support for tumor cells. The development of solid tumors is often associated with increased stiffness. A stiff ECM promotes mechanotransduction, and the predominant transcription factors implicated in this phenomenon are YAP/TAZ, β-catenin, and NF-κB. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether YAP is a critical mediator linking matrix stiffness and PD-L1 in lung adenocarcinoma. We confirmed that YAP, PD-L1, and Ki-67, a marker of cell proliferation, increase as the matrix stiffness increases in vitro using the lung adenocarcinoma cell lines PC9 and HCC827 cells. The knockdown of YAP decreased the expression of PD-L1 and Ki-67, and conversely, the overexpression of YAP increased the expression of PD-L1 and K-67 in a stiff-matrix environment (20.0 kPa). Additionally, lung cancer cells were cultured in a 3D environment, which provides a more physiologically relevant setting, and compared to the results obtained from 2D culture. Similar to the findings in 2D culture, it was confirmed that YAP influenced the expression of PD-L1 and K-67 in the 3D culture experiment. Our results suggest that matrix stiffness controls PD-L1 expression via YAP activation, ultimately contributing to cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yeonhee Park
- Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Daejeon St. Mary’s Hospital, College of Medicine, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul 34943, Republic of Korea;
| | - Dahye Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Jeong Eun Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Hee Sun Park
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Sung Soo Jung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Dongil Park
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Da Hyun Kang
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Song-I Lee
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Seong-Dae Woo
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
| | - Chaeuk Chung
- Division of Pulmonology and Critical Care Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Republic of Korea; (D.L.); (J.E.L.); (H.S.P.); (S.S.J.); (D.P.); (D.H.K.); (S.-I.L.); (S.-D.W.)
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21
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Teer L, Yaddanapudi K, Chen J. Biophysical Control of the Glioblastoma Immunosuppressive Microenvironment: Opportunities for Immunotherapy. Bioengineering (Basel) 2024; 11:93. [PMID: 38247970 PMCID: PMC10813491 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering11010093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2024] Open
Abstract
GBM is the most aggressive and common form of primary brain cancer with a dismal prognosis. Current GBM treatments have not improved patient survival, due to the propensity for tumor cell adaptation and immune evasion, leading to a persistent progression of the disease. In recent years, the tumor microenvironment (TME) has been identified as a critical regulator of these pro-tumorigenic changes, providing a complex array of biomolecular and biophysical signals that facilitate evasion strategies by modulating tumor cells, stromal cells, and immune populations. Efforts to unravel these complex TME interactions are necessary to improve GBM therapy. Immunotherapy is a promising treatment strategy that utilizes a patient's own immune system for tumor eradication and has exhibited exciting results in many cancer types; however, the highly immunosuppressive interactions between the immune cell populations and the GBM TME continue to present challenges. In order to elucidate these interactions, novel bioengineering models are being employed to decipher the mechanisms of immunologically "cold" GBMs. Additionally, these data are being leveraged to develop cell engineering strategies to bolster immunotherapy efficacy. This review presents an in-depth analysis of the biophysical interactions of the GBM TME and immune cell populations as well as the systems used to elucidate the underlying immunosuppressive mechanisms for improving current therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Landon Teer
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
| | - Kavitha Yaddanapudi
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Immuno-Oncology Program, Brown Cancer Center, Department of Medicine, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
- Division of Immunotherapy, Department of Surgery, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40202, USA
| | - Joseph Chen
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Louisville, Louisville, KY 40292, USA;
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22
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Bae SY, Chen Y, Chen H, Kumar D, Karaiskos S, Xu J, Lu C, Viny AD, Giancotti FG. Noncanonical Activity of Med4 as a Gatekeeper of Metastasis through Epigenetic Control of Integrin Signaling. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.11.18.566087. [PMID: 38014033 PMCID: PMC10680920 DOI: 10.1101/2023.11.18.566087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer metastatic relapse after a latency period, known as metastatic dormancy. Through genetic screening in mice, we identified the mediator complex subunit 4 (Med4) as a novel tumor-cell intrinsic gatekeeper in metastatic reactivation. Med4 downregulation effectively awakened dormant breast cancer cells, prompting macroscopic metastatic outgrowth in the lungs. Med4 depletion results in profound changes in nuclear size and three-dimensional chromatin architecture from compacted to relaxed states in contrast to the canonical function of the Mediator complex. These changes rewire the expression of extracellular matrix proteins, integrins, and signaling components resulting in integrin-mediated mechano-transduction and activation of YAP and MRTF. The assembly of stress fibers pulls on the nuclear membrane and contributes to reinforcing the overall chromatin modifications by Med4 depletion. MED4 gene deletions were observed in patients with metastatic breast cancer, and reduced MED4 expression correlates with worse prognosis, highlighting its significance as a potential biomarker for recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seong-Yeon Bae
- Cancer Metastasis Initiative, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Yi Chen
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Hong Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Department of Thoracic/Head and Neck Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Dhiraj Kumar
- Cancer Metastasis Initiative, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
| | - Spyros Karaiskos
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Jane Xu
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Chao Lu
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Aaron D. Viny
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Columbia Stem Cell Initiative, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
| | - Filippo G. Giancotti
- Cancer Metastasis Initiative, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Genetics and Development, Vagelos College of Physicians and Surgeons, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
- Department of Cancer Biology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas 77054, USA
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, New York 10032, USA
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23
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Sleeboom JJF, van Tienderen GS, Schenke-Layland K, van der Laan LJW, Khalil AA, Verstegen MMA. The extracellular matrix as hallmark of cancer and metastasis: From biomechanics to therapeutic targets. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg3840. [PMID: 38170791 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg3840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell support during homeostasis and plays a critical role in cancer. Although research often concentrates on the tumor's cellular aspect, attention is growing for the importance of the cancer-associated ECM. Biochemical and physical ECM signals affect tumor formation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Examining the tumor microenvironment uncovers intricate ECM dysregulation and interactions with cancer and stromal cells. Anticancer therapies targeting ECM sensors and remodelers, including integrins and matrix metalloproteinases, and ECM-remodeling cells, have seen limited success. This review explores the ECM's role in cancer and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for cell-ECM interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J F Sleeboom
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Gilles S van Tienderen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Monique M A Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
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24
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Mierke CT. Extracellular Matrix Cues Regulate Mechanosensing and Mechanotransduction of Cancer Cells. Cells 2024; 13:96. [PMID: 38201302 PMCID: PMC10777970 DOI: 10.3390/cells13010096] [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: 11/12/2023] [Revised: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/01/2024] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Extracellular biophysical properties have particular implications for a wide spectrum of cellular behaviors and functions, including growth, motility, differentiation, apoptosis, gene expression, cell-matrix and cell-cell adhesion, and signal transduction including mechanotransduction. Cells not only react to unambiguously mechanical cues from the extracellular matrix (ECM), but can occasionally manipulate the mechanical features of the matrix in parallel with biological characteristics, thus interfering with downstream matrix-based cues in both physiological and pathological processes. Bidirectional interactions between cells and (bio)materials in vitro can alter cell phenotype and mechanotransduction, as well as ECM structure, intentionally or unintentionally. Interactions between cell and matrix mechanics in vivo are of particular importance in a variety of diseases, including primarily cancer. Stiffness values between normal and cancerous tissue can range between 500 Pa (soft) and 48 kPa (stiff), respectively. Even the shear flow can increase from 0.1-1 dyn/cm2 (normal tissue) to 1-10 dyn/cm2 (cancerous tissue). There are currently many new areas of activity in tumor research on various biological length scales, which are highlighted in this review. Moreover, the complexity of interactions between ECM and cancer cells is reduced to common features of different tumors and the characteristics are highlighted to identify the main pathways of interaction. This all contributes to the standardization of mechanotransduction models and approaches, which, ultimately, increases the understanding of the complex interaction. Finally, both the in vitro and in vivo effects of this mechanics-biology pairing have key insights and implications for clinical practice in tumor treatment and, consequently, clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Biological Physics Division, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Faculty of Physics and Earth Science, Leipzig University, Linnéstraße 5, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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25
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Kim JH, Yang D, Park S. Experimental validation for the interconversion between generalized Kelvin-Voigt and Maxwell models using human skin tissues. J Biomech 2024; 162:111908. [PMID: 38142667 PMCID: PMC10842778 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiomech.2023.111908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/11/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/26/2023]
Abstract
Mechanical properties of biological systems provide essential insights into their component, physiological function, and disease mechanism under various conditions, such as age, health, and other environmental factors. Viscoelasticity is one of the most important and investigated properties to study biomaterials, cells, and tissues, as they exhibit the characteristics of both fluid-like behavior, viscosity, and solid-like behavior, elasticity. Various mathematical models, such as the Kelvin-Voigt and Maxwell models, have been developed and practiced to estimate and extract viscoelastic properties. However, one of the inherent challenges with the use of these models is the poor transferability of mathematically estimated viscoelastic properties across different models, largely due to variations in constituent elements and their arrangements within each model. This issue impedes the interconversion of parameters of one model to another and complicates comparison across models. In this study, we demonstrate the equivalence between the generalized Maxwell and generalized Kelvin-Voigt models through two distinct approaches: indirect, Maxwell model-based Kelvin-Voigt model estimation and direct, curve fitting-based Kelvin-Voigt model estimation. We utilized human melanoma skin tissues to estimate viscoelastic properties using the Prony series. The estimated parameters and resulting viscoelastic properties revealed no significant difference between the two approaches and between the two patients. This study is the first experimental validation of the mathematical interconversion of the two models, signifying that this approach will enable an accurate and objective analysis and comparison of mechanical properties across various viscoelastic models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeong Hee Kim
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21218, USA
| | - Daejong Yang
- Department of Mechanical and Automotive Engineering, Kongju National University, Cheonan 31080, Republic of Korea
| | - Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, NV 89154, USA.
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26
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Kumari A, Veena SM, Luha R, Tijore A. Mechanobiological Strategies to Augment Cancer Treatment. ACS OMEGA 2023; 8:42072-42085. [PMID: 38024751 PMCID: PMC10652740 DOI: 10.1021/acsomega.3c06451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/17/2023] [Accepted: 10/18/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells exhibit aberrant extracellular matrix mechanosensing due to the altered expression of mechanosensory cytoskeletal proteins. Such aberrant mechanosensing of the tumor microenvironment (TME) by cancer cells is associated with disease development and progression. In addition, recent studies show that such mechanosensing changes the mechanobiological properties of cells, and in turn cells become susceptible to mechanical perturbations. Due to an increasing understanding of cell biomechanics and cellular machinery, several approaches have emerged to target the mechanobiological properties of cancer cells and cancer-associated cells to inhibit cancer growth and progression. In this Perspective, we summarize the progress in developing mechano-based approaches to target cancer by interfering with the cellular mechanosensing machinery and overall TME.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Ajay Tijore
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
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27
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Weisman CM. The permissive binding theory of cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1272981. [PMID: 38023252 PMCID: PMC10666763 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1272981] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The later stages of cancer, including the invasion and colonization of new tissues, are actively mysterious compared to earlier stages like primary tumor formation. While we lack many details about both, we do have an apparently successful explanatory framework for the earlier stages: one in which genetic mutations hold ultimate causal and explanatory power. By contrast, on both empirical and conceptual grounds, it is not currently clear that mutations alone can explain the later stages of cancer. Can a different type of molecular change do better? Here, I introduce the "permissive binding theory" of cancer, which proposes that novel protein binding interactions are the key causal and explanatory entity in invasion and metastasis. It posits that binding is more abundant at baseline than we observe because it is restricted in normal physiology; that any large perturbation to physiological state revives this baseline abundance, unleashing many new binding interactions; and that a subset of these cause the cellular functions at the heart of oncogenesis, especially invasion and metastasis. Significant physiological perturbations occur in cancer cells in very early stages, and generally become more extreme with progression, providing interactions that continually fuel invasion and metastasis. The theory is compatible with, but not limited to, causal roles for the diverse molecular changes observed in cancer (e.g. gene expression or epigenetic changes), as these generally act causally upstream of proteins, and so may exert their effects by changing the protein binding interactions that occur in the cell. This admits the possibility that molecular changes that appear quite different may actually converge in creating the same few protein complexes, simplifying our picture of invasion and metastasis. If correct, the theory offers a concrete therapeutic strategy: targeting the key novel complexes. The theory is straightforwardly testable by large-scale identification of protein interactions in different cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline M. Weisman
- Lewis-Sigler Institute for Integrative Genomics, Princeton University, Princeton, NJ, United States
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28
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Chen MB, Javanmardi Y, Shahreza S, Serwinski B, Aref A, Djordjevic B, Moeendarbary E. Mechanobiology in oncology: basic concepts and clinical prospects. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1239749. [PMID: 38020912 PMCID: PMC10644154 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1239749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The interplay between genetic transformations, biochemical communications, and physical interactions is crucial in cancer progression. Metastasis, a leading cause of cancer-related deaths, involves a series of steps, including invasion, intravasation, circulation survival, and extravasation. Mechanical alterations, such as changes in stiffness and morphology, play a significant role in all stages of cancer initiation and dissemination. Accordingly, a better understanding of cancer mechanobiology can help in the development of novel therapeutic strategies. Targeting the physical properties of tumours and their microenvironment presents opportunities for intervention. Advancements in imaging techniques and lab-on-a-chip systems enable personalized investigations of tumor biomechanics and drug screening. Investigation of the interplay between genetic, biochemical, and mechanical factors, which is of crucial importance in cancer progression, offers insights for personalized medicine and innovative treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle B. Chen
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
| | - Yousef Javanmardi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Somayeh Shahreza
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bianca Serwinski
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
- Northeastern University London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Amir Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Boris Djordjevic
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
- 199 Biotechnologies Ltd., London, United Kingdom
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University College London, London, United Kingdom
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29
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [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: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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30
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Wirtz D, Du W, Zhu J, Wu Y, Kiemen A, Wan Z, Hanna E, Sun S. Mechano-induced homotypic patterned domain formation by monocytes. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3372987. [PMID: 37790337 PMCID: PMC10543314 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3372987/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness and corresponding mechano-signaling play indispensable roles in cellular phenotypes and functions. How tissue stiffness influences the behavior of monocytes, a major circulating leukocyte of the innate system, and how it may promote the emergence of collective cell behavior is less understood. Here, using tunable collagen-coated hydrogels of physiological stiffness, we show that human primary monocytes undergo a dynamic local phase separation to form highly regular, reversible, multicellular, multi-layered domains on soft matrix. Local activation of the β2 integrin initiates inter-cellular adhesion, while global soluble inhibitory factors maintain the steady state domain pattern over days. Patterned domain formation generated by monocytes is unique among other key immune cells, including macrophages, B cells, T cells, and NK cells. While inhibiting their phagocytic capability, domain formation promotes monocytes' survival. We develop a computational model based on the Cahn-Hilliard equation of phase separation, combined with a Turing mechanism of local activation and global inhibition suggested by our experiments, and provides experimentally validated predictions of the role of seeding density and both chemotactic and random cell migration on domain pattern formation. This work reveals that, unlike active matters, cells can generate complex cell phases by exploiting their mechanosensing abilities and combined short-range interactions and long-range signals to enhance their survival.
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31
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Löser R, Kuchar M, Wodtke R, Neuber C, Belter B, Kopka K, Santhanam L, Pietzsch J. Lysyl Oxidases as Targets for Cancer Therapy and Diagnostic Imaging. ChemMedChem 2023; 18:e202300331. [PMID: 37565736 DOI: 10.1002/cmdc.202300331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
The understanding of the contribution of the tumour microenvironment to cancer progression and metastasis, in particular the interplay between tumour cells, fibroblasts and the extracellular matrix has grown tremendously over the last years. Lysyl oxidases are increasingly recognised as key players in this context, in addition to their function as drivers of fibrotic diseases. These insights have considerably stimulated drug discovery efforts towards lysyl oxidases as targets over the last decade. This review article summarises the biochemical and structural properties of theses enzymes. Their involvement in tumour progression and metastasis is highlighted from a biochemical point of view, taking into consideration both the extracellular and intracellular action of lysyl oxidases. More recently reported inhibitor compounds are discussed with an emphasis on their discovery, structure-activity relationships and the results of their biological characterisation. Molecular probes developed for imaging of lysyl oxidase activity are reviewed from the perspective of their detection principles, performance and biomedical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reik Löser
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Manuela Kuchar
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert Wodtke
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Christin Neuber
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Birgit Belter
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Klaus Kopka
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
| | - Lakshmi Santhanam
- Departments of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine and Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Jens Pietzsch
- Institute of Radiopharmaceutical Cancer Research Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden Rossendorf, Bautzner Landstraße 400, 01328, Dresden, Germany
- Faculty of Chemistry and Food Chemistry, School of Science, Technische Universität Dresden, Mommsenstraße 4, 01069, Dresden, Germany
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32
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Mavrogonatou E, Papadopoulou A, Pratsinis H, Kletsas D. Senescence-associated alterations in the extracellular matrix: deciphering their role in the regulation of cellular function. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C633-C647. [PMID: 37486063 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00178.2023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a dynamic structural network that provides a physical scaffolding, as well as biochemical factors that maintain normal tissue homeostasis and thus its disruption is implicated in many pathological conditions. On the other hand, senescent cells express a particular secretory phenotype, affecting the composition and organization of the surrounding ECM and modulating their microenvironment. As accumulation of senescent cells may be linked to the manifestation of several age-related conditions, senescence-associated ECM alterations may serve as targets for novel anti-aging treatment modalities. Here, we will review characteristic changes in the ECM elicited by cellular senescence and we will discuss the complex interplay between ECM and senescent cells, in relation to normal aging and selected age-associated pathologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleni Mavrogonatou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Adamantia Papadopoulou
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Harris Pratsinis
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
| | - Dimitris Kletsas
- Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Ageing, Institute of Biosciences and Applications, National Centre for Scientific Research "Demokritos," Athens, Greece
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33
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Czyrnik ED, Wiesehöfer M, Dankert JT, Wach S, Wagner M, Spahn M, Kruithof de Julio M, Wennemuth G. Stromal-epithelial interaction induces GALNT14 in prostate carcinoma cells. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1212585. [PMID: 37671061 PMCID: PMC10475991 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1212585] [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: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Cell-cell communication is an important process in healthy tissue but also gains enhanced attention regarding pathological tissue. To date, the tumor microenvironment is gradually brought into focus when studying tumorigenesis. In the prostate gland, stromal and epithelial cells greatly interact to maintain homeostasis or tissue integrity. This study focuses on an indirect communication via soluble factors. Methods To investigate the cell-cell interaction via soluble factors, the prostate carcinoma cell line LNCaP and the stromal primary cells p21 were co-cultured without direct contact and RNA was isolated at defined time points. Differences in gene expression were finally analyzed by RNA sequencing. Results RNA sequencing revealed a time-depending differential expression profile. Selected factors were subsequently characterized at molecular level and analyzed in human prostate tissue of different developmental stages as well as pathology. GALNT14 was one of the highest induced co-culture-specific genes in LNCaP cells. Detection in healthy tissue and BPH revealed an age-dependent decrease in GALNT14 expression. Moreover, in prostate carcinoma, GALNT14 expression heavily varied independent of the Gleason score. Conclusion Overall, this work provides a basis for further studies related to paracrine stromal-epithelial interaction in prostate carcinoma and highlights the importance of GALNT14.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena D. Czyrnik
- University Hospital Essen, Department of Anatomy, Essen, Germany
| | - Marc Wiesehöfer
- University Hospital Essen, Department of Anatomy, Essen, Germany
| | | | - Sven Wach
- Department of Urology and Pediatric Urology, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mathias Wagner
- University Hospital Saarland, Department of General and Special Pathology, Homburg, Germany
| | - Martin Spahn
- Lindenhofspital Bern, Department of Urology, Bern, Switzerland
- University Hospital Essen, Department of Urology, Essen, Germany
| | - Marianna Kruithof de Julio
- Department for BioMedical Research, Urology Research Laboratory, University of Bern, Bern, Switzerland
- Department of Urology, Inselspital, Bern University Hospital, Bern, Switzerland
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Pospelov AD, Kutova OM, Efremov YM, Nekrasova AA, Trushina DB, Gefter SD, Cherkasova EI, Timofeeva LB, Timashev PS, Zvyagin AV, Balalaeva IV. Breast Cancer Cell Type and Biomechanical Properties of Decellularized Mouse Organs Drives Tumor Cell Colonization. Cells 2023; 12:2030. [PMID: 37626840 PMCID: PMC10453279 DOI: 10.3390/cells12162030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/08/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Tissue engineering has emerged as an indispensable tool for the reconstruction of organ-specific environments. Organ-derived extracellular matrices (ECM) and, especially, decellularized tissues (DCL) are recognized as the most successful biomaterials in regenerative medicine, as DCL preserves the most essential organ-specific ECM properties such as composition alongside biomechanics characterized by stiffness and porosity. Expansion of the DCL technology to cancer biology research, drug development, and nanomedicine is pending refinement of the existing DCL protocols whose reproducibility remains sub-optimal varying from organ to organ. We introduce a facile decellularization protocol universally applicable to murine organs, including liver, lungs, spleen, kidneys, and ovaries, with demonstrated robustness, reproducibility, high purification from cell debris, and architecture preservation, as confirmed by the histological and SEM analysis. The biomechanical properties of as-produced DCL organs expressed in terms of the local and total stiffness were measured using our facile methodology and were found well preserved in comparison with the intact organs. To demonstrate the utility of the developed DCL model to cancer research, we engineered three-dimensional tissue constructs by recellularization representative decellularized organs and collagenous hydrogel with human breast cancer cells of pronounced mesenchymal (MDA-MB-231) or epithelial (SKBR-3) phenotypes. The biomechanical properties of the DCL organs were found pivotal to determining the cancer cell fate and progression. Our histological and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) study revealed that the larger the ECM mean pore size and the smaller the total stiffness (as in lung and ovary), the more proliferative and invasive the mesenchymal cells became. At the same time, the low local stiffness ECMs (ranged 2.8-3.6 kPa) did support the epithelial-like SKBR-3 cells' viability (as in lung and spleen), while stiff ECMs did not. The total and local stiffness of the collagenous hydrogel was measured too low to sustain the proliferative potential of both cell lines. The observed cell proliferation patterns were easily interpretable in terms of the ECM biomechanical properties, such as binding sites, embedment facilities, and migration space. As such, our three-dimensional tissue engineering model is scalable and adaptable for pharmacological testing and cancer biology research of metastatic and primary tumors, including early metastatic colonization in native organ-specific ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anton D. Pospelov
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
| | - Olga M. Kutova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Yuri M. Efremov
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
| | - Albina A. Nekrasova
- Institute for Regenerative Medicine, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia; (Y.M.E.); (A.A.N.)
- Phystech School of Biological and Medical Physics, Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology, Dolgoprudny 141701, Russia
| | - Daria B. Trushina
- Federal Research Center Crystallography and Photonics, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow 119991, Russia;
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
| | - Sofia D. Gefter
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Elena I. Cherkasova
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
| | - Lidia B. Timofeeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1, Minin and Pozharsky Sq., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia
| | - Peter S. Timashev
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya, 16/10, Moscow 117997, Russia;
- Chemistry Department, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Leninskiye Gory 1–3, Moscow 119991, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Andrei V. Zvyagin
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
- Institute of Molecular Theranostics, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119435, Russia
- Laboratory of Clinical Smart Nanotechnology, Sechenov University, Moscow 117418, Russia
| | - Irina V. Balalaeva
- Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, 23 Gagarin Ave., Nizhny Novgorod 603950, Russia; (A.D.P.); (O.M.K.); (S.D.G.); (E.I.C.); (L.B.T.); (A.V.Z.)
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Du W, Zhu J, Wu Y, Kiemen AL, Sun SX, Wirtz D. Mechano-induced homotypic patterned domain formation by monocytes. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.07.27.550819. [PMID: 37546904 PMCID: PMC10402173 DOI: 10.1101/2023.07.27.550819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/08/2023]
Abstract
Matrix stiffness and corresponding mechano-signaling play indispensable roles in cellular phenotypes and functions. How tissue stiffness influences the behavior of monocytes, a major circulating leukocyte of the innate system, and how it may promote the emergence of collective cell behavior is less understood. Here, using tunable collagen-coated hydrogels of physiological stiffness, we show that human primary monocytes undergo a dynamic local phase separation to form highly patterned multicellular multi-layered domains on soft matrix. Local activation of the β2 integrin initiates inter-cellular adhesion, while global soluble inhibitory factors maintain the steady-state domain pattern over days. Patterned domain formation generated by monocytes is unique among other key immune cells, including macrophages, B cells, T cells, and NK cells. While inhibiting their phagocytic capability, domain formation promotes monocytes' survival. We develop a computational model based on the Cahn-Hilliard equation, which includes combined local activation and global inhibition mechanisms of intercellular adhesion suggested by our experiments, and provides experimentally validated predictions of the role of seeding density and both chemotactic and random cell migration on pattern formation.
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Park JYC, King A, Björk V, English BW, Fedintsev A, Ewald CY. Strategic outline of interventions targeting extracellular matrix for promoting healthy longevity. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 325:C90-C128. [PMID: 37154490 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00060.2023] [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: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM), composed of interlinked proteins outside of cells, is an important component of the human body that helps maintain tissue architecture and cellular homeostasis. As people age, the ECM undergoes changes that can lead to age-related morbidity and mortality. Despite its importance, ECM aging remains understudied in the field of geroscience. In this review, we discuss the core concepts of ECM integrity, outline the age-related challenges and subsequent pathologies and diseases, summarize diagnostic methods detecting a faulty ECM, and provide strategies targeting ECM homeostasis. To conceptualize this, we built a technology research tree to hierarchically visualize possible research sequences for studying ECM aging. This strategic framework will hopefully facilitate the development of future research on interventions to restore ECM integrity, which could potentially lead to the development of new drugs or therapeutic interventions promoting health during aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ji Young Cecilia Park
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
| | - Aaron King
- Foresight Institute, San Francisco, California, United States
| | | | - Bradley W English
- Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, United States
| | | | - Collin Y Ewald
- Laboratory of Extracellular Matrix Regeneration, Institute of Translational Medicine, Department of Health Sciences and Technology, ETH Zürich, Schwerzenbach, Switzerland
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Antonelli F. 3D Cell Models in Radiobiology: Improving the Predictive Value of In Vitro Research. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:10620. [PMID: 37445795 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241310620] [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: 05/26/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is intrinsically complex, comprising both heterogeneous cellular composition and extracellular matrix. In vitro cancer research models have been widely used in the past to model and study cancer. Although two-dimensional (2D) cell culture models have traditionally been used for cancer research, they have many limitations, such as the disturbance of interactions between cellular and extracellular environments and changes in cell morphology, polarity, division mechanism, differentiation and cell motion. Moreover, 2D cell models are usually monotypic. This implies that 2D tumor models are ineffective at accurately recapitulating complex aspects of tumor cell growth, as well as their radiation responses. Over the past decade there has been significant uptake of three-dimensional (3D) in vitro models by cancer researchers, highlighting a complementary model for studies of radiation effects on tumors, especially in conjunction with chemotherapy. The introduction of 3D cell culture approaches aims to model in vivo tissue interactions with radiation by positioning itself halfway between 2D cell and animal models, and thus opening up new possibilities in the study of radiation response mechanisms of healthy and tumor tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Antonelli
- Laboratory of Biomedical Technologies, Division of Health Protection Technologies, Agenzia Nazionale per le Nuove Tecnologie, l'Energia e lo Sviluppo Economico Sostenibile (ENEA), 00123 Rome, Italy
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Patras L, Paul D, Matei IR. Weaving the nest: extracellular matrix roles in pre-metastatic niche formation. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1163786. [PMID: 37350937 PMCID: PMC10282420 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1163786] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery that primary tumors condition distant organ sites of future metastasis for seeding by disseminating tumor cells through a process described as the pre-metastatic niche (PMN) formation revolutionized our understanding of cancer progression and opened new avenues for therapeutic interventions. Given the inherent inefficiency of metastasis, PMN generation is crucial to ensure the survival of rare tumor cells in the otherwise hostile environments of metastatic organs. Early on, it was recognized that preparing the "soil" of the distal organ to support the outgrowth of metastatic cells is the initiating event in PMN development, achieved through the remodeling of the organ's extracellular matrix (ECM). Remote restructuring of ECM at future sites of metastasis under the influence of primary tumor-secreted factors is an iterative process orchestrated through the crosstalk between resident stromal cells, such as fibroblasts, epithelial and endothelial cells, and recruited innate immune cells. In this review, we will explore the ECM changes, cellular effectors, and the mechanisms of ECM remodeling throughout PMN progression, as well as its impact on shaping the PMN and ultimately promoting metastasis. Moreover, we highlight the clinical and translational implications of PMN ECM changes and opportunities for therapeutically targeting the ECM to hinder PMN formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Patras
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Doru Paul
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
| | - Irina R. Matei
- Children’s Cancer and Blood Foundation Laboratories, Department of Pediatrics, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Drukier Institute for Children’s Health, Meyer Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, United States
- Department of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Center of Systems Biology, Biodiversity and Bioresources, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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Ricci C, Azimi B, Panariello L, Antognoli B, Cecchini B, Rovelli R, Rustembek M, Cinelli P, Milazzo M, Danti S, Lazzeri A. Assessment of Electrospun Poly(ε-caprolactone) and Poly(lactic acid) Fiber Scaffolds to Generate 3D In Vitro Models of Colorectal Adenocarcinoma: A Preliminary Study. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119443. [PMID: 37298394 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Three-dimensional scaffold-based culture has been increasingly gaining influence in oncology as a therapeutic strategy for tumors with a high relapse percentage. This study aims to evaluate electrospun poly(ε-caprolactone) (PCL) and poly(lactic acid) (PLA) scaffolds to create a 3D model of colorectal adenocarcinoma. Specifically, the physico-mechanical and morphological properties of PCL and PLA electrospun fiber meshes collected at different drum velocities, i.e., 500 rpm, 1000 rpm and 2500 rpm, were assessed. Fiber size, mesh porosity, pore size distribution, water contact angle and tensile mechanical properties were investigated. Caco-2 cells were cultured on the produced PCL and PLA scaffolds for 7 days, demonstrating good cell viability and metabolic activity in all the scaffolds. A cross-analysis of the cell-scaffold interactions with morphological, mechanical and surface characterizations of the different electrospun fiber meshes was carried out, showing an opposite trend of cell metabolic activity in PLA and PCL scaffolds regardless of the fiber alignment, which increased in PLA and decreased in PCL. The best samples for Caco-2 cell culture were PCL500 (randomly oriented fibers) and PLA2500 (aligned fibers). Caco-2 cells had the highest metabolic activity in these scaffolds, with Young's moduli in the range of 8.6-21.9 MPa. PCL500 showed Young's modulus and strain at break close to those of the large intestine. Advancements in 3D in vitro models of colorectal adenocarcinoma could move forward the development of therapies for this cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Ricci
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Bahareh Azimi
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Luca Panariello
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Benedetta Antognoli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Beatrice Cecchini
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Roberta Rovelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Meruyert Rustembek
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Patrizia Cinelli
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Mario Milazzo
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Serena Danti
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
| | - Andrea Lazzeri
- Department of Civil and Industrial Engineering, University of Pisa, Largo L. Lazzarino 2, 56126 Pisa, Italy
- Centre for Instrumentation Sharing of University of Pisa (CISUP), Lungarno Pacinotti 43/44, 56126 Pisa, Italy
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Bryniarska-Kubiak N, Kubiak A, Trojan E, Wesołowska J, Lekka M, Basta-Kaim A. Oxygen-Glucose Deprivation in Organotypic Hippocampal Cultures Leads to Cytoskeleton Rearrangement and Immune Activation: Link to the Potential Pathomechanism of Ischaemic Stroke. Cells 2023; 12:1465. [PMID: 37296586 PMCID: PMC10252361 DOI: 10.3390/cells12111465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Revised: 05/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Ischaemic stroke is characterized by a sudden loss of blood circulation to an area of the brain, resulting in a corresponding loss of neurologic function. As a result of this process, neurons in the ischaemic core are deprived of oxygen and trophic substances and are consequently destroyed. Tissue damage in brain ischaemia results from a complex pathophysiological cascade comprising various distinct pathological events. Ischaemia leads to brain damage by stimulating many processes, such as excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, acidotoxicity, and apoptosis. Nevertheless, less attention has been given to biophysical factors, including the organization of the cytoskeleton and the mechanical properties of cells. Therefore, in the present study, we sought to evaluate whether the oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) procedure, which is a commonly accepted experimental model of ischaemia, could affect cytoskeleton organization and the paracrine immune response. The abovementioned aspects were examined ex vivo in organotypic hippocampal cultures (OHCs) subjected to the OGD procedure. We measured cell death/viability, nitric oxide (NO) release, and hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α) levels. Next, the impact of the OGD procedure on cytoskeletal organization was evaluated using combined confocal fluorescence microscopy (CFM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). Concurrently, to find whether there is a correlation between biophysical properties and the immune response, we examined the impact of OGD on the levels of crucial ischaemia cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, IL-10, IL-4) and chemokines (CCL3, CCL5, CXCL10) in OHCs and calculated Pearsons' and Spearman's rank correlation coefficients. The results of the current study demonstrated that the OGD procedure intensified cell death and nitric oxide release and led to the potentiation of HIF-1α release in OHCs. Moreover, we presented significant disturbances in the organization of the cytoskeleton (actin fibers, microtubular network) and cytoskeleton-associated protein 2 (MAP-2), which is a neuronal marker. Simultaneously, our study provided new evidence that the OGD procedure leads to the stiffening of OHCs and a malfunction in immune homeostasis. A negative linear correlation between tissue stiffness and branched IBA1 positive cells after the OGD procedure suggests the pro-inflammatory polarization of microglia. Moreover, the negative correlation of pro- and positive anti-inflammatory factors with actin fibers density indicates an opposing effect of the immune mediators on the rearrangement of cytoskeleton induced by OGD procedure in OHCs. Our study constitutes a basis for further research and provides a rationale for integrating biomechanical and biochemical methods in studying the pathomechanism of stroke-related brain damage. Furthermore, presented data pointed out the interesting direction of proof-of-concept studies, in which follow-up may establish new targets for brain ischemia therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Natalia Bryniarska-Kubiak
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Andrzej Kubiak
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
- Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, Faculty of Biochemistry, Biophysics and Biotechnology, Jagiellonian University, 7 Gronostajowa St., 30-387 Kraków, Poland
| | - Ewa Trojan
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Julita Wesołowska
- Laboratory for In Vivo and In Vitro Imaging, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
| | - Małgorzata Lekka
- Department of Biophysical Microstructures, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Polish Academy of Sciences, 152 Radzikowskiego St., 31-342 Kraków, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Basta-Kaim
- Laboratory of Immunoendocrinology, Department of Experimental Neuroendocrinology, Maj Institute of Pharmacology, Polish Academy of Sciences, 12 Smętna St., 31-343 Kraków, Poland
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Park S, Chien AL, Brown ID, Chen J. Characterizing viscoelastic properties of human melanoma tissue using Prony series. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2023; 11:1162880. [PMID: 37091343 PMCID: PMC10117758 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2023.1162880] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the most invasive and deadly skin cancer, which causes most of the deaths from skin cancer. It has been demonstrated that the mechanical properties of tumor tissue are significantly altered. However, data about characterizing the mechanical properties of in vivo melanoma tissue are extremely scarce. In addition, the viscoelastic or viscous properties of melanoma tissue are rarely reported. In this study, we measured and quantitated the viscoelastic properties of human melanoma tissues based on the stress relaxation test, using the indentation-based mechanical analyzer that we developed previously. The melanoma tissues from eight patients of different ages (57–95), genders (male and female patients), races (White and Asian), and sites (nose, arm, shoulder, and chest) were excised and tested. The results showed that the elastic property (i.e., shear modulus) of melanoma tissue was elevated compared to normal tissue, while the viscous property (i.e., relaxation time) was reduced. Moreover, the tissue thickness had a significant impact on the viscoelastic properties, probably due to the amount of the adipose layer. Our findings provide new insights into the role of the viscous and elastic properties of melanoma cell mechanics, which may be implicated in the disease state and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seungman Park
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- Institute for NanoBio Technology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
- *Correspondence: Seungman Park,
| | - Anna L. Chien
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Isabelle D. Brown
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Jingchun Chen
- Nevada Institute of Personalized Medicine, University of Nevada, Las Vegas, NV, United States
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Wieder R. Fibroblasts as Turned Agents in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15072014. [PMID: 37046676 PMCID: PMC10093070 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15072014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 03/19/2023] [Accepted: 03/23/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Differentiated epithelial cells reside in the homeostatic microenvironment of the native organ stroma. The stroma supports their normal function, their G0 differentiated state, and their expansion/contraction through the various stages of the life cycle and physiologic functions of the host. When malignant transformation begins, the microenvironment tries to suppress and eliminate the transformed cells, while cancer cells, in turn, try to resist these suppressive efforts. The tumor microenvironment encompasses a large variety of cell types recruited by the tumor to perform different functions, among which fibroblasts are the most abundant. The dynamics of the mutual relationship change as the sides undertake an epic battle for control of the other. In the process, the cancer “wounds” the microenvironment through a variety of mechanisms and attracts distant mesenchymal stem cells to change their function from one attempting to suppress the cancer, to one that supports its growth, survival, and metastasis. Analogous reciprocal interactions occur as well between disseminated cancer cells and the metastatic microenvironment, where the microenvironment attempts to eliminate cancer cells or suppress their proliferation. However, the altered microenvironmental cells acquire novel characteristics that support malignant progression. Investigations have attempted to use these traits as targets of novel therapeutic approaches.
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Yoon H, Seo JK, Park TE. Microphysiological system recapitulating the pathophysiology of adipose tissue in obesity. Acta Biomater 2023; 159:188-200. [PMID: 36724863 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2023.01.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
A growing body of evidence has indicated that white adipose tissue (AT) remodeling is a major trigger for obesity-associated metabolic complications. However, the scarcity of translational models is an obstacle to the development of medicines that act on adipose restoration. Here, we describe a microphysiological system (MPS) that emulates the unique features of reprogrammed AT as a new in vitro tool for studying AT pathophysiology in obesity. The AT MPS contained mature adipocytes embedded in an extracellular matrix (ECM) hydrogel interfaced with AT microvascular endothelium, which was constantly perfused with fresh media. The unique biochemical signals due to the remodeled ECM in obesity were recapitulated using a decellularized AT ECM (AT dECM) hydrogel, which preserves the features of altered ECM composition in obesity. The mature adipocytes embedded in the AT dECM hydrogel maintained their function and morphology for a week without dedifferentiation. Using the AT MPS, we successfully modeled inflammation-induced AT microvascular dysfunction, the recruitment of immune cells due to the upregulation of cell adhesion molecules, and higher cancer cell adhesion as an indicator of metastasis, which are observed in obese individuals. The AT MPS may therefore represent a promising platform for understanding the dynamic cellular interplay in obesity-induced AT remodeling and validating the efficacy of drugs targeting AT in obesity. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: The lack of translational in vitro white adipose tissue (AT) models is one of the main obstacles for understanding the obesity-induced reprogramming and the development of medicines. We report herein the AT microphysiological system (MPS), which recapitulates obesity and normal conditions and yields cell- and AT dECM-derived signals, thereby allowing accurate comparative in vitro analyses. Using the AT MPS, we successfully modeled reprogrammed AT in obesity conditions, including inflammation-induced AT vascular dysfunction, the recruitment of immune cells, and higher cancer cell metastasis, which are observed in obese individuals. Our proposed adipose tissue model providing physiological relevance and complexity may therefore enhance the understanding of obesity-associated disorders and be used to investigate their underlying molecular mechanisms to develop pharmacologic treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heejeong Yoon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeong Kon Seo
- UNIST Central Research Facilities (UCRF), Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae-Eun Park
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Information and Biotechnology, Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST), Ulsan 44919, Republic of Korea.
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de Visser KE, Joyce JA. The evolving tumor microenvironment: From cancer initiation to metastatic outgrowth. Cancer Cell 2023; 41:374-403. [PMID: 36917948 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2023.02.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 457] [Impact Index Per Article: 457.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Revised: 01/28/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2023]
Abstract
Cancers represent complex ecosystems comprising tumor cells and a multitude of non-cancerous cells, embedded in an altered extracellular matrix. The tumor microenvironment (TME) includes diverse immune cell types, cancer-associated fibroblasts, endothelial cells, pericytes, and various additional tissue-resident cell types. These host cells were once considered bystanders of tumorigenesis but are now known to play critical roles in the pathogenesis of cancer. The cellular composition and functional state of the TME can differ extensively depending on the organ in which the tumor arises, the intrinsic features of cancer cells, the tumor stage, and patient characteristics. Here, we review the importance of the TME in each stage of cancer progression, from tumor initiation, progression, invasion, and intravasation to metastatic dissemination and outgrowth. Understanding the complex interplay between tumor cell-intrinsic, cell-extrinsic, and systemic mediators of disease progression is critical for the rational development of effective anti-cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karin E de Visser
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, 1066 CX Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Department of Immunology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZA Leiden, the Netherlands.
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, University of Lausanne, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Cancer Center Lausanne, and Swiss Cancer Center Léman, 1011 Lausanne, Switzerland.
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Essa A, Essa ES, El-deeb SM, Seleem HEM, Al Sahlawi M, Al-Omair OA, Shehab-Eldeen S. Elevated Serum Vinculin in Patients with HBV/HCV-Associated Liver Cirrhosis and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Pilot Study. Biologics 2023; 17:23-32. [PMID: 36969330 PMCID: PMC10035354 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s405500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 03/20/2023]
Abstract
Background The stiffness of the extracellular matrix (ECM) controls many cellular processes, such as migration and differentiation. Cells detect stiffness through adhesion structures termed focal adhesions (FAs). Vinculin, an actin-binding FA protein, plays a pivotal role in FA-mediated mechanotransduction. Aim This study aimed to explore the role of vinculin in the development of HBV/HCV-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Methods Vinculin levels in a total number of 100 serum samples from patients with HBV/HCV-induced liver cirrhosis and HCC, as well as healthy controls, were analyzed using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Results In patients with HCC and liver cirrhosis, the serum vinculin levels were significantly greater than in controls (503.8±242.2 and 728.4±1044.8 vs 77.7±36.1 respectively, p<0.001). However, results showed no link between serum vinculin and the clinicopathological features of HCC. Conclusion Patients with HBVor HCV-induced liver cirrhosis and HCC have significantly higher serum levels of vinculin than do controls. This might point to a potential role for vinculin in the development of HCC. More research into how this protein affects the development of HCC at the molecular level could lead to better clinical treatments and the development of new molecular therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdallah Essa
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Enas Said Essa
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | - Sara Mahmoud El-deeb
- Clinical Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
| | | | - Muthana Al Sahlawi
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Omar Ahmed Al-Omair
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Somaia Shehab-Eldeen
- Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin Elkom, Egypt
- Internal Medicine Department, College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
- Correspondence: Somaia Shehab-Eldeen, Tropical Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Yassen Abd Al Ghafar Street, Shebin Elkom, Menoufia Governorate, 32511, Egypt, Tel +201117251523, Email
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Onishi K, Ishihara S, Takahashi M, Sakai A, Enomoto A, Suzuki K, Haga H. Substrate stiffness induces nuclear localization of myosin regulatory light chain to suppress apoptosis. FEBS Lett 2023; 597:643-656. [PMID: 36723402 DOI: 10.1002/1873-3468.14592] [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: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 12/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Stiffness of the extracellular matrix regulates various biological responses, but the response mechanisms are poorly understood. Here, we found that the nuclear diphosphorylated myosin regulatory light chain (2P-MRLC) is a critical mechanomediator that suppresses apoptosis in response to substrate stiffness. Stiff substrates promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC. Zipper-interacting protein kinase [ZIPK; also known as death-associated protein kinase 3 (DAPK3)], a kinase for MRLC, was localized in the nucleus in response to stiff substrates and promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC. Moreover, actin fiber formation induced by substrate stiffness promoted the nuclear localization of 2P-MRLC via ZIPK. 2P-MRLC in response to substrate stiffness suppressed the expression of MAF bZIP transcription factor B (MafB) and repressed apoptosis. These findings reveal a newly identified role of MRLC in mechanotransduction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katsuya Onishi
- Division of Soft Matter, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Seiichiro Ishihara
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Masayuki Takahashi
- Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
| | - Akihiro Sakai
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Atsushi Enomoto
- Department of Pathology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Japan
| | - Kentaro Suzuki
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Institute of Advanced Medicine, Wakayama Medical University, Japan
| | - Hisashi Haga
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, Sapporo, Japan
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Shou Y, Teo XY, Li X, Zhicheng L, Liu L, Sun X, Jonhson W, Ding J, Lim CT, Tay A. Dynamic Magneto-Softening of 3D Hydrogel Reverses Malignant Transformation of Cancer Cells and Enhances Drug Efficacy. ACS NANO 2023; 17:2851-2867. [PMID: 36633150 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.2c11278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
High extracellular matrix stiffness is a prominent feature of malignant tumors associated with poor clinical prognosis. To elucidate mechanistic connections between increased matrix stiffness and tumor progression, a variety of hydrogel scaffolds with dynamic changes in stiffness have been developed. These approaches, however, are not biocompatible at high temperature, strong irradiation, and acidic/basic pH, often lack reversibility (can only stiffen and not soften), and do not allow study on the same cell population longitudinally. In this work, we develop a dynamic 3D magnetic hydrogel whose matrix stiffness can be wirelessly and reversibly stiffened and softened multiple times with different rates of change using an external magnet. With this platform, we found that matrix stiffness increased tumor malignancy including denser cell organization, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and hypoxia. More interestingly, these malignant transformations could be halted or reversed with matrix softening (i.e., mechanical rescue), to potentiate drug efficacy attributing to reduced solid stress from matrix and downregulation of cell mechano-transductors including YAP1. We propose that our platform can be used to deepen understanding of the impact of matrix softening on cancer biology, an important but rarely studied phenomenon.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Shou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Xin Yong Teo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Xianlei Li
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Le Zhicheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Ling Liu
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
| | - Xinhong Sun
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
| | - Win Jonhson
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Jun Ding
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117575, Singapore
| | - Chwee Teck Lim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- Mechanobiology Institute, National University of Singapore, 117411, Singapore
| | - Andy Tay
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, National University of Singapore, 117583, Singapore
- Institute for Health Innovation & Technology, National University of Singapore, 117599, Singapore
- NUS Tissue Engineering Program, National University of Singapore, 117510, Singapore
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Ishihara S, Kurosawa H, Haga H. Stiffness-Modulation of Collagen Gels by Genipin-Crosslinking for Cell Culture. Gels 2023; 9:gels9020148. [PMID: 36826318 PMCID: PMC9957210 DOI: 10.3390/gels9020148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The stiffness of extracellular matrices (ECMs) is critical for cellular functions. Therefore, modulating the stiffness of ECMs in vitro is necessary to investigate the role of stiffness in cellular phenomena. Collagen gels are widely used for cell culture matrices in vitro. However, modulation of the stiffness in collagen gels for cell culture is challenging owing to the limited knowledge of the method to increase the stiffness while maintaining low cytotoxicity. Here, we established a novel method to modulate collagen gel stiffness from 0.0292 to 12.5 kPa with low cytotoxicity. We prepared collagens with genipin, a low-cytotoxic crosslinker of amines, at different concentrations and successfully modulated the stiffness of the gels. In addition, on 10 mM genipin-mixed collagen gels (approximately 12.5 kPa), H1299 human lung cancer cells showed spreading morphology and nuclear localization of yes-associated protein (YAP), typical phenomena of cells on stiff ECMs. Mouse mesenchymal stromal cells on 10 mM genipin-mixed collagen gels differentiated to vascular smooth muscle cells. On the other hand, the cells on 0 mM genipin-mixed collagen gels (approximately 0.0292 kPa) differentiated to visceral smooth muscle cells. Our new method provides a novel way to prepare stiffness-modulated collagen gels with low cytotoxicity in cell culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seiichiro Ishihara
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (H.H.)
| | - Haruna Kurosawa
- Division of Soft Matter, Graduate School of Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
| | - Hisashi Haga
- Department of Advanced Transdisciplinary Sciences, Faculty of Advanced Life Science, Hokkaido University, N10-W8, Kita-ku, Sapporo 060-0810, Japan
- Correspondence: (S.I.); (H.H.)
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Sen C, Koloff C, Kundu S, Wilkinson DC, Yang J, Shia DW, Meneses LK, Rickabaugh TM, Gomperts BN. Small cell lung cancer co-culture organoids provide insights into cancer cell survival after chemotherapy. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.01.03.522668. [PMID: 36711908 PMCID: PMC9881945 DOI: 10.1101/2023.01.03.522668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Small-cell-lung-cancer (SCLC) has the worst prognosis of all lung cancers because of a high incidence of relapse after therapy. We developed a bioengineered 3-dimensional (3D) SCLC co-culture organoid as a phenotypic tool to study SCLC tumor kinetics and SCLC-fibroblast interactions during relapse. We used functionalized alginate microbeads as a scaffold to mimic lung alveolar architecture and co-cultured SCLC cell lines with primary adult lung fibroblasts (ALF). We found that SCLCs in the model proliferated extensively, invaded the microbead scaffold and formed tumors within just 7 days. We compared the bioengineered tumors with patient tumors and found them to recapitulate the pathology and immunophenotyping of the patient tumors better than the PDX model developed from the same SCLC cell line. When treated with standard chemotherapy drugs, etoposide and cisplatin, the organoid recapitulated relapse after chemotherapy. Co-culture of the SCLC cells with ALFs revealed that the fibroblasts play a key role in inducing faster and more robust SCLC cell regrowth in the model. This was a paracrine effect as conditioned medium from the same fibroblasts was responsible for this accelerated cell regrowth. This model is also amenable to high throughput phenotypic or targeted drug screening to find new therapeutics for SCLC.
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Ning Y, Lin K, Fang J, Ding Y, Zhang Z, Chen X, Zhao Q, Wang H, Wang F. Gastrointestinal pan-cancer landscape of tumor matrix heterogeneity identifies biologically distinct matrix stiffness subtypes predicting prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2744-2758. [PMID: 37181656 PMCID: PMC10173364 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a heterogeneous group of primary solid tumors, arising in GI tract from the esophagus to rectum. Matrix stiffness (MS) is a critical physical factor for cancer progression; however, its importance in tumor progression remains to be comprehensively recognized. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of MS subtypes across seven GI-cancer types. Using unsupervised clustering based on literature-derived MS-specific pathway signatures, the GI-tumor samples were divided into three MS subtypes, termed as the Soft, Mixed and Stiff. Then, distinct prognoses, biological features, tumor microenvironments and mutation landscapes among three MS subtypes were revealed. The Stiff tumor subtype was associated with the poorest prognosis, the most malignant biological behaviors, and the immunosuppressive tumor stromal microenvironment. Furthermore, multiple machine learning algorithms were used to develop an 11-gene MS-signature to identify the MS subtypes of GI-caner and predict chemotherapy sensitivity, which were further validated in two external GI-cancer cohorts. This novel MS-based classification on GI-cancers could enhance our understanding of the important role of MS in tumor progression, and may have implications for the optimization of individualized cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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