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Costa B, Estrada MF, Gomes A, Fernandez LM, Azevedo JM, Póvoa V, Fontes M, Alves A, Galzerano A, Castillo-Martin M, Herrando I, Brandão S, Carneiro C, Nunes V, Carvalho C, Parvaiz A, Marreiros A, Fior R. Zebrafish Avatar-test forecasts clinical response to chemotherapy in patients with colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2024; 15:4771. [PMID: 38839755 PMCID: PMC11153622 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-49051-0] [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: 11/15/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2024] [Indexed: 06/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer patients often undergo rounds of trial-and-error to find the most effective treatment because there is no test in the clinical practice for predicting therapy response. Here, we conduct a clinical study to validate the zebrafish patient-derived xenograft model (zAvatar) as a fast predictive platform for personalized treatment in colorectal cancer. zAvatars are generated with patient tumor cells, treated exactly with the same therapy as their corresponding patient and analyzed at single-cell resolution. By individually comparing the clinical responses of 55 patients with their zAvatar-test, we develop a decision tree model integrating tumor stage, zAvatar-apoptosis, and zAvatar-metastatic potential. This model accurately forecasts patient progression with 91% accuracy. Importantly, patients with a sensitive zAvatar-test exhibit longer progression-free survival compared to those with a resistant test. We propose the zAvatar-test as a rapid approach to guide clinical decisions, optimizing treatment options and improving the survival of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Costa
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta F Estrada
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Gomes
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Laura M Fernandez
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - José M Azevedo
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Vanda Póvoa
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Márcia Fontes
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Alves
- Institute of Pathological Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine of the University of Lisbon, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - António Galzerano
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Mireia Castillo-Martin
- Pathology Service, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ignacio Herrando
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Shermann Brandão
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Carla Carneiro
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Vítor Nunes
- Surgery Unit, Hospital Prof. Doutor Fernando Fonseca, Amadora, Portugal
| | - Carlos Carvalho
- Digestive Unit, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Amjad Parvaiz
- Colorectal Surgery Department, Champalimaud Clinical Centre, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Marreiros
- Faculty of Medicine and Biomedical Sciences, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
- Algarve Biomedical Center Research Institute, University of Algarve, Faro, Portugal
| | - Rita Fior
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Foundation, Lisbon, Portugal.
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Srimongkol A, Laosillapacharoen N, Saengwimol D, Chaitankar V, Rojanaporn D, Thanomchard T, Borwornpinyo S, Hongeng S, Kaewkhaw R. Sunitinib efficacy with minimal toxicity in patient-derived retinoblastoma organoids. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2023; 42:39. [PMID: 36726110 PMCID: PMC9890748 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-023-02608-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/20/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recurrence of retinoblastoma (RB) following chemoreduction is common and is often managed with local (intra-arterial/intravitreal) chemotherapy. However, some tumors are resistant to even local administration of maximum feasible drug dosages, or effective tumor control and globe preservation may be achieved at the cost of vision loss due to drug-induced retinal toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify drugs with improved antitumor activity and more favorable retinal toxicity profiles via screening of potentially repurposable FDA-approved drugs in patient-derived tumor organoids. METHODS Genomic profiling of five RB organoids and the corresponding parental tissues was performed. RB organoids were screened with 133 FDA-approved drugs, and candidate drugs were selected based on cytotoxicity and potency. RNA sequencing was conducted to generate a drug signature from RB organoids, and the effects of drugs on cell cycle progression and proliferative tumor cone restriction were examined. Drug toxicity was assessed with human embryonic stem cell-derived normal retinal organoids. The efficacy/toxicity profiles of candidate drugs were compared with those of drugs in clinical use. RESULTS RB organoids maintained the genomic features of the parental tumors. Sunitinib was identified as highly cytotoxic against both classical RB1-deficient and novel MYCN-amplified RB organoids and inhibited proliferation while inducing differentiation in RB. Sunitinib was a more effective suppressor of proliferative tumor cones in RB organoids and had lower toxicity in normal retinal organoids than either melphalan or topotecan. CONCLUSION The efficacy and retinal toxicity profiles of sunitinib suggest that it could potentially be repurposed for local chemotherapy of RB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atthapol Srimongkol
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Natanan Laosillapacharoen
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Duangporn Saengwimol
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Research Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Vijender Chaitankar
- grid.94365.3d0000 0001 2297 5165Biodata Mining and Discovery Section, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD USA
| | - Duangnate Rojanaporn
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Ophthalmology, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Thanastha Thanomchard
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Ramathibodi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suparerk Borwornpinyo
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Excellent Center for Drug Discovery, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Biotechnology, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Suradej Hongeng
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Rossukon Kaewkhaw
- grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Program in Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10400 Bangkok, Thailand ,grid.10223.320000 0004 1937 0490Chakri Naruebodindra Medical Institute, Faculty of Medicine Ramathibodi Hospital, Mahidol University, 10540 Samut Prakan, Thailand
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Maricic N, Schwermer M, Schramm A, Morosan-Puopolo G, Ketteler P, Brand-Saberi B. Zebrafish as an Orthotopic Tumor Model for Retinoblastoma Mimicking Routes of Human Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14235814. [PMID: 36497295 PMCID: PMC9736091 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14235814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Retinoblastoma (RB) is the most common eye cancer in children that has a high mortality rate when left untreated. Mouse models for retinoblastoma have been established but are time- and cost-intensive. The aim of this work was to evaluate an orthotopic transplantation model of retinoblastoma in zebrafish that also allows for tracking migratory routes and to explore advantages and disadvantages with respect to drug testing. METHODS Three fluorescence-labeled retinoblastoma cell lines (RB355, WERI-RB-1, Y79) were injected into the left eye of two-day-old zebrafish, while the un-injected right eye served as control. The migratory trajectories of injected retinoblastoma cells were observed until 8 days post injection (dpi), both in lateral and dorsal view, and measuring fluorescence intensity of injected cells was done for RB355 cells. RESULTS Time until the onset of migration and routes for all three retinoblastoma cell lines were comparable and resulted in migration into the brain and ventricles of the forebrain, midbrain and hindbrain. Involvement of the optic nerve was observed in 10% of injections with the RB355 cell line, 15% with Y79 cells and 5% with WERI-RB-1 cells. Fluorescence intensity of injected RB355 cells showed an initial increase until five dpi, but then decreased with high variability until the end of observation. CONCLUSION The zebrafish eye is well suited for the analysis of migratory routes in retinoblastoma and closely mirrors patterns of retinoblastoma metastases in humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nenad Maricic
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Institute of Anatomy and Molecular Neurobiology, Westfälische-Wilhelms University, D-48149 Münster, Germany
| | - Melanie Schwermer
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Alexander Schramm
- Department of Medical Oncology, West German Cancer Center, University Hospital Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Gabriela Morosan-Puopolo
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
| | - Petra Ketteler
- Department of Pediatrics III, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, D-45147 Essen, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (B.B.-S.); Tel.: +49-(0)201-72-32003 (P.K.); +49-(0)234-32-27780 (B.B.-S.)
| | - Beate Brand-Saberi
- Department of Anatomy and Molecular Embryology, Ruhr-University of Bochum, D-44801 Bochum, Germany
- Correspondence: (P.K.); (B.B.-S.); Tel.: +49-(0)201-72-32003 (P.K.); +49-(0)234-32-27780 (B.B.-S.)
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Zebrafish Models of Paediatric Brain Tumours. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23179920. [PMID: 36077320 PMCID: PMC9456103 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23179920] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Paediatric brain cancer is the second most common childhood cancer and is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in children. Despite significant advancements in the treatment modalities and improvements in the 5-year survival rate, it leaves long-term therapy-associated side effects in paediatric patients. Addressing these impairments demands further understanding of the molecularity and heterogeneity of these brain tumours, which can be demonstrated using different animal models of paediatric brain cancer. Here we review the use of zebrafish as potential in vivo models for paediatric brain tumour modelling, as well as catalogue the currently available zebrafish models used to study paediatric brain cancer pathophysiology, and discuss key findings, the unique attributes that these models add, current challenges and therapeutic significance.
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Plousiou M, De Vita A, Miserocchi G, Bandini E, Vannini I, Melloni M, Masalu N, Fabbri F, Serra P. Growth Inhibition of Retinoblastoma Cell Line by Exosome-Mediated Transfer of miR-142-3p. Cancer Manag Res 2022; 14:2119-2131. [PMID: 35791342 PMCID: PMC9250773 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s351979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Retinoblastoma (Rb) is the most common ocular paediatric malignancy and is caused by a mutation of the two alleles of the tumor suppressor gene, RB1. The tumor microenvironment (TME) represents a complex system whose function is not yet well defined and where microvesicles, such as exosomes, play a key role in intercellular communication. Micro-RNAs (mRNAs) have emerged as important modifiers of biological mechanisms involved in cancer and been able to regulate tumor progression. Methods Co-culture of monocytes with retinoblastoma cell lines, showed a significant growth decrease. Given the interaction between Rb cells and monocytes, we investigated the role of the supernatant in the cross-talk between cell lines, by taking the product of the co-culture and then using it as a culture medium for Rb cells. Results miR-142-3p showed to be particularly over-expressed both in the Rb cell line and in the medium used for their culture, comparing to control cell line and the normal supernatant, respectively. Therefore, we provided evidence that miR-142-3p is released by monocytes in the co-culture medium’s exosomes and that it is subsequently up-taken by Rb cells, causing the inhibition of proliferation of Rb cell line by affecting cell cycle progression. Conclusion This study highlights the role of exosomic miR-142-3p in the TME of Rb and identifies new molecular targets, which are able to control tumor growth aiming the development of a forward-looking miR-based strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meropi Plousiou
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Alessandro De Vita
- Osteoncology Unit, Bioscience Laboratory IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST), "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Giacomo Miserocchi
- Osteoncology Unit, Bioscience Laboratory IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST), "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Erika Bandini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Ivan Vannini
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Mattia Melloni
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Nestory Masalu
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, Bioscience Laboratory IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo Per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST), "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Francesco Fabbri
- Biosciences Laboratory, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) "Dino Amadori", 47014 Meldola, Italy
| | - Patrizia Serra
- Unit of Biostatistics and Clinical Trials, IRCCS Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo Per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST), "Dino Amadori", Meldola, Italy
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6
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Costa B, Estrada MF, Barroso MT, Fior R. Zebrafish Patient-Derived Avatars from Digestive Cancers for Anti-cancer Therapy Screening. Curr Protoc 2022; 2:e415. [PMID: 35436037 DOI: 10.1002/cpz1.415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), also called "avatars," are generated by the implantation of human primary tumor cells or tissues into a host animal. Given the complexity and unique characteristics of each tumor, PDXs are models of choice in cancer research and precision medicine. In this context, the zebrafish PDX model (zPDX or zAvatar) has been recognized as a promising in vivo model to directly challenge patient cells with anti-cancer therapies in a personalized manner. The assay relies on the injection of tumor cells from patients into zebrafish embryos to then test and identify the best available drug combination for a particular patient. Compared to mouse PDXs, zAvatar assays take less time and do not require in vitro or in vivo cell expansion. The present article describes how to generate zAvatars from resected digestive cancer from surgeries and how to then use them for anti-cancer therapy screening. We describe the steps for tumor sample collection and cryopreservation, sample preparation and fluorescent labeling for microinjection into zebrafish embryos, drug administration, and analysis of tumor behavior by single-cell confocal imaging. We provide detailed protocols and helpful tips for performing this assay, and we address the technical challenges associated with the workflow. © 2022 Wiley Periodicals LLC. Basic Protocol 1: Patient tumor sample collection and cryopreservation Basic Protocol 2: Generation of zAvatars and anti-cancer treatment Basic Protocol 3: Whole-mount immunofluorescence Basic Protocol 4: Confocal imaging and analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruna Costa
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Marta F Estrada
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
| | | | - Rita Fior
- Champalimaud Foundation, Champalimaud Research, Lisbon, Portugal
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An Orthotopic Model of Uveal Melanoma in Zebrafish Embryo: A Novel Platform for Drug Evaluation. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121873. [PMID: 34944689 PMCID: PMC8698893 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121873] [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: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/30/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma is a highly metastatic tumor, representing the most common primary intraocular malignancy in adults. Tumor cell xenografts in zebrafish embryos may provide the opportunity to study in vivo different aspects of the neoplastic disease and its response to therapy. Here, we established an orthotopic model of uveal melanoma in zebrafish by injecting highly metastatic murine B16-BL6 and B16-LS9 melanoma cells, human A375M melanoma cells, and human 92.1 uveal melanoma cells into the eye of zebrafish embryos in the proximity of the developing choroidal vasculature. Immunohistochemical and immunofluorescence analyses showed that melanoma cells proliferate during the first four days after injection and move towards the eye surface. Moreover, bioluminescence analysis of luciferase-expressing human 92.1 uveal melanoma cells allowed the quantitative assessment of the antitumor activity exerted by the canonical chemotherapeutic drugs paclitaxel, panobinostat, and everolimus after their injection into the grafted eye. Altogether, our data demonstrate that the zebrafish embryo eye is a permissive environment for the growth of invasive cutaneous and uveal melanoma cells. In addition, we have established a new luciferase-based in vivo orthotopic model that allows the quantification of human uveal melanoma cells engrafted in the zebrafish embryo eye, and which may represent a suitable tool for the screening of novel drug candidates for uveal melanoma therapy.
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Yang J, Li Y, Zong C, Zhang Q, Ge S, Ma L, Fan J, Zhang J, Jia R. Xanthatin Selectively Targets Retinoblastoma by Inhibiting the PLK1-Mediated Cell Cycle. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2021; 62:11. [PMID: 34901994 PMCID: PMC8684308 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.62.15.11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Retinoblastoma is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in children. Although intra-arterial chemotherapy and conventional chemotherapy have become promising therapeutic approaches for advanced intraocular retinoblastoma, the side effects threaten health and are unavoidable, making the development of targeted therapy an urgent need. Therefore, we intended to find a potential drug for human retinoblastoma by screening an in-house compound library that included 89 purified and well-characterized natural products. Methods We screened a panel of 89 natural products in retinoblastoma cell lines to find the inhibitor. The inhibition of the identified inhibitor xanthatin on cell growth was detected through half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50), flow cytometry assay, and zebrafish model system. RNA-seq further selected the target gene PLK1. Results We reported the discovery of xanthatin as an effective inhibitor of retinoblastoma. Mechanistically, xanthatin selectively inhibited the proliferation of retinoblastoma cells by inducing cell cycle arrest and promoting apoptosis. Interestingly, xanthatin targeted PLK1-mediated cell cycle progression. The efficacy of xanthatin was further confirmed in zebrafish models. Conclusions Collectively, our data suggested that xanthatin significantly inhibited tumor growth in vitro and in vivo, and xanthatin could be a potential drug treatment for retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunyan Zong
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianqian Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Ma
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of New Drug Design, School of Pharmacy, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jiayan Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianming Zhang
- National Research Center for Translational Medicine, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, Rui-Jin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Chen X, Li Y, Yao T, Jia R. Benefits of Zebrafish Xenograft Models in Cancer Research. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:616551. [PMID: 33644052 PMCID: PMC7905065 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.616551] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2020] [Accepted: 01/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
As a promising in vivo tool for cancer research, zebrafish have been widely applied in various tumor studies. The zebrafish xenograft model is a low-cost, high-throughput tool for cancer research that can be established quickly and requires only a small sample size, which makes it favorite among researchers. Zebrafish patient-derived xenograft (zPDX) models provide promising evidence for short-term clinical treatment. In this review, we discuss the characteristics and advantages of zebrafish, such as their transparent and translucent features, the use of vascular fluorescence imaging, the establishment of metastatic and intracranial orthotopic models, individual pharmacokinetics measurements, and tumor microenvironment. Furthermore, we introduce how these characteristics and advantages are applied other in tumor studies. Finally, we discuss the future direction of the use of zebrafish in tumor studies and provide new ideas for the application of it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingyu Chen
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongyun Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Tengteng Yao
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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Antiangiogenic molecules from marine actinomycetes and the importance of using zebrafish model in cancer research. Heliyon 2020; 6:e05662. [PMID: 33319107 PMCID: PMC7725737 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2020.e05662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Blood vessel sprouting from pre-existing vessels or angiogenesis plays a significant role in tumour progression. Development of novel biomolecules from marine natural sources has a promising role in drug discovery specifically in the area of antiangiogenic chemotherapeutics. Symbiotic actinomycetes from marine origin proved to be potent and valuable sources of antiangiogenic compounds. Zebrafish represent a well-established model for small molecular screening and employed to study tumour angiogenesis over the last decade. Use of zebrafish has increased in the laboratory due to its various advantages like rapid embryo development, optically transparent embryos, large clutch size of embryos and most importantly high genetic conservation comparable to humans. Zebrafish also shares similar physiopathology of tumour angiogenesis with humans and with these advantages, zebrafish has become a popular model in the past decade to study on angiogenesis related disorders like diabetic retinopathy and cancer. This review focuses on the importance of antiangiogenic compounds from marine actinomycetes and utility of zebrafish in cancer angiogenesis research.
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Targen S, Kaya T, Avci ME, Gunes D, Keskus AG, Konu O. ZenoFishDb v1.1: A Database for Xenotransplantation Studies in Zebrafish. Zebrafish 2020; 17:305-318. [PMID: 32931381 DOI: 10.1089/zeb.2020.1869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Rapidly accumulating literature has proven feasibility of the zebrafish xenograft models in cancer research. Nevertheless, online databases for searching the current zebrafish xenograft literature are in great demand. Herein, we have developed a manually curated database, called ZenoFishDb v1.1 (https://konulab.shinyapps.io/zenofishdb), based on R Shiny platform aiming to provide searchable information on ever increasing collection of zebrafish studies for cancer cell line transplantation and patient-derived xenografts (PDXs). ZenoFishDb v1.1 user interface contains four modules: DataTable, Visualization, PDX Details, and PDX Charts. The DataTable and Visualization pages represent xenograft study details, including injected cell lines, PDX injections, molecular modifications of cell lines, zebrafish strains, as well as technical aspects of the xenotransplantation procedures in table, bar, and/or pie chart formats. The PDX Details module provides comprehensive information on the patient details in table format and can be searched and visualized. Overall, ZenoFishDb v1.1 enables researchers to effectively search, list, and visualize different technical and biological attributes of zebrafish xenotransplantation studies particularly focusing on the new trends that make use of reporters, RNA interference, overexpression, or mutant gene constructs of transplanted cancer cells, stem cells, and PDXs, as well as distinguished host modifications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seniye Targen
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Tuğberk Kaya
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Institute of Neuronal Cell Biology, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - M Ender Avci
- Izmir Biomedicine and Genome Center, Dokuz Eylul University, Izmir, Turkey
| | - Damla Gunes
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ayse Gokce Keskus
- Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Ozlen Konu
- Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,Interdisciplinary Program in Neuroscience, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey.,UNAM-Institute of Materials Science and Nanotechnology, Bilkent University, Ankara, Turkey
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Cabezas-Sáinz P, Pensado-López A, Sáinz B, Sánchez L. Modeling Cancer Using Zebrafish Xenografts: Drawbacks for Mimicking the Human Microenvironment. Cells 2020; 9:E1978. [PMID: 32867288 PMCID: PMC7564051 DOI: 10.3390/cells9091978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2020] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The first steps towards establishing xenografts in zebrafish embryos were performed by Lee et al., 2005 and Haldi et al., 2006, paving the way for studying human cancers using this animal species. Since then, the xenograft technique has been improved in different ways, ranging from optimizing the best temperature for xenografted embryo incubation, testing different sites for injection of human tumor cells, and even developing tools to study how the host interacts with the injected cells. Nonetheless, a standard protocol for performing xenografts has not been adopted across laboratories, and further research on the temperature, microenvironment of the tumor or the cell-host interactions inside of the embryo during xenografting is still needed. As a consequence, current non-uniform conditions could be affecting experimental results in terms of cell proliferation, invasion, or metastasis; or even overestimating the effects of some chemotherapeutic drugs on xenografted cells. In this review, we highlight and raise awareness regarding the different aspects of xenografting that need to be improved in order to mimic, in a more efficient way, the human tumor microenvironment, resulting in more robust and accurate in vivo results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pablo Cabezas-Sáinz
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
- Genomic Medicine Group, Center for Research in Molecular Medicine and Chronic Diseases (CiMUS), Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Bruno Sáinz
- Departamento de Bioquímica, Facultad de Medicina, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas “Alberto Sols” CSIC-UAM, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, Arzobispo Morcillo 4, 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Cancer Stem Cell and Fibroinflammatory Microenvironment Group, Chronic Diseases and Cancer Area 3-Instituto Ramón y Cajal de Investigación Sanitaria (IRYCIS), 28034 Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (P.C.-S.); (A.P.-L.)
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13
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Nakayama J, Makinoshima H. Zebrafish-Based Screening Models for the Identification of Anti-Metastatic Drugs. Molecules 2020; 25:E2407. [PMID: 32455810 PMCID: PMC7287578 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25102407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis, a leading contributor to the morbidity of cancer patients, occurs through a multi-step process: invasion, intravasation, extravasation, colonization, and metastatic tumor formation. Each process is not only promoted by cancer cells themselves but is also affected by their microenvironment. Given this complexity, drug discovery for anti-metastatic drugs must consider the interaction between cancer cells and their microenvironments. The zebrafish is a suitable vertebrate animal model for in vivo high-throughput screening studies with physiological relevance to humans. This review covers the zebrafish model used to identify anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joji Nakayama
- Shonai Regional Industry Promotion Center, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 997-0052, Japan
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Mizukami 246-2, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 975-0052, Japan;
| | - Hideki Makinoshima
- Tsuruoka Metabolomics Laboratory, National Cancer Center, Mizukami 246-2, Kakuganji, Tsuruoka, Yamagata 975-0052, Japan;
- Division of Translational Research, Exploratory Oncology Research, and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
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14
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Yu J, Zhong B, Jin L, Hou Y, Ai N, Ge W, Li L, Liu S, Lu JJ, Chen X. 2-Methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (MAM) induced programmed necrosis in glioblastoma by targeting NAD(P)H: Quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1). Free Radic Biol Med 2020; 152:336-347. [PMID: 32234332 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2020.03.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Revised: 03/24/2020] [Accepted: 03/24/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) are the most malignant brain tumors in humans and have a very poor prognosis. Temozolomide (TMZ), the only chemotherapeutic drug for GBM treatment, induced apoptosis but frequently developed resistance. Non-apoptotic cell death offers an alternative strategy to fight cancers. Our previous studies showed that 2-methoxy-6-acetyl-7-methyljuglone (MAM), a natural product, induced necroptosis in lung and colon cancer cells. The current study is designed to investigate its therapeutic potentials for GBM with in vitro and in vivo models. The protein expression of NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) in human GBM specimens were detected by immunohistochemistry. Effect of MAM on NQO1 was measured by recombinant protein and cellular thermal shift assay. The roles of NQO1 activation, superoxide (O2-) generation, calcium (Ca2+) accumulation, and c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK1/2) activation in MAM-induced cell death in U87 and U251 glioma cells were investigated. The effect of MAM on tumor growth was tested with a U251 tumor xenograft zebrafish model. Results showed that the NQO1 expression is positively correlated with the degree of malignancy in GBM tissues. MAM could directly bind and activate NQO1. Furthermore, MAM treatment induced rapid O2- generation, cytosolic Ca2+ accumulation, and sustained JNK1/2 activation. In addition, MAM significantly suppressed tumor growth in the zebrafish model. In conclusion, MAM induced GBM cell death by triggering an O2-/Ca2+/JNK1/2 dependent programmed necrosis. NQO1 might be the potential target for MAM and mediated its anticancer effect. This non-apoptotic necrosis might have therapeutic potentials for GBM treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Bingling Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Long Jin
- Shengli Clinical Medical College, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, 350001, China; Department of Pathology, Fujian Provincial Hospital, No.134 Dong Street, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ying Hou
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Nana Ai
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Wei Ge
- Centre of Reproduction, Development and Aging (CRDA), Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Luoxiang Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Shuqin Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jin-Jian Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China
| | - Xiuping Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macau, China.
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15
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Zebrafish Avatars towards Personalized Medicine-A Comparative Review between Avatar Models. Cells 2020; 9:cells9020293. [PMID: 31991800 PMCID: PMC7072137 DOI: 10.3390/cells9020293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer frequency and prevalence have been increasing in the past decades, with devastating impacts on patients and their families. Despite the great advances in targeted approaches, there is still a lack of methods to predict individual patient responses, and therefore treatments are tailored according to average response rates. “Omics” approaches are used for patient stratification and choice of therapeutic options towards a more precise medicine. These methods, however, do not consider all genetic and non-genetic dynamic interactions that occur upon drug treatment. Therefore, the need to directly challenge patient cells in a personalized manner remains. The present review addresses the state of the art of patient-derived in vitro and in vivo models, from organoids to mouse and zebrafish Avatars. The predictive power of each model based on the retrospective correlation with the patient clinical outcome will be considered. Finally, the review is focused on the emerging zebrafish Avatars and their unique characteristics allowing a fast analysis of local and systemic effects of drug treatments at the single-cell level. We also address the technical challenges that the field has yet to overcome.
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16
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La transplantation de cellules tumorales chez le poisson zèbre : de la recherche translationnelle à la médecine personnalisée. Bull Cancer 2020; 107:30-40. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2019.06.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2019] [Revised: 06/04/2019] [Accepted: 06/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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17
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Hason M, Bartůněk P. Zebrafish Models of Cancer-New Insights on Modeling Human Cancer in a Non-Mammalian Vertebrate. Genes (Basel) 2019; 10:genes10110935. [PMID: 31731811 PMCID: PMC6896156 DOI: 10.3390/genes10110935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2019] [Revised: 11/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) is a valuable non-mammalian vertebrate model widely used to study development and disease, including more recently cancer. The evolutionary conservation of cancer-related programs between human and zebrafish is striking and allows extrapolation of research outcomes obtained in fish back to humans. Zebrafish has gained attention as a robust model for cancer research mainly because of its high fecundity, cost-effective maintenance, dynamic visualization of tumor growth in vivo, and the possibility of chemical screening in large numbers of animals at reasonable costs. Novel approaches in modeling tumor growth, such as using transgene electroporation in adult zebrafish, could improve our knowledge about the spatial and temporal control of cancer formation and progression in vivo. Looking at genetic as well as epigenetic alterations could be important to explain the pathogenesis of a disease as complex as cancer. In this review, we highlight classic genetic and transplantation models of cancer in zebrafish as well as provide new insights on advances in cancer modeling. Recent progress in zebrafish xenotransplantation studies and drug screening has shown that zebrafish is a reliable model to study human cancer and could be suitable for evaluating patient-derived xenograft cell invasiveness. Rapid, large-scale evaluation of in vivo drug responses and kinetics in zebrafish could undoubtedly lead to new applications in personalized medicine and combination therapy. For all of the above-mentioned reasons, zebrafish is approaching a future of being a pre-clinical cancer model, alongside the mouse. However, the mouse will continue to be valuable in the last steps of pre-clinical drug screening, mostly because of the highly conserved mammalian genome and biological processes.
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18
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Zhu J, Zhang X, Ai L, Yuan R, Ye J. Clinicohistopathological implications of MMP/VEGF expression in retinoblastoma: a combined meta-analysis and bioinformatics analysis. J Transl Med 2019; 17:226. [PMID: 31311559 PMCID: PMC6636009 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-019-1975-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND No in-depth systematic evidence is available for assessing retinoblastoma malignancy and eligibility for subsequent treatment. METHODS The Cochrane Library, EMBASE, PubMed, Web of Science, and China Biology Medicine databases were searched, and 16 studies comprising 718 retinoblastoma patients were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) and summary correlation coefficients (r) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) in random-effects, fixed-effects or quality-effects models were calculated using Review Manager 5.3 and MetaXL. GO functional annotation and KEGG pathway analysis were performed using the GO and STRING databases. RESULTS We observed significant associations between high levels of MMP-1 (OR, 4.21; 95% CI 1.86-9.54), MMP-2 (OR, 11.18; 95% CI 4.26-29.30), MMP-9 (OR, 10.41, 95% CI 4.26-25.47), and VEGF (OR, 8.09; 95% CI 4.03-16.20) with tumor invasion; high levels of MMP-1 (OR, 3.58; 95% CI 1.48-8.71), MMP-2 (OR, 2.96; 95% CI 1.32-6.64), MMP-9 (OR, 5.49; 95% CI 3.55-8.48) and VEGF (OR, 5.30; 95% CI 2.93-9.60) with poor differentiation; and overexpression of MMP-9 (OR, 5.17; 95% CI 2.85-9.38) with advanced clinical stages. Moreover, MMP-9 and VEGF expression were positively correlated (r, 0.61; 95% CI 0.38-0.77). Multiple GO terms were enriched associated with MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF, and they are closely associated with pathways, proteoglycans and microRNAs related to cancer. CONCLUSIONS MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF play important roles in the development and progression of retinoblastoma. High levels of MMP-1, MMP-2, MMP-9 and VEGF are credible implications for increased malignancy, thus the need for more aggressive treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingyi Zhu
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Xi Zhang
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Liqianyu Ai
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Rongdi Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Xinqiao Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
| | - Jian Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology and Institute of Surgery Research, Daping Hospital, Army Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China.
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19
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Wu XX, Yue GGL, Dong JR, Lam CWK, Wong CK, Qiu MH, Lau CBS. Actein Inhibits the Proliferation and Adhesion of Human Breast Cancer Cells and Suppresses Migration in vivo. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:1466. [PMID: 30618758 PMCID: PMC6299023 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.01466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2018] [Accepted: 11/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose: Metastasis is an important cause of death in breast cancer patients. Anti-metastatic agents are urgently needed since standard chemotherapeutics cannot diminish the metastatic rate. Actein, a cycloartane triterpenoid, has been demonstrated to exhibit anti-angiogenic and anti-cancer activities. Its anti-metastatic activity and underlying mechanisms were evaluated in the present study. Methods: The effects of actein on the proliferation, cell cycle phase distribution, migration, motility and adhesion were evaluated using two human breast cancer cell lines, MDA-MB-231 (estrogen receptor-negative) and MCF-7 cells (estrogen receptor-positive) in vitro. Western blots and real-time PCR were employed to examine the protein and mRNA expression of relevant signaling pathways. A human metastatic breast cancer cell xenograft model was established in transparent zebrafish embryos to examine the anti-migration effect of actein in vivo. Results:In vitro results showed that actein treatment significantly decreased cell proliferation, migration and motility. Furthermore, actein significantly caused G1 phase cell cycle arrest and suppressed the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinases of MDA-MB-231 cells. In addition, actein inhibited breast cancer cell adhesion to collagen, also reduced the expression of integrins. Actein treatment down-regulated the protein expression of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), AKT and NF-κB signaling proteins. In vivo results demonstrated that actein (60 μM) significantly decreased the number of zebrafish embryos with migrated cells by 74% and reduced the number of migrated cells in embryos. Conclusion: Actein exhibited anti-proliferative, anti-adhesion and anti-migration activities, with the underlying mechanisms involved the EGFR/AKT and NF-kappaB signalings. These findings shed light for the development of actein as novel anti-migration natural compound for advanced breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Xiao Wu
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Grace Gar-Lee Yue
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jin-Run Dong
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Christopher Wai-Kei Lam
- State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicines, Macau Institute for Applied Research in Medicine and Health, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, China
| | - Chun-Kwok Wong
- Department of Chemical Pathology, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,Li Dak Sum Yip Yio Chin R & D Centre for Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ming-Hua Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming, China
| | - Clara Bik-San Lau
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.,State Key Laboratory of Research on Bioactivities and Clinical Applications of Medicinal Plants, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
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20
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Asnaghi L, White DT, Key N, Choi J, Mahale A, Alkatan H, Edward DP, Elkhamary SM, Al-Mesfer S, Maktabi A, Hurtado CG, Lee GY, Carcaboso AM, Mumm JS, Safieh LA, Eberhart CG. ACVR1C/SMAD2 signaling promotes invasion and growth in retinoblastoma. Oncogene 2018; 38:2056-2075. [PMID: 30401983 PMCID: PMC6430693 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-018-0543-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Revised: 08/31/2018] [Accepted: 09/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is the most common intraocular cancer in children. While the primary tumor can often be treated by local or systemic chemotherapy, metastatic dissemination is generally resistant to therapy and remains a leading cause of pediatric cancer death in much of the world. In order to identify new therapeutic targets in aggressive tumors, we sequenced RNA transcripts in five snap frozen retinoblastomas which invaded the optic nerve and five which did not. A three-fold increase was noted in mRNA levels of ACVR1C/ALK7, a type I receptor of the TGF-β family, in invasive retinoblastomas, while downregulation of DACT2 and LEFTY2, negative modulators of the ACVR1C signaling, was observed in most invasive tumors. A two- to three-fold increase in ACVR1C mRNA was also found in invasive WERI Rb1 and Y79 cells as compared to non-invasive cells in vitro. Transcripts of ACVR1C receptor and its ligands (Nodal, Activin A/B, and GDF3) were expressed in six retinoblastoma lines, and evidence of downstream SMAD2 signaling was present in all these lines. Pharmacological inhibition of ACVR1C signaling using SB505124, or genetic downregulation of the receptor using shRNA potently suppressed invasion, growth, survival, and reduced the protein levels of the mesenchymal markers ZEB1 and Snail. The inhibitory effects on invasion, growth, and proliferation were recapitulated by knocking down SMAD2, but not SMAD3. Finally, in an orthotopic zebrafish model of retinoblastoma, a 55% decrease in tumor spread was noted (p=0.0026) when larvae were treated with 3 μM of SB505124, as compared to DMSO. Similarly, knockdown of ACVR1C in injected tumor cells using shRNA also resulted in a 54% reduction in tumor dissemination in the zebrafish eye as compared to scrambled shRNA control (p=0.0005). Our data support a role for the ACVR1C/SMAD2 pathway in promoting invasion and growth of retinoblastoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Asnaghi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - David T White
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Nolan Key
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Joshua Choi
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alka Mahale
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hind Alkatan
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Ophthalmology, College of Medicine, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Deepak P Edward
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.,King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,University of Illinois Eye and Ear Infirmary, Chicago, IL, USA
| | - Sahar M Elkhamary
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.,Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Mansoura Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura, Egypt
| | | | - Azza Maktabi
- King Khaled Eye Specialist Hospital, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Christopher G Hurtado
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Grace Y Lee
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Jeff S Mumm
- Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Charles G Eberhart
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Ophthalmology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA. .,Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
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21
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Raguraman R, Parameswaran S, Kanwar JR, Khetan V, Rishi P, Kanwar RK, Krishnakumar S. Evidence of Tumour Microenvironment and Stromal Cellular Components in Retinoblastoma. Ocul Oncol Pathol 2018; 5:85-93. [PMID: 30976585 DOI: 10.1159/000488709] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2017] [Revised: 03/19/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The tumour microenvironment (TME) consisting of tumour cells and multiple stromal cell types regulate tumour growth, invasion and metastasis. While the concept of TME and presence of stromal cellular components is widely established in cancers, its significance in the paediatric intraocular malignancy, retinoblastoma (RB), remains unknown. Methods The study qualitatively identified the presence of multiple stromal cellular subtypes in RB TME by immunohistochemistry. Results Results of the study identified the presence of stromal cell types such as endothelial cells, tumour-associated macrophages, fibroblasts, cancer-associated fibroblasts, retinal astrocytes and glia in RB TME. The extent of stromal marker positivity, however, did not correlate with histopathological features of RB. Conclusions The findings of the study convincingly suggest the presence of a stromal component in RB tumours. The interactions between stromal cells and tumour cells might be of profound importance in RB progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajeswari Raguraman
- Department of Larsen and Toubro Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.,School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Sowmya Parameswaran
- Radheshyam Kanoi Stem Cell Laboratory, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Jagat Rakesh Kanwar
- School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Vikas Khetan
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Pukhraj Rishi
- Department of Ocular Oncology, Medical Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India
| | - Rupinder Kaur Kanwar
- School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
| | - Subramanian Krishnakumar
- Department of Larsen and Toubro Ocular Pathology, Vision Research Foundation, Sankara Nethralaya, Chennai, India.,School of Medicine, Centre for Molecular and Medical Research, Deakin University, Geelong, Victoria, Australia
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22
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Krishnan H, Rayes J, Miyashita T, Ishii G, Retzbach EP, Sheehan SA, Takemoto A, Chang Y, Yoneda K, Asai J, Jensen L, Chalise L, Natsume A, Goldberg GS. Podoplanin: An emerging cancer biomarker and therapeutic target. Cancer Sci 2018; 109:1292-1299. [PMID: 29575529 PMCID: PMC5980289 DOI: 10.1111/cas.13580] [Citation(s) in RCA: 107] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2018] [Revised: 03/02/2018] [Accepted: 03/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Podoplanin (PDPN) is a transmembrane receptor glycoprotein that is upregulated on transformed cells, cancer associated fibroblasts and inflammatory macrophages that contribute to cancer progression. In particular, PDPN increases tumor cell clonal capacity, epithelial mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, metastasis and inflammation. Antibodies, CAR-T cells, biologics and synthetic compounds that target PDPN can inhibit cancer progression and septic inflammation in preclinical models. This review describes recent advances in how PDPN may be used as a biomarker and therapeutic target for many types of cancer, including glioma, squamous cell carcinoma, mesothelioma and melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Harini Krishnan
- Department of Physiology and BiophysicsStony Brook UniversityStony BrookNYUSA
| | - Julie Rayes
- Institute of Cardiovascular ScienceCollege of Medical and Dental SciencesUniversity of BirminghamEdgbastonBirminghamUK
| | - Tomoyuki Miyashita
- Division of PathologyExploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaChibaJapan
- Laboratory of Cancer BiologyDepartment of Integrated BiosciencesGraduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoKashiwaChibaJapan
| | - Genichiro Ishii
- Division of PathologyExploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial CenterNational Cancer CenterKashiwaChibaJapan
- Laboratory of Cancer BiologyDepartment of Integrated BiosciencesGraduate School of Frontier SciencesThe University of TokyoKashiwaChibaJapan
| | - Edward P. Retzbach
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular BiologyRowan University School of Osteopathic MedicineStratfordNJUSA
| | - Stephanie A. Sheehan
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular BiologyRowan University School of Osteopathic MedicineStratfordNJUSA
| | - Ai Takemoto
- Division of Experimental ChemotherapyThe Cancer Chemotherapy CenterJapanese Foundation for Cancer ResearchTokyoJapan
| | - Yao‐Wen Chang
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical SciencesCollege of MedicineChang Gung UniversityTaoyuanTaiwanChina
| | - Kazue Yoneda
- Second Department of Surgery (Chest Surgery)University of Occupational and Environmental healthKitakyushuFukuokaJapan
| | - Jun Asai
- Department of DermatologyKyoto Prefectural University of Medicine Graduate School of Medical ScienceKyotoJapan
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Division of Cardiovascular MedicineDepartment of Medical and Health SciencesLinköping UniversityLinköpingSweden
| | - Lushun Chalise
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Atsushi Natsume
- Department of NeurosurgeryNagoya University School of MedicineNagoyaJapan
| | - Gary S. Goldberg
- Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and Department of Molecular BiologyRowan University School of Osteopathic MedicineStratfordNJUSA
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23
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Das TK, Cagan RL. Non-mammalian models of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Endocr Relat Cancer 2018; 25:T91-T104. [PMID: 29348307 PMCID: PMC5935467 DOI: 10.1530/erc-17-0411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Twenty-five years ago, RET was identified as the primary driver of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2) syndrome. MEN2 is characterized by several transformation events including pheochromocytoma, parathyroid adenoma and, especially penetrant, medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Overall, MTC is a rare but aggressive type of thyroid cancer for which no effective treatment currently exists. Surgery, radiation, radioisotope treatment and chemotherapeutics have all shown limited success, and none of these approaches have proven durable in advanced disease. Non-mammalian models that incorporate the oncogenic RET isoforms associated with MEN2 and other RET-associated diseases have been useful in delineating mechanisms underlying disease progression. These models have also identified novel targeted therapies as single agents and as combinations. These studies highlight the importance of modeling disease in the context of the whole animal, accounting for the complex interplay between tumor and normal cells in controlling disease progression as well as response to therapy. With convenient access to whole genome sequencing data from expanded thyroid cancer patient cohorts, non-mammalian models will become more complex, sophisticated and continue to complement future mammalian studies. In this review, we explore the contributions of non-mammalian models to our understanding of thyroid cancer including MTC, with a focus on Danio rerio and Drosophila melanogaster (fish and fly) models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tirtha K Das
- Department of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
| | - Ross L Cagan
- Department of Cell Developmental and Regenerative Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Icahn School of Medicine, New York, New York, USA
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24
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Okuda KS, Lee HM, Velaithan V, Ng MF, Patel V. Utilizing Zebrafish to Identify Anti-(Lymph)Angiogenic Compounds for Cancer Treatment: Promise and Future Challenges. Microcirculation 2018; 23:389-405. [PMID: 27177346 DOI: 10.1111/micc.12289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 05/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer metastasis which predominantly occurs through blood and lymphatic vessels, is the leading cause of death in cancer patients. Consequently, several anti-angiogenic agents have been approved as therapeutic agents for human cancers such as metastatic renal cell carcinoma. Also, anti-lymphangiogenic drugs such as monoclonal antibodies VGX-100 and IMC-3C5 have undergone phase I clinical trials for advanced and metastatic solid tumors. Although anti-tumor-associated angiogenesis has proven to be a promising therapeutic strategy for human cancers, this approach is fraught with toxicities and development of drug resistance. This emphasizes the need for alternative anti-(lymph)angiogenic drugs. The use of zebrafish has become accepted as an established model for high-throughput screening, vascular biology, and cancer research. Importantly, various zebrafish transgenic lines have now been generated that can readily discriminate different vascular compartments. This now enables detailed in vivo studies that are relevant to both human physiological and tumor (lymph)angiogenesis to be conducted in zebrafish. This review highlights recent advancements in the zebrafish anti-vascular screening platform and showcases promising new anti-(lymph)angiogenic compounds that have been derived from this model. In addition, this review discusses the promises and challenges of the zebrafish model in the context of anti-(lymph)angiogenic compound discovery for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kazuhide S Okuda
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Hui Mei Lee
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vithya Velaithan
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Mei Fong Ng
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Vyomesh Patel
- Drug Discovery, Cancer Research Malaysia, Subang Jaya, Selangor, Malaysia
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25
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Astone M, Dankert EN, Alam SK, Hoeppner LH. Fishing for cures: The alLURE of using zebrafish to develop precision oncology therapies. NPJ Precis Oncol 2017; 1. [PMID: 29376139 PMCID: PMC5784449 DOI: 10.1038/s41698-017-0043-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Zebrafish have proven to be a valuable model to study human cancer biology with the ultimate aim of developing new therapies. Danio rerio are amenable to in vivo imaging, high-throughput drug screening, mutagenesis, and transgenesis, and they share histological and genetic similarities with Homo sapiens. The significance of zebrafish in the field of precision oncology is rapidly emerging. Indeed, modeling cancer in zebrafish has already been used to identify tumor biomarkers, define therapeutic targets and provide an in vivo platform for drug discovery. New zebrafish studies are starting to pave the way to direct individualized clinical applications. Patient-derived cancer cell xenograft models have demonstrated the feasibility of using zebrafish as a real-time avatar of prognosis and drug response to identify the most ideal therapy for an individual patient. Genetic cancer modeling in zebrafish, now facilitated by rapidly evolving genome editing techniques, represents another innovative approach to recapitulate human oncogenesis and develop individualized treatments. Utilizing zebrafish to design customizable precision therapies will improve the clinical outcome of patients afflicted with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Astone
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912
| | - Erin N Dankert
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912
| | - Sk Kayum Alam
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912
| | - Luke H Hoeppner
- The Hormel Institute, University of Minnesota, Austin, MN, 55912
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26
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Stenfelt S, Blixt MKE, All-Ericsson C, Hallböök F, Boije H. Heterogeneity in retinoblastoma: a tale of molecules and models. Clin Transl Med 2017; 6:42. [PMID: 29124525 PMCID: PMC5680409 DOI: 10.1186/s40169-017-0173-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2017] [Accepted: 10/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma, an intraocular pediatric cancer, develops in the embryonic retina following biallelic loss of RB1. However, there is a wide range of genetic and epigenetic changes that can affect RB1 resulting in different clinical outcomes. In addition, other transformations, such as MYCN amplification, generate particularly aggressive tumors, which may or may not be RB1 independent. Recognizing the cellular characteristics required for tumor development, by identifying the elusive cell-of-origin for retinoblastoma, would help us understand the development of these tumors. In this review we summarize the heterogeneity reported in retinoblastoma on a molecular, cellular and tissue level. We also discuss the challenging heterogeneity in current retinoblastoma models and suggest future platforms that could contribute to improved understanding of tumor initiation, progression and metastasis in retinoblastoma, which may ultimately lead to more patient-specific treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonya Stenfelt
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Maria K E Blixt
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | | | - Finn Hallböök
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Henrik Boije
- Department of Neuroscience, Uppsala University, 75124, Uppsala, Sweden.
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27
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Liu C, Zhang Y, Lim S, Hosaka K, Yang Y, Pavlova T, Alkasalias T, Hartman J, Jensen L, Xing X, Wang X, Lu Y, Nie G, Cao Y. A Zebrafish Model Discovers a Novel Mechanism of Stromal Fibroblast-Mediated Cancer Metastasis. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:4769-4779. [PMID: 28420724 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0101] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2017] [Revised: 02/14/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Cancer metastasis can occur at the early stage of tumor development when a primary tumor is at the microscopic size. In particular, the interaction of malignant cells with other cell types including cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAF) in promoting metastasis at the early stage of tumor development remains largely unknown. Here, we investigated the role of CAFs in facilitating the initial events of cancer metastasis when primary tumors were at microscopic sizes.Experimental Design: Multicolor-coded cancer cells and CAFs were coimplanted into the transparent zebrafish body and metastasis at a single-cell level was monitored in living animals. Healthy fibroblasts, tumor factor-educated fibroblasts, and CAFs isolated from various tumors were tested for their ability to facilitate metastasis.Results: We showed that CAFs promoted cancer cell metastasis at the very early stage during primary tumor development. When a primary tumor was at the microscopic size consisting of a few hundred cells, CAFs were able to hijack cancer cells for dissemination from the primary site. Surprisingly, a majority of metastatic cancer cells remained in tight association with CAFs in the circulation. Furthermore, stimulation of non-metastasis-promoting normal fibroblasts with TGF-B, FGF-2, HGF, and PDGF-BB led to acquisition of their metastatic capacity.Conclusions: Cancer metastasis occurs at the very early stage of tumor formation consisting of only a few hundred cells. CAFs are the key cellular determinant for metastasis. Our findings provide novel mechanistic insights on CAFs in promoting cancer metastasis and targeting CAFs for cancer therapy should be aimed at the early stage during cancer development. Clin Cancer Res; 23(16); 4769-79. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caifeng Liu
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Jinan Infectious Disease Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Yunjian Zhang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, the First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sharon Lim
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kayoko Hosaka
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Yunlong Yang
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Key Laboratory of International Collaborations, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Tatiana Pavlova
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Twana Alkasalias
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Johan Hartman
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Lasse Jensen
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden.,Department of Medical and Health Sciences, Unit of Cardiovascular Medicine, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Xiaoming Xing
- Department of Pathology and Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xinsheng Wang
- Department of Pathology and Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Yongtian Lu
- Key Laboratory of International Collaborations, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guohui Nie
- Key Laboratory of International Collaborations, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.
| | - Yihai Cao
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. .,Key Laboratory of International Collaborations, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, China.,Department of Pathology and Department of Urology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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28
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Ibrahim M, Richardson MK. Beyond organoids: In vitro vasculogenesis and angiogenesis using cells from mammals and zebrafish. Reprod Toxicol 2017; 73:292-311. [PMID: 28697965 DOI: 10.1016/j.reprotox.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2017] [Revised: 06/12/2017] [Accepted: 07/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
The ability to culture complex organs is currently an important goal in biomedical research. It is possible to grow organoids (3D organ-like structures) in vitro; however, a major limitation of organoids, and other 3D culture systems, is the lack of a vascular network. Protocols developed for establishing in vitro vascular networks typically use human or rodent cells. A major technical challenge is the culture of functional (perfused) networks. In this rapidly advancing field, some microfluidic devices are now getting close to the goal of an artificially perfused vascular network. Another development is the emergence of the zebrafish as a complementary model to mammals. In this review, we discuss the culture of endothelial cells and vascular networks from mammalian cells, and examine the prospects for using zebrafish cells for this objective. We also look into the future and consider how vascular networks in vitro might be successfully perfused using microfluidic technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Ibrahim
- Animal Science and Health Cluster, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands; Institute of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, The University of Agriculture, Peshawar, Pakistan
| | - Michael K Richardson
- Animal Science and Health Cluster, Institute of Biology Leiden, Leiden University, The Netherlands.
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29
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Vitale G, Gaudenzi G, Circelli L, Manzoni MF, Bassi A, Fioritti N, Faggiano A, Colao A. Animal models of medullary thyroid cancer: state of the art and view to the future. Endocr Relat Cancer 2017; 24:R1-R12. [PMID: 27799362 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0399] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2016] [Accepted: 10/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a neuroendocrine tumour originating from parafollicular C cells accounting for 5-10% of thyroid cancers. Increased understanding of disease-specific molecular targets of therapy has led to the regulatory approval of two drugs (vandetanib and cabozantinib) for the treatment of medullary thyroid carcinoma. These drugs increase progression-free survival; however, they are often poorly tolerated and most treatment responses are transient. Animal models are indispensable tools for investigating the pathogenesis, mechanisms for tumour invasion and metastasis and new therapeutic approaches for cancer. Unfortunately, only few models are available for medullary thyroid carcinoma. This review provides an overview of the state of the art of animal models in medullary thyroid carcinoma and highlights future developments in this field, with the aim of addressing salient features and clinical relevance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanni Vitale
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO)University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Laboratory of Endocrine and Metabolic ResearchIstituto Auxologico Italiano IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Germano Gaudenzi
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Community Health (DISCCO)University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Luisa Circelli
- Department of Experimental OncologyLaboratory of Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology, Istituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori, 'Fondazione Pascale' - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Marco F Manzoni
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal MedicineEndocrine Tumors Unit, San Raffaele Hospital Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Bassi
- Department of PhysicsPolitecnico di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Antongiulio Faggiano
- Thyroid and Parathyroid Surgery UnitIstituto Nazionale per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori 'Fondazione G. Pascale' - IRCCS, Naples, Italy
| | - Annamaria Colao
- Department of Clinical Medicine and SurgerySection of Endocrinology, 'Federico II' University of Naples, Naples, Italy
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30
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Kim DY, Choi JA, Koh JY, Yoon YH. Efficacy and safety of aflibercept in in vitro and in vivo models of retinoblastoma. JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL & CLINICAL CANCER RESEARCH : CR 2016; 35:171. [PMID: 27814771 PMCID: PMC5097437 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-016-0451-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2016] [Accepted: 10/26/2016] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Background To evaluate the inhibitory effects of aflibercept on the growth and subretinal invasion of retinoblastoma. Methods Xenotransplantation and orthotopic mouse models were created by injecting Y-79 cells subcutaneously and intravitreally, respectively. After induction of retinoblastoma, animals were intraperitoneally injected with aflibercept (25 mg/kg body weight) or saline twice a week for 3 weeks. Tumor size was measured weekly and compared between the two groups. At 4 weeks, animals were sacrificed and an immunohistochemical examination was conducted to compare the microvascular density and degree of apoptosis between groups. In addition, the degree of choroidal invasion was also analyzed in the orthotopic xenotransplantation model. A co-culture system of Y-79 or WERI-Rb-1 cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was used for in vitro experiments, and the anti-angiogenic effect of aflibercept was evaluated by analyzing cell numbers. Results In the Y-79 xenotransplantation model, aflibercept treatment significantly inhibited tumor growth at 4 weeks versus baseline compared with saline-injected mice (188.53 ± 118.53 mm3 vs. 747.87 ± 118.83 mm3, respectively, P < 0.001). Tumors isolated from aflibercept-treated mice contained fewer blood vessels (8.59 % ± 7.60 % vs. 14.91 % ± 4.53 %, respectively, P < 0.05) and an increased number of apoptotic cells (15.10 ± 9.13 vs. 4.44 ± 2.24, respectively, P < 0.05). In the orthotopic model, the degree of subretinal invasion of tumor cells was significantly reduced after aflibercept treatment (0.07 ± 0.06 vs. 0.15 ± 0.10, P < 0.05). And addition of aflibercept to co-cultures of HUVECs and Y-79, WERI-Rb-1 cells significantly reduced HUVEC proliferation. Conclusions Aflibercept reduced retinoblastoma angiogenesis in association with a significant reduction in tumor growth and invasion. These findings suggest that aflibercept could be used in an adjuvant role together with systemic chemotherapy to reduce tumor size and angiogenesis in retinoblastoma. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s13046-016-0451-7) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong Yoon Kim
- Department of Ophthalmology, Chungbuk National University College of Medicine, Cheongju, Korea
| | - Jeong A Choi
- Neural Injury Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jae-Young Koh
- Neural Injury Research Center, Asan Institute for Life Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Neurology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young Hee Yoon
- Department of Ophthalmology, Asan Medical Center, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, 88, Olympic-ro 43-Gil, Songpa-gu, Seoul, Korea.
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31
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CRISPR/Cas9 mediated knockout of rb1 and rbl1 leads to rapid and penetrant retinoblastoma development in Xenopus tropicalis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:35264. [PMID: 27739525 PMCID: PMC5064383 DOI: 10.1038/srep35264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2016] [Accepted: 09/28/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Retinoblastoma is a pediatric eye tumor in which bi-allelic inactivation of the Retinoblastoma 1 (RB1) gene is the initiating genetic lesion. Although recently curative rates of retinoblastoma have increased, there are at this time no molecular targeted therapies available. This is, in part, due to the lack of highly penetrant and rapid retinoblastoma animal models that facilitate rapid identification of targets that allow therapeutic intervention. Different mouse models are available, all based on genetic deactivation of both Rb1 and Retinoblastoma-like 1 (Rbl1), and each showing different kinetics of retinoblastoma development. Here, we show by CRISPR/Cas9 techniques that similar to the mouse, neither rb1 nor rbl1 single mosaic mutant Xenopus tropicalis develop tumors, whereas rb1/rbl1 double mosaic mutant tadpoles rapidly develop retinoblastoma. Moreover, occasionally presence of pinealoblastoma (trilateral retinoblastoma) was detected. We thus present the first CRISPR/Cas9 mediated cancer model in Xenopus tropicalis and the first genuine genetic non-mammalian retinoblastoma model. The rapid kinetics of our model paves the way for use as a pre-clinical model. Additionally, this retinoblastoma model provides unique possibilities for fast elucidation of novel drug targets by triple multiplex CRISPR/Cas9 gRNA injections (rb1 + rbl1 + modifier gene) in order to address the clinically unmet need of targeted retinoblastoma therapy.
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32
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Pascual-Pasto G, Olaciregui NG, Vila-Ubach M, Paco S, Monterrubio C, Rodriguez E, Winter U, Batalla-Vilacis M, Catala J, Salvador H, Parareda A, Schaiquevich P, Suñol M, Mora J, Lavarino C, de Torres C, Chantada GL, Carcaboso AM. Preclinical platform of retinoblastoma xenografts recapitulating human disease and molecular markers of dissemination. Cancer Lett 2016; 380:10-9. [PMID: 27319373 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.06.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2016] [Revised: 06/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2016] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Translational research in retinoblastoma - a pediatric tumor that originates during the development of the retina - would be improved by the creation of new patient-derived models. Using tumor samples from enucleated eyes we established a new battery of preclinical models that grow in vitro in serum-free medium and in vivo in immunodeficient mice. To examine whether the new xenografts recapitulate human disease and disseminate from the retina to the central nervous system, we evaluated their histology and the presence of molecular markers of dissemination that are used in the clinical setting to detect extraocular metastases. We evaluated GD2 synthase and CRX as such markers and generated a Taqman real-time quantitative PCR method to measure CRX mRNA for rapid, sensitive and specific quantification of local and metastatic tumor burden. This approach was able to detect 1 human retinoblastoma cell in 100.000 mouse brain cells. Our research adds novel preclinical tools for the discovery of new retinoblastoma treatments for clinical translation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillem Pascual-Pasto
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Nagore G Olaciregui
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Monica Vila-Ubach
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sonia Paco
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carles Monterrubio
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Rodriguez
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ursula Winter
- Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Clinical Pharmacokinetics Unit, Hospital de Pediatria JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | | | - Jaume Catala
- Ophthalmology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Hector Salvador
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Andreu Parareda
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paula Schaiquevich
- Clinical Pharmacokinetics Unit, Hospital de Pediatria JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina; CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Mariona Suñol
- Pathology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen de Torres
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillermo L Chantada
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; CONICET, Buenos Aires, Argentina; Garrahan Research Institute, Hospital de Pediatria JP Garrahan, Buenos Aires, Argentina
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Fundacio Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain; Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Deu, Barcelona, Spain.
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33
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Yang Y, Mei Q. miRNA signature identification of retinoblastoma and the correlations between differentially expressed miRNAs during retinoblastoma progression. Mol Vis 2015; 21:1307-17. [PMID: 26730174 PMCID: PMC4688417] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 12/12/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Retinoblastoma (RB) is a common pediatric cancer. The study aimed to uncover the mechanisms of RB progression and identify novel therapeutic biomarkers. METHODS The miRNA expression profile GSE7072, which includes three RB samples and three healthy retina samples, was used. After data normalization using the preprocessCore package, differentially expressed miRNAs (DE-miRs) were selected by the limma package. The targets of the DE-miRs were predicted based on two databases, followed by construction of the miRNA-target network. Pathway enrichment analysis was conducted for the targets of the DE-miRNAs using DAVID. The CTD database was used to predict RB-related genes, followed by clustering analysis using the pvclust package. The correlation network of DE-miRs was established. MiRNA expression was validated in another data set, GSE41321. RESULTS In total, 24 DE-miRs were identified whose targets were correlated with the cell cycle pathway. Among them, hsa-miR-373, hsa-miR-125b, and hsa-miR-181a were highlighted in the miRNA-target regulatory network; 14 DE-miRs, including hsa-miR-373, hsa-miR-125b, hsa-miR-18a, hsa-miR-25, hsa-miR-20a, and hsa-let-7 (a, b, c), were shown to distinguish RB from healthy tissue. In addition, hsa-miR-25, hsa-miR-18a, and hsa-miR-20a shared the common target BCL2L11; hsa-let-7b and hsa-miR-125b targeted the genes CDC25A, CDK6, and LIN28A. Expression of three miRNAs in GSE41321 was consistent with that in GSE7072. CONCLUSIONS Several critical miRNAs were identified in RB progression. Hsa-miR-373 might regulate RB invasion and metastasis, hsa-miR-181a might involve in the CDKN1B-mediated cell cycle pathway, and hsa-miR-125b and hsa-let-7b might serve as tumor suppressors by coregulating CDK6, CDC25A, and LIN28A. The miRNAs hsa-miR-25, hsa-miR-18a, and hsa-miR-20a might exert their function by coregulating BCL2L1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Qi Mei
- Department of Oncology, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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