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Elyas E, Papaevangelou E, Alles EJ, Erler JT, Cox TR, Robinson SP, Bamber JC. Correlation of Ultrasound Shear Wave Elastography with Pathological Analysis in a Xenografic Tumour Model. Sci Rep 2017; 7:165. [PMID: 28279018 PMCID: PMC5427848 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-00144-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential value of ultrasound (US) shear wave elastography (SWE) in assessing the relative change in elastic modulus in colorectal adenocarcinoma xenograft models in vivo and investigate any correlation with histological analysis. We sought to test whether non-invasive evaluation of tissue stiffness is indicative of pathological tumour changes and can be used to monitor therapeutic efficacy. US-SWE was performed in tumour xenografts in 15 NCr nude immunodeficient mice, which were treated with either the cytotoxic drug, Irinotecan, or saline as control. Ten tumours were imaged 48 hours post-treatment and five tumours were imaged for up to five times after treatment. All tumours were harvested for histological analysis and comparison with elasticity measurements. Elastic (Young's) modulus prior to treatment was correlated with tumour volume (r = 0.37, p = 0.008). Irinotecan administration caused significant delay in the tumour growth (p = 0.02) when compared to control, but no significant difference in elastic modulus was detected. Histological analysis revealed a significant correlation between tumour necrosis and elastic modulus (r = -0.73, p = 0.026). SWE measurement provided complimentary information to other imaging modalities and could indicate potential changes in the mechanical properties of tumours, which in turn could be related to the stages of tumour development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Elyas
- CRUK and EPSRC Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK.
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK.
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine (IKE), Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden.
| | - Efthymia Papaevangelou
- CRUK and EPSRC Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Guys Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
| | - Erwin J Alles
- CRUK and EPSRC Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK
- MRC Centre for Transplantation, Division of Transplantation Immunology and Mucosal Biology, Guys Hospital, King's College London, London, UK
- Department of Medical Physics and Biomedical Engineering, University College London, London, UK
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Simon P Robinson
- CRUK and EPSRC Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
| | - Jeffrey C Bamber
- CRUK and EPSRC Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, UK
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, UK
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Elyas E, Grimwood A, Erler JT, Robinson SP, Cox TR, Woods D, Clowes P, De Luca R, Marinozzi F, Fromageau J, Bamber JC. Multi-Channel Optical Coherence Elastography Using Relative and Absolute Shear-Wave Time of Flight. PLoS One 2017; 12:e0169664. [PMID: 28107368 PMCID: PMC5249105 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0169664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2016] [Accepted: 12/20/2016] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Elastography, the imaging of elastic properties of soft tissues, is well developed for macroscopic clinical imaging of soft tissues and can provide useful information about various pathological processes which is complementary to that provided by the original modality. Scaling down of this technique should ply the field of cellular biology with valuable information with regard to elastic properties of cells and their environment. This paper evaluates the potential to develop such a tool by modifying a commercial optical coherence tomography (OCT) device to measure the speed of shear waves propagating in a three-dimensional (3D) medium. A needle, embedded in the gel, was excited to vibrate along its long axis and the displacement as a function of time and distance from the needle associated with the resulting shear waves was detected using four M-mode images acquired simultaneously using a commercial four-channel swept-source OCT system. Shear-wave time of arrival (TOA) was detected by tracking the axial OCT-speckle motion using cross-correlation methods. Shear-wave speed was then calculated from inter-channel differences of TOA for a single burst (the relative TOA method) and compared with the shear-wave speed determined from positional differences of TOA for a single channel over multiple bursts (the absolute TOA method). For homogeneous gels the relative method provided shear-wave speed with acceptable precision and accuracy when judged against the expected linear dependence of shear modulus on gelatine concentration (R2 = 0.95) and ultimate resolution capabilities limited by 184μm inter-channel distance. This overall approach shows promise for its eventual provision as a research tool in cancer cell biology. Further work is required to optimize parameters such as vibration frequency, burst length and amplitude, and to assess the lateral and axial resolutions of this type of device as well as to create 3D elastograms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eli Elyas
- CRUK Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Alex Grimwood
- Department of Medical Physics, Royal Surrey County Hospital, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Janine T. Erler
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Simon P. Robinson
- CRUK Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniel Woods
- Michelson Diagnostics, 1 Grays Farm Production Village, Orpington, Kent, United Kingdom
| | - Peter Clowes
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ramona De Luca
- CRUK Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Marinozzi
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Jérémie Fromageau
- CRUK Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jeffrey C. Bamber
- CRUK Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
- Joint Department of Physics, Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
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Cox TR, Madsen CD. Relative Stiffness Measurements of Cell-embedded Hydrogels by Shear Rheology in vitro. Bio Protoc 2017; 7:e2101. [PMID: 34458430 DOI: 10.21769/bioprotoc.2101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [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: 07/09/2016] [Revised: 10/07/2016] [Accepted: 12/06/2016] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Hydrogel systems composed of purified extracellular matrix (ECM) components (such as collagen, fibrin, Matrigel, and methylcellulose) are a mainstay of cell and molecular biology research. They are used extensively in many applications including tissue regeneration platforms, studying organ development, and pathological disease models such as cancer. Both the biochemical and biomechanical properties influence cellular and tissue compatibility, and these properties are altered in pathological disease progression (Cox and Erler, 2011; Bonnans et al., 2014 ). The use of cell-embedded hydrogels in disease models such as cancer, allow the interrogation of cell-induced changes in the biomechanics of the microenvironment ( Madsen et al., 2015 ). Here we report a simple method to measure these cell-induced changes in vitro using a controlled strain rotational rheometer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- The Garvan Institute of Medical Research and The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Cancer Division, St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Chris D Madsen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
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Gartland A, Erler JT, Cox TR. The role of lysyl oxidase, the extracellular matrix and the pre-metastatic niche in bone metastasis. J Bone Oncol 2016; 5:100-103. [PMID: 27761366 PMCID: PMC5063254 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbo.2016.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 01/31/2016] [Revised: 04/09/2016] [Accepted: 04/13/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Most deaths from solid cancers occur as a result of secondary metastasis to distant sites. Bone is the most frequent metastatic site for many cancer types and can account for up to 80% of cancer-related deaths in certain tumours. The progression from a discrete solid primary tumour to devastating and painful bone metastases is a complex process involving multiple cell types and steps. There is increasing evidence that modulation of the extracellular matrix plays an important role in the lethal transition from a primary to disseminated metastatic bone tumour. This review provides an overview of the current understanding on the role of role of lysyl oxidase, the extracellular matrix and the pre-metastatic niche in bone metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alison Gartland
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Janine T. Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Ole Maaløes Vej 5, Copenhagen 2200, Denmark
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Abstract
Secondary metastatic cancer remains the single biggest cause of mortality and morbidity across most solid tumors. In breast cancer, 100% of deaths are attributed to metastasis. At present, there are no "cures" for secondary metastatic cancer of any form and there is an urgent unmet clinical need to improve the tools available in our arsenal against this disease, both in terms of treatment, but also prevention. Recently, we showed that hypoxic induction of the extracellular matrix modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) correlates with metastatic dissemination to the bone in estrogen receptor negative breast cancer and is essential for the formation of premetastatic osteolytic lesions. We showed that in models of breast cancer metastasis, targeting LOX, or its downstream effects, significantly inhibited premetastatic niche formation and the resulting metastatic burden, offering preclinical validation of this enzyme as a therapeutic target for metastatic breast cancer. Our work is the latest in an emerging body of work supporting the targeting of LOX and calls for greater efforts in developing therapeutics against this extracellular secreted factor in the prevention of cancer progression across multiple solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, Denmark.
| | - Alison Gartland
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
When physicians lack proper training, breaking bad news can lead to negative consequences for patients, families, and physicians. A questionnaire was used to determine whether a didactic program on delivering bad news was needed at our institution. Results revealed that 91% of respondents perceived delivering bad news as a very important skill, but only 40% felt they had the training to effectively deliver such news. We provide a brief review of different approaches to delivering bad news and advocate for training physicians in a comprehensive, structured model.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Lonnie Gentry
- Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Department of Surgery, Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas
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57
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Cox TR, Schoof EM, Gartland A, Erler JT, Linding R. Dataset for the proteomic inventory and quantitative analysis of the breast cancer hypoxic secretome associated with osteotropism. Data Brief 2015; 5:621-5. [PMID: 26649326 PMCID: PMC4644255 DOI: 10.1016/j.dib.2015.09.039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [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: 07/31/2015] [Revised: 09/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/27/2015] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The cancer secretome includes all of the macromolecules secreted by cells into their microenvironment. Cancer cell secretomes are significantly different to that of normal cells reflecting the changes that normal cells have undergone during their transition to malignancy. More importantly, cancer secretomes are known to be active mediators of both local and distant host cells and play an important role in the progression and dissemination of cancer. Here we have quantitatively profiled both the composition of breast cancer secretomes associated with osteotropism, and their modulation under normoxic and hypoxic conditions. We detect and quantify 162 secretome proteins across all conditions which show differential hypoxic induction and association with osteotropism. Mass Spectrometry proteomics data have been deposited to the ProteomeXchange Consortium with the dataset identifier PXD000397 and the complete proteomic, bioinformatic and biological analyses are reported in Cox et al. (2015) [1].
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Cellular Signal Integration Group (C-SIG), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Alison Gartland
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Rune Linding
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen DK-2200, Denmark ; Cellular Signal Integration Group (C-SIG), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby DK-2800, Denmark
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58
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Madsen CD, Pedersen JT, Venning FA, Singh LB, Moeendarbary E, Charras G, Cox TR, Sahai E, Erler JT. Hypoxia and loss of PHD2 inactivate stromal fibroblasts to decrease tumour stiffness and metastasis. EMBO Rep 2015; 16:1394-408. [PMID: 26323721 PMCID: PMC4662858 DOI: 10.15252/embr.201540107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.7] [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: 01/16/2015] [Revised: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) interact with tumour cells and promote growth and metastasis. Here, we show that CAF activation is reversible: chronic hypoxia deactivates CAFs, resulting in the loss of contractile force, reduced remodelling of the surrounding extracellular matrix and, ultimately, impaired CAF-mediated cancer cell invasion. Hypoxia inhibits prolyl hydroxylase domain protein 2 (PHD2), leading to hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF)-1α stabilisation, reduced expression of αSMA and periostin, and reduced myosin II activity. Loss of PHD2 in CAFs phenocopies the effects of hypoxia, which can be prevented by simultaneous depletion of HIF-1α. Treatment with the PHD inhibitor DMOG in an orthotopic breast cancer model significantly decreases spontaneous metastases to the lungs and liver, associated with decreased tumour stiffness and fibroblast activation. PHD2 depletion in CAFs co-injected with tumour cells similarly prevents CAF-induced metastasis to lungs and liver. Our data argue that reversion of CAFs towards a less active state is possible and could have important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chris D Madsen
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute (formerly Cancer Research UK London Research Institute), London, UK Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jesper T Pedersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Freja A Venning
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lukram Babloo Singh
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Emad Moeendarbary
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Guillaume Charras
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, University College London, London, UK London Centre for Nanotechnology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erik Sahai
- Tumour Cell Biology Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute (formerly Cancer Research UK London Research Institute), London, UK
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Creixell P, Schoof EM, Simpson CD, Longden J, Miller CJ, Lou HJ, Perryman L, Cox TR, Zivanovic N, Palmeri A, Wesolowska-Andersen A, Helmer-Citterich M, Ferkinghoff-Borg J, Itamochi H, Bodenmiller B, Erler JT, Turk BE, Linding R. Kinome-wide decoding of network-attacking mutations rewiring cancer signaling. Cell 2015; 163:202-17. [PMID: 26388441 PMCID: PMC4644236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.08.056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2014] [Revised: 04/09/2015] [Accepted: 08/12/2015] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Cancer cells acquire pathological phenotypes through accumulation of mutations that perturb signaling networks. However, global analysis of these events is currently limited. Here, we identify six types of network-attacking mutations (NAMs), including changes in kinase and SH2 modulation, network rewiring, and the genesis and extinction of phosphorylation sites. We developed a computational platform (ReKINect) to identify NAMs and systematically interpreted the exomes and quantitative (phospho-)proteomes of five ovarian cancer cell lines and the global cancer genome repository. We identified and experimentally validated several NAMs, including PKCγ M501I and PKD1 D665N, which encode specificity switches analogous to the appearance of kinases de novo within the kinome. We discover mutant molecular logic gates, a drift toward phospho-threonine signaling, weakening of phosphorylation motifs, and kinase-inactivating hotspots in cancer. Our method pinpoints functional NAMs, scales with the complexity of cancer genomes and cell signaling, and may enhance our capability to therapeutically target tumor-specific networks. Mutations perturbing signaling networks are systematically classified and interpreted Several such functional mutations are identified in cancer and experimentally validated The results suggest that a single point mutant can have profound signaling effects Systematic interpretation of genomic data may assist future precision-medicine efforts
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Affiliation(s)
- Pau Creixell
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark
| | - Craig D Simpson
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - James Longden
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Chad J Miller
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Hua Jane Lou
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Lara Perryman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Nevena Zivanovic
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Antonio Palmeri
- Centre for Molecular Bioinformatics, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | | | | | - Jesper Ferkinghoff-Borg
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Bernd Bodenmiller
- Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zurich, 8057 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Benjamin E Turk
- Department of Pharmacology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Rune Linding
- Department of Systems Biology, Technical University of Denmark, 2800 Lyngby, Denmark; Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark.
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60
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Abstract
Pathologic organ fibrosis is a condition that can affect all major tissues and is typically ascribed to the excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix components, predominantly collagens. It typically leads to compromise of organ function and subsequent organ failure, and it is estimated that 45% of deaths in the developed world are linked to fibrotic disease. Fibrosis and cancer are known to be inextricably linked; however, we are only just beginning to understand the common and overlapping molecular pathways between the two. Here, we discuss what is known about the intersection of fibrosis and cancer, with a focus on cancer metastasis, and highlight some of the exciting new potential clinical targets that are emerging from analysis of the molecular pathways associated with these two devastating diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Authors' Affiliation: Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janine T Erler
- Authors' Affiliation: Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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61
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Cox TR, Rumney RMH, Schoof EM, Perryman L, Høye AM, Agrawal A, Bird D, Latif NA, Forrest H, Evans HR, Huggins ID, Lang G, Linding R, Gartland A, Erler JT. The hypoxic cancer secretome induces pre-metastatic bone lesions through lysyl oxidase. Nature 2015; 522:106-110. [PMID: 26017313 PMCID: PMC4961239 DOI: 10.1038/nature14492] [Citation(s) in RCA: 376] [Impact Index Per Article: 41.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2014] [Accepted: 04/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumour metastasis is a complex process involving reciprocal interplay between cancer cells and host stroma at both primary and secondary sites, and is strongly influenced by microenvironmental factors such as hypoxia. Tumour-secreted proteins play a crucial role in these interactions and present strategic therapeutic potential. Metastasis of breast cancer to the bone affects approximately 85% of patients with advanced disease and renders them largely untreatable. Specifically, osteolytic bone lesions, where bone is destroyed, lead to debilitating skeletal complications and increased patient morbidity and mortality. The molecular interactions governing the early events of osteolytic lesion formation are currently unclear. Here we show hypoxia to be specifically associated with bone relapse in patients with oestrogen-receptor negative breast cancer. Global quantitative analysis of the hypoxic secretome identified lysyl oxidase (LOX) as significantly associated with bone-tropism and relapse. High expression of LOX in primary breast tumours or systemic delivery of LOX leads to osteolytic lesion formation whereas silencing or inhibition of LOX activity abrogates tumour-driven osteolytic lesion formation. We identify LOX as a novel regulator of NFATc1-driven osteoclastogenesis, independent of RANK ligand, which disrupts normal bone homeostasis leading to the formation of focal pre-metastatic lesions. We show that these lesions subsequently provide a platform for circulating tumour cells to colonize and form bone metastases. Our study identifies a novel mechanism of regulation of bone homeostasis and metastasis, opening up opportunities for novel therapeutic intervention with important clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark.,Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Robin M H Rumney
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Erwin M Schoof
- Cellular Signal Integration Group (C-SIG), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Lara Perryman
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Anette M Høye
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark
| | - Ankita Agrawal
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Demelza Bird
- Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Norain Ab Latif
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Hamish Forrest
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Holly R Evans
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Iain D Huggins
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Georgina Lang
- Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Rune Linding
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark.,Cellular Signal Integration Group (C-SIG), Technical University of Denmark (DTU), Lyngby, DK-2800, Denmark
| | - Alison Gartland
- The Mellanby Centre for Bone Research, The University of Sheffield, Sheffield S10 2RX, UK
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen (UCPH), Copenhagen, DK-2200, Denmark.,Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
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62
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Rodriguez-Teja M, Gronau JH, Breit C, Zhang YZ, Minamidate A, Caley MP, McCarthy A, Cox TR, Erler JT, Gaughan L, Darby S, Robson C, Mauri F, Waxman J, Sturge J. AGE-modified basement membrane cooperates with Endo180 to promote epithelial cell invasiveness and decrease prostate cancer survival. J Pathol 2014; 235:581-92. [PMID: 25408555 DOI: 10.1002/path.4485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 09/12/2014] [Revised: 11/05/2014] [Accepted: 11/08/2014] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Biomechanical strain imposed by age-related thickening of the basal lamina and augmented tissue stiffness in the prostate gland coincides with increased cancer risk. Here we hypothesized that the structural alterations in the basal lamina associated with age can induce mechanotransduction pathways in prostate epithelial cells (PECs) to promote invasiveness and cancer progression. To demonstrate this, we developed a 3D model of PEC acini in which thickening and stiffening of basal lamina matrix was induced by advanced glycation end-product (AGE)-dependent non-enzymatic crosslinking of its major components, collagen IV and laminin. We used this model to demonstrate that antibody targeted blockade of CTLD2, the second of eight C-type lectin-like domains in Endo180 (CD280, CLEC13E, KIAA0709, MRC2, TEM9, uPARAP) that can recognize glycosylated collagens, reversed actinomyosin-based contractility [myosin-light chain-2 (MLC2) phosphorylation], loss of cell polarity, loss of cell-cell junctions, luminal infiltration and basal invasion induced by AGE-modified basal lamina matrix in PEC acini. Our in vitro results were concordant with luminal occlusion of acini in the prostate glands of adult Endo180(Δ) (Ex2-6/) (Δ) (Ex2-6) mice, with constitutively exposed CTLD2 and decreased survival of men with early (non-invasive) prostate cancer with high epithelial Endo180 expression and levels of AGE. These findings indicate that AGE-dependent modification of the basal lamina induces invasive behaviour in non-transformed PECs via a molecular mechanism linked to cancer progression. This study provides a rationale for targeting CTLD2 in Endo180 in prostate cancer and other pathologies in which increased basal lamina thickness and tissue stiffness are driving factors. © 2014 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mercedes Rodriguez-Teja
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, UK; Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de la República, Montevideo, Uruguay
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Chang J, Nicolau MM, Cox TR, Wetterskog D, Martens JWM, Barker HE, Erler JT. LOXL2 induces aberrant acinar morphogenesis via ErbB2 signaling. Breast Cancer Res 2014; 15:R67. [PMID: 23971878 PMCID: PMC3978831 DOI: 10.1186/bcr3461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2012] [Accepted: 08/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) is a matrix-remodeling enzyme that has been shown to play a key role in invasion and metastasis of breast carcinoma cells. However, very little is known about its role in normal tissue homeostasis. Here, we investigated the effects of LOXL2 expression in normal mammary epithelial cells to gain insight into how LOXL2 mediates cancer progression. METHODS LOXL2 was expressed in MCF10A normal human mammary epithelial cells. The 3D acinar morphogenesis of these cells was assessed, as well as the ability of the cells to form branching structures on extracellular matrix (ECM)-coated surfaces. Transwell-invasion assays were used to assess the invasive properties of the cells. Clinically relevant inhibitors of ErbB2, lapatinib and Herceptin (traztuzumab), were used to investigate the role of ErbB2 signaling in this model. A retrospective study on a previously published breast cancer patient dataset was carried out by using Disease Specific Genomic Analysis (DSGA) to investigate the correlation of LOXL2 mRNA expression level with metastasis and survival of ErbB2-positive breast cancer patients. RESULTS Fluorescence staining of the acini revealed increased proliferation, decreased apoptosis, and disrupted polarity, leading to abnormal lumen formation in response to LOXL2 expression in MCF10A cells. When plated onto ECM, the LOXL2-expressing cells formed branching structures and displayed increased invasion. We noted that LOXL2 induced ErbB2 activation through reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and ErbB2 inhibition by using Herceptin or lapatinib abrogated the effects of LOXL2 on MCF10A cells. Finally, we found LOXL2 expression to be correlated with decreased overall survival and metastasis-free survival in breast cancer patients with ErbB2-positive tumors. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that LOXL2 expression in normal epithelial cells can induce abnormal changes that resemble oncogenic transformation and cancer progression, and that these effects are driven by LOXL2-mediated activation of ErbB2. LOXL2 may also be a beneficial marker for breast cancer patients that could benefit most from anti-ErbB2 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Janine T Erler
- Biotech Research & Innovation Centre (BRIC), University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Abstract
Colorectal cancer is the third most prevalent form of cancer worldwide and fourth-leading cause of cancer-related mortality, leading to ~600,000 deaths annually, predominantly affecting the developed world. Lysyl oxidase is a secreted, extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme previously suggested to act as a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer. However, emerging evidence has rapidly implicated lysyl oxidase in promoting metastasis of solid tumors and in particular colorectal cancer at multiple stages, affecting tumor cell proliferation, invasion, and angiogenesis. This emerging research has stimulated significant interest in lysyl oxidase as a strong candidate for developing and deploying inhibitors as functional efficacious cancer therapeutics. In this review, we discuss the rapidly expanding body of knowledge concerning lysyl oxidase in solid tumor progression, highlighting recent advancements in the field of colorectal cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC Univ. of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Cox TR, Bird D, Baker AM, Barker HE, Ho MWY, Lang G, Erler JT. LOX-mediated collagen crosslinking is responsible for fibrosis-enhanced metastasis. Cancer Res 2013; 73:1721-32. [PMID: 23345161 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 382] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a highly complex, dynamic, and inefficient process involving multiple steps, yet it accounts for more than 90% of cancer-related deaths. Although it has long been known that fibrotic signals enhance tumor progression and metastasis, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. Identifying events involved in creating environments that promote metastatic colonization and growth are critical for the development of effective cancer therapies. Here, we show a critical role for lysyl oxidase (LOX) in establishing a milieu within fibrosing tissues that is favorable to growth of metastastic tumor cells. We show that LOX-dependent collagen crosslinking is involved in creating a growth-permissive fibrotic microenvironment capable of supporting metastatic growth by enhancing tumor cell persistence and survival. We show that therapeutic targeting of LOX abrogates not only the extent to which fibrosis manifests, but also prevents fibrosis-enhanced metastatic colonization. Finally, we show that the LOX-mediated collagen crosslinking directly increases tumor cell proliferation, enhancing metastatic colonization and growth manifesting in vivo as increased metastasis. This is the first time that crosslinking of collagen I has been shown to enhance metastatic growth. These findings provide an important link between ECM homeostasis, fibrosis, and cancer with important clinical implications for both the treatment of fibrotic disease and cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Baker AM, Bird D, Welti JC, Gourlaouen M, Lang G, Murray GI, Reynolds AR, Cox TR, Erler JT. Lysyl oxidase plays a critical role in endothelial cell stimulation to drive tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Res 2012. [PMID: 23188504 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-24470008-5472.can-12-2447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Identification of key molecules that drive angiogenesis is critical for the development of new modalities for the prevention of solid tumor progression. Using multiple models of colorectal cancer, we show that activity of the extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is essential for stimulating endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. We show that LOX activates Akt through platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) stimulation, resulting in increased VEGF expression. LOX-driven angiogenesis can be abrogated through targeting LOX directly or using inhibitors of PDGFRβ, Akt, and VEGF signaling. Furthermore, we show that LOX is clinically correlated with VEGF expression and blood vessel formation in 515 colorectal cancer patient samples. Finally, we validate our findings in a breast cancer model, showing the universality of these observations. Taken together, our findings have broad clinical and therapeutic implications for a wide variety of solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Baker
- Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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Baker AM, Bird D, Welti JC, Gourlaouen M, Lang G, Murray GI, Reynolds AR, Cox TR, Erler JT. Lysyl oxidase plays a critical role in endothelial cell stimulation to drive tumor angiogenesis. Cancer Res 2012. [PMID: 23188504 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-12-2447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Identification of key molecules that drive angiogenesis is critical for the development of new modalities for the prevention of solid tumor progression. Using multiple models of colorectal cancer, we show that activity of the extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) is essential for stimulating endothelial cells in vitro and angiogenesis in vivo. We show that LOX activates Akt through platelet-derived growth factor receptor β (PDGFRβ) stimulation, resulting in increased VEGF expression. LOX-driven angiogenesis can be abrogated through targeting LOX directly or using inhibitors of PDGFRβ, Akt, and VEGF signaling. Furthermore, we show that LOX is clinically correlated with VEGF expression and blood vessel formation in 515 colorectal cancer patient samples. Finally, we validate our findings in a breast cancer model, showing the universality of these observations. Taken together, our findings have broad clinical and therapeutic implications for a wide variety of solid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Baker
- Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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Abstract
The therapeutic targeting of extracellular proteins is becoming hugely attractive in light of evidence implicating the tumour microenvironment as pivotal in all aspects of tumour initiation and progression. Members of the lysyl oxidase (LOX) family of proteins are secreted by tumours and are the subject of much effort to understand their roles in cancer. In this Review we discuss the roles of members of this family in the remodelling of the tumour microenvironment and their paradoxical roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis. We also discuss how targeting this family of proteins might lead to a new avenue of cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Barker
- Hypoxia & Metastasis Team, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK
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Baker AM, Bird D, Lang G, Cox TR, Erler JT. Lysyl oxidase enzymatic function increases stiffness to drive colorectal cancer progression through FAK. Oncogene 2012; 32:1863-8. [PMID: 22641216 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2012.202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 224] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
The extracellular, matrix-modifying enzyme lysyl oxidase (LOX) has recently been linked to colorectal cancer (CRC) progression, in particular to the stages of invasion and metastasis. In this report, we use cell lines expressing a catalytically inactive mutant form of LOX to show that catalytic activity is required for LOX-mediated effects on proliferation and invasion in both in vitro and in vivo models of CRC. Furthermore, we use rheology to measure the relative stiffness of modified collagen matrices and subcutaneous tumors, and show that LOX-induced collagen cross-linking results in stiffening of the matrix both in vitro and in vivo. We observe a strong association between matrix stiffness and activation of the FAK (focal adhesion kinase)/SRC-signaling pathway, with a stiffer environment resulting in increased FAK/SRC phosphorylation and a more proliferative and invasive phenotype. We are the first to show a direct relationship between LOX enzymatic activity and tissue stiffness, and to demonstrate a role for stiffness in driving CRC progression. Our findings provide significant evidence to suggest that therapeutic inhibition of LOX activity may provide a novel effective treatment option for patients with metastatic CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- A-M Baker
- Hypoxia and Metastasis Team, Division of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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Abstract
Dynamic remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for development, wound healing and normal organ homeostasis. Life-threatening pathological conditions arise when ECM remodeling becomes excessive or uncontrolled. In this Perspective, we focus on how ECM remodeling contributes to fibrotic diseases and cancer, which both present challenging obstacles with respect to clinical treatment, to illustrate the importance and complexity of cell-ECM interactions in the pathogenesis of these conditions. Fibrotic diseases, which include pulmonary fibrosis, systemic sclerosis, liver cirrhosis and cardiovascular disease, account for over 45% of deaths in the developed world. ECM remodeling is also crucial for tumor malignancy and metastatic progression, which ultimately cause over 90% of deaths from cancer. Here, we discuss current methodologies and models for understanding and quantifying the impact of environmental cues provided by the ECM on disease progression, and how improving our understanding of ECM remodeling in these pathological conditions is crucial for uncovering novel therapeutic targets and treatment strategies. This can only be achieved through the use of appropriate in vitro and in vivo models to mimic disease, and with technologies that enable accurate monitoring, imaging and quantification of the ECM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- Cancer Research UK Tumour Cell Signalling Unit, Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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Baker AM, Cox TR, Bird D, Lang G, Murray GI, Sun XF, Southall SM, Wilson JR, Erler JT. The role of lysyl oxidase in SRC-dependent proliferation and metastasis of colorectal cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2011; 103:407-24. [PMID: 21282564 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djq569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Emerging evidence implicates lysyl oxidase (LOX), an extracellular matrix-modifying enzyme, in promoting metastasis of solid tumors. We investigated whether LOX plays an important role in the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC). METHODS We analyzed LOX expression in a patient CRC tissue microarray consisting of normal colon mucosa (n = 49), primary (n = 510), and metastatic (n = 198) tissues. LOX was overexpressed in CRC cell line SW480 (SW480+LOX), and the expression was knocked down in CRC cell line SW620 using LOX-specific short hairpin RNA (SW620+shLOX). Effect of LOX manipulation on three-dimensional cell proliferation and invasion was characterized in vitro. Effect of LOX manipulation on tumor proliferation and metastasis was investigated in a subcutaneous tumor mouse model (n = 3 mice per group) and in an intrasplenic metastatic mouse model (n = 3 mice per group). The mechanism of LOX-mediated effects via v-src sarcoma (Schmidt-Ruppin A-2) viral oncogene homolog (avian) (SRC) was investigated using dasatinib, an inhibitor of SRC activation. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Compared with normal colon tissue (n = 49), LOX expression was statistically significantly increased in tumor tissues (n = 510) of CRC patients (P < .001), and a greater increase was observed in metastatic tissue (n = 198). SW480+LOX cells showed a statistically significantly increased three-dimensional proliferation (P = .037) and invasion (P = .015), whereas SW620+shLOX cells showed reduced proliferation (P = .011) and invasion (P = .013) compared with controls. Subcutaneous tumor growth in mice was statistically significantly increased in SW480+LOX tumors (P = .036) and decreased in SW620+shLOX tumors (P = .048), and metastasis was statistically significantly increased in SW480+LOX tumors (P = .044) and decreased in SW620+shLOX tumors (SW620 control vs SW620+shLOX, mean = 1.0 luminescent signal, 95% confidence interval = 0.3 to 1.7 luminescent signal, vs mean = 0.3 luminescent signal, 95% confidence interval = 0.1 to 0.5 luminescent signal; P = .035) compared with controls. LOX-mediated effects on tumor progression were associated with SRC activation, and these effects were inhibited by dasatinib. CONCLUSIONS LOX showed an important role in CRC cell proliferation and metastasis and was dependent on the activation of SRC. These results have the potential to identify patients with high SRC activity, who may benefit from dasatinib treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ann-Marie Baker
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
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73
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Barker HE, Chang J, Cox TR, Lang G, Bird D, Nicolau M, Evans HR, Gartland A, Erler JT. LOXL2-mediated matrix remodeling in metastasis and mammary gland involution. Cancer Res 2011; 71:1561-72. [PMID: 21233336 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-10-2868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 200] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
More than 90% of cancer patient mortality is attributed to metastasis. In this study, we investigated a role for the lysyl oxidase-related enzyme lysyl oxidase-like 2 (LOXL2) in breast cancer metastasis, in both patient samples and in vivo models. Analysis of a published microarray data set revealed that LOXL2 expression is correlated with metastasis and decreased survival in patients with aggressive breast cancer. In immunocompetent or immunocompromised orthotopic and transgenic breast cancer models we showed that genetic, chemical or antibody-mediated inhibition of LOXL2 resulted in decreased metastasis. Mechanistic investigations revealed that LOXL2 promotes invasion by regulating the expression and activity of the extracellular proteins tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP1) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9). We found that LOXL2, TIMP1, and MMP9 are coexpressed during mammary gland involution, suggesting they function together in glandular remodeling after weaning. Finally, we found that LOXL2 is highly expressed in the basal/myoepithelial mammary cell lineage, like many other genes that are upregulated in basal-like breast cancers. Our findings highlight the importance of LOXL2 in breast cancer progression and support the development of anti-LOXL2 therapeutics for the treatment of metastatic breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Holly E Barker
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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Graham HK, Hodson NW, Hoyland JA, Millward-Sadler SJ, Garrod D, Scothern A, Griffiths CEM, Watson REB, Cox TR, Erler JT, Trafford AW, Sherratt MJ. Tissue section AFM: In situ ultrastructural imaging of native biomolecules. Matrix Biol 2010; 29:254-60. [PMID: 20144712 PMCID: PMC2877882 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2010.01.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2009] [Revised: 01/29/2010] [Accepted: 01/29/2010] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
Conventional approaches for ultrastructural high-resolution imaging of biological specimens induce profound changes in bio-molecular structures. By combining tissue cryo-sectioning with non-destructive atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging we have developed a methodology that may be applied by the non-specialist to both preserve and visualize bio-molecular structures (in particular extracellular matrix assemblies) in situ. This tissue section AFM technique is capable of: i) resolving nm–µm scale features of intra- and extracellular structures in tissue cryo-sections; ii) imaging the same tissue region before and after experimental interventions; iii) combining ultrastructural imaging with complimentary microscopical and micromechanical methods. Here, we employ this technique to: i) visualize the macro-molecular structures of unstained and unfixed fibrillar collagens (in skin, cartilage and intervertebral disc), elastic fibres (in aorta and lung), desmosomes (in nasal epithelium) and mitochondria (in heart); ii) quantify the ultrastructural effects of sequential collagenase digestion on a single elastic fibre; iii) correlate optical (auto fluorescent) with ultrastructural (AFM) images of aortic elastic lamellae.
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Affiliation(s)
- Helen K Graham
- Unit of Cardiac Physiology, School of Biomedicine, The University of Manchester, Manchester Academic Health Science Centre, Manchester, M13 9PT, UK
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Erler JT, Bennewith KL, Cox TR, Lang G, Bird D, Koong A, Le QT, Giaccia AJ. Hypoxia-induced lysyl oxidase is a critical mediator of bone marrow cell recruitment to form the premetastatic niche. Cancer Cell 2009; 15:35-44. [PMID: 19111879 PMCID: PMC3050620 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccr.2008.11.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 891] [Impact Index Per Article: 59.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2008] [Revised: 08/13/2008] [Accepted: 11/14/2008] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cell metastasis is facilitated by "premetastatic niches" formed in destination organs by invading bone marrow-derived cells (BMDCs). Lysyl oxidase (LOX) is critical for premetastatic niche formation. LOX secreted by hypoxic breast tumor cells accumulates at premetastatic sites, crosslinks collagen IV in the basement membrane, and is essential for CD11b+ myeloid cell recruitment. CD11b+ cells adhere to crosslinked collagen IV and produce matrix metalloproteinase-2, which cleaves collagen, enhancing the invasion and recruitment of BMDCs and metastasizing tumor cells. LOX inhibition prevents CD11b+ cell recruitment and metastatic growth. CD11b+ cells and LOX also colocalize in biopsies of human metastases. Our findings demonstrate a critical role for LOX in premetastatic niche formation and support targeting LOX for the treatment and prevention of metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Janine T. Erler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Kevin L. Bennewith
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
- Department of Medical Biophysics, British Columbia Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V5Z 1L3
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Georgina Lang
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Demelza Bird
- Section of Cell and Molecular Biology, Institute of Cancer Research, Chester Beatty Laboratories, London SW3 6JB, UK
| | - Albert Koong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
| | - Amato J. Giaccia
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California 94305, USA
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Willis ND, Cox TR, Rahman-Casañs SF, Smits K, Przyborski SA, van den Brandt P, van Engeland M, Weijenberg M, Wilson RG, de Bruïne A, Hutchison CJ. Lamin A/C is a risk biomarker in colorectal cancer. PLoS One 2008; 3:e2988. [PMID: 18714339 PMCID: PMC2496895 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0002988] [Citation(s) in RCA: 166] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [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: 05/06/2008] [Accepted: 07/17/2008] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Background A-type lamins are type V intermediate filament proteins encoded by the gene LMNA. Mutations in LMNA give rise to diverse degenerative diseases related to premature ageing. A-type lamins also influence the activity of the Retinoblastoma protein (pRb) and oncogenes such a β-catenin. Consequently, it has been speculated that expression of A-type lamins may also influence tumour progression. Methodology/Principal Findings An archive of colorectal cancer (CRC) and normal colon tissue was screened for expression of A-type lamins. We used the Cox proportional hazard ratio (HR) method to investigate patient survival. Using CRC cell lines we investigated the effects of lamin A expression on other genes by RT-PCR; on cell growth by FACS analysis; and on invasiveness by cell migration assays and siRNA knockdown of targeted genes. We found that lamin A is expressed in colonic stem cells and that patients with A-type lamin-expressing tumours have significantly worse prognosis than patients with A-type lamin negative tumours (HR = 1.85, p = 0.005). To understand this finding, we established a model system based upon expression of GFP-lamin A in CRC cells. We found that expression of GFP-lamin A in these cells did not affect cell proliferation but did promote greatly increased cell motility and invasiveness. The reason for this increased invasiveness was that expression of lamin A promoted up-regulation of the actin bundling protein T-plastin, leading to down regulation of the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. Conclusions Expression of A-type lamins increases the risk of death from CRC because its presence gives rise to increased invasiveness and potentially a more stem cell-like phenotype. This report directly links A-type lamin expression to tumour progression and raises the profile of LMNA from one implicated in multiple but rare genetic conditions to a gene involved in one of the commonest diseases in the Western World.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naomi D. Willis
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas R. Cox
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | | | - Kim Smits
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Stefan A. Przyborski
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
| | - Piet van den Brandt
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Manon van Engeland
- Department of Pathology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Matty Weijenberg
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | | | - Adriaan de Bruïne
- Department of Pathology, University of Maastricht, Maastricht, The Netherlands
| | - Christopher J. Hutchison
- School of Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Durham University, Durham, United Kingdom
- * E-mail:
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Cox TR, Roland WE, Dolan ME. Ventilator-related Acinetobacter outbreak in an intensive care unit. Mil Med 1998; 163:389-91. [PMID: 9640035] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
An outbreak of 16 cases of ciprofloxacin-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii (calcoaceticus subspecies anitratus) infections occurred during a 7-month period in a medical intensive care unit. Fifteen of the patients developed pneumonia associated with ventilator support. Possible sources considered in the outbreak investigation were sinks, ice, personnel, patients on multiple antibiotic therapy, reusable ventilator circuits, and hemodialysis. The equipment and environment associated with the outbreak were cultured. Patients on ventilators were significantly more susceptible to Acinetobacter nosocomial infection compared with the rest of the patients in the medical intensive care unit (p < 0.05). Sputum cultures were only 5% sensitive to ciprofloxacin and gentamicin, but they were 100% sensitive to imipenem (p < 0.0001). Uncloaking imipenem was a significant contributing factor in controlling this outbreak. Once outbreak control measures were instituted, Acinetobacter isolates dropped from 77 (during the outbreak year) to 9 (during the subsequent year) and no new pneumonia cases occurred.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Cox
- Harry S Truman Memorial Veterans Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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Cox TR. Vascular infections: exceeding the threshold. Mil Med 1995; 160:609-11. [PMID: 8775383] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
During fiscal year 1988, our hospital infection control practitioner identified a 400% increase in the incidence of vascular surgery nosocomial infections. The six graft and six amputation infections were validated as nosocomial against hospital definitions adopted from the Centers for Disease Control. Our Infection Control Committee mandated an audit of the infected vascular surgery patients using a case/control design to identify and examine associated variables that may need attention. The significant finding was microbial resistance to prophylactic antibiotics used during surgery (p > 0.0001, Fisher's exact). The use of vancomycin as a prophylactic antimicrobial agent for all major vascular cases was recommended to the surgeons.
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Affiliation(s)
- T R Cox
- Harry S. Truman Memorial VA Hospital, Columbia, MO 65201, USA
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Cox TR. What's wrong with this patient? RN 1993; 56:45-8. [PMID: 8327843] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
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Cox TR, Hamory BH. Urinary catheter care practices in Veterans Administration Hospitals: a national survey. Mil Med 1983; 148:542-4. [PMID: 6412173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
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81
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Cox TR. Programmed unit in clinical nursing practice. Am J Infect Control 1982; 10:62A-3A. [PMID: 6919400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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82
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Cox TR. Isopkopyl Alcohol in the Preparation of Cytologic Smeabs. Am J Clin Pathol 1960. [DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/33.4.341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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