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Liu Z, Hu Y, Xie H, Chen K, Wen L, Fu W, Zhou X, Tang F. Single-Cell Chromatin Accessibility Analysis Reveals the Epigenetic Basis and Signature Transcription Factors for the Molecular Subtypes of Colorectal Cancers. Cancer Discov 2024; 14:1082-1105. [PMID: 38445965 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-23-1445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Revised: 02/06/2024] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 03/07/2024]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is a highly heterogeneous disease, with well-characterized subtypes based on genome, DNA methylome, and transcriptome signatures. To chart the epigenetic landscape of colorectal cancers, we generated a high-quality single-cell chromatin accessibility atlas of epithelial cells for 29 patients. Abnormal chromatin states acquired in adenomas were largely retained in colorectal cancers, which were tightly accompanied by opposite changes of DNA methylation. Unsupervised analysis on malignant cells revealed two epigenetic subtypes, exactly matching the iCMS classification, and key iCMS-specific transcription factors (TFs) were identified, including HNF4A and PPARA for iCMS2 tumors and FOXA3 and MAFK for iCMS3 tumors. Notably, subtype-specific TFs bind to distinct target gene sets and contribute to both interpatient similarities and diversities for both chromatin accessibilities and RNA expressions. Moreover, we identified CpG-island methylator phenotypes and pinpointed chromatin state signatures and TF regulators for the CIMP-high subtype. Our work systematically revealed the epigenetic basis of the well-known iCMS and CIMP classifications of colorectal cancers. SIGNIFICANCE Our work revealed the epigenetic basis of the well-known iCMS and CIMP classifications of colorectal cancers. Moreover, interpatient minor similarities and major diversities of chromatin accessibility signatures of TF target genes can faithfully explain the corresponding interpatient minor similarities and major diversities of RNA expression signatures of colorectal cancers, respectively. This article is featured in Selected Articles from This Issue, p. 897.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Yuqiong Hu
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Organ Regeneration and Reconstruction, Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- Beijing Institute for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Haoling Xie
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
| | - Kexuan Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Lu Wen
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Fu
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking University Third Hospital Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhou
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Peking University Third Hospital Cancer Center, Beijing, China
| | - Fuchou Tang
- School of Life Sciences, Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center, Department of General Surgery, Third Hospital, Peking University, Beijing, China
- Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Genomics (ICG), Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cell Proliferation and Differentiation, Beijing, China
- Academy for Advanced Interdisciplinary Studies, Peking University, Beijing, China
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Schupp PG, Shelton SJ, Brody DJ, Eliscu R, Johnson BE, Mazor T, Kelley KW, Potts MB, McDermott MW, Huang EJ, Lim DA, Pieper RO, Berger MS, Costello JF, Phillips JJ, Oldham MC. Deconstructing intratumoral heterogeneity through multiomic and multiscale analysis of serial sections. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.06.21.545365. [PMID: 37645893 PMCID: PMC10461981 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.21.545365] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Tumors may contain billions of cells including distinct malignant clones and nonmalignant cell types. Clarifying the evolutionary histories, prevalence, and defining molecular features of these cells is essential for improving clinical outcomes, since intratumoral heterogeneity provides fuel for acquired resistance to targeted therapies. Here we present a statistically motivated strategy for deconstructing intratumoral heterogeneity through multiomic and multiscale analysis of serial tumor sections (MOMA). By combining deep sampling of IDH-mutant astrocytomas with integrative analysis of single-nucleotide variants, copy-number variants, and gene expression, we reconstruct and validate the phylogenies, spatial distributions, and transcriptional profiles of distinct malignant clones. By genotyping nuclei analyzed by single-nucleus RNA-seq for truncal mutations, we further show that commonly used algorithms for identifying cancer cells from single-cell transcriptomes may be inaccurate. We also demonstrate that correlating gene expression with tumor purity in bulk samples can reveal optimal markers of malignant cells and use this approach to identify a core set of genes that is consistently expressed by astrocytoma truncal clones, including AKR1C3, whose expression is associated with poor outcomes in several types of cancer. In summary, MOMA provides a robust and flexible strategy for precisely deconstructing intratumoral heterogeneity and clarifying the core molecular properties of distinct cellular populations in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick G. Schupp
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Samuel J. Shelton
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Daniel J. Brody
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Rebecca Eliscu
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Brett E. Johnson
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Tali Mazor
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
- Biomedical Sciences Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Kevin W. Kelley
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
- Medical Scientist Training Program and Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
- Neuroscience Graduate Program, University of California San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Matthew B. Potts
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Michael W. McDermott
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Eric J. Huang
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Daniel A. Lim
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Russell O. Pieper
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Mitchel S. Berger
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Joseph F. Costello
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
| | - Joanna J. Phillips
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Michael C. Oldham
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco,California, USA
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3
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Ge LP, Jin X, Ma D, Wang ZY, Liu CL, Zhou CZ, Zhao S, Yu TJ, Liu XY, Di GH, Shao ZM, Jiang YZ. ZNF689 deficiency promotes intratumor heterogeneity and immunotherapy resistance in triple-negative breast cancer. Cell Res 2024; 34:58-75. [PMID: 38168642 PMCID: PMC10770380 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-023-00909-w] [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: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive disease characterized by remarkable intratumor heterogeneity (ITH), which poses therapeutic challenges. However, the clinical relevance and key determinant of ITH in TNBC are poorly understood. Here, we comprehensively characterized ITH levels using multi-omics data across our center's cohort (n = 260), The Cancer Genome Atlas cohort (n = 134), and four immunotherapy-treated cohorts (n = 109). Our results revealed that high ITH was associated with poor patient survival and immunotherapy resistance. Importantly, we identified zinc finger protein 689 (ZNF689) deficiency as a crucial determinant of ITH formation. Mechanistically, the ZNF689-TRIM28 complex was found to directly bind to the promoter of long interspersed element-1 (LINE-1), inducing H3K9me3-mediated transcriptional silencing. ZNF689 deficiency reactivated LINE-1 retrotransposition to exacerbate genomic instability, which fostered ITH. Single-cell RNA sequencing, spatially resolved transcriptomics and flow cytometry analysis confirmed that ZNF689 deficiency-induced ITH inhibited antigen presentation and T-cell activation, conferring immunotherapy resistance. Pharmacological inhibition of LINE-1 significantly reduced ITH, enhanced antitumor immunity, and eventually sensitized ZNF689-deficient tumors to immunotherapy in vivo. Consistently, ZNF689 expression positively correlated with favorable prognosis and immunotherapy response in clinical samples. Altogether, our study uncovers a previously unrecognized mechanism underlying ZNF689 deficiency-induced ITH and suggests LINE-1 inhibition combined with immunotherapy as a novel treatment strategy for TNBC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ping Ge
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi Jin
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ding Ma
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zi-Yu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng-Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao-Zheng Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shen Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tian-Jian Yu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xi-Yu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Gen-Hong Di
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Zhi-Ming Shao
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
- Human Phenome Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yi-Zhou Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Breast Cancer in Shanghai, Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.
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4
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Tetens AR, Martin AM, Arnold A, Novak OV, Idrizi A, Tryggvadottir R, Craig-Schwartz J, Liapodimitri A, Lunsford K, Barbato MI, Eberhart CG, Resnick AC, Raabe EH, Koldobskiy MA. DNA methylation landscapes in DIPG reveal methylome variability that can be modified pharmacologically. Neurooncol Adv 2024; 6:vdae023. [PMID: 38468866 PMCID: PMC10926944 DOI: 10.1093/noajnl/vdae023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma (DIPG) is a uniformly lethal brainstem tumor of childhood, driven by histone H3 K27M mutation and resultant epigenetic dysregulation. Epigenomic analyses of DIPG have shown global loss of repressive chromatin marks accompanied by DNA hypomethylation. However, studies providing a static view of the epigenome do not adequately capture the regulatory underpinnings of DIPG cellular heterogeneity and plasticity. Methods To address this, we performed whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on a large panel of primary DIPG specimens and applied a novel framework for analysis of DNA methylation variability, permitting the derivation of comprehensive genome-wide DNA methylation potential energy landscapes that capture intrinsic epigenetic variation. Results We show that DIPG has a markedly disordered epigenome with increasingly stochastic DNA methylation at genes regulating pluripotency and developmental identity, potentially enabling cells to sample diverse transcriptional programs and differentiation states. The DIPG epigenetic landscape was responsive to treatment with the hypomethylating agent decitabine, which produced genome-wide demethylation and reduced the stochasticity of DNA methylation at active enhancers and bivalent promoters. Decitabine treatment elicited changes in gene expression, including upregulation of immune signaling such as the interferon response, STING, and MHC class I expression, and sensitized cells to the effects of histone deacetylase inhibition. Conclusions This study provides a resource for understanding the epigenetic instability that underlies DIPG heterogeneity. It suggests the application of epigenetic therapies to constrain the range of epigenetic states available to DIPG cells, as well as the use of decitabine in priming for immune-based therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley R Tetens
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Allison M Martin
- Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York, USA
| | - Antje Arnold
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Orlandi V Novak
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adrian Idrizi
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Rakel Tryggvadottir
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Jordyn Craig-Schwartz
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Athanasia Liapodimitri
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Kayleigh Lunsford
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael I Barbato
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Charles G Eberhart
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Adam C Resnick
- Center for Data-Driven Discovery in Biomedicine, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
- Division of Neurosurgery, The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
| | - Eric H Raabe
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Neuropathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael A Koldobskiy
- Center for Epigenetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
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5
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Zhu J, Yang Y, Li L, Tang J, Zhang R. DNA methylation profiles in cancer: functions, therapy, and beyond. Cancer Biol Med 2023; 21:j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0403. [PMID: 38062785 PMCID: PMC10884540 DOI: 10.20892/j.issn.2095-3941.2023.0403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jinrong Zhu
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Yongjie Yang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Li Li
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Jiuren Tang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
| | - Rongxin Zhang
- Laboratory of Immunology and Inflammation, School of Life Sciences and Biopharmaceutics, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, China
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Ruffle JK, Mohinta S, Pombo G, Gray R, Kopanitsa V, Lee F, Brandner S, Hyare H, Nachev P. Brain tumour genetic network signatures of survival. Brain 2023; 146:4736-4754. [PMID: 37665980 PMCID: PMC10629773 DOI: 10.1093/brain/awad199] [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: 02/21/2023] [Revised: 05/12/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumour heterogeneity is increasingly recognized as a major obstacle to therapeutic success across neuro-oncology. Gliomas are characterized by distinct combinations of genetic and epigenetic alterations, resulting in complex interactions across multiple molecular pathways. Predicting disease evolution and prescribing individually optimal treatment requires statistical models complex enough to capture the intricate (epi)genetic structure underpinning oncogenesis. Here, we formalize this task as the inference of distinct patterns of connectivity within hierarchical latent representations of genetic networks. Evaluating multi-institutional clinical, genetic and outcome data from 4023 glioma patients over 14 years, across 12 countries, we employ Bayesian generative stochastic block modelling to reveal a hierarchical network structure of tumour genetics spanning molecularly confirmed glioblastoma, IDH-wildtype; oligodendroglioma, IDH-mutant and 1p/19q codeleted; and astrocytoma, IDH-mutant. Our findings illuminate the complex dependence between features across the genetic landscape of brain tumours and show that generative network models reveal distinct signatures of survival with better prognostic fidelity than current gold standard diagnostic categories.
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Affiliation(s)
- James K Ruffle
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Samia Mohinta
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Guilherme Pombo
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Robert Gray
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Valeriya Kopanitsa
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Faith Lee
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- Division of Neuropathology and Department of Neurodegenerative Disease, Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Harpreet Hyare
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
| | - Parashkev Nachev
- Queen Square Institute of Neurology, University College London, London WC1N 3BG, UK
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Ghorani E, Swanton C, Quezada SA. Cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving acquired immune tolerance. Immunity 2023; 56:2270-2295. [PMID: 37820584 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune evasion is a hallmark of cancer, enabling tumors to survive contact with the host immune system and evade the cycle of immune recognition and destruction. Here, we review the current understanding of the cancer cell-intrinsic factors driving immune evasion. We focus on T cells as key effectors of anti-cancer immunity and argue that cancer cells evade immune destruction by gaining control over pathways that usually serve to maintain physiological tolerance to self. Using this framework, we place recent mechanistic advances in the understanding of cancer immune evasion into broad categories of control over T cell localization, antigen recognition, and acquisition of optimal effector function. We discuss the redundancy in the pathways involved and identify knowledge gaps that must be overcome to better target immune evasion, including the need for better, routinely available tools that incorporate the growing understanding of evasion mechanisms to stratify patients for therapy and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ghorani
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Hematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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8
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Kumar BS. Recent Advances and Applications of Ambient Mass Spectrometry Imaging in Cancer Research: An Overview. Mass Spectrom (Tokyo) 2023; 12:A0129. [PMID: 37789912 PMCID: PMC10542858 DOI: 10.5702/massspectrometry.a0129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer metabolic variability has a significant impact on both diagnosis and treatment outcomes. The discovery of novel biological indicators and metabolic dysregulation, can significantly rely on comprehension of the modified metabolism in cancer, is a research focus. Tissue histology is a critical feature in the diagnostic testing of many ailments, such as cancer. To assess the surgical margin of the tumour on patients, frozen section histology is a tedious, laborious, and typically arbitrary method. Concurrent monitoring of ion images in tissues facilitated by the latest advancements in mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) is far more efficient than optical tissue image analysis utilized in conventional histopathology examination. This article focuses on the "desorption electrospray ionization (DESI)-MSI" technique's most recent advancements and uses in cancer research. DESI-MSI can provide wealthy information based on the variances in metabolites and lipids in normal and cancerous tissues by acquiring ion images of the lipid and metabolite variances on biopsy samples. As opposed to a systematic review, this article offers a synopsis of the most widely employed cutting-edge DESI-MSI techniques in cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bharath S. Kumar
- Correspondence to: Bharath S. Kumar, 21, B2, 27th Street, Nanganallur, Chennai, India, e-mail:
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9
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Yang Q, Lei X, He J, Peng Y, Zhang Y, Ling R, Wu C, Zhang G, Zheng B, Chen X, Zou B, Fu Z, Zhao L, Liu H, Hu Y, Yu J, Li F, Ye G, Li G. N4-Acetylcytidine Drives Glycolysis Addiction in Gastric Cancer via NAT10/SEPT9/HIF-1α Positive Feedback Loop. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2300898. [PMID: 37328448 PMCID: PMC10427357 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202300898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Anti-angiogenic therapy has long been considered a promising strategy for solid cancers. Intrinsic resistance to hypoxia is a major cause for the failure of anti-angiogenic therapy, but the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, it is revealed that N4-acetylcytidine (ac4C), a newly identified mRNA modification, enhances hypoxia tolerance in gastric cancer (GC) cells by promoting glycolysis addiction. Specifically, acetyltransferase NAT10 transcription is regulated by HIF-1α, a key transcription factor of the cellular response to hypoxia. Further, acRIP-sequencing, Ribosome profiling sequencing, RNA-sequencing, and functional studies confirm that NAT10 in turn activates the HIF-1 pathway and subsequent glucose metabolism reprogramming by mediating SEPT9 mRNA ac4C modification. The formation of the NAT10/SEPT9/HIF-1α positive feedback loop leads to excessive activation of the HIF-1 pathway and induces glycolysis addiction. Combined anti-angiogenesis and ac4C inhibition attenuate hypoxia tolerance and inhibit tumor progression in vivo. This study highlights the critical roles of ac4C in the regulation of glycolysis addiction and proposes a promising strategy to overcome resistance to anti-angiogenic therapy by combining apatinib with ac4C inhibition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingbin Yang
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Xuetao Lei
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Jiayong He
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Yanmei Peng
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Yihao Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Ruoyu Ling
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Chaorui Wu
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Guofan Zhang
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Boyang Zheng
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Xinhua Chen
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Boya Zou
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Ziyi Fu
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Liying Zhao
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Hao Liu
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Yanfeng Hu
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Jiang Yu
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Fengping Li
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Gengtai Ye
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
| | - Guoxin Li
- Department of General SurgeryNanfang HospitalSouthern Medical UniversityGuangdong Provincial Engineering Technology Research Center of Minimally Invasive SurgeryGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Gastrointestinal TumorGuangzhouGuangdong510515P. R. China
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10
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Peng Y, Liu H, Wu Q, Wang L, Yu Y, Yin F, Feng C, Ren X, Liu T, Chen L, Zhu H. Integrated bioinformatics analysis and experimental validation reveal ISG20 as a novel prognostic indicator expressed on M2 macrophage in glioma. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:596. [PMID: 37380984 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11057-0] [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: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 06/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma is the most common malignant primary brain tumor and is characterized by a poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options. ISG20 expression is induced by interferons or double-stranded RNA and is associated with poor prognosis in several malignant tumors. Nevertheless, the expression of ISG20 in gliomas, its impact on patient prognosis, and its role in the tumor immune microenvironment have not been fully elucidated. METHODS Using bioinformatics, we comprehensively illustrated the potential function of ISG20, its predictive value in stratifying clinical prognosis, and its association with immunological characteristics in gliomas. We also confirmed the expression pattern of ISG20 in glioma patient samples by immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS ISG20 mRNA expression was higher in glioma tissues than in normal tissues. Data-driven results showed that a high level of ISG20 expression predicted an unfavorable clinical outcome in glioma patients, and revealed that ISG20 was possibly expressed on tumor-associated macrophages and was significantly associated with immune regulatory processes, as evidenced by its positive correlation with the infiltration of regulatory immune cells (e.g., M2 macrophages and regulatory T cells), expression of immune checkpoint molecules, and effectiveness of immune checkpoint blockade therapy. Furthermore, immunohistochemistry staining confirmed the enhanced expression of ISG20 in glioma tissues with a higher WHO grade, and immunofluorescence assay verified its cellular localization on M2 macrophages. CONCLUSIONS ISG20 is expressed on M2 macrophages, and can serve as a novel indicator for predicting the malignant phenotype and clinical prognosis in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaojun Peng
- Department of Graduate Administration, Medical School of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Emergency, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
| | - Hongyu Liu
- Department of Graduate Administration, Medical School of Chinese, PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Hainan Hospital of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Sanya, Hainan, China
| | - Qiyan Wu
- Institute of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 8Th East Road of Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Lingxiong Wang
- Institute of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 8Th East Road of Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Yanju Yu
- Institute of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 8Th East Road of Fengtai, Beijing, China
| | - Fan Yin
- Department of Oncology, The Second Medical Center & National Clinical Research Center of Geriatric Disease, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Cong Feng
- Department of Emergency, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
| | - Xuewen Ren
- Department of Emergency, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China
| | - Tianyi Liu
- Institute of Oncology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 8Th East Road of Fengtai, Beijing, China.
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China.
| | - Haiyan Zhu
- Department of Emergency, The First Medical Center, Chinese PLA General Hospital, 28Th Fuxing Road, Beijing, China.
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11
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Murdaugh RL, Anastas JN. Applying single cell multi-omic analyses to understand treatment resistance in pediatric high grade glioma. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1002296. [PMID: 37205910 PMCID: PMC10191214 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1002296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in cancer patient outcomes seen in the past decade, tumor resistance to therapy remains a major impediment to achieving durable clinical responses. Intratumoral heterogeneity related to genetic, epigenetic, transcriptomic, proteomic, and metabolic differences between individual cancer cells has emerged as a driver of therapeutic resistance. This cell to cell heterogeneity can be assessed using single cell profiling technologies that enable the identification of tumor cell clones that exhibit similar defining features like specific mutations or patterns of DNA methylation. Single cell profiling of tumors before and after treatment can generate new insights into the cancer cell characteristics that confer therapeutic resistance by identifying intrinsically resistant sub-populations that survive treatment and by describing new cellular features that emerge post-treatment due to tumor cell evolution. Integrative, single cell analytical approaches have already proven advantageous in studies characterizing treatment-resistant clones in cancers where pre- and post-treatment patient samples are readily available, such as leukemia. In contrast, little is known about other cancer subtypes like pediatric high grade glioma, a class of heterogeneous, malignant brain tumors in children that rapidly develop resistance to multiple therapeutic modalities, including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation. Leveraging single cell multi-omic technologies to analyze naïve and therapy-resistant glioma may lead to the discovery of novel strategies to overcome treatment resistance in brain tumors with dismal clinical outcomes. In this review, we explore the potential for single cell multi-omic analyses to reveal mechanisms of glioma resistance to therapy and discuss opportunities to apply these approaches to improve long-term therapeutic response in pediatric high grade glioma and other brain tumors with limited treatment options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca L. Murdaugh
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Program in Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jamie N. Anastas
- Department of Neurosurgery, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Program in Cell and Gene Therapy, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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12
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Lee D, Koo B, Yang J, Kim S. Metheor: Ultrafast DNA methylation heterogeneity calculation from bisulfite read alignments. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010946. [PMID: 36940213 PMCID: PMC10062925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/19/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Phased DNA methylation states within bisulfite sequencing reads are valuable source of information that can be used to estimate epigenetic diversity across cells as well as epigenomic instability in individual cells. Various measures capturing the heterogeneity of DNA methylation states have been proposed for a decade. However, in routine analyses on DNA methylation, this heterogeneity is often ignored by computing average methylation levels at CpG sites, even though such information exists in bisulfite sequencing data in the form of phased methylation states, or methylation patterns. In this study, to facilitate the application of the DNA methylation heterogeneity measures in downstream epigenomic analyses, we present a Rust-based, extremely fast and lightweight bioinformatics toolkit called Metheor. As the analysis of DNA methylation heterogeneity requires the examination of pairs or groups of CpGs throughout the genome, existing softwares suffer from high computational burden, which almost make a large-scale DNA methylation heterogeneity studies intractable for researchers with limited resources. In this study, we benchmark the performance of Metheor against existing code implementations for DNA methylation heterogeneity measures in three different scenarios of simulated bisulfite sequencing datasets. Metheor was shown to dramatically reduce the execution time up to 300-fold and memory footprint up to 60-fold, while producing identical results with the original implementation, thereby facilitating a large-scale study of DNA methylation heterogeneity profiles. To demonstrate the utility of the low computational burden of Metheor, we show that the methylation heterogeneity profiles of 928 cancer cell lines can be computed with standard computing resources. With those profiles, we reveal the association between DNA methylation heterogeneity and various omics features. Source code for Metheor is at https://github.com/dohlee/metheor and is freely available under the GPL-3.0 license.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dohoon Lee
- Bioinformatics Institute, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- BK21 FOUR Intelligence Computing, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Bonil Koo
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jeewon Yang
- Interdisciplinary Program in Artificial Intelligence, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Kim
- Interdisciplinary Program in Bioinformatics, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Interdisciplinary Program in Artificial Intelligence, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Seoul National University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- MOGAM Institute for Biomedical Research, Yong-in, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail:
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13
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Targeting receptor tyrosine kinases in ovarian cancer: Genomic dysregulation, clinical evaluation of inhibitors, and potential for combinatorial therapies. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 28:293-306. [PMID: 36911068 PMCID: PMC9999170 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) remains one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) have long been sought as therapeutic targets for EOC, as they are frequently hyperactivated in primary tumors and drive disease relapse, progression, and metastasis. More recently, these oncogenic drivers have been implicated in EOC response to poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitors and epigenome-interfering agents. This evidence revives RTKs as promising targets for therapeutic intervention of EOC. This review summarizes recent studies on the role of RTKs in EOC malignancy and the use of their inhibitors for clinical treatment. Our focus is on the ERBB family, c-Met, and VEGFR, as they are linked to drug resistance and targetable using commercially available drugs. The importance of these RTKs and their inhibitors is highlighted by their impact on signal transduction and intratumoral heterogeneity in EOC and successful use as maintenance therapy in the clinic through suppression of the VEGF/VEGFR axis. Finally, the therapeutic potential of RTK inhibitors is discussed in the context of combinatorial targeting via co-inhibiting proliferative and anti-apoptotic pathways, epigenomic/transcriptional programs, and harnessing the efficacy of PARP inhibitors and programmed cell death 1/ligand 1 immune checkpoint therapies.
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14
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Datta S, Cano M, Satyanarayana G, Liu T, Wang L, Wang J, Cheng J, Itoh K, Sharma A, Bhutto I, Kannan R, Qian J, Sinha D, Handa JT. Mitophagy initiates retrograde mitochondrial-nuclear signaling to guide retinal pigment cell heterogeneity. Autophagy 2023; 19:966-983. [PMID: 35921555 PMCID: PMC9980637 DOI: 10.1080/15548627.2022.2109286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 07/28/2022] [Accepted: 07/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), the leading cause of blindness among the elderly, is without treatment for early disease. Degenerative retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell heterogeneity is a well-recognized but understudied pathogenic factor. Due to the daily phagocytosis of photoreceptor outer segments, unique photo-oxidative stress, and high metabolism for maintaining vision, the RPE has robust macroautophagy/autophagy, and mitochondrial and antioxidant networks. However, the autophagy subtype, mitophagy, in the RPE and AMD is understudied. Here, we found decreased PINK1 (PTEN induced kinase 1) in perifoveal RPE of early AMD eyes. PINK1-deficient RPE have impaired mitophagy and mitochondrial function that triggers death-resistant epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). This reprogramming is mediated by novel retrograde mitochondrial-nuclear signaling (RMNS) through superoxide, NFE2L2 (NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2), TXNRD1 (thioredoxin reductase 1), and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT (AKT serine/threonine kinase) that induced canonical transcription factors ZEB1 (zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1) and SNAI1 (Snail family transcriptional repressor 1) and an EMT transcriptome. NFE2L2 deficiency disrupted RMNS that paradoxically normalized morphology but decreased function and viability. Thus, RPE heterogeneity is defined by the interaction of two cytoprotective pathways that is triggered by mitophagy function. By neutralizing the consequences of impaired mitophagy, an antioxidant dendrimer tropic for the RPE and mitochondria, EMT (a recognized AMD alteration) was abrogated to offer potential therapy for early AMD, a stage without treatment.Abbreviations: ACTB: actin beta; AKT: AKT serine/threonine kinase; AMD: age-related macular degeneration; CCCP: cyanide m-chlorophenyl hydrazone; CDH1: cadherin 1; DAVID: Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery; DHE: dihydroethidium; D-NAC: N-acetyl-l-cysteine conjugated to a poly(amido amine) dendrimer; ECAR: extracellular acidification rate; EMT: epithelial-mesenchymal transition; GAPDH: glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase; GSEA: Gene Set Enrichment Analysis; HSPD1: heat shock protein family D (Hsp60) member 1; IVT: intravitreal; KD: knockdown; LMNA, lamin A/C; MAP1LC3B: microtubule associated protein 1 light chain 3 beta; MMP: mitochondrial membrane potential; NAC: N-acetyl-l-cysteine; NQO1: NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1; NFE2L2: NFE2 like bZIP transcription factor 2; O2-: superoxide anion; OCR: oxygen consumption rate; PI3K: phosphoinositide 3-kinase; PINK1: PTEN induced kinase 1; RMNS: retrograde mitochondrial-nuclear signaling; ROS: reactive oxygen species; RPE: retinal pigment epithelium; SNAI1: snail family transcriptional repressor 1; TJP1: tight junction protein 1; TPP-D-NAC: triphenyl phosphinium and N-acetyl-l-cysteine conjugated to a poly(amido amine) dendrimer; TIMM23: translocase of inner mitochondrial membrane 23; TOMM20: translocase of outer mitochondrial membrane 20; Trig: trigonelline; TXNRD1: thioredoxin reductase 1; VIM: vimentin; WT: wild-type; ZEB1: zinc finger E-box binding homeobox 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayantan Datta
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GAUSA
| | - Marisol Cano
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Ganesh Satyanarayana
- Department of Ophthalmology, Emory University School of Medicine, Atlanta, GAUSA
| | - Tongyun Liu
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Lei Wang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jie Wang
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jie Cheng
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kie Itoh
- Department of Cell Biology, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Anjali Sharma
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Imran Bhutto
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jiang Qian
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Debasish Sinha
- Department of Ophthalmology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - James T. Handa
- Wilmer Eye Institute, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
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15
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Heide T, Househam J, Cresswell GD, Spiteri I, Lynn C, Mossner M, Kimberley C, Fernandez-Mateos J, Chen B, Zapata L, James C, Barozzi I, Chkhaidze K, Nichol D, Gunasri V, Berner A, Schmidt M, Lakatos E, Baker AM, Costa H, Mitchinson M, Piazza R, Jansen M, Caravagna G, Ramazzotti D, Shibata D, Bridgewater J, Rodriguez-Justo M, Magnani L, Graham TA, Sottoriva A. The co-evolution of the genome and epigenome in colorectal cancer. Nature 2022; 611:733-743. [PMID: 36289335 PMCID: PMC9684080 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-022-05202-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Colorectal malignancies are a leading cause of cancer-related death1 and have undergone extensive genomic study2,3. However, DNA mutations alone do not fully explain malignant transformation4-7. Here we investigate the co-evolution of the genome and epigenome of colorectal tumours at single-clone resolution using spatial multi-omic profiling of individual glands. We collected 1,370 samples from 30 primary cancers and 8 concomitant adenomas and generated 1,207 chromatin accessibility profiles, 527 whole genomes and 297 whole transcriptomes. We found positive selection for DNA mutations in chromatin modifier genes and recurrent somatic chromatin accessibility alterations, including in regulatory regions of cancer driver genes that were otherwise devoid of genetic mutations. Genome-wide alterations in accessibility for transcription factor binding involved CTCF, downregulation of interferon and increased accessibility for SOX and HOX transcription factor families, suggesting the involvement of developmental genes during tumourigenesis. Somatic chromatin accessibility alterations were heritable and distinguished adenomas from cancers. Mutational signature analysis showed that the epigenome in turn influences the accumulation of DNA mutations. This study provides a map of genetic and epigenetic tumour heterogeneity, with fundamental implications for understanding colorectal cancer biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Timon Heide
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy
| | - Jacob Househam
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - George D Cresswell
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Inmaculada Spiteri
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Claire Lynn
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Maximilian Mossner
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Chris Kimberley
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | | | - Bingjie Chen
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Luis Zapata
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Chela James
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Iros Barozzi
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Centre for Cancer Research, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Ketevan Chkhaidze
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Daniel Nichol
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Vinaya Gunasri
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Alison Berner
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Melissa Schmidt
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Eszter Lakatos
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Ann-Marie Baker
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Helena Costa
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Miriam Mitchinson
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Rocco Piazza
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Marnix Jansen
- Department of Pathology, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Giulio Caravagna
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Mathematics and Geosciences, University of Triest, Triest, Italy
| | - Daniele Ramazzotti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, Milan, Italy
| | - Darryl Shibata
- Department of Pathology, University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | | | | | - Luca Magnani
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Trevor A Graham
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Evolution and Cancer Lab, Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK.
| | - Andrea Sottoriva
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Computational Biology Research Centre, Human Technopole, Milan, Italy.
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16
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Zaremba A, Jansen P, Murali R, Mayakonda A, Riedel A, Philip M, Rose C, Schaller J, Müller H, Kutzner H, Möller I, Stadtler N, Kretz J, Sucker A, Bankfalvi A, Livingstone E, Zimmer L, Horn S, Paschen A, Plass C, Schadendorf D, Hadaschik E, Lutsik P, Griewank K. Genetic and methylation profiles distinguish benign, malignant and spitzoid melanocytic tumors. Int J Cancer 2022; 151:1542-1554. [PMID: 35737508 PMCID: PMC9474633 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.34187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Accurate classification of melanocytic tumors is important for prognostic evaluation, treatment and follow-up protocols of patients. The majority of melanocytic proliferations can be classified solely based on clinical and pathological criteria, however in select cases a definitive diagnostic assessment remains challenging and additional diagnostic biomarkers would be advantageous. We analyzed melanomas, nevi, Spitz nevi and atypical spitzoid tumors using parallel sequencing (exons of 611 genes and 507 gene translocation analysis) and methylation arrays (850k Illumina EPIC). By combining detailed genetic and epigenetic analysis with reference-based and reference-free DNA methylome deconvolution we compared Spitz nevi to nevi and melanoma and assessed the potential for these methods in classifying challenging spitzoid tumors. Results were correlated with clinical and histologic features. Spitz nevi were found to cluster independently of nevi and melanoma and demonstrated a different mutation profile. Multiple copy number alterations and TERT promoter mutations were identified only in melanomas. Genome-wide methylation in Spitz nevi was comparable to benign nevi while the Leukocytes UnMethylation for Purity (LUMP) algorithm in Spitz nevi was comparable to melanoma. Histologically difficult to classify Spitz tumor cases were assessed which, based on methylation arrays, clustered between Spitz nevi and melanoma and in terms of genetic profile or copy number variations demonstrated worrisome features suggesting a malignant neoplasm. Comprehensive sequencing and methylation analysis verify Spitz nevi as an independent melanocytic entity distinct from both nevi and melanoma. Combined genetic and methylation assays can offer additional insights in diagnosing difficult to classify Spitzoid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Zaremba
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Jansen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Rajmohan Murali
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, USA
| | - Anand Mayakonda
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Riedel
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Helmholtz International Graduate School for Cancer Research, Heidelberg, Germany
- Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Manuel Philip
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | | | - Heinz Kutzner
- Dermatopathologie Friedrichshafen, Medical faculty of the University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Inga Möller
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nadine Stadtler
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julia Kretz
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Antje Sucker
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Agnes Bankfalvi
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Elisabeth Livingstone
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Zimmer
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Susanne Horn
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- Rudolf-Schönheimer-Institute of Biochemistry, Medical faculty of the University Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Annette Paschen
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christoph Plass
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dirk Schadendorf
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Eva Hadaschik
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Pavlo Lutsik
- Division of Cancer Epigenomics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Klaus Griewank
- Department of Dermatology, University Hospital Essen, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany, and German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
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17
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Donati G, Amati B. MYC and therapy resistance in cancer: risks and opportunities. Mol Oncol 2022; 16:3828-3854. [PMID: 36214609 PMCID: PMC9627787 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The MYC transcription factor, encoded by the c-MYC proto-oncogene, is activated by growth-promoting signals, and is a key regulator of biosynthetic and metabolic pathways driving cell growth and proliferation. These same processes are deregulated in MYC-driven tumors, where they become critical for cancer cell proliferation and survival. As other oncogenic insults, overexpressed MYC induces a series of cellular stresses (metabolic, oxidative, replicative, etc.) collectively known as oncogenic stress, which impact not only on tumor progression, but also on the response to therapy, with profound, multifaceted consequences on clinical outcome. On one hand, recent evidence uncovered a widespread role for MYC in therapy resistance in multiple cancer types, with either standard chemotherapeutic or targeted regimens. Reciprocally, oncogenic MYC imparts a series of molecular and metabolic dependencies to cells, thus giving rise to cancer-specific vulnerabilities that may be exploited to obtain synthetic-lethal interactions with novel anticancer drugs. Here we will review the current knowledge on the links between MYC and therapeutic responses, and will discuss possible strategies to overcome resistance through new, targeted interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giulio Donati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO) – IRCCSMilanItaly
| | - Bruno Amati
- European Institute of Oncology (IEO) – IRCCSMilanItaly
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18
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Lippert J, Fassnacht M, Ronchi CL. The role of molecular profiling in adrenocortical carcinoma. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2022; 97:460-472. [PMID: 34750847 DOI: 10.1111/cen.14629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare, aggressive cancer with still partially unknown pathogenesis, heterogenous clinical behaviour and no effective treatment for advanced stages. Therefore, there is an urgent clinical unmet need for better prognostication strategies, innovative therapies and significant improvement of the management of the individual patients. In this review, we summarize available studies on molecular prognostic markers and markers predictive of response to standard therapies as well as newly proposed drug targets in sporadic ACC. We include in vitro studies and available clinical trials, focusing on alterations at the DNA, RNA and epigenetic levels. We also discuss the potential of biomarkers to be implemented in a clinical routine workflow for improved ACC patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juliane Lippert
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Fassnacht
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Cristina L Ronchi
- Division of Endocrinology and Diabetes, Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- College of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Metabolism and Systems Research, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
- Centre for Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism, Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham, UK
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19
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Yu W, He G, Zhang W, Ye Z, Zhong Z, Huang S. INHBB is a novel prognostic biomarker and correlated with immune infiltrates in gastric cancer. Front Genet 2022; 13:933862. [PMID: 36118865 PMCID: PMC9478859 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.933862] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibin subunit beta B (INHBB) is a potential prognostic biomarker for a variety of cancers. However, its role in gastric cancer (GC) remains elusive. The differential expression data of INHBB in tumor and normal tissues were extracted from several databases and genetic alterations of INHBB were assessed by cBioPortal. Kaplan-Meier analysis was used to evaluate the survival rate of patients with GC with INHBB and association with clinical features in GC. Cox regression analysis was used to explore the prognostic value of clinical indicators and INHBB in GC, and a nomogram prognostic model was established. In addition, the predictive validity of the nomogram model was assessed by time-depended receiver operating characteristic (ROC) and calibration curves. Functional enrichment analyses were conducted to functionally annotate INHBB. Notably, we found that the quantitative assessment of immune cell subpopulation infiltration correlated with INHBB expression. INHBB expression is upregulated in GC and is correlated with several clinical features including prognostic indicators and a histological type. Genetic alterations were observed in INHBB, its DNA methylation level was negatively correlated with INHBB expression. High INHBB expression is associated with a poor prognosis and is an independent risk factor for prognosis in GC, along with age and residual tumor. The nomogram model showed a good prediction ability and was validated by time-depended ROC and calibration curves. Functional enrichment analysis indicated that INHBB-associated genes were enriched in tumor microenvironment Gene Ontology (GO) terms and were correlated with tumor-associated pathways. INHBB has a regulatory function in immune cell infiltration, especially macrophage infiltration in GC. Specifically, patients with GC with high INHBB expression and high macrophage infiltration have a worse prognosis. INHBB expression was negatively correlated with the expression of chemokines/chemokine receptors and plays a regulatory role in immunoinhibitor/immunostimulator-involved pathways. INHBB is a potential prognostic biomarker for GC and may drive the abnormal activity of critical cancer-associated pathways, potentially contributing to immune cell infiltration to promote GC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifeng Yu
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Guihua He
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wang Zhang
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zhenhao Ye
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Zishao Zhong
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zishao Zhong, ; Suiping Huang,
| | - Suiping Huang
- Gastroenterology Department, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Gastroenterology Department, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Zishao Zhong, ; Suiping Huang,
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20
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Qin N, Paisana E, Langini M, Picard D, Malzkorn B, Custódia C, Cascão R, Meyer FD, Blümel L, Göbbels S, Taban K, Bartl J, Bechmann N, Conrad C, Gravemeyer J, Becker JC, Stefanski A, Puget S, Barata JT, Stühler K, Fischer U, Felsberg J, Ayrault O, Reifenberger G, Borkhardt A, Eisenhofer G, Faria CC, Remke M. Intratumoral heterogeneity of MYC drives medulloblastoma metastasis and angiogenesis. Neuro Oncol 2022; 24:1509-1523. [PMID: 35307743 PMCID: PMC9435486 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noac068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intratumoral heterogeneity is crucially involved in metastasis, resistance to therapy, and cancer relapse. Amplifications of the proto-oncogene MYC display notable heterogeneity at the single-cell level and are associated with a particularly dismal prognosis in high-risk medulloblastomas (MBs). The aim of this study was to establish the relevance of interclonal cross-talk between MYC-driven and non-MYC-driven MB cells. METHODS We used fluorescence in situ hybridization, single-cell transcriptomics, and immunohistochemistry, in vitro isogenic cell models, non-targeted proteomics, mass spectrometry-based metabolite quantification, HUVECs tube formation assay, and orthotopic in vivo experiments to investigate interclonal cross-talk in MB. RESULTS We found that the release of lactate dehydrogenase A (LDHA) from MYC-driven cells facilitates metastatic seeding and outgrowth, while secretion of dickkopf WNT signaling pathway inhibitor 3 from non-MYC-driven cells promotes tumor angiogenesis. This tumor-supporting interaction between both subclones was abrogated by targeting the secretome through pharmacological and genetic inhibition of LDHA, which significantly suppressed tumor cell migration. CONCLUSION Our study reveals the functional relevance of clonal diversity and highlights the therapeutic potential of targeting the secretome to interrupt interclonal communication and progression in high-risk MB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nan Qin
- Corresponding Author: Nan Qin, PhD, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, HHU, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ()
| | | | | | - Daniel Picard
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Bastian Malzkorn
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Carlos Custódia
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular – João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rita Cascão
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular – João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Frauke-Dorothee Meyer
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Lena Blümel
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Sarah Göbbels
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Kübra Taban
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jasmin Bartl
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Nicole Bechmann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, and Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Experimental Diabetology, German Institute of Human Nutrition Potsdam-Rehbruecke, Nuthetal, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research, München-Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Catleen Conrad
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, and Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
- Department of Medicine III, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technical University Dresden, Dresden, Germany
| | - Jan Gravemeyer
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen C Becker
- Translational Skin Cancer Research, University Duisburg-Essen, Essen, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anja Stefanski
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Stéphanie Puget
- Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery, Necker Hospital, Paris Descartes University, Paris, France
| | - João T Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular – João Lobo Antunes, Faculdade de Medicina da Universidade de Lisboa, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Kai Stühler
- Institute for Molecular Medicine I, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Molecular Proteomics Laboratory, Biomedical Research Center (BMFZ), Heinrich Heine University, Medical Faculty, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Ute Fischer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Jörg Felsberg
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Olivier Ayrault
- Institut Curie, PSL Research University, Université Paris Sud, Université Paris-Saclay, Orsay, France
| | - Guido Reifenberger
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Essen/Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
- Institute of Neuropathology, Medical Faculty, HHU, UKD, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | - Arndt Borkhardt
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, Medical Faculty, Heinrich Heine University, University Hospital Düsseldorf, Düsseldorf, Germany
| | | | | | - Marc Remke
- Corresponding Author: Marc Remke, MD, Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hematology, and Clinical Immunology, HHU, Moorenstr. 5, D-40225 Düsseldorf, Germany ()
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21
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Xu L, Huang Z, Zeng Z, Li J, Xie H, Xie C. An integrative analysis of DNA methylation and gene expression to predict lung adenocarcinoma prognosis. Front Genet 2022; 13:970507. [PMID: 36105089 PMCID: PMC9465336 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.970507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Abnormal DNA methylation of gene promoters is an important feature in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). However, the prognostic value of DNA methylation remains to be further explored. Objectives. We sought to explore DNA methylation characteristics and develop a quantifiable criterion related to DNA methylation to improve survival prediction for LUAD patients. Methods: Illumina Human Methylation450K array data, level 3 RNA-seq data and corresponding clinical information were obtained from TCGA. Cox regression analysis and the Akaike information criterion were used to construct the best-prognosis methylation signature. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was used to validate the prognostic ability of the DNA methylation-related feature score. qPCR was used to measure the transcription levels of the identified genes upon methylation. Results: We identified a set of DNA methylation features composed of 11 genes (MYEOV, KCNU1, SLC27A6, NEUROD4, HMGB4, TACR3, GABRA5, TRPM8, NLRP13, EDN3 and SLC34A1). The feature score, calculated based on DNA methylation features, was independent of tumor recurrence and TNM stage in predicting overall survival. Of note, the combination of this feature score and TNM stage provided a better overall survival prediction than either of them individually. The transcription levels of all the hypermethylated genes were significantly increased after demethylation, and the expression levels of 3 hypomethylated proteins were significantly higher in tumor tissues than in normal tissues, as indicated by immunohistochemistry data from the Human Protein Atlas. Our results suggested that these identified genes with prognostic features were regulated by DNA methylation of their promoters. Conclusion: Our studies demonstrated the potential application of DNA methylation markers in the prognosis of LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liexi Xu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhengrong Huang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Zihang Zeng
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Jiali Li
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Hongxin Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
| | - Conghua Xie
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Wuhan University of Zhongnan Hospital, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Biological Behaviors, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- *Correspondence: Conghua Xie,
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22
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Yi J, Kim B, Shi X, Zhan X, Lu QR, Xuan Z, Wu J. PRC2 Heterogeneity Drives Tumor Growth in Medulloblastoma. Cancer Res 2022; 82:2874-2886. [PMID: 35731926 PMCID: PMC9388591 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-4313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 06/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Intratumor epigenetic heterogeneity is emerging as a key mechanism underlying tumor evolution and drug resistance. Epigenetic abnormalities frequently occur in medulloblastoma, the most common childhood malignant brain tumor. Medulloblastoma is classified into four subtypes including SHH medulloblastoma, which is characterized by elevated sonic hedgehog (SHH) signaling and a cerebellum granule neuron precursor (CGNP) cell-of-origin. Here, we report that the histone H3K27 methyltransferase polycomb repressor complex 2 (PRC2) is often heterogeneous within individual SHH medulloblastoma tumors. In mouse models, complete deletion of the PRC2 core subunit EED inhibited medulloblastoma growth, while a mosaic deletion of EED significantly enhanced tumor growth. EED is intrinsically required for CGNP maintenance by inhibiting both neural differentiation and cell death. Complete deletion of EED led to CGNP depletion and reduced occurrence of medulloblastoma. Surprisingly, medulloblastomas with mosaic EED levels grew faster than control wild-type tumors and expressed increased levels of oncogenes such as Igf2, which is directly repressed by PRC2 and has been demonstrated to be both necessary and sufficient for SHH medulloblastoma progression. Insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) mediated the oncogenic effects of PRC2 heterogeneity in tumor growth. Assessing clones of a human medulloblastoma cell line with different EED levels confirmed that EEDlow cells can stimulate the growth of EEDhigh cells through paracrine IGF2 signaling. Thus, PRC2 heterogeneity plays an oncogenic role in medulloblastoma through both intrinsic growth competence and non-cell autonomous mechanisms in distinct tumor subclones. SIGNIFICANCE The identification of an oncogenic function of PRC2 heterogeneity in medulloblastoma provides insights into subclone competition and cooperation during heterogeneous tumor evolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiaqing Yi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - BongWoo Kim
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xuanming Shi
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Xiaoming Zhan
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Q. Richard Lu
- Brain Tumor Center, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, Ohio, USA
| | - Zhenyu Xuan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Center for Systems Biology, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX 75080, USA
| | - Jiang Wu
- Department of Physiology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA,Correspondence: Jiang Wu, PhD, , Department of Physiology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd. Dallas TX 75390-9040, Phone: 214-648-1824
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23
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Liu Y, Chen C, Wang X, Sun Y, Zhang J, Chen J, Shi Y. An Epigenetic Role of Mitochondria in Cancer. Cells 2022; 11:cells11162518. [PMID: 36010594 PMCID: PMC9406960 DOI: 10.3390/cells11162518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Mitochondria are not only the main energy supplier but are also the cell metabolic center regulating multiple key metaborates that play pivotal roles in epigenetics regulation. These metabolites include acetyl-CoA, α-ketoglutarate (α-KG), S-adenosyl methionine (SAM), NAD+, and O-linked beta-N-acetylglucosamine (O-GlcNAc), which are the main substrates for DNA methylation and histone post-translation modifications, essential for gene transcriptional regulation and cell fate determination. Tumorigenesis is attributed to many factors, including gene mutations and tumor microenvironment. Mitochondria and epigenetics play essential roles in tumor initiation, evolution, metastasis, and recurrence. Targeting mitochondrial metabolism and epigenetics are promising therapeutic strategies for tumor treatment. In this review, we summarize the roles of mitochondria in key metabolites required for epigenetics modification and in cell fate regulation and discuss the current strategy in cancer therapies via targeting epigenetic modifiers and related enzymes in metabolic regulation. This review is an important contribution to the understanding of the current metabolic-epigenetic-tumorigenesis concept.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu’e Liu
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Chao Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
| | - Xinye Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Yihong Sun
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson, MS 39216, USA
| | - Juxiang Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Changhai Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 168 Changhai Road, Shanghai 200433, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yufeng Shi
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Clinical Center for Brain and Spinal Cord Research, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
- Correspondence: (J.C.); (Y.S.)
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24
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Zhang M, Zheng S, Liang JQ. Transcriptional and reverse transcriptional regulation of host genes by human endogenous retroviruses in cancers. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:946296. [PMID: 35928153 PMCID: PMC9343867 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.946296] [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: 05/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs) originated from ancient retroviral infections of germline cells millions of years ago and have evolved as part of the host genome. HERVs not only retain the capacity as retroelements but also regulate host genes. The expansion of HERVs involves transcription by RNA polymerase II, reverse transcription, and re-integration into the host genome. Fast progress in deep sequencing and functional analysis has revealed the importance of domesticated copies of HERVs, including their regulatory sequences, transcripts, and proteins in normal cells. However, evidence also suggests the involvement of HERVs in the development and progression of many types of cancer. Here we summarize the current state of knowledge about the expression of HERVs, transcriptional regulation of host genes by HERVs, and the functions of HERVs in reverse transcription and gene editing with their reverse transcriptase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengwen Zhang
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Shu Zheng
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Ministry of Education Key Laboratory of Cancer Prevention and Intervention, Second Affiliated Hospital, Cancer Institute, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Shu Zheng,
| | - Jessie Qiaoyi Liang
- Department of Medicine and Therapeutics, Faculty of Medicine, Center for Gut Microbiota Research, Li Ka Shing Institute of Health Sciences, Shenzhen Research Institute, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
- Jessie Qiaoyi Liang,
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25
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He MJ, Pu W, Wang X, Zhang W, Tang D, Dai Y. Comparing DESI-MSI and MALDI-MSI Mediated Spatial Metabolomics and Their Applications in Cancer Studies. Front Oncol 2022; 12:891018. [PMID: 35924152 PMCID: PMC9340374 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.891018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metabolic heterogeneity of cancer contributes significantly to its poor treatment outcomes and prognosis. As a result, studies continue to focus on identifying new biomarkers and metabolic vulnerabilities, both of which depend on the understanding of altered metabolism in cancer. In the recent decades, the rise of mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) enables the in situ detection of large numbers of small molecules in tissues. Therefore, researchers look to using MSI-mediated spatial metabolomics to further study the altered metabolites in cancer patients. In this review, we examined the two most commonly used spatial metabolomics techniques, MALDI-MSI and DESI-MSI, and some recent highlights of their applications in cancer studies. We also described AFADESI-MSI as a recent variation from the DESI-MSI and compare it with the two major techniques. Specifically, we discussed spatial metabolomics results in four types of heterogeneous malignancies, including breast cancer, esophageal cancer, glioblastoma and lung cancer. Multiple studies have effectively classified cancer tissue subtypes using altered metabolites information. In addition, distribution trends of key metabolites such as fatty acids, high-energy phosphate compounds, and antioxidants were identified. Therefore, while the visualization of finer distribution details requires further improvement of MSI techniques, past studies have suggested spatial metabolomics to be a promising direction to study the complexity of cancer pathophysiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michelle Junyi He
- Department of Biology, Department of Brain and Cognitive Sciences, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wenjun Pu
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Donge Tang
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yong Dai
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Guangdong Provincial Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease Precision Medicine, Shenzhen Engineering Research Center of Autoimmune Disease, The Second Clinical Medical College of Jinan University, Shenzhen People’s Hospital, Shenzhen, China
- Guangxi Key Laboratory of Metabolic Disease Research, Central Laboratory of Guilin, 924st Hospital, Guilin, China
- *Correspondence: Yong Dai,
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26
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Brutovský B. Scales of Cancer Evolution: Selfish Genome or Cooperating Cells? Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133253. [PMID: 35805025 PMCID: PMC9264996 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133253] [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: 05/24/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer continuously evolves its ability to survive in time-varying microenvironment, which results, regarding the therapeutic context, in its therapeutic resistance. As it is accepted that the development of resistance is the direct consequence of intratumour heterogeneity, its evolutionary etiology is intensively studied. Models of carinogenesis are often assessed accordingly to how well they fit into the evolutionary scenario. In the paper, the relevant observations and concepts in cancer research, such as intratumour heterogeneity, cell plasticity, and Markov cell state dynamics, are reviewed and integrated into an evolutionary model. The possibility that the interaction between cancer cells can be interpreted as cooperation is proposed. Abstract The exploitation of the evolutionary modus operandi of cancer to steer its progression towards drug sensitive cancer cells is a challenging research topic. Integrating evolutionary principles into cancer therapy requires properly identified selection level, the relevant timescale, and the respective fitness of the principal selection unit on that timescale. Interpretation of some features of cancer progression, such as increased heterogeneity of isogenic cancer cells, is difficult from the most straightforward evolutionary view with the cancer cell as the principal selection unit. In the paper, the relation between the two levels of intratumour heterogeneity, genetic, due to genetic instability, and non-genetic, due to phenotypic plasticity, is reviewed and the evolutionary role of the latter is outlined. In analogy to the evolutionary optimization in a changing environment, the cell state dynamics in cancer clones are interpreted as the risk diversifying strategy bet hedging, optimizing the balance between the exploitation and exploration of the cell state space.
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Affiliation(s)
- Branislav Brutovský
- Department of Biophysics, Faculty of Science, P. J. Šafárik University, Jesenná 5, 041 54 Košice, Slovakia
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27
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Sukocheva OA, Lukina E, Friedemann M, Menschikowski M, Hagelgans A, Aliev G. The crucial role of epigenetic regulation in breast cancer anti-estrogen resistance: Current findings and future perspectives. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 82:35-59. [PMID: 33301860 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2020.12.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 12/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) cell de-sensitization to Tamoxifen (TAM) or other selective estrogen receptor (ER) modulators (SERM) is a complex process associated with BC heterogeneity and the transformation of ER signalling. The most influential resistance-related mechanisms include modifications in ER expression and gene regulation patterns. During TAM/SERM treatment, epigenetic mechanisms can effectively silence ER expression and facilitate the development of endocrine resistance. ER status is efficiently regulated by specific epigenetic tools including hypermethylation of CpG islands within ER promoters, increased histone deacetylase activity in the ER promoter, and/or translational repression by miRNAs. Over-methylation of the ER α gene (ESR1) promoter by DNA methyltransferases was associated with poor prognosis and indicated the development of resistance. Moreover, BC progression and spreading were marked by transformed chromatin remodelling, post-translational histone modifications, and expression of specific miRNAs and/or long non-coding RNAs. Therefore, targeted inhibition of histone acetyltransferases (e.g. MYST3), deacetylases (e.g. HDAC1), and/or demethylases (e.g. lysine-specific demethylase LSD1) was shown to recover and increase BC sensitivity to anti-estrogens. Indicated as a powerful molecular instrument, the administration of epigenetic drugs can regain ER expression along with the activation of tumour suppressor genes, which can in turn prevent selection of resistant cells and cancer stem cell survival. This review examines recent advances in the epigenetic regulation of endocrine drug resistance and evaluates novel anti-resistance strategies. Underlying molecular mechanisms of epigenetic regulation will be discussed, emphasising the utilization of epigenetic enzymes and their inhibitors to re-program irresponsive BCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga A Sukocheva
- Discipline of Health Sciences, College of Nursing and Health Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia.
| | - Elena Lukina
- Discipline of Biology, College of Sciences, Flinders University, Bedford Park, South Australia, 5042, Australia
| | - Markus Friedemann
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Mario Menschikowski
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Albert Hagelgans
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospital `Carl Gustav Carus`, Technical University of Dresden, Dresden 01307, Germany
| | - Gjumrakch Aliev
- Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), Moscow, 119991, Russia; Institute of Physiologically Active Compounds, Russian Academy of Sciences, Chernogolovka, 142432, Russia; Federal State Budgetary Institution «Research Institute of Human Morphology», 3, Tsyurupy Str., Moscow, 117418, Russian Federation; GALLY International Research Institute, San Antonio, TX, 78229, USA.
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28
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Pediatric Sarcomas: The Next Generation of Molecular Studies. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14102515. [PMID: 35626119 PMCID: PMC9139929 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14102515] [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: 04/08/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There has been an incredible amount of discovery in pediatric sarcomas, but much remains to be accomplished. Clinical challenges include diagnostic heterogeneity and the poor outcome of patients with high risk, metastatic, and relapsed disease. The emergence of single cell sequencing has allowed the ability to document tumor cell heterogeneity in amazing detail, but it does not allow the ability to visualize spatial orientation. This problem has been solved by spatial multi-omics, which can be used to map tumors and visualize the distribution of critical transcripts, mutations, and proteins. However, these tools only offer observational data. High-throughput functional genomics provides a powerful way to highlight oncogenic drivers and potential therapy opportunities. Research has been hamstrung by a need for annotated specimens, particularly in post-therapy, relapsed, and metastatic disease, and initial biopsies offer only limited data opportunities. Data complexity, variability, and inconsistency present problems best approached with AI/machine learning. We stand on the threshold of a revolution in cancer cell biology that has the potential for translation into more effective and more directed therapies, particularly for previously recalcitrant diseases. Abstract Pediatric sarcomas constitute one of the largest groups of childhood cancers, following hematopoietic, neural, and renal lesions. Partly because of their diversity, they continue to offer challenges in diagnosis and treatment. In spite of the diagnostic, nosologic, and therapeutic gains made with genetic technology, newer means for investigation are needed. This article reviews emerging technology being used to study human neoplasia and how these methods might be applicable to pediatric sarcomas. Methods reviewed include single cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq), spatial multi-omics, high-throughput functional genomics, and clustered regularly interspersed short palindromic sequence-Cas9 (CRISPR-Cas9) technology. In spite of these advances, the field continues to be challenged by a dearth of properly annotated materials, particularly from recurrences and metastases and pre- and post-treatment samples.
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29
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Du Y, Zhang P, Liu W, Tian J. Optical Imaging of Epigenetic Modifications in Cancer: A Systematic Review. PHENOMICS (CHAM, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 2:88-101. [PMID: 36939779 PMCID: PMC9590553 DOI: 10.1007/s43657-021-00041-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2021] [Revised: 12/10/2021] [Accepted: 12/17/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing evidence has demonstrated that abnormal epigenetic modifications are strongly related to cancer initiation. Thus, sensitive and specific detection of epigenetic modifications could markedly improve biological investigations and cancer precision medicine. A rapid development of molecular imaging approaches for the diagnosis and prognosis of cancer has been observed during the past few years. Various biomarkers unique to epigenetic modifications and targeted imaging probes have been characterized and used to discriminate cancer from healthy tissues, as well as evaluate therapeutic responses. In this study, we summarize the latest studies associated with optical molecular imaging of epigenetic modification targets, such as those involving DNA methylation, histone modification, noncoding RNA regulation, and chromosome remodeling, and further review their clinical application on cancer diagnosis and treatment. Lastly, we further propose the future directions for precision imaging of epigenetic modification in cancer. Supported by promising clinical and preclinical studies associated with optical molecular imaging technology and epigenetic drugs, the central role of epigenetics in cancer should be increasingly recognized and accepted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Du
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- grid.410726.60000 0004 1797 8419The University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049 China
| | - Pei Zhang
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Supportive Care Center and Day Oncology Unit, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142 China
| | - Wei Liu
- grid.412474.00000 0001 0027 0586Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Translational Research (Ministry of Education/Beijing), Department of Supportive Care Center and Day Oncology Unit, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142 China
| | - Jie Tian
- grid.9227.e0000000119573309CAS Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, Beijing Key Laboratory of Molecular Imaging, the State Key Laboratory of Management and Control for Complex Systems, Institute of Automation, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100190 China
- grid.64939.310000 0000 9999 1211Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Big Data-Based Precision Medicine, School of Medicine, Beihang University, Beijing, 100191 China
- grid.440736.20000 0001 0707 115XSchool of Life Science and Technology, Xidian University, Xi’an, 710071 Shaanxi China
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30
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Deciphering Tumour Heterogeneity: From Tissue to Liquid Biopsy. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14061384. [PMID: 35326534 PMCID: PMC8946040 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14061384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 03/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Most malignant tumours are highly heterogeneous at molecular and phenotypic levels. Tumour variability poses challenges for the management of patients, as it arises between patients and even evolves in space and time within a single patient. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of tumour diversity in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate tumour heterogeneity. Abstract Human solid malignancies harbour a heterogeneous set of cells with distinct genotypes and phenotypes. This heterogeneity is installed at multiple levels. A biological diversity is commonly observed between tumours from different patients (inter-tumour heterogeneity) and cannot be fully captured by the current consensus molecular classifications for specific cancers. To extend the complexity in cancer, there are substantial differences from cell to cell within an individual tumour (intra-tumour heterogeneity, ITH) and the features of cancer cells evolve in space and time. Currently, treatment-decision making usually relies on the molecular characteristics of a limited tumour tissue sample at the time of diagnosis or disease progression but does not take into account the complexity of the bulk tumours and their constant evolution over time. In this review, we explore the extent of tumour heterogeneity with an emphasis on ITH and report the mechanisms that promote and sustain this diversity in cancers. We summarise the clinical strikes of ITH in the management of patients with cancer. Finally, we discuss the current material and technological approaches that are relevant to adequately appreciate ITH.
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31
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Liu D, Li H, Dong H, Qu M, Yang L, Chen L, Li Y, Wang H, He Y. Spatial Multiomics Analysis Reveals Only Minor Genetic and Epigenetic Changes in Human Liver Cancer Stem-Like Cells Compared With Other Tumor Parenchymal Cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:810687. [PMID: 35223840 PMCID: PMC8863946 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.810687] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) usually account for a very small tumor cell population but play pivotal roles in human cancer development and recurrence. A fundamental question in cancer biology is what genetic and epigenetic changes occur in CSCs. Here we show that the in-situ global levels of DNA cytosine modifications, including 5-methylcytosine (5mC), 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) and 5-formylcytosine (5fC), are similar between liver cancer stem-like (LCSL) cells and paratumor liver cells of liver cancer patients. We then developed a robust method combining immunohistochemistry, laser capture microdissection and genome sequencing with ultra-low-input cells (CIL-seq) to study the detailed genetic and DNA methylation changes in human LCSL cells. We first used clinical samples of mixed hepatocellular carcinoma-cholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CCA) with stem cell features to investigate human LCSL cells. The CIL-seq analysis of HCC-CCA and HCC patients showed that LCSL cells had strong spatial genetic and epigenetic heterogeneity. More interestingly, although the LCSL cells had some potential key changes in their genome, they had substantially fewer somatic single nucleotide variants (SNVs), copy number alterations (CNAs) and differentially methylated regions than other tumor parenchymal cells. The cluster analysis of SNVs, CNAs, DNA methylation patterns and spatial transcriptomes all clearly showed that the LCSL cells were clustered with the paratumor liver cells. Thus, spatial multiomics analysis showed that LCSL cells had only minor genetic and epigenetic changes compared with other tumor parenchymal cells. Targeting key changes in CSCs, not just changes in bulk tumor cells, should be more effective for human cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liu
- Model Animal Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Molecular Pathology Laboratory, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hui Dong
- Department of Pathology, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Mincheng Qu
- Model Animal Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,Molecular Pathology Laboratory, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Liguang Yang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Lina Chen
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Yixue Li
- CAS Key Laboratory of Computational Biology, Shanghai Institute of Nutrition and Health, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongyang Wang
- Model Animal Research Center, Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.,National Center for Liver Cancer and International Cooperation Laboratory on Signal Transduction, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Institute/Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Yufei He
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory, National Center for Liver Cancer, Eastern Hepatobiliary Surgery Hospital, Shanghai, China
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32
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Niklas M, Schlegel J, Liew H, Zimmermann F, Rein K, Walsh DW, Dzyubachyk O, Holland-Letz T, Rahmanian S, Greilich S, Runz A, Jäkel O, Debus J, Abdollahi A. Biosensor for deconvolution of individual cell fate in response to ion beam irradiation. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100169. [PMID: 35474967 PMCID: PMC9017136 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2022.100169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 09/10/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Clonogenic survival assay constitutes the gold standard method for quantifying radiobiological effects. However, it neglects cellular radiation response variability and heterogeneous energy deposition by ion beams on the microscopic scale. We introduce "Cell-Fit-HD4D" a biosensor that enables a deconvolution of individual cell fate in response to the microscopic energy deposition as visualized by optical microscopy. Cell-Fit-HD4D enables single-cell dosimetry in clinically relevant complex radiation fields by correlating microscopic beam parameters with biological endpoints. Decrypting the ion beam's energy deposition and molecular effects at the single-cell level has the potential to improve our understanding of radiobiological dose concepts as well as radiobiological study approaches in general.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin Niklas
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Julian Schlegel
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Hans Liew
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Ferdinand Zimmermann
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katrin Rein
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Dietrich W.M. Walsh
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oleh Dzyubachyk
- Department of Radiology and Department of Cell and Chemical Biology, Leiden University Medical Center, 2333 ZC Leiden, the Netherlands
| | - Tim Holland-Letz
- Division of Biostatistics, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Shirin Rahmanian
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Steffen Greilich
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Armin Runz
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Jäkel
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Division of Medical Physics in Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jürgen Debus
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Amir Abdollahi
- Division of Molecular and Translational Radiation Oncology and Clinical Cooperation Unit Translational Radiation Oncology, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ) and Heidelberg University Hospital, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, German Cancer Consortium, Heidelberg Institute of Radiation Oncology and National Center for Radiation Oncology, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Heidelberg Ion-Beam Therapy Center (HIT), Heidelberg, Germany
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33
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Shahoumi LA. Oral Cancer Stem Cells: Therapeutic Implications and Challenges. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:685236. [PMID: 35048028 PMCID: PMC8757826 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.685236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is currently one of the 10 most common malignancies worldwide, characterized by a biologically highly diverse group of tumors with non-specific biomarkers and poor prognosis. The incidence rate of HNSCC varies widely throughout the world, with an evident prevalence in developing countries such as those in Southeast Asia and Southern Africa. Tumor relapse and metastasis following traditional treatment remain major clinical problems in oral cancer management. Current evidence suggests that therapeutic resistance and metastasis of cancer are mainly driven by a unique subpopulation of tumor cells, termed cancer stem cells (CSCs), or cancer-initiating cells (CICs), which are characterized by their capacity for self-renewal, maintenance of stemness and increased tumorigenicity. Thus, more understanding of the molecular mechanisms of CSCs and their behavior may help in developing effective therapeutic interventions that inhibit tumor growth and progression. This review provides an overview of the main signaling cascades in CSCs that drive tumor repropagation and metastasis in oral cancer, with a focus on squamous cell carcinoma. Other oral non-SCC tumors, including melanoma and malignant salivary gland tumors, will also be considered. In addition, this review discusses some of the CSC-targeted therapeutic strategies that have been employed to combat disease progression, and the challenges of targeting CSCs, with the aim of improving the clinical outcomes for patients with oral malignancies. Targeting of CSCs in head and neck cancer (HNC) represents a promising approach to improve disease outcome. Some CSC-targeted therapies have already been proven to be successful in pre-clinical studies and they are now being tested in clinical trials, mainly in combination with conventional treatment regimens. However, some studies revealed that CSCs may not be the only players that control disease relapse and progression of HNC. Further, clinical research studying a combination of therapies targeted against head and neck CSCs may provide significant advances.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linah A Shahoumi
- Department of Oral Biology and Diagnostic Sciences, Dental College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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34
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Mendonca A, Sánchez O, Zhao H, Lin L, Min A, Yuan C. Development and application of novel BiFC probes for cell sorting based on epigenetic modification. Cytometry A 2022; 101:339-350. [PMID: 35001539 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24530] [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: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The epigenetic signature of cancer cells varies with disease progression and drug treatment, necessitating the study of these modifications with single cell resolution over time. The rapid detection and sorting of cells based on their underlying epigenetic modifications by flow cytometry can enable single cell measurement and tracking to understand tumor heterogeneity and progression warranting the development of a live-cell compatible epigenome probes. In this work, we developed epigenetic probes based on bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) and demonstrated their capabilities in quantifying and sorting cells based on their epigenetic modification contents. The sorted cells are viable and exhibit distinctive responses to chemo-therapy drugs. Notably, subpopulations of MCF7 cells with higher H3K9me3 levels are more likely to develop resistance to Doxorubicin. Subpopulations with higher 5mC levels, on the other hand, tend to be more responsive. Overall, we report for the first time, the application of novel split probes in flow cytometry application and elucidated the potential role of 5mC and H3K9me3 in determining drug responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnes Mendonca
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Oscar Sánchez
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Han Zhao
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Li Lin
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Alan Min
- Department of Computer Science, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
| | - Chongli Yuan
- Davidson School of Chemical Engineering, Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA.,Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, Indiana, USA
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35
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Cell-of-Origin and Genetic, Epigenetic, and Microenvironmental Factors Contribute to the Intra-Tumoral Heterogeneity of Pediatric Intracranial Ependymoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236100. [PMID: 34885210 PMCID: PMC8657076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intra-tumoral heterogeneity (ITH) is a complex multifaceted phenomenon that posits major challenges for the clinical management of cancer patients. Genetic, epigenetic, and microenvironmental factors are concurrent drivers of diversity among the distinct populations of cancer cells. ITH may also be installed by cancer stem cells (CSCs), that foster unidirectional hierarchy of cellular phenotypes or, alternatively, shift dynamically between distinct cellular states. Ependymoma (EPN), a molecularly heterogeneous group of tumors, shows a specific spatiotemporal distribution that suggests a link between ependymomagenesis and alterations of the biological processes involved in embryonic brain development. In children, EPN most often arises intra-cranially and is associated with an adverse outcome. Emerging evidence shows that EPN displays large intra-patient heterogeneity. In this review, after touching on EPN inter-tumoral heterogeneity, we focus on the sources of ITH in pediatric intra-cranial EPN in the framework of the CSC paradigm. We also examine how single-cell technology has shed new light on the complexity and developmental origins of EPN and the potential impact that this understanding may have on the therapeutic strategies against this deadly pediatric malignancy.
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36
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Contreras-Trujillo H, Eerdeng J, Akre S, Jiang D, Contreras J, Gala B, Vergel-Rodriguez MC, Lee Y, Jorapur A, Andreasian A, Harton L, Bramlett CS, Nogalska A, Xiao G, Lee JW, Chan LN, Müschen M, Merchant AA, Lu R. Deciphering intratumoral heterogeneity using integrated clonal tracking and single-cell transcriptome analyses. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6522. [PMID: 34764253 PMCID: PMC8586369 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-26771-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular heterogeneity is a major cause of treatment resistance in cancer. Despite recent advances in single-cell genomic and transcriptomic sequencing, it remains difficult to relate measured molecular profiles to the cellular activities underlying cancer. Here, we present an integrated experimental system that connects single cell gene expression to heterogeneous cancer cell growth, metastasis, and treatment response. Our system integrates single cell transcriptome profiling with DNA barcode based clonal tracking in patient-derived xenograft models. We show that leukemia cells exhibiting unique gene expression respond to different chemotherapies in distinct but consistent manners across multiple mice. In addition, we uncover a form of leukemia expansion that is spatially confined to the bone marrow of single anatomical sites and driven by cells with distinct gene expression. Our integrated experimental system can interrogate the molecular and cellular basis of the intratumoral heterogeneity underlying disease progression and treatment resistance. DNA barcoding is a promising technology for the simultaneous analysis of genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity. Here, the authors combine DNA barcoding and single-cell RNA-seq to study heterogeneity, progression and response to therapy in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia patient-derived xenografts.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humberto Contreras-Trujillo
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jiya Eerdeng
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Samir Akre
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Du Jiang
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Jorge Contreras
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Basia Gala
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Mary C Vergel-Rodriguez
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Yeachan Lee
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Aparna Jorapur
- Division of Hematology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Areen Andreasian
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Lisa Harton
- Division of Hematology, USC Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Charles S Bramlett
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Anna Nogalska
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA
| | - Gang Xiao
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Jae-Woong Lee
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Lai N Chan
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Markus Müschen
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale Cancer Center, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA.,Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT, 06511, USA
| | - Akil A Merchant
- Division of Hematology and Cellular Therapy, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, 90048, USA.
| | - Rong Lu
- Department of Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Eli and Edythe Broad Center for Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Research, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, 90033, USA.
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Kalasekar SM, VanSant-Webb CH, Evason KJ. Intratumor Heterogeneity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Challenges and Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5524. [PMID: 34771685 PMCID: PMC8582820 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a leading cause of cancer-related death, but it remains difficult to treat. Intratumor genetic and phenotypic heterogeneity are inherent properties of breast, skin, lung, prostate, and brain tumors, and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) helps define prognosis and therapeutic response in these cancers. Several recent studies estimate that ITH is inherent to HCC and attribute the clinical intractability of HCC to this heterogeneity. In this review, we examine the evidence for genomic, phenotypic, and tumor microenvironment ITH in HCC, with a focus on two of the top molecular drivers of HCC: β-catenin (CTNNB1) and Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). We discuss the influence of ITH on HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and therapy, while highlighting the gaps in knowledge and possible future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kimberley J. Evason
- Department of Pathology and Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; (S.M.K.); (C.H.V.-W.)
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An Epigenetic Perspective on Intra-Tumour Heterogeneity: Novel Insights and New Challenges from Multiple Fields. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194969. [PMID: 34638453 PMCID: PMC8508087 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194969] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2021] [Revised: 09/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although research on cancer biology in recent decades has unveiled the main genetic perturbations driving the onset of tumorigenesis, we are still far from properly treating this disease without the occurrence of drug resistance and metastatic burden. This achievement is hampered by the onset of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH), which increases cancer cell fitness and plasticity, thereby fostering cell adaptation to foreign environments and stimuli. In this review, we discuss the contribution of the epigenetic factors in sustaining ITH and their interplay with the tumour microenvironment. We also highlight the recent technological advancements that are contributing to defining the epigenetic mechanisms governing tumour heterogeneity at the single-cell level. Abstract Cancer is a group of heterogeneous diseases that results from the occurrence of genetic alterations combined with epigenetic changes and environmental stimuli that increase cancer cell plasticity. Indeed, multiple cancer cell populations coexist within the same tumour, favouring cancer progression and metastatic dissemination as well as drug resistance, thereby representing a major obstacle for treatment. Epigenetic changes contribute to the onset of intra-tumour heterogeneity (ITH) as they facilitate cell adaptation to perturbation of the tumour microenvironment. Despite being its central role, the intrinsic multi-layered and reversible epigenetic pattern limits the possibility to uniquely determine its contribution to ITH. In this review, we first describe the major epigenetic mechanisms involved in tumourigenesis and then discuss how single-cell-based approaches contribute to dissecting the key role of epigenetic changes in tumour heterogeneity. Furthermore, we highlight the importance of dissecting the interplay between genetics, epigenetics, and tumour microenvironments to decipher the molecular mechanisms governing tumour progression and drug resistance.
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Balzerano A, Paccosi E, Proietti-De-Santis L. Evolutionary Mechanisms of Cancer Suggest Rational Therapeutic Approaches. Cytogenet Genome Res 2021; 161:362-371. [PMID: 34461614 DOI: 10.1159/000516530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The goal in personalized therapeutic approaches for cancer medicine is to identify specific mutations with prognostic and therapeutic value in order to tailor the therapy for the single patient. The most powerful obstacle for personalized medicine arises from intratumor heterogeneity and clonal evolution, which can promote drug resistance. In this scenario, new technologies, such as next-generation sequencing, have emerged as a central diagnostic tool to profile cancer (epi)genomic landscapes. Therefore, a better understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying cancer evolution is mandatory and represents the current challenge to accurately predict whether cancer will recur after chemotherapy with the aim to tailor rational therapeutic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessio Balzerano
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Aging, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Elena Paccosi
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Aging, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
| | - Luca Proietti-De-Santis
- Unit of Molecular Genetics of Aging, Department of Ecology and Biology, University of Tuscia, Viterbo, Italy
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40
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Soda N, Gonzaga ZJ, Pannu AS, Kashaninejad N, Kline R, Salomon C, Nguyen NT, Sonar P, Rehm BHA, Shiddiky MJA. Electrochemical Detection of Global DNA Methylation Using Biologically Assembled Polymer Beads. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:3787. [PMID: 34359688 PMCID: PMC8345084 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13153787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2021] [Revised: 07/19/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
DNA methylation is a cell-type-specific epigenetic marker that is essential for transcriptional regulation, silencing of repetitive DNA and genomic imprinting. It is also responsible for the pathogenesis of many diseases, including cancers. Herein, we present a simple approach for quantifying global DNA methylation in ovarian cancer patient plasma samples based on a new class of biopolymer nanobeads. Our approach utilises the immune capture of target DNA and electrochemical quantification of global DNA methylation level within the targets in a three-step strategy that involves (i) initial preparation of target single-stranded DNA (ss-DNA) from the plasma of the patients' samples, (ii) direct adsorption of polymer nanobeads on the surface of a bare screen-printed gold electrode (SPE-Au) followed by the immobilisation of 5-methylcytosine (5mC)-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) antibody, and (iii) immune capture of target ss-DNA onto the electrode-bound PHB/5mC-HRP antibody conjugates and their subsequent qualification using the hydrogen peroxide/horseradish peroxidase/hydroquinone (H2O2/HRP/HQ) redox cycling system. In the presence of methylated DNA, the enzymatically produced (in situ) metabolites, i.e., benzoquinone (BQ), binds irreversibly to cellular DNA resulting in the unstable formation of DNA adducts and induced oxidative DNA strand breakage. These events reduce the available BQ in the system to support the redox cycling process and sequel DNA saturation on the platform, subsequently causing high Coulombic repulsion between BQ and negatively charged nucleotide strands. Thus, the increase in methylation levels on the electrode surface is inversely proportional to the current response. The method could successfully detect as low as 5% methylation level. In addition, the assay showed good reproducibility (% RSD ≤ 5%) and specificity by analysing various levels of methylation in cell lines and plasma DNA samples from patients with ovarian cancer. We envision that our bioengineered polymer nanobeads with high surface modification versatility could be a useful alternative platform for the electrochemical detection of varying molecular biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Narshone Soda
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (N.K.); (N.-T.N.)
| | - Zennia Jean Gonzaga
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
| | - Amandeep Singh Pannu
- Centre for Material Science, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; (A.S.P.); (P.S.)
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Navid Kashaninejad
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (N.K.); (N.-T.N.)
| | - Richard Kline
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA;
| | - Carlos Salomon
- Maternal-Fetal Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Ochsner Clinic Foundation, New Orleans, LA 70121, USA;
- Exosome Biology Laboratory, Centre for Clinical Diagnostics, University of Queensland Centre for Clinical Research, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
- Departamento de Investigación, Postgrado y Educación Continua (DIPEC), Facultad de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pedro de Valdivia, Santiago 8320000, Chile
| | - Nam-Trung Nguyen
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (N.K.); (N.-T.N.)
| | - Prashant Sonar
- Centre for Material Science, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia; (A.S.P.); (P.S.)
- Centre for Biomedical Technologies, School of Chemistry and Physics, Queensland University of Technology (QUT), Brisbane, QLD 4001, Australia
| | - Bernd H. A. Rehm
- Centre for Cell Factories and Biopolymers (CCFB), Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery (GRIDD), Griffith University, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland (MHIQ), Griffith University, Gold Coast Campus, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia
| | - Muhammad J. A. Shiddiky
- School of Environment and Science (ESC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia;
- Queensland Micro- and Nanotechnology Centre (QMNC), Griffith University, Nathan Campus, Nathan, QLD 4111, Australia; (N.K.); (N.-T.N.)
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41
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Zhao N, Rosen JM. Breast cancer heterogeneity through the lens of single-cell analysis and spatial pathologies. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 82:3-10. [PMID: 34274486 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.07.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2021] [Revised: 06/30/2021] [Accepted: 07/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer ecosystems are composed of complex cell types, including tumor, stromal and immune cells, each of which can assume diverse phenotypes. Both the heterogeneous composition and spatially distinct tumor microenvironment impact breast cancer progression, treatment response and therapeutic resistance. Thus, a deeper understanding of breast cancer heterogeneity may help facilitate the development of novel therapies and improve outcomes for patients. The advent of paradigm shifting single-cell analysis and spatial pathologies allows for a comprehensive analysis of the tumor ecosystem as well as the interactions between its components at unprecedented resolution. In this review, we discuss the insights gained through single-cell analysis and spatial pathologies on breast cancer heterogeneity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Jeffrey M Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Abstract
The genetic information of human cells is stored in the context of chromatin, which is subjected to DNA methylation and various histone modifications. Such a 'language' of chromatin modification constitutes a fundamental means of gene and (epi)genome regulation, underlying a myriad of cellular and developmental processes. In recent years, mounting evidence has demonstrated that miswriting, misreading or mis-erasing of the modification language embedded in chromatin represents a common, sometimes early and pivotal, event across a wide range of human cancers, contributing to oncogenesis through the induction of epigenetic, transcriptomic and phenotypic alterations. It is increasingly clear that cancer-related metabolic perturbations and oncohistone mutations also directly impact chromatin modification, thereby promoting cancerous transformation. Phase separation-based deregulation of chromatin modulators and chromatin structure is also emerging to be an important underpinning of tumorigenesis. Understanding the various molecular pathways that underscore a misregulated chromatin language in cancer, together with discovery and development of more effective drugs to target these chromatin-related vulnerabilities, will enhance treatment of human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuai Zhao
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - C David Allis
- Laboratory of Chromatin Biology and Epigenetics, The Rockefeller University, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gang Greg Wang
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
- Department of Biochemistry and Biophysics and Department of Pharmacology, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, Chapel Hill, NC, USA.
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43
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Wessely A, Steeb T, Berking C, Heppt MV. How Neural Crest Transcription Factors Contribute to Melanoma Heterogeneity, Cellular Plasticity, and Treatment Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22115761. [PMID: 34071193 PMCID: PMC8198848 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22115761] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma represents one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. The prognosis strongly depends on the disease stage, thus early detection is crucial. New therapies, including BRAF and MEK inhibitors and immunotherapies, have significantly improved the survival of patients in the last decade. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance is still a challenge. In this review, we discuss two major aspects that contribute to the aggressiveness of melanoma, namely, the embryonic origin of melanocytes and melanoma cells and cellular plasticity. First, we summarize the physiological function of epidermal melanocytes and their development from precursor cells that originate from the neural crest (NC). Next, we discuss the concepts of intratumoral heterogeneity, cellular plasticity, and phenotype switching that enable melanoma to adapt to changes in the tumor microenvironment and promote disease progression and drug resistance. Finally, we further dissect the connection of these two aspects by focusing on the transcriptional regulators MSX1, MITF, SOX10, PAX3, and FOXD3. These factors play a key role in NC initiation, NC cell migration, and melanocyte formation, and we discuss how they contribute to cellular plasticity and drug resistance in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Wessely
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Theresa Steeb
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Carola Berking
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Markus Vincent Heppt
- Department of Dermatology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-University Erlangen-Nürnberg (FAU), 91054 Erlangen, Germany; (A.W.); (T.S.); (C.B.)
- Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-European Metropolitan Area of Nuremberg (CCC ER-EMN), 91054 Erlangen, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-9131-85-35747
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44
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Baudoin NC, Bloomfield M. Karyotype Aberrations in Action: The Evolution of Cancer Genomes and the Tumor Microenvironment. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:558. [PMID: 33921421 PMCID: PMC8068843 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 03/27/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a disease of cellular evolution. For this cellular evolution to take place, a population of cells must contain functional heterogeneity and an assessment of this heterogeneity in the form of natural selection. Cancer cells from advanced malignancies are genomically and functionally very different compared to the healthy cells from which they evolved. Genomic alterations include aneuploidy (numerical and structural changes in chromosome content) and polyploidy (e.g., whole genome doubling), which can have considerable effects on cell physiology and phenotype. Likewise, conditions in the tumor microenvironment are spatially heterogeneous and vastly different than in healthy tissues, resulting in a number of environmental niches that play important roles in driving the evolution of tumor cells. While a number of studies have documented abnormal conditions of the tumor microenvironment and the cellular consequences of aneuploidy and polyploidy, a thorough overview of the interplay between karyotypically abnormal cells and the tissue and tumor microenvironments is not available. Here, we examine the evidence for how this interaction may unfold during tumor evolution. We describe a bidirectional interplay in which aneuploid and polyploid cells alter and shape the microenvironment in which they and their progeny reside; in turn, this microenvironment modulates the rate of genesis for new karyotype aberrations and selects for cells that are most fit under a given condition. We conclude by discussing the importance of this interaction for tumor evolution and the possibility of leveraging our understanding of this interplay for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolaas C. Baudoin
- Department of Genetics, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Biological Sciences and Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
| | - Mathew Bloomfield
- Department of Biological Sciences and Fralin Life Sciences Institute, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg, VA 24061, USA
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Krieger TG, Tirier SM, Park J, Jechow K, Eisemann T, Peterziel H, Angel P, Eils R, Conrad C. Modeling glioblastoma invasion using human brain organoids and single-cell transcriptomics. Neuro Oncol 2021; 22:1138-1149. [PMID: 32297954 PMCID: PMC7594554 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noaa091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma (GBM) consists of devastating neoplasms with high invasive capacity, which have been difficult to study in vitro in a human-derived model system. Therapeutic progress is also limited by cellular heterogeneity within and between tumors, among other factors such as therapy resistance. To address these challenges, we present an experimental model using human cerebral organoids as a scaffold for patient-derived GBM cell invasion. METHODS This study combined tissue clearing and confocal microscopy with single-cell RNA sequencing of GBM cells before and after co-culture with organoid cells. RESULTS We show that tumor cells within organoids extend a network of long microtubes, recapitulating the in vivo behavior of GBM. Transcriptional changes implicated in the invasion process are coherent across patient samples, indicating that GBM cells reactively upregulate genes required for their dispersion. Potential interactions between GBM and organoid cells identified by an in silico receptor-ligand pairing screen suggest functional therapeutic targets. CONCLUSIONS Taken together, our model has proven useful for studying GBM invasion and transcriptional heterogeneity in vitro, with applications for both pharmacological screens and patient-specific treatment selection on a time scale amenable to clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teresa G Krieger
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Stephan M Tirier
- Division of Chromatin Networks, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Jeongbin Park
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Katharina Jechow
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Tanja Eisemann
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany.,Faculty of Biosciences, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Heike Peterziel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany.,Present affiliation: Hopp Children's Tumor Center Heidelberg and Clinical Cooperation Unit Paediatric Oncology, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Peter Angel
- Division of Signal Transduction and Growth Control, DKFZ/ZMBH Alliance, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Roland Eils
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany.,Health Data Science Unit, Faculty of Medicine, University of Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Christian Conrad
- Digital Health Center, Berlin Institute of Health and Charité, Berlin, Germany.,Division of Theoretical Bioinformatics, German Cancer Research Center, Heidelberg, Germany
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46
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Capp J. Interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression variability: Considering complexity in evolvability. Evol Appl 2021; 14:893-901. [PMID: 33897810 PMCID: PMC8061278 DOI: 10.1111/eva.13204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2020] [Revised: 01/27/2021] [Accepted: 01/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetic variability, epigenetic variability, and gene expression variability (noise) are generally considered independently in their relationship with phenotypic variation. However, they appear to be intrinsically interconnected and influence it in combination. The study of the interplay between genetic and epigenetic variability has the longest history. This article rather considers the introduction of gene expression variability in its relationships with the two others and reviews for the first time experimental evidences over the four relationships connected to gene expression noise. They show how introducing this third source of variability complicates the way of thinking evolvability and the emergence of biological novelty. Finally, cancer cells are proposed to be an ideal model to decipher the dynamic interplay between genetic, epigenetic, and gene expression variability when one of them is either experimentally increased or therapeutically targeted. This interplay is also discussed in an evolutionary perspective in the context of cancer cell drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean‐Pascal Capp
- Toulouse Biotechnology InstituteINSACNRSINRAEUniversity of ToulouseToulouseFrance
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47
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Chen H, Su Z, Li R, Zhang N, Guo H, Bai F. Single-cell DNA methylome analysis of circulating tumor cells. Chin J Cancer Res 2021; 33:391-404. [PMID: 34321835 PMCID: PMC8286897 DOI: 10.21147/j.issn.1000-9604.2021.03.10] [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: 03/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective Previous investigations of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have mainly focused on their genomic or transcriptomic features, leaving their epigenetic landscape relatively uncharacterized. Here, we investigated the genome-wide DNA methylome of CTCs with a view to understanding the epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis. Methods We evaluated single-cell DNA methylome and copy number alteration (CNA) in 196 single cells, including 107 CTCs collected from 17 cancer patients covering six different cancer types. Our single-cell bisulfite sequencing (scBS-seq) covered on average 11.78% of all CpG dinucleotides and accurately deduced the CNA patterns at 500 kb resolution. Results We report distinct subclonal structures and different evolutionary histories of CTCs inferred from CNA and DNA methylation profiles. Furthermore, we demonstrate potential tumor origin classification based on the tissue-specific DNA methylation profiles of CTCs. Conclusions Our work provides a comprehensive survey of genome-wide DNA methylome in single CTCs and reveals 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) heterogeneity in CTCs, addressing the potential epigenetic regulatory mechanisms underlying cancer metastasis and facilitating the future clinical application of CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hengyu Chen
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Zhe Su
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ruoyan Li
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Ning Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China.,Translational Cancer Research Center, First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
| | - Hua Guo
- Laboratory of Cancer Cell Biology, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin 300060, China
| | - Fan Bai
- Biomedical Pioneering Innovation Center (BIOPIC), School of Life Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China.,Translational Cancer Research Center, First Hospital, Peking University, Beijing 100871, China
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Iesato A, Nucera C. Tumor Microenvironment-Associated Pericyte Populations May Impact Therapeutic Response in Thyroid Cancer. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1329:253-269. [PMID: 34664244 PMCID: PMC9839315 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-73119-9_14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Thyroid cancer is the most common endocrine malignancy, and aggressive radioactive iodine refractory thyroid carcinomas still lack an effective treatment. A deeper understanding of tumor heterogeneity and microenvironment will be critical to establishing new therapeutic approaches. One of the important influencing factors of tumor heterogeneity is the diversity of cells in the tumor microenvironment. Among these are pericytes, which play an important role in blood vessel stability and angiogenesis, as well as tumor growth and metastasis. Pericytes also have stem cell-like properties and are a heterogeneous cell population, and their lineage, which has been challenging to define, may impact tumor resistance at different tumor stages. Pericytes are also important stroma cell types in the angiogenic microenvironment which express tyrosine-kinase (TK) pathways (e.g., PDGFR-β). Although TK inhibitors (TKI) and BRAFV600E inhibitors are currently used in the clinic for thyroid cancer, their efficacy is not durable and drug resistance often develops. Characterizing the range of distinct pericyte populations and distinguishing them from other perivascular cell types may enable the identification of their specific functions in the thyroid carcinoma vasculature. This remains an essential step in developing new therapeutic strategies. Also, assessing whether thyroid tumors hold immature and/or mature vasculature with pericyte populations coverage may be key to predicting tumor response to either targeted or anti-angiogenesis therapies. It is also critical to apply different markers in order to identify pericyte populations and characterize their cell lineage. This chapter provides an overview of pericyte ontogenesis and the lineages of diverse cell populations. We also discuss the role(s) and targeting of pericytes in thyroid carcinoma, as well as their potential impact on precision targeted therapies and drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asumi Iesato
- Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Carmelo Nucera
- Human Thyroid Cancers Preclinical and Translational Research Program, Division of Experimental Pathology, Cancer Research Institute, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Center for Vascular Biology Research (CVBR), Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA,Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA
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Jin Y, Lyu Q. Basic research in childhood cancer: Progress and future directions in China. Cancer Lett 2020; 495:156-164. [PMID: 32841714 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2020] [Revised: 08/04/2020] [Accepted: 08/13/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Childhood cancer is a leading cause of death in children. Some childhood cancers have a particularly high mortality rate. Following the World Health Organization's emphasis on child health, most governments worldwide have taken measures to facilitate childhood cancer research. Thus, the scientific community is showing increasing interest in this area. Chinese government has prominence in building a system for the diagnosis and treatment of childhood cancer, thereby promoting the development of childhood cancer research. This review summarizes the research progress, challenges, and perspectives in childhood cancer, and the increasing contributions of National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC) in the past decade (2008-2018).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaqiong Jin
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, China; Beijing Pediatric Research Institute, Beijing Children's Hospital, Capital Medical University, National Center for Children's Health, Beijing, 100045, China
| | - Qunyan Lyu
- Department of Health Sciences, National Natural Science Foundation of China, Beijing, 100085, China.
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Capp JP, Thomas F. Tissue-disruption-induced cellular stochasticity and epigenetic drift: Common origins of aging and cancer? Bioessays 2020; 43:e2000140. [PMID: 33118188 DOI: 10.1002/bies.202000140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2020] [Revised: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Age-related and cancer-related epigenomic modifications have been associated with enhanced cell-to-cell gene expression variability that characterizes increased cellular stochasticity. Since gene expression variability appears to be highly reduced by-and epigenetic and phenotypic stability acquired through-direct or long-range cellular interactions during cell differentiation, we propose a common origin for aging and cancer in the failure to control cellular stochasticity by cell-cell interactions. Tissue-disruption-induced cellular stochasticity associated with epigenetic drift would be at the origin of organ dysfunction because of an increase in phenotypic variation among cells, ultimately leading to cell death and organ failure through a loss of coordination in cellular functions, and eventually to cancerization. We propose mechanistic research perspectives to corroborate this hypothesis and explore its evolutionary consequences, highlighting a positive correlation between the median age of mass loss onset (a proxy for the onset of organ aging) and the median age at cancer diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Pascal Capp
- Toulouse Biotechnology Institute, University of Toulouse, INSA, CNRS, INRAE, Toulouse, France
| | - Frédéric Thomas
- CREEC (CREES), UMR IRD 224-CNRS 5290-University of Montpellier, Montpellier, France
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