1
|
Matsuda A, Masuzawa R, Takahashi K, Takano K, Endo T. MEK inhibitors and DA-Raf, a dominant-negative antagonist of the Ras-ERK pathway, prevent the migration and invasion of KRAS-mutant cancer cells. Cytoskeleton (Hoboken) 2024. [PMID: 38872577 DOI: 10.1002/cm.21881] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/15/2024]
Abstract
The Ras-induced ERK pathway (Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade) regulates a variety of cellular responses including cell proliferation, survival, and migration. Activating mutations in RAS genes, particularly in the KRAS gene, constitutively activate the ERK pathway, resulting in tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and metastasis. DA-Raf1 (DA-Raf) is a splicing isoform of A-Raf and contains the Ras-binding domain but lacks the kinase domain. Consequently, DA-Raf antagonizes the Ras-ERK pathway in a dominant-negative manner and can serve as a tumor suppressor that targets mutant Ras protein-induced tumorigenesis. We show here that MEK inhibitors and DA-Raf interfere with the in vitro collective cell migration and invasion of human KRAS-mutant carcinoma cell lines, the lung adenocarcinoma A549, colorectal carcinoma HCT116, and pancreatic carcinoma MIA PaCa-2 cells. DA-Raf expression was silenced in these cancer cell lines. All these cell lines had high collective migration abilities and invasion properties in Matrigel, compared with nontumor cells. Their migration and invasion abilities were impaired by suppressing the ERK pathway with the MEK inhibitors U0126 and trametinib, an approved anticancer drug. Expression of DA-Raf in MIA PaCa-2 cells reduced the ERK activity and hindered the migration and invasion abilities. Therefore, DA-Raf may function as an invasion suppressor protein in the KRAS-mutant cancer cells by blocking the Ras-ERK pathway when DA-Raf expression is induced in invasive cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aoi Matsuda
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ryuichi Masuzawa
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazuya Takahashi
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kazunori Takano
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeshi Endo
- Department of Biology, Graduate School of Science, Chiba University, Chiba, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Dimitriou NM, Flores-Torres S, Kyriakidou M, Kinsella JM, Mitsis GD. Cancer cell sedimentation in 3D cultures reveals active migration regulated by self-generated gradients and adhesion sites. PLoS Comput Biol 2024; 20:e1012112. [PMID: 38861575 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1012112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell sedimentation in 3D hydrogel cultures refers to the vertical migration of cells towards the bottom of the space. Understanding this poorly examined phenomenon may allow us to design better protocols to prevent it, as well as provide insights into the mechanobiology of cancer development. We conducted a multiscale experimental and mathematical examination of 3D cancer growth in triple negative breast cancer cells. Migration was examined in the presence and absence of Paclitaxel, in high and low adhesion environments and in the presence of fibroblasts. The observed behaviour was modeled by hypothesizing active migration due to self-generated chemotactic gradients. Our results confirmed this hypothesis, whereby migration was likely to be regulated by the MAPK and TGF-βpathways. The mathematical model enabled us to describe the experimental data in absence (normalized error<40%) and presence of Paclitaxel (normalized error<10%), suggesting inhibition of random motion and advection in the latter case. Inhibition of sedimentation in low adhesion and co-culture experiments further supported the conclusion that cells actively migrated downwards due to the presence of signals produced by cells already attached to the adhesive glass surface.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Maria Kyriakidou
- Department of Human Genetics, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| | | | - Georgios D Mitsis
- Department of Bioengineering, McGill University, Montreal, QC, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Khalil AA, Smits D, Haughton PD, Koorman T, Jansen KA, Verhagen MP, van der Net M, van Zwieten K, Enserink L, Jansen L, El-Gammal AG, Visser D, Pasolli M, Tak M, Westland D, van Diest PJ, Moelans CB, Roukens MG, Tavares S, Fortier AM, Park M, Fodde R, Gloerich M, Zwartkruis FJT, Derksen PW, de Rooij J. A YAP-centered mechanotransduction loop drives collective breast cancer cell invasion. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4866. [PMID: 38849373 PMCID: PMC11161601 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49230-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2024] [Indexed: 06/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Dense and aligned Collagen I fibers are associated with collective cancer invasion led by protrusive tumor cells, leader cells. In some breast tumors, a population of cancer cells (basal-like cells) maintain several epithelial characteristics and express the myoepithelial/basal cell marker Keratin 14 (K14). Emergence of leader cells and K14 expression are regarded as interconnected events triggered by Collagen I, however the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Using breast carcinoma organoids, we show that Collagen I drives a force-dependent loop, specifically in basal-like cancer cells. The feed-forward loop is centered around the mechanotransducer Yap and independent of K14 expression. Yap promotes a transcriptional program that enhances Collagen I alignment and tension, which further activates Yap. Active Yap is detected in invading breast cancer cells in patients and required for collective invasion in 3D Collagen I and in the mammary fat pad of mice. Our work uncovers an essential function for Yap in leader cell selection during collective cancer invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Daan Smits
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Peter D Haughton
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Thijs Koorman
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Karin A Jansen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Mathijs P Verhagen
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Mirjam van der Net
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Kitty van Zwieten
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lotte Enserink
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Lisa Jansen
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Abdelrahman G El-Gammal
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Daan Visser
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Milena Pasolli
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Max Tak
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Denise Westland
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Paul J van Diest
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Cathy B Moelans
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - M Guy Roukens
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Regenerative Medicine Center Utrecht, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sandra Tavares
- i3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, Porto, Portugal
| | - Anne-Marie Fortier
- Goodman Cancer Institute McGill University, Depts Biochemistry and Oncology, McGill University, Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal, Canada
| | - Morag Park
- Goodman Cancer Institute McGill University, Depts Biochemistry and Oncology, McGill University, Goodman Cancer Institute, Montréal, Canada
| | - Riccardo Fodde
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martijn Gloerich
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Fried J T Zwartkruis
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Patrick Wb Derksen
- Department of Pathology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| | - Johan de Rooij
- Center for Molecular Medicine (CMM), University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yoon SB, Chen L, Robinson IE, Khatib TO, Arthur RA, Claussen H, Zohbi NM, Wu H, Mouw JK, Marcus AI. Subpopulation commensalism promotes Rac1-dependent invasion of single cells via laminin-332. J Cell Biol 2024; 223:e202308080. [PMID: 38551497 PMCID: PMC10982113 DOI: 10.1083/jcb.202308080] [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: 08/28/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Accepted: 03/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Phenotypic heterogeneity poses a significant hurdle for cancer treatment but is under-characterized in the context of tumor invasion. Amidst the range of phenotypic heterogeneity across solid tumor types, collectively invading cells and single cells have been extensively characterized as independent modes of invasion, but their intercellular interactions have rarely been explored. Here, we isolated collectively invading cells and single cells from the heterogeneous 4T1 cell line and observed extensive transcriptional and epigenetic diversity across these subpopulations. By integrating these datasets, we identified laminin-332 as a protein complex exclusively secreted by collectively invading cells. Live-cell imaging revealed that laminin-332 derived from collectively invading cells increased the velocity and directionality of single cells. Despite collectively invading and single cells having similar expression of the integrin α6β4 dimer, single cells demonstrated higher Rac1 activation upon laminin-332 binding to integrin α6β4. This mechanism suggests a novel commensal relationship between collectively invading and single cells, wherein collectively invading cells promote the invasive potential of single cells through a laminin-332/Rac1 axis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sung Bo Yoon
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Luxiao Chen
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Isaac E. Robinson
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- George W. Woodruff School of Mechanical Engineering, Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Tala O. Khatib
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Robert A. Arthur
- Emory Integrated Computational Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Henry Claussen
- Emory Integrated Computational Core, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Najdat M. Zohbi
- Graduate Medical Education, Piedmont Macon Medical, Macon, GA, USA
| | - Hao Wu
- Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China
| | - Janna K. Mouw
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Adam I. Marcus
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
- Winship Cancer Institute, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Suh K, Thornton R, Farahani PE, Cohen D, Toettcher J. Large-scale control over collective cell migration using light-controlled epidermal growth factor receptors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.05.30.596676. [PMID: 38853934 PMCID: PMC11160748 DOI: 10.1101/2024.05.30.596676] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2024]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are thought to play key roles in coordinating cell movement at single-cell and tissue scales. The recent development of optogenetic tools for controlling RTKs and their downstream signaling pathways suggested these responses may be amenable to engineering-based control for sculpting tissue shape and function. Here, we report that a light-controlled EGF receptor (OptoEGFR) can be deployed in epithelial cell lines for precise, programmable control of long-range tissue movements. We show that in OptoEGFR-expressing tissues, light can drive millimeter-scale cell rearrangements to densify interior regions or produce rapid outgrowth at tissue edges. Light-controlled tissue movements are driven primarily by PI 3-kinase signaling, rather than diffusible signals, tissue contractility, or ERK kinase signaling as seen in other RTK-driven migration contexts. Our study suggests that synthetic, light-controlled RTKs could serve as a powerful platform for controlling cell positions and densities for diverse applications including wound healing and tissue morphogenesis.
Collapse
|
6
|
Perez Ipiña E, d’Alessandro J, Ladoux B, Camley BA. Deposited footprints let cells switch between confined, oscillatory, and exploratory migration. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2024; 121:e2318248121. [PMID: 38787878 PMCID: PMC11145245 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2318248121] [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: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
For eukaryotic cells to heal wounds, respond to immune signals, or metastasize, they must migrate, often by adhering to extracellular matrix (ECM). Cells may also deposit ECM components, leaving behind a footprint that influences their crawling. Recent experiments showed that some epithelial cell lines on micropatterned adhesive stripes move persistently in regions they have previously crawled over, where footprints have been formed, but barely advance into unexplored regions, creating an oscillatory migration of increasing amplitude. Here, we explore through mathematical modeling how footprint deposition and cell responses to footprint combine to allow cells to develop oscillation and other complex migratory motions. We simulate cell crawling with a phase field model coupled to a biochemical model of cell polarity, assuming local contact with the deposited footprint activates Rac1, a protein that establishes the cell's front. Depending on footprint deposition rate and response to the footprint, cells on micropatterned lines can display many types of motility, including confined, oscillatory, and persistent motion. On two-dimensional (2D) substrates, we predict a transition between cells undergoing circular motion and cells developing an exploratory phenotype. Small quantitative changes in a cell's interaction with its footprint can completely alter exploration, allowing cells to tightly regulate their motion, leading to different motility phenotypes (confined vs. exploratory) in different cells when deposition or sensing is variable from cell to cell. Consistent with our computational predictions, we find in earlier experimental data evidence of cells undergoing both circular and exploratory motion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emiliano Perez Ipiña
- William H. Miller III Department of Physics & Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| | | | - Benoît Ladoux
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS, Institut Jacques Monod, F-75013Paris, France
| | - Brian A. Camley
- William H. Miller III Department of Physics & Astronomy, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
- Jenkins Department of Biophysics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD21218
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Perez Ipiña E, D'Alessandro J, Ladoux B, Camley BA. Deposited footprints let cells switch between confined, oscillatory, and exploratory migration. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2023.09.14.557437. [PMID: 37745526 PMCID: PMC10515912 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.14.557437] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/26/2023]
Abstract
For eukaryotic cells to heal wounds, respond to immune signals, or metastasize, they must migrate, often by adhering to extracellular matrix. Cells may also deposit extracellular matrix components, leaving behind a footprint that influences their crawling. Recent experiments showed that some epithelial cells on micropatterned adhesive stripes move persistently in regions they have previously crawled over, where footprints have been formed, but barely advance into unexplored regions, creating an oscillatory migration of increasing amplitude. Here, we explore through mathematical modeling how footprint deposition and cell responses to footprint combine to allow cells to develop oscillation and other complex migratory motions. We simulate cell crawling with a phase field model coupled to a biochemical model of cell polarity, assuming local contact with the deposited footprint activates Rac1, a protein that establishes the cell's front. Depending on footprint deposition rate and response to the footprint, cells on micropatterned lines can display many types of motility, including confined, oscillatory, and persistent motion. On two-dimensional substrates, we predict a transition between cells undergoing circular motion and cells developing an exploratory phenotype. Small quantitative changes in a cell's interaction with its footprint can completely alter exploration, allowing cells to tightly regulate their motion, leading to different motility phenotypes (confined vs exploratory) in different cells when deposition or sensing is variable from cell to cell. Consistent with our computational predictions, we find in earlier experimental data evidence of cells undergoing both circular and exploratory motion.
Collapse
|
8
|
Prasanna CVS, Jolly MK, Bhat R. Spatial heterogeneity in tumor adhesion qualifies collective cell invasion. Biophys J 2024:S0006-3495(24)00319-9. [PMID: 38725244 DOI: 10.1016/j.bpj.2024.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 05/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024] Open
Abstract
Collective cell invasion (CCI), a canon of most invasive solid tumors, is an emergent property of the interactions between cancer cells and their surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM). However, tumor populations invariably consist of cells expressing variable levels of adhesive proteins that mediate such interactions, disallowing an intuitive understanding of how tumor invasiveness at a multicellular scale is influenced by spatial heterogeneity of cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion. Here, we have used a Cellular Potts model-based multiscale computational framework that is constructed on the histopathological principles of glandular cancers. In earlier efforts on homogenous cancer cell populations, this framework revealed the relative ranges of interactions, including cell-cell and cell-ECM adhesion that drove collective, dispersed, and mixed multimodal invasion. Here, we constitute a tumor core of two separate cell subsets showing distinct intra- and inter-subset cell-cell or cell-ECM adhesion strengths. These two subsets of cells are arranged to varying extents of spatial intermingling, which we call the heterogeneity index (HI). We observe that low and high inter-subset cell adhesion favors invasion of high-HI and low-HI intermingled populations with distinct intra-subset cell-cell adhesion strengths, respectively. In addition, for explored values of cell-ECM adhesion strengths, populations with high HI values collectively invade better than those with lower HI values. We then asked how spatial invasion is regulated by progressively intermingled cellular subsets that are epithelial, i.e., showed high cell-cell but poor cell-ECM adhesion, and mesenchymal, i.e., with reversed adhesion strengths to the former. Here too, inter-subset adhesion plays an important role in contextualizing the proportionate relationship between HI and invasion. An exception to this relationship is seen for cases of heterogeneous cell-ECM adhesion where sub-maximal HI patterns with higher outer localization of cells with stronger ECM adhesion collectively invade better than their relatively higher-HI counterparts. Our simulations also reveal how adhesion heterogeneity qualifies collective invasion, when either cell-cell or cell-ECM adhesion type is varied but results in an invasive dispersion when both adhesion types are simultaneously altered.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| | - Ramray Bhat
- Department of Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India; Department of Developmental Biology and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Yu P, Li Y, Fang W, Feng XQ, Li B. Mechanochemical dynamics of collective cells and hierarchical topological defects in multicellular lumens. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2024; 10:eadn0172. [PMID: 38691595 PMCID: PMC11062584 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adn0172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Accepted: 03/27/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Collective cell dynamics is essential for tissue morphogenesis and various biological functions. However, it remains incompletely understood how mechanical forces and chemical signaling are integrated to direct collective cell behaviors underlying tissue morphogenesis. Here, we propose a three-dimensional (3D) mechanochemical theory accounting for biochemical reaction-diffusion and cellular mechanotransduction to investigate the dynamics of multicellular lumens. We show that the interplay between biochemical signaling and mechanics can trigger either pitchfork or Hopf bifurcation to induce diverse static mechanochemical patterns or generate oscillations with multiple modes both involving marked mechanical deformations in lumens. We uncover the crucial role of mechanochemical feedback in emerging morphodynamics and identify the evolution and morphogenetic functions of hierarchical topological defects including cell-level hexatic defects and tissue-level orientational defects. Our theory captures the common mechanochemical traits of collective dynamics observed in experiments and could provide a mechanistic context for understanding morphological symmetry breaking in 3D lumen-like tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengyu Yu
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Yue Li
- Institute of Nuclear and New Energy Technology, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Wei Fang
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Zheng Y, Zheng YH, Wang JH, Zhao TJ, Wang L, Liang TJ. Progress of mitochondrial and endoplasmic reticulum-associated signaling and its regulation of chronic liver disease by Chinese medicine. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:494-505. [PMID: 38689744 PMCID: PMC11056900 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i4.494] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2023] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/24/2024] Open
Abstract
The endoplasmic reticulum (ER) is connected to mitochondria through mitochondria-associated ER membranes (MAMs). MAMs provide a framework for crosstalk between the ER and mitochondria, playing a crucial role in regulating cellular calcium balance, lipid metabolism, and cell death. Dysregulation of MAMs is involved in the development of chronic liver disease (CLD). In CLD, changes in MAMs structure and function occur due to factors such as cellular stress, inflammation, and oxidative stress, leading to abnormal interactions between mitochondria and the ER, resulting in liver cell injury, fibrosis, and impaired liver function. Traditional Chinese medicine has shown some research progress in regulating MAMs signaling and treating CLD. This paper reviews the literature on the association between mitochondria and the ER, as well as the intervention of traditional Chinese medicine in regulating CLD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi-Hui Zheng
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Jia-Hui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tie-Jian Zhao
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Tian-Jian Liang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530222, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Bhattacherjee B, Hayakawa M, Shibata T. Structure formation induced by non-reciprocal cell-cell interactions in a multicellular system. SOFT MATTER 2024; 20:2739-2749. [PMID: 38436091 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm01752d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/05/2024]
Abstract
Collective cellular behavior plays a crucial role in various biological processes, ranging from developmental morphogenesis to pathological processes such as cancer metastasis. Our previous research has revealed that a mutant cell of Dictyostelium discoideum exhibits collective cell migration, including chain migration and traveling band formation, driven by a unique tail-following behavior at contact sites, which we term "contact following locomotion" (CFL). Here, we uncover an imbalance of forces between the front and rear cells within cell chains, leading to an additional propulsion force in the rear cells. Drawing inspiration from this observation, we introduce a theoretical model that incorporates non-reciprocal cell-cell interactions. Our findings highlight that the non-reciprocal interaction, in conjunction with self-alignment interactions, significantly contributes to the emergence of the observed collective cell migrations. Furthermore, we present a comprehensive phase diagram, showing distinct phases at both low and intermediate cell densities. This phase diagram elucidates a specific regime that corresponds to the experimental system.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Biplab Bhattacherjee
- Laboratory for Physical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Hayakawa
- Laboratory for Physical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Tatsuo Shibata
- Laboratory for Physical Biology, RIKEN Center for Biosystems Dynamics Research, 2-2-3 Minatojima minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe 650-0047, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Thakur D, Sengupta D, Mahapatra E, Das S, Sarkar R, Mukherjee S. Glucocorticoid receptor: a harmonizer of cellular plasticity in breast cancer-directs the road towards therapy resistance, metastatic progression and recurrence. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024; 43:481-499. [PMID: 38170347 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10163-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Recent therapeutic advances have significantly uplifted the quality of life in breast cancer patients, yet several impediments block the road to disease-free survival. This involves unresponsiveness towards administered therapy, epithelial to mesenchymal transition, and metastatic progression with the eventual appearance of recurrent disease. Attainment of such characteristics is a huge adaptive challenge to which tumour cells respond by acquiring diverse phenotypically plastic states. Several signalling networks and mediators are involved in such a process. Glucocorticoid receptor being a mediator of stress response imparts prognostic significance in the context of breast carcinoma. Involvement of the glucocorticoid receptor in the signalling cascade of breast cancer phenotypic plasticity needs further elucidation. This review attempted to shed light on the inter-regulatory interactions of the glucocorticoid receptor with the mediators of the plasticity program in breast cancer; which may provide a hint for strategizing therapeutics against the glucocorticoid/glucocorticoid receptor axis so as to modulate phenotypic plasticity in breast carcinoma.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Debanjan Thakur
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Debomita Sengupta
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Elizabeth Mahapatra
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Salini Das
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India
| | - Ruma Sarkar
- B. D. Patel Institute of Paramedical Sciences, Charotar University of Science and Technology, CHARUSAT Campus, Changa, Gujarat, 388421, India
| | - Sutapa Mukherjee
- Department of Environmental Carcinogenesis and Toxicology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700 026, India.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Fontana R, Mestre-Farrera A, Yang J. Update on Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Cancer Progression. ANNUAL REVIEW OF PATHOLOGY 2024; 19:133-156. [PMID: 37758242 PMCID: PMC10872224 DOI: 10.1146/annurev-pathmechdis-051222-122423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process by which epithelial cells lose their characteristics and acquire mesenchymal traits to promote cell movement. This program is aberrantly activated in human cancers and endows tumor cells with increased abilities in tumor initiation, cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. The EMT program in tumors is rarely binary and often leads to a series of gradual or intermediate epithelial-mesenchymal states. Functionally, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity (EMP) improves the fitness of cancer cells during tumor progression and in response to therapies. Here, we discuss the most recent advances in our understanding of the diverse roles of EMP in tumor initiation, progression, metastasis, and therapy resistance and address major clinical challenges due to EMP-driven phenotypic heterogeneity in cancer. Uncovering novel molecular markers and key regulators of EMP in cancer will aid the development of new therapeutic strategies to prevent cancer recurrence and overcome therapy resistance.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rosa Fontana
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Aida Mestre-Farrera
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
| | - Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA;
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, California, USA
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
张 德, 张 豪, 李 博. [The Dynamic Model of the Active-Inactive Cell Interface]. SICHUAN DA XUE XUE BAO. YI XUE BAN = JOURNAL OF SICHUAN UNIVERSITY. MEDICAL SCIENCE EDITION 2024; 55:39-46. [PMID: 38322532 PMCID: PMC10839493 DOI: 10.12182/20240160508] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2024]
Abstract
Objective To explore the morphodynamics of the active-inactive cell monolayer interfaces by using the active liquid crystal model. Methods A continuum mechanical model was established based on the active liquid crystal theory and the active-inactive cell monolayer interfaces were established by setting the activity difference of cell monolayers. The theoretical equations were solved numerically by the finite difference and the lattice Boltzmann method. Results The active-inactive cell interfaces displayed three typical morphologies, namely, flat interface, wavy interface, and finger-like interface. On the flat interfaces, the cells were oriented perpendicular to the interface, the -1/2 topological defects were clustered in the interfaces, and the interfaces were negatively charged. On the wavy interfaces, cells showed no obvious preference for orientation at the interfaces and the interfaces were neutrally charged. On the finger-like interfaces, cells were tangentially oriented at the interfaces, the +1/2 topological defects were collected at the interfaces, driving the growth of the finger-like structures, and the interfaces were positively charged. Conclusion The orientation of the cell alignment at the interface can significantly affect the morphologies of the active-inactive cell monolayer interfaces, which is closely associated with the dynamics of topological defects at the interfaces.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- 德清 张
- 清华大学工程力学系 生物力学与医学工程研究所 (北京 100084)Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - 豪舜 张
- 清华大学工程力学系 生物力学与医学工程研究所 (北京 100084)Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - 博 李
- 清华大学工程力学系 生物力学与医学工程研究所 (北京 100084)Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Sleeboom JJF, van Tienderen GS, Schenke-Layland K, van der Laan LJW, Khalil AA, Verstegen MMA. The extracellular matrix as hallmark of cancer and metastasis: From biomechanics to therapeutic targets. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eadg3840. [PMID: 38170791 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.adg3840] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is essential for cell support during homeostasis and plays a critical role in cancer. Although research often concentrates on the tumor's cellular aspect, attention is growing for the importance of the cancer-associated ECM. Biochemical and physical ECM signals affect tumor formation, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. Examining the tumor microenvironment uncovers intricate ECM dysregulation and interactions with cancer and stromal cells. Anticancer therapies targeting ECM sensors and remodelers, including integrins and matrix metalloproteinases, and ECM-remodeling cells, have seen limited success. This review explores the ECM's role in cancer and discusses potential therapeutic strategies for cell-ECM interactions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jelle J F Sleeboom
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
- Department of Biomechanical Engineering, Delft University of Technology, Mekelweg 2, 2628CD Delft, Netherlands
| | - Gilles S van Tienderen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Katja Schenke-Layland
- Institute of Biomedical Engineering, Department for Medical Technologies and Regenerative Medicine, Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
- NMI Natural and Medical Sciences Institute at the University Tübingen, 72770 Reutlingen, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence iFIT (EXC 2180) "Image-Guided and Functionally Instructed Tumor Therapies," Eberhard Karls University Tübingen, 72076 Tübingen, Germany
| | - Luc J W van der Laan
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| | - Antoine A Khalil
- Center for Molecular Medicine, University Medical Center Utrecht, Universiteitsweg 100, 3584 CG Utrecht, Netherlands
| | - Monique M A Verstegen
- Department of Surgery, Erasmus MC Transplant Institute, University Medical Center Rotterdam, Postbox 2040, 3000CA Rotterdam, Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Lichtenberg JY, Ramamurthy E, Young AD, Redman TP, Leonard CE, Das SK, Fisher PB, Lemmon CA, Hwang PY. Leader cells mechanically respond to aligned collagen architecture to direct collective migration. PLoS One 2024; 19:e0296153. [PMID: 38165954 PMCID: PMC10760762 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0296153] [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: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/06/2023] [Indexed: 01/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Leader cells direct collective migration through sensing cues in their microenvironment to determine migration direction. The mechanism by which leader cells sense the mechanical cue of organized matrix architecture culminating in a mechanical response is not well defined. In this study, we investigated the effect of organized collagen matrix fibers on leader cell mechanics and demonstrate that leader cells protrude along aligned fibers resulting in an elongated phenotype of the entire cluster. Further, leader cells show increased mechanical interactions with their nearby matrix compared to follower cells, as evidenced by increased traction forces, increased and larger focal adhesions, and increased expression of integrin-α2. Together our results demonstrate changes in mechanical matrix cues drives changes in leader cell mechanoresponse that is required for directional collective migration. Our findings provide new insights into two fundamental components of carcinogenesis, namely invasion and metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessanne Y. Lichtenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Ella Ramamurthy
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, California, United States of America
| | - Anna D. Young
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Trey P. Redman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Corinne E. Leonard
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Swadesh K. Das
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Paul B. Fisher
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU Institute of Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Christopher A. Lemmon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Priscilla Y. Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
- VCU Massey Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Guan LY, Lin SZ, Chen PC, Lv JQ, Li B, Feng XQ. Interfacial Organization and Forces Arising from Epithelial-Cancerous Monolayer Interactions. ACS NANO 2023; 17:24668-24684. [PMID: 38091551 DOI: 10.1021/acsnano.3c03990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
The interfacial interactions between epithelia and cancer cells have profound relevance for tumor development and metastasis. Through monolayer confrontation of MCF10A (nontumorigenic human breast epithelial cells) and MDA-MB-231 (human epithelial breast cancer cells) cells, we investigate the epithelial-cancerous interfacial interactions at the tissue level. We show that the monolayer interaction leads to competitive interfacial morphodynamics and drives an intricate spatial organization of MCF10A cells into multicellular finger-like structures, which further branch into multiple subfinger-like structures. These hierarchical interfacial structures penetrate the cancer monolayer and can spontaneously segregate or even envelop cancer cell clusters, consistent with our theoretical prediction. By tracking the substrate displacements via embedded fluorescent nanobeads and implementing nanomechanical modeling that combines atomic force microscopy and finite element simulations, we computed mechanical force patterns, including traction forces and monolayer stresses, caused by the monolayer interaction. It is found that the heterogeneous mechanical forces accumulated in the monolayers are able to squeeze cancer cells, leading to three-dimensional interfacial bulges or cell extrusion, initiating the p53 apoptosis signaling pathways of cancer cells. We reveal that intercellular E-cadherin and P-cadherin of epithelial cells differentially regulate the interfacial organization including migration speed, directionality, spatial correlation, F-actin alignment, and subcellular protrusions of MCF10A cells; whereas E-cadherin governs interfacial geometry that is relevant to force localization and cancer cell extrusion, P-cadherin maintains interfacial integrity that enables long-range force transmission. Our findings suggest that the collaborative molecular and mechanical behaviors are crucial for preventing epithelial tissues from undergoing tumor invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liu-Yuan Guan
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Shao-Zhen Lin
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Peng-Cheng Chen
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Jian-Qing Lv
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Bo Li
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Xi-Qiao Feng
- Institute of Biomechanics and Medical Engineering, Applied Mechanics Laboratory, Department of Engineering Mechanics, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Matsuoka T, Yashiro M. Molecular Insight into Gastric Cancer Invasion-Current Status and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 16:54. [PMID: 38201481 PMCID: PMC10778111 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16010054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. There has been no efficient therapy for stage IV GC patients due to this disease's heterogeneity and dissemination ability. Despite the rapid advancement of molecular targeted therapies, such as HER2 and immune checkpoint inhibitors, survival of GC patients is still unsatisfactory because the understanding of the mechanism of GC progression is still incomplete. Invasion is the most important feature of GC metastasis, which causes poor mortality in patients. Recently, genomic research has critically deepened our knowledge of which gene products are dysregulated in invasive GC. Furthermore, the study of the interaction of GC cells with the tumor microenvironment has emerged as a principal subject in driving invasion and metastasis. These results are expected to provide a profound knowledge of how biological molecules are implicated in GC development. This review summarizes the advances in our current understanding of the molecular mechanism of GC invasion. We also highlight the future directions of the invasion therapeutics of GC. Compared to conventional therapy using protease or molecular inhibitors alone, multi-therapy targeting invasion plasticity may seem to be an assuring direction for the progression of novel strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Masakazu Yashiro
- Molecular Oncology and Therapeutics, Osaka Metropolitan University Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka 5458585, Japan;
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Huang J, Levine H, Bi D. Bridging the gap between collective motility and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions through the active finite voronoi model. SOFT MATTER 2023; 19:9389-9398. [PMID: 37795526 PMCID: PMC10843280 DOI: 10.1039/d3sm00327b] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/06/2023]
Abstract
We introduce an active version of the recently proposed finite Voronoi model of epithelial tissue. The resultant Active Finite Voronoi (AFV) model enables the study of both confluent and non-confluent geometries and transitions between them, in the presence of active cells. Our study identifies six distinct phases, characterized by aggregation-segregation, dynamical jamming-unjamming, and epithelial-mesenchymal transitions (EMT), thereby extending the behavior beyond that observed in previously studied vertex-based models. The AFV model with rich phase diagram provides a cohesive framework that unifies the well-observed progression to collective motility via unjamming with the intricate dynamics enabled by EMT. This approach should prove useful for challenges in developmental biology systems as well as the complex context of cancer metastasis. The simulation code is also provided.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Junxiang Huang
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Herbert Levine
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Bioengineering, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Dapeng Bi
- Department of Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA.
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Northeastern University, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Shoyer TC, Gates EM, Cabe JI, Urs AN, Conway DE, Hoffman BD. Coupling during collective cell migration is controlled by a vinculin mechanochemical switch. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2316456120. [PMID: 38055737 PMCID: PMC10722971 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2316456120] [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: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The ability of cells to move in a mechanically coupled, coordinated manner, referred to as collective cell migration, is central to many developmental, physiological, and pathophysiological processes. Limited understanding of how mechanical forces and biochemical regulation interact to affect coupling has been a major obstacle to unravelling the underlying mechanisms. Focusing on the linker protein vinculin, we use a suite of Förster resonance energy transfer-based biosensors to probe its mechanical functions and biochemical regulation, revealing a switch that toggles vinculin between loadable and unloadable states. Perturbation of the switch causes covarying changes in cell speed and coordination, suggesting alteration of the friction within the system. Molecular scale modelling reveals that increasing levels of loadable vinculin increases friction, due to engagement of self-stabilizing catch bonds. Together, this work reveals a regulatory switch for controlling cell coupling and describes a paradigm for relating biochemical regulation, altered mechanical properties, and changes in cell behaviors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T. Curtis Shoyer
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Evan M. Gates
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
| | - Jolene I. Cabe
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA23284
| | - Aarti N. Urs
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| | - Daniel E. Conway
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH43210
| | - Brenton D. Hoffman
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Duke University, Durham, NC27708
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC27710
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Genoud V, Kinnersley B, Brown NF, Ottaviani D, Mulholland P. Therapeutic Targeting of Glioblastoma and the Interactions with Its Microenvironment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5790. [PMID: 38136335 PMCID: PMC10741850 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2023] [Revised: 12/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common primary malignant brain tumour, and it confers a dismal prognosis despite intensive multimodal treatments. Whilst historically, research has focussed on the evolution of GBM tumour cells themselves, there is growing recognition of the importance of studying the tumour microenvironment (TME). Improved characterisation of the interaction between GBM cells and the TME has led to a better understanding of therapeutic resistance and the identification of potential targets to block these escape mechanisms. This review describes the network of cells within the TME and proposes treatment strategies for simultaneously targeting GBM cells, the surrounding immune cells, and the crosstalk between them.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vassilis Genoud
- Glioblastoma Research Group, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK (B.K.)
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2PB, UK
- Department of Oncology, University Hospitals of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
- Centre for Translational Research in Onco-Haematology, University of Geneva, 1205 Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Ben Kinnersley
- Glioblastoma Research Group, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK (B.K.)
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2PB, UK
| | - Nicholas F. Brown
- Glioblastoma Research Group, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK (B.K.)
- Guy’s Cancer, Guy’s & St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust, London SE1 3SS, UK
| | - Diego Ottaviani
- Glioblastoma Research Group, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK (B.K.)
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2PB, UK
| | - Paul Mulholland
- Glioblastoma Research Group, University College London, London WC1E 6DD, UK (B.K.)
- Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London NW1 2PB, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Burghardt E, Rakijas J, Tyagi A, Majumder P, Olson BJSC, McDonald JA. Transcriptome analysis reveals temporally regulated genetic networks during Drosophila border cell collective migration. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:728. [PMID: 38041052 PMCID: PMC10693066 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09839-8] [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] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Collective cell migration underlies many essential processes, including sculpting organs during embryogenesis, wound healing in the adult, and metastasis of cancer cells. At mid-oogenesis, Drosophila border cells undergo collective migration. Border cells round up into a small group at the pre-migration stage, detach from the epithelium and undergo a dynamic and highly regulated migration at the mid-migration stage, and stop at the oocyte, their final destination, at the post-migration stage. While specific genes that promote cell signaling, polarization of the cluster, formation of protrusions, and cell-cell adhesion are known to regulate border cell migration, there may be additional genes that promote these distinct active phases of border cell migration. Therefore, we sought to identify genes whose expression patterns changed during border cell migration. RESULTS We performed RNA-sequencing on border cells isolated at pre-, mid-, and post-migration stages. We report that 1,729 transcripts, in nine co-expression gene clusters, are temporally and differentially expressed across the three migration stages. Gene ontology analyses and constructed protein-protein interaction networks identified genes expected to function in collective migration, such as regulators of the cytoskeleton, adhesion, and tissue morphogenesis, but also uncovered a notable enrichment of genes involved in immune signaling, ribosome biogenesis, and stress responses. Finally, we validated the in vivo expression and function of a subset of identified genes in border cells. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our results identified differentially and temporally expressed genetic networks that may facilitate the efficient development and migration of border cells. The genes identified here represent a wealth of new candidates to investigate the molecular nature of dynamic collective cell migrations in developing tissues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emily Burghardt
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Jessica Rakijas
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Antariksh Tyagi
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA
| | - Pralay Majumder
- Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata, 700073, West Bengal, India
| | - Bradley J S C Olson
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| | - Jocelyn A McDonald
- Division of Biology, Kansas State University, 116 Ackert Hall, 1717 Claflin Rd, Manhattan, KS, 66506, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Kim B, Lopez AT, Thevarajan I, Osuna MF, Mallavarapu M, Gao B, Osborne JK. Unexpected Differences in the Speed of Non-Malignant versus Malignant Cell Migration Reveal Differential Basal Intracellular ATP Levels. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5519. [PMID: 38067222 PMCID: PMC10705159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15235519] [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: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Cellular locomotion is required for survival, fertility, proper embryonic development, regeneration, and wound healing. Cell migration is a major component of metastasis, which accounts for two-thirds of all solid tumor deaths. While many studies have demonstrated increased energy requirements, metabolic rates, and migration of cancer cells compared with normal cells, few have systematically compared normal and cancer cell migration as well as energy requirements side by side. Thus, we investigated how non-malignant and malignant cells migrate, utilizing several cell lines from the breast and lung. Initial screening was performed in an unbiased high-throughput manner for the ability to migrate/invade on collagen and/or Matrigel. We unexpectedly observed that all the non-malignant lung cells moved significantly faster than cells derived from lung tumors regardless of the growth media used. Given the paradigm-shifting nature of our discovery, we pursued the mechanisms that could be responsible. Neither mass, cell doubling, nor volume accounted for the individual speed and track length of the normal cells. Non-malignant cells had higher levels of intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction stages. Meanwhile, cancer cells also increased intracellular ATP at premigratory-wound induction, but not to the levels of the normal cells, indicating the possibility for further therapeutic investigation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bareun Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Anthony T. Lopez
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Indhujah Thevarajan
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Maria F. Osuna
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Monica Mallavarapu
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Boning Gao
- Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA;
| | - Jihan K. Osborne
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, 5323 Harry Hines Blvd., Dallas, TX 75390, USA; (B.K.); (A.T.L.); (I.T.); (M.F.O.); (M.M.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Li Q, Chen Z, Zhang Y, Ding S, Ding H, Wang L, Xie Z, Fu Y, Wei M, Liu S, Chen J, Wang X, Gu Z. Imaging cellular forces with photonic crystals. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7369. [PMID: 37963911 PMCID: PMC10646022 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43090-9] [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: 01/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 11/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Current techniques for visualizing and quantifying cellular forces have limitations in live cell imaging, throughput, and multi-scale analysis, which impede progress in cell force research and its practical applications. We developed a photonic crystal cellular force microscopy (PCCFM) to image vertical cell forces over a wide field of view (1.3 mm ⨯ 1.0 mm, a 10 ⨯ objective image) at high speed (about 20 frames per second) without references. The photonic crystal hydrogel substrate (PCS) converts micro-nano deformations into perceivable color changes, enabling in situ visualization and quantification of tiny vertical cell forces with high throughput. It enabled long-term, cross-scale monitoring from subcellular focal adhesions to tissue-level cell sheets and aggregates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zaozao Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, 215163, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shuang Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Ding
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Luping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Faculty of Sports Science, Ningbo University, 315211, Ningbo, China
| | - Zhuoying Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yifu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengxiao Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Shengnan Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jialun Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xuan Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongze Gu
- State Key Laboratory of Digital Medical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 210096, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China.
- Institute of Biomaterials and Medical Devices, Southeast University, 215163, Suzhou, Jiangsu, China.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Islam M, Jones S, Ellis I. Role of Akt/Protein Kinase B in Cancer Metastasis. Biomedicines 2023; 11:3001. [PMID: 38002001 PMCID: PMC10669635 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11113001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/06/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a critical step in the process of carcinogenesis and a vast majority of cancer-related mortalities result from metastatic disease that is resistant to current therapies. Cell migration and invasion are the first steps of the metastasis process, which mainly occurs by two important biological mechanisms, i.e., cytoskeletal remodelling and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). Akt (also known as protein kinase B) is a central signalling molecule of the PI3K-Akt signalling pathway. Aberrant activation of this pathway has been identified in a wide range of cancers. Several studies have revealed that Akt actively engages with the migratory process in motile cells, including metastatic cancer cells. The downstream signalling mechanism of Akt in cell migration depends upon the tumour type, sites, and intracellular localisation of activated Akt. In this review, we focus on the role of Akt in the regulation of two events that control cell migration and invasion in various cancers including head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) and the status of PI3K-Akt pathway inhibitors in clinical trials in metastatic cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Islam
- Unit of Cell and Molecular Biology, School of Dentistry, University of Dundee, Park Place, Dundee DD1 4HR, UK; (S.J.); (I.E.)
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Liu G, Zhang P, Chen S, Chen Z, Qiu Y, Peng P, Huang W, Cheng F, Zhang Y, Li H, Xiao Q, Mao F, Wang B, Jiang X, Wan F, Guo D, Yu X. FAM129A promotes self-renewal and maintains invasive status via stabilizing the Notch intracellular domain in glioma stem cells. Neuro Oncol 2023; 25:1788-1801. [PMID: 37083136 PMCID: PMC10547521 DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noad079] [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: 06/06/2022] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioma stem cells (GSCs) are a subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal and tumorigenic capabilities in glioblastomas (GBMs). Diffuse infiltration of GSCs facilitates tumor progression and frustrates efforts at effective treatment. Further compounding this situation is the currently limited understanding of what drives GSC invasion. Here we comprehensively evaluated the significance of a novel invasion-related protein, Family with Sequence Similarity 129 Member A (FAM129A), in infiltrative GSCs. METHODS Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression analysis were used to quantify FAM129A in glioma specimens and cancer datasets. Overexpression and knockdown of FAM129A in GSCs were used to investigate its effects on tumor growth and invasion. RNA-seq, qRT-PCR, western blotting, and co-precipitation assays were used to investigate FAM129A signaling mechanisms. RESULTS FAM129A is preferentially expressed in invasive frontiers. Targeting FAM129A impairs GSC invasion and self-renewal. Mechanistically, FAM129A acted as a positive regulator of Notch signaling by binding with the Notch1 intracellular domain (NICD1) and preventing its degradation. CONCLUSIONS FAM129A and NICD1 provide a precise indicator for identifying tumor margins and aiding prognosis. Targeting them may provide a significantly therapeutic strategy for GSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guohao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Po Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Sui Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Zirong Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yanmei Qiu
- Department of Neurology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Peng Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangyang Central Hospital, Affiliated Hospital to Hubei University of Arts and Science, Xiangyang, China
| | - Wenda Huang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Fangling Cheng
- Hepatic Surgery Centre, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Zhang
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Huan Li
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Qungen Xiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Mao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Baofeng Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Feng Wan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Guangdong Provincial People’s Hospital, Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongsheng Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Xingjiang Yu
- Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medicine, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Ildiz ES, Gvozdenovic A, Kovacs WJ, Aceto N. Travelling under pressure - hypoxia and shear stress in the metastatic journey. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023; 40:375-394. [PMID: 37490147 PMCID: PMC10495280 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10224-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/05/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cell invasion, intravasation and survival in the bloodstream are early steps of the metastatic process, pivotal to enabling the spread of cancer to distant tissues. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) represent a highly selected subpopulation of cancer cells that tamed these critical steps, and a better understanding of their biology and driving molecular principles may facilitate the development of novel tools to prevent metastasis. Here, we describe key research advances in this field, aiming at describing early metastasis-related processes such as collective invasion, shedding, and survival of CTCs in the bloodstream, paying particular attention to microenvironmental factors like hypoxia and mechanical stress, considered as important influencers of the metastatic journey.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ece Su Ildiz
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Ana Gvozdenovic
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Werner J Kovacs
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), Zurich, Switzerland.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Suezawa T, Sasaki N, Yukawa Y, Assan N, Uetake Y, Onuma K, Kamada R, Tomioka D, Sakurai H, Katayama R, Inoue M, Matsusaki M. Ultra-Rapid and Specific Gelation of Collagen Molecules for Transparent and Tough Gels by Transition Metal Complexation. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302637. [PMID: 37697642 PMCID: PMC10602541 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Revised: 08/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/13/2023]
Abstract
Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body and one of the main components of stromal tissues in tumors which have a high elastic modulus of over 50 kPa. Although collagen has been widely used as a cell culture scaffold for cancer cells, there have been limitations when attempting to fabricate a tough collagen gel with cells like a cancer stroma. Here, rapid gelation of a collagen solution within a few minutes by transition metal complexation is demonstrated. Type I collagen solution at neutral pH shows rapid gelation with a transparency of 81% and a high modulus of 1,781 kPa by mixing with K2 PtCl4 solution within 3 min. Other transition metal ions also show the same rapid gelation, but not basic metal ions. Interestingly, although type I to IV collagen molecules show rapid gelation, other extracellular matrices do not exhibit this phenomenon. Live imaging of colon cancer organoids in 3D culture indicates a collective migration property with modulating high elastic modulus, suggesting activation for metastasis progress. This technology will be useful as a new class of 3D culture for cells and organoids due to its facility for deep-live observation and mechanical stiffness adjustment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tomoyuki Suezawa
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Naoko Sasaki
- Joint Research Laboratory (TOPPAN) for Advanced Cell Regulatory Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Yuichi Yukawa
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Nazgul Assan
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Yuta Uetake
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS‐OTRI)Osaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Kunishige Onuma
- Department of Clinical Bio‐resource Research and DevelopmentKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyoto606–8304Japan
| | - Rino Kamada
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Daisuke Tomioka
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Hidehiro Sakurai
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
- Innovative Catalysis Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives (ICS‐OTRI)Osaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| | - Ryohei Katayama
- Division of Experimental Chemotherapy, Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyo135‐8550Japan
| | - Masahiro Inoue
- Department of Clinical Bio‐resource Research and DevelopmentKyoto University Graduate School of MedicineKyoto606–8304Japan
| | - Michiya Matsusaki
- Division of Applied Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
- Joint Research Laboratory (TOPPAN) for Advanced Cell Regulatory Chemistry, Graduate School of EngineeringOsaka University2‐1 YamadaokaSuitaOsaka565–0871Japan
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Wang XC, Tang YL, Liang XH. Tumour follower cells: A novel driver of leader cells in collective invasion (Review). Int J Oncol 2023; 63:115. [PMID: 37615176 PMCID: PMC10552739 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2023.5563] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Collective cellular invasion in malignant tumours is typically characterized by the cooperative migration of multiple cells in close proximity to each other. Follower cells are led away from the tumour by specialized leader cells, and both cell populations play a crucial role in collective invasion. Follower cells form the main body of the migration system and depend on intercellular contact for migration, whereas leader cells indicate the direction for the entire cell population. Although collective invasion can occur in epithelial and non‑epithelial malignant neoplasms, such as medulloblastoma and rhabdomyosarcoma, the present review mainly provided an extensive analysis of epithelial tumours. In the present review, the cooperative mechanisms of contact inhibition locomotion between follower and leader cells, where follower cells coordinate and direct collective movement through physical (mechanical) and chemical (signalling) interactions, is summarised. In addition, the molecular mechanisms of follower cell invasion and metastasis during remodelling and degradation of the extracellular matrix and how chemotaxis and lateral inhibition mediate follower cell behaviour were analysed. It was also demonstrated that follower cells exhibit genetic and metabolic heterogeneity during invasion, unlike leader cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Chen Wang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Ya-Ling Tang
- Departments of Oral Pathology, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| | - Xin-Hua Liang
- Departments of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan 610041, P.R. China
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Slepak TI, Guyot M, Walters W, Eichberg DG, Ivan ME. Dual role of the adhesion G-protein coupled receptor ADRGE5/CD97 in glioblastoma invasion and proliferation. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105105. [PMID: 37517698 PMCID: PMC10481366 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105105] [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: 12/28/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 08/01/2023] Open
Abstract
CD97, an adhesion G-protein coupled receptor highly expressed in glioblastoma (GBM), consists of two noncovalently bound domains: the N-terminal fragment (NTF) and C-terminal fragment. The C-terminal fragment contains a GPCR domain that couples to Gα12/13, while the NTF interacts with extracellular matrix components and other receptors. We investigated the effects of changing CD97 levels and its function on primary patient-derived GBM stem cells (pdGSCs) in vitro and in vivo. We created two functional mutants: a constitutively active ΔNTF and the noncleavable dominant-negative H436A mutant. The CD97 knockdown in pdGSCs decreased, while overexpression of CD97 increased tumor size. Unlike other constructs, the ΔNTF mutant promoted tumor cell proliferation, but the tumors were comparable in size to those with CD97 overexpression. As expected, the GBM tumors overexpressing CD97 were very invasive, but surprisingly, the knockdown did not inhibit invasiveness and even induced it in noninvasive U87 tumors. Importantly, our results indicate that NTF was present in the tumor core cells but absent in the pdGSCs invading the brain. Furthermore, the expression of noncleavable H436A mutant led to large tumors that invade by sending massive protrusions, but the invasion of individual tumor cells was substantially reduced. These data suggest that NTF association with CD97 GPCR domain inhibits individual cell dissemination but not overall tumor invasion. However, NTF dissociation facilitates pdGSCs brain infiltration and may promote tumor proliferation. Thus, the interplay between two functional domains regulates CD97 activity resulting in either enhanced cell adhesion or stimulation of tumor cell invasion and proliferation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tatiana I Slepak
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Hospital, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Manuela Guyot
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Hospital, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Winston Walters
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Hospital, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Daniel G Eichberg
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Hospital, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA
| | - Michael E Ivan
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Miami Hospital, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA; Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Coral Gables, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Sauer F, Grosser S, Shahryari M, Hayn A, Guo J, Braun J, Briest S, Wolf B, Aktas B, Horn L, Sack I, Käs JA. Changes in Tissue Fluidity Predict Tumor Aggressiveness In Vivo. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2303523. [PMID: 37553780 PMCID: PMC10502644 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202303523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer progression is caused by genetic changes and associated with various alterations in cell properties, which also affect a tumor's mechanical state. While an increased stiffness has been well known for long for solid tumors, it has limited prognostic power. It is hypothesized that cancer progression is accompanied by tissue fluidization, where portions of the tissue can change position across different length scales. Supported by tabletop magnetic resonance elastography (MRE) on stroma mimicking collagen gels and microscopic analysis of live cells inside patient derived tumor explants, an overview is provided of how cancer associated mechanisms, including cellular unjamming, proliferation, microenvironment composition, and remodeling can alter a tissue's fluidity and stiffness. In vivo, state-of-the-art multifrequency MRE can distinguish tumors from their surrounding host tissue by their rheological fingerprints. Most importantly, a meta-analysis on the currently available clinical studies is conducted and universal trends are identified. The results and conclusions are condensed into a gedankenexperiment about how a tumor can grow and eventually metastasize into its environment from a physics perspective to deduce corresponding mechanical properties. Based on stiffness, fluidity, spatial heterogeneity, and texture of the tumor front a roadmap for a prognosis of a tumor's aggressiveness and metastatic potential is presented.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Frank Sauer
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Steffen Grosser
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
- Institute for Bioengineering of CataloniaThe Barcelona Institute for Science and Technology (BIST)Barcelona08028Spain
| | - Mehrgan Shahryari
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Alexander Hayn
- Department of HepatologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Jing Guo
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Jürgen Braun
- Institute of Medical InformaticsCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Susanne Briest
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Benjamin Wolf
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Bahriye Aktas
- Department of GynecologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Lars‐Christian Horn
- Division of Breast, Urogenital and Perinatal PathologyLeipzig University Hospital04103LeipzigGermany
| | - Ingolf Sack
- Department of RadiologyCharité‐Universitätsmedizin10117BerlinGermany
| | - Josef A. Käs
- Soft Matter Physics DivisionPeter‐Debye‐Institute for Soft Matter Physics04103LeipzigGermany
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Hapeman JD, Carneiro CS, Nedelcu AM. A model for the dissemination of circulating tumour cell clusters involving platelet recruitment and a plastic switch between cooperative and individual behaviours. BMC Ecol Evol 2023; 23:39. [PMID: 37605189 PMCID: PMC10440896 DOI: 10.1186/s12862-023-02147-5] [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: 12/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In spite of extensive research, cancer remains a major health problem worldwide. As cancer progresses, cells acquire traits that allow them to disperse and disseminate to distant locations in the body - a process known as metastasis. While in the vasculature, these cells are referred to as circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and can manifest either as single cells or clusters of cells (i.e., CTC clusters), with the latter being the most aggressive. The increased metastatic potential of CTC clusters is generally associated with cooperative group benefits in terms of survival, including increased resistance to shear stress, anoikis, immune attacks and drugs. However, the adoption of a group phenotype poses a challenge when exiting the vasculature (extravasation) as the large size can hinder the passage through vessel walls. Despite their significant role in the metastatic process, the mechanisms through which CTC clusters extravasate remain largely unknown. Based on the observed in vivo association between CTC clusters and platelets, we hypothesized that cancer cells take advantage of the platelet-derived Transforming Growth Factor Beta 1 (TGF-β1) - a signalling factor that has been widely implicated in many aspects of cancer, to facilitate their own dissemination. To address this possibility, we evaluated the effect of exogenous TGF-β1 on an experimentally evolved non-small cell lung cancer cell line that we previously developed and used to investigate the biology of CTC clusters. RESULTS We found that exogenous TGF-β1 induced the dissociation of clusters in suspension into adherent single cells. Once adhered, cells released their own TGF-β1 and were able to individually migrate and invade in the absence of exogenous TGF-β1. Based on these findings we developed a model that involves a TGF-β1-mediated plastic switch between a cooperative phenotype and a single-celled stage that enables the extravasation of CTC clusters. CONCLUSIONS This model allows for the possibility that therapies can be developed against TGF-β1 signalling components and/or TGF-β1 target genes to suppress the metastatic potential of CTC clusters. Considering the negative impact that metastasis has on cancer prognosis and the lack of therapies against this process, interfering with the ability of CTC clusters to switch between cooperative and individual behaviours could provide new strategies to improve patient survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jorian D Hapeman
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Caroline S Carneiro
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada
| | - Aurora M Nedelcu
- Department of Biology, University of New Brunswick, Fredericton, NB, E3B 5A3, Canada.
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Ding P, Chen P, Ouyang J, Li Q, Li S. Clinicopathological and prognostic value of epithelial cell adhesion molecule in solid tumours: a meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1242231. [PMID: 37664060 PMCID: PMC10468606 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1242231] [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: 06/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Malignant tumors, mainly solid tumors, are a significant obstacle to the improvement of life expectancy at present. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM), a cancer stem cell biomarker, showed widespread expression in most normal epithelial cells and most cancers. Although the clinical significance of EpCAM in various malignant solid tumors has been studied extensively, the latent relationships between EpCAM and pathological and clinical characteristics in solid tumors and differences in the roles of EpCAM among tumors have not been clearly determined. The destination point of this study was to analyze the value of EpCAM in solid tumors in clinicopathological and prognostic dimension using a meta-analysis approach. Method and materials A comprehensive and systematic search of the researches published up to March 7th, 2022, in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane library and PMC databases was performed. The relationships between EpCAM overexpression, clinicopathological characteristics, and survival outcomes were analyzed. Pooled hazard ratios (HRs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and odds ratios (ORs) were estimated as indicators of the degree of correlation. This research was registered on PROSPERO (International prospective register of systematic reviews), ID: CRD42022315070. Results In total, 57 articles and 14184 cases were included in this study. High EpCAM expression had a significant coherence with a poorer overall survival (OS) (HR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.08-1.58, P < 0.01) and a worse disease-free survival (DFS) (HR: 1.58, 95% CI: 1.28-1.95, P < 0.01), especially of gastrointestinal tumors' OS (HR: 1.50, 95% CI: 1.15-1.95, P < 0.01), and DFS (HR: 1.84, 95% CI: 1.52-2.33, P < 0.01). The DFS of head and neck tumors (HR: 2.33, 95% CI: 1.51-3.61, P < 0.01) was also associated with the overexpression of EpCAM. There were no positive relationships between the overexpression of EpCAM and sex (RR: 1.03, 95% CI: 0.99-1.07, P = 0.141), T classification (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.82-1.06, P = 0.293), lymph node metastasis (RR: 0.85, 95% CI: 0.54-1.32, P = 0.461), distant metastasis (RR: 0.97, 95% CI: 0.84-1.10, P = 0.606), vascular infiltration (RR: 1.05, 95% CI: 0.85-1.29, P = 0.611), and TNM stage (RR: 0.93, 95% CI: 0.83-1.04, P = 0.187). However, the overexpression of EpCAM exhibited a significant association with the histological grades (RR: 0.88, 95% CI: 0.80-0.97, P < 0.01). Conclusion Based on pooled HRs, the positive expression of EpCAM was totally correlated to a worse OS and DFS in solid tumors. The expression of EpCAM was related to a worse OS in gastrointestinal tumors and a worse DFS in gastrointestinal tumors and head and neck tumors. Moreover, EpCAM expression was correlated with the histological grade. The results presented pointed out that EpCAM could serve as a prognostic biomarker for gastrointestinal and head and neck tumors. Systematic review registration https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero, identifier CRD42022315070.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Peiwen Ding
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Panyu Chen
- Operating Room, Sichuan University West China Hospital School of Nursing, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiqi Ouyang
- Department of Gastroenterology, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences Guang’anmen Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shijie Li
- Department of Oncology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Clinical School, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Pflug KM, Lee DW, McFadden K, Herrera L, Sitcheran R. Transcriptional induction of NF-κB-inducing kinase by E2F4/5 facilitates collective invasion of GBM cells. Sci Rep 2023; 13:13093. [PMID: 37567906 PMCID: PMC10421885 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-38996-9] [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: 02/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The prognosis of high-grade gliomas, such as glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), is extremely poor due to the highly invasive nature of these aggressive cancers. Previous work has demonstrated that TNF-weak like factor (TWEAK) induction of the noncanonical NF-κB pathway promotes the invasiveness of GBM cells in an NF-κB-inducing kinase (NIK)-dependent manner. While NIK activity is predominantly regulated at the posttranslational level, we show here that NIK (MAP3K14) is upregulated at the transcriptional level in invading cell populations, with the highest NIK expression observed in the most invasive cells. GBM cells with high induction of NIK gene expression demonstrate characteristics of collective invasion, facilitating invasion of neighboring cells. Furthermore, we demonstrate that the E2F transcription factors E2F4 and E2F5 directly regulate NIK transcription and are required to promote GBM cell invasion in response to TWEAK. Overall, our findings demonstrate that transcriptional induction of NIK facilitates collective cell migration and invasion, thereby promoting GBM pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kathryn M Pflug
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
| | - Dong W Lee
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
| | - Kassandra McFadden
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- 59Th Medical Wing, San Antonio Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX, 78236, USA
| | - Linda Herrera
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA
- Massachusetts General Hospital, 55 Fruit St., Boston, MA, 2114, USA
| | - Raquel Sitcheran
- Department of Cell Biology and Genetics, School of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Bryan, TX, 77807, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Lee YL, Mathur J, Walter C, Zmuda H, Pathak A. Matrix obstructions cause multiscale disruption in collective epithelial migration by suppressing leader cell function. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar94. [PMID: 37379202 PMCID: PMC10398892 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-06-0226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/21/2023] [Indexed: 06/30/2023] Open
Abstract
During disease and development, physical changes in extracellular matrix cause jamming, unjamming, and scattering in epithelial migration. However, whether disruptions in matrix topology alter collective cell migration speed and cell-cell coordination remains unclear. We microfabricated substrates with stumps of defined geometry, density, and orientation, which create obstructions for migrating epithelial cells. Here, we show that cells lose their speed and directionality when moving through densely spaced obstructions. Although leader cells are stiffer than follower cells on flat substrates, dense obstructions cause overall cell softening. Through a lattice-based model, we identify cellular protrusions, cell-cell adhesions, and leader-follower communication as key mechanisms for obstruction-sensitive collective cell migration. Our modeling predictions and experimental validations show that cells' obstruction sensitivity requires an optimal balance of cell-cell adhesions and protrusions. Both MDCK (more cohesive) and α-catenin-depleted MCF10A cells were less obstruction sensitive than wild-type MCF10A cells. Together, microscale softening, mesoscale disorder, and macroscale multicellular communication enable epithelial cell populations to sense topological obstructions encountered in challenging environments. Thus, obstruction-sensitivity could define "mechanotype" of cells that collectively migrate yet maintain intercellular communication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ye Lim Lee
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Jairaj Mathur
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Christopher Walter
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Hannah Zmuda
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| | - Amit Pathak
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
- Department of Mechanical Engineering & Materials Science, Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 63130
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Moon SY, de Campos PS, Matte BF, Placone JK, Zanella VG, Martins MD, Lamers ML, Engler AJ. Cell contractility drives mechanical memory of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Mol Biol Cell 2023; 34:ar89. [PMID: 37342880 PMCID: PMC10398896 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e22-07-0266] [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: 07/11/2022] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Matrix stiffening is ubiquitous in solid tumors and can direct epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell migration. Stiffened niche can even cause poorly invasive oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines to acquire a less adherent, more migratory phenotype, but mechanisms and durability of this acquired "mechanical memory" are unclear. Here, we observed that contractility and its downstream signals could underlie memory acquisition; invasive SSC25 cells overexpress myosin II (vs. noninvasive Cal27 cells) consistent with OSCC. However, prolonged exposure of Cal27 cells to a stiff niche or contractile agonists up-regulated myosin and EMT markers and enabled them to migrate as fast as SCC25 cells, which persisted even when the niche softened and indicated "memory" of their prior niche. Stiffness-mediated mesenchymal phenotype acquisition required AKT signaling and was also observed in patient samples, whereas phenotype recall on soft substrates required focal adhesion kinase (FAK) activity. Phenotype durability was further observed in transcriptomic differences between preconditioned Cal27 cells cultured without or with FAK or AKT antagonists, and such transcriptional differences corresponded to discrepant patient outcomes. These data suggest that mechanical memory, mediated by contractility via distinct kinase signaling, may be necessary for OSCC to disseminate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- So Youn Moon
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| | | | | | - Jesse K. Placone
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Department of Physics and Engineering, West Chester University of Pennsylvania, West Chester, PA 19383
| | - Virgı´lio G. Zanella
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Santa Rita Hospital, Santa Casa de Misericórdia de Porto, Alegre
| | | | - Marcelo Lazzaron Lamers
- Department of Oral Pathology, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul
- Deparment of Morphological Sciences, Institute of Basic Health Sciences, Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS 90035, Brazil
| | - Adam J. Engler
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093
- Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA 92037
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Wu T, Xiong S, Chen M, Tam BT, Chen W, Dong K, Ma Z, Wang Z, Ouyang G. Matrix stiffening facilitates the collective invasion of breast cancer through the periostin-integrin mechanotransduction pathway. Matrix Biol 2023; 121:22-40. [PMID: 37230256 DOI: 10.1016/j.matbio.2023.05.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Matrix rigidity is a critical contributor to tumor progression; however, whether and how matrix stiffness modulates the collective invasion of tumor cells remain unknown. Here we demonstrate that increased matrix stiffness activates YAP to promote the secretion of periostin (POSTN) in cancer-associated fibroblasts, which in turn augments the matrix rigidity of mammary glands and breast tumor tissues by facilitating collagen crosslinking. Moreover, decreased tissue stiffening resulted from the POSTN deficiency impairs peritoneal metastatic potential of orthotopic breast tumors. Increased matrix stiffness also promotes three-dimensional (3D) collective breast tumor cell invasion via multicellular cytoskeleton remodeling. POSTN triggers the integrin/FAK/ERK/Cdc42/Rac1 mechanotransduction pathway during 3D collective invasion of breast tumor. Clinically, high POSTN expression correlates with high collagen levels in breast tumors and cooperatively determines the metastatic recurrence potential in breast cancer patients. Collectively, these findings indicate that matrix rigidity promotes 3D collective invasion of breast tumor cells via the YAP-POSTN-integrin mechanotransduction signaling.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiantian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| | - Shanshan Xiong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mimi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Bjorn T Tam
- Department of Sport, Physical Education and Health, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong, China; Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, NC, USA
| | - Wei Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Ke Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhenling Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China; Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology Regulatory Element, Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing 100021, China; National Key Laboratory of Immunity and Inflammation, Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215123, China.
| | - Gaoliang Ouyang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen 361102, China.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Dreyer CA, VanderVorst K, Natwick D, Bell G, Sood P, Hernandez M, Angelastro JM, Collins SR, Carraway KL. A complex of Wnt/planar cell polarity signaling components Vangl1 and Fzd7 drives glioblastoma multiforme malignant properties. Cancer Lett 2023; 567:216280. [PMID: 37336284 PMCID: PMC10582999 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216280] [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: 03/15/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2023]
Abstract
Targeting common oncogenic drivers of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) in patients has remained largely ineffective, raising the possibility that alternative pathways may contribute to tumor aggressiveness. Here we demonstrate that Vangl1 and Fzd7, components of the non-canonical Wnt planar cell polarity (Wnt/PCP) signaling pathway, promote GBM malignancy by driving cellular proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, and engage Rho GTPases to promote cytoskeletal rearrangements and actin dynamics in migrating GBM cells. Mechanistically, we uncover the existence of a novel Vangl1/Fzd7 complex at the leading edge of migrating GBM cells and propose that this complex is critical for the recruitment of downstream effectors to promote tumor progression. Moreover, we observe that depletion of FZD7 results in a striking suppression of tumor growth and latency and extends overall survival in an intracranial mouse xenograft model. Our observations support a novel mechanism by which Wnt/PCP components Vangl1 and Fzd7 form a complex at the leading edge of migratory GBM cells to engage downstream effectors that promote actin cytoskeletal rearrangements dynamics. Our findings suggest that interference with Wnt/PCP pathway function may offer a novel therapeutic strategy for patients diagnosed with GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Courtney A Dreyer
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Kacey VanderVorst
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Dean Natwick
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - George Bell
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Prachi Sood
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Maria Hernandez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - James M Angelastro
- Department of Molecular Biosciences, University of California Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Sean R Collins
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of California Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Kermit L Carraway
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine and University of California Davis Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Davis School of Medicine, Sacramento, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Lichtenberg JY, Tran S, Hwang PY. Mechanical factors driving cancer progression. Adv Cancer Res 2023; 160:61-81. [PMID: 37704291 DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2023.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
A fundamental step of tumor metastasis is tumor cell migration away from the primary tumor site. One mode of migration that is essential but still understudied is collective invasion, the process by which clusters of cells move in a coordinated fashion. In recent years, there has been growing interest to understand factors regulating collective invasion, with increasing number of studies investigating the biomechanical regulation of collective invasion. In this review we discuss the dynamic relationship between tumor microenvironment cues and cell response by first covering mechanical factors in the microenvironment and second, discussing the mechanosensing pathways utilized by cells in collective clusters to dynamically respond to mechanical matrix cues. Finally, we discuss model systems that have been developed which have increased our understanding of the mechanical factors contributing to tumor progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jessanne Y Lichtenberg
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Sydnie Tran
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States
| | - Priscilla Y Hwang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, United States.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Zhu N, Ahmed M, Li Y, Liao JC, Wong PK. Long noncoding RNA MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2305410120. [PMID: 37364126 PMCID: PMC10319025 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2305410120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/13/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells collectively invade using a leader-follower organization, but the regulation of leader cells during this dynamic process is poorly understood. Using a dual double-stranded locked nucleic acid (LNA) nanobiosensor that tracks long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) dynamics in live single cells, we monitored the spatiotemporal distribution of lncRNA during collective cancer invasion. We show that the lncRNA MALAT1 (metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1) is dynamically regulated in the invading fronts of cancer cells and patient-derived spheroids. MALAT1 transcripts exhibit distinct abundance, diffusivity, and distribution between leader and follower cells. MALAT1 expression increases when a cancer cell becomes a leader and decreases when the collective migration process stops. Transient knockdown of MALAT1 prevents the formation of leader cells and abolishes the invasion of cancer cells. Taken together, our single-cell analysis suggests that MALAT1 is dynamically regulated in leader cells during collective cancer invasion.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ninghao Zhu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Mona Ahmed
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Yanlin Li
- Department of Electrical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
| | - Joseph C. Liao
- Department of Urology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA94305
| | - Pak Kin Wong
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA16802
- Department of Surgery, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA17033
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Liu X, Jones WD, Quesnel-Vallières M, Devadiga SA, Lorent K, Valvezan AJ, Myers RL, Li N, Lengner CJ, Barash Y, Pack M, Klein PS. The Tumor Suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (apc) Is Required for Neural Crest-Dependent Craniofacial Development in Zebrafish. J Dev Biol 2023; 11:29. [PMID: 37489330 PMCID: PMC10366761 DOI: 10.3390/jdb11030029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2022] [Revised: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Neural crest (NC) is a unique vertebrate cell type arising from the border of the neural plate and epidermis that gives rise to diverse tissues along the entire body axis. Roberto Mayor and colleagues have made major contributions to our understanding of NC induction, delamination, and migration. We report that a truncating mutation of the classical tumor suppressor Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (apc) disrupts craniofacial development in zebrafish larvae, with a marked reduction in the cranial neural crest (CNC) cells that contribute to mandibular and hyoid pharyngeal arches. While the mechanism is not yet clear, the altered expression of signaling molecules that guide CNC migration could underlie this phenotype. For example, apcmcr/mcr larvae express substantially higher levels of complement c3, which Mayor and colleagues showed impairs CNC cell migration when overexpressed. However, we also observe reduction in stroma-derived factor 1 (sdf1/cxcl12), which is required for CNC migration into the head. Consistent with our previous work showing that APC directly enhances the activity of glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3) and, independently, that GSK-3 phosphorylates multiple core mRNA splicing factors, we identify 340 mRNA splicing variations in apc mutant zebrafish, including a splice variant that deletes a conserved domain in semaphorin 3f (sema3f), an axonal guidance molecule and a known regulator of CNC migration. Here, we discuss potential roles for apc in CNC development in the context of some of the seminal findings of Mayor and colleagues.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiaolei Liu
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - William D. Jones
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Mathieu Quesnel-Vallières
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Sudhish A. Devadiga
- Faculty of Arts and Sciences, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Kristin Lorent
- Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Alexander J. Valvezan
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Rebecca L. Myers
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Christopher J. Lengner
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Yoseph Barash
- Department of Genetics, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Michael Pack
- Department of Medicine (Gastroenterology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - Peter S. Klein
- Department of Medicine (Hematology-Oncology), Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Cell and Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Department of Cell and Developmental Biology, Perelman School of Medicine, Institute for Regenerative Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Jain HP, Voigt A, Angheluta L. Robust statistical properties of T1 transitions in a multi-phase field model of cell monolayers. Sci Rep 2023; 13:10096. [PMID: 37344548 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-37064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/27/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Large-scale tissue deformation which is fundamental to tissue development hinges on local cellular rearrangements, such as T1 transitions. In the realm of the multi-phase field model, we analyse the statistical and dynamical properties of T1 transitions in a confluent monolayer. We identify an energy profile that is robust to changes in several model parameters. It is characterized by an asymmetric profile with a fast increase in energy before the T1 transition and a sudden drop after the T1 transition, followed by a slow relaxation. The latter being a signature of the fluidity of the cell monolayer. We show that T1 transitions are sources of localised large deformation of the cells undergoing the neighbour exchange, and they induce other T1 transitions in the nearby cells leading to a chaining of events that propagate local cell deformation to large scale tissue flows.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Harish P Jain
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, 0371, Oslo, Norway.
| | - Axel Voigt
- Institute of Scientific Computing, Technische Universität Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
- Center of Systems Biology Dresden, Pfotenhauerstr. 108, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Cluster of Excellence - Physics of Life, TU Dresden, 01062, Dresden, Germany
| | - Luiza Angheluta
- Njord Centre, Department of Physics, University of Oslo, 0371, Oslo, Norway
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Akhmetkaliyev A, Alibrahim N, Shafiee D, Tulchinsky E. EMT/MET plasticity in cancer and Go-or-Grow decisions in quiescence: the two sides of the same coin? Mol Cancer 2023; 22:90. [PMID: 37259089 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01793-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) and mesenchymal epithelial transition (MET) are genetic determinants of cellular plasticity. These programs operate in physiological (embryonic development, wound healing) and pathological (organ fibrosis, cancer) conditions. In cancer, EMT and MET interfere with various signalling pathways at different levels. This results in gross alterations in the gene expression programs, which affect most, if not all hallmarks of cancer, such as response to proliferative and death-inducing signals, tumorigenicity, and cell stemness. EMT in cancer cells involves large scale reorganisation of the cytoskeleton, loss of epithelial integrity, and gain of mesenchymal traits, such as mesenchymal type of cell migration. In this regard, EMT/MET plasticity is highly relevant to the Go-or-Grow concept, which postulates the dichotomous relationship between cell motility and proliferation. The Go-or-Grow decisions are critically important in the processes in which EMT/MET plasticity takes the central stage, mobilisation of stem cells during wound healing, cancer relapse, and metastasis. Here we outline the maintenance of quiescence in stem cell and metastatic niches, focusing on the implication of EMT/MET regulatory networks in Go-or-Grow switches. In particular, we discuss the analogy between cells residing in hybrid quasi-mesenchymal states and GAlert, an intermediate phase allowing quiescent stem cells to enter the cell cycle rapidly.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Azamat Akhmetkaliyev
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | | | - Darya Shafiee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan
| | - Eugene Tulchinsky
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Nazarbayev University School of Medicine, Astana, 020000, Kazakhstan.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Chen F, Li X, Yu Y, Li Q, Lin H, Xu L, Shum HC. Phase-separation facilitated one-step fabrication of multiscale heterogeneous two-aqueous-phase gel. Nat Commun 2023; 14:2793. [PMID: 37193701 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-38394-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/30/2023] [Indexed: 05/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Engineering heterogeneous hydrogels with distinct phases at various lengths, which resemble biological tissues with high complexity, remains challenging by existing fabricating techniques that require complicated procedures and are often only applicable at bulk scales. Here, inspired by ubiquitous phase separation phenomena in biology, we present a one-step fabrication method based on aqueous phase separation to construct two-aqueous-phase gels that comprise multiple phases with distinct physicochemical properties. The gels fabricated by this approach exhibit enhanced interfacial mechanics compared with their counterparts obtained from conventional layer-by-layer methods. Moreover, two-aqueous-phase gels with programmable structures and tunable physicochemical properties can be conveniently constructed by adjusting the polymer constituents, gelation conditions, and combining different fabrication techniques, such as 3D-printing. The versatility of our approach is demonstrated by mimicking the key features of several biological architectures at different lengths: macroscale muscle-tendon connections; mesoscale cell patterning; microscale molecular compartmentalization. The present work advances the fabrication approach for designing heterogeneous multifunctional materials for various technological and biomedical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feipeng Chen
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Xiufeng Li
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Yafeng Yu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Qingchuan Li
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Haisong Lin
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Lizhi Xu
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China
| | - Ho Cheung Shum
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, The University of Hong Kong, Pokfulam Road, Hong Kong (SAR), China.
- Advanced Biomedical Instrumentation Centre, Hong Kong Science Park, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong (SAR), China.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Sicairos B, Alam S, Du Y. A comprehensive analysis of different types of databases reveals that CDH1 mRNA and E-cadherin protein are not downregulated in most carcinoma tissues and carcinoma cell lines. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:441. [PMID: 37189027 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-10916-0] [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: 07/14/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The CDH1 gene codes for the epithelial-cadherin (E-cad) protein, which is embedded in the plasma membrane of epithelial cells to form adherens junctions. E-cad is known to be essential for maintaining the integrity of epithelial tissues, and the loss of E-cad has been widely considered a hallmark of metastatic cancers enabling carcinoma cells to acquire the ability to migrate and invade nearby tissues. However, this conclusion has come under scrutiny. METHODS To assess how CDH1 and E-cad expression changes during cancer progression, we analyzed multiple large transcriptomics, proteomics, and immunohistochemistry datasets on clinical cancer samples and cancer cell lines to determine the CDH1 mRNA and E-cad protein expression profiles in tumor and normal cells. RESULTS In contrast to the textbook knowledge of the loss of E-cad during tumor progression and metastasis, the levels of CDH1 mRNA and E-cad protein are either upregulated or remain unchanged in most carcinoma cells compared to normal cells. In addition, the CDH1 mRNA upregulation occurs in the early stages of tumor development and the levels remain elevated as tumors progress to later stages across most carcinoma types. Furthermore, E-cad protein levels are not downregulated in most metastatic tumor cells compared to primary tumor cells. The CDH1 mRNA and E-cad protein levels are positively correlated, and the CDH1 mRNA levels are positively correlated to cancer patient's survival. We have discussed potential mechanisms underlying the observed expression changes in CDH1 and E-cad during tumor progression. CONCLUSIONS CDH1 mRNA and E-cadherin protein are not downregulated in most tumor tissues and cell lines derived from commonly occurring carcinomas. The role of E-cad in tumor progression and metastasis may have previously been oversimplified. CDH1 mRNA levels may serve as a reliable biomarker for the diagnosis of some tumors (such as colon and endometrial carcinomas) due to the marked upregulation of CDH1 mRNA in the early stages of tumor development of these carcinomas.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Brihget Sicairos
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA
| | - Shorna Alam
- Bentonville West High School, Centerton, AR, 72719, USA
- Present address: Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
| | - Yuchun Du
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of Arkansas, Fayetteville, AR, 72701, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Lin WH, Cooper LM, Anastasiadis PZ. Cadherins and catenins in cancer: connecting cancer pathways and tumor microenvironment. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1137013. [PMID: 37255594 PMCID: PMC10225604 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1137013] [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: 01/03/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadherin-catenin complexes are integral components of the adherens junctions crucial for cell-cell adhesion and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of these complexes is linked to cancer development via alteration of cell-autonomous oncogenic signaling pathways and extrinsic tumor microenvironment. Advances in multiomics have uncovered key signaling events in multiple cancer types, creating a need for a better understanding of the crosstalk between cadherin-catenin complexes and oncogenic pathways. In this review, we focus on the biological functions of classical cadherins and associated catenins, describe how their dysregulation influences major cancer pathways, and discuss feedback regulation mechanisms between cadherin complexes and cellular signaling. We discuss evidence of cross regulation in the following contexts: Hippo-Yap/Taz and receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, key pathways involved in cell proliferation and growth; Wnt, Notch, and hedgehog signaling, key developmental pathways involved in human cancer; as well as TGFβ and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition program, an important process for cancer cell plasticity. Moreover, we briefly explore the role of cadherins and catenins in mechanotransduction and the immune tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
|
47
|
Jeong YJ, Knutsdottir H, Shojaeian F, Lerner MG, Wissler MF, Henriet E, Ng T, Datta S, Navarro-Serer B, Chianchiano P, Kinny-Köster B, Zimmerman JW, Stein-O’Brien G, Gaida MM, Eshleman JR, Lin MT, Fertig EJ, Ewald AJ, Bader JS, Wood LD. Morphology-guided transcriptomic analysis of human pancreatic cancer organoids reveals microenvironmental signals that enhance invasion. J Clin Invest 2023; 133:e162054. [PMID: 36881486 PMCID: PMC10104894 DOI: 10.1172/jci162054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) frequently presents with metastasis, but the molecular programs in human PDAC cells that drive invasion are not well understood. Using an experimental pipeline enabling PDAC organoid isolation and collection based on invasive phenotype, we assessed the transcriptomic programs associated with invasion in our organoid model. We identified differentially expressed genes in invasive organoids compared with matched noninvasive organoids from the same patients, and we confirmed that the encoded proteins were enhanced in organoid invasive protrusions. We identified 3 distinct transcriptomic groups in invasive organoids, 2 of which correlated directly with the morphological invasion patterns and were characterized by distinct upregulated pathways. Leveraging publicly available single-cell RNA-sequencing data, we mapped our transcriptomic groups onto human PDAC tissue samples, highlighting differences in the tumor microenvironment between transcriptomic groups and suggesting that non-neoplastic cells in the tumor microenvironment can modulate tumor cell invasion. To further address this possibility, we performed computational ligand-receptor analysis and validated the impact of multiple ligands (TGF-β1, IL-6, CXCL12, MMP9) on invasion and gene expression in an independent cohort of fresh human PDAC organoids. Our results identify molecular programs driving morphologically defined invasion patterns and highlight the tumor microenvironment as a potential modulator of these programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yea Ji Jeong
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Hildur Knutsdottir
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Fatemeh Shojaeian
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Michael G. Lerner
- Department of Physics and Astronomy, Earlham College, Richmond, Indiana, USA
| | - Maria F. Wissler
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Tammy Ng
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Shalini Datta
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Bernat Navarro-Serer
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Peter Chianchiano
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | | | - Jacquelyn W. Zimmerman
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Genevieve Stein-O’Brien
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Matthias M. Gaida
- Department of Pathology, University of Mainz, Mainz, Germany
- TRON, Translational Oncology at the University Medical Center, Mainz, Germany
- Research Center for Immunotherapy, University Medical Center Mainz, Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz, Mainz, Germany
| | - James R. Eshleman
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Ming-Tseh Lin
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
- Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Cell Biology
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Joel S. Bader
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University Whiting School of Engineering, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| | - Laura D. Wood
- Department of Pathology, Sol Goldman Pancreatic Cancer Research Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland, USA
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, and
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Yang Z, Zhou Z, Si T, Zhou Z, Zhou L, Chin YR, Zhang L, Guan X, Yang M. High Throughput Confined Migration Microfluidic Device for Drug Screening. SMALL (WEINHEIM AN DER BERGSTRASSE, GERMANY) 2023; 19:e2207194. [PMID: 36634971 DOI: 10.1002/smll.202207194] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis is the major cause of cancer-related death. Excessive extracellular matrix deposition and increased stiffness are typical features of solid tumors, creating confined spaces for tumor cell migration and metastasis. Confined migration is involved in all metastasis steps. However, confined and unconfined migration inhibitors are different and drugs available to inhibit confined migration are rare. The main challenges are the modeling of confined migration, the suffering of low throughput, and others. Microfluidic device has the advantage to reduce reagent consumption and enhance throughput. Here, a microfluidic chip that can achieve multi-function drug screening against the collective migration of cancer cells under confined environment is designed. This device is applied to screen out effective drugs on confined migration among a novel mechanoreceptors compound library (166 compounds) in hepatocellular carcinoma, non-small lung cancer, breast cancer, and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells. Three compounds that can significantly inhibit confined migration in pan-cancer: mitochonic acid 5 (MA-5), SB-705498, and diphenyleneiodonium chloride are found. Finally, it is elucidated that these drugs targeted mitochondria, actin polymerization, and cell viability, respectively. In sum, a high-throughput microfluidic platform for screening drugs targeting confined migration is established and three novel inhibitors of confined migration in multiple cancer types are identified.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zihan Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Zhihang Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, P. R. China
| | - Tongxu Si
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Zhengdong Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, P. R. China
| | - Li Zhou
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Gastroenterology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400010, P. R. China
| | - Y Rebecca Chin
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Xinyuan Guan
- Department of Clinical Oncology, the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
| | - Mengsu Yang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, and Tung Biomedical Sciences Centre City University of Hong Kong, 83 Tat Chee Avenue, Kowloon, Hong Kong SAR, 999077, P. R. China
- Department of Precision Diagnostic and Therapeutic Technology, City University of Hong Kong Futian Research Institute, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518000, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Herold J, Behle E, Rosenbauer J, Ferruzzi J, Schug A. Development of a scoring function for comparing simulated and experimental tumor spheroids. PLoS Comput Biol 2023; 19:e1010471. [PMID: 36996248 PMCID: PMC10089329 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pcbi.1010471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2023] [Indexed: 04/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Progress continues in the field of cancer biology, yet much remains to be unveiled regarding the mechanisms of cancer invasion. In particular, complex biophysical mechanisms enable a tumor to remodel the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM), allowing cells to invade alone or collectively. Tumor spheroids cultured in collagen represent a simplified, reproducible 3D model system, which is sufficiently complex to recapitulate the evolving organization of cells and interaction with the ECM that occur during invasion. Recent experimental approaches enable high resolution imaging and quantification of the internal structure of invading tumor spheroids. Concurrently, computational modeling enables simulations of complex multicellular aggregates based on first principles. The comparison between real and simulated spheroids represents a way to fully exploit both data sources, but remains a challenge. We hypothesize that comparing any two spheroids requires first the extraction of basic features from the raw data, and second the definition of key metrics to match such features. Here, we present a novel method to compare spatial features of spheroids in 3D. To do so, we define and extract features from spheroid point cloud data, which we simulated using Cells in Silico (CiS), a high-performance framework for large-scale tissue modeling previously developed by us. We then define metrics to compare features between individual spheroids, and combine all metrics into an overall deviation score. Finally, we use our features to compare experimental data on invading spheroids in increasing collagen densities. We propose that our approach represents the basis for defining improved metrics to compare large 3D data sets. Moving forward, this approach will enable the detailed analysis of spheroids of any origin, one application of which is informing in silico spheroids based on their in vitro counterparts. This will enable both basic and applied researchers to close the loop between modeling and experiments in cancer research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julian Herold
- HIDSS4Health - Helmholtz Information and Data Science School for Health, Karlsruhe/Heidelberg, Germany
- Steinbuch Centre for Computing, Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Karlsruhe, Germany
| | - Eric Behle
- NIC Research Group Computational Structural Biology, Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jakob Rosenbauer
- NIC Research Group Computational Structural Biology, Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| | - Jacopo Ferruzzi
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, Texas, United States of America
| | - Alexander Schug
- NIC Research Group Computational Structural Biology, Jülich Research Center, Jülich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Cotarelo CL, Schad A, Schmidt M, Hönig A, Sleeman JP, Thaler S. Detection of Cellular Senescence Reveals the Existence of Senescent Tumor Cells within Invasive Breast Carcinomas and Related Metastases. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061860. [PMID: 36980745 PMCID: PMC10047432 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061860] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Oncogene-induced senescence is thought to constitute a barrier to carcinogenesis by arresting cells at risk of malignant transformation. However, numerous findings suggest that senescent cells may conversely promote tumor growth and metastatic progression, for example, through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) they produce. Here, we investigated the degree to which senescent tumor cells exist within untreated human primary breast carcinomas and whether the presence of senescent cancer cells in primary tumors is recapitulated in their matched lymph node metastases. For the detection of senescence, we used SA-β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) staining and other senescence markers such as Ki67, p21, p53, and p16. In patients with invasive luminal A and B breast carcinomas, we found broad similarities in the appearance of cancer cells between primary tumors and their corresponding metastases. Analysis of lymph nodes from patients with other breast cancer subtypes also revealed senescent tumor cells within metastatic lesions. Collectively, our findings show that senescent tumor cells exist within primary breast carcinomas and metastatic lesions. These results suggest a potential role for senescent breast tumor cells during metastatic progression and raise the question as to whether the targeting of senescent tumor cells with anti-senescent drugs might represent a novel avenue for improved treatment of breast and other cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina L Cotarelo
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Arno Schad
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Marcus Schmidt
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University Medical Center, Johannes Gutenberg University, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Arnd Hönig
- Breast Center, Women's Hospital, Marienhaus Hospital Mainz, 55131 Mainz, Germany
| | - Jonathan P Sleeman
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems-Biological Information Processing (IBCS-BIP), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Campus Nord, 76344 Eggenstein-Leopoldshafen, Germany
| | - Sonja Thaler
- European Center for Angioscience, Medical Faculty Mannheim, University of Heidelberg, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| |
Collapse
|