1
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Saha D, Mitra D, Alam N, Sen S, Mustafi SM, Majumder PK, Majumder B, Murmu N. Lupeol and Paclitaxel cooperate in hindering hypoxia induced vasculogenic mimicry via suppression of HIF-1α-EphA2-Laminin-5γ2 network in human oral cancer. J Cell Commun Signal 2023; 17:591-608. [PMID: 36063341 PMCID: PMC10409936 DOI: 10.1007/s12079-022-00693-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), defined as an endothelial cell independent alternative mechanism of blood and nutrient supply by dysregulated tumor cells, is associated with poor prognosis in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Here we aim to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of the synergistic effect of phytochemical Lupeol and standard microtubule inhibitor Paclitaxel in reversing the hypoxia induced VM formation in OSCC. The results demonstrated that the hypoxia induced upregulation of HIF-1α led to augmentation of signaling cascade associated with extracellular matrix remodeling and EMT phenotypes that are mechanistically linked to VM. Induction of HIF-1α altered the expression of EMT/CSC markers (E-Cadherin, Vimentin, Snail, Twist and CD133) and enhanced the ability of cell migration/invasion and spheroid formation. Subsequently, the targeted knockdown of HIF-1α by siRNA led to the perturbation of matrigel mediated tube formation as well as of Laminin-5γ2 expression with the down-regulation of VE-Cadherin, total and phosphorylated (S-897) EphA2, pERK1/2 and MMP2. We also observed that Lupeol in association with Paclitaxel resulted to apoptosis and the disruption of VM associated phenotypes in vitro. We further validated the impact of this novel interventional approach in a patient derived tumor explant culture model of oral malignancy. The ex vivo tumor model mimicked the in vitro anti-VM potential of Lupeol-Paclitaxel combination through down-regulating HIF-1α/EphA2/Laminin-5γ2 cascade. Together, our findings elucidated mechanistic underpinning of hypoxia induced Laminin-5γ2 driven VM formation highlighting that Lupeol-Paclitaxel combination may serve as novel therapeutic intervention in perturbation of VM in human OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Depanwita Saha
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Debarpan Mitra
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Neyaz Alam
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Sagar Sen
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Saunak Mitra Mustafi
- Department of Pathology, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India
| | - Pradip K Majumder
- Department of Cancer Biology, Praesidia Biotherapeutics, 1167 Massachusetts Avenue, Arlington, MA, 02476, USA
| | - Biswanath Majumder
- Departments of Cancer Biology, Molecular Profiling and Molecular Pathology, Mitra Biotech, Bangalore, India
- Oncology Division, Bugworks Research, C-CAMP, Bangalore, India
| | - Nabendu Murmu
- Department of Signal Transduction and Biogenic Amines, Chittaranjan National Cancer Institute, 37, S. P. Mukherjee Road, Kolkata, 700026, India.
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2
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Delgado-Bellido D, Oliver FJ, Vargas Padilla MV, Lobo-Selma L, Chacón-Barrado A, Díaz-Martin J, de Álava E. VE-Cadherin in Cancer-Associated Angiogenesis: A Deceptive Strategy of Blood Vessel Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119343. [PMID: 37298296 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 05/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/24/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumor growth depends on the vascular system, either through the expansion of blood vessels or novel adaptation by tumor cells. One of these novel pathways is vasculogenic mimicry (VM), which is defined as a tumor-provided vascular system apart from endothelial cell-lined vessels, and its origin is partly unknown. It involves highly aggressive tumor cells expressing endothelial cell markers that line the tumor irrigation. VM has been correlated with high tumor grade, cancer cell invasion, cancer cell metastasis, and reduced survival of cancer patients. In this review, we summarize the most relevant studies in the field of angiogenesis and cover the various aspects and functionality of aberrant angiogenesis by tumor cells. We also discuss the intracellular signaling mechanisms involved in the abnormal presence of VE-cadherin (CDH5) and its role in VM formation. Finally, we present the implications for the paradigm of tumor angiogenesis and how targeted therapy and individualized studies can be applied in scientific analysis and clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Delgado-Bellido
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, 18016 Granada, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - F J Oliver
- Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, CSIC, 18016 Granada, Spain
| | | | - Laura Lobo-Selma
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | | | - Juan Díaz-Martin
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
| | - Enrique de Álava
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, CIBERONC, 28220 Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla, Hospital Virgen del Rocío, 41013 Seville, Spain
- Department of Normal and Pathological Cytology and Histology, School of Medicine, University of Seville, 41009 Seville, Spain
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3
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Collagen Remodeling along Cancer Progression Providing a Novel Opportunity for Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms231810509. [PMID: 36142424 PMCID: PMC9502421 DOI: 10.3390/ijms231810509] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a significant factor in cancer progression. Collagens, as the main component of the ECM, are greatly remodeled alongside cancer development. More and more studies have confirmed that collagens changed from a barrier to providing assistance in cancer development. In this course, collagens cause remodeling alongside cancer progression, which in turn, promotes cancer development. The interaction between collagens and tumor cells is complex with biochemical and mechanical signals intervention through activating diverse signal pathways. As the mechanism gradually clears, it becomes a new target to find opportunities to diagnose and treat cancer. In this review, we investigated the process of collagen remodeling in cancer progression and discussed the interaction between collagens and cancer cells. Several typical effects associated with collagens were highlighted in the review, such as fibrillation in precancerous lesions, enhancing ECM stiffness, promoting angiogenesis, and guiding invasion. Then, the values of cancer diagnosis and prognosis were focused on. It is worth noting that several generated fragments in serum were reported to be able to be biomarkers for cancer diagnosis and prognosis, which is beneficial for clinic detection. At a glance, a variety of reported biomarkers were summarized. Many collagen-associated targets and drugs have been reported for cancer treatment in recent years. The new targets and related drugs were discussed in the review. The mass data were collected and classified by mechanism. Overall, the interaction of collagens and tumor cells is complicated, in which the mechanisms are not completely clear. A lot of collagen-associated biomarkers are excavated for cancer diagnosis. However, new therapeutic targets and related drugs are almost in clinical trials, with merely a few in clinical applications. So, more efforts are needed in collagens-associated studies and drug development for cancer research and treatment.
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4
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Salem A, Salo T. Vasculogenic Mimicry in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma-Time to Take Notice. FRONTIERS IN ORAL HEALTH 2022; 2:666895. [PMID: 35048009 PMCID: PMC8757801 DOI: 10.3389/froh.2021.666895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Accepted: 03/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a group of common cancers characterized by a swift growth pattern, early metastasis, and dismal 5-year survival rates. Despite the recent advances in cancer management, the multimodality approach is not effective in eradicating HNSCC. Moreover, the clinical response to the antiangiogenic therapy remains considerably limited in HNSCC patients, suggesting that tumor perfusion can take place through other non-angiogenic pathways. Tumor cell-induced angiogenesis is one of the main hallmarks of cancer. However, at the end of the previous millennium, a new paradigm of tumor cell-associated neovascularization has been reported in human melanoma cells. This new phenomenon, which was named "vasculogenic mimicry" or "vascular mimicry" (VM), describes the ability of aggressively growing tumor cells to form perfusable, matrix-rich, vessel-like networks in 3-dimensional matrices in vitro. Similar matrix-rich VM networks were also identified in tissue samples obtained from cancer patients. To date, myriad studies have reported intriguing features of VM in a wide variety of cancers including HNSCC. We aim in this mini-review to summarize the current evidence regarding the phenomenon of VM in HNSCC-from the available detection protocols and potentially involved mechanisms, to its prognostic value and the present limitations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdelhakim Salem
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tuula Salo
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Diseases, Clinicum, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program (TRIMM), Research Program Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,Cancer and Translational Medicine Research Unit, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland.,Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
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5
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Marques Dos Reis E, Vieira Berti F. Vasculogenic Mimicry-An Overview. Methods Mol Biol 2022; 2514:3-13. [PMID: 35771413 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-2403-6_1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), a tumor microcirculation model found in melanoma in the last 20 years, is a vascular channel-like structure composed of tumor cells, but without endothelial cells, that stains positive for periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and negative staining for CD31. VM provides, to the highly aggressive malignant tumor cells, adequate oxygen and nutrient supply for tumor growth and subsequent metastasis process and its presence are related to poor prognosis in patients. VM is independent of endothelial cells, which may partly explain why angiogenesis drug inhibitors have not achieved the expected success for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Marques Dos Reis
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil.
| | - Fernanda Vieira Berti
- Chemical and Food Engineering Department, Federal University of Santa Catarina, Florianópolis, SC, Brazil
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6
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Andreucci E, Peppicelli S, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Calorini L. Physicochemical aspects of the tumour microenvironment as drivers of vasculogenic mimicry. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2022; 41:935-951. [PMID: 36224457 PMCID: PMC9758104 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-022-10067-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Tumour vascularisation is vital for cancer sustainment representing not only the main source of nutrients and oxygen supply but also an escape route for single or clustered cancer cells that, once detached from the primary mass, enter the blood circulation and disseminate to distant organs. Among the mechanisms identified to contribute to tumour vascularisation, vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is gaining increasing interest in the scientific community representing an intriguing target for cancer treatment. VM indeed associates with highly aggressive tumour phenotypes and strongly impairs patient outcomes. Differently from vessels of healthy tissues, tumour vasculature is extremely heterogeneous and tortuous, impeding efficient chemotherapy delivery, and at the meantime hyperpermeable and thus extremely accessible to metastasising cancer cells. Moreover, tumour vessel disorganisation creates a self-reinforcing vicious circle fuelling cancer malignancy and progression. Because of the inefficient oxygen delivery and metabolic waste removal from tumour vessels, many cells within the tumour mass indeed experience hypoxia and acidosis, now considered hallmarks of cancer. Being strong inducers of vascularisation, therapy resistance, inflammation and metastasis, hypoxia and acidosis create a permissive microenvironment for cancer progression and dissemination. Along with these considerations, we decided to focus our attention on the relationship between hypoxia/acidosis and VM. Indeed, besides tumour angiogenesis, VM is strongly influenced by both hypoxia and acidosis, which could potentiate each other and fuel this vicious circle. Thus, targeting hypoxia and acidosis may represent a potential target to treat VM to impair tumour perfusion and cancer cell sustainment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- grid.8404.80000 0004 1757 2304Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences “Mario Serio”, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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7
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Andreucci E, Laurenzana A, Peppicelli S, Biagioni A, Margheri F, Ruzzolini J, Bianchini F, Fibbi G, Del Rosso M, Nediani C, Serratì S, Fucci L, Guida M, Calorini L. uPAR controls vasculogenic mimicry ability expressed by drug-resistant melanoma cells. Oncol Res 2021; 28:873-884. [PMID: 34315564 PMCID: PMC8790129 DOI: 10.3727/096504021x16273798026651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Malignant melanoma is a highly aggressive skin cancer characterized by an elevated grade of tumor cell plasticity. Such plasticity allows melanoma cells adaptation to different hostile conditions and guarantees tumor survival and disease progression, including aggressive features such as drug resistance. Indeed, almost 50% of melanoma rapidly develop resistance to the BRAFV600E inhibitor vemurafenib, with fast tumor dissemination, a devastating consequence for patients' outcomes. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM), the ability of cancer cells to organize themselves in perfused vascular-like channels, might sustain tumor spread by providing vemurafenib-resistant cancer cells with supplementary ways to enter into circulation and disseminate. Thus, this research aims to determine if vemurafenib resistance goes with the acquisition of VM ability by aggressive melanoma cells, and identify a driving molecule for both vemurafenib resistance and VM. We used two independent experimental models of drug-resistant melanoma cells, the first one represented by a chronic adaptation of melanoma cells to extracellular acidosis, known to drive a particularly aggressive and vemurafenib-resistant phenotype, the second one generated with chronic vemurafenib exposure. By performing in vitro tube formation assay and evaluating the expression levels of the VM markers EphA2 and VE-cadherin by western blotting and flow cytometer analyses, we demonstrated that vemurafenib-resistant cells obtained by both models are characterized by an increased ability to perform VM. Moreover, by exploiting the CRISPR-Cas9 technique and using the urokinase plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) inhibitor M25, we identified uPAR as a driver of VM expressed by vemurafenib-resistant melanoma cells. Thus, uPAR targeting may be successfully leveraged as a new complementary therapy to inhibit VM in drug-resistant melanoma patients, to counteract the rapid progression and dissemination of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Andreucci
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Anna Laurenzana
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Silvia Peppicelli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Alessio Biagioni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Margheri
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Jessica Ruzzolini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Francesca Bianchini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Gabriella Fibbi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Mario Del Rosso
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Chiara Nediani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
| | - Simona Serratì
- Laboratory of Nanotecnology, IRCCS Istituto Tumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Livia Fucci
- Pathology Department, IRCCS IstitutoTumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Michele Guida
- Rare tumors and Melnaoma Unit, IRCCS IstitutoTumori "Giovanni Paolo II", 70124, Bari, Italy
| | - Lido Calorini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy.,Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education DenoTHE University of Florence, 50134, Florence, Italy
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8
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Qiao K, Liu Y, Xu Z, Zhang H, Zhang H, Zhang C, Chang Z, Lu X, Li Z, Luo C, Liu Y, Yang C, Sun T. RNA m6A methylation promotes the formation of vasculogenic mimicry in hepatocellular carcinoma via Hippo pathway. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:83-96. [PMID: 32920668 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-020-09744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 09/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formed by aggressive tumor cells to mimic vasculogenic networks plays an important role in the tumor malignancy of HCC. However, the pathogenesis underlying VM is complex and has not been fully defined. m6A is a common mRNA modification and has many biological effects. However, the relationship between m6A and VM remains unclear. In this research, we found that m6A methyltransferase METTL3 in HCC tissues was positively correlated with VM. The m6A level of mRNA significantly increased in 3D cultured cells treated with VEGFa and was related to VM formation. Transcriptome sequencing analysis of 3D cultured cells with knockdown Mettl3 showed that the Hippo pathway was involved in m6A-mediated VM formation. Further mechanism research indicated that the m6A modification of YAP1 mRNA affected the translation of YAP1 mRNA. In conclusion, m6A methylation plays a key role in VM formation in HCC. METTL3 and YAP1 could be potential therapeutic targets via impairing VM formation in anti-metastatic strategies.
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MESH Headings
- Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing/metabolism
- Adenosine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenosine/metabolism
- Animals
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/blood supply
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Progression
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Silencing
- Hippo Signaling Pathway
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/blood supply
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Methylation
- Methyltransferases/metabolism
- Mice, Inbred BALB C
- Mice, Nude
- Molecular Mimicry
- Prognosis
- Protein Biosynthesis
- Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases/metabolism
- RNA/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Messenger/metabolism
- Signal Transduction
- Transcription Factors/metabolism
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
- YAP-Signaling Proteins
- Mice
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Affiliation(s)
- Kailiang Qiao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Yantao Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Zheng Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Haohao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Heng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhi Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinyan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhongwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
| | - Ce Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanrong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining Medical University, No.89, Guhuai Road, Rencheng District, Jining, Shandong, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Tao Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology and College of Pharmacy, Nankai University, 38 Tongyan Road, Haihe Education Park, Tianjin, China.
- Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China.
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9
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Wei X, Chen Y, Jiang X, Peng M, Liu Y, Mo Y, Ren D, Hua Y, Yu B, Zhou Y, Liao Q, Wang H, Xiang B, Zhou M, Li X, Li G, Li Y, Xiong W, Zeng Z. Mechanisms of vasculogenic mimicry in hypoxic tumor microenvironments. Mol Cancer 2021; 20:7. [PMID: 33397409 PMCID: PMC7784348 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-020-01288-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 161] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 11/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a recently discovered angiogenetic process found in many malignant tumors, and is different from the traditional angiogenetic process involving vascular endothelium. It involves the formation of microvascular channels composed of tumor cells; therefore, VM is considered a new model for the formation of new blood vessels in aggressive tumors, and can provide blood supply for tumor growth. Many studies have pointed out that in recent years, some clinical treatments against angiogenesis have not been satisfactory possibly due to the activation of VM. Although the mechanisms underlying VM have not been fully elucidated, increasing research on the soil “microenvironment” for tumor growth suggests that the initial hypoxic environment in solid tumors is inseparable from VM. Main body In this review, we describe that the stemness and differentiation potential of cancer stem cells are enhanced under hypoxic microenvironments, through hypoxia-induced epithelial-endothelial transition (EET) and extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling to form the specific mechanism of vasculogenic mimicry; we also summarized some of the current drugs targeting VM through these processes, suggesting a new reference for the clinical treatment of tumor angiogenesis. Conclusion Overall, the use of VM inhibitors in combination with conventional anti-angiogenesis treatments is a promising strategy for improving the effectiveness of targeted angiogenesis treatments; further, considering the importance of hypoxia in tumor invasion and metastasis, drugs targeting the hypoxia signaling pathway seem to achieve good results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Wei
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yunhua Chen
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xianjie Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Miao Peng
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yiduo Liu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yongzhen Mo
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Daixi Ren
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuze Hua
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Boyao Yu
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yujuan Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qianjin Liao
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hui Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Bo Xiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Ming Zhou
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xiaoling Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Guiyuan Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yong Li
- Department of Medicine, Dan L Duncan Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Wei Xiong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Zhaoyang Zeng
- NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Hunan Key Laboratory of Translational Radiation Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China. .,Hunan Key Laboratory of Nonresolving Inflammation and Cancer, Disease Genome Research Center, The Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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10
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Fernández-Cortés M, Delgado-Bellido D, Oliver FJ. Vasculogenic Mimicry: Become an Endothelial Cell "But Not So Much". Front Oncol 2019; 9:803. [PMID: 31508365 PMCID: PMC6714586 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.00803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2019] [Accepted: 08/07/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood vessels supply all body tissues with nutrients and oxygen, take away waste products and allow the arrival of immune cells and other cells (pericytes, smooth muscle cells) that form part of these vessels around the principal endothelial cells. Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is a tumor blood supply system that takes place independently of angiogenesis or endothelial cells, and is associated with poor survival in cancer patients. Aberrant expression of VE-cadherin has been strongly associated with VM. Even more, VE-cadherin has constitutively high phosphorylation levels on the residue of Y658 in human malignant melanoma cells. In this review we focus on non-endothelial VE-cadherin and its post-translational modifications as a crucial component in the development of tumor VM, highlighting the signaling pathways that lead to their pseudo-endothelial and stem-like phenotype and the role of tumor microenvironment. We discuss the importance of the tumor microenvironment in VM acquisition, and describe the most recent therapeutic targets that have been proposed for the repression of VM.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - F Javier Oliver
- CSIC, CIBERONC, Instituto de Parasitología y Biomedicina López Neyra, Granada, Spain
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11
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Massimini M, De Maria R, Malatesta D, Romanucci M, D'Anselmo A, Della Salda L. Establishment of three-dimensional canine osteosarcoma cell lines showing vasculogenic mimicry and evaluation of biological properties after treatment with 17-AAG. Vet Comp Oncol 2019; 17:376-384. [PMID: 31006970 DOI: 10.1111/vco.12482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 04/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) is an alternative type of blood perfusion characterized by formation of non-endothelial cell-lined microcirculatory channels and is responsible for aggressive tumour biology and increased tumour-related mortality. VM-correlated genes are associated with vascular endothelial grown factor receptor 1 (VEGFR1), and hypoxia-related (hypoxia inducible factor 1 α-HIF1α) signalling pathways, whose molecules are client proteins of Hsp90 (heat shock protein 90) and are potential therapeutic targets. This pilot study was aimed to investigate vasculogenic mimicry in a three-dimensional (3D) cell culture system of two aggressive canine osteosarcoma (OSA) cell lines (D22 and D17), and to evaluate the response of these cells to 17-AAG (17-N-allylamino-17-demethoxygeldanamycin) treatment in relation to tubular-like structure formation in vitro. Only D17 cell line formed hollow matrix channels in long-term 3D cultures and assumed endothelial morphology, with cells expressing both Hsp90 and VEGFR1, but lacking expression of endothelial marker CD31. 17-AAG treatment inhibited migration of D17 OSA cells, also decreasing VM markers in vitro and inducing a reduction of HIF1α transcript and protein in this cell line. Taken together, these preliminary data indicate that the biological effects of 17-AAG on D17 3D culture and on HIF1α regulation can provide interesting information to translate these findings from the basic research to clinical approach for the treatment of canine OSA as a model in comparative oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Raffaella De Maria
- Department of Veterinary Sciences, University of Turin, Grugliasco, Italy
| | | | | | - Angela D'Anselmo
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Teramo, Teramo, Italy
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