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Fang L, Li D, Yin J, Pan H, Ye H, Bowman J, Capaldo B, Kelly K. TMPRSS2-ERG promotes the initiation of prostate cancer by suppressing oncogene-induced senescence. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1463-1476. [PMID: 35393570 PMCID: PMC9537368 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00454-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
ERG translocations are commonly involved in the initiation of prostate neoplasia, yet previous experimental approaches have not addressed mechanisms of oncogenic inception. Here, in a genetically engineered mouse model, combining TMPRSS2-driven ERG with KrasG12D led to invasive prostate adenocarcinomas, while ERG or KrasG12D alone were non-oncogenic. In primary prostate luminal epithelial cells, following inducible oncogenic Kras expression or Pten depletion, TMPRSS2-ERG suppressed oncogene-induced senescence, independent of TP53 induction and RB1 inhibition. Oncogenic KRAS and TMPRSS2-ERG synergized to promote tumorigenesis and metastasis of primary luminal cells. The presence of TMPRSS2-ERG compared to a wild-type background was associated with a stemness phenotype and with relatively increased RAS-induced differential gene expression for MYC and mTOR-regulated pathways, including protein translation and lipogenesis. In addition, mTOR inhibitors abrogated ERG-dependent senescence resistance. These studies reveal a previously unappreciated function whereby ERG expression primes preneoplastic cells for the accumulation of additional gene mutations by suppression of oncogene-induced senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Fang
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dongmei Li
- Immunology and Reproduction Biology Laboratory & State Key Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry for Life Science, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, P. R. China
| | - JuanJuan Yin
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hong Pan
- Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, P. R. China
| | - Huihui Ye
- Department of Pathology and Department of Urology, University of California Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Joel Bowman
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Brian Capaldo
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Kathleen Kelly
- Laboratory of Genitourinary Cancer Pathogenesis, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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2
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Xu Y, Mu J, Zhou Z, Leng Y, Yu Y, Song X, Liu A, Zhu H, Li J, Wang D. Expansion of mouse castration-resistant intermediate prostate stem cells in vitro. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:299. [PMID: 35841025 PMCID: PMC9284701 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-02978-x] [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: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Most castration-resistant prostate cancers (CRPCs) have a luminal phenotype with high androgen receptor (AR) and prostate-specific antigen (PSA) expression. Currently, it is difficult to culture castration-resistant luminal cells with AR and PSA expression. Methods We formulated a custom-made medium and isolated primary cells from the prostate of adult wild-type (WT) and TRAMP mice. The cells were characterized by immunofluorescence staining, transcriptomic analysis, and qRT-PCR verification. Their self-renewal and differentiation potential in vitro and in vivo were examined. We treated the cells with androgen deprivation and enzalutamide and performed immunofluorescence staining and western blotting to analyze their expression of AR and PSA. Results We isolated a novel type of castration-resistant intermediate prostate stem cells (CRIPSCs) from adult WT and TRAMP mice. The mouse CRIPSCs proliferated rapidly in two-dimensional (2D) culture dishes and can be cultured for more than six months. The mouse CRIPSCs expressed luminal markers (AR, PSA, and Dsg4), basal markers (CK5 and p63), Psca, and the intermediate cell marker (Ivl). Transcriptomic analysis showed that the mouse CRIPSCs had upregulated signaling pathways related to cancer development and drug resistance. In the long-term culture, TRAMP CRIPSCs had higher expression of the genes related to stem cells and cancers than WT mice. Both WT and TRAMP CRIPSCs formed organoids in Matrigel. WT CRIPSCs did not form prostate tissues when transplanted in vivo without urogenital sinus mesenchyme (UGM) cells. In contrast, TRAMP CRIPSCs formed prostate ducts in NOG mice without UGM cells and differentiated into luminal, basal, and neuroendocrine cells. Androgens regulated AR translocation between the nucleus and cytoplasm in the mouse CRIPSCs. Treatment of androgen deprivation (ADT) and enzalutamide reduced AR expression in WT and TRAMP CRIPSCs; however, this treatment promoted PSA expression in TRAMP, while not WT CRIPSCs, similar to the clinical observations of CRPC. Conclusions Our study established a method for isolating and expanding mouse CRIPSCs in 2D culture dishes. Mouse CRIPSCs had markers of basal and luminal cells, including AR and PSA, and can differentiate into prostate organoids and tissues. TRAMP CRIPSCs had elevated PSA expression upon ADT and enzalutamide treatment. Our method can be translated into clinical settings for CRPC precision medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yalan Xu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Jie Mu
- College of Life Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Medical College, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Zhixia Zhou
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yu Leng
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Yali Yu
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Xiuyue Song
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.,School of Basic Medicine, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China
| | - Aihua Liu
- College of Life Sciences, and School of Pharmacy, Medical College, Qingdao University, 308 Ningxia Road, Qingdao, 266071, China
| | - Hai Zhu
- Department of Urology, Qingdao Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266011, China.
| | - Jing Li
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
| | - Dong Wang
- Institute for Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Medical College, Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266021, China.
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3
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Rye MB, Krossa S, Hall M, van Mourik C, Bathen TF, Drabløs F, Tessem MB, Bertilsson H. The genes controlling normal function of citrate and spermine secretion are lost in aggressive prostate cancer and prostate model systems. iScience 2022; 25:104451. [PMID: 35707723 PMCID: PMC9189124 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104451] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2022] [Revised: 04/12/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
High secretion of the metabolites citrate and spermine is a unique hallmark for normal prostate epithelial cells, and is reduced in aggressive prostate cancer. However, the identity of the genes controlling this biological process is mostly unknown. In this study, we have created a gene signature of 150 genes connected to citrate and spermine secretion in the prostate. We have computationally integrated metabolic measurements with multiple transcriptomics datasets from the public domain, including 3826 tissue samples from prostate and prostate cancer. The accuracy of the signature is validated by its unique enrichment in prostate samples and prostate epithelial tissue compartments. The signature highlights genes AZGP1, ANPEP and metallothioneins with zinc-binding properties not previously studied in the prostate, and the expression of these genes are reduced in more aggressive cancer lesions. However, the absence of signature enrichment in common prostate model systems can make it challenging to study these genes mechanistically. Novel 150 gene signature reflecting prostatic citrate and spermine secretion Identified several zinc-binding proteins not previously investigated in the prostate The signature is absent in prostate model systems
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Affiliation(s)
- Morten Beck Rye
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Surgery, St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Laboratory Medicine, St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway.,BioCore - Bioinformatics Core Facility, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - Sebastian Krossa
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Martina Hall
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.,K. G. Jebsen Center for Genetic Epidemiology, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Casper van Mourik
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.,Institute for Life Science & Technology, Hanze University of Applied Sciences, 9747 AS Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Tone F Bathen
- Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Finn Drabløs
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway
| | - May-Britt Tessem
- Clinic of Surgery, St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway.,Department of Circulation and Medical Imaging, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Helena Bertilsson
- Department of Clinical and Molecular Medicine, NTNU - Norwegian University of Science and Technology, P.O. Box 8905, 7491 Trondheim, Norway.,Clinic of Surgery, St.Olavs Hospital, Trondheim University Hospital, 7030 Trondheim, Norway
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4
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Cellular plasticity upon proton irradiation determines tumor cell radiosensitivity. Cell Rep 2022; 38:110422. [PMID: 35196495 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.110422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Proton radiotherapy has been implemented into the standard-of-care for cancer patients within recent years. However, experimental studies investigating cellular and molecular mechanisms are lacking, and prognostic biomarkers are needed. Cancer stem cell (CSC)-related biomarkers, such as aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), are known to influence cellular radiosensitivity through inactivation of reactive oxygen species, DNA damage repair, and cell death. In a previous study, we found that ionizing radiation itself enriches for ALDH-positive CSCs. In this study, we analyze CSC marker dynamics in prostate cancer, head and neck cancer, and glioblastoma cells upon proton beam irradiation. We find that proton irradiation has a higher potential to target CSCs through induction of complex DNA damages, lower rates of cellular senescence, and minor alteration in histone methylation pattern compared with conventional photon irradiation. Mathematical modeling indicates differences in plasticity rates among ALDH-positive CSCs and ALDH-negative cancer cells between the two irradiation types.
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5
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Schwarz FM, Schniewind I, Besso MJ, Lange S, Linge A, Patil SG, Löck S, Klusa D, Dietrich A, Voss-Böhme A, Nowrouzi A, Krause M, Dubrovska A, Kurth I, Peitzsch C. Plasticity within aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive cells determines prostate cancer radiosensitivity. Mol Cancer Res 2022; 20:794-809. [PMID: 35135863 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-21-0806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2021] [Revised: 01/08/2022] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor heterogeneity and cellular plasticity are key determinants of tumor progression, metastatic spread and therapy response driven by the cancer stem cell (CSC) population. Within the present study, we analyzed irradiation-induced plasticity within the aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH)-positive population in prostate cancer (PCa). The radiosensitivity of xenograft tumors derived from ALDH+ and ALDH- cells was determined with local tumor control analyses and demonstrated different dose-response profiles, time to relapse and focal adhesion signaling. The transcriptional heterogeneity was analyzed in pools of ten DU145 and PC3 cells with multiplex gene expression analyses and illustrated a higher degree of heterogeneity within the ALDH+ population that even increases upon irradiation in comparison to ALDH- cells. Phenotypic conversion and clonal competition were analyzed with fluorescence protein-labeled cells to distinguish cellular origins in competitive 3D cultures and xenograft tumors. We found that the ALDH+ population outcompetes ALDH- cells and drives tumor growth, in particular upon irradiation. The observed dynamics of the cellular state compositions between ALDH+ and ALDH- cells in vivo before and after tumor irradiation was reproduced by a probabilistic Markov compartment model that incorporates cellular plasticity, clonal competition and phenotype-specific radiosensitivities. Transcriptional analyses indicate that the cellular conversion from ALDH- into ALDH+ cells within xenograft tumors under therapeutic pressure was partially mediated through induction of the transcriptional repressor SNAI2. In summary, irradiation-induced cellular conversion events are present in xenograft tumors derived from PCa cells and may be responsible for radiotherapy failure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franziska M Schwarz
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Iñaki Schniewind
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Neurology, Carl Gustav Carus University Hospital, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Maria J Besso
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Lange
- Faculty of Informatics/Mathematics, University of Applied Science, Dresden, Germany
| | - Annett Linge
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Shivaprasad G Patil
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
| | - Steffen Löck
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Daria Klusa
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Antje Dietrich
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Voss-Böhme
- Faculty of Informatics/Mathematics, University of Applied Science, Dresden, Germany
| | - Ali Nowrouzi
- Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Heidelberg University Hospital (UKHD), National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mechthild Krause
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ina Kurth
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology (HIRO), National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Claudia Peitzsch
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), Dresden, Germany
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, National Center for Radiation Oncology (NCRO), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, Dresden, Germany
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6
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Tang DG. Understanding and targeting prostate cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:68-93. [PMID: 34844845 PMCID: PMC9106849 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is a prevalent malignancy that occurs primarily in old males. Prostate tumors in different patients manifest significant inter-patient heterogeneity with respect to histo-morphological presentations and molecular architecture. An individual patient tumor also harbors genetically distinct clones in which PCa cells display intra-tumor heterogeneity in molecular features and phenotypic marker expression. This inherent PCa cell heterogeneity, e.g., in the expression of androgen receptor (AR), constitutes a barrier to the long-term therapeutic efficacy of AR-targeting therapies. Furthermore, tumor progression as well as therapeutic treatments induce PCa cell plasticity such that AR-positive PCa cells may turn into AR-negative cells and prostate tumors may switch lineage identity from adenocarcinomas to neuroendocrine-like tumors. This induced PCa cell plasticity similarly confers resistance to AR-targeting and other therapies. In this review, I first discuss PCa from the perspective of an abnormal organ development and deregulated cellular differentiation, and discuss the luminal progenitor cells as the likely cells of origin for PCa. I then focus on intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity in treatment-naïve tumors with the presence of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs). I further elaborate on PCa cell plasticity induced by genetic alterations and therapeutic interventions, and present potential strategies to therapeutically tackle PCa cell heterogeneity and plasticity. My discussions will make it clear that, to achieve enduring clinical efficacy, both intrinsic PCa cell heterogeneity and induced PCa cell plasticity need to be targeted with novel combinatorial approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Experimental Therapeutics (ET) Graduate Program, The University at Buffalo & Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.
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7
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Slow-cycling (dormant) cancer cells in therapy resistance, cancer relapse and metastasis. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 78:90-103. [PMID: 33979674 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.04.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
It is increasingly appreciated that cancer cell heterogeneity and plasticity constitute major barriers to effective clinical treatments and long-term therapeutic efficacy. Research in the past two decades suggest that virtually all treatment-naive human cancers harbor subsets of cancer cells that possess many of the cardinal features of normal stem cells. Such stem-like cancer cells, operationally defined as cancer stem cells (CSCs), are frequently quiescent and dynamically change and evolve during tumor progression and therapeutic interventions. Intrinsic tumor cell heterogeneity is reflected in a different aspect in that tumors also harbor a population of slow-cycling cells (SCCs) that are not in the proliferative cell cycle and thus are intrinsically refractory to anti-mitotic drugs. In this Perspective, we focus our discussions on SCCs in cancer and on various methodologies that can be employed to enrich and purify SCCs, compare the similarities and differences between SCCs, CSCs and cancer cells undergoing EMT, and present evidence for the involvement of SCCs in surviving anti-neoplastic treatments, mediating tumor relapse, maintaining tumor dormancy and mediating metastatic dissemination. Our discussions make it clear that an in-depth understanding of the biological properties of SCCs in cancer will be instrumental to developing new therapeutic strategies to prevent tumor relapse and distant metastasis.
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8
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Li H, Chaitankar V, Zhu J, Chin K, Liu W, Pirooznia M, Rodgers GP. Olfactomedin 4 mediation of prostate stem/progenitor-like cell proliferation and differentiation via MYC. Sci Rep 2020; 10:21924. [PMID: 33318499 PMCID: PMC7736579 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-78774-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Olfactomedin 4 (OLFM4) is expressed in normal prostate epithelial cells and immortalized normal human prostate epithelial cells (RWPE1), but the identity of OLFM4-expressing cells within these populations and OLFM4's physiological functions in these cells have not been elucidated. Using single-cell RNA sequencing analysis, we found here that OLFM4 was expressed in multiple stem/progenitor-like cell populations in both the normal prostate epithelium and RWPE1 cells and was frequently co-expressed with KRT13 and LY6D in RWPE1 cells. Functionally, OLFM4-knockout RWPE1 cells exhibited enhanced proliferation of the stem/progenitor-like cell population, shifts stem/progenitor-like cell division to favor symmetric division and differentiated into higher levels PSA expression cells in organoid assays compared with OLFM4-wild RWPE1 cells. Bulk-cell RNA sequencing analysis pinpointed that cMYC expression were enhanced in the OLFM4-knockout RWPE1 cells compared with OLFM4-wild cells. Molecular and signaling pathway studies revealed an increase in the WNT/APC/MYC signaling pathway gene signature, as well as that of MYC target genes that regulate multiple biological processes, in OLFM4-knockout RWPE1 cells. These findings indicated that OLFM4 is co-expressed with multiple stem/progenitor cell marker genes in prostate epithelial cells and acts as a novel mediator in prostate stem/progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongzhen Li
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Room 9N119, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Vijender Chaitankar
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Jianqiong Zhu
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Room 9N119, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Kyung Chin
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Room 9N119, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Wenli Liu
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Room 9N119, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Mehdi Pirooznia
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Core, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Griffin P Rodgers
- Molecular and Clinical Hematology Branch, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bldg. 10, Room 9N119, 9000 Rockville Pike, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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9
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Davis JE, Kirk J, Ji Y, Tang DG. Tumor Dormancy and Slow-Cycling Cancer Cells. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2019; 1164:199-206. [PMID: 31576550 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-22254-3_15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cell heterogeneity is a universal feature of human tumors and represents a significant barrier to the efficacy and duration of anticancer therapies, especially targeted therapeutics. Among the heterogeneous cancer cell populations is a subpopulation of relatively quiescent cancer cells, which are in the G0/G1 cell-cycle phase and refractory to anti-mitotic drugs that target proliferative cells. These slow-cycling cells (SCCs) preexist in untreated tumors and frequently become enriched in treatment-failed tumors, raising the possibility that these cells may mediate therapy resistance and tumor relapse. Here we review several general concepts on tumor cell heterogeneity, quiescence, and tumor dormancy. We discuss the potential relationship between SCCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). We also present our current understanding of how SCCs and cancer dormancy might be regulated. Increasing knowledge of SCCs and tumor dormancy should lead to identification of novel molecular regulators and therapeutic targets of tumor relapse, residual diseases, and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Davis
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Jason Kirk
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Yibing Ji
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY, USA.
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Abstract
Stem/progenitor cells play central roles in processes of organogenesis and tissue maintenance, whereas cancer stem cells (CSCs) are thought to drive tumor malignancy. Here, we review recent progress in the identification and analysis of normal prostate stem/progenitor cells as well as putative CSCs in both genetically engineered mouse models as well as in human tissue. We also discuss studies that have investigated the cell type of origin for prostate cancer. In addition, we provide a critical assessment of methodologies used in stem cell analyses and outline directions for future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia J Li
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department Genetics and Development, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
| | - Michael M Shen
- Department of Medicine, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department Genetics and Development, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Urology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Department of Systems Biology, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University College of Physicians and Surgeons, New York, New York 10032
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11
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Vummidi Giridhar P, Williams K, VonHandorf AP, Deford PL, Kasper S. Constant Degradation of the Androgen Receptor by MDM2 Conserves Prostate Cancer Stem Cell Integrity. Cancer Res 2019; 79:1124-1137. [PMID: 30626627 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-18-1753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2018] [Revised: 11/14/2018] [Accepted: 01/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer stem cells (CSC) are implicated in tumor initiation, cancer progression, metastasis, and the development of therapeutic-resistant disease. It is well known that the bulk of prostate cancer cells express androgen receptor (AR) and that androgens are required for prostate cancer growth, progression, and emergence of castration-resistant disease. In contrast, the small subpopulation of self-renewing CSCs exhibits an AR-negative (AR-) signature. The mechanisms underlying the absence of AR are unknown. Using CSC-like cell models isolated from clinical biopsy tissues, we identify the E3 ligase MDM2 as a key regulator of prostate CSC integrity. First, unlike what has been reported for the bulk of AR+ tumor cells where MDM2 regulates the temporal expression of AR during transcriptional activity, MDM2 in CSCs promoted the constant ubiquitination and degradation of AR, resulting in sustained loss of total AR protein. Second, MDM2 promoted CSC self-renewal, the expression of stem cell factors, and CSC proliferation. Loss of MDM2 reversed these processes and induced expression of full-length AR (and not AR variants), terminal differentiation into luminal cells, and cell death. Selectively blocking MDM2-mediated activity in combination with androgen/AR-targeted therapy may offer a novel strategy for eliminating AR- CSCs in addition to the bulk of AR+ prostate cancer cells, decreasing metastatic tumor burden and inhibiting the emergence of therapeutic resistance.Significance: These findings provide a novel mechanistic aspect of prostate cancer cell stemness that advances our understanding of the diverse transcriptional activity that bypasses AR in contributing to therapeutic resistance, tumor progression, and metastasis.Graphical Abstract: http://cancerres.aacrjournals.org/content/canres/79/6/1124/F1.large.jpg.
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Affiliation(s)
- Premkumar Vummidi Giridhar
- Department of Neonatology and Pulmonary Biology, Cincinnati Children's Hospital and Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Karin Williams
- Translational Radiation Biology, Wolfson Wohl Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Sciences, College of Medical, Veterinary & Life Sciences University of Glasgow, Glasgow, Scotland
| | - Andrew P VonHandorf
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Paul L Deford
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio
| | - Susan Kasper
- Department of Environmental Health, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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12
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Abstract
Comprehensive knowledge of the normal prostate epithelial lineage hierarchy is a prerequisite to investigate the identity of the cells of origin for prostate cancer. The basal and luminal cells constitute most of the prostate epithelium and have been the major focuses of the study on the cells of origin for prostate cancer. Much progress has been made during the past few decades, mainly using mouse models, to understand the inter-lineage relationship and intra-lineage heterogeneity in adults as well as the lineage plasticity during conditions of stress. These studies have concluded that the adult mouse prostate basal and luminal cells are largely independently sustained under physiological conditions, but both types of cells possess the capacity for bipotent differentiation under stress or artificial experimental conditions. However, the existence or the identity of the putative progenitors within each lineage warrants further investigation. Whether the human prostate lineage hierarchy is completely the same as that of the mouse remains uncertain. Experiments from independent groups have demonstrated that both types of cells in mice and humans can serve as targets for transformation. But controversies remain whether the disease from distinct cells of origin display different clinical behaviors. Further investigation of the intra-lineage heterogeneity will provide new insights into this issue. Understanding the identity of the cells of origin for prostate cancer will help identify novel prognostic markers for early detection of aggressive prostate cancers, provide insights into the therapeutic vulnerability of these tumors, and inspire novel therapeutic strategies.
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13
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Zhang D, Zhao S, Li X, Kirk JS, Tang DG. Prostate Luminal Progenitor Cells in Development and Cancer. Trends Cancer 2018; 4:769-783. [PMID: 30352679 PMCID: PMC6212301 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2018.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/21/2018] [Revised: 08/28/2018] [Accepted: 09/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) has a predominantly luminal phenotype. Basal cells were previously identified as a cell of origin for PCa, but increasing evidence implicates luminal cells as a preferred cell of origin for PCa, as well as key drivers of tumor development and progression. Prostate luminal cells are understudied compared with basal cells. In this review, we describe the contribution of prostate luminal progenitor (LP) cells to luminal cell development and their role in prostate development, androgen-mediated regeneration of castrated prostate, and tumorigenesis. We also discuss the potential value of LP transcriptomics to identify new targets and therapies to treat aggressive PCa. Finally, we propose future research directions focusing on molecular mechanisms underlying LP cell biology and heterogeneity in normal and diseased prostate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dingxiao Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China.
| | - Shuhong Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Xinyun Li
- Key Laboratory of Agricultural Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of the Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, 430070, China; The Cooperative Innovation Center for Sustainable Pig Production, Wuhan, 430070, China
| | - Jason S Kirk
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200120, China.
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14
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Zhang D, Tang DG. "Splice" a way towards neuroendocrine prostate cancer. EBioMedicine 2018; 35:12-13. [PMID: 30177243 PMCID: PMC6161471 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2018.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2018] [Accepted: 08/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dingxiao Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA; Key Lab of Agricultural Animal Genetics and Breeding, Ministry of Education, College of Animal Science and Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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15
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Skvortsov S, Skvortsova II, Tang DG, Dubrovska A. Concise Review: Prostate Cancer Stem Cells: Current Understanding. Stem Cells 2018; 36:1457-1474. [PMID: 29845679 DOI: 10.1002/stem.2859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Revised: 04/05/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is heterogeneous, harboring phenotypically diverse cancer cell types. PCa cell heterogeneity is caused by genomic instability that leads to the clonal competition and evolution of the cancer genome and by epigenetic mechanisms that result in subclonal cellular differentiation. The process of tumor cell differentiation is initiated from a population of prostate cancer stem cells (PCSCs) that possess many phenotypic and functional properties of normal stem cells. Since the initial reports on PCSCs in 2005, there has been much effort to elucidate their biological properties, including unique metabolic characteristics. In this Review, we discuss the current methods for PCSC enrichment and analysis, the hallmarks of PCSC metabolism, and the role of PCSCs in tumor progression. Stem Cells 2018;36:1457-1474.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergej Skvortsov
- Laboratory for Experimental and Translational Research on Radiation Oncology (EXTRO-Lab), Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Ira-Ida Skvortsova
- Laboratory for Experimental and Translational Research on Radiation Oncology (EXTRO-Lab), Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria.,Tyrolean Cancer Research Institute, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Dean G Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, New York, USA.,Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Anna Dubrovska
- OncoRay-National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden and Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Dresden, Germany, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf, Institute of Radiooncology-OncoRay, Dresden, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), partner site Dresden, and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
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16
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Histone 2B-GFP Label-Retaining Prostate Luminal Cells Possess Progenitor Cell Properties and Are Intrinsically Resistant to Castration. Stem Cell Reports 2017; 10:228-242. [PMID: 29276153 PMCID: PMC5768933 DOI: 10.1016/j.stemcr.2017.11.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 11/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The existence of slow-cycling luminal cells in the prostate has been suggested, but their identity and functional properties remain unknown. Using a bigenic mouse model to earmark, isolate, and characterize the quiescent stem-like cells, we identify a label-retaining cell (LRC) population in the luminal cell layer as luminal progenitors. Molecular and biological characterizations show that these luminal LRCs are significantly enriched in the mouse proximal prostate, exhibit relative dormancy, display bipotency in both in vitro and in vivo assays, and express a stem/progenitor gene signature with resemblance to aggressive prostate cancer. Importantly, these LRCs, compared with bulk luminal cells, maintain a lower level of androgen receptor (AR) expression and are less androgen dependent and also castration resistant in vivo. Finally, analysis of phenotypic markers reveals heterogeneity within the luminal progenitor cell pool. Our study establishes luminal LRCs as progenitors that may serve as a cellular origin for castration-resistant prostate cancer. A bigenic mouse model to study prostatic slow-cycling luminal epithelial cells Prostate label-retaining cells (LRCs) exhibit stem/progenitor cell activities Luminal LRCs are developmentally bipotent and display a progenitor gene signature Luminal LRCs resist castration and molecularly resemble aggressive prostate cancer
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17
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Rycaj K, Tang DG. Molecular determinants of prostate cancer metastasis. Oncotarget 2017; 8:88211-88231. [PMID: 29152153 PMCID: PMC5675705 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.21085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2017] [Accepted: 08/31/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer remains largely incurable and fatal. The general course of cancer, from the initiation of primary tumor formation and progression to metastasis, is a multistep process wherein tumor cells at each step must display specific phenotypic features. Distinctive capabilities required for primary tumor initiation and growth form the foundation, and sometimes may remain critical, for subsequent metastases. These phenotypic features must remain easily malleable during the acquisition of additional capabilities unique and essential to the metastatic process such as dissemination to distant tissues wherein tumor cells interact with foreign microenvironments. Thus, the metastatic phenotype is a culmination of multiple genetic and epigenetic alterations and subsequent selection for favorable traits under the pressure of ever-changing tumor microenvironments. Although our understanding of the molecular programs that drive cancer metastasis are incomplete, increasing evidence suggests that successful metastatic colonization relies on the dissemination of cancer stem cells (CSCs) with tumor-regenerating capacity and adaptive programs for survival in distant organs. In the past 2-3 years, a myriad of novel molecular regulators and determinants of prostate cancer metastasis have been reported, and in this Perspective, we comprehensively review this body of literature and summarize recent findings regarding cell autonomous molecular mechanisms critical for prostate cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiera Rycaj
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Dean G. Tang
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
- Cancer Stem Cell Institute, Research Center for Translational Medicine, East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
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