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Merteroglu M, Santoro MM. Exploiting the metabolic vulnerability of circulating tumour cells. Trends Cancer 2024:S2405-8033(24)00053-0. [PMID: 38580535 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2024.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis has a major part in the severity of disease and lethality of cancer. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) represent a reservoir of metastatic precursors in circulation, most of which cannot survive due to hostile conditions in the bloodstream. Surviving cells colonise a secondary site based on a combination of physical, metabolic, and oxidative stress protection states required for that environment. Recent advances in CTC isolation methods and high-resolution 'omics technologies are revealing specific metabolic pathways that support this selection of CTCs. In this review, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of CTC biology and discoveries of adaptations in metabolic pathways during their selection. Understanding these traits and delineating mechanisms by which they confer acquired resistance or vulnerability in CTCs is crucial for developing successful prognostic and therapeutic strategies in cancer.
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2
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Sayed ZS, Khattap MG, Madkour MA, Yasen NS, Elbary HA, Elsayed RA, Abdelkawy DA, Wadan AHS, Omar I, Nafady MH. Circulating tumor cells clusters and their role in Breast cancer metastasis; a review of literature. Discov Oncol 2024; 15:94. [PMID: 38557916 PMCID: PMC10984915 DOI: 10.1007/s12672-024-00949-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is a significant and deadly threat to women globally. Moreover, Breast cancer metastasis is a complicated process involving multiple biological stages, which is considered a substantial cause of death, where cancer cells spread from the original tumor to other organs in the body-representing the primary mortality factor. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells detached from the primary or metastatic tumor and enter the bloodstream, allowing them to establish new metastatic sites. CTCs can travel alone or in groups called CTC clusters. Studies have shown that CTC clusters have more potential for metastasis and a poorer prognosis than individual CTCs in breast cancer patients. However, our understanding of CTC clusters' formation, structure, function, and detection is still limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge of CTC clusters' biological properties, isolation, and prognostic significance in breast cancer. It also highlights the challenges and future directions for research and clinical application of CTC clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeinab S Sayed
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Mohamed G Khattap
- Technology of Radiology and Medical Imaging Program, Faculty of Applied Health Sciences Technology, Galala University, Suez, 435611, Egypt
| | | | - Noha S Yasen
- Radiology and Imaging Technology Department, Faculty of Applied Health Science Technology, Delta University for Science and Technology, Gamasa, Al Mansurah, Egypt
| | - Hanan A Elbary
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Reem A Elsayed
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | - Dalia A Abdelkawy
- Faculty of Applied Medical Science, Misr University for Science and Technology, 26Th of July Corridor, 6Th of October, Giza Governorate, Postal Code: 77, Egypt
| | | | - Islam Omar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, South Valley University, Qena, Egypt
| | - Mohamed H Nafady
- Radiation Sciences Department, Medical Research Institute, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt.
- Faculty of Applied Health Science Technology, Misr University for Science and Technology, 6th of october, Egypt.
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3
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Grasset EM, Barillé-Nion S, Juin PP. Stress in the metastatic journey - the role of cell communication and clustering in breast cancer progression and treatment resistance. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050542. [PMID: 38506114 PMCID: PMC10979546 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent malignancy afflicting women. Despite significant advancements in its diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer metastasis continues to be a leading cause of mortality among women. To metastasize, cancer cells face numerous challenges: breaking away from the primary tumor, surviving in the circulation, establishing in a distant location, evading immune detection and, finally, thriving to initiate a new tumor. Each of these sequential steps requires cancer cells to adapt to a myriad of stressors and develop survival mechanisms. In addition, most patients with breast cancer undergo surgical removal of their primary tumor and have various therapeutic interventions designed to eradicate cancer cells. Despite this plethora of attacks and stresses, certain cancer cells not only manage to persist but also proliferate robustly, giving rise to substantial tumors that frequently culminate in the patient's demise. To enhance patient outcomes, there is an imperative need for a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that empower cancer cells to not only survive but also expand. Herein, we delve into the intrinsic stresses that cancer cells encounter throughout the metastatic journey and the additional stresses induced by therapeutic interventions. We focus on elucidating the remarkable strategies adopted by cancer cells, such as cell-cell clustering and intricate cell-cell communication mechanisms, to ensure their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse M. Grasset
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Barillé-Nion
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe P. Juin
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint Herblain, France
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4
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Nasr MM, Lynch CC. How circulating tumor cluster biology contributes to the metastatic cascade: from invasion to dissemination and dormancy. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1133-1146. [PMID: 37442876 PMCID: PMC10713810 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10124-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/26/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are known to be prognostic for metastatic relapse and are detected in patients as solitary cells or cell clusters. Circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC clusters) have been observed clinically for decades and are of significantly higher metastatic potential compared to solitary CTCs. Recent studies suggest distinct differences in CTC cluster biology regarding invasion and survival in circulation. However, differences regarding dissemination, dormancy, and reawakening require more investigations compared to solitary CTCs. Here, we review the current state of CTC cluster research and consider their clinical significance. In addition, we discuss the concept of collective invasion by CTC clusters and molecular evidence as to how cluster survival in circulation compares to that of solitary CTCs. Molecular differences between solitary and clustered CTCs during dormancy and reawakening programs will also be discussed. We also highlight future directions to advance our current understanding of CTC cluster biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mostafa M Nasr
- Tumor Biology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
- Cancer Biology Ph.D. Program, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Conor C Lynch
- Tumor Biology Department, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center and Research Institute, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA.
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5
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Dashzeveg NK, Jia Y, Zhang Y, Gerratana L, Patel P, Shajahan A, Dandar T, Ramos EK, Almubarak HF, Adorno-Cruz V, Taftaf R, Schuster EJ, Scholten D, Sokolowski MT, Reduzzi C, El-Shennawy L, Hoffmann AD, Manai M, Zhang Q, D'Amico P, Azadi P, Colley KJ, Platanias LC, Shah AN, Gradishar WJ, Cristofanilli M, Muller WA, Cobb BA, Liu H. Dynamic Glycoprotein Hyposialylation Promotes Chemotherapy Evasion and Metastatic Seeding of Quiescent Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters in Breast Cancer. Cancer Discov 2023; 13:2050-2071. [PMID: 37272843 PMCID: PMC10481132 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-22-0644] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Most circulating tumor cells (CTC) are detected as single cells, whereas a small proportion of CTCs in multicellular clusters with stemness properties possess 20- to 100-times higher metastatic propensity than the single cells. Here we report that CTC dynamics in both singles and clusters in response to therapies predict overall survival for breast cancer. Chemotherapy-evasive CTC clusters are relatively quiescent with a specific loss of ST6GAL1-catalyzed α2,6-sialylation in glycoproteins. Dynamic hyposialylation in CTCs or deficiency of ST6GAL1 promotes cluster formation for metastatic seeding and enables cellular quiescence to evade paclitaxel treatment in breast cancer. Glycoproteomic analysis reveals newly identified protein substrates of ST6GAL1, such as adhesion or stemness markers PODXL, ICAM1, ECE1, ALCAM1, CD97, and CD44, contributing to CTC clustering (aggregation) and metastatic seeding. As a proof of concept, neutralizing antibodies against one newly identified contributor, PODXL, inhibit CTC cluster formation and lung metastasis associated with paclitaxel treatment for triple-negative breast cancer. SIGNIFICANCE This study discovers that dynamic loss of terminal sialylation in glycoproteins of CTC clusters contributes to the fate of cellular dormancy, advantageous evasion to chemotherapy, and enhanced metastatic seeding. It identifies PODXL as a glycoprotein substrate of ST6GAL1 and a candidate target to counter chemoevasion-associated metastasis of quiescent tumor cells. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 1949.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nurmaa K. Dashzeveg
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Youbin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Lorenzo Gerratana
- Department of Medicinal Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, Aviano, Italy
| | - Priyam Patel
- Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Asif Shajahan
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Tsogbadrakh Dandar
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Erika K. Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Hannah F. Almubarak
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Valery Adorno-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Emma J. Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Michael T. Sokolowski
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Lamiaa El-Shennawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Andrew D. Hoffmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Maroua Manai
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Qiang Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Paolo D'Amico
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia
| | - Karen J. Colley
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Illinois Chicago, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Leonidas C. Platanias
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Ami N. Shah
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William J. Gradishar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - William A. Muller
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Pathology, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine, Cleveland, Ohio
| | - Brian A. Cobb
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, Illinois
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Muraro E, Brisotto G. Circulating tumor cells and host immunity: A tricky liaison. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2023; 381:131-157. [PMID: 37739482 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2023.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
During their dissemination, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) steadily face the immune system, which is a key player in the whole metastatic cascade, from intravasation to the CTC colonization of distant sites. In this chapter, we will go through the description of immune cells involved in this controversial dialogue encompassing both the anti-tumor activity and the tumor-promoting and immunosuppressive function mediated by several circulating immune effectors as natural killer (NK) cells, CD4+ and CD8+ T lymphocytes, T helper 17, regulatory T cells, neutrophils, monocytes, macrophages, myeloid-derived suppressor cells, dendritic cells, and platelets. Then, we will report on the same interaction from the CTCs point of view, depicting the direct and indirect mechanisms of crosstalk with the above mentioned immune cells. Finally, we will report the recent literature evidence on the potential prognostic role of the integrated CTCs and immune cells monitoring in cancer patients management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Muraro
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Giulia Brisotto
- Immunopathology and Cancer Biomarkers Units, Department of Translational Research, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Aviano, Italy.
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7
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Grašič Kuhar C, Silvester J, Mencinger M, Ovčariček T, Čemažar M, Miceska S, Modic Ž, Kuhar A, Jesenko T, Kloboves Prevodnik V. Association of Circulating Tumor Cells, Megakaryocytes and a High Immune-Inflammatory Environment in Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3397. [PMID: 37444507 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15133397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy is becoming an important source of new biomarkers during the treatment of metastatic cancer patients. Using size-based microfluid technology, we isolated circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from metastatic breast cancer patients to evaluate their presence and cluster formation, as well as the presence of megakaryocytes and immune-inflammatory blood cells, and to correlate their presence with clinicopathological data and overall survival (OS). In total, 59 patients (median age 60.4 years) were included in the study: 62.7% luminal A/B-like, 20.3% HER2-positive, and 17% triple-negative. Our results showed that at least one CTC was present in 79.7% and ≥5 CTCs in 35.2% of the patients. CTC clusters were present in patients with ≥5 CTCs only (in 19.2% of them), and megakaryocytes were present in 52% of all patients. The presence of CTC clusters and megakaryocytes was positively associated with the CTC count. Patients with low pan-inflammatory value (PIV), low systemic immune-inflammatory index (SII), and low relative change from baseline (ΔPIV%, ΔSII%) were associated with significantly higher OS than their counterparts. ΔPIV%, the presence of infection in the last month, and a long duration of metastatic disease were identified as independent prognostic factors for OS. The interplay of CTCs, CTC clusters, megakaryocytes, and PIV needs to be further explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cvetka Grašič Kuhar
- Department Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Jernej Silvester
- Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Marina Mencinger
- Department Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Ovčariček
- Department Medical Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Čemažar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, 6000 Izola, Slovenia
| | - Simona Miceska
- Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Živa Modic
- Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Anamarija Kuhar
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Tanja Jesenko
- Faculty of Medicine Ljubljana, University of Ljubljana, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Veronika Kloboves Prevodnik
- Department of Cytopathology, Institute of Oncology, 1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Maribor, 2000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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8
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Schuster E, Dashzeveg N, Jia Y, Golam K, Zhang T, Hoffman A, Zhang Y, Zheng C, Ramos E, Taftaf R, Shennawy LE, Scholten D, Kitata RB, Adorno-Cruz V, Reduzzi C, Spahija S, Xu R, Siziopikou KP, Platanias LC, Shah A, Gradishar WJ, Cristofanilli M, Tsai CF, Shi T, Liu H. Computational ranking-assisted identification of Plexin-B2 in homotypic and heterotypic clustering of circulating tumor cells in breast cancer metastasis. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.04.10.536233. [PMID: 37090580 PMCID: PMC10120645 DOI: 10.1101/2023.04.10.536233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/25/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is the cause of over 90% of all deaths associated with breast cancer, yet the strategies to predict cancer spreading based on primary tumor profiles and therefore prevent metastasis are egregiously limited. As rare precursor cells to metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in multicellular clusters in the blood are 20-50 times more likely to produce viable metastasis than single CTCs. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying various CTC clusters, such as homotypic tumor cell clusters and heterotypic tumor-immune cell clusters, are yet to be fully elucidated. Combining machine learning-assisted computational ranking with experimental demonstration to assess cell adhesion candidates, we identified a transmembrane protein Plexin- B2 (PB2) as a new therapeutic target that drives the formation of both homotypic and heterotypic CTC clusters. High PB2 expression in human primary tumors predicts an unfavorable distant metastasis-free survival and is enriched in CTC clusters compared to single CTCs in advanced breast cancers. Loss of PB2 reduces formation of homotypic tumor cell clusters as well as heterotypic tumor-myeloid cell clusters in triple-negative breast cancer. Interactions between PB2 and its ligand Sema4C on tumor cells promote homotypic cluster formation, and PB2 binding with Sema4A on myeloid cells (monocytes) drives heterotypic CTC cluster formation, suggesting that metastasizing tumor cells hijack the PB2/Sema family axis to promote lung metastasis in breast cancer. Additionally, using a global proteomic analysis, we identified novel downstream effectors of the PB2 pathway associated with cancer stemness, cell cycling, and tumor cell clustering in breast cancer. Thus, PB2 is a novel therapeutic target for preventing new metastasis.
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Reimer F, Bryan S, Legler K, Karn T, Eppenberger-Castori S, Matschke J, Pereira-Veiga T, Wikman H, Witzel I, Müller V, Schmalfeldt B, Milde-Langosch K, Schumacher U, Stürken C, Oliveira-Ferrer L. The role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 in tumour progression in triple negative breast cancer patients. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:47. [PMID: 36927383 PMCID: PMC10018948 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02896-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The disruption of epithelial features represents a critical step during breast cancer spread. In this context, the dysregulation of desmosomal proteins has been associated with malignant progression and metastasis formation. Curiously, both tumour suppressive and pro-metastatic roles have been attributed to desmosomal structures in different cancer entities. In the present study, we describe the pro-metastatic role of the desmosomal protein desmocollin 2 (DSC2) in breast cancer. METHODS We analysed the prognostic role of DSC2 at mRNA and protein level using microarray data, western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. Functional consequences of DSC2 overexpression and DSC2 knock down were investigated in the triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) cell line MDA-MB-231 and its brain-seeking subline MDA-MB-231-BR, respectively in vitro and in vivo. RESULTS We found a significantly higher DSC2 expression in the more aggressive molecular subtypes HER2-positive and TNBC than in luminal breast cancers, as well as a significant correlation between increased DSC2 expression and a shorter disease-free-also in multivariate analysis-and overall survival. Additionally, a significant association between DSC2 expression in the primary tumour and an increased frequency of cerebral and lung metastasis could be observed. In vitro, ectopic DSC2 expression or DSC2 down-regulation in MDA-MB-231 and MDA-MB-231-BR led to a significant tumour cell aggregation increase and decrease, respectively. Furthermore, tumour cells displaying higher DSC2 levels showed increased chemoresistance in 3D structures, but not 2D monolayer structures, suggesting the importance of cell aggregation as a means for reduced drug diffusion. In an in vivo brain dissemination xenograft mouse model, reduced expression of DSC2 in the brain-seeking TNBC cells led to a decreased amount of circulating tumour cells/clusters and, in turn, to fewer and smaller brain metastatic lesions. CONCLUSION We conclude that high DSC2 expression in primary TNBC is associated with a poorer prognosis, firstly by increasing tumour cell aggregation, secondly by reducing the diffusion and effectiveness of chemotherapeutic agents, and, lastly, by promoting the circulation and survival of tumour cell clusters, each of which facilitates distant organ colonisation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Reimer
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sarah Bryan
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karen Legler
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | | | | | - Jakob Matschke
- Institute of Neuropathology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Thais Pereira-Veiga
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Harriet Wikman
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Isabell Witzel
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Volkmar Müller
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Barbara Schmalfeldt
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Karin Milde-Langosch
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Anatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Christine Stürken
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,Institute of Experimental Anatomy, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.,MSH Medical School of Hamburg, University of Applied Sciences and Medical University, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Leticia Oliveira-Ferrer
- Department of Gynaecology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
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10
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Bates M, Mohamed BM, Ward MP, Kelly TE, O'Connor R, Malone V, Brooks R, Brooks D, Selemidis S, Martin C, O'Toole S, O'Leary JJ. Circulating tumour cells: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188863. [PMID: 36796527 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2022] [Revised: 01/06/2023] [Accepted: 01/21/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023]
Abstract
This review is an overview of the current knowledge regarding circulating tumour cells (CTCs), which are potentially the most lethal type of cancer cell, and may be a key component of the metastatic cascade. The clinical utility of CTCs (the "Good"), includes their diagnostic, prognostic, and therapeutic potential. Conversely, their complex biology (the "Bad"), including the existence of CD45+/EpCAM+ CTCs, adds insult to injury regarding their isolation and identification, which in turn hampers their clinical translation. CTCs are capable of forming microemboli composed of both non-discrete phenotypic populations such as mesenchymal CTCs and homotypic and heterotypic clusters which are poised to interact with other cells in the circulation, including immune cells and platelets, which may increase their malignant potential. These microemboli (the "Ugly") represent a prognostically important CTC subset, however, phenotypic EMT/MET gradients bring additional complexities to an already challenging situation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark Bates
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland.
| | - Bashir M Mohamed
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Mark P Ward
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Tanya E Kelly
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Roisin O'Connor
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Victoria Malone
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Robert Brooks
- Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Doug Brooks
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Cancer Research Institute, University of South Australia, Adelaide, SA 5001, Australia
| | - Stavros Selemidis
- School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, Royal Melbourne Institute of Technology, Bundoora, VIC 3083, Australia
| | - Cara Martin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
| | - Sharon O'Toole
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - John J O'Leary
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland; Emer Casey Molecular Pathology Research Laboratory, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland; Trinity St James's Cancer Institute, Dublin 8, Ireland; Department of Pathology, Coombe Women & Infants University Hospital, Dublin 8, Ireland
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11
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Ko JMY, Lam KO, Kwong DLW, Wong IYH, Chan FSY, Wong CLY, Chan KK, Law TT, Chiu KWH, Lam CCS, Wong JC, Fong HCH, Choy FSF, Lo A, Law S, Lung ML. Circulating Tumor Cell Enumeration for Serial Monitoring of Treatment Outcomes for Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030832. [PMID: 36765790 PMCID: PMC9913330 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030832] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
We aim to reveal the clinical significance and potential usefulness of dynamic monitoring of CTCs to track therapeutic responses and improve survival for advanced ESCC patients. Peripheral blood (PB) (n = 389) and azygos vein blood (AVB) (n = 13) samplings were recruited prospectively from 88 ESCC patients undergoing curative surgery from 2017 to 2022. Longitudinal CTC enumeration was performed with epithelial (EpCAM/pan-cytokeratins/MUC1) and mesenchymal (vimentin) markers at 12 serial timepoints at any of the pre-treatment, all of the post-treatments/pre-surgery, post-surgery follow-ups for 3-year, and relapse. Longitudinal real-time CTC analysis in PB and AVB suggests more CTCs are released early at pre-surgery and 3-month post-surgery into the circulation from the CTRT group compared to the up-front surgery group. High CTC levels at pre-treatments, 1-/3-month post-surgery, unfavorable changes of CTC levels between all post-treatment/pre-surgery and 1-month or 3-month post-surgery (Hazard Ratio (HR) = 6.662, p < 0.001), were independent prognosticators for curative treatment. The unfavorable pre-surgery CTC status was independent prognostic and predictive for neoadjuvant treatment efficacy (HR = 3.652, p = 0.035). The aggressive CTC clusters were more frequently observed in AVB compared to PB. Its role as an independent prognosticator with relapse was first reported in ESCC (HR = 2.539, p = 0.068). CTC clusters and longitudinal CTC monitoring provide useful prognostic information and potential predictive biomarkers to help guide clinicians in improving disease management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josephine Mun Yee Ko
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (J.M.Y.K.); (S.L.); Tel.: +86-(852)-3917-6931 (J.M.Y.K.); +86-(852)-2255-4774 (S.L.); Fax: +86-(852)-2816-6279 (J.M.Y.K.); +86-(852)-2819-4221 (S.L.)
| | - Ka On Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Dora Lai Wan Kwong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ian Yu-Hong Wong
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Fion Siu-Yin Chan
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Claudia Lai-Yin Wong
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Kwan Kit Chan
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Tsz Ting Law
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Keith Wan Hang Chiu
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Candy Chi Shan Lam
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jean Chrysei Wong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Henry Chun Hung Fong
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Faith Sin Fai Choy
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Andy Lo
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Simon Law
- Department of Surgery, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Correspondence: (J.M.Y.K.); (S.L.); Tel.: +86-(852)-3917-6931 (J.M.Y.K.); +86-(852)-2255-4774 (S.L.); Fax: +86-(852)-2816-6279 (J.M.Y.K.); +86-(852)-2819-4221 (S.L.)
| | - Maria Li Lung
- Department of Clinical Oncology, School of Clinical Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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12
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Yamamoto A, Doak AE, Cheung KJ. Orchestration of Collective Migration and Metastasis by Tumor Cell Clusters. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2023; 18:231-256. [PMID: 36207009 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-031521-023557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic dissemination has lethal consequences for cancer patients. Accruing evidence supports the hypothesis that tumor cells can migrate and metastasize as clusters of cells while maintaining contacts with one another. Collective metastasis enables tumor cells to colonize secondary sites more efficiently, resist cell death, and evade the immune system. On the other hand, tumor cell clusters face unique challenges for dissemination particularly during systemic dissemination. Here, we review recent progress toward understanding how tumor cell clusters overcome these disadvantages as well as mechanisms they utilize to gain advantages throughout the metastatic process. We consider useful models for studying collective metastasis and reflect on how the study of collective metastasis suggests new opportunities for eradicating and preventing metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ami Yamamoto
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA; , , .,Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Andrea E Doak
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA; , , .,Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington, USA
| | - Kevin J Cheung
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, Washington, USA; , ,
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13
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Au SH. Circulating Tumor Cell Cluster Sorting by Size and Asymmetry. Methods Mol Biol 2023; 2679:15-23. [PMID: 37300606 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3271-0_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are rare yet potent initiators of metastasis and may be useful as clinical biomarkers. Numerous techniques have been developed to isolate individual circulating tumor cells from the blood, but these techniques are often ineffective at capturing CTC clusters and may cause cluster damage or dissociation during processing or recovery. This chapter describes methods for fabricating and operating a two-stage continuous microfluidic chip that isolates and recovers viable CTC clusters from blood or biological fluids using deterministic lateral displacement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sam H Au
- Department of Bioengineering, Imperial College London, London, UK.
- Cancer Research UK Convergence Science Centre, London, UK.
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14
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Hurtado P, Martínez-Pena I, Yepes-Rodríguez S, Bascoy-Otero M, Abuín C, Fernández-Santiago C, Sánchez L, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Modelling metastasis in zebrafish unveils regulatory interactions of cancer-associated fibroblasts with circulating tumour cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1076432. [PMID: 36949770 PMCID: PMC10025339 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1076432] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The dynamic intercommunication between tumour cells and cells from the microenvironment, such as cancer-associated fibroblast (CAFs), is a key factor driving breast cancer (BC) metastasis. Clusters of circulating tumour cells (CTCs), known to bare a higher efficiency at establishing metastases, are found in the blood of BC patients, often accompanied by CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters. Previously we have shown the utility of CTC-clusters models and the zebrafish embryo as a model of metastasis to understand the biology of breast cancer CTC-clusters. In this work, we use the zebrafish embryo to study the interactions between CTCs in homotypic clusters and CTC-CAFs in heterotypic CTC-clusters to identify potential pro-metastatic traits derived from CTC-CAF communication. We found that upon dissemination CAFs seem to exert a pro-survival and pro-proliferative effect on the CTCs, but only when CTCs and CAFs remain joined as cell clusters. Our data indicate that the clustering of CTC and CAF allows the establishment of physical interactions that when maintained over time favour the selection of CTCs with a higher capacity to survive and proliferate upon dissemination. Importantly, this effect seems to be dependent on the survival of disseminated CAFs and was not observed in the presence of normal fibroblasts. Moreover, we show that CAFs can exert regulatory effects on the CTCs without being involved in promoting tumour cell invasion. Lastly, we show that the physical communication between BC cells and CAFs leads to the production of soluble factors involved in BC cell survival and proliferation. These findings suggest the existence of a CAF-regulatory effect on CTC survival and proliferation sustained by cell-to-cell contacts and highlight the need to understand the molecular mechanisms that mediate the interaction between the CTCs and CAFs in clusters enhancing the metastatic capacity of CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sabrina Yepes-Rodríguez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Miguel Bascoy-Otero
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Cristóbal Fernández-Santiago
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Lugo, Spain
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, Madrid, Spain
- *Correspondence: Roberto Piñeiro, ; Rafael López-López,
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15
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Watanabe F, Suzuki K, Noda H, Rikiyama T. Liquid biopsy leads to a paradigm shift in the treatment of pancreatic cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6478-6496. [PMID: 36569270 PMCID: PMC9782840 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i46.6478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most cancers. Its 5-year survival rate is very low. The recent induction of neoadjuvant chemotherapy and improvements in chemotherapy for patients with pancreatic cancer have resulted in improved survival outcomes. However, the prognosis of pancreatic cancer is still poor. To dramatically improve the prognosis, we need to develop more tools for early diagnosis, treatment selection, disease monitoring, and response rate evaluation. Recently, liquid biopsy (circulating free DNA, circulating tumor DNA, circulating tumor cells, exosomes, and microRNAs) has caught the attention of many researchers as a new biomarker that is minimally invasive, confers low-risk, and displays an overall state of the tumor. Thus, liquid biopsy does not employ the traditional difficulties of obtaining tumor samples from patients with advanced PDAC to investigate their molecular biological status. In addition, it allows for long-term monitoring of the molecular profile of tumor progression. These could help in identifying tumor-specific alterations that use the target structure for tailor-made therapy. Through this review, we highlighted the latest discoveries and advances in liquid biopsy technology in pancreatic cancer research and showed how it can be applied in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fumiaki Watanabe
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Koichi Suzuki
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Noda
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
| | - Toshiki Rikiyama
- Department of Surgery, Saitama Medical Center, Jichi Medical University, Saitama 330-8503, Japan
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16
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Fridrichova I, Kalinkova L, Ciernikova S. Clinical Relevancy of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer: Epithelial or Mesenchymal Characteristics, Single Cells or Clusters? Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12141. [PMID: 36292996 PMCID: PMC9603393 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/07/2022] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic breast cancer (MBC) is typically an incurable disease with high mortality rates; thus, early identification of metastatic features and disease recurrence through precise biomarkers is crucial. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) consisting of heterogeneous subpopulations with different morphology and genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression profiles represent promising candidate biomarkers for metastatic potential. The experimentally verified role of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in cancer dissemination has not been clearly described in BC patients, but the stemness features of CTCs strongly contributes to metastatic potency. Single CTCs have been shown to be protected in the bloodstream against recognition by the immune system through impaired interactions with T lymphocytes and NK cells, while associations of heterotypic CTC clusters with platelets, leucocytes, neutrophils, tumor-associated macrophages, and fibroblasts improve their tumorigenic behavior. In addition to single CTC and CTC cluster characteristics, we reviewed CTC evaluation methods and clinical studies in early and metastatic BCs. The variable CTC tests were developed based on specific principles and strategies. However, CTC count and the presence of CTC clusters were shown to be most clinically relevant in existing clinical trials. Despite the known progress in CTC research and sampling of BC patients, implementation of CTCs and CTC clusters in routine diagnostic and treatment strategies still requires improvement in detection sensitivity and precise molecular characterizations, focused predominantly on the role of CTC clusters for their higher metastatic potency.
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17
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Ramos EK, Tsai CF, Jia Y, Cao Y, Manu M, Taftaf R, Hoffmann AD, El-Shennawy L, Gritsenko MA, Adorno-Cruz V, Schuster EJ, Scholten D, Patel D, Liu X, Patel P, Wray B, Zhang Y, Zhang S, Moore RJ, Mathews JV, Schipma MJ, Liu T, Tokars VL, Cristofanilli M, Shi T, Shen Y, Dashzeveg NK, Liu H. Machine learning-assisted elucidation of CD81-CD44 interactions in promoting cancer stemness and extracellular vesicle integrity. eLife 2022; 11:e82669. [PMID: 36193887 PMCID: PMC9581534 DOI: 10.7554/elife.82669] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-initiating cells with reprogramming plasticity or stem-progenitor cell properties (stemness) are thought to be essential for cancer development and metastatic regeneration in many cancers; however, elucidation of the underlying molecular network and pathways remains demanding. Combining machine learning and experimental investigation, here we report CD81, a tetraspanin transmembrane protein known to be enriched in extracellular vesicles (EVs), as a newly identified driver of breast cancer stemness and metastasis. Using protein structure modeling and interface prediction-guided mutagenesis, we demonstrate that membrane CD81 interacts with CD44 through their extracellular regions in promoting tumor cell cluster formation and lung metastasis of triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) in human and mouse models. In-depth global and phosphoproteomic analyses of tumor cells deficient with CD81 or CD44 unveils endocytosis-related pathway alterations, leading to further identification of a quality-keeping role of CD44 and CD81 in EV secretion as well as in EV-associated stemness-promoting function. CD81 is coexpressed along with CD44 in human circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and enriched in clustered CTCs that promote cancer stemness and metastasis, supporting the clinical significance of CD81 in association with patient outcomes. Our study highlights machine learning as a powerful tool in facilitating the molecular understanding of new molecular targets in regulating stemness and metastasis of TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika K Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Driskill Graduate Program in Life Science, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Chia-Feng Tsai
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryWashingtonUnited States
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationUnited States
| | - Megan Manu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Driskill Graduate Program in Life Science, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | | | - Marina A Gritsenko
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryWashingtonUnited States
| | | | - Emma J Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Driskill Graduate Program in Life Science, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Driskill Graduate Program in Life Science, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Dhwani Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of KentuckyLexingtonUnited States
| | - Priyam Patel
- Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoUnited States
| | - Brian Wray
- Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoUnited States
| | - Youbin Zhang
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- Pathology Core Facility, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Ronald J Moore
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryWashingtonUnited States
| | - Jeremy V Mathews
- Pathology Core Facility, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Matthew J Schipma
- Quantitative Data Science Core, Center for Genetic Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of MedicineChicagoUnited States
| | - Tao Liu
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryWashingtonUnited States
| | - Valerie L Tokars
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
| | - Tujin Shi
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National LaboratoryWashingtonUnited States
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M UniversityCollege StationUnited States
| | | | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Department of Medicine, Hematology/Oncology Division, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern UniversityChicagoUnited States
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18
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Liquid Biopsy as a Tool for the Diagnosis, Treatment, and Monitoring of Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179952. [PMID: 36077348 PMCID: PMC9456236 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is a highly heterogeneous disease. The treatment of BC is complicated owing to intratumoral complexity. Tissue biopsy and immunohistochemistry are the current gold standard techniques to guide breast cancer therapy; however, these techniques do not assess tumoral molecular heterogeneity. Personalized medicine aims to overcome these biological and clinical complexities. Advances in techniques and computational analyses have enabled increasingly sensitive, specific, and accurate application of liquid biopsy. Such progress has ushered in a new era in precision medicine, where the objective is personalized treatment of breast cancer, early screening, accurate diagnosis and prognosis, relapse detection, longitudinal monitoring, and drug selection. Liquid biopsy can be defined as the sampling of components of tumor cells that are released from a tumor and/or metastatic deposits into the blood, urine, feces, saliva, and other biological substances. Such components include circulating tumor cells (CTCs), circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) or circulating tumor RNA (ctRNA), platelets, and exosomes. This review aims to highlight the role of liquid biopsy in breast cancer and precision medicine.
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19
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VandenHeuvel SN, Farris HA, Noltensmeyer DA, Roy S, Donehoo DA, Kopetz S, Haricharan S, Walsh AJ, Raghavan S. Decellularized organ biomatrices facilitate quantifiable in vitro 3D cancer metastasis models. SOFT MATTER 2022; 18:5791-5806. [PMID: 35894795 DOI: 10.1039/d1sm01796a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic cancers are chemoresistant, involving complex interplay between disseminated cancer cell aggregates and the distant organ microenvironment (extracellular matrix and stromal cells). Conventional metastasis surrogates (scratch/wound healing, Transwell migration assays) lack 3D architecture and ECM presence. Metastasis studies can therefore significantly benefit from biomimetic 3D in vitro models recapitulating the complex cascade of distant organ invasion and colonization by collective clusters of cells. We aimed to engineer reproducible and quantifiable 3D models of highly therapy-resistant cancer processes: (i) colorectal cancer liver metastasis; and (ii) breast cancer lung metastasis. Metastatic seeds are engineered using 3D tumor spheroids to recapitulate the 3D aggregation of cancer cells both in the tumor and in circulation throughout the metastatic cascade of many cancers. Metastatic soil was engineered by decellularizing porcine livers and lungs to generate biomatrix scaffolds, followed by extensive materials characterization. HCT116 colorectal and MDA-MB-231 breast cancer spheroids were generated on hanging drop arrays to initiate clustered metastatic seeding into liver and lung biomatrix scaffolds, respectively. Between days 3-7, biomatrix cellular colonization was apparent with increased metabolic activity and the presence of cellular nests evaluated via multiphoton microscopy. HCT116 and MDA-MB-231 cells colonized liver and lung biomatrices, and at least 15% of the cells invaded more than 20 μm from the surface. Engineered metastases also expressed increased signatures of genes associated with the metastatic epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Importantly, inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9 inhibited metastatic invasion into the biomatrix. Furthermore, metastatic nests were significantly more chemoresistant (>3 times) to the anti-cancer drug oxaliplatin, compared to 3D spheroids. Together, our data indicated that HCT116 and MDA-MB-231 spheroids invade, colonize, and proliferate in livers and lungs establishing metastatic nests in 3D settings in vitro. The metastatic nature of these cells was confirmed with functional readouts regarding EMT and chemoresistance. Modeling the dynamic metastatic cascade in vitro has potential to identify therapeutic targets to treat or prevent metastatic progression in chemoresistant metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heather A Farris
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Dillon A Noltensmeyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Sanjana Roy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Del A Donehoo
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Scott Kopetz
- Department of Gastrointestinal Medical Oncology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Svasti Haricharan
- Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Alex J Walsh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Shreya Raghavan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
- Department of Nanomedicine, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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20
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The interferon-β/STAT1 axis drives the collective invasion of skin squamous cell carcinoma with sealed intercellular spaces. Oncogenesis 2022; 11:27. [PMID: 35606369 PMCID: PMC9126940 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-022-00403-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2021] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The process by which cancer cells invade as a cell cluster, known as collective invasion, is associated with metastasis and worse prognosis of cancer patients; therefore, inhibition of collective invasion is considered to improve cancer treatment. However, the cellular characteristics responsible for collective invasion remain largely unknown. Here, we successfully established subclones with various invasive potentials derived from human skin squamous carcinoma cells. The cell cluster of the highly invasive subclone had a hermetically sealed and narrow intercellular space. Interferon-β was localized to the sealed intercellular spaces, leading to collective invasion via the activation of signal transducer and activator of transcription 1 (STAT1). On the other hand, interferon-β was not localized to non-sealed and wide intercellular spaces of the cell cluster of low-invasive subclone with deficient STAT1 activity. In the mixed cell cluster of high- and low-invasive subclones, the high-invasive sub-clonal cells were located at the invasive front of the invasive protrusion, leading to collective invasion by the low-invasive sub-clonal cells. Tissue microarray analysis of human skin squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) also showed enrichment of STAT1 in the invasive front of SCCs. These findings indicate that the intercellular structure controls the potential for collective invasion via STAT1 regulation in SCC.
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21
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Zeng CDD, Jin CC, Gao C, Xiao AT, Tong YX, Zhang S. Preoperative Folate Receptor-Positive Circulating Tumor Cells Are Associated With Occult Peritoneal Metastasis and Early Recurrence in Gastric Cancer Patients: A Prospective Cohort Study. Front Oncol 2022; 12:769203. [PMID: 35425708 PMCID: PMC9002093 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.769203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The aim of this study is to explore the clinical feasibility of detecting folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells (FR+ CTCs) for predicting peritoneal metastasis and short-term outcome in gastric cancer patients. Methods This is a prospective, single-center, observational study. We applied ligand-targeted enzyme-linked polymerization method to detect preoperative FR+ CTC levels in peripheral blood. We evaluated the diagnostic value of FR+ CTCs and other biomarkers in predicting peritoneal metastasis. Prognostic factors for recurrence-free survival (RFS) were investigated in univariate and multivariate analyses. Results A total of 132 patients with gastric cancer and 9 patients with benign disease were recruited. Gastric cancer patients had a significantly higher CTC level compared to that of patients with benign disease (p < 0.01). Combined model including CTC level and other biomarkers presented high sensitivity (100%) and moderate specificity (59.3%) in predicting peritoneal metastasis. Univariate analysis revealed that decreased serum prealbumin, decreased peripheral lymphocyte count, FR+ CTCs, carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA), carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9), and lymph node metastasis were significantly associated with shorter RFS. FR+ CTC level [≥12.6 folate units (FU)/3 ml, hazard ratio (HR) = 6.957, p = 0.005] and CA19-9 (>34 ng/ml, HR = 3.855, p = 0.037) were independent prognostic factors in multivariate analysis. Conclusions Our findings for the first time suggested the diagnostic value of preoperative CTC levels in predicting peritoneal metastasis in gastric cancer. Moreover, the FR+ CTC level could be a novel and promising prognostic factor for the recurrence of gastric cancer in patients who underwent surgery. Clinical Trial Registration Chinese Clinic Trial Registry, identifier ChiCTR2100050514.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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22
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Abstract
Natural killer (NK) cells are innate immune cells that are critical to the body’s antitumor and antimetastatic defense. As such, novel therapies are being developed to utilize NK cells as part of a next generation of immunotherapies to treat patients with metastatic disease. Therefore, it is essential for us to examine how metastatic cancer cells and NK cells interact with each other throughout the metastatic cascade. In this Review, we highlight the recent body of work that has begun to answer these questions. We explore how the unique biology of cancer cells at each stage of metastasis alters fundamental NK cell biology, including how cancer cells can evade immunosurveillance and co-opt NK cells into cells that promote metastasis. We also discuss the translational potential of this knowledge.
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Affiliation(s)
- Isaac S Chan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, and.,Harold C. Simmons Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Andrew J Ewald
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and.,Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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23
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Rupp B, Ball H, Wuchu F, Nagrath D, Nagrath S. Circulating tumor cells in precision medicine: challenges and opportunities. Trends Pharmacol Sci 2022; 43:378-391. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tips.2022.02.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2021] [Revised: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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24
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Topa J, Grešner P, Żaczek AJ, Markiewicz A. Breast cancer circulating tumor cells with mesenchymal features-an unreachable target? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:81. [PMID: 35048186 PMCID: PMC8770434 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) mediate dissemination of solid tumors and can be an early sign of disease progression. Moreover, they show a great potential in terms of non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of cancer patients. CTCs have been extensively studied in breast cancer (BC) and were shown to present a significant phenotypic plasticity connected with initiation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Apart from conferring malignant properties, EMT affects CTCs recovery rate, making a significant portion of CTCs from patients’ samples undetected. Wider application of methods and markers designed to isolate and identify mesenchymal CTCs is required to expand our knowledge about the clinical impact of mesenchymal CTCs. Therefore, here we provide a comprehensive review of clinical significance of mesenchymal CTCs in BC together with statistical analysis of previously published data, in which we assessed the suitability of a number of methods/markers used for isolation of CTCs with different EMT phenotypes, both in in vitro spike-in tests with BC cell lines, as well as clinical samples. Results of spiked-in cell lines indicate that, in general, methods not based on epithelial enrichment only, capture mesenchymal CTCs much more efficiently that CellSearch® (golden standard in CTCs detection), but at the same time are not much inferior to Cell Search®, though large variation in recovery rates of added cells among the methods is observed. In clinical samples, where additional CTCs detection markers are needed, positive epithelial-based CTCs enrichment was the most efficient in isolating CTCs with mesenchymal features from non-metastatic BC patients. From the marker side, PI3K and VIM were contributing the most to detection of CTCs with mesenchymal features (in comparison to SNAIL) in non-metastatic and metastatic BC patients, respectively. However, additional data are needed for more robust identification of markers for efficient detection of CTCs with mesenchymal features.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Topa
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Peter Grešner
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna J Żaczek
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Markiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
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25
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Perrier A, Hainaut P, Guenoun A, Nguyen DP, Lamy PJ, Guerber F, Troalen F, Denis JA, Boissan M. En marche vers une oncologie personnalisée : l’apport des techniques génomiques et de l’intelligence artificielle dans l’usage des biomarqueurs tumoraux circulants. Bull Cancer 2022; 109:170-184. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2021.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
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26
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Zayas‐Santiago A, Martínez‐Montemayor MM, Colón‐Vázquez J, Ortiz‐Soto G, Cirino‐Simonet JG, Inyushin M. Accumulation of amyloid beta (Aβ) and amyloid precursor protein (APP) in tumors formed by a mouse xenograft model of inflammatory breast cancer. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 12:95-105. [PMID: 34592066 PMCID: PMC8727955 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13308] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 09/16/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Accumulation of amyloid in breast cancer is a well-known phenomenon, but only immunoglobulin light-chain amyloidosis (AL) or transthyretin (TTR) amyloid had been detected in human breast tumor samples previously. We recently reported that another amyloidogenic peptide, amyloid beta (Aβ), is present in an aggregated form in animal and human high-grade gliomas and suggested that it originates systemically from the blood, possibly generated by platelets. To study whether breast cancers are also associated with these Aβ peptides and in what form, we used a nude mouse model inoculated with triple-negative inflammatory breast cancer cell (SUM-149) xenografts, which develop noticeable tumors. Immunostaining with two types of specific antibodies for Aβ identified the clear presence of Aβ peptides associated with (a) carcinoma cells and (b) extracellular aggregated amyloid (also revealed by Congo red and thioflavin S staining). Aβ peptides, in both cells and in aggregated amyloid, were distributed in clear gradients, with maximum levels near blood vessels. We detected significant presence of amyloid precursor protein (APP) in the walls of blood vessels of tumor samples, as well as in carcinoma cells. Finally, we used ELISA to confirm the presence of elevated levels of mouse-generated Aβ40 in tumors. We conclude that Aβ in inflammatory breast cancer tumors, at least in a mouse model, is always present and is concentrated near blood vessels. We also discuss here the possible pathways of Aβ accumulation in tumors and whether this phenomenon could represent the specific signature of high-grade cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mikhail Inyushin
- Department of PhysiologyUniversidad Central del CaribeBayamónPRUSA
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27
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Abstract
E-cadherin is the main component of epithelial adherens junctions (AJs), which play a crucial role in the maintenance of stable cell-cell adhesion and overall tissue integrity. Down-regulation of E-cadherin expression has been found in many carcinomas, and loss of E-cadherin is generally associated with poor prognosis in patients. During the last decade, however, numerous studies have shown that E-cadherin is essential for several aspects of cancer cell biology that contribute to cancer progression, most importantly, active cell migration. In this review, we summarize the available data about the input of E-cadherin in cancer progression, focusing on the latest advances in the research of the various roles E-cadherin-based AJs play in cancer cell dissemination. The review also touches upon the "cadherin switching" in cancer cells where N- or P-cadherin replace or are co-expressed with E-cadherin and its influence on the migratory properties of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Svetlana N Rubtsova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
| | - Irina Y Zhitnyak
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
| | - Natalya A Gloushankova
- N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology, Institute of Carcinogenesis, Moscow, Russia
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28
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Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters Are Cloaked with Platelets and Correlate with Poor Prognosis in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215272. [PMID: 34771436 PMCID: PMC8582483 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are known to be heterogeneous and clustered with tumor-associated cells, such as macrophages, neutrophils, fibroblasts, and platelets. However, their molecular profile and clinical significance remain largely unknown. Thus, we aimed to perform a comprehensive gene expression analysis of single CTCs and CTC clusters in patients with pancreatic cancer and to identify their potential clinical relevance to provide personalized medicine. Epitope-independent, rapid (>3 mL of whole blood/min) isolation of single CTCs and CTC clusters was achieved from a prospective cohort of 16 patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer using a centrifugal microfluidic device. Forty-eight mRNA expressions of individual CTCs and CTC clusters were analyzed to identify pancreatic CTC phenotype. CTC clusters had a larger proportion of mesenchymal expression than single CTCs (p = 0.0004). The presence of CTC clusters positively correlated with poor prognosis (progression-free survival, p = 0.0159; overall survival, p = 0.0186). Furthermore, we found that most CTCs in these patients (90.7%) were cloaked with platelets and found the presence of a positive correlation between the increase in CTC clusters and rapid disease progression during follow-ups. Efficient CTC cluster isolation and analysis techniques will enhance the understanding of complex tumor metastasis processes and can facilitate personalized disease management.
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29
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Schuster E, Taftaf R, Reduzzi C, Albert MK, Romero-Calvo I, Liu H. Better together: circulating tumor cell clustering in metastatic cancer. Trends Cancer 2021; 7:1020-1032. [PMID: 34481763 PMCID: PMC8541931 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2021.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2021] [Revised: 07/11/2021] [Accepted: 07/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are vital components of liquid biopsies for diagnosis of residual cancer, monitoring of therapy response, and prognosis of recurrence. Scientific dogma focuses on metastasis mediated by single CTCs, but advancement of CTC detection technologies has elucidated multicellular CTC clusters, which are associated with unfavorable clinical outcomes and a 20- to 100-fold greater metastatic potential than single CTCs. While the mechanistic understanding of CTC cluster formation is still in its infancy, multiple cell adhesion molecules and tight junction proteins have been identified that underlie the outperforming attributes of homotypic and heterotypic CTC clusters, such as cell survival, cancer stemness, and immune evasion. Future directions include high-resolution characterization of CTCs at multiomic levels for diagnostic/prognostic evaluations and targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Mary K Albert
- Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Isabel Romero-Calvo
- Biomedical Visualization Graduate Program, Department of Biomedical and Health Information Sciences, College of Applied Health Sciences, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA; Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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30
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Martínez-Pena I, Hurtado P, Carmona-Ule N, Abuín C, Dávila-Ibáñez AB, Sánchez L, Abal M, Chaachou A, Hernández-Losa J, Cajal SRY, López-López R, Piñeiro R. Dissecting Breast Cancer Circulating Tumor Cells Competence via Modelling Metastasis in Zebrafish. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22179279. [PMID: 34502201 PMCID: PMC8431683 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22179279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer metastasis is a deathly process, and a better understanding of the different steps is needed. The shedding of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC-cluster from the primary tumor, its survival in circulation, and homing are key events of the metastasis cascade. In vitro models of CTCs and in vivo models of metastasis represent an excellent opportunity to delve into the behavior of metastatic cells, to gain understanding on how secondary tumors appear. METHODS Using the zebrafish embryo, in combination with the mouse and in vitro assays, as an in vivo model of the spatiotemporal development of metastases, we study the metastatic competency of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters and the molecular mechanisms. RESULTS CTC-clusters disseminated at a lower frequency than single CTCs in the zebrafish and showed a reduced capacity to invade. A temporal follow-up of the behavior of disseminated CTCs showed a higher survival and proliferation capacity of CTC-clusters, supported by their increased resistance to fluid shear stress. These data were corroborated in mouse studies. In addition, a differential gene signature was observed, with CTC-clusters upregulating cell cycle and stemness related genes. CONCLUSIONS The zebrafish embryo is a valuable model system to understand the biology of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
| | - Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Nuria Carmona-Ule
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Ana Belén Dávila-Ibáñez
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Departamento de Zoología, Genética y Antropología Física, Facultad de Veterinaria, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 27002 Lugo, Spain;
| | - Miguel Abal
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, CIBERONC, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Anas Chaachou
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Javier Hernández-Losa
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Santiago Ramón y Cajal
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Molecular Pathology, Department of Pathology, Vall d’Hebron Institute of Research (VHIR), Hospital Universitari Vall d’Hebron, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08035 Barcelona, Spain;
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, CIBERONC, Health Research Institute of Santiago (IDIS), University Hospital of Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), Trav. Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Department of Oncology, Complexo Hospitalario Universitario de Santiago de Compostela (SERGAS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (I.M.-P.); (P.H.); (N.C.-U.); (C.A.); (A.B.D.-I.); (R.L.-L.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain; (M.A.); (J.H.-L.); (S.R.y.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-602
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31
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Taftaf R, Liu X, Singh S, Jia Y, Dashzeveg NK, Hoffmann AD, El-Shennawy L, Ramos EK, Adorno-Cruz V, Schuster EJ, Scholten D, Patel D, Zhang Y, Davis AA, Reduzzi C, Cao Y, D'Amico P, Shen Y, Cristofanilli M, Muller WA, Varadan V, Liu H. ICAM1 initiates CTC cluster formation and trans-endothelial migration in lung metastasis of breast cancer. Nat Commun 2021; 12:4867. [PMID: 34381029 PMCID: PMC8358026 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-25189-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters mediate metastasis at a higher efficiency and are associated with lower overall survival in breast cancer compared to single cells. Combining single-cell RNA sequencing and protein analyses, here we report the profiles of primary tumor cells and lung metastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). ICAM1 expression increases by 200-fold in the lung metastases of three TNBC patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). Depletion of ICAM1 abrogates lung colonization of TNBC cells by inhibiting homotypic tumor cell-tumor cell cluster formation. Machine learning-based algorithms and mutagenesis analyses identify ICAM1 regions responsible for homophilic ICAM1-ICAM1 interactions, thereby directing homotypic tumor cell clustering, as well as heterotypic tumor-endothelial adhesion for trans-endothelial migration. Moreover, ICAM1 promotes metastasis by activating cellular pathways related to cell cycle and stemness. Finally, blocking ICAM1 interactions significantly inhibits CTC cluster formation, tumor cell transendothelial migration, and lung metastasis. Therefore, ICAM1 can serve as a novel therapeutic target for metastasis initiation of TNBC. Circulating tumor cell (CTC) clusters are more efficient at mediating metastasis as compared to single cells and are associated with poor prognosis in breast cancer. Here, the authors show that ICAM1 is enriched in CTC clusters and its loss suppresses cell-cell interaction and CTC cluster formation, and propose ICAM1 as a therapeutic target for treating breast cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rokana Taftaf
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Toxicology and Cancer Biology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Salendra Singh
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Nurmaa K Dashzeveg
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew D Hoffmann
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Lamiaa El-Shennawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Erika K Ramos
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Valery Adorno-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Emma J Schuster
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Dhwani Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Youbin Zhang
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Andrew A Davis
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yue Cao
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Paolo D'Amico
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Yang Shen
- Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, TEES-AgriLife Center for Bioinformatics and Genomic Systems Engineering, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - William A Muller
- Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.,Department of Pathology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Vinay Varadan
- Case Comprehensive Cancer Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA.
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Wrenn E, Huang Y, Cheung K. Collective metastasis: coordinating the multicellular voyage. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:373-399. [PMID: 34254215 PMCID: PMC8346286 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10111-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 06/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The metastatic process is arduous. Cancer cells must escape the confines of the primary tumor, make their way into and travel through the circulation, then survive and proliferate in unfavorable microenvironments. A key question is how cancer cells overcome these multiple barriers to orchestrate distant organ colonization. Accumulating evidence in human patients and animal models supports the hypothesis that clusters of tumor cells can complete the entire metastatic journey in a process referred to as collective metastasis. Here we highlight recent studies unraveling how multicellular coordination, via both physical and biochemical coupling of cells, induces cooperative properties advantageous for the completion of metastasis. We discuss conceptual challenges and unique mechanisms arising from collective dissemination that are distinct from single cell-based metastasis. Finally, we consider how the dissection of molecular transitions regulating collective metastasis could offer potential insight into cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Wrenn
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA
| | - Yin Huang
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Kevin Cheung
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA.
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Reduzzi C, Di Cosimo S, Gerratana L, Motta R, Martinetti A, Vingiani A, D’Amico P, Zhang Y, Vismara M, Depretto C, Scaperrotta G, Folli S, Pruneri G, Cristofanilli M, Daidone MG, Cappelletti V. Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters Are Frequently Detected in Women with Early-Stage Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13102356. [PMID: 34068368 PMCID: PMC8153325 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13102356] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastases cause the majority of breast cancer-related deaths. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and in particular CTC-clusters, are considered the seeds of metastasis, but their analysis in the early-stages of the disease has so far been limited by the fact that, by using conventional and epithelial-based technologies (as the FDA-approved CellSearch platform), they are more often detected in the metastatic setting. It is known, however, that cancer cells are heterogeneous and can downregulate the expression of epithelial markers, thus limiting the detection capability of epithelial-based technologies. Here, we show that it is possible to increase CTC-cluster detection by using an epithope-independent technology based on blood filtration, and in particular that this strategy allows to detect a high number of CTC-clusters in stage II-III breast cancer patients, before and during neoadjuvant treatment. Our results therefore offer a new opportunity to deepen our understanding of the cancer dissemination process in its early steps. Abstract The clinical relevance of circulating tumor cell clusters (CTC-clusters) in breast cancer (BC) has been mostly studied using the CellSearch®, a marker-dependent method detecting only epithelial-enriched clusters. However, due to epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, resorting to marker-independent approaches can improve CTC-cluster detection. Blood samples collected from healthy donors and spiked-in with tumor mammospheres, or from BC patients, were processed for CTC-cluster detection with 3 technologies: CellSearch®, CellSieve™ filters, and ScreenCell® filters. In spiked-in samples, the 3 technologies showed similar recovery capability, whereas, in 19 clinical samples processed in parallel with CellSearch® and CellSieve™ filters, filtration allowed us to detect more CTC-clusters than CellSearch® (median number = 7 versus 1, p = 0.0038). Next, samples from 37 early BC (EBC) and 23 metastatic BC (MBC) patients were processed using ScreenCell® filters for attaining both unbiased enrichment and marker-independent identification (based on cytomorphological criteria). At baseline, CTC-clusters were detected in 70% of EBC cases and in 20% of MBC patients (median number = 2, range 0–20, versus 0, range 0–15, p = 0.0015). Marker-independent approaches for CTC-cluster assessment improve detection and show that CTC-clusters are more frequent in EBC than in MBC patients, a novel finding suggesting that dissemination of CTC-clusters is an early event in BC natural history.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Reduzzi
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.G.); (P.D.); (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Serena Di Cosimo
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Lorenzo Gerratana
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.G.); (P.D.); (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
- Department of Medicine (DAME), University of Udine, 33100 Udine, Italy
- Department of Medical Oncology, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico di Aviano (CRO), IRCCS, 33081 Aviano, Italy
| | - Rosita Motta
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Antonia Martinetti
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vingiani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (G.P.)
- Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo D’Amico
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.G.); (P.D.); (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
- New Drugs and Early Drug Development for Innovative Therapies Division, IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Youbin Zhang
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.G.); (P.D.); (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Marta Vismara
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Catherine Depretto
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Gianfranco Scaperrotta
- Department of Radiology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.D.); (G.S.)
| | - Secondo Folli
- Breast Cancer Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy;
| | - Giancarlo Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (G.P.)
- Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Medicine-Hematology and Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA; (L.G.); (P.D.); (Y.Z.); (M.C.)
| | - Maria Grazia Daidone
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Vera Cappelletti
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, 20133 Milan, Italy; (C.R.); (S.D.C.); (R.M.); (M.V.); (M.G.D.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-022390-2700
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Interplay between desmoglein2 and hypoxia controls metastasis in breast cancer. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2021; 118:2014408118. [PMID: 33431674 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2014408118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major cause of cancer death. An increased level of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), metastatic cancer cells that have intravasated into the circulatory system, is particularly associated with colonization of distant organs and poor prognosis. However, the key factors required for tumor cell dissemination and colonization remain elusive. We found that high expression of desmoglein2 (DSG2), a component of desmosome-mediated intercellular adhesion complexes, promoted tumor growth, increased the prevalence of CTC clusters, and facilitated distant organ colonization. The dynamic regulation of DSG2 by hypoxia was key to this process, as down-regulation of DSG2 in hypoxic regions of primary tumors led to elevated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) gene expression, allowing cells to detach from the primary tumor and undergo intravasation. Subsequent derepression of DSG2 after intravasation and release of hypoxic stress was associated with an increased ability to colonize distant organs. This dynamic regulation of DSG2 was mediated by Hypoxia-Induced Factor1α (HIF1α). In contrast to its more widely observed function to promote expression of hypoxia-inducible genes, HIF1α repressed DSG2 by recruitment of the polycomb repressive complex 2 components, EZH2 and SUZ12, to the DSG2 promoter in hypoxic cells. Consistent with our experimental data, DSG2 expression level correlated with poor prognosis and recurrence risk in breast cancer patients. Together, these results demonstrated the importance of DSG2 expression in metastasis and revealed a mechanism by which hypoxia drives metastasis.
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35
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Nathanson SD, Detmar M, Padera TP, Yates LR, Welch DR, Beadnell TC, Scheid AD, Wrenn ED, Cheung K. Mechanisms of breast cancer metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 39:117-137. [PMID: 33950409 PMCID: PMC8568733 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10090-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Invasive breast cancer tends to metastasize to lymph nodes and systemic sites. The management of metastasis has evolved by focusing on controlling the growth of the disease in the breast/chest wall, and at metastatic sites, initially by surgery alone, then by a combination of surgery with radiation, and later by adding systemic treatments in the form of chemotherapy, hormone manipulation, targeted therapy, immunotherapy and other treatments aimed at inhibiting the proliferation of cancer cells. It would be valuable for us to know how breast cancer metastasizes; such knowledge would likely encourage the development of therapies that focus on mechanisms of metastasis and might even allow us to avoid toxic therapies that are currently used for this disease. For example, if we had a drug that targeted a gene that is critical for metastasis, we might even be able to cure a vast majority of patients with breast cancer. By bringing together scientists with expertise in molecular aspects of breast cancer metastasis, and those with expertise in the mechanical aspects of metastasis, this paper probes interesting aspects of the metastasis cascade, further enlightening us in our efforts to improve the outcome from breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- S David Nathanson
- Department of Surgery, Henry Ford Cancer Institute, 2799 W Grand Boulevard, Detroit, MI, USA.
| | - Michael Detmar
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Timothy P Padera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | | | - Danny R Welch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center and University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Thomas C Beadnell
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center and University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Adam D Scheid
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Kansas Medical Center and University of Kansas Cancer Center, Kansas City, KS, USA
| | - Emma D Wrenn
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kevin Cheung
- Translational Research Program, Public Health Sciences and Human Biology Divisions, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
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Ebrahimi S, Nonacs P. Genetic diversity through social heterosis can increase virulence in RNA viral infections and cancer progression. ROYAL SOCIETY OPEN SCIENCE 2021; 8:202219. [PMID: 34035948 PMCID: PMC8097216 DOI: 10.1098/rsos.202219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2020] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 05/04/2023]
Abstract
In viral infections and cancer tumours, negative health outcomes often correlate with increasing genetic diversity. Possible evolutionary processes for such relationships include mutant lineages escaping host control or diversity, per se, creating too many immune system targets. Another possibility is social heterosis where mutations and replicative errors create clonal lineages varying in intrinsic capability for successful dispersal; improved environmental buffering; resource extraction or effective defence against immune systems. Rather than these capabilities existing in one genome, social heterosis proposes complementary synergies occur across lineages in close proximity. Diverse groups overcome host defences as interacting 'social genomes' with group genetic tool kits exceeding limited individual plasticity. To assess the possibility of social heterosis in viral infections and cancer progression, we conducted extensive literature searches for examples consistent with general and specific predictions from the social heterosis hypothesis. Numerous studies found supportive patterns in cancers across multiple tissues and in several families of RNA viruses. In viruses, social heterosis mechanisms probably result from long coevolutionary histories of competition between pathogen and host. Conversely, in cancers, social heterosis is a by-product of recent mutations. Investigating how social genomes arise and function in viral quasi-species swarms and cancer tumours may lead to new therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saba Ebrahimi
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
| | - Peter Nonacs
- Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of California, 621 Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90024, USA
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37
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Han HJ, Sung JY, Kim SH, Yun UJ, Kim H, Jang EJ, Yoo HE, Hong EK, Goh SH, Moon A, Lee JS, Ye SK, Shim J, Kim YN. Fibronectin regulates anoikis resistance via cell aggregate formation. Cancer Lett 2021; 508:59-72. [PMID: 33771684 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2021.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2021] [Accepted: 03/11/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The loss of cell-matrix interactions induces apoptosis, known as anoikis. For successful distant metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that have lost matrix attachment need to acquire anoikis resistance in order to survive. Cell aggregate formation confers anoikis resistance, and CTC clusters are more highly metastatic compared to single cells; however, the molecular mechanisms underlying this aggregation are not well understood. In this study, we demonstrated that cell detachment increased cell aggregation and upregulated fibronectin (FN) levels in lung and breast cancer cells, but not in their normal counterparts. FN knockdown decreased cell aggregation and increased anoikis. In addition, cell detachment induced cell-cell adhesion proteins, including E-cadherin, desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2/3, and plakoglobin. Interestingly, FN knockdown decreased the levels of desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2/3, and plakoglobin, but not E-cadherin, suggesting the involvement of desmosomal junction in cell aggregation. Accordingly, knockdown of desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2, or plakoglobin reduced cell aggregation and increased cell sensitivity to anoikis. Previously, we reported that NADPH oxidase 4 (Nox4) upregulation is important for anoikis resistance. Nox4 inhibition by siRNA or apocynin decreased cell aggregation and increased anoikis with the downregulation of FN, and, consequently, decreased desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2/3, or plakoglobin. The coexpression of Nox4 and FN was found to be significant in lung and breast cancer patients, based on cBioPortal data. In vivo mouse lung metastasis model showed that FN knockdown suppressed lung metastasis and thus enhanced survival. FN staining of micro tissue array revealed that FN expression was positive for human lung cancer (61%) and breast cancer (58%) patients. Furthermore, the expression levels of FN, desmoglein-2, desmocollin-2, and plakoglobin were significantly correlated with the poor survival of lung and breast cancer patients, as per the Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis. Altogether, our data suggest that FN upregulation and enhanced desmosomal interactions are critical for cell aggregation and anoikis resistance upon cell detachment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyeong-Jun Han
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Jee Young Sung
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Su-Hyeon Kim
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Un-Jung Yun
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeryeong Kim
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Jang
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Ha-Eun Yoo
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Kyung Hong
- Department of Pathology, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Goh
- Division of Precision Medicine, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Aree Moon
- Pharmacy, Duksung Women's University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seon Lee
- Department of Molecular Medicine, College of Medicine, Inha University, Incheon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang-Ku Ye
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaegal Shim
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Yong-Nyun Kim
- Division of Translational Science, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Republic of Korea.
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Silvestri M, Reduzzi C, Feliciello G, Vismara M, Schamberger T, Köstler C, Motta R, Calza S, Ferraris C, Vingiani A, Pruneri G, Daidone MG, Klein CA, Polzer B, Cappelletti V. Detection of Genomically Aberrant Cells within Circulating Tumor Microemboli (CTMs) Isolated from Early-Stage Breast Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13061409. [PMID: 33808748 PMCID: PMC8003526 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Distant metastases derive from the shedding and dissemination of single cancer cells (CTCs) or circulating tumor emboli (CTMs) into circulation. Previous studies on CTMs were mainly run in patients with metastatic disease; however, we observed that CTMs are more frequently detected in patients with early-stage breast cancer. Here, we collected single CTMs and their relative primary tumor tissue samples in early-stage patients. By studying genomic aberrations, present in tumors cells and absent in normal cells, we predicted the tumor fraction thanks to a statistical model developed from a calibration curve with breast cancer cell lines. The tumor fraction ranged from 8% to 48% and CTMs contained specific and shared alterations with respect to tissue. Thus, CTMs may derive from different regions of the primary tumor or from occult micrometastases. Moreover, CTM-private mutations may inform us about specific metastasis-associated functions of involved genes that should be further explored in follow-up and mechanistic studies. Abstract Circulating tumor microemboli (CTMs) are clusters of cancer cells detached from solid tumors, whose study can reveal mechanisms underlying metastatization. As they frequently comprise unknown fractions of leukocytes, the analysis of copy number alterations (CNAs) is challenging. To address this, we titrated known numbers of leukocytes into cancer cells (MDA-MB-453 and MDA-MB-36, displaying high and low DNA content, respectively) generating tumor fractions from 0–100%. After low-pass sequencing, ichorCNA was identified as the best algorithm to build a linear mixed regression model for tumor fraction (TF) prediction. We then isolated 53 CTMs from blood samples of six early-stage breast cancer patients and predicted the TF of all clusters. We found that all clusters harbor cancer cells between 8 and 48%. Furthermore, by comparing the identified CNAs of CTMs with their matched primary tumors, we noted that only 31–71% of aberrations were shared. Surprisingly, CTM-private alterations were abundant (30–63%), whereas primary tumor-private alterations were rare (4–12%). This either indicates that CTMs are disseminated from further progressed regions of the primary tumor or stem from cancer cells already colonizing distant sites. In both cases, CTM-private mutations may inform us about specific metastasis-associated functions of involved genes that should be explored in follow-up and mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Silvestri
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Giancarlo Feliciello
- Division Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Biopark 1|Am Biopark 9, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.K.); (C.A.K.); (B.P.)
| | - Marta Vismara
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Thomas Schamberger
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research, University Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93040 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Cäcilia Köstler
- Division Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Biopark 1|Am Biopark 9, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.K.); (C.A.K.); (B.P.)
| | - Rosita Motta
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Stefano Calza
- Unit of Biostatistics, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Viale Europa 11, 25125 Brescia, Italy;
- Department of Medical Epidemiology and Biostatistics, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Cristina Ferraris
- Breast Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Dei Tumori di Milano, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milano, Italy;
| | - Andrea Vingiani
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (G.P.)
- Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Giancarlo Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giacomo Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.V.); (G.P.)
- Oncology and Hemato-Oncology Department, University of Milan, Via Festa del Perdono 7, 20122 Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Grazia Daidone
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
| | - Christoph A. Klein
- Division Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Biopark 1|Am Biopark 9, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.K.); (C.A.K.); (B.P.)
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research, University Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss Allee 11, 93040 Regensburg, Germany;
| | - Bernhard Polzer
- Division Personalized Tumor Therapy, Fraunhofer-Institute for Toxicology and Experimental Medicine, Biopark 1|Am Biopark 9, 93053 Regensburg, Germany; (G.F.); (C.K.); (C.A.K.); (B.P.)
| | - Vera Cappelletti
- Biomarker Unit, Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano, Via Giovanni Antonio Amadeo 42, 20133 Milano, Italy; (M.S.); (C.R.); (M.V.); (R.M.); (M.G.D.)
- Correspondence:
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39
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Tsai CF, Zhang P, Scholten D, Martin K, Wang YT, Zhao R, Chrisler WB, Patel DB, Dou M, Jia Y, Reduzzi C, Liu X, Moore RJ, Burnum-Johnson KE, Lin MH, Hsu CC, Jacobs JM, Kagan J, Srivastava S, Rodland KD, Steven Wiley H, Qian WJ, Smith RD, Zhu Y, Cristofanilli M, Liu T, Liu H, Shi T. Surfactant-assisted one-pot sample preparation for label-free single-cell proteomics. Commun Biol 2021; 4:265. [PMID: 33649493 PMCID: PMC7921383 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-01797-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/24/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Large numbers of cells are generally required for quantitative global proteome profiling due to surface adsorption losses associated with sample processing. Such bulk measurement obscures important cell-to-cell variability (cell heterogeneity) and makes proteomic profiling impossible for rare cell populations (e.g., circulating tumor cells (CTCs)). Here we report a surfactant-assisted one-pot sample preparation coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) method termed SOP-MS for label-free global single-cell proteomics. SOP-MS capitalizes on the combination of a MS-compatible nonionic surfactant, n-Dodecyl-β-D-maltoside, and hydrophobic surface-based low-bind tubes or multi-well plates for ‘all-in-one’ one-pot sample preparation. This ‘all-in-one’ method including elimination of all sample transfer steps maximally reduces surface adsorption losses for effective processing of single cells, thus improving detection sensitivity for single-cell proteomics. This method allows convenient label-free quantification of hundreds of proteins from single human cells and ~1200 proteins from small tissue sections (close to ~20 cells). When applied to a patient CTC-derived xenograft (PCDX) model at the single-cell resolution, SOP-MS can reveal distinct protein signatures between primary tumor cells and early metastatic lung cells, which are related to the selection pressure of anti-tumor immunity during breast cancer metastasis. The approach paves the way for routine, precise, quantitative single-cell proteomics. Tsai, Zhang, Scholten et al. develop a surfactant- assisted one-pot sample preparation coupled with mass spectrometry method (SOP-MS) for label-free global single-cell proteomics. This method allows researchers to measure hundreds of proteins from single human cells, suggesting its utility for quantitative single-cell proteomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Feng Tsai
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Pengfei Zhang
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.,NHC Key Laboratory of Cancer Proteomics, Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, P.R. China
| | - David Scholten
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Kendall Martin
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Yi-Ting Wang
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Rui Zhao
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - William B Chrisler
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Dhwani B Patel
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Maowei Dou
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Yuzhi Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Xia Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Ronald J Moore
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | | | - Miao-Hsia Lin
- Graduate Institute of Microbiology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chuan-Chih Hsu
- Institute of Plant and Microbial Biology, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jon M Jacobs
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Jacob Kagan
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Sudhir Srivastava
- Cancer Biomarkers Research Group, Division of Cancer Prevention, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Karin D Rodland
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - H Steven Wiley
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Wei-Jun Qian
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Richard D Smith
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Ying Zhu
- Environmental Molecular Sciences Laboratory, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Tao Liu
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA. .,Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.
| | - Tujin Shi
- Biological Sciences Division, Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, WA, USA.
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40
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Zhu X, Wei C, Zhang Y, Meng Z, Hu B, Zhang F, Wei X, Ying T. Monitoring radiofrequency therapy-induced tumor cell dissemination by in vivo flow cytometry. Cytometry A 2021; 99:593-600. [PMID: 33619834 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24329] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
Clinical and experimental findings have disclosed a high recurrence rate after radiofrequency ablation (RFA), which might be due to the dissemination of malignant cells into the vasculature during ablation. Here, we apply in vivo flow cytometry (IVFC) to monitor circulating tumor cells (CTCs) while performing ablation in a real-time and noninvasive way in an orthotopic model of prostate cancer. We report that CTCs are dramatically increased during RFA. The CTCs induced by ablation eventually translate into enhanced distant metastasis and reduced survival as compared to resection. Immunofluorescence analysis reveals that RFA significantly increases the infiltration of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) in the lung. Our study thus suggests that the ablative procedure of prostate tumors causes immediate tumor cell dissemination and increases distant metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Wei
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zheying Meng
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Bing Hu
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fuli Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xunbin Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Med-X Research Institute and School of Biomedical Engineering, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Biomedical Engineering Department, Peking University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Peking University Cancer Hospital & Institute, Beijing, China
| | - Tao Ying
- Department of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine, Sixth People's Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
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Phenotypic Plasticity of Cancer Cells Based on Remodeling of the Actin Cytoskeleton and Adhesive Structures. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041821. [PMID: 33673054 PMCID: PMC7918886 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2020] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
There is ample evidence that, instead of a binary switch, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in cancer results in a flexible array of phenotypes, each one uniquely suited to a stage in the invasion-metastasis cascade. The phenotypic plasticity of epithelium-derived cancer cells gives them an edge in surviving and thriving in alien environments. This review describes in detail the actin cytoskeleton and E-cadherin-based adherens junction rearrangements that cancer cells need to implement in order to achieve the advantageous epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype and plasticity of migratory phenotypes that can arise from partial EMT.
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42
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Kok SY, Oshima H, Takahashi K, Nakayama M, Murakami K, Ueda HR, Miyazono K, Oshima M. Malignant subclone drives metastasis of genetically and phenotypically heterogenous cell clusters through fibrotic niche generation. Nat Commun 2021; 12:863. [PMID: 33558489 PMCID: PMC7870854 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-21160-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
A concept of polyclonal metastasis has recently been proposed, wherein tumor cell clusters break off from the primary site and are disseminated. However, the involvement of driver mutations in such polyclonal mechanism is not fully understood. Here, we show that non-metastatic AP cells metastasize to the liver with metastatic AKTP cells after co-transplantation to the spleen. Furthermore, AKTP cell depletion after the development of metastases results in the continuous proliferation of the remaining AP cells, indicating a role of AKTP cells in the early step of polyclonal metastasis. Importantly, AKTP cells, but not AP cells, induce fibrotic niche generation when arrested in the sinusoid, and such fibrotic microenvironment promotes the colonization of AP cells. These results indicate that non-metastatic cells can metastasize via the polyclonal metastasis mechanism using the fibrotic niche induced by malignant cells. Thus, targeting the fibrotic niche is an effective strategy for halting polyclonal metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sau Yee Kok
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroko Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kei Takahashi
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mizuho Nakayama
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Murakami
- Division of Epithelial Stem Cell Biology, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan
| | - Hiroki R Ueda
- Department of Systems Pharmacology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
- Laboratory for Synthetic Biology, RIKEN BDR, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kohei Miyazono
- Department of Molecular Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masanobu Oshima
- Division of Genetics, Cancer Research Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
- WPI Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kanazawa, Japan.
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43
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Chakraborty P, George JT, Woodward WA, Levine H, Jolly MK. Gene expression profiles of inflammatory breast cancer reveal high heterogeneity across the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum. Transl Oncol 2021; 14:101026. [PMID: 33535154 PMCID: PMC7851345 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/18/2020] [Revised: 01/09/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
No unique genome signature or molecular therapy exists for inflammatory breast cancer (IBC), a highly aggressive breast cancer with a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. We show that various gene lists proposed as molecular footprints of IBC have no overlap and thus very limited predictive accuracy in identifying IBC samples. We observed that single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of IBC samples along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can help IBC identification. IBC samples robustly displayed a higher coefficient of variation in terms of EMT scores, as compared to non-IBC samples. Higher heterogeneity along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can be regarded to be a hallmark of IBC and a possibly useful biomarker.
Inflammatory breast cancer (IBC) is a highly aggressive breast cancer that metastasizes largely via tumor emboli, and has a 5-year survival rate of less than 30%. No unique genomic signature has yet been identified for IBC nor has any specific molecular therapeutic been developed to manage the disease. Thus, identifying gene expression signatures specific to IBC remains crucial. Here, we compare various gene lists that have been proposed as molecular footprints of IBC using different clinical samples as training and validation sets and using independent training algorithms, and determine their accuracy in identifying IBC samples in three independent datasets. We show that these gene lists have little to no mutual overlap, and have limited predictive accuracy in identifying IBC samples. Despite this inconsistency, single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of IBC samples correlate with their position on the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum. This positioning, together with ssGSEA scores, improves the accuracy of IBC identification across the three independent datasets. Finally, we observed that IBC samples robustly displayed a higher coefficient of variation in terms of EMT scores, as compared to non-IBC samples. Pending verification that this patient-to-patient variability extends to intratumor heterogeneity within a single patient, these results suggest that higher heterogeneity along the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal spectrum can be regarded to be a hallmark of IBC and a possibly useful biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Jason T George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77005, USA
| | - Wendy A Woodward
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA; MD Anderson Morgan Welch Inflammatory Breast Cancer Research Program and Clinic, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX 77005, USA; Departments of Physics and Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
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Bonnet J, Rigal L, Mondesert O, Morin R, Corsaut G, Vigneau M, Ducommun B, Lobjois V. Mitotic arrest affects clustering of tumor cells. Cell Div 2021; 16:2. [PMID: 33514388 PMCID: PMC7847029 DOI: 10.1186/s13008-021-00070-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Cancer cell aggregation is a key process involved in the formation of tumor cell clusters. It has recently been shown that clusters of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have an increased metastatic potential compared to isolated circulating tumor cells. Several widely used chemotherapeutic agents that target the cytoskeleton microtubules and cause cell cycle arrest at mitosis have been reported to modulate CTC number or the size of CTC clusters. Results In this study, we investigated in vitro the impact of mitotic arrest on the ability of breast tumor cells to form clusters. By using live imaging and quantitative image analysis, we found that MCF-7 cancer cell aggregation is compromised upon incubation with paclitaxel or vinorelbine, two chemotherapeutic drugs that target microtubules. In line with these results, we observed that MCF-7 breast cancer cells experimentally synchronized and blocked in metaphase aggregated poorly and formed loose clusters. To monitor clustering at the single-cell scale, we next developed and validated an in vitro assay based on live video-microscopy and custom-designed micro-devices. The study of cluster formation from MCF-7 cells that express the fluorescent marker LifeAct-mCherry using this new assay allowed showing that substrate anchorage-independent clustering of MCF-7 cells was associated with the formation of actin-dependent highly dynamic cell protrusions. Metaphase-synchronized and blocked cells did not display such protrusions, and formed very loose clusters that failed to compact. Conclusions Altogether, our results suggest that mitotic arrest induced by microtubule-targeting anticancer drugs prevents cancer cell clustering and therefore, could reduce the metastatic potential of circulating tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Bonnet
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France
| | - Lise Rigal
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France
| | - Odile Mondesert
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France
| | | | - Gaëlle Corsaut
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France
| | - Mathieu Vigneau
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France
| | - Bernard Ducommun
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France.,CHU de Toulouse, Toulouse, France
| | - Valérie Lobjois
- Université de Toulouse, ITAV, CNRS, ITAV-USR3505, 1 Place Pierre Potier, Toulouse Cedex 1, 31106, France.
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Wang C, Zhang Z, Chong W, Luo R, Myers RE, Gu J, Lin J, Wei Q, Li B, Rebbeck TR, Lu-Yao G, Kelly WK, Yang H. Improved Prognostic Stratification Using Circulating Tumor Cell Clusters in Patients with Metastatic Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13020268. [PMID: 33450815 PMCID: PMC7828213 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2020] [Revised: 12/31/2020] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC) is the most aggressive and deadly form of prostate cancer. As a bone-predominant metastatic disease, liquid biopsy-based biomarkers have advantages in monitoring cancer dynamics. Previous studies have demonstrated the associations between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and mCRPC outcomes, but little is known about the prognostic value of CTC-clusters. In this study, we investigated the associations of CTCs and CTC-clusters with mCRPC prognosis, individually and jointly, using longitudinal samples. We confirmed the associations of CTC counts with mCRPC outcomes in both baseline and longitudinal analyses. Our results also showed that the presence of CTC-clusters alone had prognostic value and that CTC-clusters may further improve CTC-based prognostic stratification in mCRPC. Our findings suggest the potential of combing CTC and CTC-clusters as non-invasive means to monitor progression and predict survival in mCRPC and build a premise for in-depth genomic and molecular analyses of CTCs and CTC-clusters. Abstract Liquid biopsy-based biomarkers have advantages in monitoring the dynamics of metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), a bone-predominant metastatic disease. Previous studies have demonstrated associations between circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and clinical outcomes of mCRPC patients, but little is known about the prognostic value of CTC-clusters. In 227 longitudinally collected blood samples from 64 mCRPC patients, CTCs and CTC-clusters were enumerated using the CellSearch platform. The associations of CTC and CTC-cluster counts with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS), individually and jointly, were evaluated by Cox models. CTCs and CTC-clusters were detected in 24 (37.5%) and 8 (12.5%) of 64 baseline samples, and in 119 (52.4%) and 27 (11.9%) of 227 longitudinal samples, respectively. CTC counts were associated with both PFS and OS, but CTC-clusters were only independently associated with an increased risk of death. Among patients with unfavorable CTCs (≥5), the presence of CTC-clusters signified a worse survival (log-rank p = 0.0185). mCRPC patients with both unfavorable CTCs and CTC-clusters had the highest risk for death (adjusted hazard ratio 19.84, p = 0.0072), as compared to those with <5 CTCs. Analyses using longitudinal data yielded similar results. In conclusion, CTC-clusters provided additional prognostic information for further stratifying death risk among patients with unfavorable CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Zhenchao Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Weelic Chong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Rui Luo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Ronald E. Myers
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Jian Gu
- Department of Epidemiology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA;
| | - Jianqing Lin
- Department of Medicine, GW Cancer Center, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA;
| | - Qiang Wei
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (Q.W.); (B.L.)
| | - Bingshan Li
- Department of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN 37235, USA; (Q.W.); (B.L.)
| | - Timothy R. Rebbeck
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA 02115, USA;
- Department of Epidemiology, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Grace Lu-Yao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - William K. Kelly
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
| | - Hushan Yang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA 19107, USA; (C.W.); (Z.Z.); (W.C.); (R.L.); (R.E.M.); (G.L.-Y.); (W.K.K.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +1-215-503-6521
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Brady L, Hayes B, Sheill G, Baird AM, Guinan E, Stanfill B, Vlajnic T, Casey O, Murphy V, Greene J, Allott EH, Hussey J, Cahill F, Van Hemelrijck M, Peat N, Mucci L, Cunningham M, Grogan L, Lynch T, Manecksha RP, McCaffrey J, O’Donnell D, Sheils O, O’Leary J, Rudman S, McDermott R, Finn S. Platelet cloaking of circulating tumour cells in patients with metastatic prostate cancer: Results from ExPeCT, a randomised controlled trial. PLoS One 2020; 15:e0243928. [PMID: 33338056 PMCID: PMC7748139 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0243928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) represent a morphologically distinct subset of cancer cells, which aid the metastatic spread. The ExPeCT trial aimed to examine the effectiveness of a structured exercise programme in modulating levels of CTCs and platelet cloaking in patients with metastatic prostate cancer. Methods Participants (n = 61) were randomised into either standard care (control) or exercise arms. Whole blood was collected for all participants at baseline (T0), three months (T3) and six months (T6), and analysed for the presence of CTCs, CTC clusters and platelet cloaking. CTC data was correlated with clinico-pathological information. Results Changes in CTC number were observed within group over time, however no significant difference in CTC number was observed between groups over time. Platelet cloaking was identified in 29.5% of participants. A positive correlation between CTC number and white cell count (WCC) was observed (p = 0.0001), in addition to a positive relationship between CTC clusters and PSA levels (p = 0.0393). Conclusion The presence of platelet cloaking has been observed in this patient population for the first time, in addition to a significant correlation between CTC number and WCC. Trial registration ClincalTrials.gov identifier NCT02453139.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lauren Brady
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Brian Hayes
- Department of Histopathology, Cork University Hospital, Cork, Ireland
- Department of Pathology, University College Cork, Cork, Ireland
| | - Gráinne Sheill
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Anne-Marie Baird
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emer Guinan
- School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Bryan Stanfill
- Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, Richland, Washington, United States of America
| | - Tatjana Vlajnic
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | | | | | - John Greene
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Emma H. Allott
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Centre for Cancer Research and Cell Biology, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom
| | - Juliette Hussey
- Discipline of Physiotherapy, School of Medicine, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fidelma Cahill
- King’s College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology and Urology (TOUR), London, United Kingdom
| | - Mieke Van Hemelrijck
- King’s College London, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Translational Oncology and Urology (TOUR), London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Peat
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Lorelei Mucci
- Harvard T.H. Chan school of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts, United States of America
| | - Moya Cunningham
- Department of Radiation Oncology, St Luke’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Liam Grogan
- Department of Oncology, Beaumont Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Thomas Lynch
- Department of Urology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rustom P. Manecksha
- Department of Urology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Surgery, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John McCaffrey
- Department of Oncology, Mater Misericordiae Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | | | - Orla Sheils
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - John O’Leary
- Department of Histopathology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Sarah Rudman
- Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ray McDermott
- Department of Oncology, Tallaght University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Stephen Finn
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
- Cancer Trials Ireland, Dublin, Ireland
- Department of Histopathology, St James’s Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
- * E-mail:
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Hurtado P, Martínez-Pena I, Piñeiro R. Dangerous Liaisons: Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts (CAFs). Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2861. [PMID: 33027902 PMCID: PMC7599894 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102861] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2020] [Revised: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 10/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment (TME) is a key determinant of cancer metastasis. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), one of the main cellular components of TME, promote cancer cell invasion and dissemination through mechanisms including cell-cell interactions and the paracrine secretion of growth factors, cytokines and chemokines. During metastasis, circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are shed from the primary tumor to the bloodstream, where they can be detected as single cells or clusters. The current knowledge about the biology of CTC clusters positions them as key actors in metastasis formation. It also indicates that CTCs do not act alone and that they may be aided by stromal and immune cells, which seem to shape their metastatic potential. Among these cells, CAFs are found associated with CTCs in heterotypic CTC clusters, and their presence seems to increase their metastatic efficiency. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the role that CAFs play on metastasis and we discuss their implication on the biogenesis, metastasis-initiating capacity of CTC clusters, and clinical implications. Moreover, we speculate about possible therapeutic strategies aimed to limit the metastatic potential of CTC clusters involving the targeting of CAFs as well as their difficulties and limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Hurtado
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.H.); (I.M.-P.)
| | - Inés Martínez-Pena
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.H.); (I.M.-P.)
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (P.H.); (I.M.-P.)
- CIBERONC, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, 28029 Madrid, Spain
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Narbe U, Bendahl PO, Aaltonen K, Fernö M, Forsare C, Jørgensen CLT, Larsson AM, Rydén L. The Distribution of Circulating Tumor Cells Is Different in Metastatic Lobular Compared to Ductal Carcinoma of the Breast-Long-Term Prognostic Significance. Cells 2020; 9:E1718. [PMID: 32709042 PMCID: PMC7407940 DOI: 10.3390/cells9071718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Invasive lobular carcinoma (ILC) has distinguishing features when compared to invasive ductal carcinoma of no special type (NST). In this study, we explored the distributional and prognostic characteristics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in metastatic ILC and NST. MATERIALS AND METHODS Patients were included in an observational trial (ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01322893) with ILC (n = 28) and NST (n = 111). CTC count (number/7.5 mL blood) was evaluated with serial sampling (CellSearch). The primary endpoint was progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS The CTC counts were higher in ILC (median 70) than in NST cases (median 2) at baseline (p < 0.001). The evidence for ≥5 CTCs as a prognostic factor for PFS in ILC was weak, but stronger with higher cut-offs (CTC ≥ 20: hazard ratio (HR) 3.0, p = 0.01) (CTC ≥ 80: HR 3.6, p = 0.004). In NST, however, the prognostic effect of CTCs ≥5 was strong. Decline in CTC count from baseline to three months was associated with improved prognosis in ILC and NST. CONCLUSIONS The number of CTCs is higher in ILC than in NST, implying that a higher CTC cut-off could be considered for ILC when applying the CellSearch technique.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ulrik Narbe
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
- Department of Oncology, Växjö Central Hospital, SE-352 34 Växjö, Sweden
| | - Pär-Ola Bendahl
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Division of Translational Cancer Research, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden;
| | - Mårten Fernö
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Carina Forsare
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Charlotte Levin Tykjær Jørgensen
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
| | - Anna-Maria Larsson
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Oncology, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden; (U.N.); (P.-O.B.); (M.F.); (C.F.); (C.L.T.J.); (A.-M.L.)
- Department of Hematology, Oncology and Radiation Physics, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Rydén
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Division of Surgery, Lund University, SE-223 81 Lund, Sweden
- Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, SE-221 85 Lund, Sweden
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49
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Ivanova E, Ward A, Wiegmans AP, Richard DJ. Circulating Tumor Cells in Metastatic Breast Cancer: From Genome Instability to Metastasis. Front Mol Biosci 2020; 7:134. [PMID: 32766277 PMCID: PMC7378584 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2020.00134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/05/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The emergence of clinical resistance in repeatedly treated cancers extends from the primary tumor's capability to exploit genome instability to adapt, escape, and progress. Triple negative breast cancer serves as a good example of such a response demonstrating poor clinical outcome due to a high rate of cellular heterogeneity resulting in metastatic relapse. The capability to effectively track the emergence of therapeutic resistance in real-time and adapt the clinical response is the holy grail for precision medicine and has yet to be realized. In this review we present liquid biopsy using CTCs and ctDNA as a potential replacement and/or addition to the current diagnostic tests to deliver personalized therapies to patients with advanced breast cancer. We outline current uses of liquid biopsy in the metastatic breast cancer setting and discuss their limitations. In addition, we provide a detailed overview of common genome instability events in patients with metastatic breast cancer and how these can be tracked using liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ekaterina Ivanova
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Woolongabba, QLD, Australia.,Centre for Tumour and Immune Biology (ZTI), Philipps University Marburg, Marburg, Germany
| | - Ambber Ward
- Tumor Microenvironment Laboratory, QIMR Berghofer, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Adrian P Wiegmans
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Woolongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Derek John Richard
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Translational Research Institute, Woolongabba, QLD, Australia
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50
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EMT-Associated Heterogeneity in Circulating Tumor Cells: Sticky Friends on the Road to Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061632. [PMID: 32575608 PMCID: PMC7352430 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061632] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/17/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial–mesenchymal transitions (EMTs) generate hybrid phenotypes with an enhanced ability to adapt to diverse microenvironments encountered during the metastatic spread. Accordingly, EMTs play a crucial role in the biology of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and contribute to their heterogeneity. Here, we review major EMT-driven properties that may help hybrid Epithelial/Mesenchymal CTCs to survive in the bloodstream and accomplish early phases of metastatic colonization. We then discuss how interrogating EMT in CTCs as a companion biomarker could help refine cancer patient management, further supporting the relevance of CTCs in personalized medicine.
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