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Sanjaya A, Ratnawati H, Adhika OA, Rahmatilah FR. The heterogeneity of breast cancer metastasis: a bioinformatics analysis utilizing single-cell RNA sequencing data. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2024:10.1007/s10549-024-07428-1. [PMID: 38992286 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-024-07428-1] [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: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 07/02/2024] [Indexed: 07/13/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Breast cancer is a common malignancy in women, and its metastasis is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) can distinguish the molecular characteristics of metastasis and identify predictor genes for patient prognosis. This article explores gene expression in primary breast cancer tumor tissue against metastatic cells in the lymph node and liver using scRNA-seq. METHODS Breast cancer scRNA-seq data from the Gene Expression Omnibus were used. The data were processed using R and the Seurat package. The cells were clustered and identified using Metascape. InferCNV is used to analyze the variation in copy number. Differential expression analysis was conducted for the cancer cells using Seurat and was enriched using Metascape. RESULTS We identified 18 distinct cell clusters, 6 of which were epithelial. CNV analysis identified significant alterations with duplication of chromosomes 1, 8, and 19. Differential gene analysis resulted in 17 upregulated and 171 downregulated genes for the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs. liver metastasis comparison and 43 upregulated and 4 downregulated genes in the primary tumor in the primary tumor vs lymph node metastasis comparison. Several enriched terms include Ribosome biogenesis, NTP synthesis, Epithelial dedifferentiation, Autophagy, and genes associated with epithelial-to-mesenchymal transitions. CONCLUSION No single gene or pathway can clearly explain the mechanisms behind tumor metastasis. Several mechanisms contribute to lymph node and liver metastasis, such as the loss of differentiation, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and autophagy. These findings necessitate further study of metastatic tissue for effective drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ardo Sanjaya
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Jl. Surya Sumantri No. 65, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia.
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia.
| | - Hana Ratnawati
- Biomedical Research Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
- Department of Histology, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Oeij Anindita Adhika
- Department of Anatomy, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Jl. Surya Sumantri No. 65, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
| | - Faiz Rizqy Rahmatilah
- Undergraduate Program in Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Maranatha Christian University, Bandung, 40164, West Java, Indonesia
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2
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Mancini A, Gentile MT, Pentimalli F, Cortellino S, Grieco M, Giordano A. Multiple aspects of matrix stiffness in cancer progression. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1406644. [PMID: 39015505 PMCID: PMC11249764 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1406644] [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: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 05/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/18/2024] Open
Abstract
The biophysical and biomechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) are crucial in the processes of cell differentiation and proliferation. However, it is unclear to what extent tumor cells are influenced by biomechanical and biophysical changes of the surrounding microenvironment and how this response varies between different tumor forms, and over the course of tumor progression. The entire ensemble of genes encoding the ECM associated proteins is called matrisome. In cancer, the ECM evolves to become highly dysregulated, rigid, and fibrotic, serving both pro-tumorigenic and anti-tumorigenic roles. Tumor desmoplasia is characterized by a dramatic increase of α-smooth muscle actin expressing fibroblast and the deposition of hard ECM containing collagen, fibronectin, proteoglycans, and hyaluronic acid and is common in many solid tumors. In this review, we described the role of inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, in desmoplastic matrix remodeling, tumor state transition driven by microenvironment forces and the signaling pathways in mechanotransduction as potential targeted therapies, focusing on the impact of qualitative and quantitative variations of the ECM on the regulation of tumor development, hypothesizing the presence of matrisome drivers, acting alongside the cell-intrinsic oncogenic drivers, in some stages of neoplastic progression and in some tumor contexts, such as pancreatic carcinoma, breast cancer, lung cancer and mesothelioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Mancini
- Department of Translational Medical Sciences, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Naples, Italy
- BioUp Sagl, Lugano, Switzerland
| | - Maria Teresa Gentile
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Francesca Pentimalli
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, LUM University “Giuseppe De Gennaro,” Casamassima, Bari, Italy
| | - Salvatore Cortellino
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Responsible Research Hospital, Campobasso, Italy
- Scuola Superiore Meridionale (SSM), Clinical and Translational Oncology, Naples, NA, Italy
- Sbarro Health Research Organization (S.H.R.O.) Italia Foundation ETS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Michele Grieco
- Department of Environmental, Biological and Pharmaceutical Sciences and Technologies, University of Campania “Luigi Vanvitelli”, Caserta, Italy
| | - Antonio Giordano
- Sbarro Institute for Cancer Research and Molecular Medicine, Center for Biotechnology, College of Science and Technology, Temple University, Philadelphia, PA, United States
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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3
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Umekita S, Kiyozawa D, Kohashi K, Kawatoko S, Sasaki T, Ihara E, Oki E, Nakamura M, Ogawa Y, Oda Y. Clinicopathological significance of microsatellite instability and immune escape mechanism in patients with gastric solid-type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Gastric Cancer 2024; 27:484-494. [PMID: 38441781 DOI: 10.1007/s10120-024-01474-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND In gastric solid-type poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (PDA), the role of microsatellite instability and immune escape mechanism remains unclear. The current study aimed to elucidate the clinical significance of mismatch repair (MMR) status, genome profile, C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 2 (CXCR2) expression, and myeloid-derived suppressor cell (MDSC) infiltration in solid-type PDA. METHODS In total, 102 primary solid-type PDA cases were retrieved, and classified into 46 deficient-MMR (dMMR) and 56 proficient-MMR (pMMR) cases based on immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction-based molecular testing results. The mRNA expression profiles (NanoString nCounter Assay) of stage-matched dMMR (n = 6) and pMMR (n = 6) cases were examined. The CXCR2 expression and MDSC infiltration (CD11b- and CD33-positive cells) were investigated via IHC in all solid-type PDA cases. RESULTS mRNA analysis revealed several differentially expressed genes and differences in biological behavior between the dMMR (n = 46) and pMMR (n = 56) groups. In the multivariate analysis, the dMMR status was significantly associated with a longer disease-free survival (hazard ratio = 5.152, p = 0.002) and overall survival (OS) (hazard ratio = 5.050, p = 0.005). CXCR2-high expression was significantly correlated with a shorter OS in the dMMR group (p = 0.018). A high infiltration of CD11b- and CD33-positive cells was significantly correlated with a shorter OS in the pMMR group (p = 0.022, 0.016, respectively). CONCLUSIONS dMMR status can be a useful prognostic predictor, and CXCR2 and MDSCs can be novel therapeutic targets in patients with solid-type PDA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shinya Umekita
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kiyozawa
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan
| | - Kenichi Kohashi
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka Metropolitan University, Osaka, Japan
| | - Shinichiro Kawatoko
- Department of Medicine and Clinical Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Taisuke Sasaki
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eikichi Ihara
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Eiji Oki
- Department of Surgery and Science, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Masafumi Nakamura
- Department of Surgery and Oncology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshihiro Ogawa
- Department of Medicine and Bioregulatory, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan
| | - Yoshinao Oda
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Maidashi 3-1-1, Higashi-Ku, Fukuoka, 812-8582, Japan.
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Tajaldini M, Poorkhani A, Amiriani T, Amiriani A, Javid H, Aref P, Ahmadi F, Sadani S, Khori V. Strategy of targeting the tumor microenvironment via inhibition of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling new era to cancer chemo-immunotherapy resistance. Eur J Pharmacol 2023; 957:175991. [PMID: 37619785 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2023.175991] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023]
Abstract
The use of repurposing drugs that may have neoplastic and anticancer effects increases the efficiency and decrease resistance to chemotherapy drugs through a biochemical and mechanical transduction mechanisms through modulation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling in tumor microenvironment (TME). Interestingly, fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling plays a vital role in mediating cancer metastasis and drug resistance after immune chemotherapy. The most essential hypothesis for induction of chemo-immunotherapy resistance is via activation of fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling and preventing the infiltration of T cells after is mainly due to the interference between cytoskeleton, mechanical, biochemical, metabolic, vascular, and remodeling signaling pathways in TME. The structural components of the tumor that can be targeted in the fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling include the depletion of the TME components, targeting the cancer-associated fibroblasts and tumor associated macrophages, alleviating the mechanical stress within the ECM, and normalizing the blood vessels. It has also been found that during immune-chemotherapy, TME injury and fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling causes the up-regulation of inhibitory signals and down-regulation of activated signals, which results in immune escape or chemo-resistance of the tumor. In this regard, repurposing or neo-adjuvant drugs with various transduction signaling mechanisms, including anti-fibrotic effects, are used to target the TME and fibroblast/fibrosis signaling pathway such as angiotensin 2, transforming growth factor-beta, physical barriers of the TME, cytokines and metabolic factors which finally led to the reverse of the chemo-resistance. Consistent to many repurposing drugs such as pirfenidone, metformin, losartan, tranilast, dexamethasone and pentoxifylline are used to decrease immune-suppression by abrogation of TME inhibitory signal that stimulates the immune system and increases efficiency and reduces resistance to chemotherapy drugs. To overcome immunosuppression based on fibroblast/fibrosis remodeling, in this review, we focus on inhibitory signal transduction, which is the physical barrier, alleviates mechanical stress and prevents mechano-metabolic activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahboubeh Tajaldini
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhoushang Poorkhani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Taghi Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Amirhossein Amiriani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Hossein Javid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciencess, Catastega Institue of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Parham Aref
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Farahnazsadat Ahmadi
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran
| | - Somayeh Sadani
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
| | - Vahid Khori
- Ischemic Disorder Research Center, Golestan University of Medical Sciences, Gorgan, Iran.
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5
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Gugulothu S, Asthana S, Homer-Vanniasinkam S, Chatterjee K. Trends in Photopolymerizable Bioinks for 3D Bioprinting of Tumor Models. JACS AU 2023; 3:2086-2106. [PMID: 37654587 PMCID: PMC10466332 DOI: 10.1021/jacsau.3c00281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
Three-dimensional (3D) bioprinting technologies involving photopolymerizable bioinks (PBs) have attracted enormous attention in recent times owing to their ability to recreate complex structures with high resolution, mechanical stability, and favorable printing conditions that are suited for encapsulating cells. 3D bioprinted tissue constructs involving PBs can offer better insights into the tumor microenvironment and offer platforms for drug screening to advance cancer research. These bioinks enable the incorporation of physiologically relevant cell densities, tissue-mimetic stiffness, and vascularized channels and biochemical gradients in the 3D tumor models, unlike conventional two-dimensional (2D) cultures or other 3D scaffold fabrication technologies. In this perspective, we present the emerging techniques of 3D bioprinting using PBs in the context of cancer research, with a specific focus on the efforts to recapitulate the complexity of the tumor microenvironment. We describe printing approaches and various PB formulations compatible with these techniques along with recent attempts to bioprint 3D tumor models for studying migration and metastasis, cell-cell interactions, cell-extracellular matrix interactions, and drug screening relevant to cancer. We discuss the limitations and identify unexplored opportunities in this field for clinical and commercial translation of these emerging technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sriram
Bharath Gugulothu
- Department
of Materials Engineering Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
| | - Sonal Asthana
- Department
of Materials Engineering Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
- Department
of Hepatobiliary and Multi-Organ Transplantation Surgery, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore 560024, India
| | - Shervanthi Homer-Vanniasinkam
- Department
of Materials Engineering Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
- Department
of Mechanical Engineering and Division of Surgery, University College, London WC1E 7JE, U.K.
| | - Kaushik Chatterjee
- Department
of Materials Engineering Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, Karnataka 560012, India
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6
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Bou Antoun N, Chioni AM. Dysregulated Signalling Pathways Driving Anticancer Drug Resistance. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12222. [PMID: 37569598 PMCID: PMC10418675 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 07/28/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
One of the leading causes of death worldwide, in both men and women, is cancer. Despite the significant development in therapeutic strategies, the inevitable emergence of drug resistance limits the success and impedes the curative outcome. Intrinsic and acquired resistance are common mechanisms responsible for cancer relapse. Several factors crucially regulate tumourigenesis and resistance, including physical barriers, tumour microenvironment (TME), heterogeneity, genetic and epigenetic alterations, the immune system, tumour burden, growth kinetics and undruggable targets. Moreover, transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), Notch, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), integrin-extracellular matrix (ECM), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), phosphoinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR), wingless-related integration site (Wnt/β-catenin), Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription (JAK/STAT) and RAS/RAF/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signalling pathways are some of the key players that have a pivotal role in drug resistance mechanisms. To guide future cancer treatments and improve results, a deeper comprehension of drug resistance pathways is necessary. This review covers both intrinsic and acquired resistance and gives a comprehensive overview of recent research on mechanisms that enable cancer cells to bypass barriers put up by treatments, and, like "satellite navigation", find alternative routes by which to carry on their "journey" to cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Athina-Myrto Chioni
- School of Life Sciences Pharmacy and Chemistry, Biomolecular Sciences Department, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK;
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7
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Rafaeva M, Jensen ARD, Horton ER, Zornhagen KW, Strøbech JE, Fleischhauer L, Mayorca-Guiliani AE, Nielsen SR, Grønseth DS, Kuś F, Schoof EM, Arnes L, Koch M, Clausen-Schaumann H, Izzi V, Reuten R, Erler JT. Fibroblast-derived matrix models desmoplastic properties and forms a prognostic signature in cancer progression. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1154528. [PMID: 37539058 PMCID: PMC10395327 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1154528] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The desmoplastic reaction observed in many cancers is a hallmark of disease progression and prognosis, particularly in breast and pancreatic cancer. Stromal-derived extracellular matrix (ECM) is significantly altered in desmoplasia, and as such plays a critical role in driving cancer progression. Using fibroblast-derived matrices (FDMs), we show that cancer cells have increased growth on cancer associated FDMs, when compared to FDMs derived from non-malignant tissue (normal) fibroblasts. We assess the changes in ECM characteristics from normal to cancer-associated stroma at the primary tumor site. Compositional, structural, and mechanical analyses reveal significant differences, with an increase in abundance of core ECM proteins, coupled with an increase in stiffness and density in cancer-associated FDMs. From compositional changes of FDM, we derived a 36-ECM protein signature, which we show matches in large part with the changes in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumor and metastases progression. Additionally, this signature also matches at the transcriptomic level in multiple cancer types in patients, prognostic of their survival. Together, our results show relevance of FDMs for cancer modelling and identification of desmoplastic ECM components for further mechanistic studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rafaeva
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Adina R. D. Jensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Edward R. Horton
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kamilla W. Zornhagen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jan E. Strøbech
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lutz Fleischhauer
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine-CANTER, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience – CsNS, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Sebastian R. Nielsen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dina S. Grønseth
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Filip Kuś
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Erwin M. Schoof
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Biotechnology and Biomedicine, Technical University of Denmark, Lyngby, Denmark
- The Finsen Laboratory, Rigshospitalet, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Novo Nordisk Foundation Centre for Stem Cell Biology, DanStem, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luis Arnes
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Manuel Koch
- Center for Biochemistry, Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Dental Research and Oral Musculoskeletal Biology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Hauke Clausen-Schaumann
- Center for Applied Tissue Engineering and Regenerative Medicine-CANTER, Munich University of Applied Sciences, Munich, Germany
- Center for NanoScience – CsNS, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Valerio Izzi
- Faculty of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland
- Foundation for the Finnish Cancer Institute, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Raphael Reuten
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology, Medical Faculty, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical Center, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Janine T. Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
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8
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Vishnoi M, Dereli Z, Yin Z, Kong EK, Kinali M, Thapa K, Babur O, Yun K, Abdelfattah N, Li X, Bozorgui B, Rostomily RC, Korkut A. A prognostic matrix code defines functional glioblastoma phenotypes and niches. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.06.06.543903. [PMID: 37333072 PMCID: PMC10274725 DOI: 10.1101/2023.06.06.543903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/20/2023]
Abstract
Interactions among tumor, immune and vascular niches play major roles in driving glioblastoma (GBM) malignancy and treatment responses. The composition, heterogeneity, and localization of extracellular core matrix proteins (CMPs) that mediate such interactions, however, are not well understood. Here, we characterize functional and clinical relevance of genes encoding CMPs in GBM at bulk, single cell, and spatial anatomical resolution. We identify a "matrix code" for genes encoding CMPs whose expression levels categorize GBM tumors into matrisome-high and matrisome-low groups that correlate with worse and better survival, respectively, of patients. The matrisome enrichment is associated with specific driver oncogenic alterations, mesenchymal state, infiltration of pro-tumor immune cells and immune checkpoint gene expression. Anatomical and single cell transcriptome analyses indicate that matrisome gene expression is enriched in vascular and leading edge/infiltrative anatomic structures that are known to harbor glioma stem cells driving GBM progression. Finally, we identified a 17-gene matrisome signature that retains and further refines the prognostic value of genes encoding CMPs and, importantly, potentially predicts responses to PD1 blockade in clinical trials for GBM. The matrisome gene expression profiles may provide biomarkers of functionally relevant GBM niches that contribute to mesenchymal-immune cross talk and patient stratification to optimize treatment responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vishnoi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle WA, 98195
| | - Zeynep Dereli
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Zheng Yin
- Department of Systems Medicine and Bioengineering, Houston Methodist Neal Cancer Center, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
| | - Elisabeth K. Kong
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Statistics, Rice University, Houston, TX, 77030, USA
| | - Meric Kinali
- Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125
| | - Kisan Thapa
- Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125
| | - Ozgun Babur
- Computer Science, College of Science and Mathematics, University of Massachusetts Boston, Boston, MA, 02125
| | - Kyuson Yun
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York NY, 10065
| | - Nourhan Abdelfattah
- Department of Neurology, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
- Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York NY, 10065
| | - Xubin Li
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Behnaz Bozorgui
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Robert C. Rostomily
- Department of Neurosurgery, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, 77030 USA
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle WA, 98195
- Department of Neurosurgery, Weill Cornell Medical School, New York NY, 10065
| | - Anil Korkut
- Department of Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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9
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Dzobo K, Dandara C. The Extracellular Matrix: Its Composition, Function, Remodeling, and Role in Tumorigenesis. Biomimetics (Basel) 2023; 8:146. [PMID: 37092398 PMCID: PMC10123695 DOI: 10.3390/biomimetics8020146] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/25/2023] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is a ubiquitous member of the body and is key to the maintenance of tissue and organ integrity. Initially thought to be a bystander in many cellular processes, the extracellular matrix has been shown to have diverse components that regulate and activate many cellular processes and ultimately influence cell phenotype. Importantly, the ECM's composition, architecture, and stiffness/elasticity influence cellular phenotypes. Under normal conditions and during development, the synthesized ECM constantly undergoes degradation and remodeling processes via the action of matrix proteases that maintain tissue homeostasis. In many pathological conditions including fibrosis and cancer, ECM synthesis, remodeling, and degradation is dysregulated, causing its integrity to be altered. Both physical and chemical cues from the ECM are sensed via receptors including integrins and play key roles in driving cellular proliferation and differentiation and in the progression of various diseases such as cancers. Advances in 'omics' technologies have seen an increase in studies focusing on bidirectional cell-matrix interactions, and here, we highlight the emerging knowledge on the role played by the ECM during normal development and in pathological conditions. This review summarizes current ECM-targeted therapies that can modify ECM tumors to overcome drug resistance and better cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Dzobo
- Medical Research Council, SA Wound Healing Unit, Hair and Skin Research Laboratory, Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, Groote Schuur Hospital, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
| | - Collet Dandara
- Division of Human Genetics and Institute of Infectious Disease and Molecular Medicine, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
- The South African Medical Research Council-UCT Platform for Pharmacogenomics Research and Translation, Department of Pathology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Anzio Road, Observatory, Cape Town 7925, South Africa
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10
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Germon A, Heesom KJ, Amoah R, Adams JC. Protein disulfide isomerase A3 activity promotes extracellular accumulation of proteins relevant to basal breast cancer outcomes in human MDA-MB-A231 breast cancer cells. Am J Physiol Cell Physiol 2023; 324:C113-C132. [PMID: 36374169 PMCID: PMC9799142 DOI: 10.1152/ajpcell.00445.2022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Revised: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 11/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer remain major causes of patient mortality, and there is an ongoing need to identify new therapeutic targets relevant to tumor invasion. Protein disulfide isomerase A3 (PDIA3) is a disulfide oxidoreductase and isomerase of the endoplasmic reticulum that has known extracellular substrates and has been correlated with aggressive breast cancers. We show that either prior PDIA3 inhibition by the disulfide isomerase inhibitor 16F16 or depletion of heparin-binding proteins strongly reduces the activity of conditioned medium (CM) of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells to support promigratory cell spreading and F-actin organization by newly adherent MDA-MB-231 cells. Quantitative proteomics to investigate effects of 16F16 inhibition on heparin-binding proteins in the CM of MDA-MB-231 cells identified 80 proteins reproducibly decreased at least twofold (at q ≤ 0.05) after 16F16 treatment. By Gene Ontology analysis, many of these have roles in extracellular matrix (ECM) structure and function and cell adhesion; ribosomal proteins that also correlate with extracellular vesicles were also identified. Protein-protein interaction analysis showed that many of the extracellular proteins have known network interactions with each other. The predominant types of disulfide-bonded domains in the extracellular proteins contained β-hairpin folds, with the knottin fold the most common. From human breast cancer data sets, the extracellular proteins were found to correlate specifically with the basal subtype of breast cancer and their high expression in tumors correlated with reduced distant metastasis-free survival. These data provide new evidence that PDIA3 may be a relevant therapeutic target to alter properties of the ECM-associated microenvironment in basal breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Germon
- School of Biochemistry, https://ror.org/0524sp257University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Kate J Heesom
- University of Bristol Proteomics Facility, University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Reiss Amoah
- School of Biochemistry, https://ror.org/0524sp257University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
| | - Josephine C Adams
- School of Biochemistry, https://ror.org/0524sp257University of Bristol, Bristol, United Kingdom
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11
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Cataisson C, Lee AJ, Zhang AM, Mizes A, Korkmaz S, Carofino BL, Meyer TJ, Michalowski AM, Li L, Yuspa SH. RAS oncogene signal strength regulates matrisomal gene expression and tumorigenicity of mouse keratinocytes. Carcinogenesis 2022; 43:1149-1161. [PMID: 36306264 PMCID: PMC10122430 DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgac083] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Environmental and molecular carcinogenesis are linked by the discovery that chemical carcinogen induced-mutations in the Hras or Kras genes drives tumor development in mouse skin. Importantly, enhanced expression or allele amplification of the mutant Ras gene contributes to selection of initiated cells, tumor persistence, and progression. To explore the consequences of Ras oncogene signal strength, primary keratinocytes were isolated and cultured from the LSL-HrasG12D and LSL-KrasG12D C57BL/6J mouse models and the mutant allele was activated by adeno-Cre recombinase. Keratinocytes expressing one (H) or two (HH) mutant alleles of HrasG12D, one KrasG12D allele (K), or one of each (HK) were studied. All combinations of activated Ras alleles stimulated proliferation and drove transformation marker expression, but only HH and HK formed tumors. HH, HK, and K sustained long-term keratinocyte growth in vitro, while H and WT could not. RNA-Seq yielded two distinct gene expression profiles; HH, HK, and K formed one cluster while H clustered with WT. Weak MAPK activation was seen in H keratinocytes but treatment with a BRAF inhibitor enhanced MAPK signaling and facilitated tumor formation. K keratinocytes became tumorigenic when they were isolated from mice where the LSL-KrasG12D allele was backcrossed from the C57BL/6 onto the FVB/N background. All tumorigenic keratinocytes but not the non-tumorigenic precursors shared a common remodeling of matrisomal gene expression that is associated with tumor formation. Thus, RAS oncogene signal strength determines cell-autonomous changes in initiated cells that are critical for their tumor-forming potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christophe Cataisson
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alex J Lee
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Ashley M Zhang
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Alicia Mizes
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Serena Korkmaz
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Brandi L Carofino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Thomas J Meyer
- CCR Collaborative Bioinformatics Resource, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
- Advanced Biomedical Computational Science, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | | | - Luowei Li
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
| | - Stuart H Yuspa
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
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12
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Yu H, Wang M, Wang X, Jiang X. Immune-related matrisomes are potential biomarkers to predict the prognosis and immune microenvironment of glioma patients. FEBS Open Bio 2022; 13:307-322. [PMID: 36560848 PMCID: PMC9900094 DOI: 10.1002/2211-5463.13541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a vital role in the progression and metastasis of glioma and is an important part of the tumor microenvironment. The matrisome is composed of ECM components and related proteins. There have been several studies on the effects of matrisomes on the glioma immune microenvironment, but most of these studies were performed on individual glioma immune-related matrisomes rather than integral analysis. Hence, an overall analysis of all potential immune-related matrisomes in gliomas is needed. Here, we divided 667 glioma patients in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database into low, moderate, and high immune infiltration groups. Immune-related matrisomes differentially expressed among the three groups were analyzed, and a risk signature was established. Eight immune-related matrisomes were screened, namely, LIF, LOX, MMP9, S100A4, SRPX2, SLIT1, SMOC1, and TIMP1. Kaplan-Meier analysis, operating characteristic curve analysis, and nomogram were constructed to analyze the relationships between risk signatures and the prognosis of glioma patients. The risk signature was significantly correlated with the overall survival of glioma patients. Both high- and low-risk signatures were also associated with some immune checkpoints. In addition, analysis of somatic mutations and anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy responses in the high- and low-risk groups showed that the high-risk group had worse prognosis and a higher response to anti-PD1/L1 immunotherapy. Our analysis of immune-related matrisomes may improve understanding of the characteristics of the glioma immune microenvironment and provide direction for glioma immunotherapy development in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Yu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
| | - Minjie Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeWuhanChina
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeWuhanChina
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical CollegeHuazhong University of Science and TechnologyWuhanChina
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13
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Jurj A, Ionescu C, Berindan-Neagoe I, Braicu C. The extracellular matrix alteration, implication in modulation of drug resistance mechanism: friends or foes? J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:276. [PMID: 36114508 PMCID: PMC9479349 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02484-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an important component of the tumor microenvironment (TME), having several important roles related to the hallmarks of cancer. In cancer, multiple components of the ECM have been shown to be altered. Although most of these alterations are represented by the increased or decreased quantity of the ECM components, changes regarding the functional alteration of a particular ECM component or of the ECM as a whole have been described. These alterations can be induced by the cancer cells directly or by the TME cells, with cancer-associated fibroblasts being of particular interest in this regard. Because the ECM has this wide array of functions in the tumor, preclinical and clinical studies have assessed the possibility of targeting the ECM, with some of them showing encouraging results. In the present review, we will highlight the most relevant ECM components presenting a comprehensive description of their physical, cellular and molecular properties which can alter the therapy response of the tumor cells. Lastly, some evidences regarding important biological processes were discussed, offering a more detailed understanding of how to modulate altered signalling pathways and to counteract drug resistance mechanisms in tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ancuta Jurj
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Calin Ionescu
- 7Th Surgical Department, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 8 Victor Babes Street, 400012, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
- Surgical Department, Municipal Hospital, 400139, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Ioana Berindan-Neagoe
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
| | - Cornelia Braicu
- Research Center for Functional Genomics, Biomedicine and Translational Medicine, Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 400337, Cluj-Napoca, Romania.
- Research Center for Oncopathology and Translational Medicine (CCOMT), George Emil Palade University of Medicine, Pharmacy, Sciences and Technology, 540139, Targu Mures, Romania.
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14
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Arolt C, Hoffmann F, Nachtsheim L, Wolber P, Guntinas-Lichius O, Buettner R, von Eggeling F, Quaas A, Klußmann JP. Mutually Exclusive Expression of COL11A1 by CAFs and Tumour Cells in a Large panCancer and a Salivary Gland Carcinoma Cohort. Head Neck Pathol 2022; 16:394-406. [PMID: 34378164 PMCID: PMC9187800 DOI: 10.1007/s12105-021-01370-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Procollagen 11A1 (COL11A1) is a central component of the extracellular matrix in many carcinomas, which is considered to be mainly produced by cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs). As COL11A1 expression correlates with adverse prognosis and is implicated in chemoresistance, it is a promising putative target. For the first time, we used RNA in-situ hybridization to systematically identify the cells that produce COL11A1 in the ten most prevalent carcinoma types, lymphomas (n = 275) and corresponding normal tissue (n = 55; panCancer cohort). Moreover, as most salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) display distinct stromal architectures, we also analysed 110 SGC. The corresponding protein formation of COL11A1 was determined by MALDI-TOF-MS-Imaging. We report that colon, breast and salivary duct carcinomas are highly infiltrated by COL11A1 positive CAFs (CAFsCOL11A1) and might thus be promising candidates for antidesmoplastic or COL11A1-targeted therapies. The amount of CAFsCOL11A1 correlated significantly with tumour grade, tumour stage and nodal spread in the panCancer cohort. Significant associations between CAFsCOL11A1 and vascular invasion, perineural spread and nodal spread were observed in the SGC cohort. Also, we discovered that tumour cells of intercalated duct derived SGC and CAFs produce COL11A1 in a mutually exclusive manner. Our findings represent a novel mode of extracellular matrix production in carcinomas and could be highly relevant in the future. Our findings elucidate the mode of COL11A1 expression in very different carcinoma types and may aid to categorise tumours in the setting of possible future COL11A1-related therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Arolt
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Franziska Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, MALDI Imaging and Innovative Biophotonics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Lisa Nachtsheim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Wolber
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Reinhard Buettner
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Ferdinand von Eggeling
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
- MALDI Imaging, Core Unit Proteome Analysis, DFG Core Unit Jena Biophotonic and Imaging, Laboratory (JBIL), Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Medical Faculty, Institute of Pathology, University of Cologne, Kerpener Straße 62, 50937 Cologne, Germany
| | - Jens Peter Klußmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
- Medical Faculty, Centre for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany
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15
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EMT, Stemness, and Drug Resistance in Biological Context: A 3D Tumor Tissue/In Silico Platform for Analysis of Combinatorial Treatment in NSCLC with Aggressive KRAS-Biomarker Signatures. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092176. [PMID: 35565305 PMCID: PMC9099837 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092176] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 04/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The phenotypic transition of tumor cells from epithelial to mesenchymal characteristics is called EMT and is widely discussed in the scientific community as a game changer in drug resistance and metastasis formation. However, clinical studies could not prove the efficacy of EMT-interfering treatments, and in clinical routine, EMT is not investigated to assess invasion. To fill this gap between bench and bedside, we use in this study a lung tumor tissue model with a preserved basement membrane for investigation of EMT functions with respect to invasion across this membrane and drug resistance. Our results suggest EMT is more a marker of drug resistance than a maker. Invasion is enhanced by EMT but more dependent on intrinsic factors, and EMT is not detected in the center of invasive tumor nodules. An in silico signaling network model is used to integrate these in vitro results and to reveal determinants for drug response. Abstract Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is discussed to be centrally involved in invasion, stemness, and drug resistance. Experimental models to evaluate this process in its biological complexity are limited. To shed light on EMT impact and test drug response more reliably, we use a lung tumor test system based on a decellularized intestinal matrix showing more in vivo-like proliferation levels and enhanced expression of clinical markers and carcinogenesis-related genes. In our models, we found evidence for a correlation of EMT with drug resistance in primary and secondary resistant cells harboring KRASG12C or EGFR mutations, which was simulated in silico based on an optimized signaling network topology. Notably, drug resistance did not correlate with EMT status in KRAS-mutated patient-derived xenograft (PDX) cell lines, and drug efficacy was not affected by EMT induction via TGF-β. To investigate further determinants of drug response, we tested several drugs in combination with a KRASG12C inhibitor in KRASG12C mutant HCC44 models, which, besides EMT, display mutations in P53, LKB1, KEAP1, and high c-MYC expression. We identified an aurora-kinase A (AURKA) inhibitor as the most promising candidate. In our network, AURKA is a centrally linked hub to EMT, proliferation, apoptosis, LKB1, and c-MYC. This exemplifies our systemic analysis approach for clinical translation of biomarker signatures.
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16
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He X, Lee B, Jiang Y. Extracellular matrix in cancer progression and therapy. MEDICAL REVIEW (2021) 2022; 2:125-139. [PMID: 37724245 PMCID: PMC10471113 DOI: 10.1515/mr-2021-0028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
The tumor ecosystem with heterogeneous cellular compositions and the tumor microenvironment has increasingly become the focus of cancer research in recent years. The extracellular matrix (ECM), the major component of the tumor microenvironment, and its interactions with the tumor cells and stromal cells have also enjoyed tremendously increased attention. Like the other components of the tumor microenvironment, the ECM in solid tumors differs significantly from that in normal organs and tissues. We review recent studies of the complex roles the tumor ECM plays in cancer progression, from tumor initiation, growth to angiogenesis and invasion. We highlight that the biomolecular, biophysical, and mechanochemical interactions between the ECM and cells not only regulate the steps of cancer progression, but also affect the efficacy of systemic cancer treatment. We further discuss the strategies to target and modify the tumor ECM to improve cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiuxiu He
- Department of Medical Physics, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Byoungkoo Lee
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA
| | - Yi Jiang
- Department of Mathematics and Statistics, Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA, USA
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17
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Brennan P, Davey-Smith G. Identifying Novel Causes of Cancers to Enhance Cancer Prevention: New Strategies Are Needed. J Natl Cancer Inst 2022; 114:353-360. [PMID: 34743211 PMCID: PMC8902436 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djab204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
The burden of cancer from a clinical, societal, and economic viewpoint continues to increase in all parts of the world, along with much debate regarding how to confront this. Projected increases in cancer indicate a 50% increase in the number of cases over the next 2 decades, with the greatest proportional increase in low- and medium-income settings. In contrast to the historic high cancer burden due to viral and bacterial infections in these regions, future increases are expected to be due to cancers linked to westernization including breast, colorectum, lung, and prostate cancer. Identifying the reasons underlying these increases will be paramount to informing prevention efforts. Evidence from epidemiological and laboratory studies conducted in high-income countries over the last 70 years has led to the conclusion that approximately 40% of the cancer burden is explained by known risk factors-the 2 most important being tobacco and obesity in that order-raising the question of what is driving the rest of the cancer burden. International cancer statistics continue to show that approximately 80% of the cancer burden in high-income countries could be preventable in principle, implying that there are important environmental or lifestyle risk factors for cancer that have not yet been discovered. Emerging genomic evidence from population and experimental studies points to an important role for nonmutagenic promoters in driving cancer incidence rates. New research strategies and infrastructures that combine population-based and laboratory research at a global level are required to break this deadlock.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul Brennan
- International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC/WHO), Genomic Epidemiology Branch, Lyon, France
| | - George Davey-Smith
- Medical Research Council Integrative Epidemiology Unit (IEU), University of Bristol, Clifton, Bristol, UK
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18
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Rafaeva M, Horton ER, Jensen AR, Madsen CD, Reuten R, Willacy O, Brøchner CB, Jensen TH, Zornhagen KW, Crespo M, Grønseth DS, Nielsen SR, Idorn M, Straten PT, Rohrberg K, Spanggaard I, Højgaard M, Lassen U, Erler JT, Mayorca‐Guiliani AE. Modeling Metastatic Colonization in a Decellularized Organ Scaffold-Based Perfusion Bioreactor. Adv Healthc Mater 2022; 11:e2100684. [PMID: 34734500 DOI: 10.1002/adhm.202100684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Metastatic cancer spread is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. To colonize a new organ, invading cells adapt to, and remodel, the local extracellular matrix (ECM), a network of proteins and proteoglycans underpinning all tissues, and a critical regulator of homeostasis and disease. However, there is a major lack in tools to study cancer cell behavior within native 3D ECM. Here, an in-house designed bioreactor, where mouse organ ECM scaffolds are perfused and populated with cells that are challenged to colonize it, is presented. Using a specialized bioreactor chamber, it is possible to monitor cell behavior microscopically (e.g., proliferation, migration) within the organ scaffold. Cancer cells in this system recapitulate cell signaling observed in vivo and remodel complex native ECM. Moreover, the bioreactors are compatible with co-culturing cell types of different genetic origin comprising the normal and tumor microenvironment. This degree of experimental flexibility in an organ-specific and 3D context, opens new possibilities to study cell-cell and cell-ECM interplay and to model diseases in a controllable organ-specific system ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Rafaeva
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Edward R. Horton
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Adina R.D. Jensen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Chris D. Madsen
- Division of Translational Cancer Research Department of Laboratory Medicine Lund University Lund 22242 Sweden
| | - Raphael Reuten
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Oliver Willacy
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Christian B. Brøchner
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Thomas H. Jensen
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Kamilla Westarp Zornhagen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Marina Crespo
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Dina S. Grønseth
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Sebastian R. Nielsen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Manja Idorn
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT) Department of Oncology University Hospital Herlev and Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Herlev Ringvej 75 Herlev 2730 Denmark
| | - Per thor Straten
- National Center for Cancer Immune Therapy (CCIT) Department of Oncology University Hospital Herlev and Department of Immunology and Microbiology University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Herlev Ringvej 75 Herlev 2730 Denmark
| | - Kristoffer Rohrberg
- Department of Oncology Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Iben Spanggaard
- Department of Oncology Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Martin Højgaard
- Department of Oncology Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Ulrik Lassen
- Department of Oncology Centre for Cancer and Organ Diseases, Rigshospitalet Copenhagen University Hospital Blegdamsvej 9 Copenhagen 2100 Denmark
| | - Janine T. Erler
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
| | - Alejandro E. Mayorca‐Guiliani
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre (BRIC) University of Copenhagen (UCPH) Ole Maaloes Vej 5 Copenhagen 2200 Denmark
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19
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Chick Embryo Experimental Platform for Micrometastases Research in a 3D Tissue Engineering Model: Cancer Biology, Drug Development, and Nanotechnology Applications. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9111578. [PMID: 34829808 PMCID: PMC8615510 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9111578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Revised: 10/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Colonization of distant organs by tumor cells is a critical step of cancer progression. The initial avascular stage of this process (micrometastasis) remains almost inaccessible to study due to the lack of relevant experimental approaches. Herein, we introduce an in vitro/in vivo model of organ-specific micrometastases of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) that is fully implemented in a cost-efficient chick embryo (CE) experimental platform. The model was built as three-dimensional (3D) tissue engineering constructs (TECs) combining human MDA-MB-231 cells and decellularized CE organ-specific scaffolds. TNBC cells colonized CE organ-specific scaffolds in 2–3 weeks, forming tissue-like structures. The feasibility of this methodology for basic cancer research, drug development, and nanomedicine was demonstrated on a model of hepatic micrometastasis of TNBC. We revealed that MDA-MB-231 differentially colonize parenchymal and stromal compartments of the liver-specific extracellular matrix (LS-ECM) and become more resistant to the treatment with molecular doxorubicin (Dox) and Dox-loaded mesoporous silica nanoparticles than in monolayer cultures. When grafted on CE chorioallantoic membrane, LS-ECM-based TECs induced angiogenic switch. These findings may have important implications for the diagnosis and treatment of TNBC. The methodology established here is scalable and adaptable for pharmacological testing and cancer biology research of various metastatic and primary tumors.
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20
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Organ-Specific, Fibroblast-Derived Matrix as a Tool for Studying Breast Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13133331. [PMID: 34283050 PMCID: PMC8269313 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13133331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer in the breast often spreads to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, which leads to poor outcomes for patients, as there are few effective treatments. Within organs such as the lungs, cancer cells are surrounded by a scaffold, made of proteins, which helps keeps the organs’ structure and maintains their function. This scaffold is produced by cells called fibroblasts, and we can reproduce this in the lab. We aim to investigate how cancer cells interact with the protein scaffold from different organs, where breast cancer cells spread to. This study hopes to reveal how breast cancer reacts to different organ environments and use this method to perform large-scale drug screening. Importantly, this study has shown that drug testing of breast cancer cells within a more physiological context, as opposed to testing on plastic, can lead to increased identification of targets to treat breast cancer. Abstract During the metastatic process, breast cancer cells must come into contact with the extra-cellular matrix (ECM) at every step. The ECM provides both structural support and biochemical cues, and cell–ECM interactions can lead to changes in drug response. Here, we used fibroblast-derived ECM (FDM) to perform high throughput drug screening of 4T1 breast cancer cells on metastatic organ ECM (lung), and we see that drug response differs from treatment on plastic. The FDMs that we can produce from different organs are abundant in and contains a complex mixture of ECM proteins. We also show differences in ECM composition between the primary site and secondary organ sites. Furthermore, we show that global kinase signalling of 4T1 cells on the ECM is relatively unchanged between organs, while changes in signalling compared to plastic are significant. Our study highlights the importance of context when testing drug response in vitro, showing that consideration of the ECM is critically important.
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Hipólito A, Martins F, Mendes C, Lopes-Coelho F, Serpa J. Molecular and Metabolic Reprogramming: Pulling the Strings Toward Tumor Metastasis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:656851. [PMID: 34150624 PMCID: PMC8209414 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.656851] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Metastasis is a major hurdle to the efficient treatment of cancer, accounting for the great majority of cancer-related deaths. Although several studies have disclosed the detailed mechanisms underlying primary tumor formation, the emergence of metastatic disease remains poorly understood. This multistep process encompasses the dissemination of cancer cells to distant organs, followed by their adaptation to foreign microenvironments and establishment in secondary tumors. During the last decades, it was discovered that these events may be favored by particular metabolic patterns, which are dependent on reprogrammed signaling pathways in cancer cells while they acquire metastatic traits. In this review, we present current knowledge of molecular mechanisms that coordinate the crosstalk between metastatic signaling and cellular metabolism. The recent findings involving the contribution of crucial metabolic pathways involved in the bioenergetics and biosynthesis control in metastatic cells are summarized. Finally, we highlight new promising metabolism-based therapeutic strategies as a putative way of impairing metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ana Hipólito
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Martins
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Cindy Mendes
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Filipa Lopes-Coelho
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Jacinta Serpa
- CEDOC, Chronic Diseases Research Centre, NOVA Medical School
- Faculdade de Ciências Médicas, Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, Lisboa, Portugal.,Unidade de Investigação em Patobiologia Molecular (UIPM), Instituto Português de Oncologia de Lisboa Francisco Gentil (IPOLFG), Lisboa, Portugal
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22
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Häfner SJ. Level up for culture models - How 3D cell culture models benefit SARS-CoV-2 research. Biomed J 2021; 44:1-6. [PMID: 33741318 PMCID: PMC7871102 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2021.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Welcome to a new decade and a new issue of the Biomedical Journal - casting a sorrowful look onto a year that will go down in history as a tombstone etched by the COVID-19 pandemic, but also a hopeful glance into the future, now that multiple vaccination programs against the SARS-CoV-2 virus have started. This issue is dedicated to the continuous effort by researchers all around the globe to understand and counter the pathogen, as well as to be better prepared for future threats. Therefore, we learn about the advantages of complex 3D cell culture models for studying host-virus interactions, and the disease course of COVID-19 in children. Moreover, we discover how neutralising monoclonal antibodies and peptide-based vaccines against SARS-CoV-2 are developed, and the therapeutic potentials of lopinavir/ritonavir, mesenchymal stem cells, as well as plant and algae extracts. Finally, we ponder over the lessons to be learnt from SARS-CoV and MERS, and hear about differences between nucleotide-based SARS-CoV-2 detection methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Julia Häfner
- University of Copenhagen, BRIC Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Anders Lund Group, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Boulter L, Bullock E, Mabruk Z, Brunton VG. The fibrotic and immune microenvironments as targetable drivers of metastasis. Br J Cancer 2021; 124:27-36. [PMID: 33239677 PMCID: PMC7782519 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01172-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2020] [Revised: 10/29/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Although substantial progress has been made over the past 40 years in treating patients with cancer, effective therapies for those who are diagnosed with advanced metastatic disease are still few and far between. Cancer cells do not exist in isolation: rather, they exist within a complex microenvironment composed of stromal cells and extracellular matrix. Within this tumour microenvironment exists an interplay between the two main stromal cell subtypes, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and immune cells, that are important in controlling metastasis. A complex network of paracrine signalling pathways between CAFs, immune cells and tumour cells are involved at multiple stages of the metastatic process, from invasion and intravasation at the primary tumour site to extravasation and colonisation in the metastatic site. Heterogeneity and plasticity within stromal cell populations also contribute to the complexity. Although many of these processes are likely to be common to a number of metastatic sites, we will describe in detail the interplay within the liver, a preferred site of metastasis for many tumours. A greater understanding of these networks provides opportunities for the design of new therapeutic approaches for targeting the metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Boulter
- MRC Human Genetics Unit, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Esme Bullock
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Zeanap Mabruk
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK
| | - Valerie G Brunton
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Crewe Road South, Edinburgh, EH4 2XU, UK.
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Su H, Guan G, Ahmed RZ, Lyu L, Li Z, Jin X. TBBPA stimulated cell migration of endometrial cancer via the contribution of NOX-generated ROS in lieu of energy metabolism. JOURNAL OF HAZARDOUS MATERIALS 2020; 400:123204. [PMID: 32569978 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhazmat.2020.123204] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
Due to the extensive applications and deleterious effects of Tetrabromobisphenol A (TBBPA), the health risk and possible mechanisms have been a topic of concern. However, the knowledge on carcinogenic risk of TBBPA and corresponding mechanisms remains scarce. In this study, endometrial cancer cells were exposed to low doses of TBBPA and its main derivatives including TBBPA bis (2,3-dibromopropyl ether) (TBBPA-BDBPE) and TBBPA bis (2-hydroxyethyl ether) (TBBPA-BHEE). The data from wound healing and transwell assays demonstrated that TBBPA treatment exhibited the strongest enhanced effect on cell migration among other tested treatments. Of note, the process of invasion rather than epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was accompanied by the occurrence of migration elevated by TBBPA. Furthermore, the levels of several metabolite indicators were measured to assess the underlying mechanisms involved in TBBPA-induced cell migration. The findings suggested that NADPH oxidase (NOX)-driven ROS instead of energy metabolism was sensitive to TBBPA stimulation. In addition, molecular docking supported a link between TBBPA ligand and NOX receptor. Accordingly, this study has provided new insights for TBBPA-induced carcinogenic effects and may arise peoples' vigilance to environmental pollution of brominated flame retardant.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huilan Su
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China; School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Ge Guan
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Rifat Zubair Ahmed
- Dept. of Genetics, University of Karachi, Karachi, Pakistan; State Key Laboratory of Environmental Chemistry and Ecotoxicology, Research Center for Eco-Environmental Sciences, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Liang Lyu
- Institutes of Biomedical Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Zhuoyu Li
- School of Life Sciences, Shanxi University, Taiyuan, China
| | - Xiaoting Jin
- School of Public Health, Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.
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Addressing the tumour microenvironment in early drug discovery: a strategy to overcome drug resistance and identify novel targets for cancer therapy. Drug Discov Today 2020; 26:663-676. [PMID: 33278601 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2020.11.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/04/2020] [Accepted: 11/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The tumour microenvironment (TME) comprises not only malignant and non-malignant cells, but also the extracellular matrix (ECM), secreted factors, and regulators of cellular functions. In addition to genetic alterations, changes of the biochemical/biophysical properties or cellular composition of the TME have been implicated in drug resistance. Here, we review the composition of the ECM and different elements of the TME contributing to drug resistance, including soluble factors, hypoxia, extracellular acidity, and cell adhesion properties. We discuss selected approaches for modelling the TME, current progress, and their use in low-and high-throughput assays for preclinical studies. Lastly, we summarise the status quo of advanced 3D cancer models compatible with high-throughput screening (HTS), the technical practicalities and challenges.
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Arolt C, Meyer M, Hoffmann F, Wagener-Ryczek S, Schwarz D, Nachtsheim L, Beutner D, Odenthal M, Guntinas-Lichius O, Buettner R, von Eggeling F, Klußmann JP, Quaas A. Expression Profiling of Extracellular Matrix Genes Reveals Global and Entity-Specific Characteristics in Adenoid Cystic, Mucoepidermoid and Salivary Duct Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12092466. [PMID: 32878206 PMCID: PMC7564650 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12092466] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2020] [Revised: 08/25/2020] [Accepted: 08/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The extracellular matrix (ECM), an important factor in tumour metastasis and therapy resistance, has not been studied in salivary gland carcinomas (SGC), so far. In this retrospective study, we profiled the RNA expression of 28 ECM-related genes in 11 adenoid cystic (AdCy), 14 mucoepidermoid (MuEp) and 9 salivary duct carcinomas (SaDu). Also, we validated our results in a multimodal approach. MuEp and SaDu shared a common gene signature involving an overexpression of COL11A1. In contrast, nonhierarchical clustering revealed a more specific gene expression pattern for AdCy, characterized by overexpression of COL27A1. In situ studies at RNA level indicated that in AdCy, ECM production results from tumour cells and not from cancer-associated fibroblasts as is the case in MuEp and SaDu. For the first time, we characterized the ECM composition in SGC and identified several differentially expressed genes, which are potential therapeutic targets. Abstract The composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal role in tumour initiation, metastasis and therapy resistance. Until now, the ECM composition of salivary gland carcinomas (SGC) has not been studied. We quantitatively analysed the mRNA of 28 ECM-related genes of 34 adenoid cystic (AdCy; n = 11), mucoepidermoid (MuEp; n = 14) and salivary duct carcinomas (SaDu; n = 9). An incremental overexpression of six collagens (including COL11A1) and four glycoproteins from MuEp and SaDu suggested a common ECM alteration. Conversely, AdCy and MuEp displayed a distinct overexpression of COL27A1 and LAMB3, respectively. Nonhierarchical clustering and principal component analysis revealed a more specific pattern for AdCy with low expression of the common gene signature. In situ studies at the RNA and protein level confirmed these results and indicated that, in contrast to MuEp and SaDu, ECM production in AdCy results from tumour cells and not from cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Our findings reveal different modes of ECM production leading to common and distinct RNA signatures in SGC. Of note, an overexpression of COL27A1, as in AdCy, has not been linked to any other neoplasm so far. Here, we contribute to the dissection of the ECM composition in SGC and identified a panel of deferentially expressed genes, which could be putative targets for SGC therapy and overcoming therapeutic resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christoph Arolt
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.W.-R.); (M.O.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-221-478-4726
| | - Moritz Meyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.M.); (D.S.); (L.N.); (J.P.K.)
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, 45147 Essen, Germany
| | - Franziska Hoffmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, MALDI Imaging and Innovative Biophotonics, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Svenja Wagener-Ryczek
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.W.-R.); (M.O.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - David Schwarz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.M.); (D.S.); (L.N.); (J.P.K.)
| | - Lisa Nachtsheim
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.M.); (D.S.); (L.N.); (J.P.K.)
| | - Dirk Beutner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Göttingen, 37075 Göttingen, Germany;
| | - Margarete Odenthal
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.W.-R.); (M.O.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - Orlando Guntinas-Lichius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Reinhard Buettner
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.W.-R.); (M.O.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
| | - Ferdinand von Eggeling
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, MALDI Imaging, Core Unit Proteome Analysis, DFG Core Unit Jena Biophotonic and Imaging Laboratory (JBIL), Jena University Hospital, 07747 Jena, Germany;
| | - Jens Peter Klußmann
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (M.M.); (D.S.); (L.N.); (J.P.K.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.W.-R.); (M.O.); (R.B.); (A.Q.)
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Iturri J, Weber A, Vivanco MD, Toca-Herrera JL. Single-Cell Probe Force Studies to Identify Sox2 Overexpression-Promoted Cell Adhesion in MCF7 Breast Cancer Cells. Cells 2020; 9:E935. [PMID: 32290242 PMCID: PMC7227807 DOI: 10.3390/cells9040935] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2020] [Revised: 04/04/2020] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The replacement of the cantilever tip by a living cell in Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM) experiments permits the direct quantification of cell-substrate and cell-cell adhesion forces. This single-cell probe force measurement technique, when complemented by microscopy, allows controlled manipulation of the cell with defined location at the area of interest. In this work, a setup based on two glass half-slides, a non-fouling one with bacterial S-layer protein SbpA from L. sphaericus CMM 2177 and the second with a fibronectin layer, has been employed to measure the adhesion of MCF7 breast cancer cells to fibronectin films (using SbpA as control) and to other cells (symmetric vs. asymmetric systems). The measurements aimed to characterize and compare the adhesion capacities of parental cells and cells overexpressing the embryonic transcription factor Sox2, which have a higher capacity for invasion and are more resistant to endocrine therapy in vivo. Together with the use of fluorescence techniques (epifluorescence, Total Internal Fluorescence Microscopy (TIRF)), the visualization of vinculin and actin distribution in cells in contact with fibronectin surfaces is enabled, facilitating the monitoring and quantification of the formation of adhesion complexes. These findings demonstrate the strength of this combined approach to assess and compare the adhesion properties of cell lines and to illustrate the heterogeneity of adhesive strength found in breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jagoba Iturri
- Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), Institute for Biophysics, BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria; (A.W.); (J.L.T.-H.)
| | - Andreas Weber
- Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), Institute for Biophysics, BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria; (A.W.); (J.L.T.-H.)
| | - María d.M. Vivanco
- Cancer Heterogeneity Lab, Center for Cooperative Research in Biosciences (CIC bioGUNE), Basque Research and Technology Alliance (BRTA), Bizkaia Technology Park, 48160 Derio, Spain
| | - José L. Toca-Herrera
- Department of Nanobiotechnology (DNBT), Institute for Biophysics, BOKU University for Natural Resources and Life Sciences, Muthgasse 11 (Simon Zeisel Haus), A-1190 Vienna, Austria; (A.W.); (J.L.T.-H.)
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Häfner SJ. Tumour travel tours - Why circulating cancer cells value company. Biomed J 2020; 43:1-7. [PMID: 32200951 PMCID: PMC7090313 DOI: 10.1016/j.bj.2020.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Welcome to the New Year and a new issue of the Biomedical Journal, where we learn that travelling with company boosts the metastatic potential of circulating tumour cells, as well as that a worm could be an excellent model to study antidiabetic drugs. In addition, we discover another pair of molecular scissors for genetic engineering, how exactly Leptospira wreaks havoc on its run through the host organism, and that hyperparathyroidism brings its own risks, but does not worsen the outcome of papillary thyroid carcinoma. Furthermore, the importance of taking into account differing beauty ideals for aesthetic surgery surveys is discussed, alongside the question how bad isolated local recurrence is in the case of HR + breast cancer. Finally, we find out that virtual colonoscopy deserves more credit, that the first medical experiment in space was all about the H-reflex, and that it is possible to survive advanced necrotising fasciitis of the face and neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Julia Häfner
- University of Copenhagen, BRIC Biotech Research & Innovation Centre, Anders Lund Group, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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