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Dannhorn A, Kazanc E, Flint L, Guo F, Carter A, Hall AR, Jones SA, Poulogiannis G, Barry ST, Sansom OJ, Bunch J, Takats Z, Goodwin RJA. Morphological and molecular preservation through universal preparation of fresh-frozen tissue samples for multimodal imaging workflows. Nat Protoc 2024:10.1038/s41596-024-00987-z. [PMID: 38806741 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-024-00987-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The landscape of tissue-based imaging modalities is constantly and rapidly evolving. While formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded material is still useful for histological imaging, the fixation process irreversibly changes the molecular composition of the sample. Therefore, many imaging approaches require fresh-frozen material to get meaningful results. This is particularly true for molecular imaging techniques such as mass spectrometry imaging, which are widely used to probe the spatial arrangement of the tissue metabolome. As high-quality fresh-frozen tissues are limited in their availability, any sample preparation workflow they are subjected to needs to ensure morphological and molecular preservation of the tissues and be compatible with as many of the established and emerging imaging techniques as possible to obtain the maximum possible insights from the tissues. Here we describe a universal sample preparation workflow, from the initial step of freezing the tissues to the cold embedding in a new hydroxypropyl methylcellulose/polyvinylpyrrolidone-enriched hydrogel and the generation of thin tissue sections for analysis. Moreover, we highlight the optimized storage conditions that limit molecular and morphological degradation of the sections. The protocol is compatible with human and plant tissues and can be easily adapted for the preparation of alternative sample formats (e.g., three-dimensional cell cultures). The integrated workflow is universally compatible with histological tissue analysis, mass spectrometry imaging and imaging mass cytometry, as well as spatial proteomic, genomic and transcriptomic tissue analysis. The protocol can be completed within 4 h and requires minimal prior experience in the preparation of tissue samples for multimodal imaging experiments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andreas Dannhorn
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Emine Kazanc
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Lucy Flint
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Fei Guo
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Safety Innovations, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Alfie Carter
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
- Safety Innovations, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Andrew R Hall
- Safety Innovations, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | - Stewart A Jones
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Simon T Barry
- Bioscience, Discovery, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Josephine Bunch
- National Centre of Excellence in Mass Spectrometry Imaging (NiCE-MSI), National Physical Laboratory, Teddington, UK
| | - Zoltan Takats
- Department of Digestion, Metabolism and Reproduction, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Richard J A Goodwin
- Imaging and Data analytics, Clinical Pharmacology and Safety Sciences, R&D, AstraZeneca, Cambridge, UK.
- Institute of Infection, Immunity and Inflammation, College of Medical, Veterinary and Life Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
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2
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Loh JJ, Ma S. Hallmarks of cancer stemness. Cell Stem Cell 2024; 31:617-639. [PMID: 38701757 DOI: 10.1016/j.stem.2024.04.004] [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: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
Cancer stemness is recognized as a key component of tumor development. Previously coined "cancer stem cells" (CSCs) and believed to be a rare population with rigid hierarchical organization, there is good evidence to suggest that these cells exhibit a plastic cellular state influenced by dynamic CSC-niche interplay. This revelation underscores the need to reevaluate the hallmarks of cancer stemness. Herein, we summarize the techniques used to identify and characterize the state of these cells and discuss their defining and emerging hallmarks, along with their enabling and associated features. We also highlight potential future directions in this field of research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia-Jian Loh
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; State Key Laboratory of Liver Research, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China; Laboratory of Synthetic Chemistry and Chemical Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China; Centre for Translational and Stem Cell Biology, Hong Kong Science and Technology Park, Hong Kong SAR, China.
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3
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Pothuraju R, Khan I, Jain M, Bouvet M, Malafa M, Roy HK, Kumar S, Batra SK. Colorectal cancer murine models: Initiation to metastasis. Cancer Lett 2024; 587:216704. [PMID: 38360138 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216704] [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: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 01/31/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Despite significant advancements in prevention and treatment, colorectal cancer (CRC) remains the third leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Animal models, including xenografts, syngeneic, and genetically engineered, have emerged as indispensable tools in cancer research. These models offer a valuable platform to address critical questions regarding molecular pathogenesis and test therapeutic interventions before moving on to clinical trials. Advancements in CRC animal models have also facilitated the advent of personalized and precision medicine. Patient-derived xenografts and genetically engineered mice that mirror features of human tumors allow for tailoring treatments to specific CRC subtypes, improving treatment outcomes and quality of life. To overcome the limitations of individual model systems, recent studies have employed a multi-modal approach, combining different animal models, 3D organoids, and in vitro studies. This integrative approach provides a comprehensive understanding of CRC biology, including the tumor microenvironment and therapeutic responses, driving the development of more effective and personalized therapeutic interventions. This review discusses the animal models used for CRC research, including recent advancements and limitations of these animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ramesh Pothuraju
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Cancer Research Program, Rajiv Gandhi Centre for Biotechnology, Thiruvananthapuram, 695014, Kerala, India
| | - Imran Khan
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, California, USA
| | - Mokenge Malafa
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, FL, 33612, USA
| | - Hemant K Roy
- Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX-77030, USA
| | - Sushil Kumar
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA; Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE-68198, USA.
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4
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Colloca A, Donisi I, Anastasio C, Balestrieri ML, D’Onofrio N. Metabolic Alteration Bridging the Prediabetic State and Colorectal Cancer. Cells 2024; 13:663. [PMID: 38667278 PMCID: PMC11049175 DOI: 10.3390/cells13080663] [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: 03/19/2024] [Revised: 04/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/09/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Prediabetes and colorectal cancer (CRC) represent compelling health burdens responsible for high mortality and morbidity rates, sharing several modifiable risk factors. It has been hypothesized that metabolic abnormalities linking prediabetes and CRC are hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and adipokines imbalance. The chronic stimulation related to these metabolic signatures can favor CRC onset and development, as well as negatively influence CRC prognosis. To date, the growing burden of prediabetes and CRC has generated a global interest in defining their epidemiological and molecular relationships. Therefore, a deeper knowledge of the metabolic impairment determinants is compelling to identify the pathological mechanisms promoting the onset of prediabetes and CRC. In this scenario, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview on the metabolic alterations of prediabetes and CRC as well as an overview of recent preventive and therapeutic approaches for both diseases, focusing on the role of the metabolic state as a pivotal contributor to consider for the development of future preventive and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nunzia D’Onofrio
- Department of Precision Medicine, University of Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, Via L. De Crecchio 7, 80138 Naples, Italy; (A.C.); (I.D.); (C.A.); (M.L.B.)
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5
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Schwärzler J, Mayr L, Grabherr F, Tilg H, Adolph TE. Epithelial metabolism as a rheostat for intestinal inflammation and malignancy. Trends Cell Biol 2024:S0962-8924(24)00004-7. [PMID: 38341347 DOI: 10.1016/j.tcb.2024.01.004] [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: 11/20/2023] [Revised: 01/06/2024] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024]
Abstract
The gut epithelium protects the host from a potentially hostile environment while allowing nutrient uptake that is vital for the organism. To maintain this delicate task, the gut epithelium has evolved multilayered cellular functions ranging from mucus production to hormone release and orchestration of mucosal immunity. Here, we review the execution of intestinal epithelial metabolism in health and illustrate how perturbation of epithelial metabolism affects experimental gut inflammation and tumorigenesis. We also discuss the impact of environmental factors and host-microbe interactions on epithelial metabolism in the context of inflammatory bowel disease and colorectal cancer. Insights into epithelial metabolism hold promise to unravel mechanisms of organismal health that may be therapeutically exploited in humans in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Schwärzler
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Lisa Mayr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Felix Grabherr
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Herbert Tilg
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Timon E Adolph
- Department of Internal Medicine I, Gastroenterology, Hepatology, Endocrinology, and Metabolism, Medical University of Innsbruck, Innsbruck, Austria.
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6
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Steven RT, Burton A, Taylor AJ, Robinson KN, Dexter A, Nikula CJ, Bunch J. Evaluation of Inlet Temperature with Three Sprayer Designs for Desorption Electrospray Ionization Mass Spectrometry Tissue Analysis. JOURNAL OF THE AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR MASS SPECTROMETRY 2024; 35:224-233. [PMID: 38181191 DOI: 10.1021/jasms.3c00332] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2024]
Abstract
Mass spectrometry imaging (MSI) allows for the spatially resolved detection of endogenous and exogenous molecules and atoms in biological samples, typically prepared as thin tissue sections. Desorption electrospray ionization (DESI) is one of the most commonly utilized MSI modalities in preclinical research. DESI ion source technology is still rapidly evolving, with new sprayer designs and heated inlet capillaries having recently been incorporated in commercially available systems. In this study, three iterations of DESI sprayer designs are evaluated: (1) the first, and until recently only, commercially available Waters sprayer; (2) a developmental desorption electro-flow focusing ionization (DEFFI)-type sprayer; and (3) a prototype of the newly released Waters commercial sprayer. A heated inlet capillary is also employed, allowing for controlled inlet temperatures up to 500 °C. These three sprayers are evaluated by comparative tissue imaging analyses of murine testes across this temperature range. Single ion intensity versus temperature trends are evaluated as exemplar cases for putatively identified species of interest, such as lactate and glutamine. A range of trends are observed, where intensities follow either increasing, decreasing, bell-shaped, or other trends with temperature. Data for all sprayers show approximately similar trends for the ions studied, with the commercial prototype sprayer (sprayer version 3) matching or outperforming the other sprayers for the ions investigated. Finally, the mass spectra acquired using sprayer version 3 are evaluated by uniform manifold approximation and projection (UMAP) and k-means clustering. This approach is shown to provide valuable insight that is complementary to the presented univariate evaluation for reviewing the parameter space in this study. Full spectral temperature optimization data are provided as supporting data to enable other researchers to design experiments that are optimal for specific ions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rory T Steven
- National Physical Laboratory Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Amy Burton
- National Physical Laboratory Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | - Adam J Taylor
- National Physical Laboratory Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | | | - Alex Dexter
- National Physical Laboratory Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
| | | | - Josephine Bunch
- National Physical Laboratory Teddington TW11 0LW, U.K
- Imperial College London, Department of Metabolism, Digestion and Reproduction, Sir Alexander Fleming Building, South Kensington Campus, London SW7 2AZ, U.K
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7
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Liu S, Locasale JW. Delineating a Role for Methionine Metabolism in Colorectal Cancer. Cancer Res 2023; 83:3833-3834. [PMID: 37847509 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-23-3169] [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: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/18/2023]
Abstract
Advances in mass spectrometry allow for broader applications of metabolomics in research and clinical applications. In a recent issue of Nature Metabolism, Vande Voorde and colleagues utilized metabolite profiling to investigate the metabolism of colorectal cancer in mouse models, organoids, and patients. This study underscores the utility of metabolomics in distinguishing colorectal cancer, offering potential for its use in precision medicine. It also revealed a pivotal role for adenosylhomocysteinase in the methionine cycle and highlighted its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jason W Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University School of Medicine, Durham, North Carolina
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8
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Lee MY, Tam WL. Multimodal metabolomics pinpoint new metabolic vulnerability in colorectal cancer. Nat Metab 2023; 5:1255-1257. [PMID: 37580541 DOI: 10.1038/s42255-023-00852-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- May Yin Lee
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
| | - Wai Leong Tam
- Genome Institute of Singapore (GIS), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
- Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
- NUS Centre for Cancer Research, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Republic of Singapore.
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