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Xia Y, Sun M, Huang H, Jin WL. Drug repurposing for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:92. [PMID: 38637540 PMCID: PMC11026526 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01808-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2023] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer, a complex and multifactorial disease, presents a significant challenge to global health. Despite significant advances in surgical, radiotherapeutic and immunological approaches, which have improved cancer treatment outcomes, drug therapy continues to serve as a key therapeutic strategy. However, the clinical efficacy of drug therapy is often constrained by drug resistance and severe toxic side effects, and thus there remains a critical need to develop novel cancer therapeutics. One promising strategy that has received widespread attention in recent years is drug repurposing: the identification of new applications for existing, clinically approved drugs. Drug repurposing possesses several inherent advantages in the context of cancer treatment since repurposed drugs are typically cost-effective, proven to be safe, and can significantly expedite the drug development process due to their already established safety profiles. In light of this, the present review offers a comprehensive overview of the various methods employed in drug repurposing, specifically focusing on the repurposing of drugs to treat cancer. We describe the antitumor properties of candidate drugs, and discuss in detail how they target both the hallmarks of cancer in tumor cells and the surrounding tumor microenvironment. In addition, we examine the innovative strategy of integrating drug repurposing with nanotechnology to enhance topical drug delivery. We also emphasize the critical role that repurposed drugs can play when used as part of a combination therapy regimen. To conclude, we outline the challenges associated with repurposing drugs and consider the future prospects of these repurposed drugs transitioning into clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Xia
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- The First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550001, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine and, Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Ming Sun
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China
| | - Hai Huang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
- School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, 550004, PR China.
| | - Wei-Lin Jin
- Institute of Cancer Neuroscience, Medical Frontier Innovation Research Center, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, The First Clinical Medical College of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730000, PR China.
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2
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Shie WY, Cheng SJ, Chen KC, Tang CC, Peng HH, Ko HH, Hou HH, Elizabeth Chou HY. Fibroblast growth factor 5 expression predicts the progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma. J Formos Med Assoc 2024; 123:390-399. [PMID: 37704482 DOI: 10.1016/j.jfma.2023.08.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) 5 is a member of the FGF family that functions as a regulator of tissue growth and regeneration. Aberrant FGF5 expression has been previously associated with the progression of a number of different malignancies. However, its potential role in oral cancer remains unclear. In this study, we explored the relationship between the expression of FGF5 protein in oral squamous cell carcinomas (OSCCs) and the clinicopathological parameters of OSCCs and whether the expression of FGF5 protein in OSCCs could be a prognostic factor for OSCC patients. METHODS The FGF5 protein expression was examined in 64 OSCC and 34 normal oral mucosal specimens by immunohistochemical staining. Stress induced upregulation and intracellular redistribution of FGF5 were verified using xenograft animal model and OSCC cell lines. RESULTS The mean FGF5 protein labelling index was significantly higher in OSCC than in normal oral mucosal samples, with high FGF5 protein labelling index (>58%) being correlated with advanced stage and poor survival of OSCC patients. Apart from the peri-cytoplasmic staining pattern characteristic of paracrine growth factors, FGF5 protein was localized as distinct punctate structures in the cytoplasm of advanced stage or stressed-induced cells. This redistribution and upregulation of FGF5 protein could be sustained after termination of the stress induction in cell line and xenograft animal models. CONCLUSION FGF5 can be induced by cellular stress and risk factors of OSCC, where high expression levels of FGF5 is potentially a useful parameter for predicting OSCC progression and patient survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wan-Yi Shie
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Jung Cheng
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kuan-Chi Chen
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Chun Tang
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Hui Peng
- School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, College of Medicine, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hsin Ko
- School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Graduate Institute of Clinical Dentistry, School of Dentistry, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital Hsin-Chu Branch, College of Medicine, Hsin-Chu, Taiwan
| | - Hsin-Han Hou
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Yi Elizabeth Chou
- Graduate Institute of Oral Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan; Department of Dentistry, National Taiwan University Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for Biotechnology, National Taiwan University, Taipei, Taiwan.
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3
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Wang J, Yang C, Yu R, Zhuang M, Jiang F. ASIC1a contributes to the epithelial-mesenchymal transformation of breast cancer by activating the Ca 2+ /β-catenin pathway. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY 2024; 39:991-1000. [PMID: 37994395 DOI: 10.1002/tox.24013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 10/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer is the most common cancer in the world, with metastasis being one of the leading causes of death among patients. The acidic environment of breast cancer tissue promotes tumor cell invasion and migration by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) in tumor cells, but the exact mechanisms are not yet fully understood. This study investigated the expression of acid-sensitive ion channel 1a (ASIC1a) in breast cancer tissue samples and explored the mechanisms by which ASIC1a mediates the promotion of EMT in breast cancer cells in an acidic microenvironment through in vivo and in vitro experiments. The results showed that first, the expression of ASIC1a was significantly upregulated in breast cancer tissue and was correlated with the TNM (tumor node metastasis) staging of breast cancer. Furthermore, ASIC1a expression was higher in tumors with lymph node metastasis than in those without. Second, the acidic microenvironment promoted [Ca2+ ]i influx via ASIC1a activation and regulated the expression of β-catenin, Vimentin, and E-cadherin, thus promoting EMT in breast cancer cells. Inhibition of ASIC1a activation with PcTx-1 could suppress EMT in breast cancer cells. Finally, in vivo studies also showed that inhibition of ASIC1a could reduce breast cancer metastasis, invasion, and EMT. This study suggests that ASIC1a expression is associated with breast cancer staging and metastasis. Therefore, ASIC1a may become a new breast cancer biomarker, and the elucidation of the mechanism by which ASIC1a promotes EMT in breast cancer under acidic microenvironments provides evidence for the use of ASIC1a as a molecular target for breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiawei Wang
- Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
- School of Life Sciences, Shanghai University, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Chao Yang
- Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ruihua Yu
- Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Ming Zhuang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, PR China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Translational Institute for Cancer Pain, Clinical Research and Innovation Unit, Chongming Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Medicine and Health Sciences, Shanghai, PR China
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4
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Pujals M, Mayans C, Bellio C, Méndez O, Greco E, Fasani R, Alemany-Chavarria M, Zamora E, Padilla L, Mitjans F, Nuciforo P, Canals F, Nonell L, Abad M, Saura C, Tabernero J, Villanueva J. RAGE/SNAIL1 signaling drives epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in metastatic triple-negative breast cancer. Oncogene 2023; 42:2610-2628. [PMID: 37468678 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02778-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 06/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/21/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial/Mesenchymal (E/M) plasticity plays a fundamental role both in embryogenesis and during tumorigenesis. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a driver of cell plasticity in fibrotic diseases; however, its role and molecular mechanism in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) remains unclear. Here, we demonstrate that RAGE signaling maintains the mesenchymal phenotype of aggressive TNBC cells by enforcing the expression of SNAIL1. Besides, we uncover a crosstalk mechanism between the TGF-β and RAGE pathways that is required for the acquisition of mesenchymal traits in TNBC cells. Consistently, RAGE inhibition elicits epithelial features that block migration and invasion capacities. Next, since RAGE is a sensor of the tumor microenvironment, we modeled acute acidosis in TNBC cells and showed it promotes enhanced production of RAGE ligands and the activation of RAGE-dependent invasive properties. Furthermore, acute acidosis increases SNAIL1 levels and tumor cell invasion in a RAGE-dependent manner. Finally, we demonstrate that in vivo inhibition of RAGE reduces metastasis incidence and expands survival, consistent with molecular effects that support the relevance of RAGE signaling in E/M plasticity. These results uncover new molecular insights on the regulation of E/M phenotypes in cancer metastasis and provide rationale for pharmacological intervention of this signaling axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mireia Pujals
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carla Mayans
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Chiara Bellio
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Olga Méndez
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Emanuela Greco
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Roberta Fasani
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mercè Alemany-Chavarria
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Esther Zamora
- Medical Oncology Service, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Laura Padilla
- LEITAT Technological Center, 08028, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Francesc Canals
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Lara Nonell
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Abad
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Altos Labs Cambridge Institute of Science, Cambridge, UK
| | - Cristina Saura
- Medical Oncology Service, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, 08193, Bellaterra, Spain
| | - Josep Tabernero
- Medical Oncology Service, Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain
- IOB Institute of Oncology, Quiron Group (Quiron-IOB), Barcelona, Spain
- University of Vic-Central University of Catalonia (UVic-UCC), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Josep Villanueva
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), Vall d'Hebron Barcelona Hospital Campus, Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain.
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Extracellular Acidosis Differentially Regulates Estrogen Receptor β-Dependent EMT Reprogramming in Female and Male Melanoma Cells. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315374. [PMID: 36499700 PMCID: PMC9736857 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315374] [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: 09/29/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Clinical outcomes of melanoma patients pointed out a gender disparity that supports a correlation between sex hormone activity on estrogen receptors (ER) and melanoma development and progression. Here, we found that the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of melanoma cells induced by extracellular acidosis, which is a crucial hallmark of solid cancers, correlates with the expression of ERβ, the most representative ER on melanoma cells. Extracellular acidosis induces an enhanced expression of ERβ in female cells and EMT markers remain unchanged, while extracellular acidosis did not induce the expression of ERβ in male cells and EMT was strongly promoted. An inverse relationship between ERβ expression and EMT markers in melanoma cells of different sex exposed to extracellular acidosis was revealed by two different technical approaches: florescence-activated cell sorting of high ERβ expressing cell subpopulations and ERβ receptor silencing. Finally, we found that ERβ regulates EMT through NF-κB activation. These results demonstrate that extracellular acidosis drives a differential ERβ regulation in male and female melanoma cells and that this gender disparity might open new perspectives for personalized therapeutic approaches.
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Andreucci E, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Versienti G, Biagioni A, Lulli M, Guasti D, Nardini P, Serratì S, Margheri F, Laurenzana A, Nediani C, Peppicelli S, Calorini L. miR-214-Enriched Extracellular Vesicles Released by Acid-Adapted Melanoma Cells Promote Inflammatory Macrophage-Dependent Tumor Trans-Endothelial Migration. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205090. [PMID: 36291876 PMCID: PMC9599952 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205090] [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: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 09/19/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cutaneous melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer with high-metastatic ability. Despite the recent advancements in melanoma treatments, the prognosis of metastatic patients remains very poor. A better understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to melanoma dissemination is urgently needed in order to develop novel therapeutical strategies to ameliorate patients’ outcomes. Extracellular vesicles (EV) released by tumor cells are key players in metastasis development: by conveying bioactive molecules with oncogenic activity, they can modulate the surrounding—and even the distant—microenvironment and reprogram recipient cells to facilitate the metastatic cascade. Here, we show that melanoma cells release a higher amount of miR-214-enriched EV when adapted to extracellular acidosis, which promote a macrophage activation state, capable of facilitating the trans-endothelial migration of melanoma cells. Thus, we disclose a new molecular mechanism to prevent melanoma intravasation based on miR-214 targeting. Abstract The understanding of the molecular mechanisms leading to melanoma dissemination is urgently needed in view of the identification of new targets and the development of innovative strategies to improve patients’ outcomes. Within the complexity of tumor intercellular communications leading to metastatic dissemination, extracellular vesicles (EV) released by tumor cells are central players. Indeed, the ability to travel through the circulatory system conveying oncogenic bioactive molecules even at distant sites makes EV capable of modulating recipient cells to facilitate metastatic dissemination. The dynamic remodeling of the tumor microenvironment might influence, along with a number of other events, tumoral EV release. We observed that, in melanoma, extracellular acidosis increases the release of EV enriched in miR-214, an onco-miRNA involved in melanoma metastasis. Then, miR-214-enriched EV were found to induce a state of macrophage activation, leading to an overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines and nitric oxide. Such an inflammatory microenvironment was able to alter the endothelial cell permeability, thereby facilitating the trans-endothelial migration of melanoma cells, a crucial step in the metastatic cascade. The use of synthetic miR-214 inhibitors and miR-214 overexpression allowed us to demonstrate the key role of miR-214 in the EV-dependent induction of macrophage activation. Overall, our in vitro study reveals that the release of tumor miR-214-enriched EV, potentiated by adapting tumor cells to extracellular acidosis, drives a macrophage-dependent trans-endothelial migration of melanoma cells. This finding points to miR-214 as a potential new therapeutic target to prevent melanoma intravasation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (L.C.)
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Giampaolo Versienti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Matteo Lulli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Daniele Guasti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nardini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Serratì
- Laboratory of Nanotecnology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori “Giovanni Paolo II”, 70124 Bari, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Nediani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, Università degli Studi di Firenze, 50134 Florence, Italy
- Correspondence: (E.A.); (L.C.)
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7
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Zhang L, Zheng L, Yang X, Yao S, Wang H, An J, Jin H, Wen G, Tuo B. Pathology and physiology of acid‑sensitive ion channels in the digestive system (Review). Int J Mol Med 2022; 50:94. [PMID: 35616162 PMCID: PMC9170189 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2022.5150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
As a major proton-gated cation channel, acid-sensitive ion channels (ASICs) can perceive large extracellular pH changes. ASICs play an important role in the occurrence and development of diseases of various organs and tissues including in the heart, brain, and gastrointestinal tract, as well as in tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis in acidosis and regulation of an acidic microenvironment. The permeability of ASICs to sodium and calcium ions is the basis of their physiological and pathological roles in the body. This review summarizes the physiological and pathological mechanisms of ASICs in digestive system diseases, which plays an important role in the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of digestive system diseases related to ASIC expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Liming Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Xingyue Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Shun Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Hui Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Jiaxing An
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Hai Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Guorong Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
| | - Biguang Tuo
- Department of Gastroenterology, Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University, Zunyi, Guizhou 563003, P.R. China
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Mazurkiewicz J, Simiczyjew A, Dratkiewicz E, Pietraszek-Gremplewicz K, Majkowski M, Kot M, Ziętek M, Matkowski R, Nowak D. Melanoma cells with diverse invasive potential differentially induce the activation of normal human fibroblasts. Cell Commun Signal 2022; 20:63. [PMID: 35538545 PMCID: PMC9092709 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-022-00871-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumor microenvironment consists of stromal cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical properties (e.g., oxygenation, acidification). An important element of the tumor niche are cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). They may constitute up to 80% of the tumor mass and share some features with myofibroblasts involved in the process of wound healing. CAFs can facilitate cancer progression. However, their interaction with melanoma cells is still poorly understood.
Methods We obtained CAFs using conditioned media derived from primary and metastatic melanoma cells, and via co-culture with melanoma cells on Transwell inserts. Using 2D and 3D wound healing assays and Transwell invasion method we evaluated CAFs’ motile activities, while coverslips with FITC-labeled gelatin, gelatin zymography, and fluorescence-based activity assay were employed to determine the proteolytic activity of the examined cells. Western Blotting method was used for the identification of CAFs’ markers as well as estimation of the mediators of MMPs’ (matrix metalloproteinases) expression levels. Lastly, CAFs’ secretome was evaluated with cytokine and angiogenesis proteomic arrays, and lactate chemiluminescence-based assay. Results Acquired FAP-α/IL6-positive CAFs exhibited elevated motility expressed as increased migration and invasion ratio, as well as higher proteolytic activity (area of digestion, MMP2, MMP14). Furthermore, fibroblasts activated by melanoma cells showed upregulation of the MMPs’ expression mediators’ levels (pERK, p-p38, CD44, RUNX), enhanced secretion of lactate, several cytokines (IL8, IL6, CXCL1, CCL2, ICAM1), and proteins related to angiogenesis (GM-CSF, DPPIV, VEGFA, PIGF). Conclusions Observed changes in CAFs’ biology were mainly driven by highly aggressive melanoma cells (A375, WM9, Hs294T) compared to the less aggressive WM1341D cells and could promote melanoma invasion, as well as impact inflammation, angiogenesis, and acidification of the tumor niche. Interestingly, different approaches to CAFs acquisition seem to complement each other showing interactions between studied cells. Video Abstract
Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12964-022-00871-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Mazurkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland.
| | - Aleksandra Simiczyjew
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Ewelina Dratkiewicz
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | | | - Michał Majkowski
- Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Magdalena Kot
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Marcin Ziętek
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Rafał Matkowski
- Department of Oncology and Division of Surgical Oncology, Wroclaw Medical University, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland.,Wroclaw Comprehensive Cancer Center, Plac Hirszfelda 12, 53-413, Wrocław, Poland
| | - Dorota Nowak
- Department of Cell Pathology, Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Wroclaw, Joliot-Curie 14a, 50-383, Wrocław, Poland
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Miret NV, Zárate LV, Díaz FE, Agustina Leguizamón M, Pontillo CA, Chiappini FA, Ceballos L, Geffner J, Randi AS. Extracellular acidosis stimulates breast cancer cell motility through aryl hydrocarbon receptor and c-Src kinase activation. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1197-1206. [PMID: 35538691 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30275] [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: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
A reduction in extracellular pH (pHe) is a characteristic of most malignant tumors. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) is a transcription factor localized in a cytosolic complex with c-Src, which allows it to trigger non-genomic effects through c-Src. Considering that the slightly acidic tumor microenvironment promotes breast cancer progression in a similar way to the AhR/c-Src axis, our aim was to evaluate whether this pathway could be activated by low pHe. We examined the effect of pHe 6.5 on AhR/c-Src axis using two breast cancer cell lines (MDA-MB-231 and LM3) and mammary epithelial cells (NMuMG) and found that acidosis increased c-Src phosphorylation only in tumor cells. Moreover, the presence of AhR inhibitors prevented c-Src activation. Low pHe reduced intracellular pH (pHi), while amiloride treatment, which is known to reduce pHi, induced c-Src phosphorylation through AhR. Analyses were conducted on cell migration and metalloproteases (MMP)-2 and -9 activities, with results showing an acidosis-induced increase in MDA-MB-231 and LM3 cell migration and MMP-9 activity, but no changes in NMuMG cells. Moreover, all these effects were blocked by AhR and c-Src inhibitors. In conclusion, acidosis stimulates the AhR/c-Src axis only in breast cancer cells, increasing cell migration and MMP-9 activity. Although the AhR activation mechanism still remains elusive, a reduction in pHi may be thought to be involved. These findings suggest a critical role for the AhR/c-Src axis in breast tumor progression stimulated by an acidic microenvironment. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Noelia V Miret
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Lorena V Zárate
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Fernando Erra Díaz
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (CONICET), Paraguay 2155, 11° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - M Agustina Leguizamón
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Carolina A Pontillo
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Florencia A Chiappini
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Leandro Ceballos
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Jorge Geffner
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas en Retrovirus y SIDA (CONICET), Paraguay 2155, 11° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Andrea S Randi
- Universidad de Buenos Aires, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Bioquímica Humana, Laboratorio de Efectos Biológicos de Contaminantes Ambientales, Paraguay 2155, 5° piso, (CP 1121), Buenos Aires, Argentina
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10
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Epithelial–Fibroblast Crosstalk Protects against Acidosis-Induced Inflammatory and Fibrotic Alterations. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030681. [PMID: 35327483 PMCID: PMC8945333 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030681] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2022] [Revised: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 03/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Pathogenesis of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is accompanied by extracellular acidosis inflammation, fibrosis and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). The aim of this study was to assess the influence of acidosis on tubule epithelial cells (NRK-52E) and fibroblasts (NRK-49F) in dependence of cellular crosstalk. NRK-52E and NRK-49F were used in mono- and co-cultures, and were treated with acidic media (pH 6.0) for 48 h. The intracellular proteins were measured by Western blot. Secreted proteins were measured by ELISA. Distribution of E-cadherin was assessed by immunofluorescence and epithelial barrier function by FITC-dextran diffusion. Inflammation: Acidosis led to an increase in COX-2 in NRK-52E and TNF in NRK-49F in monoculture. In co-culture, this effect was reversed. EMT: Acidosis led to an increase in vimentin protein in both cell lines, whereas in co-culture, the effect was abolished. In NRK-52E, the E-cadherin expression was unchanged, but subcellular E-cadherin showed a disturbed distribution, and cellular barrier function was decreased. Fibrosis: Monoculture acidosis led to an increased secretion of collagen I and fibronectin in NRK-52E and collagen I in NRK-49F. In co-culture, the total collagen I secretion was unchanged, and fibronectin secretion was decreased. Intercellular crosstalk between epithelial cells and fibroblasts has a protective function regarding the development of acidosis-induced damage.
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11
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Extracellular Vesicles Derived from Acidified Metastatic Melanoma Cells Stimulate Growth, Migration, and Stemness of Normal Keratinocytes. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10030660. [PMID: 35327461 PMCID: PMC8945455 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10030660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2021] [Revised: 03/08/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic melanoma is a highly malignant tumor. Melanoma cells release extracellular vesicles (EVs), which contribute to the growth, metastasis, and malignancy of neighboring cells by transfer of tumor-promoting miRNAs, mRNA, and proteins. Melanoma microenvironment acidification promotes tumor progression and determines EVs’ properties. We studied the influence of EVs derived from metastatic melanoma cells cultivated at acidic (6.5) and normal (7.4) pH on the morphology and homeostasis of normal keratinocytes. Acidification of metastatic melanoma environment made EVs more prooncogenic with increased expression of prooncogenic mi221 RNA, stemless factor CD133, and pro-migration factor SNAI1, as well as with downregulated antitumor mir7 RNA. Incubation with EVs stimulated growth and migration both of metastatic melanoma cells and keratinocytes and changed the morphology of keratinocytes to stem-like phenotype, which was confirmed by increased expression of the stemness factors KLF and CD133. Activation of the AKT/mTOR and ERK signaling pathways and increased expression of epidermal growth factor receptor EGFR and SNAI1 were detected in keratinocytes upon incubation with EVs. Moreover, EVs reduced the production of different cytokines (IL6, IL10, and IL12) and adhesion factors (sICAM-1, sICAM-3, sPecam-1, and sCD40L) usually secreted by keratinocytes to control melanoma progression. Bioinformatic analysis revealed the correlation between decreased expression of these secreted factors and worse survival prognosis for patients with metastatic melanoma. Altogether, our data mean that metastatic melanoma EVs are important players in the transformation of normal keratinocytes.
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12
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Sebestyén A, Dankó T, Sztankovics D, Moldvai D, Raffay R, Cervi C, Krencz I, Zsiros V, Jeney A, Petővári G. The role of metabolic ecosystem in cancer progression — metabolic plasticity and mTOR hyperactivity in tumor tissues. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 40:989-1033. [PMID: 35029792 PMCID: PMC8825419 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-021-10006-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Despite advancements in cancer management, tumor relapse and metastasis are associated with poor outcomes in many cancers. Over the past decade, oncogene-driven carcinogenesis, dysregulated cellular signaling networks, dynamic changes in the tissue microenvironment, epithelial-mesenchymal transitions, protein expression within regulatory pathways, and their part in tumor progression are described in several studies. However, the complexity of metabolic enzyme expression is considerably under evaluated. Alterations in cellular metabolism determine the individual phenotype and behavior of cells, which is a well-recognized hallmark of cancer progression, especially in the adaptation mechanisms underlying therapy resistance. In metabolic symbiosis, cells compete, communicate, and even feed each other, supervised by tumor cells. Metabolic reprogramming forms a unique fingerprint for each tumor tissue, depending on the cellular content and genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental alterations of the developing cancer. Based on its sensing and effector functions, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase is considered the master regulator of metabolic adaptation. Moreover, mTOR kinase hyperactivity is associated with poor prognosis in various tumor types. In situ metabolic phenotyping in recent studies highlights the importance of metabolic plasticity, mTOR hyperactivity, and their role in tumor progression. In this review, we update recent developments in metabolic phenotyping of the cancer ecosystem, metabolic symbiosis, and plasticity which could provide new research directions in tumor biology. In addition, we suggest pathomorphological and analytical studies relating to metabolic alterations, mTOR activity, and their associations which are necessary to improve understanding of tumor heterogeneity and expand the therapeutic management of cancer.
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13
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The role of tumor acidification in aggressiveness, cell dissemination and treatment resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Life Sci 2022; 288:120163. [PMID: 34822797 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120163] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
AIMS To investigate the role of tumor acidification in cell behavior, migration, and treatment resistance of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). MAIN METHODS The SCC4 and SCC25 cell lines were exposed to acidified (pH 6.8) cell culture medium for 7 days. Alternatively, a long-term acidosis was induced for 21 days. In addition, to mimic dynamic pH fluctuation of the tumor microenvironment, cells were reconditioned to neutral pH after experimental acidosis. This study assessed cell proliferation and viability by sulforhodamine B and flow cytometry. Individual and collective cell migration was analyzed by wound healing, time lapse, and transwell assays. Modifications of cell phenotype, EMT induction and stemness potential were investigated by qRT-PCR, western blot, and immunofluorescence. Finally, resistance to chemo- and radiotherapy of OSCC when exposed to acidified environmental conditions (pH 6.8) was determined. KEY FINDINGS The exposure to an acidic microenvironment caused an initial reduction of OSCC cells viability, followed by an adaptation process. Acidic adapted cells acquired a mesenchymal-like phenotype along with increased migration and motility indexes. Moreover, tumoral extracellular acidity was capable to induce cellular stemness and to increase chemo- and radioresistance of oral cancer cells. SIGNIFICANCE In summary, the results showed that the acidic microenvironment leads to a more aggressive and treatment resistant OSCC cell population.
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14
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Demuynck R, Efimova I, Naessens F, Krysko DV. Immunogenic ferroptosis and where to find it? J Immunother Cancer 2021; 9:jitc-2021-003430. [PMID: 34903554 PMCID: PMC8671998 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a recently discovered form of regulated cell death that is morphologically, genetically, and biochemically distinct from apoptosis and necroptosis, and its potential use in anticancer therapy is emerging. The strong immunogenicity of (early) ferroptotic cancer cells broadens the current concept of immunogenic cell death and opens up new possibilities for cancer treatment. In particular, induction of immunogenic ferroptosis could be beneficial for patients with cancers resistant to apoptosis and necroptosis. However, ferroptotic cancer cells may be a rich source of oxidized lipids, which contribute to decreased phagocytosis and antigen cross-presentation by dendritic cells and thus may favor tumor evasion. This could explain the non-immunogenicity of late ferroptotic cells. Besides the presence of lactate in the tumor microenvironment, acidification and hypoxia are essential factors promoting ferroptosis resistance and affecting its immunogenicity. Here, we critically discuss the crucial mediators controlling the immunogenicity of ferroptosis that modulate the induction of antitumor immunity. We emphasize that it will be necessary to also identify the tolerogenic (ie, immunosuppressive) nature of ferroptosis, which can lead to tumor evasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Demuynck
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Iuliia Efimova
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium.,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Faye Naessens
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dmitri V Krysko
- Cell Death Investigation and Therapy Lab, Department of Human Structure and Repair, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium .,Cancer Research Institute Ghent, Ghent, Belgium.,Department of Pathophysiology, I M Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moskva, Russian Federation.,Institute of Biology and Biomedicine, National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhny Novgorod, Niznij Novgorod, Russian Federation
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15
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Zhu PF, Wang MX, Chen ZL, Yang L. Targeting the Tumor Microenvironment: A Literature Review of the Novel Anti-Tumor Mechanism of Statins. Front Oncol 2021; 11:761107. [PMID: 34858839 PMCID: PMC8632059 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.761107] [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: 08/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Statins is widely used in clinical practice as lipid-lowering drugs and has been proven to be effective in the treatment of cardiovascular, endocrine, metabolic syndrome and other diseases. The latest preclinical evidence shows that statins have anti-proliferation, pro-apoptotic, anti-invasion and radiotherapy sensitization effects on tumor cells, suggesting that statins may become a new type of anti-tumor drugs. For a long time, mevalonate pathway has been proved to play a supporting role in the development of tumor cells. As an effective inhibitor of mevalonate pathway, statins have been proved to have a direct auxiliary anti-tumor effect in a large number of studies. In addition, anti-tumor effects of statins through ferroptosis, pyroptosis, autophagy and tumor microenvironment (TME) have also been gradually discovered. However, the specific mechanism of the antitumor effect of statins in the tumor microenvironment has not been clearly elucidated. Herein, we reviewed the antitumor effects of statins in tumor microenvironment, focusing on hypoxia microenvironment, immune microenvironment, metabolic microenvironment, acid microenvironment and mechanical microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-Fei Zhu
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Ming-Xing Wang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
| | - Zhe-Ling Chen
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liu Yang
- Cancer Center, Department of Medical Oncology, Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, China.,Graduate School of Clinical Medicine, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, China
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16
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Boussadia Z, Gambardella AR, Mattei F, Parolini I. Acidic and Hypoxic Microenvironment in Melanoma: Impact of Tumour Exosomes on Disease Progression. Cells 2021; 10:3311. [PMID: 34943819 PMCID: PMC8699343 DOI: 10.3390/cells10123311] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The mechanisms of melanoma progression have been extensively studied in the last decade, and despite the diagnostic and therapeutic advancements pursued, malignant melanoma still accounts for 60% of skin cancer deaths. Therefore, research efforts are required to better define the intercellular molecular steps underlying the melanoma development. In an attempt to represent the complexity of the tumour microenvironment (TME), here we analysed the studies on melanoma in acidic and hypoxic microenvironments and the interactions with stromal and immune cells. Within TME, acidity and hypoxia force melanoma cells to adapt and to evolve into a malignant phenotype, through the cooperation of the tumour-surrounding stromal cells and the escape from the immune surveillance. The role of tumour exosomes in the intercellular crosstalk has been generally addressed, but less studied in acidic and hypoxic conditions. Thus, this review aims to summarize the role of acidic and hypoxic microenvironment in melanoma biology, as well as the role played by melanoma-derived exosomes (Mexo) under these conditions. We also present a perspective on the characteristics of acidic and hypoxic exosomes to disclose molecules, to be further considered as promising biomarkers for an early detection of the disease. An update on the use of exosomes in melanoma diagnosis, prognosis and response to treatment will be also provided and discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Boussadia
- National Center for Drug Research and Evaluation, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Adriana Rosa Gambardella
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, Center for Basic and Clinical Immunology Research (CISI), University of Naples Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mattei
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
| | - Isabella Parolini
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161 Rome, Italy;
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17
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Bychkov ML, Kirichenko AV, Shulepko MA, Mikhaylova IN, Kirpichnikov MP, Lyukmanova EN. Mambalgin-2 Inhibits Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Metastatic Melanoma Cells by Targeting the Channels Containing an ASIC1a Subunit Whose Up-Regulation Correlates with Poor Survival Prognosis. Biomedicines 2021; 9:1324. [PMID: 34680442 PMCID: PMC8533404 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9101324] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Revised: 09/22/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is an aggressive cancer characterized by the acidification of the extracellular environment. Here, we showed for the first time that extracellular media acidification increases proliferation, migration, and invasion of patient-derived metastatic melanoma cells and up-regulates cell-surface expression of acid-sensitive channels containing the ASIC1a, α-ENaC, and γ-ENaC subunits. No influence of media acidification on these processes was found in normal keratinocytes. To control metastatic melanoma progression associated with the ASIC1a up-regulation, we proposed the ASIC1a inhibitor, -mambalgin-2 from Dendpoaspis polylepis venom. Recombinant analog of mambalgin-2 cancelled acidification-induced proliferation, migration, and invasion of metastatic melanoma cells, promoted apoptosis, and down-regulated cell-surface expression of prooncogenic factors CD44 and Frizzled 4 and phosphorylation of transcription factor SNAI. Confocal microscopy and affinity purification revealed that mambalgin-2 interacts with heterotrimeric ASIC1a/α-ENaC/γ-ENaC channels on the surface of metastatic melanoma cells. Using the mutant variant of mambalgin-2 with reduced activity toward ASIC1a, we confirmed that the principal molecular target of mambalgin-2 in melanoma cells is the ASIC1a subunit. Bioinformatic analysis confirmed up-regulation of the ASIC1 expression as a marker of poor survival prognosis for patients with metastatic melanoma. Thus, targeting ASIC1a by drugs such as mambalgin-2 could be a promising strategy for metastatic melanoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maxim L. Bychkov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Artem V. Kirichenko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
| | - Mikhail A. Shulepko
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (M.P.K.)
| | - Irina N. Mikhaylova
- Federal State Budgetary Institution “N.N. Blokhin National Medical Research Center of Oncology”, Ministry of Health of Russia, 115548 Moscow, Russia;
| | - Mikhail P. Kirpichnikov
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
| | - Ekaterina N. Lyukmanova
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, 119997 Moscow, Russia; (M.L.B.); (A.V.K.); (M.A.S.); (M.P.K.)
- Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (State University), 141701 Dolgoprudny, Russia
- Faculty of Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, 119234 Moscow, Russia
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18
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Gurner KH, Evans J, Hutchison JC, Harvey AJ, Gardner DK. A microenvironment of high lactate and low pH created by the blastocyst promotes endometrial receptivity and implantation. Reprod Biomed Online 2021; 44:14-26. [PMID: 34810095 DOI: 10.1016/j.rbmo.2021.09.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
RESEARCH QUESTION Is the blastocyst's idiosyncratic metabolic production of lactate, and creation of a specialized microenvironment at the implatation site, an important mediator of maternal-fetal signalling to promote endometrial receptivity and implantation? DESIGN Hormonally primed ECC-1 and Ishikawa cells were used to assess functional changes to the endometrial epithelium after exposure to lactic acid (LA), LA with neutralized pH (nLA) or acidic pH (pHL). Tight junction integrity (transepithelial resistance [TER]), cellular proliferation or changes to gene expression by RT-PCR were analysed. The effect of LA on Endometrial stromal cells decidualization and migratory capacity, and HUVEC endothelial tube formation and angiogenesis, were also assessed. RESULTS Treatment of ECC-1 cells with 2.5 mM (P = 0.0037), 5 mM (P = 0.0044), 7.5 mM and 10 mM (P = 0.003) (P = 0.0021) LA significantly decreased the rate of cellular proliferation while TER was decreased with exposure to 2.5 mM LA (P = 0.024), 5 mM LA (P = 0.021) and 7.5 mM LA (P = 0.033). Exposure to nLA or pHL had no effect on proliferation or TER. Upregulation of GLUT4 (P = 0.002), GPR81 (P = 0.048), VEGF, SNAI1 (both P < 0.001) and RELA (P = 0.023) mRNA expression was observed after exposure of Ishikawa cells to combined LA plus pHL. Lactic acid increased the migratory capacity of decidualized stromal cells (P = 0.047) without changing the extent of decidualization. HUVEC tube formation was significantly increased by 5 mM LA exposure (P = 0.009). CONCLUSIONS The identification of LA as an important mediator in the maternal-fetal dialogue underpinning implantation is supported. Further examination of the role of LA within the infertile or compromised endometrium could improve natural and assisted pregnancy success and needs further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn H Gurner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia
| | - Jemma Evans
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | - Jennifer C Hutchison
- Centre for Reproductive Health, Hudson Institute of Medical Research, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia; Department of Molecular and Translational Science, Monash University, Clayton VIC 3168, Australia
| | | | - David K Gardner
- School of BioSciences, University of Melbourne VIC 3010, Australia; Melbourne IVF, East Melbourne VIC 3002, Australia.
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19
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Niu D, Luo T, Wang H, Xia Y, Xie Z. Lactic acid in tumor invasion. Clin Chim Acta 2021; 522:61-69. [PMID: 34400170 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2021.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Invasion involves tumor cells altering their cell-matrix interactions and acquiring motility for metastatic spread. Invasive tumor cells exhibit dysregulated metabolism and enhanced aerobic glycolysis, leading to nutrient depletion, hypoxia, and lactic acid production. Lactic acid is a byproduct of glycolysis capable of promoting oncogenic progression, but its role in tumor invasion is unclear. A growing number of studies have demonstrated that lactic acid regulates the degradation of collagen Ⅳ, collagen Ⅶ, and glycoprotein; the synthesis of collagen Ⅰ; and multiple signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, IL-6/STAT3, and HGF/MET, which are associated with basement membrane (BM) remodeling and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), two hallmarks of the tumor invasive process. In the present review, we summarize BM remodeling and EMT in tumor invasion, discuss the emerging roles and molecular mechanisms of lactic acid in these processes, and provide insights for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dun Niu
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Ting Luo
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Hanbin Wang
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Yiniu Xia
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China
| | - Zhizhong Xie
- Institute of Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Hunan Province Cooperative Innovation Center for Molecular Target New Drug Study, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment Responsive Drug Research, University of South China, Hengyang 421001, China.
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Wang S, Lv Y, Zhou Y, Ling J, Wang H, Gu D, Wang C, Qin W, Zheng X, Jin H. Acidic extracellular pH induces autophagy to promote anoikis resistance of hepatocellular carcinoma cells via downregulation of miR-3663-3p. J Cancer 2021; 12:3418-3426. [PMID: 33995620 PMCID: PMC8120191 DOI: 10.7150/jca.51849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is the major reason for poor prognosis and high fatality in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Due to the “Warburg effect”, an acidic tumor microenvironment (TME) exists in solid tumors and plays a critical role in cancer metastasis. Thus, clarifying the mechanism underlying the acidic TME in tumor metastasis could facilitate the development of new therapeutic strategies for HCC. Anoikis resistance is one of the most important events in the early stage of cancer metastasis. Here, we report that acidic extracellular pH (pHe) promotes autophagy of HCC cells via the AMPK/mTOR pathway. We found that autophagy induced by acidity enhances anoikis resistance of HCC cells, which could be reversed by autophagy inhibitors. Furthermore, miR-3663-3p was downregulated by acidity, and overexpression of miR-3663-3p abolished acidic pHe-induced autophagy and anoikis resistance. In summary, acidic pHe enhances anoikis resistance of HCC cells by inducing autophagy, which is regulated by miR-3663-3p. Our findings provide new insight into how the acidic TME is involved in HCC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siying Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yuanyuan Lv
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Yangyang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Jing Ling
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Hui Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Dishui Gu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, Guangdong, 523808, China
| | - Cun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Wenxin Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Xingling Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
| | - Haojie Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Shanghai Cancer Institute, Renji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, No. 25/Ln 2200 Xie-Tu Road, Shanghai 200032, China
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Hypoxia and Extracellular Acidification as Drivers of Melanoma Progression and Drug Resistance. Cells 2021; 10:cells10040862. [PMID: 33918883 PMCID: PMC8070386 DOI: 10.3390/cells10040862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2021] [Revised: 03/31/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Hypoxia and elevated extracellular acidification are prevalent features of solid tumors and they are often shown to facilitate cancer progression and drug resistance. In this review, we have compiled recent and most relevant research pertaining to the role of hypoxia and acidification in melanoma growth, invasiveness, and response to therapy. Melanoma represents a highly aggressive and heterogeneous type of skin cancer. Currently employed treatments, including BRAF V600E inhibitors and immune therapy, often are not effective due to a rapidly developing drug resistance. A variety of intracellular mechanisms impeding the treatment were discovered. However, the tumor microenvironment encompassing stromal and immune cells, extracellular matrix, and physicochemical conditions such as oxygen level or acidity, may also influence the therapy effectiveness. Hypoxia and acidification are able to reprogram the metabolism of melanoma cells, enhance their survival and invasiveness, as well as promote the immunosuppressive environment. For this reason, these physicochemical features of the melanoma niche and signaling pathways related to them emerge as potential therapeutic targets.
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Peppicelli S, Andreucci E, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Nediani C, Supuran CT, Calorini L. The Carbonic Anhydrase IX inhibitor SLC-0111 as emerging agent against the mesenchymal stem cell-derived pro-survival effects on melanoma cells. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2021; 35:1185-1193. [PMID: 32396749 PMCID: PMC7269050 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2020.1764549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) take part to solid tumour-associated stroma and critically influence progression of malignancy. Our study represents a striking example of melanoma progression to a more malignant and resistant phenotype promoted by MSC and the possibility to contrast this diabolic liaison using CAIX inhibitors. In particular, we demonstrated that melanoma cells exposed to a MSC-conditioned medium switch to a more malignant phenotype, characterised by resistance to programmed cell death and endowed with an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and stem cell characteristics. These effects were reversed abrogating MSC CAIX activity using SLC-0111, a CAIX inhibitor. Moreover, the acquisition by melanoma cells of a Vemurafenib-resistant phenotype upon MSC-conditioned medium exposure was removed when MSC were treated with SLC-0111. Therefore, MSC may profoundly reprogramme melanoma cells towards a wide resistant phenotype through CAIX involvement, as the use of SLC-0111 is able to contrast the development of this highly risky adaptation for disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Elena Andreucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Nediani
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | | | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education, DenoTHE University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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23
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Rauschner M, Lange L, Hüsing T, Reime S, Nolze A, Maschek M, Thews O, Riemann A. Impact of the acidic environment on gene expression and functional parameters of tumors in vitro and in vivo. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2021; 40:10. [PMID: 33407762 PMCID: PMC7786478 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-020-01815-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 12/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Background The low extracellular pH (pHe) of tumors resulting from glycolytic metabolism is a stress factor for the cells independent from concomitant hypoxia. The aim of the study was to analyze the impact of acidic pHe on gene expression on mRNA and protein level in two experimental tumor lines in vitro and in vivo and were compared to hypoxic conditions as well as combined acidosis+hypoxia. Methods Gene expression was analyzed in AT1 prostate and Walker-256 mammary carcinoma of the rat by Next Generation Sequencing (NGS), qPCR and Western blot. In addition, the impact of acidosis on tumor cell migration, adhesion, proliferation, cell death and mitochondrial activity was analyzed. Results NGS analyses revealed that 147 genes were uniformly regulated in both cell lines (in vitro) and 79 genes in both experimental tumors after 24 h at low pH. A subset of 25 genes was re-evaluated by qPCR and Western blot. Low pH consistently upregulated Aox1, Gls2, Gstp1, Ikbke, Per3, Pink1, Tlr5, Txnip, Ypel3 or downregulated Acat2, Brip1, Clspn, Dnajc25, Ercc6l, Mmd, Rif1, Zmpste24 whereas hypoxia alone led to a downregulation of most of the genes. Direct incubation at low pH reduced tumor cell adhesion whereas acidic pre-incubation increased the adhesive potential. In both tumor lines acidosis induced a G1-arrest (in vivo) of the cell cycle and a strong increase in necrotic cell death (but not in apoptosis). The mitochondrial O2 consumption increased gradually with decreasing pH. Conclusions These data show that acidic pHe in tumors plays an important role for gene expression independently from hypoxia. In parallel, acidosis modulates functional properties of tumors relevant for their malignant potential and which might be the result of pH-dependent gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mandy Rauschner
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Luisa Lange
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Thea Hüsing
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Sarah Reime
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Alexander Nolze
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Marcel Maschek
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Oliver Thews
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany
| | - Anne Riemann
- Institute of Physiology, University Halle-Wittenberg, Magdeburger Str. 6, 06112, Halle (Saale), Germany.
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Ando H, Emam SE, Kawaguchi Y, Shimizu T, Ishima Y, Eshima K, Ishida T. Increasing Tumor Extracellular pH by an Oral Alkalinizing Agent Improves Antitumor Responses of Anti-PD-1 Antibody: Implication of Relationships between Serum Bicarbonate Concentrations, Urinary pH, and Therapeutic Outcomes. Biol Pharm Bull 2021; 44:844-852. [PMID: 34078817 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b21-00076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Acidic extracellular pH (pHe) is characteristic of the tumor microenvironment. Several reports suggest that increasing pHe improves the response of immune checkpoint inhibitors in murine models. To increase pHe, either sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO3) or citric acid/potassium-sodium citrate (KNa-cit) was chronically administered to mice. It is hypothesized that bicarbonate ions (HCO3-), produced from these alkalinizing agents in vivo, increased pHe in the tumor, and excess HCO3- eliminated into urine increased urinary pH values. However, there is little published information on the effect of changing serum HCO3- concentrations, urinary HCO3- concentrations and urinary pH values on the therapeutic outcomes of immunotherapy. In this study, we report that oral administration of either NaHCO3 or KNa-cit increased responses to anti-programmed cell death-1 (PD-1) antibody, an immune checkpoint inhibitor, in a murine B16 melanoma model. In addition, we report that daily oral administration of an alkalinizing agent increased blood HCO3- concentrations, corresponding to increasing the tumor pHe. Serum HCO3- concentrations also correlated with urinary HCO3- concentrations and urinary pH values. There was a clear relationship between urinary pH values and the antitumor effects of immunotherapy with anti-PD-1 antibody. Our results imply that blood HCO3- concentrations, corresponding to tumor pHe and urinary pH values, may be important factors that predict the clinical outcomes of an immunotherapeutic agent, when combined with alkalinizing agents such as NaHCO3 and KNa-cit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidenori Ando
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Sherif E Emam
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University
| | - Yoshino Kawaguchi
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Taro Shimizu
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | - Yu Ishima
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
| | | | - Tatsuhiro Ishida
- Department of Pharmacokinetics and Biopharmaceutics, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University
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Eckardt M, Painter KJ, Surulescu C, Zhigun A. Nonlocal and local models for taxis in cell migration: a rigorous limit procedure. J Math Biol 2020; 81:1251-1298. [PMID: 33068155 PMCID: PMC7716906 DOI: 10.1007/s00285-020-01536-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 08/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
A rigorous limit procedure is presented which links nonlocal models involving adhesion or nonlocal chemotaxis to their local counterparts featuring haptotaxis and classical chemotaxis, respectively. It relies on a novel reformulation of the involved nonlocalities in terms of integral operators applied directly to the gradients of signal-dependent quantities. The proposed approach handles both model types in a unified way and extends the previous mathematical framework to settings that allow for general solution-dependent coefficient functions. The previous forms of nonlocal operators are compared with the new ones introduced in this paper and the advantages of the latter are highlighted by concrete examples. Numerical simulations in 1D provide an illustration of some of the theoretical findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Eckardt
- Felix-Klein-Zentrum für Mathematik, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 31, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Kevin J Painter
- Department of Mathematics & Maxwell Institute, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, EH14 4AS, Scotland, UK
| | - Christina Surulescu
- Felix-Klein-Zentrum für Mathematik, Technische Universität Kaiserslautern, Paul-Ehrlich-Str. 31, 67663, Kaiserslautern, Germany
| | - Anna Zhigun
- School of Mathematics and Physics, Queen's University Belfast, University Road, Belfast, BT7 1NN, Northern Ireland, UK.
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The acidic tumor microenvironment drives a stem-like phenotype in melanoma cells. J Mol Med (Berl) 2020; 98:1431-1446. [PMID: 32803272 PMCID: PMC7525286 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-020-01959-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Revised: 07/14/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Abstract Acidosis characterizes the microenvironment of most solid tumors and is considered a new hallmark of cancer. It is mainly caused by both “aerobic” and “anaerobic” glycolysis of differently adapted cancer cells, with the final product lactic acid being responsible of the extracellular acidification. Many evidences underline the role of extracellular acidosis in tumor progression. Among the different findings, we demonstrated that acidosis-exposed cancer cells are characterized by an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition phenotype with high invasive ability, high resistance to apoptosis, anchorage-independent growth, and drug therapy. Acidic melanoma cells over-express SOX2, which is crucial for the maintenance of their oxidative metabolism, and carbonic anhydrase IX, that correlates with poor prognosis of cancer patients. Considering these evidences, we realized that the profile outlined for acid cancer cells inevitably remind us the stemness profile. Therefore, we wondered whether extracellular acidosis might induce in cancer cells the acquisition of stem-like properties and contribute to the expansion of the cancer stem cell sub-population. We found that a chronic adaptation to acidosis stimulates in cancer cells the expression of stem-related markers, also providing a high in vitro/in vivo clonogenic and trans-differentiating ability. Moreover, we observed that the acidosis-induced stem-like phenotype of melanoma cells was reversible and related to the EMT induction. These findings help to characterize a further aspect of stem cell niche, contributing to the sustainment and expansion of cancer stem cell subpopulation. Thus, the usage of agents controlling tumor extracellular acidosis might acquire great importance in the clinic for the treatment of aggressive solid tumor. Key messages • Extracellular acidosis up-regulates EMT and stem-related markers in melanoma cells • Acidic medium up-regulates in vitro self-renewal capacity of melanoma cells • Chronic acidosis adaptation induces trans-differentiation ability in melanoma cells • Melanoma cells adapted to acidosis show higher tumor-initiating potential than control cells • Extracellular acidosis promotes a stem-like phenotype in prostate and colorectal carcinoma cells
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27
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Yao J, Czaplinska D, Ialchina R, Schnipper J, Liu B, Sandelin A, Pedersen SF. Cancer Cell Acid Adaptation Gene Expression Response Is Correlated to Tumor-Specific Tissue Expression Profiles and Patient Survival. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12082183. [PMID: 32764426 PMCID: PMC7463722 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082183] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The acidic pH of the tumor microenvironment plays a critical role in driving cancer development toward a more aggressive phenotype, but the underlying mechanisms are unclear. To this end, phenotypic and genotypic changes induced by adaptation of cancer cells to chronic acidosis have been studied. However, the generality of acid adaptation patterns across cell models and their correlation to the molecular phenotypes and aggressiveness of human cancers are essentially unknown. Here, we define an acid adaptation expression response shared across three cancer cell models, dominated by metabolic rewiring, extracellular matrix remodeling, and altered cell cycle regulation and DNA damage response. We find that many genes which are upregulated by acid adaptation are significantly correlated to patient survival, and more generally, that there are clear correlations between acid adaptation expression response and gene expression change between normal and tumor tissues, for a large subset of cancer patients. Our data support the notion that tumor microenvironment acidity is one of the key factors driving the selection of aggressive cancer cells in human patient tumors, yet it also induces a growth-limiting genotype that likely limits cancer cell growth until the cells are released from acidosis, for instance during invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiayi Yao
- The Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dominika Czaplinska
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.C.); (R.I.); (J.S.)
| | - Renata Ialchina
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.C.); (R.I.); (J.S.)
| | - Julie Schnipper
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.C.); (R.I.); (J.S.)
| | - Bin Liu
- Cell Death and Metabolism, Center for Autophagy, Recycling and Disease, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Albin Sandelin
- The Bioinformatics Centre, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, DK2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.F.P.)
| | - Stine Falsig Pedersen
- Section for Cell Biology and Physiology, Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK2100 Copenhagen, Denmark; (D.C.); (R.I.); (J.S.)
- Correspondence: (A.S.); (S.F.P.)
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Abstract
Acidic metabolic waste products accumulate in the tumor microenvironment because of high metabolic activity and insufficient perfusion. In tumors, the acidity of the interstitial space and the relatively well-maintained intracellular pH influence cancer and stromal cell function, their mutual interplay, and their interactions with the extracellular matrix. Tumor pH is spatially and temporally heterogeneous, and the fitness advantage of cancer cells adapted to extracellular acidity is likely particularly evident when they encounter less acidic tumor regions, for instance, during invasion. Through complex effects on genetic stability, epigenetics, cellular metabolism, proliferation, and survival, the compartmentalized pH microenvironment favors cancer development. Cellular selection exacerbates the malignant phenotype, which is further enhanced by acid-induced cell motility, extracellular matrix degradation, attenuated immune responses, and modified cellular and intercellular signaling. In this review, we discuss how the acidity of the tumor microenvironment influences each stage in cancer development, from dysplasia to full-blown metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ebbe Boedtkjer
- Department of Biomedicine, Aarhus University, DK-8000 Aarhus C, Denmark
| | - Stine F. Pedersen
- Department of Biology, University of Copenhagen, DK-2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
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Cancer Glycolytic Dependence as a New Target of Olive Leaf Extract. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020317. [PMID: 32013090 PMCID: PMC7072393 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020317] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2019] [Revised: 01/24/2020] [Accepted: 01/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Oleuropein (Ole), the main bioactive phenolic component of Olea europaea L. has recently attracted the scientific attention for its several beneficial properties, including its anticancer effects. This study is intended to investigate whether an olive leaf extract enriched in Ole (OLEO) may counteract the aerobic glycolysis exploited by tumor cells. We found that OLEO decreased melanoma cell proliferation and motility. OLEO was also able to reduce the rate of glycolysis of human melanoma cells without affecting oxidative phosphorylation. This reduction was associated with a significant decrease of glucose transporter-1, protein kinase isoform M2 and monocarboxylate transporter-4 expression, possible drivers of such glycolysis inhibition. Extending the study to other tumor histotypes, we observed that the metabolic effects of OLEO are not confined to melanoma, but also confirmed in colon carcinoma, breast cancer and chronic myeloid leukemia. In conclusion, OLEO represents a natural product effective in reducing the glycolytic metabolism of different tumor types, revealing an extended metabolic inhibitory activity that may be well suited in a complementary anti-cancer therapy.
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TGFβ2-induced formation of lipid droplets supports acidosis-driven EMT and the metastatic spreading of cancer cells. Nat Commun 2020; 11:454. [PMID: 31974393 PMCID: PMC6978517 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-14262-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 157] [Impact Index Per Article: 39.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/23/2019] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
Acidosis, a common characteristic of the tumor microenvironment, is associated with alterations in metabolic preferences of cancer cells and progression of the disease. Here we identify the TGF-β2 isoform at the interface between these observations. We document that acidic pH promotes autocrine TGF-β2 signaling, which in turn favors the formation of lipid droplets (LD) that represent energy stores readily available to support anoikis resistance and cancer cell invasiveness. We find that, in cancer cells of various origins, acidosis-induced TGF-β2 activation promotes both partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and fatty acid metabolism, the latter supporting Smad2 acetylation. We show that upon TGF-β2 stimulation, PKC-zeta-mediated translocation of CD36 facilitates the uptake of fatty acids that are either stored as triglycerides in LD through DGAT1 or oxidized to generate ATP to fulfill immediate cellular needs. We also address how, by preventing fatty acid mobilization from LD, distant metastatic spreading may be inhibited. The tumour microenvironment is known to have an acidic pH but how this influences cancer cell phenotype is unclear. Here, the authors show that tumour cells upregulate TGF-β2 under acidosis, which leads to the increased formation of lipid droplets allowing for invasiveness and metastases.
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31
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Adaptation to chronic acidic extracellular pH elicits a sustained increase in lung cancer cell invasion and metastasis. Clin Exp Metastasis 2020; 37:133-144. [PMID: 31489536 PMCID: PMC7007909 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-019-09990-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 08/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Acidic extracellular pH (pHe) is an important microenvironment for cancer cells. This study assessed whether adaptation to acidic pHe enhances the metastatic phenotype of tumor cells. The low metastatic variant of Lewis lung carcinoma (LLCm1) cells were subjected to stepwise acidification, establishing acidic pHe-adapted (LLCm1A) cells growing exponentially at pH 6.2. These LLCm1A cells showed increased production of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs), including MMP-2, -3, -9, and -13, and pulmonary metastasis following injection into mouse tail veins. Although LLCm1A cells exhibited a fibroblastic shape, keratin-5 expression was increased and α-smooth muscle actin expression was reduced. Despite serial passage of these cells at pH 7.4, high invasive activity through Matrigel® was sustained for at least 28 generations. Thus, adaptation to acidic pHe resulted in a more invasive phenotype, which was sustained during passage at pH 7.4, suggesting that an acidic microenvironment at the primary tumor site is important in the acquisition of a metastatic phenotype.
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32
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Fukuda R, Aharonov A, Ong YT, Stone OA, El-Brolosy M, Maischein HM, Potente M, Tzahor E, Stainier DY. Metabolic modulation regulates cardiac wall morphogenesis in zebrafish. eLife 2019; 8:50161. [PMID: 31868165 PMCID: PMC7000217 DOI: 10.7554/elife.50161] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
During cardiac development, cardiomyocytes form complex inner wall structures called trabeculae. Despite significant investigation into this process, the potential role of metabolism has not been addressed. Using single cell resolution imaging in zebrafish, we find that cardiomyocytes seeding the trabecular layer actively change their shape while compact layer cardiomyocytes remain static. We show that Erbb2 signaling, which is required for trabeculation, activates glycolysis to support changes in cardiomyocyte shape and behavior. Pharmacological inhibition of glycolysis impairs cardiac trabeculation, and cardiomyocyte-specific loss- and gain-of-function manipulations of glycolysis decrease and increase trabeculation, respectively. In addition, loss of the glycolytic enzyme pyruvate kinase M2 impairs trabeculation. Experiments with rat neonatal cardiomyocytes in culture further support these observations. Our findings reveal new roles for glycolysis in regulating cardiomyocyte behavior during cardiac wall morphogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Fukuda
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Alla Aharonov
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Yu Ting Ong
- Angiogenesis & Metabolism Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Oliver A Stone
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Mohamed El-Brolosy
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Maischein
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Michael Potente
- Angiogenesis & Metabolism Laboratory, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
| | - Eldad Tzahor
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Didier Yr Stainier
- Department of Developmental Genetics, Max Planck Institute for Heart and Lung Research, Ludwigstrasse, Germany
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Lim SC, Hwang H, Han SI. Ellagic Acid Inhibits Extracellular Acidity-Induced Invasiveness and Expression of COX1, COX2, Snail, Twist 1, and c-myc in Gastric Carcinoma Cells. Nutrients 2019; 11:nu11123023. [PMID: 31835645 PMCID: PMC6950616 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2019] [Revised: 12/02/2019] [Accepted: 12/07/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular acidity has been implicated in enhanced malignancy and metastatic features in various cancer cells. Gastric cancer cell lines (AGS and SNU601) maintained in an acidic medium have increased motility and invasiveness. In this study, we investigated the effect of ellagic acid, a plant-derived phenolic compound, on the acidity-promoted migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Treating cells maintained in acidic medium with ellagic acid inhibited acidity-mediated migration and invasion, and reduced the expression of MMP7 and MMP9. Examining regulatory factors contributing to the acidity-mediated invasiveness, we found that an acidic pH increased the expression of COX1 and COX2; importantly, expression decreased under the ellagic acid treatment. The general COX inhibitor, sulindac, also decreased acidity-mediated invasion and expression of MMP7 and MMP9. In addition, acidity increased the mRNA protein expression of transcription factors snail, twist1, and c-myc; these were also reduced by ellagic acid. Together, these results suggest that ellagic acid suppresses acidity-enhanced migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via inhibition of the expression of multiple factors (COX1, COX2, snail, twist1, and c-myc); for this reason, it may be an effective agent for cancer treatment under acidosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Chul Lim
- Department of Pathology, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
- BioBank, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju 61452, Korea
| | - Hyoin Hwang
- BioBank, Chosun University Hospital, Gwangju 61452, Korea
- Department of Anatomy, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
| | - Song Iy Han
- Division of Premedical Science, College of Medicine, Chosun University, Gwangju 61452, Korea
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-62-230-6194; Fax: +82-62-226-5860
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Ellagic Acid Inhibits Extracellular Acidity-Induced Invasiveness and Expression of COX1, COX2, Snail, Twist 1, and c-myc in Gastric Carcinoma Cells. Nutrients 2019. [PMID: 31835645 DOI: 10.3390/nu11123023.] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Extracellular acidity has been implicated in enhanced malignancy and metastatic features in various cancer cells. Gastric cancer cell lines (AGS and SNU601) maintained in an acidic medium have increased motility and invasiveness. In this study, we investigated the effect of ellagic acid, a plant-derived phenolic compound, on the acidity-promoted migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells. Treating cells maintained in acidic medium with ellagic acid inhibited acidity-mediated migration and invasion, and reduced the expression of MMP7 and MMP9. Examining regulatory factors contributing to the acidity-mediated invasiveness, we found that an acidic pH increased the expression of COX1 and COX2; importantly, expression decreased under the ellagic acid treatment. The general COX inhibitor, sulindac, also decreased acidity-mediated invasion and expression of MMP7 and MMP9. In addition, acidity increased the mRNA protein expression of transcription factors snail, twist1, and c-myc; these were also reduced by ellagic acid. Together, these results suggest that ellagic acid suppresses acidity-enhanced migration and invasion of gastric cancer cells via inhibition of the expression of multiple factors (COX1, COX2, snail, twist1, and c-myc); for this reason, it may be an effective agent for cancer treatment under acidosis.
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Williams ED, Gao D, Redfern A, Thompson EW. Controversies around epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:716-732. [PMID: 31666716 PMCID: PMC7055151 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0213-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 243] [Impact Index Per Article: 48.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Experimental evidence accumulated over decades has implicated epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP), which collectively encompasses epithelial-mesenchymal transition and the reverse process of mesenchymal-epithelial transition, in tumour metastasis, cancer stem cell generation and maintenance, and therapeutic resistance. However, the dynamic nature of EMP processes, the apparent need to reverse mesenchymal changes for the development of macrometastases and the likelihood that only minor cancer cell subpopulations exhibit EMP at any one time have made such evidence difficult to accrue in the clinical setting. In this Perspectives article, we outline the existing preclinical and clinical evidence for EMP and reflect on recent controversies, including the failure of initial lineage-tracing experiments to confirm a major role for EMP in dissemination, and discuss accumulating data suggesting that epithelial features and/or a hybrid epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype are important in metastasis. We also highlight strategies to address the complexities of therapeutically targeting the EMP process that give consideration to its spatially and temporally divergent roles in metastasis, with the view that this will yield a potent and broad class of therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth D Williams
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre - Queensland (APCRC-Q) and Queensland Bladder Cancer Initiative (QBCI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Dingcheng Gao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Department of Cell and Developmental Biology and Neuberger Berman Lung Cancer Center, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Andrew Redfern
- Department of Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Perth, Western Australia, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
- Translational Research Institute (TRI), Brisbane, Queensland, Australia.
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Zhang Y, Xu L, Wang P, Jian H, Shi X, Jia M, Mo L, Hu Z, Li H, Li J. Phenotypic transition of tumor cells between epithelial- and mesenchymal-like state during adaptation to acidosis. Cell Cycle 2019; 18:1938-1947. [PMID: 31234753 DOI: 10.1080/15384101.2019.1635868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acidic microenvironment is an important feature of solid tumors that contributes to malignant transformation. Low extracellular pH could promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) thereby endowing tumor cells with higher invasive capability. However, the relation between EMT and tumor cell proliferation under long-term acidic condition is still not fully understood. Here, we show that tumor cells have undergone a phenotypic transition from EMT to mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET) during adaptation to acidosis, and is closely related with cell proliferative state. Under early stage of acidic stress, tumor cells entered a non-cycling quiescent state with mesenchymal phenotype and expressed high level of stemness genes. Whereas, after long-term acid culture (2 months), acid-adapted cells resumed proliferating but lost mesenchymal phenotype. Further, our results show that the acid-adapted cells have distinct proliferative mechanism from non-acid cells, as the G1-S transcriptional factor E2F1 protein was not recovered in the adapted cells. Meanwhile, mini-chromosome maintenance 7 (MCM7) is shown to regulate the EMT to MET phenotypic transition, and is required for proliferation of the adapted cells under acidic condition. MCM7 Knockdown promoted mesenchymal phenotype and inhibited proliferation of the acid-adapted cells. While, MCM7 overexpression inhibited acid-induced EMT and supported tumor cell proliferation under acidic condition. Thus, our study provides evidence that tumor cells display phenotypic plasticity that allows them to survive acid stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjun Zhang
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Lili Xu
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Ping Wang
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Huanzhang Jian
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Xianghua Shi
- b Department of Urology, Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Min Jia
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Lijun Mo
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Zhiming Hu
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Hongwei Li
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
| | - Jinlong Li
- a Institute of Biotherapy, School of Laboratory Medicine and Biotechnology, Southern Medical University , Guangzhou , Guangdong , China
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Anoikis Resistance as a Further Trait of Acidic-Adapted Melanoma Cells. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:8340926. [PMID: 31275384 PMCID: PMC6582804 DOI: 10.1155/2019/8340926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2018] [Accepted: 05/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Melanoma is characterized by a low extracellular pH, which contributes to the development of an aggressive phenotype characterized by several properties as the switch to an epithelial-to-mesenchymal program, the increase of apoptotic resistance, and the migratory ability together with the development of drug resistance. Here, we demonstrate that melanoma cells grown in low pH medium (pH 6.7) for a short (24 hours) or long (at least 3 months) period equally express an anoikis resistance profile. Anoikis is a form of apoptosis prompted by loss of adhesion, particularly requested by aggressive cancer cells to metastasize. Anoikis resistance was ascertained in acidic melanoma cells either grown in agarose-coated plates or incubated in rocking conditions. Both analyses indicate that acidic cells were more able to survive in a nonadherent condition than cells grown in standard pH, an effect resulting in a more cloning efficiency and migratory ability. Ability to survive during rocking was inhibited using mTOR/NF-kB inhibitors. Finally, we checked whether characteristics related to the in vitro anoikis resistance acquired by acidic melanoma cells might be also suitable for in vivo challenge. We injected acidic melanoma cells into blood stream, and then we verify how many cells survived in blood after 15 min from the injection. Only acidic cells, transient and chronic, survived, whereas melanoma cells grown in standard pH medium did not. Overall, we have had the opportunity to demonstrate that low extracellular pH represents an additional mechanism able to promote an anoikis resistance in solid tumors.
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Bång-Rudenstam A, Cerezo-Magaña M, Belting M. Pro-metastatic functions of lipoproteins and extracellular vesicles in the acidic tumor microenvironment. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2019; 38:79-92. [PMID: 30767150 PMCID: PMC6647379 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-019-09786-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Although the overall mortality in cancer is steadily decreasing, major groups of patients still respond poorly to available treatments. The key clinical challenge discussed here relates to the inherent capacity of cancer cells to metabolically adapt to hypoxic and acidic stress, resulting in treatment resistance and a pro-metastatic behavior. Hence, a detailed understanding of stress adaptive responses is critical for the design of more rational therapeutic strategies for cancer. We will focus on the emerging role of extracellular vesicles (EVs) and lipoprotein particles in cancer cell metabolic stress adaptation and how these pathways may constitute potential Achilles' heels of the cancer cell machinery and alternative treatment targets of metastasis. In this context, common extracellular lipid uptake mechanisms, involving specific cell-surface receptors and endocytic pathways, may operate during remodeling of acidic atherosclerotic plaques as well as the tumor microenvironment. The role of endocytosis in regulating the cellular response to hypoxic and acidic stress through spatial coordination of receptor proteins may be exploited for therapeutic purposes. As a consequence, molecular mechanisms of endocytosis have attracted increasing attention as potential targets for tumor specific delivery of therapeutic substances, such as antibody-drug conjugates. The identification of internalizing surface proteins specific to the acidic tumor niche remains an unmet need of high clinical relevance. Among the currently explored, acidosis-related, internalizing target proteins, we will focus on the cell-surface proteoglycan carbonic anhydrase 9.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Bång-Rudenstam
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Barngatan 4, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Myriam Cerezo-Magaña
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Barngatan 4, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden
| | - Mattias Belting
- Department of Clinical Sciences Lund, Section of Oncology and Pathology, Lund University, Barngatan 4, SE-221 85, Lund, Sweden.
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Lenci E, Innocenti R, Di Francescantonio T, Menchi G, Bianchini F, Contini A, Trabocchi A. Identification of highly potent and selective MMP2 inhibitors addressing the S1′ subsite with d-proline-based compounds. Bioorg Med Chem 2019; 27:1891-1902. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmc.2019.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2019] [Revised: 03/15/2019] [Accepted: 03/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
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Extracellular Acidosis Modulates the Expression of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) Markers and Adhesion of Epithelial and Tumor Cells. Neoplasia 2019; 21:450-458. [PMID: 30953950 PMCID: PMC6447725 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2019.03.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2018] [Revised: 03/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an important process of tumor progression associated with increased metastatic potential. EMT can be activated by external triggers such as cytokines or metabolic parameters (e.g. hypoxia). Since extracellular acidosis is a common finding in tumors, the aim of the study is to analyze its impact on the expression of EMT markers in vitro and in vivo as well as the functional impact on cell adhesion. Therefore, three tumor and two normal epithelial cell lines were incubated for 24 h at pH 6.6 and the expression of EMT markers was studied. In addition, mRNA expression of transcription and metabolic factors related to EMT was measured as well as the functional impact on cell adhesion, either during acidic incubation or after priming cells in an acidic milieu. E-cadherin and N-cadherin were down-regulated in all tumor and normal cell lines studied, whereas vimentin expression increased in only two tumor and one normal cell line. Down-regulation of the cadherins was seen in total protein and to a lesser extent in surface protein. In vivo an increase in N-cadherin and vimentin expression was found. Acidosis up-regulated Twist1 and Acsl1 but down-regulated fumarate hydratase (Fh). Cell adhesion during acidic incubation decreased in AT1 prostate carcinoma cells whereas preceding acidic priming increased their subsequent adhesion. Low tumor pH is able to modulate the expression EMT-related proteins and by this may affect the stability of the tissue structure.
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Vander Linden C, Corbet C. Therapeutic Targeting of Cancer Stem Cells: Integrating and Exploiting the Acidic Niche. Front Oncol 2019; 9:159. [PMID: 30941310 PMCID: PMC6433943 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00159] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2018] [Accepted: 02/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSC) or tumor-initiating cells represent a small subpopulation of cells within the tumor bulk that share features with somatic stem cells, such as self-renewal and pluripotency. From a clinical point of view, CSC are thought to be the main drivers of tumor relapse in patients by supporting treatment resistance and dissemination to distant organs. Both genome instability and microenvironment-driven selection support tumor heterogeneity and enable the emergence of resistant cells with stem-like properties, when therapy is applied. Besides hypoxia and nutrient deprivation, acidosis is another selection barrier in the tumor microenvironment (TME) which provides a permissive niche to shape more aggressive and fitter cancer cell phenotypes. This review describes our current knowledge about the influence of the “acidic niche” on the stem-like phenotypic features of cancer cells. In addition, we briefly survey new therapeutic options that may help eradicate CSC by integrating and/or exploiting the acidic niche, and thereby contribute to prevent the occurrence of therapy resistance as well as metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Catherine Vander Linden
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Cyril Corbet
- Pole of Pharmacology and Therapeutics (FATH), Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique, UCLouvain, Brussels, Belgium
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Andreucci E, Pietrobono S, Peppicelli S, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Biagioni A, Stecca B, Calorini L. SOX2 as a novel contributor of oxidative metabolism in melanoma cells. Cell Commun Signal 2018; 16:87. [PMID: 30466459 PMCID: PMC6249961 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-018-0297-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 11/08/2018] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Deregulated metabolism is a hallmark of cancer and recent evidence underlines that targeting tumor energetics may improve therapy response and patient outcome. Despite the general attitude of cancer cells to exploit the glycolytic pathway even in the presence of oxygen (aerobic glycolysis or "Warburg effect"), tumor metabolism is extremely plastic, and such ability to switch from glycolysis to oxidative phosphorylation (OxPhos) allows cancer cells to survive under hostile microenvironments. Recently, OxPhos has been related with malignant progression, chemo-resistance and metastasis. OxPhos is induced under extracellular acidosis, a well-known characteristic of most solid tumors, included melanoma. METHODS To evaluate whether SOX2 modulation is correlated with metabolic changes under standard or acidic conditions, SOX2 was silenced and overexpressed in several melanoma cell lines. To demonstrate that SOX2 directly represses HIF1A expression we used chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase assay. RESULTS In A375-M6 melanoma cells, extracellular acidosis increases SOX2 expression, that sustains the oxidative cancer metabolism exploited under acidic conditions. By studying non-acidic SSM2c and 501-Mel melanoma cells (high- and very low-SOX2 expressing cells, respectively), we confirmed the metabolic role of SOX2, attributing SOX2-driven OxPhos reprogramming to HIF1α pathway disruption. CONCLUSIONS SOX2 contributes to the acquisition of an aggressive oxidative tumor phenotype, endowed with enhanced drug resistance and metastatic ability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Pietrobono
- Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Barbara Stecca
- Core Research Laboratory, Institute for Cancer Research and Prevention (ISPRO), Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", Section of Experimental Pathology and Oncology, University of Florence, Viale G.B. Morgagni, 50, 50134, Florence, Italy. .,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, Florence, Italy.
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Boussadia Z, Lamberti J, Mattei F, Pizzi E, Puglisi R, Zanetti C, Pasquini L, Fratini F, Fantozzi L, Felicetti F, Fecchi K, Raggi C, Sanchez M, D'Atri S, Carè A, Sargiacomo M, Parolini I. Acidic microenvironment plays a key role in human melanoma progression through a sustained exosome mediated transfer of clinically relevant metastatic molecules. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2018; 37:245. [PMID: 30290833 PMCID: PMC6173926 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-018-0915-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 97] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2018] [Accepted: 09/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Background Microenvironment cues involved in melanoma progression are largely unknown. Melanoma is highly influenced in its aggressive phenotype by the changes it determinates in its microenvironment, such as pH decrease, in turn influencing cancer cell invasiveness, progression and tissue remodelling through an abundant secretion of exosomes, dictating cancer strategy to the whole host. A role of exosomes in driving melanoma progression under microenvironmental acidity was never described. Methods We studied four differently staged human melanoma lines, reflecting melanoma progression, under microenvironmental acidic pHs pressure ranging between pH 6.0–6.7. To estimate exosome secretion as a function of tumor stage and environmental pH, we applied a technique to generate native fluorescent exosomes characterized by vesicles integrity, size, density, markers expression, and quantifiable by direct FACS analysis. Functional roles of exosomes were tested in migration and invasion tests. Then we performed a comparative proteomic analysis of acid versus control exosomes to elucidate a specific signature involved in melanoma progression. Results We found that metastatic melanoma secretes a higher exosome amount than primary melanoma, and that acidic pH increases exosome secretion when melanoma is in an intermediate stage, i.e. metastatic non-invasive. We were thus able to show that acidic pH influences the intercellular cross-talk mediated by exosomes. In fact when exposed to exosomes produced in an acidic medium, pH naïve melanoma cells acquire migratory and invasive capacities likely due to transfer of metastatic exosomal proteins, favoring cell motility and angiogenesis. A Prognoscan-based meta-analysis study of proteins enriched in acidic exosomes, identified 11 genes (HRAS, GANAB, CFL2, HSP90B1, HSP90AB1, GSN, HSPA1L, NRAS, HSPA5, TIMP3, HYOU1), significantly correlating with poor prognosis, whose high expression was in part confirmed in bioptic samples of lymph node metastases. Conclusions A crucial step of melanoma progression does occur at melanoma intermediate –stage, when extracellular acidic pH induces an abundant release and intra-tumoral uptake of exosomes. Such exosomes are endowed with pro-invasive molecules of clinical relevance, which may provide a signature of melanoma advancement. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1186/s13046-018-0915-z) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaira Boussadia
- Global Health Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Jessica Lamberti
- Oncology and Molecular Medicine Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Mattei
- Oncology and Molecular Medicine Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Pizzi
- Major Equipments and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Rossella Puglisi
- Center for Gender- specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Cristiana Zanetti
- Oncology and Molecular Medicine Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Pasquini
- Major Equipments and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Fratini
- Major Equipments and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Luca Fantozzi
- Major Equipments and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Felicetti
- Oncology and Molecular Medicine Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Katia Fecchi
- Global Health Center, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Carla Raggi
- National Center for the Control and Evaluation of Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Massimo Sanchez
- Major Equipments and Core Facilities, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | - Stefania D'Atri
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Istituto Dermopatico dell'Immacolata- IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandra Carè
- Center for Gender- specific Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Isabella Parolini
- Oncology and Molecular Medicine Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Rome, Italy.
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Da Ros M, De Gregorio V, Iorio AL, Giunti L, Guidi M, de Martino M, Genitori L, Sardi I. Glioblastoma Chemoresistance: The Double Play by Microenvironment and Blood-Brain Barrier. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19102879. [PMID: 30248992 PMCID: PMC6213072 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19102879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2018] [Revised: 09/19/2018] [Accepted: 09/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
For glioblastoma, the tumor microenvironment (TME) is pivotal to support tumor progression and therapeutic resistance. TME consists of several types of stromal, endothelial and immune cells, which are recruited by cancer stem cells (CSCs) to influence CSC phenotype and behavior. TME also promotes the establishment of specific conditions such as hypoxia and acidosis, which play a critical role in glioblastoma chemoresistance, interfering with angiogenesis, apoptosis, DNA repair, oxidative stress, immune escape, expression and activity of multi-drug resistance (MDR)-related genes. Finally, the blood brain barrier (BBB), which insulates the brain microenvironment from the blood, is strongly linked to the drug-resistant phenotype of glioblastoma, being a major physical and physiological hurdle for the delivery of chemotherapy agents into the brain. Here, we review the features of the glioblastoma microenvironment, focusing on their involvement in the phenomenon of chemoresistance; we also summarize recent advances in generating systems to modulate or bypass the BBB for drug delivery into the brain. Genetic aspects associated with glioblastoma chemoresistance and current immune-based strategies, such as checkpoint inhibitor therapy, are described too.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Da Ros
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Veronica De Gregorio
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Anna Lisa Iorio
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Laura Giunti
- Medical Genetics Unit, Meyer Children's University Hospital, 50139 Florence, Italy.
| | - Milena Guidi
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Maurizio de Martino
- Director Post Graduate Pediatric School University of Florence, Director Meyer Health Campus, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Lorenzo Genitori
- Neurosurgery Unit, Department of Neurosciences, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
| | - Iacopo Sardi
- Neuro-oncology Unit, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Meyer Children's Hospital, Florence, 50139, Italy.
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Wang G, Wang JJ, Yin PH, Xu K, Wang YZ, Shi F, Gao J, Fu XL. New strategies for targeting glucose metabolism-mediated acidosis for colorectal cancer therapy. J Cell Physiol 2018; 234:348-368. [PMID: 30069931 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26917] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2018] [Accepted: 06/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a heterogeneous group of diseases that are the result of abnormal glucose metabolism alterations with high lactate production by pyruvate to lactate conversion, which remodels acidosis and offers an evolutional advantage for tumor cells, even enhancing their aggressive phenotype. This review summarizes recent findings that involve multiple genes, molecules, and downstream signaling in the dysregulated glycolytic pathway, which can allow a tumor to initiate acid byproducts and to progress, thereby resulting in acidosis commonly found in the tumor microenvironment of CRC. Moreover, the relationship between CRC cells and the tumor acidic microenvironment, especially for regulating lactate production and lactate dehydrogenase A levels, is also discussed, as well as comprehensively defining different aspects of glycolytic pathways that affect cancer cell proliferation, invasion, and migration. Furthermore, this review concentrates on glucose metabolism-mediated transduction factors in CRC, which include acid-sensing ion channels, triosephosphate isomerase and key glycolysis-related enzymes that regulate glycolytic metabolites, coupled with the effect on tumor cell glycolysis as well as signaling pathways. In conclusion, glucose metabolism mediated by glycolytic pathways that are integral to tumor acidosis in CRC is demonstrated. Therefore, selective metabolic inhibitors or agents against these targets in glucose metabolism through glycolytic pathways may be clinically useful to regulate the tumor's acidic microenvironment for CRC treatment and to identify specific targets that regulate tumor acidosis through a cancer patient-personalized approach. Furthermore, strategies for modifying the metabolic processes that effectively inhibit cancer cell growth and tumor progression and activate potent anticancer effects may provide more effective antitumor prospects for CRC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun-Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Shanghai Eighth People's Hospital, Jiangsu University, Shanghai, China
| | - Pei-Hao Yin
- Department of Cancer, Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ke Xu
- Department of Cancer, Institute of Chinese Integrative Medicine, Putuo Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yu-Zhu Wang
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Feng Shi
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Jing Gao
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
| | - Xing-Li Fu
- Department of Medicine, Jiangsu University, Zhenjiang, China
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47
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Redfern AD, Spalding LJ, Thompson EW. The Kraken Wakes: induced EMT as a driver of tumour aggression and poor outcome. Clin Exp Metastasis 2018; 35:285-308. [PMID: 29948647 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-018-9906-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2018] [Accepted: 05/23/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) describes the shift of cells from an epithelial form to a contact independent, migratory, mesenchymal form. In cancer the change is linked to invasion and metastasis. Tumour conditions, including hypoxia, acidosis and a range of treatments can trigger EMT, which is implicated in the subsequent development of resistance to those same treatments. Consequently, the degree to which EMT occurs may underpin the entire course of tumour progression and treatment response in a patient. In this review we look past the protective effect of EMT against the initial treatment, to the role of the mesenchymal state, once triggered, in promoting disease growth, spread and future treatment insensitivity. In patients a correlation was found between the propensity of a treatment to induce EMT and failure of that treatment to provide a survival benefit, implicating EMT induction in accelerated tumour progression after treatment cessation. Looking to the mechanisms driving this detrimental effect; increased proliferation, suppressed apoptosis, stem cell induction, augmented angiogenesis, enhanced metastatic dissemination, and immune tolerance, can all result from treatment-induced EMT and could worsen outcome. Evidence also suggests EMT induction with earlier therapies attenuates benefits of later treatments. Looking beyond epithelial tumours, de-differentiation also has therapy-attenuating effects and reversal thereof may yield similar rewards. A range of potential therapies are in development that may address the diverse mechanisms and molecular control systems involved in EMT-induced accelerated progression. Considering the broad reaching effects of mesenchymal shift identified, successful deployment of such treatments could substantially improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew D Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia (UWA), Harry Perkins Building, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia.
| | - Lisa J Spalding
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia (UWA), Harry Perkins Building, Fiona Stanley Hospital Campus, Robin Warren Drive, Murdoch, WA, 6150, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation and School of Biomedical Sciences, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, Australia.,Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, Australia.,Department of Surgery, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
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48
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Li S, Xiong N, Peng Y, Tang K, Bai H, Lv X, Jiang Y, Qin X, Yang H, Wu C, Zhou P, Liu Y. Acidic pHe regulates cytoskeletal dynamics through conformational integrin β1 activation and promotes membrane protrusion. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2018; 1864:2395-2408. [PMID: 29698684 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2018.04.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 04/02/2018] [Accepted: 04/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
An acidic extracellular pH (pHe) in the tumor microenvironment has been suggested to facilitate tumor growth and metastasis. However, the molecular mechanisms by which tumor cells sense acidic signal to induce a transition to an aggressive phenotype remain elusive. Here, we showed that an acidic pHe (pH 6.5) stimulation resulted in protrusion and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cancer cells, which promoted migration and matrix degeneration. Using computational molecular dynamics simulations, we reported acidic pHe-induced opening of the Integrin dimers (α5β1) headpiece which indicated the activation of integrin. Moreover, acidic pHe promoted maturation of focal adhesions, temporal activation of Rho GTPases and microfilament reorganization through integrin β1-activated FAK signaling. Furthermore, mechanical balance of cytoskeleton (actin, tubulin and vimentin) contributed to acidic pHe-triggered protrusion and morphology change. Taken together, these findings revealed that integrin β1 could be a novel pH-regulated sensitive molecule which confers protrusion and malignant phenotype of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Niya Xiong
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yueting Peng
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Kai Tang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hongxia Bai
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoying Lv
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Peng Zhou
- Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China; Center for Information in Biology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu 610054, Sichuan, PR China.
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49
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Dietrich P, Kuphal S, Spruss T, Hellerbrand C, Bosserhoff AK. MicroRNA-622 is a novel mediator of tumorigenicity in melanoma by targeting Kirsten rat sarcoma. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2018; 31:614-629. [PMID: 29495114 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.12698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The network of molecular players is similar when comparing neural crest-derived, actively migrating melanoblasts to melanoma cells. However, melanoblasts are sensitive to differentiation-initiating signals at their target site (epidermis), while melanoma cells maintain migratory and undifferentiated features. We aimed at identifying downregulated genes in melanoma that are particularly upregulated in melanoblasts. Loss of such genes could contribute to stabilization of a dedifferentiated, malignant phenotype in melanoma. We determined that microRNA-622 (miR-622) expression was strongly downregulated in melanoma cells and tissues compared to melanocytes and melanoblast-related cells. miR-622 expression correlated with survival of patients with melanoma. miR-622 re-expression inhibited clonogenicity, proliferation, and migration in melanoma. Inhibition of miR-622 in melanocytes induced enhanced migration. Kirsten rat sarcoma (KRAS) was identified as a major functional target of miR-622 in melanoma. We conclude that miR-622 is a novel tumor suppressor in melanoma and identify the miR-622-KRAS axis as potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Dietrich
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Silke Kuphal
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Thilo Spruss
- Institute of Pharmacy, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - Claus Hellerbrand
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Anja K Bosserhoff
- Institute of Biochemistry, Emil-Fischer Zentrum, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg, Erlangen, Germany.,Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC) Erlangen-EMN, Erlangen, Germany
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50
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Yu C, Liu Y, Qin Z. Metadherin contributes to epithelial-mesenchymal transition and paclitaxel resistance induced by acidic extracellular pH in nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Oncol Lett 2018; 15:3858-3863. [PMID: 29456735 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.7760] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Paclitaxel resistance is a challenge to the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC). An acidic extracellular pH (pHe), a hallmark of solid tumors, is demonstrated to decrease the efficacy of chemotherapy. However, the precise function of acidic pHe in mediating chemotherapy in NPC remains unknown. In the present study, acidic pHe significantly decreased the cytotoxicity of paclitaxel in NPC cells. In addition, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-like changes were observed in NPC cells cultured at acidic pHe. Metadherin (MTDH), a novel oncogene, is expressed in multiple types of solid tumor, and is associated with several malignant cell characteristics, including malignant cell transformation, proliferation, angiogenesis, chemoresistance, invasion and metastasis. In the present study, MTDH expression was increased in NPC cells that had been cultured at an acidic pHe. Furthermore, the silencing of MTDH expression reversed EMT molecular marker expression and sensitized NPC cells to paclitaxel. Taken together, the results of the present study provide evidence to support an association between acidic pHe-induced paclitaxel resistance and MTDH-mediated EMT in NPC cells. Thus, targeting MTDH may provide a novel strategy for overcoming chemoresistance in NPC therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changyun Yu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Yong Liu
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, P.R. China
| | - Zhaobing Qin
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
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