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Herbein G. Cellular Transformation by Human Cytomegalovirus. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1970. [PMID: 38893091 PMCID: PMC11171319 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16111970] [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: 03/16/2024] [Revised: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), Kaposi sarcoma human virus (KSHV), human papillomavirus (HPV), hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV, HCV), human T-lymphotropic virus-1 (HTLV-1), and Merkel cell polyomavirus (MCPyV) are the seven human oncoviruses reported so far. While traditionally viewed as a benign virus causing mild symptoms in healthy individuals, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been recently implicated in the pathogenesis of various cancers, spanning a wide range of tissue types and malignancies. This perspective article defines the biological criteria that characterize the oncogenic role of HCMV and based on new findings underlines a critical role for HCMV in cellular transformation and modeling the tumor microenvironment as already reported for the other human oncoviruses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté (UFC), 25000 Besançon, France;
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25000 Besançon, France
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Anatskaya OV, Vinogradov AE. Polyploidy Promotes Hypertranscription, Apoptosis Resistance, and Ciliogenesis in Cancer Cells and Mesenchymal Stem Cells of Various Origins: Comparative Transcriptome In Silico Study. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4185. [PMID: 38673782 PMCID: PMC11050069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084185] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSC) attract an increasing amount of attention due to their unique therapeutic properties. Yet, MSC can undergo undesirable genetic and epigenetic changes during their propagation in vitro. In this study, we investigated whether polyploidy can compromise MSC oncological safety and therapeutic properties. For this purpose, we compared the impact of polyploidy on the transcriptome of cancer cells and MSC of various origins (bone marrow, placenta, and heart). First, we identified genes that are consistently ploidy-induced or ploidy-repressed through all comparisons. Then, we selected the master regulators using the protein interaction enrichment analysis (PIEA). The obtained ploidy-related gene signatures were verified using the data gained from polyploid and diploid populations of early cardiomyocytes (CARD) originating from iPSC. The multistep bioinformatic analysis applied to the cancer cells, MSC, and CARD indicated that polyploidy plays a pivotal role in driving the cell into hypertranscription. It was evident from the upregulation of gene modules implicated in housekeeping functions, stemness, unicellularity, DNA repair, and chromatin opening by means of histone acetylation operating via DNA damage associated with the NUA4/TIP60 complex. These features were complemented by the activation of the pathways implicated in centrosome maintenance and ciliogenesis and by the impairment of the pathways related to apoptosis, the circadian clock, and immunity. Overall, our findings suggest that, although polyploidy does not induce oncologic transformation of MSC, it might compromise their therapeutic properties because of global epigenetic changes and alterations in fundamental biological processes. The obtained results can contribute to the development and implementation of approaches enhancing the therapeutic properties of MSC by removing polyploid cells from the cell population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olga V. Anatskaya
- Institute of Cytology Russian Academy of Sciences, 194064 St. Petersburg, Russia;
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El Baba R, Herbein G. EZH2-Myc Hallmark in Oncovirus/Cytomegalovirus Infections and Cytomegalovirus' Resemblance to Oncoviruses. Cells 2024; 13:541. [PMID: 38534385 DOI: 10.3390/cells13060541] [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: 02/07/2024] [Revised: 03/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Approximately 15-20% of global cancer cases are attributed to virus infections. Oncoviruses employ various molecular strategies to enhance replication and persistence. Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV), acting as an initiator or promoter, enables immune evasion, supporting tumor growth. HCMV activates pro-oncogenic pathways within infected cells and direct cellular transformation. Thus, HCMV demonstrates characteristics reminiscent of oncoviruses. Cumulative evidence emphasizes the crucial roles of EZH2 and Myc in oncogenesis and stemness. EZH2 and Myc, pivotal regulators of cellular processes, gain significance in the context of oncoviruses and HCMV infections. This axis becomes a central focus for comprehending the mechanisms driving virus-induced oncogenesis. Elevated EZH2 expression is evident in various cancers, making it a prospective target for cancer therapy. On the other hand, Myc, deregulated in over 50% of human cancers, serves as a potent transcription factor governing cellular processes and contributing to tumorigenesis; Myc activates EZH2 expression and induces global gene expression. The Myc/EZH2 axis plays a critical role in promoting tumor growth in oncoviruses. Considering that HCMV has been shown to manipulate the Myc/EZH2 axis, there is emerging evidence suggesting that HCMV could be regarded as a potential oncovirus due to its ability to exploit this critical pathway implicated in tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UFC, 25000 Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
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Jiao Y, Yu Y, Zheng M, Yan M, Wang J, Zhang Y, Zhang S. Dormant cancer cells and polyploid giant cancer cells: The roots of cancer recurrence and metastasis. Clin Transl Med 2024; 14:e1567. [PMID: 38362620 PMCID: PMC10870057 DOI: 10.1002/ctm2.1567] [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: 10/26/2023] [Revised: 01/11/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumour cell dormancy is critical for metastasis and resistance to chemoradiotherapy. Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) with giant or multiple nuclei and high DNA content have the properties of cancer stem cell and single PGCCs can individually generate tumours in immunodeficient mice. PGCCs represent a dormant form of cancer cells that survive harsh tumour conditions and contribute to tumour recurrence. Hypoxic mimics, chemotherapeutics, radiation and cytotoxic traditional Chinese medicines can induce PGCCs formation through endoreduplication and/or cell fusion. After incubation, dormant PGCCs can recover from the treatment and produce daughter cells with strong proliferative, migratory and invasive abilities via asymmetric cell division. Additionally, PGCCs can resist hypoxia or chemical stress and have a distinct protein signature that involves chromatin remodelling and cell cycle regulation. Dormant PGCCs form the cellular basis for therapeutic resistance, metastatic cascade and disease recurrence. This review summarises regulatory mechanisms governing dormant cancer cells entry and exit of dormancy, which may be used by PGCCs, and potential therapeutic strategies for targeting PGCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuqi Jiao
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterNankai UniversityTianjinChina
| | - Man Yan
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Jiangping Wang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Integrative MedicineTianjin University of Traditional Chinese MedicineTianjinChina
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of PathologyTianjin Union Medical CenterTianjinChina
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Huang X, Yi C, Ji Q, Meng Y, Zhang A, Yang C, Zhou L, Zhan Y. Association between cytomegalovirus infection and cancer‑related mortality in the US adults. Cancer Epidemiol 2023; 87:102487. [PMID: 37979224 DOI: 10.1016/j.canep.2023.102487] [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: 09/05/2023] [Revised: 10/31/2023] [Accepted: 11/03/2023] [Indexed: 11/20/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE In a nationwide cohort of US adults, an exploration of the association between cytomegalovirus (CMV) infection and cancer‑related mortality was conducted. MATERIALS AND METHODS We acquired data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey III (1988-1994), including 11,138 individuals who were aged 18-90 years at enrollment and underwent CMV serology assessments. CMV infection was determined by CMV antibody testing. Cancer‑related mortality status was ascertained until December 2019 utilizing the National Death Index linkage data and determined by neoplasms. The Cox proportional hazard model was applied to estimate the potential association between CMV infection and the risk of cancer-related mortality. RESULTS During a median follow-up of 26.1 years, 1514 cancer‑related deaths were identified in the study cohort. After adjusting for age, sex, and ethnicity, CMV infection was associated with a higher hazard of cancer‑related mortality (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.39, 95 % CI: 1.13, 1.70). Further adjustments for body mass index, family income, and smoking status slightly attenuated the magnitude of the association (HR: 1.24, 95 % CI: 1.00, 1.53). However, no significant interaction was observed among gender by subgroup analysis. CONCLUSIONS CMV infection might be an independent risk factor for cancer‑related mortality among US adults. Future studies could focus on the mechanisms through which CMV infection influences mortality induced by neoplasms and develop targeted interventions to reduce the risk.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoping Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chao Yi
- Guangming Center for Disease Control and Prevention, Shenzhen, China
| | - Qianqian Ji
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yaxian Meng
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Aijie Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Chongguang Yang
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Liqiong Zhou
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yiqiang Zhan
- Department of Epidemiology, School of Public Health (Shenzhen), Sun Yat-Sen University, Shenzhen, China.
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Bouezzedine F, El Baba R, Haidar Ahmad S, Herbein G. Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells Generated from Human Cytomegalovirus-Infected Prostate Epithelial Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4994. [PMID: 37894361 PMCID: PMC10604969 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15204994] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Prostate cancer is the most commonly diagnosed malignancy and the sixth leading cause of cancer death in men worldwide. Chromosomal instability (CIN) and polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been considered predominant hallmarks of cancer. Recent clinical studies have proven the association of CIN, aneuploidy, and PGCCs with poor prognosis of prostate cancer (PCa). Evidence of HCMV transforming potential might indicate that HCMV may be involved in PCa. METHODS Herein, we underline the role of the high-risk HCMV-DB and -BL clinical strains in transforming prostate epithelial cells and assess the molecular and cellular oncogenic processes associated with PCa. RESULTS Oncogenesis parallels a sustained growth of "CMV-Transformed Prostate epithelial cells" or CTP cells that highly express Myc and EZH2, forming soft agar colonies and displaying stemness as well as mesenchymal features, hence promoting EMT as well as PGCCs and a spheroid appearance. CONCLUSIONS HCMV-induced Myc and EZH2 upregulation coupled with stemness and EMT traits in IE1-expressing CTP might highlight the potential role of HCMV in PCa development and encourage the use of anti-EZH2 and anti-HCMV in PCa treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fidaa Bouezzedine
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (F.B.); (R.E.B.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Ranim El Baba
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (F.B.); (R.E.B.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (F.B.); (R.E.B.); (S.H.A.)
| | - Georges Herbein
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, University of Franche-Comté, 25000 Besançon, France; (F.B.); (R.E.B.); (S.H.A.)
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
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Fan L, Zheng M, Zhou X, Yu Y, Ning Y, Fu W, Xu J, Zhang S. Molecular mechanism of vimentin nuclear localization associated with the migration and invasion of daughter cells derived from polyploid giant cancer cells. J Transl Med 2023; 21:719. [PMID: 37833712 PMCID: PMC10576317 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04585-7] [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: 06/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), a specific type of cancer stem cells (CSCs), can be induced by hypoxic microenvironments, chemical reagents, radiotherapy, and Chinese herbal medicine. Moreover, PGCCs can produce daughter cells that undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition, which leads to cancer recurrence and disseminated metastasis. Vimentin, a mesenchymal cell marker, is highly expressed in PGCCs and their daughter cells (PDCs) and drives migratory persistence. This study explored the molecular mechanisms by which vimentin synergistically regulates PGCCs to generate daughter cells with enhanced invasive and metastatic properties. METHODS Arsenic trioxide (ATO) was used to induce the formation of PGCCs in Hct116 and LoVo cells. Immunocytochemical and immunohistochemical assays were performed to determine the subcellular localization of vimentin. Cell function assays were performed to compare the invasive metastatic abilities of the PDCs and control cells. The molecular mechanisms underlying vimentin expression and nuclear translocation were investigated by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, cell function assays, cell transfection, co-immunoprecipitation, and chromatin immunoprecipitation, followed by sequencing. Finally, animal xenograft experiments and clinical colorectal cancer samples were used to study vimentin expression in tumor tissues. RESULTS Daughter cells derived from PGCCs showed strong proliferative, migratory, and invasive abilities, in which vimentin was highly expressed and located in both the cytoplasm and nucleus. Vimentin undergoes small ubiquitin-like modification (SUMOylation) by interacting with SUMO1 and SUMO2/3, which are associated with nuclear translocation. P62 regulates nuclear translocation of vimentin by controlling SUMO1 and SUMO2/3 expression. In the nucleus, vimentin acts as a transcription factor that regulates CDC42, cathepsin B, and cathepsin D to promote PDC invasion and migration. Furthermore, animal experiments and human colorectal cancer specimens have confirmed the nuclear translocation of vimentin. CONCLUSION P62-dependent SUMOylation of vimentin plays an important role in PDC migration and invasion. Vimentin nuclear translocation and overexpressed P62 of cancer cells may be used to predict patient prognosis, and targeting vimentin nuclear translocation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linlin Fan
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyue Zhou
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, 301617, China
| | - Yongjun Yu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yidi Ning
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, China
| | - Wenzheng Fu
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Jing Xu
- Department of General Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Nankai University, Tianjin, 300071, People's Republic of China.
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El Baba R, Haidar Ahmad S, Monnien F, Mansar R, Bibeau F, Herbein G. Polyploidy, EZH2 upregulation, and transformation in cytomegalovirus-infected human ovarian epithelial cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:3047-3061. [PMID: 37634008 PMCID: PMC10555822 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02813-4] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/15/2023] [Indexed: 08/28/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been implicated in epithelial ovarian cancer (OC). Polyploidy giant cancer cells (PGCCs) have been observed in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC); they possess cancer stem cell-like characteristics and give rise to progeny cells expressing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. EZH2 plays a potential oncogenic role, correlating with high proliferative index and tumor grade in OC. Herein, we present the experimental evidence for HCMV as a reprogramming vector that elicited human ovarian epithelial cells (OECs) transformation leading to the generation of "CMV-transformed Ovarian cells" (CTO). The infection with the two high-risk clinical strains, namely HCMV-DB and BL provoked a distinct cellular and molecular mechanisms in infected OECs. EZH2 upregulation and cellular proliferation were curtailed by using EZH2 inhibitors. The HGSOC biopsies were characterized by an elevated EZH2 expression, possessing a strong positive correlation between the aforementioned marker and HCMV. From HGSOC biopsies, we isolated three HCMV clinical strains that transformed OECs generating CTO cells which displayed proliferative potentials in addition to EZH2 upregulation and PGCCs generation; these features were reduced upon EZH2 inhibition. High-risk HCMV strains transformed OECs confirming an HCMV-induced epithelial ovarian cancer model and highlighting EZH2 tumorigenic properties. Our findings might be highly relevant in the pathophysiology of ovarian tumors thereby nominating new targeted therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Racha Mansar
- Department of Pathology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | - Georges Herbein
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.
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Haidar Ahmad S, El Baba R, Herbein G. Polyploid giant cancer cells, cytokines and cytomegalovirus in breast cancer progression. Cancer Cell Int 2023; 23:119. [PMID: 37340387 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-023-02971-1] [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: 02/11/2023] [Accepted: 06/12/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women. Accumulated evidence over the past decades indicates a very high prevalence of human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) in breast cancer. High-risk HCMV strains possess a direct oncogenic effect displayed by cellular stress, polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) generation, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) leading to cancer of aggressive phenotype. Breast cancer development and progression have been regulated by several cytokines where the latter can promote cancer cell survival, help in tumor immune evasion, and initiate the EMT process, thereby resulting in invasion, angiogenesis, and breast cancer metastasis. In the present study, we screened cytokines expression in cytomegalovirus-transformed HMECs (CTH cells) cultures infected with HCMV high-risk strains namely, HCMV-DB and BL, as well as breast cancer biopsies, and analyzed the association between cytokines production, PGCCs count, and HCMV presence in vitro and in vivo. METHODS In CTH cultures and breast cancer biopsies, HCMV load was quantified by real-time qPCR. PGCCs count in CTH cultures and breast cancer biopsies was identified based on cell morphology and hematoxylin and eosin staining, respectively. CTH supernatants were evaluated for the production of TGF-β, IL-6, IL1-β, and IL-10 by ELISA assays. The above-mentioned cytokines expression was assessed in breast cancer biopsies using reverse transcription-qPCR. The correlation analyses were performed using Pearson correlation test. RESULTS The revealed PGCCs/cytokine profile in our in vitro CTH model matched that of the breast cancer biopsies, in vivo. Pronounced cytokine expression and PGCCs count were detected in particularly CTH-DB cultures and basal-like breast cancer biopsies. CONCLUSIONS The analysis of cytokine profiles in PGCCs present mostly in basal-like breast cancer biopsies and derived from CTH cells chronically infected with the high-risk HCMV strains might have the potential to provide novel therapies such as cytokine-based immunotherapy which is a promising field in cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, University of France-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, University of France-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, University of France-Comté, 16 Route de Gray, 25030, Besançon Cedex, France.
- Department of Virology, CHRU Besancon, Besancon, France.
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Mallin MM, Kim N, Choudhury MI, Lee SJ, An SS, Sun SX, Konstantopoulos K, Pienta KJ, Amend SR. Cells in the polyaneuploid cancer cell (PACC) state have increased metastatic potential. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023:10.1007/s10585-023-10216-8. [PMID: 37326720 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-023-10216-8] [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: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
Although metastasis is the leading cause of cancer deaths, it is quite rare at the cellular level. Only a rare subset of cancer cells (~ 1 in 1.5 billion) can complete the entire metastatic cascade: invasion, intravasation, survival in the circulation, extravasation, and colonization (i.e. are metastasis competent). We propose that cells engaging a Polyaneuploid Cancer Cell (PACC) phenotype are metastasis competent. Cells in the PACC state are enlarged, endocycling (i.e. non-dividing) cells with increased genomic content that form in response to stress. Single-cell tracking using time lapse microscopy reveals that PACC state cells have increased motility. Additionally, cells in the PACC state exhibit increased capacity for environment-sensing and directional migration in chemotactic environments, predicting successful invasion. Magnetic Twisting Cytometry and Atomic Force Microscopy reveal that cells in the PACC state display hyper-elastic properties like increased peripheral deformability and maintained peri-nuclear cortical integrity that predict successful intravasation and extravasation. Furthermore, four orthogonal methods reveal that cells in the PACC state have increased expression of vimentin, a hyper-elastic biomolecule known to modulate biomechanical properties and induce mesenchymal-like motility. Taken together, these data indicate that cells in the PACC state have increased metastatic potential and are worthy of further in vivo analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mikaela M Mallin
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
- Cancer Ecology Center, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Nicholas Kim
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | | | - Se Jong Lee
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven S An
- Rutgers Institute for Translational Medicine and Science, New Brunswick, NJ, USA
| | - Sean X Sun
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Kenneth J Pienta
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Ecology Center, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Sarah R Amend
- Cellular and Molecular Medicine Graduate Training Program, Johns Hopkins School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Cancer Ecology Center, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins Medical Institute, Baltimore, MD, USA
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El Baba R, Pasquereau S, Haidar Ahmad S, Monnien F, Abad M, Bibeau F, Herbein G. EZH2-Myc driven glioblastoma elicited by cytomegalovirus infection of human astrocytes. Oncogene 2023:10.1038/s41388-023-02709-3. [PMID: 37147437 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02709-3] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/21/2023] [Indexed: 05/07/2023]
Abstract
Mounting evidence is identifying human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) as a potential oncogenic virus. HCMV has been detected in malignant gliomas. EZH2 and Myc play a potential oncogenic role, correlating with the glioma grade. Herewith, we present the first experimental evidence for HCMV as a reprogramming vector, straight through the dedifferentiation of mature human astrocytes, and generation of CMV-Elicited Glioblastoma Cells (CEGBCs) possessing glioblastoma-like traits. HCMV counterparts the progression of the perceived cellular and molecular mechanisms succeeding the transformation and invasion processes with CEGBCs involved in spheroid formation and invasiveness. Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) biopsies were characterized by an elevated EZH2 and Myc expression, possessing a strong positive correlation between the aforementioned markers in the presence of HCMV. From GBM tissues, we isolated HCMV clinical strains that transformed HAs toward CEGBCs exhibiting upregulated EZH2 and Myc. Spheroids generated from CEGBCs possessed invasion potential and were sensitive to EZH2 inhibitor, ganciclovir, and temozolomide triple therapy. HCMV clinical strains transform HAs and fit with an HCMV-induced glioblastoma model of oncogenesis, and supports the tumorigenic properties of Myc and EZH2 which might be highly pertinent in the pathophysiology of astrocytic brain tumors and thereby paving the way for new therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France
| | | | - Marine Abad
- Department of Pathology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France
| | | | - Georges Herbein
- Department of Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB Laboratory EA4266, University of Franche-Comté, Besançon, France.
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.
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Touma J, Pantalone MR, Rahbar A, Liu Y, Vetvik K, Sauer T, Söderberg-Naucler C, Geisler J. Human Cytomegalovirus Protein Expression Is Correlated with Shorter Overall Survival in Breast Cancer Patients: A Cohort Study. Viruses 2023; 15:v15030732. [PMID: 36992442 PMCID: PMC10054688 DOI: 10.3390/v15030732] [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: 01/27/2023] [Revised: 03/04/2023] [Accepted: 03/08/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is increasingly suggested to be involved in human carcinogenesis and onco-modulation due to its ability to contribute to all hallmarks of cancer. Growing evidence demonstrates a link between HCMV infection and various malignancies, including breast cancer, which incidence and mortality are still on the rise. The etiology of breast cancer remains mostly unclear, leaving 80% of breast cancer cases considered to be sporadic. Identifying novel risk- and prognostic factors for improved breast cancer treatment and increased survival rates, were the objectives of this study. Methods: Automated immunohistochemical staining results for HCMV proteins in 109 breast tumors and lymph node metastasis were correlated with clinical follow-up data (>10 years). Statistical analyses for median Overall Survival (OS) were performed. Results: Survival analyses revealed shorter median OS for patients with HCMV-IE positive tumors of 118.4 months compared to 202.4 months for HCMV-IE negative tumors. A higher number of HCMV-LA positive cells in the tumors was also associated with a shorter OS in patients (146.2 months vs. 151.5 months). Conclusions: Our findings suggest a link between HCMV-infections and breast cancer prognosis, which paves the way for potential novel clinical intervention and targeted therapy that may prolong the overall survival of selected patients with breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joel Touma
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Mattia Russel Pantalone
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Afsar Rahbar
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology, University of Oslo, 0315 Oslo, Norway
- Department of Clinical Molecular Biology (EpiGen), Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Katja Vetvik
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
- Department of Breast and Endocrine Surgery, Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Torill Sauer
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
- Department of Pathology, Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
| | - Cecilia Söderberg-Naucler
- Department of Medicine, Solna, Microbial Pathogenesis Unit, Karolinska Institutet, 17164 Solna, Sweden
- Department of Neurology, Karolinska University Hospital, 17177 Stockholm, Sweden
- Institute of Biomedicine, Unit for Infection and Immunology, MediCity Research Laboratory, Turku University, 20520 Turku, Finland
- Correspondence: (C.S.-N.); (J.G.); Tel.: +46-8-5177-9816 (C.S.-N.); +47-9118-7447 (J.G.)
| | - Jürgen Geisler
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, University of Oslo, Campus Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
- Department of Oncology, Akershus University Hospital (AHUS), 1478 Nordbyhagen, Norway
- Correspondence: (C.S.-N.); (J.G.); Tel.: +46-8-5177-9816 (C.S.-N.); +47-9118-7447 (J.G.)
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Li X, Zhong Y, Zhang X, Sood AK, Liu J. Spatiotemporal view of malignant histogenesis and macroevolution via formation of polyploid giant cancer cells. Oncogene 2023; 42:665-678. [PMID: 36596845 PMCID: PMC9957731 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02588-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 12/17/2022] [Accepted: 12/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
To understand how malignant tumors develop, we tracked cell membrane, nuclear membrane, spindle, and cell cycle dynamics in polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) during the formation of high-grade serous carcinoma organoids using long-term time-lapse imaging. Single cells underwent traditional mitosis to generate tissue with uniform nuclear size, while others formed PGCCs via asymmetric mitosis, endoreplication, multipolar endomitosis, nuclear fusion, and karyokinesis without cytokinesis. PGCCs underwent restitution multipolar endomitosis, nuclear fragmentation, and micronuclei formation to increase nuclear contents and heterogeneity. At the cellular level, the development of PGCCs was associated with forming transient intracellular cells, termed fecundity cells. The fecundity cells can be decellularized to facilitate nuclear fusion and synchronized with other nuclei for subsequent nuclear replication. PGCCs can undergo several rounds of entosis to form complex tissue structures, termed fecundity structures. The formation of PGCCs via multiple modes of nuclear replication in the absence of cytokinesis leads to an increase in the nuclear-to-cytoplasmic (N/C) ratio and intracellular cell reproduction, which is remarkably similar to the mode of nuclear division during pre-embryogenesis. Our data support that PGCCs may represent a central regulator in malignant histogenesis, intratumoral heterogeneity, immune escape, and macroevolution via the de-repression of suppressed pre-embryogenic program in somatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoran Li
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Yanping Zhong
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
- Department of Pathology, The First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, Jilin, China
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Department of Gynecologic Oncology and Reproductive Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Boulevard, Houston, TX, 77030-4095, USA
| | - Jinsong Liu
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, Division of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Houston, TX, USA.
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Cui K, Wang X, Han C, Liu S, Hu Y. Mechanism of Human Cytomegalovirus-Induced Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Glioma Cells via the Upregulation of RIP2 Expression. Biol Pharm Bull 2023; 46:1506-1511. [PMID: 37914353 DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b23-00256] [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: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in glioma cells; however, its underlying action mechanism remain ambiguous. In this study, we investigated the effects of receptor-interacting protein 2 (RIP2) and nuclear factor (NF)-κB on EMT in HCMV-infected glioma LN-18 cells. Wound healing and invasion assays were used to evaluate the migration and invasion of cells. Western blotting and immunofluorescence microscopy were used to determine the protein expression levels. We found that HCMV induced enhanced migration and invasion of LN-18 cells, activation of the RIP2/NF-κB signaling pathway, downregulation of epithelial cell marker (E-cadherin) expression, and upregulation of mesenchymal cell marker (N-cadherin and vimentin) expression. Moreover, inhibition of RIP2 or NF-κB inhibited the induction of HCMV in LN-18 cells. Therefore, HCMV induces EMT in glioma cells by promoting the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway via the upregulation of RIP2 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai Cui
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University
| | - Xiaoliang Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University
| | - ChengXi Han
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University
| | - Shuo Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University
| | - Yuhua Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University
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15
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Cheng T, Zhang S, Xia T, Zhang Y, Ji Y, Pan S, Xie H, Ren Q, You Y, You B. EBV promotes vascular mimicry of dormant cancer cells by potentiating stemness and EMT. Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113403. [PMID: 36336028 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 10/15/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Vascular mimicry (VM) is defined as a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells that correlates with the growth of cancer cells by providing blood circulation. However, whether VM can be formed in dormant cancer cells remains unclear. Our previous research revealed that polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are specific dormant cells related to the poor prognosis of head and neck cancer. Here, we demonstrated that EBV could promote VM formation by PGCCs in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we revealed that the activation of the ERK pathway partly mediated by LMP2A is responsible for stemness, and the acquisition of the stemness phenotype is crucial to the malignant biological behavior of PGCCs. The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process plays a considerable role in PGCCs, and EMT progression is vital for EBV-positive PGCCs to form VM. This is the first study to reveal that EBV creates plasticity in PGCC-VM and provide a new strategy for targeted anti-tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianyi Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Siyu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanshu Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Yancheng, Yancheng, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yan Ji
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Si Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haijing Xie
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qianqian Ren
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
| | - Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China; Medical College of Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China. Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Xisi Road 20, Nantong, 226019, Jiangsu Province, China.
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High-Risk Oncogenic Human Cytomegalovirus. Viruses 2022; 14:v14112462. [PMID: 36366560 PMCID: PMC9695668 DOI: 10.3390/v14112462] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that infects between 40% and 95% of the population worldwide, usually without symptoms. The host immune response keeps the virus in a latent stage, although HCMV can reactivate in an inflammatory context, which could result in sequential lytic/latent viral cycles during the lifetime and thereby participate in HCMV genomic diversity in humans. The high level of HCMV intra-host genomic variability could participate in the oncomodulatory role of HCMV where the virus will favor the development and spread of cancerous cells. Recently, an oncogenic role of HCMV has been highlighted in which the virus will directly transform primary cells; such HCMV strains are named high-risk (HR) HCMV strains. In light of these new findings, this review defines the criteria that characterize HR-HCMV strains and their molecular as well as the phenotypic impact on the infected cell and its tumor microenvironment.
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Zhou X, Zhou M, Zheng M, Tian S, Yang X, Ning Y, Li Y, Zhang S. Polyploid giant cancer cells and cancer progression. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:1017588. [PMID: 36274852 PMCID: PMC9581214 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.1017588] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2022] [Accepted: 09/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) are an important feature of cellular atypia, the detailed mechanisms of their formation and function remain unclear. PGCCs were previously thought to be derived from repeated mitosis/cytokinesis failure, with no intrinsic ability to proliferate and divide. However, recently, PGCCs have been confirmed to have cancer stem cell (CSC)-like characteristics, and generate progeny cells through asymmetric division, which express epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers to promote invasion and migration. The formation of PGCCs can be attributed to multiple stimulating factors, including hypoxia, chemotherapeutic reagents, and radiation, can induce the formation of PGCCs, by regulating the cell cycle and cell fusion-related protein expression. The properties of CSCs suggest that PGCCs can be induced to differentiate into non-tumor cells, and produce erythrocytes composed of embryonic hemoglobin, which have a high affinity for oxygen, and thereby allow PGCCs survival from the severe hypoxia. The number of PGCCs is associated with metastasis, chemoradiotherapy resistance, and recurrence of malignant tumors. Targeting relevant proteins or signaling pathways related with the formation and transdifferentiation of adipose tissue and cartilage in PGCCs may provide new strategies for solid tumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyue Zhou
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Mingming Zhou
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Minying Zheng
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shifeng Tian
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaohui Yang
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yidi Ning
- Nankai University School of Medicine, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yuwei Li
- Department of Colorectal Surgery, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
| | - Shiwu Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Union Medical Center, Tianjin, China
- *Correspondence: Shiwu Zhang,
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El Baba R, Pasquereau S, Haidar Ahmad S, Diab-Assaf M, Herbein G. Oncogenic and Stemness Signatures of the High-Risk HCMV Strains in Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174271. [PMID: 36077806 PMCID: PMC9455011 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Lately, human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) has been progressively implicated in carcinogenesis alongside its oncomodulatory impact. CMV-Transformed Human mammary epithelial cells (CTH) phenotype might be defined by giant cell cycling, whereby the generation of polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) could expedite the acquisition of malignant phenotypes. Herein, the main study objectives were to assess the transformation potential in vitro and evaluate the obtained cellular phenotype, the genetic and molecular features, and the activation of cellular stemness programs of HCMV strains, B544 and B693, which were previously isolated from triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsies. The strains’ sensitivity to paclitaxel and ganciclovir combination therapy was evaluated. A unique molecular landscape was unveiled in the tumor microenvironment of TNBC harboring high-risk HCMV. Overall, the explicit oncogenic and stemness signatures highlight HCMV potential in breast cancer progression thus paving the way for targeted therapies and clinical interventions which prolong the overall survival of breast cancer patients. Abstract Background: Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) oncomodulation, molecular mechanisms, and ability to support polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs) generation might underscore its contribution to oncogenesis, especially breast cancers. The heterogeneity of strains can be linked to distinct properties influencing the virus-transforming potential, cancer types induced, and patient’s clinical outcomes. Methods: We evaluated the transforming potential in vitro and assessed the acquired cellular phenotype, genetic and molecular features, and stimulation of stemness of HCMV strains, B544 and B693, isolated from EZH2HighMycHigh triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) biopsies. Therapeutic response assessment after paclitaxel (PTX) and ganciclovir (GCV) treatment was conducted in addition to the molecular characterization of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Findings: HCMV-B544 and B693 transformed human mammary epithelial cells (HMECs). We detected multinucleated and lipid droplet-filled PGCCs harboring HCMV. Colony formation was detected and Myc was overexpressed in CMV-Transformed-HMECs (CTH cells). CTH-B544 and B693 stimulated stemness and established an epithelial/mesenchymal hybrid state. HCMV-IE1 was detected in CTH long-term cultures indicating a sustained viral replication. Biopsy B693 unveiled a tumor signature predicting a poor prognosis. CTH-B544 cells were shown to be more sensitive to PTX/GCV therapy. Conclusion: The oncogenic and stemness signatures of HCMV strains accentuate the oncogenic potential of HCMV in breast cancer progression thereby leading the way for targeted therapies and innovative clinical interventions that will improve the overall survival of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
| | - Mona Diab-Assaf
- Molecular Cancer and Pharmaceutical Biology Laboratory, Lebanese University, Beirut 1500, Lebanon
| | - Georges Herbein
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA 4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 25030 Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, 25030 Besançon, France
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +33-381-665-616; Fax: +33-381-665-695
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Nehme Z, Pasquereau S, Haidar Ahmad S, El Baba R, Herbein G. Polyploid giant cancer cells, EZH2 and Myc upregulation in mammary epithelial cells infected with high-risk human cytomegalovirus. EBioMedicine 2022; 80:104056. [PMID: 35596973 PMCID: PMC9121245 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2022.104056] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 04/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infection has been actively implicated in complex neoplastic processes. Beyond oncomodulation, the molecular mechanisms that might underlie HCMV-induced oncogenesis are being extensively studied. Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) proteins, in particular enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) are associated with cancer progression. Nevertheless, little is known about EZH2 activation in the context of HCMV infection and breast oncogenesis. Methods Herein, we identified EZH2 as a downstream target for HCMV-induced Myc upregulation upon acute and chronic infection with high-risk strains using a human mammary epithelial model. Findings We detected polyploidy and CMV-transformed HMECs (CTH) cells harboring HCMV and dynamically undergoing the giant cells cycle. Acquisition of embryonic stemness markers positively correlated with EZH2 and Myc expression. EZH2 inhibitors curtail sustained CTH cells’ malignant phenotype. Besides harboring polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCCs), tumorigenic breast biopsies were characterized by an enhanced EZH2 and Myc expression, with a strong positive correlation between EZH2 and Myc expression, and between PGCC count and EZH2/Myc expression in the presence of HCMV. Further, we isolated two HCMV strains from EZH2HighMycHigh basal-like tumors which replicate in MRC5 cells and transform HMECs toward CTH cells after acute infection. Interpretation Our data establish a potential link between HCMV-induced Myc activation, the subsequent EZH2 upregulation, and polyploidy induction. These data support the proposed tumorigenesis properties of EZH2/Myc, and allow the isolation of two oncogenic HCMV strains from EZH2HighMycHigh basal breast tumors while identifying EZH2 as a potential therapeutic target in the management of breast cancer, particularly upon HCMV infection. Funding This work was supported by grants from the University of Franche-Comté (UFC) (CR3300), the Région Franche-Comté (2021-Y-08292 and 2021-Y-08290) and the Ligue contre le Cancer (CR3304) to Georges Herbein. Zeina Nehme is a recipient of a doctoral scholarship from the municipality of Habbouch. Sandy Haidar Ahmad is recipient of a doctoral scholarship from Lebanese municipality. Ranim El Baba is a recipient of a doctoral scholarship from Hariri foundation for sustainable human development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeina Nehme
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 16 route de Gray, Besançon F-25030, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 16 route de Gray, Besançon F-25030, France
| | - Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 16 route de Gray, Besançon F-25030, France
| | - Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 16 route de Gray, Besançon F-25030, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens and Inflammation-EPILAB, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), 16 route de Gray, Besançon F-25030, France; Department of Virology, CHU Besançon, Besançon, France.
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Mukherjee S, Ali AM, Murty VV, Raza A. Mutation in SF3B1 gene promotes formation of polyploid giant cells in Leukemia cells. Med Oncol 2022; 39:65. [PMID: 35478057 PMCID: PMC9046281 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01652-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Accepted: 01/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
Giant cells with polyploidy, termed polyploid giant cells, have been observed during normal growth, development, and pathologic states, such as solid cancer progression and resistance to therapy. Functional studies of polyploidal giant cancer cells (PGCC) provided evidence that they arise when normal diploid cells are stressed, show stem cell-like properties, and give rise to tumors. In the present study, we report in K562 leukemia cell line that introduction of the hotspot K700E mutation in the gene SF3B1 using CRISPR/Cas9 method results in an increased frequency of multinucleated polyploid giant cells resistant to chemotherapeutic agent and serum starvation stress. These giant cells with higher ploidy are distinct from multinucleated megakaryocytes, are proliferative, and are characterized by increased accumulation of mitochondria. PGCC have been previously documented in solid tumors. This is the first report describing PGCCs in a cell line derived from a liquid cancer where increased frequency of PGCCs is linked to a specific genetic event. Since SF3B1 mutations are predominantly seen in MDS and other hematologic malignancies, our current findings will have significant clinical implications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Mukherjee
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Abdullah Mahmood Ali
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Vundavalli V Murty
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, and Institute for Cancer Genetics, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, Columbia University, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
- MDS Center, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, 177 Fort Washington Avenue, Milstein Hospital Building, Room 6GN-435, New York, NY, 10032, USA.
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21
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Tumors and Cytomegalovirus: An Intimate Interplay. Viruses 2022; 14:v14040812. [PMID: 35458542 PMCID: PMC9028007 DOI: 10.3390/v14040812] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2022] [Revised: 03/19/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is a herpesvirus that alternates lytic and latent infection, infecting between 40 and 95% of the population worldwide, usually without symptoms. During its lytic cycle, HCMV can result in fever, asthenia, and, in some cases, can lead to severe symptoms such as hepatitis, pneumonitis, meningitis, retinitis, and severe cytomegalovirus disease, especially in immunocompromised individuals. Usually, the host immune response keeps the virus in a latent stage, although HCMV can reactivate in an inflammatory context, which could result in sequential lytic/latent viral cycles during the lifetime and thereby participate in the HCMV genomic diversity in humans and the high level of HCMV intrahost genomic variability. The oncomodulatory role of HCMV has been reported, where the virus will favor the development and spread of cancerous cells. Recently, an oncogenic role of HCMV has been highlighted in which the virus will directly transform primary cells and might therefore be defined as the eighth human oncovirus. In light of these new findings, it is critical to understand the role of the immune landscape, including the tumor microenvironment present in HCMV-harboring tumors. Finally, the oncomodulatory/oncogenic potential of HCMV could lead to the development of novel adapted therapeutic approaches against HCMV, especially since immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapeutic strategies and new therapeutic approaches are actively needed, particularly to fight tumors of poor prognosis.
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22
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You B, Xia T, Gu M, Zhang Z, Zhang Q, Shen J, Fan Y, Yao H, Pan S, Lu Y, Cheng T, Yang Z, He X, Zhang H, Shi M, Liu D, You Y. AMPK-mTOR-Mediated Activation of Autophagy Promotes Formation of Dormant Polyploid Giant Cancer Cells. Cancer Res 2022; 82:846-858. [PMID: 34965934 PMCID: PMC9359740 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-2342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2021] [Revised: 11/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Dormant cancer cells that survive anticancer therapy can lead to cancer recurrence and disseminated metastases that prove fatal in most cases. Recently, specific dormant polyploid giant cancer cells (PGCC) have drawn our attention because of their association with the clinical risk of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) recurrence, as demonstrated by previous clinical data. In this study, we report the biological properties of PGCC, including mitochondrial alterations, and reveal that autophagy is a critical mechanism of PGCC induction. Moreover, pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of autophagy greatly impaired PGCC formation, significantly suppressing metastasis and improving survival in a mouse model. Mechanistically, chemotherapeutic drugs partly damaged mitochondria, which then produced low ATP levels and activated autophagy via the AMPK-mTOR pathway to promote PGCC formation. Analysis of the transcriptional and epigenetic landscape of PGCC revealed overexpression of RIPK1, and the scaffolding function of RIPK1 was required for AMPK-mTOR pathway-induced PGCC survival. High numbers of PGCCs correlated with shorter recurrence time and worse survival outcomes in patients with NPC. Collectively, these findings suggest a therapeutic approach of targeting dormant PGCCs in cancer. SIGNIFICANCE Pretreatment with an autophagy inhibitor before chemotherapy could prevent formation of therapy-induced dormant polyploid giant cancer cells, thereby reducing recurrence and metastasis of nasopharyngeal carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tian Xia
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Miao Gu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhenxin Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qicheng Zhang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jianhong Shen
- Clinical Medical Research Center, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yue Fan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hui Yao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Si Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yingna Lu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Tianyi Cheng
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Zhiyuan Yang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xin He
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Muqi Shi
- Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Dong Liu
- Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and MOE, Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Corresponding Authors: Yiwen You, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 40 Qing Nian Dong Lu, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, 226007, China. Phone: 135-8522-9333; E-mail: ; and Dong Liu, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and MOE, Nantong University, 9 Siyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, 226019, China. Phone: 8618-6051-33927; E-mail:
| | - Yiwen You
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Institute of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,College of Medicine, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China.,Corresponding Authors: Yiwen You, Department of Otorhinolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University, 40 Qing Nian Dong Lu, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, 226007, China. Phone: 135-8522-9333; E-mail: ; and Dong Liu, Nantong Laboratory of Development and Diseases, School of Life Sciences, Co-Innovation Center of Neuroregeneration, Key Laboratory of Neuroregeneration of Jiangsu and MOE, Nantong University, 9 Siyuan Road, Chongchuan District, Nantong, Jiangsu Province, China, 226019, China. Phone: 8618-6051-33927; E-mail:
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23
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Human Cytomegalovirus Seropositivity and Viral DNA in Breast Tumors Are Associated with Poor Patient Prognosis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14051148. [PMID: 35267456 PMCID: PMC8909033 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 02/18/2022] [Accepted: 02/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects 40–70% of adult populations in developed countries and this is thought to be involved in breast cancer progression; however, reports of detection of the viral genome in breast tumors ranges from 0–100%. We optimized a method that is both sensitive and specific to detect HCMV DNA in tissues from Canadian breast cancer patients. Only ~42% of HCMV-seropositive patients expressed viral DNA in their breast tumors. Viral transcription was not detected in any HCMV-infected breast tumors, indicating a latent infection; however, HCMV seropositivity and the presence of latent infections in breast tumors were independently, and in combination, associated with increased metastasis. HCMV DNA-positive tumors were also associated with lower relapse-free survival. Therefore, HCMV infection status should be accounted for during the monitoring and treatment of breast cancer patients. Prevention or reducing the effects of HCMV infection could decrease morbidity and mortality from metastatic disease. Abstract Human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) infects 40–70% of adults in developed countries. Detection of HCMV DNA and/or proteins in breast tumors varies considerably, ranging from 0–100%. In this study, nested PCR to detect HCMV glycoprotein B (gB) DNA in breast tumors was shown to be sensitive and specific in contrast to the detection of DNA for immediate early genes. HCMV gB DNA was detected in 18.4% of 136 breast tumors while 62.8% of 94 breast cancer patients were seropositive for HCMV. mRNA for the HCMV immediate early gene was not detected in any sample, suggesting viral latency in breast tumors. HCMV seropositivity was positively correlated with age, body mass index and menopause. Patients who were HCMV seropositive or had HCMV DNA in their tumors were 5.61 (CI 1.77–15.67, p = 0.003) or 5.27 (CI 1.09–28.75, p = 0.039) times more likely to develop Stage IV metastatic tumors, respectively. Patients with HCMV DNA in tumors experienced reduced relapse-free survival (p = 0.042). Being both seropositive with HCMV DNA-positive tumors was associated with vascular involvement and metastasis. We conclude that determining the seropositivity for HCMV and detection of HCMV gB DNA in the breast tumors could identify breast cancer patients more likely to develop metastatic cancer and warrant special treatment.
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Haidar Ahmad S, Pasquereau S, El Baba R, Nehme Z, Lewandowski C, Herbein G. Distinct Oncogenic Transcriptomes in Human Mammary Epithelial Cells Infected With Cytomegalovirus. Front Immunol 2022; 12:772160. [PMID: 35003089 PMCID: PMC8727587 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.772160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus is being recognized as a potential oncovirus beside its oncomodulation role. We previously isolated two clinical isolates, HCMV-DB (KT959235) and HCMV-BL (MW980585), which in primary human mammary epithelial cells promoted oncogenic molecular pathways, established anchorage-independent growth in vitro, and produced tumorigenicity in mice models, therefore named high-risk oncogenic strains. In contrast, other clinical HCMV strains such as HCMV-FS, KM, and SC did not trigger such traits, therefore named low-risk oncogenic strains. In this study, we compared high-risk oncogenic HCMV-DB and BL strains (high-risk) with low-risk oncogenic strains HCMV-FS, KM, and SC (low-risk) additionally to the prototypic HCMV-TB40/E, knowing that all strains infect HMECs in vitro. Numerous pro-oncogenic features including enhanced expression of oncogenes, cell survival, proliferation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes were observed with HCMV-BL. In vitro, mammosphere formation was observed only in high-risk strains. HCMV-TB40/E showed an intermediate transcriptome landscape with limited mammosphere formation. Since we observed that Ki67 gene expression allows us to discriminate between high and low-risk HCMV strains in vitro, we further tested its expression in vivo. Among HCMV-positive breast cancer biopsies, we only detected high expression of the Ki67 gene in basal tumors which may correspond to the presence of high-risk HCMV strains within tumors. Altogether, the transcriptome of HMECs infected with HCMV clinical isolates displays an “oncogenic gradient” where high-risk strains specifically induce a prooncogenic environment which might participate in breast cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandy Haidar Ahmad
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France
| | - Sébastien Pasquereau
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France
| | - Ranim El Baba
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France
| | - Zeina Nehme
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France
| | - Clara Lewandowski
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Pathogens & Inflammation/EPILAB Laboratory, EA4266, Université de Franche-Comté, Université Bourgogne Franche-Comté (UBFC), Besançon, France.,Department of Virology, Centre Hospitalier Universitaire (CHU) Besançon, Besançon, France
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25
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Comparability of CMV DNA Extraction Methods and Validation of Viral Load. Methods Protoc 2022; 5:mps5010006. [PMID: 35076560 PMCID: PMC8788495 DOI: 10.3390/mps5010006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 12/06/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Human cytomegalovirus is a herpesvirus that has a worldwide seroprevalence of more than 60% of adults in developed countries and 90% in developing countries. Severe disabilities in newborns are characteristic of the human cytomegalovirus congenital infection, and this virus is implicated in graft rejection in transplant patients. To treat and follow-up the infection, the CMVPCR viral loads are required, and the DNA extraction step remains very important; however, the quantity, quality, and purity of extracted DNA from different biological fluids influence the results of PCR amplification, that is why for reliable results, the choice of nucleic acid extraction methods requires careful attention. Materials and methods: In this study, we compare 4 protocols, I (EZ1 DSP Virus kit), II (EZ1 Virus mini kit), III (QIAamp DSP virus kit), and IV (heating); the extractions are made from plasma collected on EDTA tubes, and the concentration of extracted DNA was measured on NanoDrop Lite followed by real-time CMVPCR using an Artus CMV QS-RGQ kit. All protocols are performed following the manufacturer’s instructions. Results: This study is conducted on the samples of 135 transplant patients whose follow-up medical tests related to human cytomegalovirus infection; since most of the CMVPCR results are negative, we have chosen the 10 CMVPCR positive samples and 2 negative samples as controls to conduct this comparison study. By using NanoDrop Lite to evaluate the DNA concentration, the yield of extracted DNA is higher in our heating protocol than other protocols, the EZ1 DSP virus kit and EZ1 Virus mini kit show homogeneous quantities, and the QIAamp DSP virus kit shows very low DNA yields. Comparing cycle threshold and viral loads by real-time PCR, all these protocols identified negative samples (100%), and the previously positive samples used were as follows: protocol IV (90%), protocol II (60%), and protocol I (40%). QIAamp DSP virus kit results were not real-time PCR applicable and were non-conclusive because of the low DNA yields. Conclusion: Our developed heating method (protocol IV) is very effective, reliable, simple, fast, and cheap compared to the other protocols in our study.
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26
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Liu J, Niu N, Li X, Zhang X, Sood AK. The life cycle of polyploid giant cancer cells and dormancy in cancer: Opportunities for novel therapeutic interventions. Semin Cancer Biol 2021; 81:132-144. [PMID: 34670140 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2021.10.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2021] [Revised: 10/12/2021] [Accepted: 10/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recent data suggest that most genotoxic agents in cancer therapy can lead to shock of genome and increase in cell size, which leads whole genome duplication or multiplication, formation of polyploid giant cancer cells, activation of an early embryonic program, and dedifferentiation of somatic cells. This process is achieved via the giant cell life cycle, a recently proposed mechanism for malignant transformation of somatic cells. Increase in both cell size and ploidy allows cells to completely or partially restructures the genome and develop into a blastocyst-like structure, similar to that observed in blastomere-stage embryogenesis. Although blastocyst-like structures with reprogrammed genome can generate resistant or metastatic daughter cells or benign cells of different lineages, they also acquired ability to undergo embryonic diapause, a reversible state of suspended embryonic development in which cells enter dormancy for survival in response to environmental stress. Therapeutic agents can activate this evolutionarily conserved developmental program, and when cells awaken from embryonic diapause, this leads to recurrence or metastasis. Understanding of the key mechanisms that regulate the different stages of the giant cell life cycle offers new opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinsong Liu
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA; Departments of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Na Niu
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xiaoran Li
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Xudong Zhang
- Departments of Anatomic Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Anil K Sood
- Departments of Gynecologic Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
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27
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El Baba R, Herbein G. Immune Landscape of CMV Infection in Cancer Patients: From "Canonical" Diseases Toward Virus-Elicited Oncomodulation. Front Immunol 2021; 12:730765. [PMID: 34566995 PMCID: PMC8456041 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2021.730765] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Human Cytomegalovirus (HCMV) is an immensely pervasive herpesvirus, persistently infecting high percentages of the world population. Despite the apparent robust host immune responses, HCMV is capable of replicating, evading host defenses, and establishing latency throughout life by developing multiple immune-modulatory strategies. HCMV has coexisted with humans mounting various mechanisms to evade immune cells and effectively win the HCMV-immune system battle mainly through maintaining its viral genome, impairing HLA Class I and II molecule expression, evading from natural killer (NK) cell-mediated cytotoxicity, interfering with cellular signaling, inhibiting apoptosis, escaping complement attack, and stimulating immunosuppressive cytokines (immune tolerance). HCMV expresses several gene products that modulate the host immune response and promote modifications in non-coding RNA and regulatory proteins. These changes are linked to several complications, such as immunosenescence and malignant phenotypes leading to immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME) and oncomodulation. Hence, tumor survival is promoted by affecting cellular proliferation and survival, invasion, immune evasion, immunosuppression, and giving rise to angiogenic factors. Viewing HCMV-induced evasion mechanisms will play a principal role in developing novel adapted therapeutic approaches against HCMV, especially since immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer therapeutic strategies. Since tumors acquire immune evasion strategies, anti-tumor immunity could be prominently triggered by multimodal strategies to induce, on one side, immunogenic tumor apoptosis and to actively oppose the immune suppressive microenvironment, on the other side.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranim El Baba
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UBFC, Besançon, France
| | - Georges Herbein
- Department Pathogens & Inflammation-EPILAB EA4266, University of Franche-Comté UBFC, Besançon, France
- Department of Virology, Centre hospitalier régional universitaire de Besançon (CHRU) Besançon, Besancon, France
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28
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Viral Manipulation of the Host Epigenome as a Driver of Virus-Induced Oncogenesis. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9061179. [PMID: 34070716 PMCID: PMC8227491 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9061179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2021] [Accepted: 05/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumorigenesis due to viral infection accounts for a high fraction of the total global cancer burden (15–20%) of all human cancers. A comprehensive understanding of the mechanisms by which viral infection leads to tumor development is extremely important. One of the main mechanisms by which viruses induce host cell proliferation programs is through controlling the host’s epigenetic machinery. In this review, we dissect the epigenetic pathways through which oncogenic viruses can integrate their genome into host cell chromosomes and lead to tumor progression. In addition, we highlight the potential use of drugs based on histone modifiers in reducing the global impact of cancer development due to viral infection.
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29
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Detection of Human Cytomegalovirus Proteins in Paraffin-Embedded Breast Cancer Tissue Specimens-A Novel, Automated Immunohistochemical Staining Protocol. Microorganisms 2021; 9:microorganisms9051059. [PMID: 34068349 PMCID: PMC8153275 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms9051059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/05/2021] [Revised: 05/02/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence supports a significant association between human cytomegalovirus (HCMV) and human malignancies, suggesting HCMV as a human oncomodulatory virus. HCMV gene products are found in >90% of breast cancer tumors and seem to be correlated with more aggressive disease. The definitive diagnosis of HCMV relies on identification of virus inclusions and/or viral proteins by different techniques including immunohistochemical staining. In order to reduce biases and improve clinical value of HCMV diagnostics in oncological pathology, automation of the procedure is needed and this was the purpose of this study. Tumor specimens from 115 patients treated for primary breast cancer at Akershus University Hospital in Norway were available for the validation of the staining method in this retrospective study. We demonstrate that our method is highly sensitive and delivers excellent reproducibility for staining of HCMV late antigen (LA), which makes this method useful for future routine diagnostics and scientific applications.
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