1
|
Liu R, Zhao Y, Su S, Kwabil A, Njoku PC, Yu H, Li X. Unveiling cancer dormancy: Intrinsic mechanisms and extrinsic forces. Cancer Lett 2024; 591:216899. [PMID: 38649107 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216899] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024]
Abstract
Tumor cells disseminate in various distant organs at early stages of cancer progression. These disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) can stay dormant/quiescent without causing patient symptoms for years or decades. These dormant tumor cells survive despite curative treatments by entering growth arrest, escaping immune surveillance, and/or developing drug resistance. However, these dormant cells can reactivate to proliferate, causing metastatic progression and/or relapse, posing a threat to patients' survival. It's unclear how cancer cells maintain dormancy and what triggers their reactivation. What are better approaches to prevent metastatic progression and relapse through harnessing cancer dormancy? To answer these remaining questions, we reviewed the studies of tumor dormancy and reactivation in various types of cancer using different model systems, including the brief history of dormancy studies, the intrinsic characteristics of dormant cells, and the external cues at the cellular and molecular levels. Furthermore, we discussed future directions in the field and the strategies for manipulating dormancy to prevent metastatic progression and recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ruihua Liu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China; Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Yawei Zhao
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Shang Su
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Augustine Kwabil
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Prisca Chinonso Njoku
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA
| | - Haiquan Yu
- School of Life Sciences, Inner Mongolia University, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 010070, China.
| | - Xiaohong Li
- Department of Cell and Cancer Biology, College of Medicine and Life Sciences, The University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, 43614, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Agudo J, Aguirre-Ghiso JA, Bhatia M, Chodosh LA, Correia AL, Klein CA. Targeting cancer cell dormancy. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:97-104. [PMID: 38062251 PMCID: PMC11038906 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00642-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2024]
Abstract
The field of tumour dormancy, originally defined as a clinical phenomenon of late recurrence after a long, apparently disease-free period, has seen significant advances that now allow us to think about monitoring and targeting dormant tumour cells to prevent relapse. In this Viewpoint article, we asked experts to share their views on the steps that are needed to translate dormancy research into the clinic.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Agudo
- Department of Cancer Immunology and Virology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Immunology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
| | - Julio A Aguirre-Ghiso
- Department of Cell Biology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Cancer Dormancy & Tumour Microenvironment Institute at the Montefiore Einstein Comprehensive Cancer Center (MECCC), Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
- Gruss-Lipper Biophotonics Center, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, USA.
| | - Mickie Bhatia
- Faculty of Health Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
| | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
| | | | - Christoph A Klein
- Experimental Medicine and Therapy Research, University of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany.
- Division of Personalized Tumour Therapy, Fraunhofer ITEM-R, Regensburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Abstract
The pattern of delayed recurrence in a subset of breast cancer patients has long been explained by a model that incorporates a variable period of cellular or tumor mass dormancy prior to disease relapse. In this review, we critically evaluate existing data to develop a framework for inferring the existence of dormancy in clinical contexts of breast cancer. We integrate these clinical data with rapidly evolving mechanistic insights into breast cancer dormancy derived from a broad array of genetically engineered mouse models as well as experimental models of metastasis. Finally, we propose actionable interventions and discuss ongoing clinical trials that translate the wealth of knowledge gained in the laboratory to the long-term clinical management of patients at a high risk of developing recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Erica Dalla
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine and Department of Otolaryngology, Department of Oncological Sciences, Black Family Stem Cell Institute, Tisch Cancer Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, New York 10029, USA
| | - Amulya Sreekumar
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Julio A Aguirre-Ghiso
- Department of Cell Biology, Department of Oncology, Cancer Dormancy and Tumor Microenvironment Institute, Montefiore Einstein Cancer Center, Gruss Lipper Biophotonics Center, Ruth L. and David S. Gottesman Institute for Stem Cell Research and Regenerative Medicine, Institute for Aging Research, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, New York 10461, USA
| | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology and Abramson Family Cancer Research Institute, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
- Department of Medicine, Abramson Cancer Center, and 2-PREVENT Translational Center of Excellence, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Ibragimova MK, Tsyganov MM, Kravtsova EA, Tsydenova IA, Litviakov NV. Organ-Specificity of Breast Cancer Metastasis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15625. [PMID: 37958607 PMCID: PMC10650169 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115625] [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: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains one of the most common malignancies among women worldwide. Breast cancer shows metastatic heterogeneity with priority to different organs, which leads to differences in prognosis and response to therapy among patients. The main targets for metastasis in BC are the bone, lung, liver and brain. The molecular mechanism of BC organ-specificity is still under investigation. In recent years, the appearance of new genomic approaches has led to unprecedented changes in the understanding of breast cancer metastasis organ-specificity and has provided a new platform for the development of more effective therapeutic agents. This review summarises recent data on molecular organ-specific markers of metastasis as the basis of a possible therapeutic approach in order to improve the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with metastatically heterogeneous breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Marina K. Ibragimova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Matvey M. Tsyganov
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Ekaterina A. Kravtsova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Irina A. Tsydenova
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| | - Nikolai V. Litviakov
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Tomsk 634009, Russia; (M.M.T.); (E.A.K.); (I.A.T.); (N.V.L.)
- Biological Institute, National Research Tomsk State University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
- Faculty of Medicine and Biology, Siberian State Medical University, Tomsk 634050, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Sunderland A, Williams J, Andreou T, Rippaus N, Fife C, James F, Kartika YD, Speirs V, Carr I, Droop A, Lorger M. Biglycan and reduced glycolysis are associated with breast cancer cell dormancy in the brain. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1191980. [PMID: 37456245 PMCID: PMC10339804 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1191980] [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: 03/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Exit of quiescent disseminated cancer cells from dormancy is thought to be responsible for metastatic relapse and a better understanding of dormancy could pave the way for novel therapeutic approaches. We used an in vivo model of triple negative breast cancer brain metastasis to identify differences in transcriptional profiles between dormant and proliferating cancer cells in the brain. BGN gene, encoding a small proteoglycan biglycan, was strongly upregulated in dormant cancer cells in vivo. BGN expression was significantly downregulated in patient brain metastases as compared to the matched primary breast tumors and BGN overexpression in cancer cells inhibited their growth in vitro and in vivo. Dormant cancer cells were further characterized by a reduced expression of glycolysis genes in vivo, and inhibition of glycolysis in vitro resulted in a reversible growth arrest reminiscent of dormancy. Our study identified mechanisms that could be targeted to induce/maintain cancer dormancy and thereby prevent metastatic relapse.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Tereza Andreou
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Nora Rippaus
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Fiona James
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | | | - Valerie Speirs
- School of Medicine, Medical Science and Nutrition, University of Aberdeen, Aberdeen, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Carr
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| | - Alastair Droop
- Experimental Cancer Genetics, Wellcome Sanger Institute, Hinxton, United Kingdom
| | - Mihaela Lorger
- School of Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Kravitz CJ, Yan Q, Nguyen DX. Epigenetic markers and therapeutic targets for metastasis. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:427-443. [PMID: 37286865 PMCID: PMC10595046 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10109-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
The last few years have seen an increasing number of discoveries which collectively demonstrate that histone and DNA modifying enzyme modulate different stages of metastasis. Moreover, epigenomic alterations can now be measured at multiple scales of analysis and are detectable in human tumors or liquid biopsies. Malignant cell clones with a proclivity for relapse in certain organs may arise in the primary tumor as a consequence of epigenomic alterations which cause a loss in lineage integrity. These alterations may occur due to genetic aberrations acquired during tumor progression or concomitant to therapeutic response. Moreover, evolution of the stroma can also alter the epigenome of cancer cells. In this review, we highlight current knowledge with a particular emphasis on leveraging chromatin and DNA modifying mechanisms as biomarkers of disseminated disease and as therapeutic targets to treat metastatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Carolyn J Kravitz
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA
| | - Qin Yan
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Center for Immuno-Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| | - Don X Nguyen
- Department of Pathology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Cancer Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
- Department of Internal Medicine (Section of Medical Oncology), Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, 06520, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Age-associated microenvironmental changes highlight the role of PDGF-C in ER + breast cancer metastatic relapse. NATURE CANCER 2023; 4:468-484. [PMID: 36914817 PMCID: PMC10132974 DOI: 10.1038/s43018-023-00525-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
Patients with estrogen receptor (ER)-positive breast cancer are at risk of metastatic relapse for decades after primary tumor resection and treatment, a consequence of dormant disseminated tumor cells (DTCs) reawakening at secondary sites. Here we use syngeneic ER+ mouse models in which DTCs display a dormant phenotype in young mice but accelerated metastatic outgrowth in an aged or fibrotic microenvironment. In young mice, low-level Pdgfc expression by ER+ DTCs is required for their maintenance in secondary sites but is insufficient to support development of macrometastases. By contrast, the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)-Chi environment of aging or fibrotic lungs promotes DTC proliferation and upregulates tumor cell Pdgfc expression stimulating further stromal activation, events that can be blocked by pharmacological inhibition of PDGFRα or with a PDGF-C-blocking antibody. These results highlight the role of the changing microenvironment in regulating DTC outgrowth and the opportunity to target PDGF-C signaling to limit metastatic relapse in ER+ breast cancer.
Collapse
|
8
|
Harihar S, Welch DR. KISS1 metastasis suppressor in tumor dormancy: a potential therapeutic target for metastatic cancers? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:183-196. [PMID: 36720764 PMCID: PMC10103016 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10090-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Present therapeutic approaches do not effectively target metastatic cancers, often limited by their inability to eliminate already-seeded non-proliferative, growth-arrested, or therapy-resistant tumor cells. Devising effective approaches targeting dormant tumor cells has been a focus of cancer clinicians for decades. However, progress has been limited due to limited understanding of the tumor dormancy process. Studies on tumor dormancy have picked up pace and have resulted in the identification of several regulators. This review focuses on KISS1, a metastasis suppressor gene that suppresses metastasis by keeping tumor cells in a state of dormancy at ectopic sites. The review explores mechanistic insights of KISS1 and discusses its potential application as a therapeutic against metastatic cancers by eliminating quiescent cells or inducing long-term dormancy in tumor cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sitaram Harihar
- Department of Genetic Engineering, SRM Institute of Science and Technology, Kattankulathur, Chennai, Tamil Nadu 603203, India
| | - Danny R. Welch
- Department of Cancer Biology, The Kansas University Medical Center, Kansas City, USA
- The University of Kansas Comprehensive Cancer Center, 3901 Rainbow Blvd. Kansas City, Kansas City, KS 66160, USA
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alhasan B, Mikeladze M, Guzhova I, Margulis B. Autophagy, molecular chaperones, and unfolded protein response as promoters of tumor recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:217-254. [PMID: 36723697 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10085-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Tumor recurrence is a paradoxical function of a machinery, whereby a small proportion of the cancer cell population enters a resistant, dormant state, persists long-term in this condition, and then transitions to proliferation. The dormant phenotype is typical of cancer stem cells, tumor-initiating cells, disseminated tumor cells, and drug-tolerant persisters, which all demonstrate similar or even equivalent properties. Cancer cell dormancy and its conversion to repopulation are regulated by several protein signaling systems that inhibit or induce cell proliferation and provide optimal interrelations between cancer cells and their special niche; these systems act in close connection with tumor microenvironment and immune response mechanisms. During dormancy and reawakening periods, cell proteostasis machineries, autophagy, molecular chaperones, and the unfolded protein response are recruited to protect refractory tumor cells from a wide variety of stressors and therapeutic insults. Proteostasis mechanisms functionally or even physically interfere with the main regulators of tumor relapse, and the significance of these interactions and implications in the tumor recurrence phases are discussed in this review.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bashar Alhasan
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia.
| | - Marina Mikeladze
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Irina Guzhova
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| | - Boris Margulis
- Institute of Cytology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Tikhoretsky Ave. 4, 194064, St. Petersburg, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Jing P, Luo Y, Chen Y, Tan J, Liao C, Zhang S. Aspirin-Loaded Cross-Linked Lipoic Acid Nanodrug Prevents Postoperative Tumor Recurrence by Residual Cancer Cell Killing and Inflammatory Microenvironment Improvement. Bioconjug Chem 2023; 34:366-376. [PMID: 36626242 DOI: 10.1021/acs.bioconjchem.2c00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
In addition to residual cancer cells, the surgery resection-induced hyperinflammatory microenvironment is a key factor that leads to postsurgical cancer recurrence. Herein, we developed a dual-functional nanodrug Asp@cLANVs for postsurgical recurrence inhibition by loading the classical anti-inflammatory drug aspirin (Asp) into cross-linked lipoic acid nanovesicles (cLANVs). The Asp@cLANVs can not only kill residual cancer cells at the doses comparable to common cytotoxic drugs by synergistic interaction between Asp and cLANVs, but also improve the postsurgical inflammatory microenvironment by their strongly synergistic anti-inflammation activity between Asp and cLANVs. Using mice bearing partially removed NCI-H460 tumors, we found that Asp@cLANVs gave a much lower recurrence rate (33.3%) compared with the first-line cytotoxic drug cisplatin (100%), and no mice died for at least 60 days after Asp@cLANV treatment while no mouse survived beyond day 43 in the cisplatin group. This dual-functional nanodrug constructs the first example that combines residual cancer cell killing and postoperative inflammation microenvironment improvement to suppress postsurgical cancer recurrence.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei Jing
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, P.R. China.,Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yuling Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, Sichuan Province 646000, P.R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- MOE International Joint Research Laboratory on Synthetic Biology and Medicines, School of Biology and Biological Engineering, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou 510006, P.R. China
| | - Jiangbing Tan
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, P.R. China
| | - Chunyan Liao
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, P.R. China
| | - Shiyong Zhang
- College of Biomedical Engineering and National Engineering Research Center for Biomaterials, Sichuan University, 29 Wangjiang Road, Chengdu 610064, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Liu S, Li Y, Yuan M, Song Q, Liu M. Correlation between the Warburg effect and progression of triple-negative breast cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060495. [PMID: 36776368 PMCID: PMC9913723 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 01/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is ineligible for hormonal therapy and Her-2-targeted therapy due to the negative expression of the estrogen receptor, progesterone receptor, and human epidermal growth factor receptor-2. Although targeted therapy and immunotherapy have been shown to attenuate the aggressiveness of TNBC partially, few patients have benefited from them. The conventional treatment for TNBC remains chemotherapy. Chemoresistance, however, impedes therapeutic progress over time, and chemotherapy toxicity increases the burden of cancer on patients. Therefore, introducing more advantageous TNBC treatment options is a necessity. Metabolic reprogramming centered on glucose metabolism is considered a hallmark of tumors. It is described as tumor cells tend to convert glucose to lactate even under normoxic conditions, a phenomenon known as the Warburg effect. Similar to Darwinian evolution, its emergence is attributed to the selective pressures formed by the hypoxic microenvironment of pre-malignant lesions. Of note, the Warburg effect does not disappear with changes in the microenvironment after the formation of malignant tumor phenotypes. Instead, it forms a constitutive expression mediated by mutations or epigenetic modifications, providing a robust selective survival advantage for primary and metastatic lesions. Expanding evidence has demonstrated that the Warburg effect mediates multiple invasive behaviors in TNBC, including proliferation, metastasis, recurrence, immune escape, and multidrug resistance. Moreover, the Warburg effect-targeted therapy has been testified to be feasible in inhibiting TNBC progression. However, not all TNBCs are sensitive to glycolysis inhibitors because TNBC cells flexibly switch their metabolic patterns to cope with different survival pressures, namely metabolic plasticity. Between the Warburg effect-targeted medicines and the actual curative effect, metabolic plasticity creates a divide that must be continuously researched and bridged.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Qing Song
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
| | - Min Liu
- *Correspondence: Min Liu, ; Qing Song,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kondapaneni RV, Shevde LA, Rao SS. A Biomimetic Hyaluronic Acid Hydrogel Models Mass Dormancy in Brain Metastatic Breast Cancer Spheroids. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2023; 7:e2200114. [PMID: 36354182 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202200114] [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: 04/19/2022] [Revised: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Approximately 90% of breast cancer related mortalities are due to metastasis to distant organs. At the metastatic sites, cancer cells are capable of evading death by exhibiting cellular or mass dormancy. However, the mechanisms involved in attaining dormancy at the metastatic site are not well understood. This is partly due to the lack of experimental models to study metastatic site-specific interactions, particularly in the context of brain metastatic breast cancer (BMBC). Herein, an in vitro hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel-based model is developed to study mass dormancy in BMBC. HA hydrogels with a stiffness of ≈0.4 kPa are utilized to mimic the brain extracellular matrix. MDA-MB-231Br or BT474Br3 BMBC spheroids are prepared and cultured on top of HA hydrogels or in suspension for 7 days. HA hydrogel induced a near mass dormant state in spheroids by achieving a balance between proliferating and dead cells. In contrast, these spheroids displayed growth in suspension cultures. The ratio of %p-ERK to %p-p38 positive cells is significantly lower in HA hydrogels compared to suspension cultures. Further, it is demonstrated that hydrogel induced mass dormant state is reversible. Overall, such models provide useful tools to study dormancy in BMBC and could be employed for drug screening.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Vamsi Kondapaneni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| | - Lalita A Shevde
- Department of Pathology, O'Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, 35233, USA
| | - Shreyas S Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering, The University of Alabama, Tuscaloosa, AL, 35487, USA
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Elkholi IE, Lalonde A, Park M, Côté JF. Breast Cancer Metastatic Dormancy and Relapse: An Enigma of Microenvironment(s). Cancer Res 2022; 82:4497-4510. [PMID: 36214624 PMCID: PMC9755970 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-22-1902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Multiple factors act in concert to define the fate of disseminated tumor cells (DTC) to enter dormancy or develop overt metastases. Here, we review these factors in the context of three stages of the metastatic cascade that impact DTCs. First, cells can be programmed within the primary tumor microenvironment to promote or inhibit dissemination, and the primary tumor can condition a premetastatic niche. Then, cancer cells from the primary tumor spread through hematogenous and lymphatic routes, and the primary tumor sends cues systematically to regulate the fate of DTCs. Finally, DTCs home to their metastatic site, where they are influenced by various organ-specific aspects of the new microenvironment. We discuss these factors in the context of breast cancer, where about one-third of patients develop metastatic relapse. Finally, we discuss how the standard-of-care options for breast cancer might affect the fate of DTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Islam E. Elkholi
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
| | - Andréane Lalonde
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Institute, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada
| | - Jean-François Côté
- Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Molecular Biology Programs, Université de Montréal, Montreal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, McGill University, Montréal, Québec, Canada.,Corresponding Authors: Jean-François Côté, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal H2W 1R7, Québec, Canada. Phone: 514-987-5647; E-mail: ; and Islam E. Elkholi, Montreal Clinical Research Institute (IRCM), 110 Avenue des Pins Ouest, Montréal (QC) Canada, H2W 1R7. Phone: 514-987-5656; E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Motofei IG. Biology of cancer; from cellular and molecular mechanisms to developmental processes and adaptation. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:600-615. [PMID: 34695580 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 10/10/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cancer research has been largely focused on the cellular and molecular levels of investigation. Recent data show that not only the cell but also the extracellular matrix plays a major role in the progression of malignancy. In this way, the cells and the extracellular matrix create a specific local microenvironment that supports malignant development. At the same time, cancer implies a systemic evolution which is closely related to developmental processes and adaptation. Consequently, there is currently a real gap between the local investigation of cancer at the microenvironmental level, and the pathophysiological approach to cancer as a systemic disease. In fact, the cells and the matrix are not only complementary structures but also interdependent components that act synergistically. Such relationships lead to cell-matrix integration, a supracellular form of biological organization that supports tissue development. The emergence of this supracellular level of organization, as a structure, leads to the emergence of the supracellular control of proliferation, as a supracellular function. In humans, proliferation is generally involved in developmental processes and adaptation. These processes suppose a specific configuration at the systemic level, which generates high-order guidance for local supracellular control of proliferation. In conclusion, the supracellular control of proliferation act as an interface between the downstream level of cell division and differentiation, and upstream level of developmental processes and adaptation. Understanding these processes and their disorders is useful not only to complete the big picture of malignancy as a systemic disease, but also to open new treatment perspectives in the form of etiopathogenic (supracellular or informational) therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ion G Motofei
- Department of Oncology/ Surgery, Carol Davila University, St. Pantelimon Hospital, Dionisie Lupu Street, No. 37, Bucharest, 020021, Romania.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Kondapaneni RV, Warren R, Rao SS. Low dose chemotherapy induces a dormant state in brain metastatic breast cancer spheroids. AIChE J 2022. [DOI: 10.1002/aic.17858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Raghu Vamsi Kondapaneni
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL USA
| | - Rachel Warren
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL USA
| | - Shreyas S. Rao
- Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa AL USA
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qin S, Li B, Ming H, Nice EC, Zou B, Huang C. Harnessing redox signaling to overcome therapeutic-resistant cancer dormancy. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2022; 1877:188749. [PMID: 35716972 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2022.188749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Dormancy occurs when cells preserve viability but stop proliferating, which is considered an important cause of tumor relapse, which may occur many years after clinical remission. Since the life cycle of dormant cancer cells is affected by both intracellular and extracellular factors, gene mutation or epigenetic regulation of tumor cells may not fully explain the mechanisms involved. Recent studies have indicated that redox signaling regulates the formation, maintenance, and reactivation of dormant cancer cells by modulating intracellular signaling pathways and the extracellular environment, which provides a molecular explanation for the life cycle of dormant tumor cells. Indeed, redox signaling regulates the onset of dormancy by balancing the intrinsic pathways, the extrinsic environment, and the response to therapy. In addition, redox signaling sustains dormancy by managing stress homeostasis, maintaining stemness and immunogenic equilibrium. However, studies on dormancy reactivation are still limited, partly explained by redox-mediated activation of lipid metabolism and the transition from the tumor microenvironment to inflammation. Encouragingly, several drug combination strategies based on redox biology are currently under clinical evaluation. Continuing to gain an in-depth understanding of redox regulation and develop specific methods targeting redox modification holds the promise to accelerate the development of strategies to treat dormant tumors and benefit cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Siyuan Qin
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Bowen Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Hui Ming
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China
| | - Edouard C Nice
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Monash University, Clayton, VIC 3800, Australia
| | - Bingwen Zou
- Department of Thoracic Oncology and Department of Radiation Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
| | - Canhua Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital and West China School of Basic Medical Sciences and Forensic Medicine, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center for Biotherapy, Chengdu 610041, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Wu J, Zhou J, Xu Q, Foley R, Guo J, Zhang X, Tian C, Mu M, Xing Y, Liu Y, Wang X, Hu D. Identification of Key Genes Driving Tumor Associated Macrophage Migration and Polarization Based on Immune Fingerprints of Lung Adenocarcinoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:751800. [PMID: 34805160 PMCID: PMC8600368 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.751800] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 09/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
The identification of reliable indicators in the tumor microenvironment (TME) is critical for tumor prognosis. Tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) are the major component of non-tumor stromal cells in TME and have increasingly been recognized as a predictive biomarker for lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) prognosis. Here, we report the development of a prognosis model for LUAD using three immune-related genes (IRGs) detected in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) which potentially regulate TAMs in TME. In 497 LUAD patients, higher immune scores conferred better overall survival (OS). We identified 93 hub IRGs out of 234 for further prognostic significance. Among them, three IRGs (BTK, Cd1c, and S100P) were proved to be closely correlated to the prognosis of patients with LUAD. Moreover, the immune risk score (IRS) based on the gene expression level of the three IRGs was an independent prognostic factor for OS. Higher IRS predicted lower OS, higher mortality and worse tumor stage. With a good predictive ability [area under the ROC curve (AUC) in TCGA = 0.701, AUC in GEO = 0.722], the IRS contributed to a good risk stratification ability of the nomogram. Immunologically, the three IRGs were related to M1 macrophages and NK cell subsets in TME. Interestingly, by characterizing these immune components in situ we found that S100P is a driver for tumor cells to induce TAM migration and M2 polarization in the immunosuppressive tumor niche. We identified the key genes driving TAM migration and transformation and elucidated the immune landscape of LUAD. The data suggest that IRGs from TME have the potential to become indicators for estimating cancer prognosis and guiding individualized treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Jiawei Zhou
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Qian Xu
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Ruth Foley
- The Charles Institute of Dermatology, School of Medicine, University College Dublin, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Jianqiang Guo
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Chang Tian
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Min Mu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yingru Xing
- Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Yafeng Liu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Xueqin Wang
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Dong Hu
- School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Anhui Province Engineering Laboratory of Occupational Health and Safety, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China.,Key Laboratory of Industrial Dust Prevention and Control & Occupational Safety and Health of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Science and Technology, Huainan, China
| |
Collapse
|