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Charidemou E, Noberini R, Ghirardi C, Georgiou P, Marcou P, Theophanous A, Strati K, Keun H, Behrends V, Bonaldi T, Kirmizis A. Hyperacetylated histone H4 is a source of carbon contributing to lipid synthesis. EMBO J 2024; 43:1187-1213. [PMID: 38383863 PMCID: PMC10987603 DOI: 10.1038/s44318-024-00053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2023] [Revised: 01/12/2024] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Histone modifications commonly integrate environmental cues with cellular metabolic outputs by affecting gene expression. However, chromatin modifications such as acetylation do not always correlate with transcription, pointing towards an alternative role of histone modifications in cellular metabolism. Using an approach that integrates mass spectrometry-based histone modification mapping and metabolomics with stable isotope tracers, we demonstrate that elevated lipids in acetyltransferase-depleted hepatocytes result from carbon atoms derived from deacetylation of hyperacetylated histone H4 flowing towards fatty acids. Consistently, enhanced lipid synthesis in acetyltransferase-depleted hepatocytes is dependent on histone deacetylases and acetyl-CoA synthetase ACSS2, but not on the substrate specificity of the acetyltransferases. Furthermore, we show that during diet-induced lipid synthesis the levels of hyperacetylated histone H4 decrease in hepatocytes and in mouse liver. In addition, overexpression of acetyltransferases can reverse diet-induced lipogenesis by blocking lipid droplet accumulation and maintaining the levels of hyperacetylated histone H4. Overall, these findings highlight hyperacetylated histones as a metabolite reservoir that can directly contribute carbon to lipid synthesis, constituting a novel function of chromatin in cellular metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Charidemou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Roberta Noberini
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology-Oncology, University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Ghirardi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology-Oncology, University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Polymnia Georgiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiota Marcou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andria Theophanous
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Hector Keun
- Cancer Metabolism & Systems Toxicology Group, Division of Cancer, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Volker Behrends
- School of Life and Health Sciences, Whitelands College, University of Roehampton, London, UK
| | - Tiziana Bonaldi
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139, Milan, Italy
- Department of Oncology and Haematology-Oncology, University of Milano, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122, Milano, Italy
| | - Antonis Kirmizis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Christofidou ED, Tomazou M, Voutouri C, Michael C, Stylianopoulos T, Spyrou GM, Strati K. Oct4 is a gatekeeper of epithelial identity by regulating cytoskeletal organization in skin keratinocytes. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113859. [PMID: 38421873 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Oct4 is a pioneer transcription factor regulating pluripotency. However, it is not well known whether Oct4 has an impact on epidermal cells. We generated OCT4 knockout clonal cell lines using immortalized human skin keratinocytes to identify a functional role for the protein. Here, we report that Oct4-deficient cells transitioned into a mesenchymal-like phenotype with enlarged size and shape, exhibited accelerated migratory behavior, decreased adhesion, and appeared arrested at the G2/M cell cycle checkpoint. Oct4 absence had a profound impact on cortical actin organization, with loss of microfilaments from the cell membrane, increased puncta deposition in the cytoplasm, and stress fiber formation. E-cadherin, β-catenin, and ZO1 were almost absent from cell-cell contacts, while fibronectin deposition was markedly increased in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Mapping of the transcriptional and chromatin profiles of Oct4-deficient cells revealed that Oct4 controls the levels of cytoskeletal, ECM, and differentiation-related genes, whereas epithelial identity is preserved through transcriptional and non-transcriptional mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marios Tomazou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Chrysovalantis Voutouri
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Christina Michael
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - George M Spyrou
- Department of Bioinformatics, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia 2371, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus.
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Dimitriou NM, Demirag E, Strati K, Mitsis GD. A calibration and uncertainty quantification analysis of classical, fractional and multiscale logistic models of tumour growth. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2024; 243:107920. [PMID: 37976612 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2023.107920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/05/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE The validation of mathematical models of tumour growth is frequently hampered by the lack of sufficient experimental data, resulting in qualitative rather than quantitative studies. Recent approaches to this problem have attempted to extract information about tumour growth by integrating multiscale experimental measurements, such as longitudinal cell counts and gene expression data. In the present study, we investigated the performance of several mathematical models of tumour growth, including classical logistic, fractional and novel multiscale models, in terms of quantifying in-vitro tumour growth in the presence and absence of therapy. We further examined the effect of genes associated with changes in chemosensitivity in cell death rates. METHODS The multiscale expansion of logistic growth models was performed by coupling gene expression profiles to the cell death rates. State-of-the-art Bayesian inference, likelihood maximisation and uncertainty quantification techniques allowed a thorough evaluation of model performance. RESULTS The results suggest that the classical single-cell population model (SCPM) was the best fit for the untreated and low-dose treatment conditions, while the multiscale model with a cell death rate symmetric with the expression profile of OCT4 (Sym-SCPM) yielded the best fit for the high-dose treatment data. Further identifiability analysis showed that the multiscale model was both structurally and practically identifiable under the condition of known OCT4 expression profiles. CONCLUSIONS Overall, the present study demonstrates that model performance can be improved by incorporating multiscale measurements of tumour growth when high-dose treatment is involved.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ece Demirag
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, 2109, Cyprus
| | - Georgios D Mitsis
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, H3A 0E9, QC, Canada.
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Panayiotou T, Eftychiou M, Patera E, Promponas VJ, Strati K. A paradigm for post-embryonic Oct4 re-expression: E7-induced hydroxymethylation regulates Oct4 expression in cervical cancer. J Med Virol 2023; 95:e29264. [PMID: 38054553 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.29264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
The Octamer-binding transcription factor-4 (Oct4) is upregulated in different malignancies, yet a paradigm for mechanisms of Oct4 post-embryonic re-expression is inadequately understood. In cervical cancer, Oct4 expression is higher in human papillomavirus (HPV)-related than HPV-unrelated cervical cancers and this upregulation correlates with the expression of the E7 oncogene. We have reported that E7 affects the Oct4-transcriptional output and Oct4-related phenotypes in cervical cancer, however, the underlying mechanism remains elusive. Here, we characterize the Oct4-protein interactions in cervical cancer cells via computational analyses and Mass Spectrometry and reveal that Methyl-binding proteins (MBD2 and MBD3), are determinants of Oct4-driven transcription. E7 triggers MBD2 downregulation and TET1 upregulation, thereby disrupting the methylation status of the Oct4 gene. This coincides with an increase in the total DNA hydroxymethylation leading to the re-expression of Oct4 in cervical cancer and likely affecting broader transcriptional patterns. Our findings reveal a previously unreported mechanism by which the E7 oncogene can regulate Oct4 re-expression and global transcriptional patterns by increasing DNA hydroxymethylation and lowering the barrier to cellular plasticity during carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Marios Eftychiou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Leuven Statistics Research Centre (LStat), KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - Eleutherios Patera
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Yilmaz V, Strati K. Protocol for in vivo lineage tracing of the mouse-papillomavirus-type 1-infected cells in mice. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:101994. [PMID: 36607810 PMCID: PMC9826866 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2022.101994] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2022] [Revised: 11/10/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Here, we present a protocol to create an in vivo lineage-tracing mouse model for mouse-papillomavirus-type 1 (MmuPV1)-infected cells. We describe the steps to generate and deliver the MmuPV1 lox-Cre-lox plasmid for the infection of mice, followed by skin tissue extraction and processing. We then detail how to use flow cytometry to trace, quantify, and analyze MmuPV1-harboring cells and their progeny. This model is suitable to investigate the early effects of papillomavirus on the target cells. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to Yilmaz et al. (2022).1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vural Yilmaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus.
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Strati K, Pyeon D. Special Issue "New Frontiers in Small DNA Virus Research". Viruses 2023; 15:259. [PMID: 36680299 PMCID: PMC9865906 DOI: 10.3390/v15010259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Scientific progress in understanding, preventing, treating, and managing viral infections and associated diseases exemplifies the extent to which research on small DNA tumor viruses has impacted human health [...].
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 1678, Cyprus
| | - Dohun Pyeon
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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Alexandraki A, Strati K. Decitabine Treatment Induces a Viral Mimicry Response in Cervical Cancer Cells and Further Sensitizes Cells to Chemotherapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214042. [PMID: 36430521 PMCID: PMC9692951 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the anti-cancer, chemosensitizing and/or immunomodulating effects of decitabine (DAC) to be used as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cervical cancer (CC). METHODS Cervical cancer cell lines were treated with low doses of DAC treatment used as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. End-point in vitro assays were developed as indicators of the anti-cancer and/or immunomodulating effects of DAC treatment in CC cells. These assays include cell viability, cell cycle analysis, apoptosis, induction of a viral-mimicry response pathway, expression of MHC-class I and PD-L1 and chemosensitivity. RESULTS High and low doses of DAC treatment induced reduction in cell viability in HeLa (HPV18+), CaSki (HPV16+) and C33A (HPV-) cells. Specifically, a time-dependent reduction in cell viability of HeLa and CaSki cells was observed accompanied by robust cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase and alterations in the cell cycle distribution. Decrease in cell viability was also observed in a non-transformed immortal keratinocyte (HaCat) suggesting a non-cancer specific target effect. DAC treatment also triggered a viral mimicry response through long-term induction of cytoplasmic double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) and activation of downstream IFN-related genes in both HPV+ and HPV- cells. In addition, DAC treatment increased the number of CC cells expressing MHC-class I and PD-L1. Furthermore, DAC significantly increased the proportion of early and late apoptotic CC cells quantified using FACS. Our combination treatments showed that low dose DAC treatment sensitizes cells to chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS Low doses of DAC treatment promotes robust induction of a viral mimicry response, immunomodulating and chemosensitizing effects in CC, indicating its promising therapeutic role in CC in vitro.
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Yilmaz V, Louca P, Potamiti L, Panayiotidis M, Strati K. A novel lineage-tracing mouse model for studying early MmuPV1 infections. eLife 2022; 11:72638. [PMID: 35533001 PMCID: PMC9084889 DOI: 10.7554/elife.72638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human papillomaviruses are DNA viruses that ubiquitously infect humans and have been associated with hyperproliferative lesions. The recently discovered mouse specific papillomavirus (MmuPV1) provides the opportunity to study papillomavirus infections in vivo in the context of a common laboratory mouse model (Mus musculus). To date, a major challenge in the field has been the lack of tools to identify, observe, and characterize individually the papillomavirus hosting cells and also trace the progeny of these cells over time. Here, we present the successful generation of an in vivo lineage-tracing model of MmuPV1-harboring cells and their progeny by means of genetic reporter activation. Following the validation of the system both in vitro and in vivo, we used it to provide a proof-of-concept of its utility. Using flow-cytometry analysis, we observed increased proliferation dynamics and decreased MHC-I cell surface expression in MmuPV1-treated tissues which could have implications in tissue regenerative capacity and ability to clear the virus. This model is a novel tool to study the biology of the MmuPV1 host-pathogen interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vural Yilmaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Panayiota Louca
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Louiza Potamiti
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Mihalis Panayiotidis
- Department of Cancer Genetics, Therapeutics & Ultrastructural Pathology, The Cyprus Institute of Neurology & Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Charidemou E, Tsiarli MA, Theophanous A, Yilmaz V, Pitsouli C, Strati K, Griffin JL, Kirmizis A. Histone acetyltransferase NAA40 modulates acetyl-CoA levels and lipid synthesis. BMC Biol 2022; 20:22. [PMID: 35057804 PMCID: PMC8781613 DOI: 10.1186/s12915-021-01225-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 12/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epigenetic regulation relies on the activity of enzymes that use sentinel metabolites as cofactors to modify DNA or histone proteins. Thus, fluctuations in cellular metabolite levels have been reported to affect chromatin modifications. However, whether epigenetic modifiers also affect the levels of these metabolites and thereby impinge on downstream metabolic pathways remains largely unknown. Here, we tested this notion by investigating the function of N-alpha-acetyltransferase 40 (NAA40), the enzyme responsible for N-terminal acetylation of histones H2A and H4, which has been previously implicated with metabolic-associated conditions such as age-dependent hepatic steatosis and calorie-restriction-mediated longevity. RESULTS Using metabolomic and lipidomic approaches, we found that depletion of NAA40 in murine hepatocytes leads to significant increase in intracellular acetyl-CoA levels, which associates with enhanced lipid synthesis demonstrated by upregulation in de novo lipogenesis genes as well as increased levels of diglycerides and triglycerides. Consistently, the increase in these lipid species coincide with the accumulation of cytoplasmic lipid droplets and impaired insulin signalling indicated by decreased glucose uptake. However, the effect of NAA40 on lipid droplet formation is independent of insulin. In addition, the induction in lipid synthesis is replicated in vivo in the Drosophila melanogaster larval fat body. Finally, supporting our results, we find a strong association of NAA40 expression with insulin sensitivity in obese patients. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings demonstrate that NAA40 affects the levels of cellular acetyl-CoA, thereby impacting lipid synthesis and insulin signalling. This study reveals a novel path through which histone-modifying enzymes influence cellular metabolism with potential implications in metabolic disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelina Charidemou
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Maria A Tsiarli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Andria Theophanous
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vural Yilmaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysoula Pitsouli
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Julian L Griffin
- Department of Biochemistry and Cambridge Systems Biology Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 1GA, UK
- Hammersmith Campus, UK Dementia Research Institute at Imperial College, Burlington Danes Building, Imperial College London, Du Cane Road, London, W12 0NN, UK
- Section of Biomolecular Medicine, Department of Metabolism, Division of Systems Medicine, Digestion and Reproduction, The Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Exhibition Road, South Kensington, Imperial College London, London, SW7 2AZ, UK
| | - Antonis Kirmizis
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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Mattoscio D, Gheit T, Strati K, Venuti A. Editorial: HPV and Host Interaction. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2021; 11:638005. [PMID: 33777848 PMCID: PMC7991783 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2021.638005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Domenico Mattoscio
- Department of Medical, Oral, and Biotechnology Science, University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), University “G. d’Annunzio” Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Tarik Gheit
- Infections and Cancer Biology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Assunta Venuti
- Infections and Cancer Biology Group, International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France
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Gregoriou Y, Gregoriou G, Yilmaz V, Kapnisis K, Prokopi M, Anayiotos A, Strati K, Dietis N, Constantinou AI, Andreou C. Resveratrol loaded polymeric micelles for theranostic targeting of breast cancer cells. Nanotheranostics 2021; 5:113-124. [PMID: 33391978 PMCID: PMC7738945 DOI: 10.7150/ntno.51955] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/10/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Treatment of breast cancer underwent extensive progress in recent years with molecularly targeted therapies. However, non-specific pharmaceutical approaches (chemotherapy) persist, inducing severe side-effects. Phytochemicals provide a promising alternative for breast cancer prevention and treatment. Specifically, resveratrol (res) is a plant-derived polyphenolic phytoalexin with potent biological activity but displays poor water solubility, limiting its clinical use. Here we have developed a strategy for delivering res using a newly synthesized nano-carrier with the potential for both diagnosis and treatment. Methods: Res-loaded nanoparticles were synthesized by the emulsion method using Pluronic F127 block copolymer and Vitamin E-TPGS. Nanoparticle characterization was performed by SEM and tunable resistive pulse sensing. Encapsulation Efficiency (EE%) and Drug Loading (DL%) content were determined by analysis of the supernatant during synthesis. Nanoparticle uptake kinetics in breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 as well as in MCF-10A breast epithelial cells were evaluated by flow cytometry and the effects of res on cell viability via MTT assay. Results: Res-loaded nanoparticles with spherical shape and a dominant size of 179±22 nm were produced. Res was loaded with high EE of 73±0.9% and DL content of 6.2±0.1%. Flow cytometry revealed higher uptake efficiency in breast cancer cells compared to the control. An MTT assay showed that res-loaded nanoparticles reduced the viability of breast cancer cells with no effect on the control cells. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the newly synthesized nanoparticle is a good model for the encapsulation of hydrophobic drugs. Additionally, the nanoparticle delivers a natural compound and is highly effective and selective against breast cancer cells rendering this type of nanoparticle an excellent candidate for diagnosis and therapy of difficult to treat mammary malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiota Gregoriou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Emphasis Research Centre, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gregoria Gregoriou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Vural Yilmaz
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Konstantinos Kapnisis
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Marianna Prokopi
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Andreas Anayiotos
- Department of Mechanical Engineering and Material Science and Engineering, Cyprus University of Technology, Limassol, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Andreas I Constantinou
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Pure and Applied Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Chrysafis Andreou
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Emphasis Research Centre, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
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Patmanidis S, Charalampidis AC, Kordonis I, Strati K, Mitsis GD, Papavassilopoulos GP. Individualized growth prediction of mice skin tumors with maximum likelihood estimators. Comput Methods Programs Biomed 2020; 185:105165. [PMID: 31710982 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmpb.2019.105165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 10/29/2019] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVE In this work, we focus on estimating the parameters of the Gompertz model in order to predict tumor growth. The estimation is based on measurements from mice skin tumors of de novo carcinogenesis. The main objective is to compare the Maximum Likelihood estimator with the best performance from our previous work with the Non-linear Least Squares estimator which is commonly used in the literature to estimate the growth parameters of the Gompertz model. METHODS To describe tumor growth, we propose a stochastic model which is based on the Gompertz growth function. The principle of Maximum Likelihood is used to estimate both the growth rate and the carrying capacity of the Gompertz function, along with the characteristics of the additive Gaussian process and measurement noise. Moreover, we examine whether a Maximum A Posteriori estimator is able to utilize any available prior knowledge in order to improve the predictions. RESULTS Experimental data from a total of 24 tumors in 8 mice (3 tumors each) were used to study the performance of the proposed methods with respect to prediction accuracy. Our results show that the Maximum Likelihood estimator is able to provide, in most cases, more accurate predictions. Moreover, the Maximum A Posteriori estimator has the potential to correct potentially non-realistic estimates for the carrying capacity at early growth stages. CONCLUSION In most cases, the Maximum Likelihood estimator is able to provide more reliable predictions for the tumor's growth on individual test subjects. The Maximum A Posteriori estimator, it has the potential to improve the prediction when the available experimental data do not provide adequate information by utilizing prior knowledge about the unknown parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Spyridon Patmanidis
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechneiou 9, Zografou 15780, Athens, Greece.
| | - Alexandros C Charalampidis
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Technische Universität Berlin, Einsteinufer 17, Berlin D-10587, Germany; CentraleSupélec, Avenue de la Boulaie, 35576 Cesson-Sévigné, France.
| | - Ioannis Kordonis
- CentraleSupélec, Avenue de la Boulaie, 35576 Cesson-Sévigné, France
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Panepistimiou 1, Aglantzia 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
| | - Georgios D Mitsis
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, 817 Sherbrooke Ave W, MacDonald Engineering Building 270, Montréal QC H3A 0C3, Canada.
| | - George P Papavassilopoulos
- School of Electrical and Computer Engineering, National Technical University of Athens, Iroon Polytechneiou 9, Zografou 15780, Athens, Greece.
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Yilmaz V, Strati K. Regulating cellular plasticity to persist: a way for tumor viruses to triumph. Curr Opin Virol 2019; 39:1-7. [PMID: 31302443 DOI: 10.1016/j.coviro.2019.06.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2019] [Revised: 06/12/2019] [Accepted: 06/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Vural Yilmaz
- University of Cyprus, Department of Biological Sciences, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- University of Cyprus, Department of Biological Sciences, 1 University Avenue, 2109, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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14
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Iacovides D, Loizides C, Mitsis G, Strati K. Whole transcriptome sequence data of 5-FU sensitive and 5-FU resistant tumors generated in a mouse model of de novo carcinogenesis. Data Brief 2018; 20:1602-1606. [PMID: 30263912 PMCID: PMC6156738 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2018.08.209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2018] [Revised: 08/27/2018] [Accepted: 08/31/2018] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
We have performed whole transcriptome sequencing of 5-FU resistant and 5-FU sensitive tumors generated in a mouse model of de novo carcinogenesis that closely recapitulates tumor initiation, progression and maintenance in vivo. Tumors were generated using the DMBA/TPA model of chemically induced carcinogenesis [1], tumor-bearing mice were subsequently treated with 5-FU, and tumor growth as well as response to treatment was monitored by measuring tumor volume twice a week. Based on these measurements, we selected two 5-FU resistant and two 5-FU sensitive tumors and performed whole transcriptome sequencing and in order to identify differentially expressed transcripts between the two sets. Data obtained is deposited and available through NCBI SRA (reference number SRP155180 – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/sra/?term=SRP155180).
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Georgios Mitsis
- Center for Intelligent Systems and Networks, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
- Corresponding author. Current address: Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Canada
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Cyprus
- Corresponding author.
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15
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Michael S, Achilleos C, Panayiotou T, Strati K. Inflammation Shapes Stem Cells and Stemness during Infection and Beyond. Front Cell Dev Biol 2016; 4:118. [PMID: 27853732 PMCID: PMC5089974 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2016.00118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2016] [Accepted: 10/14/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The outcome of an inflammatory incident can hang in the balance between restoring health and tissue integrity on the one hand, and promoting aberrant tissue homeostasis and adverse outcomes on the other. Both microbial-related and sterile inflammation is a complex response characterized by a range of innate immune cell types, which produce and respond to cytokine mediators and other inflammatory signals. In turn, cells native to the tissue in question can sense these mediators and respond by migrating, proliferating and regenerating the tissue. In this review we will discuss how the specific outcomes of inflammatory incidents are affected by the direct regulation of stem cells and cellular plasticity. While less well appreciated than the effects of inflammatory signals on immune cells and other differentiated cells, the effects are crucial in understanding inflammation and appropriately managing therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charis Achilleos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | | | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
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16
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Iacovides D, Rizki G, Lapathitis G, Strati K. Direct conversion of mouse embryonic fibroblasts into functional keratinocytes through transient expression of pluripotency-related genes. Stem Cell Res Ther 2016; 7:98. [PMID: 27473056 PMCID: PMC4966867 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-016-0357-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2016] [Revised: 05/12/2016] [Accepted: 06/29/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
The insufficient ability of specialized cells such as neurons, cardiac myocytes, and epidermal cells to regenerate after tissue damage poses a great challenge to treat devastating injuries and ailments. Recent studies demonstrated that a diverse array of cell types can be directly derived from embryonic stem cells (ESCs), induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), or somatic cells by combinations of specific factors. The use of iPSCs and direct somatic cell fate conversion, or transdifferentiation, holds great promise for regenerative medicine as these techniques may circumvent obstacles related to immunological rejection and ethical considerations. However, producing iPSC-derived keratinocytes requires a lengthy two-step process of initially generating iPSCs and subsequently differentiating into skin cells, thereby elevating the risk of cellular damage accumulation and tumor formation. In this study, we describe the reprogramming of mouse embryonic fibroblasts into functional keratinocytes via the transient expression of pluripotency factors coupled with directed differentiation. The isolation of an iPSC intermediate is dispensable when using this method. Cells derived with this approach, termed induced keratinocytes (iKCs), morphologically resemble primary keratinocytes. Furthermore they express keratinocyte-specific markers, downregulate mesenchymal markers as well as the pluripotency factors Oct4, Sox2, and Klf4, and they show important functional characteristics of primary keratinocytes. iKCs can be further differentiated by high calcium administration in vitro and are capable of regenerating a fully stratified epidermis in vivo. Efficient conversion of somatic cells into keratinocytes could have important implications for studying genetic skin diseases and designing regenerative therapies to ameliorate devastating skin conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Demetris Iacovides
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gizem Rizki
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.,Current address: Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Georgios Lapathitis
- Transgenic Mouse Facility, Cyprus Institute of Neurology and Genetics, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus.
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17
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Loizides C, Iacovides D, Hadjiandreou MM, Rizki G, Achilleos A, Strati K, Mitsis GD. Model-Based Tumor Growth Dynamics and Therapy Response in a Mouse Model of De Novo Carcinogenesis. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0143840. [PMID: 26649886 PMCID: PMC4674149 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0143840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2015] [Accepted: 11/10/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis is a complex, multistep process that depends on numerous alterations within the cell and contribution from the surrounding stroma. The ability to model macroscopic tumor evolution with high fidelity may contribute to better predictive tools for designing tumor therapy in the clinic. However, attempts to model tumor growth have mainly been developed and validated using data from xenograft mouse models, which fail to capture important aspects of tumorigenesis including tumor-initiating events and interactions with the immune system. In the present study, we investigate tumor growth and therapy dynamics in a mouse model of de novo carcinogenesis that closely recapitulates tumor initiation, progression and maintenance in vivo. We show that the rate of tumor growth and the effects of therapy are highly variable and mouse specific using a Gompertz model to describe tumor growth and a two-compartment pharmacokinetic/ pharmacodynamic model to describe the effects of therapy in mice treated with 5-FU. We show that inter-mouse growth variability is considerably larger than intra-mouse variability and that there is a correlation between tumor growth and drug kill rates. Our results show that in vivo tumor growth and regression in a double transgenic mouse model are highly variable both within and between subjects and that mathematical models can be used to capture the overall characteristics of this variability. In order for these models to become useful tools in the design of optimal therapy strategies and ultimately in clinical practice, a subject-specific modelling strategy is necessary, rather than approaches that are based on the average behavior of a given subject population which could provide erroneous results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charalambos Loizides
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering & KIOS Research Center for Intelligent Systems & Networks, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Demetris Iacovides
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Marios M. Hadjiandreou
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering & KIOS Research Center for Intelligent Systems & Networks, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Gizem Rizki
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States of America
| | - Achilleas Achilleos
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering & KIOS Research Center for Intelligent Systems & Networks, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- * E-mail: (KS); (GM)
| | - Georgios D. Mitsis
- Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering & KIOS Research Center for Intelligent Systems & Networks, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal QC, Canada
- * E-mail: (KS); (GM)
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18
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Iacovides D, Michael S, Achilleos C, Strati K. Shared mechanisms in stemness and carcinogenesis: lessons from oncogenic viruses. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2013; 3:66. [PMID: 24400225 PMCID: PMC3872316 DOI: 10.3389/fcimb.2013.00066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2013] [Accepted: 12/03/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
A rise in technologies for epigenetic reprogramming of cells to pluripotency, highlights the potential of understanding and manipulating cellular plasticity in unprecedented ways. Increasing evidence points to shared mechanisms between cellular reprogramming and the carcinogenic process, with the emerging possibility to harness these parallels in future therapeutics. In this review, we present a synopsis of recent work from oncogenic viruses which contributes to this body of knowledge, establishing a nexus between infection, cancer, and stemness.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Stella Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Charis Achilleos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
| | - Katerina Strati
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus Nicosia, Cyprus
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19
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Michael S, Lambert PF, Strati K. The HPV16 oncogenes cause aberrant stem cell mobilization. Virology 2013; 443:218-25. [PMID: 23664148 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2013.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2013] [Revised: 03/13/2013] [Accepted: 04/11/2013] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Human Papilloma Virus related epithelial cancers have been speculated to derive from virus-infected tissue stem cells. Stem cells also are thought to provide a reservoir of latently infected cells that can persist for long periods. In this study we have examined the effects of HPV16 E6 and E7 oncogenes on multipotent epithelial stem cells, using in vivo systems. Our results show that expression of HPV16 oncogenes reduces the number of bulge label-retaining cells within hair follicles at telogen suggesting aberrant mobilization, a result supported by increased mobilization upon acute anagen induction. Importantly the loss of relative quiescence, a hallmark feature of stem cells, occurs in the absence of a reduction in other stem cell markers. This points to an atypical stem cell compartment in the context of E6 and E7 expression. We hypothesize that this aberrant compartment may have important roles in the viral life cycle and/or ensuing carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stella Michael
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, 1 University Ave., Nicosia 2109, Cyprus
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20
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Carrasco PM, Tzounis L, Mompean FJ, Strati K, Georgopanos P, Garcia-Hernandez M, Stamm M, Cabañero G, Odriozola I, Avgeropoulos A, Garcia I. Thermoset Magnetic Materials Based on Poly(ionic liquid)s Block Copolymers. Macromolecules 2013. [DOI: 10.1021/ma302261c] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- P. M. Carrasco
- New Materials Department, IK4-CIDETEC—Centre
for Electrochemical Technologies, Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastián, Paseo Miramón 196, 20009
Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - L. Tzounis
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Hohe Straße
6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - F. J. Mompean
- CSIC, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Sor Juana Inés
de la Cruz, 3, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - K. Strati
- Polymers’ Laboratory, Department
of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - P. Georgopanos
- Polymers’ Laboratory, Department
of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Hohe Straße
6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - M. Garcia-Hernandez
- CSIC, Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Madrid, Sor Juana Inés
de la Cruz, 3, Cantoblanco, 28049 Madrid, Spain
| | - M. Stamm
- Leibniz-Institut für Polymerforschung Dresden, Hohe Straße
6, 01069 Dresden, Germany
| | - G. Cabañero
- New Materials Department, IK4-CIDETEC—Centre
for Electrochemical Technologies, Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastián, Paseo Miramón 196, 20009
Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - I. Odriozola
- New Materials Department, IK4-CIDETEC—Centre
for Electrochemical Technologies, Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastián, Paseo Miramón 196, 20009
Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
| | - A. Avgeropoulos
- Polymers’ Laboratory, Department
of Materials Science Engineering, University of Ioannina, University Campus, Ioannina 45110, Greece
| | - I. Garcia
- New Materials Department, IK4-CIDETEC—Centre
for Electrochemical Technologies, Parque Tecnológico de San Sebastián, Paseo Miramón 196, 20009
Donostia-San Sebastián, Spain
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21
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Park JW, Pitot HC, Strati K, Spardy N, Duensing S, Grompe M, Lambert PF. Deficiencies in the Fanconi anemia DNA damage response pathway increase sensitivity to HPV-associated head and neck cancer. Cancer Res 2010; 70:9959-68. [PMID: 20935219 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-1291] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Patients with the rare genetic disease, Fanconi anemia (FA), are highly susceptible to squamous cell carcinomas arising at multiple anatomic sites including the head and neck region. Human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly HPV16, are associated with ∼20% of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) in the general population. Some but not other investigators have reported that HNSCCs in FA patients are much more frequently positive for HPV. In addition, studies have demonstrated an interaction between the HPV16 E7 oncoprotein and the FA pathway, a DNA damage response pathway deficient in FA patients. On the basis of these studies, it was hypothesized that the FA pathway contributes to repair of DNA damage induced by HPV16 E7, providing one explanation for why FA patients are predisposed to HPV-associated HNSCCs. To determine the importance of the FA pathway in modulating the oncogenic abilities of E7, we crossed K14E7 transgenic (K14E7) and fancD2 knockout mice (FancD2(-/-)) to establish K14E7/FancD2(-/-) and K14E7/FancD2(+/+) mice and monitored their susceptibility to HNSCC when treated with a chemical carcinogen. K14E7/FancD2(-/-) mice had a significantly higher incidence of HNSCC compared with K14E7/FancD2(+/+) mice. This difference correlated with an increased proliferative index and the increase in expression of biomarkers that are used to assess levels of DNA damage. These animal studies support the hypotheses that FA patients have increased susceptibility to HPV-associated cancer and that the FA DNA damage response pathway normally attenuates the oncogenic potential of HPV16 E7.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jung Wook Park
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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22
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Jabbar S, Strati K, Shin MK, Pitot HC, Lambert PF. Human papillomavirus type 16 E6 and E7 oncoproteins act synergistically to cause head and neck cancer in mice. Virology 2010; 407:60-7. [PMID: 20797753 DOI: 10.1016/j.virol.2010.08.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2010] [Revised: 05/10/2010] [Accepted: 08/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
High-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs) contribute to cervical and other anogenital cancers, and they are also linked etiologically to a subset of head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). We previously established a model for HPV-associated HNSCC in which we treated transgenic mice expressing the papillomaviral oncoproteins with the chemical carcinogen 4-nitroquinoline-1-oxide (4-NQO). We found that the HPV-16 E7 oncoprotein was highly potent in causing HNSCC, and its dominance masked any potential oncogenic contribution of E6, a second papillomaviral oncoprotein commonly expressed in human cancers. In the current study, we shortened the duration of treatment with 4-NQO to reduce the incidence of cancers and discovered a striking synergy between E6 and E7 in causing HNSCC. Comparing the oncogenic properties of wild-type versus mutant E6 genes in this model for HNSCC uncovered a role for some but not other cellular targets of E6 previously shown to contribute to cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean Jabbar
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1400 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706, USA
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23
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Strati
- a 17 Ichous Street, Palaio Faliro , 175 64 , Athens , Greece
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24
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Marión RM, Strati K, Li H, Murga M, Blanco R, Ortega S, Fernandez-Capetillo O, Serrano M, Blasco MA. A p53-mediated DNA damage response limits reprogramming to ensure iPS cell genomic integrity. Nature 2009; 460:1149-53. [PMID: 19668189 DOI: 10.1038/nature08287] [Citation(s) in RCA: 789] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2009] [Accepted: 07/17/2009] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The reprogramming of differentiated cells to pluripotent cells (induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells) is known to be an inefficient process. We recently reported that cells with short telomeres cannot be reprogrammed to iPS cells despite their normal proliferation rates, probably reflecting the existence of 'reprogramming barriers' that abort the reprogramming of cells with uncapped telomeres. Here we show that p53 (also known as Trp53 in mice and TP53 in humans) is critically involved in preventing the reprogramming of cells carrying various types of DNA damage, including short telomeres, DNA repair deficiencies, or exogenously inflicted DNA damage. Reprogramming in the presence of pre-existing, but tolerated, DNA damage is aborted by the activation of a DNA damage response and p53-dependent apoptosis. Abrogation of p53 allows efficient reprogramming in the face of DNA damage and the generation of iPS cells carrying persistent DNA damage and chromosomal aberrations. These observations indicate that during reprogramming cells increase their intolerance to different types of DNA damage and that p53 is critical in preventing the generation of human and mouse pluripotent cells from suboptimal parental cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Marión
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid E-28029, Spain
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25
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Marion RM, Strati K, Li H, Tejera A, Schoeftner S, Ortega S, Serrano M, Blasco MA. Telomeres acquire embryonic stem cell characteristics in induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell Stem Cell 2009; 4:141-54. [PMID: 19200803 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2008.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 364] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2008] [Revised: 11/11/2008] [Accepted: 12/30/2008] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
Telomere shortening is associated with organismal aging. iPS cells have been recently derived from old patients; however, it is not known whether telomere chromatin acquires the same characteristics as in ES cells. We show here that telomeres are elongated in iPS cells compared to the parental differentiated cells both when using four (Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4, cMyc) or three (Oct3/4, Sox2, Klf4) reprogramming factors and both from young and aged individuals. We demonstrate genetically that, during reprogramming, telomere elongation is usually mediated by telomerase and that iPS telomeres acquire the epigenetic marks of ES cells, including a low density of trimethylated histones H3K9 and H4K20 and increased abundance of telomere transcripts. Finally, reprogramming efficiency of cells derived from increasing generations of telomerase-deficient mice shows a dramatic decrease in iPS cell efficiency, a defect that is restored by telomerase reintroduction. Together, these results highlight the importance of telomere biology for iPS cell generation and functionality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosa M Marion
- Telomeres and Telomerase Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Centre, Melchor Fernández Almagro 3, Madrid, Spain
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26
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Abstract
Infection with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPV) and in particular the expression of the viral proteins E6 and E7 have been associated with the etiology of a subset of head and neck squamous cell cancer (HNSCC). However, the individual consequences of E6 and E7 expression in an in vivo model have not been examined in these tissues. We have used transgenes that direct expression of the HPV16 E6 and E7 proteins to the head and neck tissues of mice to dissect the contribution of these proteins to head and neck carcinogenesis. We report here that E7 is the major transforming oncogene in HPV-associated HNSCC, whereas E6 is more likely to play a secondary role in contributing to later stages of carcinogenesis. Furthermore, a conditional deletion of Rb, a prominent target for E7, in the same tissues did not recapitulate all E7-mediated phenotypes. Although our results do not preclude an important role for the E7-pRb interaction, they highlight the importance of pRb-independent functions of E7 in head and neck carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Strati
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research and Department of Oncology, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin 53706, USA
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27
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Strati K, Lambert PF. HUMAN PAPILLOMAVIRUS ASSOCIATION WITH HEAD AND NECK CANCERS: UNDERSTANDING VIRUS BIOLOGY AND USING IT IN THE DEVELOPMENT OF CANCER DIAGNOSTICS. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2008; 2:11-20. [PMID: 20419065 DOI: 10.1517/17530059.2.1.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The link between human papillomaviruses and human cervical cancers has long been established. However, human papillomaviruses (HPVs) are now being detected in another type of cancer, not previously associated with this virus, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). This review will focus on experimental data supporting the view that HPVs contribute to the etiology of a subset of HNSCC. We further put forth the argument that HPV-associated HNSCC deserves to be recognized as a distinct disease in the clinic and as such needs to be appropriately diagnosed. We offer an overview of studies that have helped dissect the role of HPVs in HNSCC and that may be helpful in the development of new diagnostic tools for discriminating this type of HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Strati
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, Madison, Wisconsin
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28
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Strati K, Pitot HC, Lambert PF. Identification of biomarkers that distinguish human papillomavirus (HPV)-positive versus HPV-negative head and neck cancers in a mouse model. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2006; 103:14152-7. [PMID: 16959885 PMCID: PMC1599927 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.0606698103] [Citation(s) in RCA: 118] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2006] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality worldwide. Recent reports have associated a subset of HNSCC with high-risk human papillomaviruses (HPVs), particularly HPV16, the same subset of HPVs responsible for the majority of cervical and anogenital cancers. In this study we describe a mouse model for HPV-associated HNSCC that employs mice transgenic for the HPV16 oncogenes E6 and E7. In these mice, E6 and E7 induce aberrant epithelial proliferation and, in the presence of a chemical carcinogen, they increase dramatically the animal's susceptibility to HNSCC. The cancers arising in the HPV16-transgenic mice mirror the molecular and histopathological characteristics of human HPV-positive HNSCC that distinguish the latter from human HPV-negative HNSCC, including overexpression of p16 protein and formation of more basaloid cancers. This validated model of HPV-associated HNSCC provides the means to define the contributions of individual HPV oncogenes to HNSCC and to understand the molecular basis for the differing clinical properties of HPV-positive and HPV-negative human HNSCC. From this study, we identify minichromosome maintenance protein 7 (MCM7) and p16 as potentially useful biomarkers for HPV-positive head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katerina Strati
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1400 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Henry C. Pitot
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1400 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
| | - Paul F. Lambert
- McArdle Laboratory for Cancer Research, University of Wisconsin School of Medicine and Public Health, 1400 University Avenue, Madison, WI 53706
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