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Chen Y, Xu Y, Zhang Y, Yang D, Sun Y. Functions of the fusogenic and non-fusogenic activities of Syncytin-1 in human physiological and pathological processes. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2025; 761:151746. [PMID: 40188598 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2025.151746] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2025] [Revised: 03/22/2025] [Accepted: 04/01/2025] [Indexed: 04/08/2025]
Abstract
Human endogenous retroviruses (HERVs), which represent the genetic remnants of ancient viral infections, constitute approximately 8 % of the human genome. Among the proteins encoded by these viruses, Syncytin-1, encoded by the env gene of the HERV-W family, functions as a vital fusion protein in placental development, in which it plays a pivotal role in facilitating the fusion of trophoblast cells to form the syncytiotrophoblast that is essential for maintaining the structural integrity and functional viability of the placenta. Recent studies have shown that in addition to its expression in the placenta, Syncytin-1 also plays key roles in a range of different tissues and cell types, influencing biological processes such as cell proliferation, apoptosis, and immune regulation. Abnormal expression of Syncytin-1 has been closely linked to the onset, progression, and metastasis of tumors, potentially promoting tumor invasion via mechanisms involving cell fusion and modulation of the immune microenvironment. Moreover, associations have been established between Syncytin-1 and neurological disorders, including multiple sclerosis and schizophrenia, in which it modulates neuroinflammation. In this review, we systematically examine the molecular structure and functional attributes of Syncytin-1, emphasizing its roles in cell fusion, tumor progression, and immune regulation, and discuss its potential applications as a therapeutic target and diagnostic biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuling Chen
- Medical School, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Ya Xu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Danni Yang
- Medical School, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
| | - Yi Sun
- Institute of Basic and Clinical Medicine, The First People's Hospital of Yunnan Province, The Affiliated Hospital of Kunming University of Science and Technology, Kunming, Yunnan, China.
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2
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Tang R, Luo S, Liu H, Sun Y, Liu M, Li L, Ren H, Angele MK, Börner N, Yu K, Guo Z, Yin G, Luo H. Circulating Tumor Microenvironment in Metastasis. Cancer Res 2025; 85:1354-1367. [PMID: 39992721 PMCID: PMC11997552 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-24-1241] [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: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 11/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/19/2025] [Indexed: 02/26/2025]
Abstract
Activation of invasion and metastasis is a central hallmark of cancer, contributing to the primary cause of death for patients with cancer. In the multistep metastatic process, cancer cells must infiltrate the circulation, survive, arrest at capillary beds, extravasate, and form metastatic clones in distant organs. However, only a small proportion of circulating tumor cells (CTC) successfully form metastases, with transit of CTCs in the circulation being the rate-limiting step. The fate of CTCs is influenced by the circulating tumor microenvironment (cTME), which encompasses factors affecting their biological behaviors in the circulation. This liquid and flowing microenvironment differs significantly from the primary TME or the premetastatic niche. This review summarizes the latest advancements in identifying the biophysical cues, key components, and biological roles of the cTME, highlighting the network among biophysical attributes, blood cells, and nonblood factors in cancer metastasis. In addition to the potential of the cTME as a therapeutic target for inhibiting metastasis, the cTME could also represent as a biomarker for predicting patient outcomes and developing strategies for treating cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Tang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shujuan Luo
- Department of Obstetrics, Women and Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Yan Sun
- Department of Cell Biology and Medical Genetics, Basic Medical School, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Manran Liu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medical Diagnostics, Chinese Ministry of Education, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haoyu Ren
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Martin K. Angele
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich, Germany
| | - Nikolaus Börner
- Department of General, Visceral, and Transplant Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich Munich, Germany
| | - Keda Yu
- Department of Breast Surgery, Precision Cancer Medicine Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, P.R. China
| | - Zufeng Guo
- Center for Novel Target and Therapeutic Intervention, Institute of Life Sciences, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Guobing Yin
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Haojun Luo
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Chongqing University, Chongqing, China
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Xia P, Wu W, Liu Q, Huang B, Wu M, Lin Z, Zhu M, Yu M, Qu Y, Li K, Wu L, Zhang R, Wang Q. SCANER: robust and sensitive identification of malignant cells from the scRNA-seq profiled tumor ecosystem. Brief Bioinform 2025; 26:bbaf175. [PMID: 40253692 PMCID: PMC12009548 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbaf175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2024] [Revised: 12/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2025] [Indexed: 04/22/2025] Open
Abstract
Single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) has enabled the dissection of complex tumor ecosystems. Recognition of malignant cells as an essential step has a profound impact on downstream interpretation. However, most existing computational strategies are based on prior knowledge of canonical cell-type markers. We have developed a marker-free approach, the Seed-Cluster based Approach for NEoplastic cells Recognition (SCANER), to identify malignant cells based on significant gene expression variations caused by genomic instability. Upon analyzing different cancer types, SCANER achieved superior accuracy and robustness in identifying malignant cells, effectively addressing dropout events and tumor purity variations. Besides, SCANER can significantly detect copy number variations (CNVs) in malignant cells compared to nonmalignant cells, which is further confirmed through the paired whole exome sequencing data. In conclusion, SCANER has the potential to facilitate the biological exploration of the tumor ecosystem by accurately identifying malignant cells and it is applicable across various solid cancer types regardless of prior knowledge. SCANER is available at https://github.com/woolingxiang/SCANER.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Xia
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 8 Dongnandaxue Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Wu
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 8 Dongnandaxue Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Quanzhong Liu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bin Huang
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 8 Dongnandaxue Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Min Wu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zihan Lin
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengyan Zhu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying Qu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Kening Li
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lingxiang Wu
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, 119 South 4th Ring West Road, Fengtai District, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Ruohan Zhang
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qianghu Wang
- School of Biological Science & Medical Engineering, Southeast University, 8 Dongnandaxue Road, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211189, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Bioinformatics, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- Institute for Brain Tumors, Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Personalized Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, 101 Longmian Avenue, Jiangning District, Nanjing 211166, Jiangsu, China
- The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, 42 Baiziting Road, Xuanwu District, Nanjing 210009, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Pathology, Jiangsu Province Hospital and the First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, 300 Guangzhou Road, Gulou District, Nanjing 210029, Jiangsu, China
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4
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Berens EB, Khou S, Huang E, Hoffman A, Johnson B, Kirchberger N, Sivagnanam S, Calistri NL, Derrick D, Liby TA, McLean IC, Alanizi AA, Ozmen F, Ozmen TY, Mills GB, Shelley Hwang E, Schedin PJ, Gonzalez H, Werb Z, Heiser LM, Coussens LM. Neoplastic immune mimicry potentiates breast tumor progression. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2025.01.17.633673. [PMID: 39896558 PMCID: PMC11785120 DOI: 10.1101/2025.01.17.633673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Dedifferentiation programs are commonly enacted during breast cancer progression to enhance tumor cell fitness. Increased cellular plasticity within the neoplastic compartment of tumors correlates with disease aggressiveness, often culminating in greater resistance to cytotoxic therapies or augmented metastatic potential. Here we report that subpopulations of dedifferentiated neoplastic breast epithelial cells express canonical leukocyte cell surface receptor proteins and have thus named this cellular program "immune mimicry." We document neoplastic cells engaging in immune mimicry within public human breast tumor single-cell RNA-seq datasets, histopathological breast tumor specimens, breast cancer cell lines, as well as in murine transgenic and cell line-derived mammary cancer models. Immune-mimicked neoplastic cells harbor hallmarks of dedifferentiation and are enriched in treatment-resistant and high-grade breast tumors. We corroborated these observations in aggressive breast cancer cell lines where anti-proliferative cytotoxic chemotherapies drove epithelial cells toward immune mimicry. Moreover, in subsequent proof-of-concept studies, we demonstrate that expression of the CD69 leukocyte activation protein by neoplastic cells confers a proliferative advantage that facilitates early tumor growth and therefore conclude that neoplastic breast epithelial cells upregulating leukocyte surface receptors potentiate malignancy. Moving forward, neoplastic immune mimicry should be evaluated for prognostic utility in breast cancer to determine stratification potential for patients with increased risks of tumor recurrence, metastasis, and therapeutic resistance. Statement of Significance Neoplastic breast epithelial cells express surface receptors canonically attributed to leukocytes and are associated with therapy resistance and aggressive tumor behavior.
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5
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López-Collazo E, Hurtado-Navarro L. Cell fusion as a driver of metastasis: re-evaluating an old hypothesis in the age of cancer heterogeneity. Front Immunol 2025; 16:1524781. [PMID: 39967663 PMCID: PMC11832717 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2025.1524781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2024] [Accepted: 01/17/2025] [Indexed: 02/20/2025] Open
Abstract
Numerous studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms and signalling pathways underlying cancer metastasis, as there is still no effective treatment for this terminal stage of the disease. However, the exact processes that enable primary cancer cells to acquire a metastatic phenotype remain unclear. Increasing attention has been focused on the fusion of cancer cells with myeloid cells, a phenomenon that may result in hybrid cells, so-called Tumour Hybrid Cells (THCs), with enhanced migratory, angiogenic, immune evasion, colonisation, and metastatic properties. This process has been shown to potentially drive tumour progression, drug resistance, and cancer recurrence. In this review, we explore the potential mechanisms that govern cancer cell fusion, the molecular mediators involved, the metastatic characteristics acquired by fusion-derived hybrids, and their clinical significance in human cancer. Additionally, we discuss emerging pharmacological strategies aimed at targeting fusogenic molecules as a means to prevent metastatic dissemination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eduardo López-Collazo
- The Innate Immune Response Group, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Tumour Immunology Laboratory, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- CIBER of Respiratory Diseases (CIBERES), Madrid, Spain
- UNIE University, Madrid, Spain
| | - Laura Hurtado-Navarro
- The Innate Immune Response Group, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
- Tumour Immunology Laboratory, IdiPAZ, La Paz University Hospital, Madrid, Spain
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6
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Gardner AL, Zheng L, Howland K, Saunders A, Ramirez A, Parker P, Iloegbunam C, Morgan D, Jost TA, Brock A. Mapping cell-cell fusion at single-cell resolution. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2025:2024.12.11.627873. [PMID: 39896473 PMCID: PMC11785005 DOI: 10.1101/2024.12.11.627873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2025]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a tightly controlled process in the human body known to be involved in fertilization, placental development, muscle growth, bone remodeling, and viral response. Fusion between cancer cells results first in a whole-genome doubled state, which may be followed by the generation of aneuploidies; these genomic alterations are known drivers of tumor evolution. The role of cell-cell fusion in cancer progression and treatment response has been understudied due to limited experimental systems for tracking and analyzing individual fusion events. To meet this need, we developed a molecular toolkit to map the origins and outcomes of individual cell fusion events within a tumor cell population. This platform, ClonMapper Duo ('CMDuo'), identifies cells that have undergone cell-cell fusion through a combination of reporter expression and engineered fluorescence-associated index sequences paired to randomly generated nucleotide barcodes. scRNA-seq of the indexed barcodes enables the mapping of each set of parental cells and fusion progeny throughout the cell population. In triple-negative breast cancer cells CMDuo uncovered subclonal transcriptomic hybridization and unveiled distinct cell-states which arise in direct consequence of homotypic cell-cell fusion. CMDuo is a platform that enables mapping of cell-cell fusion events in high-throughput single cell data and enables the study of cell fusion in disease progression and therapeutic response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea L Gardner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Lan Zheng
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Kennedy Howland
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andrew Saunders
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Andrea Ramirez
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Patrik Parker
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Chisom Iloegbunam
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Daylin Morgan
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Tyler A Jost
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
| | - Amy Brock
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, TX, USA
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7
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Liu Z, Wang Y, Peng Z, Li H, Wang H, Wu Y, Jiang X, Fu P. Fusion of tumor cells and mesenchymal stem/stroma cells: a source of tumor heterogeneity, evolution and recurrence. Med Oncol 2025; 42:52. [PMID: 39838167 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-024-02595-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2024] [Accepted: 12/28/2024] [Indexed: 01/23/2025]
Abstract
The heterogeneity and evolution of tumors remain significant obstacles in cancer treatment, contributing to both therapy resistance and relapse. Mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells within the tumor microenvironment that interact with tumor cells through various mechanisms, including cell fusion. While previous research has largely focused on the effects of MSC-tumor cell fusion on tumor proliferation, migration, and tumorigenicity, emerging evidence indicates that its role in tumor maintenance, evolution, and recurrence, particularly under stress conditions, may be even more pivotal. This review examines the connection between MSC-tumor cell fusion and several critical factors like tumor heterogeneity, cancer stem cells, and therapy resistance, highlighting the crucial role of cell fusion in tumor survival, evolution, and recurrence. Additionally, we explore potential therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yihao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Zesheng Peng
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Hui Li
- Department of Cataract, Nanyang Eye Hospital, Nanyang, 473000, China
| | - Haofei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Yuyi Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China
| | - Xiaobing Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
| | - Peng Fu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430022, China.
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8
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Shabo I, Midtbö K, Bränström R, Lindström A. Monocyte-cancer cell fusion is mediated by phosphatidylserine-CD36 receptor interaction and induced by ionizing radiation. PLoS One 2025; 20:e0311027. [PMID: 39752516 PMCID: PMC11698428 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0311027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 01/06/2025] Open
Abstract
Emerging evidence suggests that fusion of cancer cells with leucocytes, such as macrophages, plays a significant role in cancer metastasis and results in tumor hybrid cells that acquire resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy. However, the precise mechanisms behind the leukocyte-cancer cell fusion remain unclear. The present in vitro study explores the presence of fusion between the monocyte cell line (THP-1) and the breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) in relation to the expression of CD36 and phosphatidylserine with and without treatment of these cells with ionizing radiation. The study reveals that spontaneous THP-1/MCF-7 cell fusion increases significantly from 2.8% to 6% after irradiation. The interaction between CD36 and phosphatidylserine plays a pivotal role in THP-1/MCF-7 cell fusion, as inhibiting this interaction using anti-CD36 antibodies significantly reduces cell fusion. While irradiation leads to a dose-dependent escalation in phosphatidylserine expression in MCF-7 cells, it does not impact the expression of CD36 in either THP-1 or MCF-7 cells. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to demonstrate the involvement of the CD36-phosphatidylserine interaction in the fusion between monocytes and cancer cells, shedding light on a novel explanatory mechanism for the roles of CD36 and phosphatidylserine in tumor progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Shabo
- Endocrine and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast Cancer, Sarcoma and Endocrine Tumors, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kristine Midtbö
- Division of Cell- and Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Robert Bränström
- Endocrine and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Breast Cancer, Sarcoma and Endocrine Tumors, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Annelie Lindström
- Division of Cell- and Neurobiology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
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9
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Pirrello A, Killingsworth M, Spring K, Rasko JE, Yeo D. Cancer-associated macrophage-like cells as a prognostic biomarker in solid tumors. THE JOURNAL OF LIQUID BIOPSY 2024; 6:100275. [PMID: 40027315 PMCID: PMC11863711 DOI: 10.1016/j.jlb.2024.100275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2024] [Revised: 10/30/2024] [Accepted: 11/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/05/2025]
Abstract
Cancer-associated macrophage-like cells (CAMLs) are myeloid-lineage cells associated with cancer-derived material that are detectable in the blood. In addition to circulating tumor cells, CAMLs are a promising liquid biopsy biomarker which may assist with prognostication for patient stratification and monitoring response to chemotherapy and radiotherapy in solid tumors. CAMLs have been detected in blood samples from patients with various tumors including lung, pancreas, breast, oesophageal, and colorectal cancers, and to date have not been detected in healthy individuals. However, the optimal method of detection, their origin, function in the circulation, and ultimate utility have not been fully elucidated. This review provides an overview of CAML-related studies and explores their future potential to guide clinical decision-making.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Pirrello
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Precision Oncology Laboratory, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
| | - Murray Killingsworth
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, NSW Health Pathology, Liverpool, 2170, NSW, Australia
| | - Kevin Spring
- Medical Oncology Group, Liverpool Clinical School, Western Sydney University and Ingham Institute for Applied Medical Research, Liverpool, 2170, NSW, Australia
| | - John E.J. Rasko
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Gene and Stem Cell Therapy Program, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
| | - Dannel Yeo
- Li Ka Shing Cell and Gene Therapy Program, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Precision Oncology Laboratory, Centenary Institute, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine and Health, The University of Sydney, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
- Cell and Molecular Therapies, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Camperdown, 2050, NSW, Australia
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10
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Ma Y, Sun Y, Guo H, Yang R. Tumor-associated macrophages in bladder cancer: roles and targeted therapeutic strategies. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1418131. [PMID: 39606239 PMCID: PMC11599180 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1418131] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 10/25/2024] [Indexed: 11/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Bladder cancer (BC) is the ninth most common and "expensive" cancer in the world. Despite the availability of various treatment modalities such as chemotherapy, immunotherapy and surgery, the overall survival rate of patients with advanced bladder cancer remains low. As one of the most abundant infiltrating immune cells in bladder cancer, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play an important role in the development of BC and in the standard regimen of intravesical BCG therapy. Targeting TAMs have achieved excellent results in clinical trials for a variety of other cancers, but few studies have been conducted for bladder cancer. Further exploration is still needed to develop TAM-related therapeutic strategies for BC treatment, which are expected to improve the therapeutic efficacy and life quality of patients. This review summarizes the relationship between TAMs in bladder cancer and disease staging, evolution, patient prognosis, and treatment outcome. Several potential TAM targets in BC are also pointed, which may help to inhibit tumor-promoting TAMs and provide new therapeutic approaches for advanced BC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchun Ma
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Center of Molecular Diagnostic and Therapy, State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for MicroRNA Biology and Biotechnology, Nanjing University Advanced Institute of Life Sciences (NAILS), Nanjing, China
| | - Hongqian Guo
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Rong Yang
- Department of Urology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
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11
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Tanjak P, Chaiboonchoe A, Suwatthanarak T, Thanormjit K, Acharayothin O, Chanthercrob J, Parakonthun T, Methasate A, Fischer JM, Wong MH, Chinswangwatanakul V. Tumor-immune hybrid cells evade the immune response and potentiate colorectal cancer metastasis through CTLA4. Clin Exp Med 2024; 25:2. [PMID: 39499374 PMCID: PMC11538261 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-024-01515-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Accepted: 10/22/2024] [Indexed: 11/07/2024]
Abstract
Understanding the metastatic cascade is critical for the treatment and prevention of cancer-related death. Within a tumor, immune cells have the capacity to fuse with tumor cells to generate tumor-immune hybrid cells (THCs). THCs are hypothesized to be a subset of cancer cells with the capacity to enter circulation as circulating hybrid cells (CHC) and seed metastases. To understand the mechanism of THC metastasis, we investigated CHCs in peripheral blood from patients with stage IV colorectal cancer (CRC), as well as THCs in tissues of primary colorectal cancers and their liver metastasis sites using immunofluorescence, spatial proteomic, spatial transcriptomic, molecular classification, and molecular pathway analyses. Our findings indicated a high prevalence of CHCs and THCs in patients with stage IV CRC. THCs expressed CTLA4 in primary CRC lesions and correlated with upregulation of CD68, CD4, and HLA-DR in metastatic liver lesions, which is found in the consensus molecular subtype (CMS) 1 of primary CRC tissue. Pathway analysis of these genes suggested that THCs are associated with neutrophils due to upregulation of neutrophil extracellular trap signaling (NET) and neutrophil degranulation pathways. These data provide molecular pathways for the formation of THCs suggesting fusion with neutrophils, which may facilitate extravasation and metastatic seeding.
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Grants
- R016234003 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
- R016234003 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
- R016234003 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
- R016234003 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
- R016234003 Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- RO16241047 Foundation for Cancer Care, Siriraj Hospital, Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- 63-117 and 66-083 Health Systems Research Institute (HSRI), Thailand
- Mahidol University
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Affiliation(s)
- Pariyada Tanjak
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Siriraj Cancer Center, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Amphun Chaiboonchoe
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellent for Systems Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Thanawat Suwatthanarak
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Siriraj Cancer Center, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Kullanist Thanormjit
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Siriraj Cancer Center, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Onchira Acharayothin
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Jantappapa Chanthercrob
- Siriraj Center of Research Excellent for Systems Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Thammawat Parakonthun
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Asada Methasate
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand
| | - Jared M Fischer
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Cancer Early Detection Advanced Research Center, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland , OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97239, USA
| | - Melissa H Wong
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Vitoon Chinswangwatanakul
- Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Siriraj Cancer Center, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, 10700, Thailand.
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12
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Dong D, Yu X, Xu J, Yu N, Liu Z, Sun Y. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of gastrointestinal cancer liver metastases and drug resistance. Drug Resist Updat 2024; 77:101125. [PMID: 39173439 DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2024.101125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2024] [Revised: 07/30/2024] [Accepted: 08/05/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Distant metastases and drug resistance account for poor survival of patients with gastrointestinal (GI) malignancies such as gastric cancer, pancreatic cancer, and colorectal cancer. GI cancers most commonly metastasize to the liver, which provides a unique immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment to support the development of a premetastatic niche for tumor cell colonization and metastatic outgrowth. Metastatic tumors often exhibit greater resistance to drugs than primary tumors, posing extra challenges in treatment. The liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers are regulated by complex, intertwined, and tumor-dependent cellular and molecular mechanisms that influence tumor cell behavior (e.g. epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, or EMT), tumor microenvironment (TME) (e.g. the extracellular matrix, cancer-associated fibroblasts, and tumor-infiltrating immune cells), tumor cell-TME interactions (e.g. through cytokines and exosomes), liver microenvironment (e.g. hepatic stellate cells and macrophages), and the route and mechanism of tumor cell dissemination (e.g. circulating tumor cells). This review provides an overview of recent advances in the research on cellular and molecular mechanisms that regulate liver metastases and drug resistance of GI cancers. We also discuss recent advances in the development of mechanism-based therapy for these GI cancers. Targeting these cellular and molecular mechanisms, either alone or in combination, may potentially provide novel approaches to treat metastatic GI malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daosong Dong
- Department of Pain, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Xue Yu
- Department of Surgical Oncology and General Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pathology and Epidemiology of Gastric Cancer in the Universities of Liaoning Province, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Jingjing Xu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Na Yu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Institute of Respiratory Disease, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China
| | - Zhe Liu
- Department of Pancreatic-Biliary Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
| | - Yanbin Sun
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110001, China.
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13
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Niu Z, Kozminsky M, Day KC, Broses LJ, Henderson ML, Patsalis C, Tagett R, Qin Z, Blumberg S, Reichert ZR, Merajver SD, Udager AM, Palmbos PL, Nagrath S, Day ML. Characterization of circulating tumor cells in patients with metastatic bladder cancer utilizing functionalized microfluidics. Neoplasia 2024; 57:101036. [PMID: 39173508 PMCID: PMC11387905 DOI: 10.1016/j.neo.2024.101036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2024] [Revised: 07/19/2024] [Accepted: 07/28/2024] [Indexed: 08/24/2024]
Abstract
Assessing the molecular profiles of bladder cancer (BC) from patients with locally advanced or metastatic disease provides valuable insights, such as identification of invasive markers, to guide personalized treatment. Currently, most molecular profiling of BC is based on highly invasive biopsy or transurethral tumor resection. Liquid biopsy takes advantage of less-invasive procedures to longitudinally profile disease. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) isolated from blood are one of the key analytes of liquid biopsy. In this study, we developed a protein and mRNA co-analysis workflow for BC CTCs utilizing the graphene oxide (GO) microfluidic chip. The GO chip was conjugated with antibodies against both EpCAM and EGFR to isolate CTCs from 1 mL of blood drawn from BC patients. Following CTC capture, protein and mRNA were analyzed using immunofluorescent staining and ion-torrent-based whole transcriptome sequencing, respectively. Elevated CTC counts were significantly associated with patient disease status at the time of blood draw. We found a count greater than 2.5 CTCs per mL was associated with shorter overall survival. The invasive markers EGFR, HER2, CD31, and ADAM15 were detected in CTC subpopulations. Whole transcriptome sequencing showed distinct RNA expression profiles from patients with or without tumor burden at the time of blood draw. In patients with advanced metastatic disease, we found significant upregulation of metastasis-related and chemotherapy-resistant genes. This methodology demonstrates the capability of GO chip-based assays to identify tumor-related RNA signatures, highlighting the prognostic potential of CTCs in metastatic BC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zeqi Niu
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerface Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Molly Kozminsky
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerface Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Kathleen C Day
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Luke J Broses
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Marian L Henderson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Oncology Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Christopher Patsalis
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Oncology Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Department of Computational Medicine and Bioinformatics, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Rebecca Tagett
- Bioinformatics Core, Michigan Medicine, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Zhaoping Qin
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sarah Blumberg
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Zachery R Reichert
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Oncology Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sofia D Merajver
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Oncology Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Aaron M Udager
- Department of Pathology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Phillip L Palmbos
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Oncology Division, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA
| | - Sunitha Nagrath
- Department of Chemical Engineering, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Biointerface Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Mark L Day
- Department of Urology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA; Rogel Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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14
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Patel RK, Parappilly M, Farley HC, Latour EJ, Wang LG, Nair AM, Lu ES, Sims Z, Park B, Nelson K, Mayo SC, Mills GB, Sheppard BC, Chang YH, Gibbs SL, Kardosh A, Lopez CD, Wong MH. Circulating Neoplastic-Immune Hybrid Cells Are Biomarkers of Occult Metastasis and Treatment Response in Pancreatic Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3650. [PMID: 39518088 PMCID: PMC11545756 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16213650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2024] [Revised: 10/21/2024] [Accepted: 10/24/2024] [Indexed: 11/16/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) presents significant diagnostic and prognostic challenges, as current biomarkers frequently fail to accurately stage disease, predict rapid metastatic recurrence (rPDAC), or assess response to neoadjuvant therapy (NAT). We investigated the potential for circulating neoplastic-immune hybrid cells (CHCs) as a non-invasive, multifunctional biomarker for PDAC. METHODS Peripheral blood specimens were obtained from patients diagnosed with PDAC. CHCs were detected by co-expression of pan-cytokeratin and CD45, normalized to 50,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells. rPDAC was defined as metastatic recurrence within six months of margin-negative pancreatectomy. Cyclic immunofluorescence (CyCIF) analyses compared hybrid phenotypes in blood and tumors. RESULTS Blood samples were collected from 42 patients with PDAC prior to resection. Those with radiographically occult metastatic disease and rPDAC had higher preoperative CHC numbers compared to patients who did not (65.0 and 74.4, vs. 11.52 CHCs; p < 0.001). Patients with complete or near-complete pathologic responses to NAT had lower preoperative CHC numbers than partial and/or non-responders (1.7 vs. 13.1 CHCs; p = 0.008). When assessed longitudinally, those with partial pathologic response saw CHC levels become undetectable while on treatment but increase in the interval between NAT completion and resection. In contrast, patients with poor responses or development of metastatic disease experienced persistent CHC detection during therapy or rising levels prior to radiographic evidence of metastases. Further, in metastatic PDAC patients, treatment-induced phenotypic changes in hybrid cells mirrored those in paired metastatic tumor samples. CONCLUSIONS CHC enumeration and phenotyping display promise as a real-time indicator of disease burden, recurrence risk, and treatment response in PDAC. CHCs have great potential as tumor-derived biomarkers to optimize therapeutic strategies and improve survival in patients with PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K. Patel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA; (R.K.P.)
| | - Michael Parappilly
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Hannah C. Farley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Emile J. Latour
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Lei G. Wang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Ashvin M. Nair
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Ethan S. Lu
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Zachary Sims
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Byung Park
- Biostatistics Shared Resource, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Katherine Nelson
- Gastrointestinal Clinical Trials, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Skye C. Mayo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA; (R.K.P.)
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Gordon B. Mills
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Division of Oncological Sciences, Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Brett C. Sheppard
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of General Surgery, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Summer L. Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Adel Kardosh
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Charles D. Lopez
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Melissa H. Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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15
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Shultes PV, Weaver DT, Tadele DS, Barker-Clarke RJ, Scott JG. Cell-cell fusion in cancer: The next cancer hallmark? Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2024; 175:106649. [PMID: 39186970 PMCID: PMC11752790 DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2024.106649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/04/2024] [Revised: 08/13/2024] [Accepted: 08/21/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
In this review, we consider the role of cell-cell fusion in cancer development and progression through an evolutionary lens. We begin by summarizing the origins of fusion proteins (fusogens), of which there are many distinct classes that have evolved through convergent evolution. We then use an evolutionary framework to highlight how the persistence of fusion over generations and across different organisms can be attributed to traits that increase fitness secondary to fusion; these traits map well to the expanded hallmarks of cancer. By studying the tumor microenvironment, we can begin to identify the key selective pressures that may favor higher rates of fusion compared to healthy tissues. The paper concludes by discussing the increasing number of research questions surrounding fusion, recommendations for how to answer them, and the need for a greater interest in exploring cell fusion and evolutionary principles in oncology moving forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulameena V Shultes
- Translational Hematology and Oncology (THOR), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA; School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
| | - Davis T Weaver
- Translational Hematology and Oncology (THOR), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA; School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
| | - Dagim S Tadele
- Translational Hematology and Oncology (THOR), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA; Oslo University Hospital, Ullevål, Department of Medical Genetics, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rowan J Barker-Clarke
- Translational Hematology and Oncology (THOR), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA
| | - Jacob G Scott
- Translational Hematology and Oncology (THOR), Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA; School of Medicine, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA; Physics Department, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44120, USA.
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16
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Laplane L, Maley CC. The evolutionary theory of cancer: challenges and potential solutions. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:718-733. [PMID: 39256635 PMCID: PMC11627115 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00734-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/12/2024]
Abstract
The clonal evolution model of cancer was developed in the 1950s-1970s and became central to cancer biology in the twenty-first century, largely through studies of cancer genetics. Although it has proven its worth, its structure has been challenged by observations of phenotypic plasticity, non-genetic forms of inheritance, non-genetic determinants of clone fitness and non-tree-like transmission of genes. There is even confusion about the definition of a clone, which we aim to resolve. The performance and value of the clonal evolution model depends on the empirical extent to which evolutionary processes are involved in cancer, and on its theoretical ability to account for those evolutionary processes. Here, we identify limits in the theoretical performance of the clonal evolution model and provide solutions to overcome those limits. Although we do not claim that clonal evolution can explain everything about cancer, we show how many of the complexities that have been identified in the dynamics of cancer can be integrated into the model to improve our current understanding of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucie Laplane
- UMR 8590 Institut d'Histoire et Philosophie des Sciences et des Techniques, CNRS, University Paris I Pantheon-Sorbonne, Paris, France
- UMR 1287 Hematopoietic Tissue Aging, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Carlo C Maley
- Arizona Cancer Evolution Center, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- School of Life Sciences, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Biodesign Center for Biocomputing, Security and Society, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
- Center for Evolution and Medicine, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA.
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17
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Qiao X, Huang N, Meng W, Liu Y, Li J, Li C, Wang W, Lai Y, Zhao Y, Ma Z, Li J, Zhang X, Weng Z, Wu C, Li L, Li B. Beyond mitochondrial transfer, cell fusion rescues metabolic dysfunction and boosts malignancy in adenoid cystic carcinoma. Cell Rep 2024; 43:114652. [PMID: 39217612 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.114652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2023] [Revised: 06/05/2024] [Accepted: 08/01/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer cells with mitochondrial dysfunction can be rescued by cells in the tumor microenvironment. Using human adenoid cystic carcinoma cell lines and fibroblasts, we find that mitochondrial transfer occurs not only between human cells but also between human and mouse cells both in vitro and in vivo. Intriguingly, spontaneous cell fusion between cancer cells and fibroblasts could also emerge; specific chromosome loss might be essential for nucleus reorganization and the post-hybrid selection process. Both mitochondrial transfer through tunneling nanotubes (TNTs) and cell fusion "selectively" revive cancer cells, with mitochondrial dysfunction as a key motivator. Beyond mitochondrial transfer, cell fusion significantly enhances cancer malignancy and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Mechanistically, mitochondrial dysfunction in cancer cells causes L-lactate secretion to attract fibroblasts to extend TNTs and TMEM16F-mediated phosphatidylserine externalization, facilitating TNT formation and cell-membrane fusion. Our findings offer insights into mitochondrial transfer and cell fusion, highlighting potential cancer therapy targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianghe Qiao
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Nengwen Huang
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wanrong Meng
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yunkun Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jinjin Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Chunjie Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Wenxuan Wang
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yi Lai
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yongjiang Zhao
- Genetics and Prenatal Diagnostic Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Henan Engineering Research Center for Gene Editing of Human Genetic Disease, Zhengzhou 450052, China
| | - Zhongkai Ma
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Jingya Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xuan Zhang
- Department of Medical Genetics/Prenatal Diagnostic Center, West China Second Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Zhijie Weng
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chenzhou Wu
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Longjiang Li
- Department of Head and Neck Oncology, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
| | - Bo Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center for Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China; Department of Orthodontics, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China.
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18
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Marcotte E, Goyeneche A, Abdouh M, Burnier JV, Burnier MN. The Phenotypical Characterization of Dual-Nature Hybrid Cells in Uveal Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:3231. [PMID: 39335202 PMCID: PMC11429545 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16183231] [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: 08/21/2024] [Revised: 09/20/2024] [Accepted: 09/20/2024] [Indexed: 09/30/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis, occurring years after primary diagnosis, represents a poor prognosis in uveal melanoma (UM)-affected individuals. The nature of cells involved in this process is under debate. Circulating hybrid cells that have combined tumor and immune cell features found in blood were predictive of metastasis and may correspond to dual-nature cells (DNC) in the primary tumor. Herein, we sought to determine the presence of DNCs in primary UM tumors, the cell types involved in their genesis, and their ability to be formed in vitro. METHODS UM lesions (n = 38) were immunolabeled with HMB45 in combination with immune-cell-specific antibodies. In parallel, we co-cultured UM cells and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) to analyze DNC formation. RESULTS HMB45+/CD45+ DNCs were present in 90% (26/29) of the tumors, HMB45+/CD8+ DNCs were present in 93% (26/28), and HMB45+/CD68+ DNCs were present in 71% (17/24). DNCs formed with CD8+ and CD68+ cells were positively correlated to the infiltration of their respective immune cells. Notably, UM cells were prone to hybridize with PBMCs in vitro. CONCLUSIONS This phenotypical characterization of DNCs in UM demonstrates that CD8+ T-cells and macrophages are capable of DNC formation, and they are important for better understanding metastatic dissemination, thus paving the path towards novel therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emily Marcotte
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Alicia Goyeneche
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Mohamed Abdouh
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Julia Valdemarin Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Experimental Pathology Unit, Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 2B4, Canada
- Gerald Bronfman Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A 3T2, Canada
| | - Miguel Noel Burnier
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- The MUHC-McGill University Ocular Pathology & Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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Yamashita K, Suetsugu A, Hayashi S, Shimizu M, Hoffman RM. EL4 Murine-Lymphoma-Stromal-Cell Fusion Hybrids Observed With Multiple Distinct Morphologies in the Primary Tumor and Metastatic Organs of a Syngeneic Mouse Model. In Vivo 2024; 38:2115-2121. [PMID: 39187323 PMCID: PMC11363744 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.13673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2024] [Revised: 06/09/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 08/28/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM We and others have previously shown that cell fusion plays an important role in cancer metastasis. Color coding of cancer and stromal cells with spectrally-distinct fluorescent proteins is a powerful tool, as pioneered by our laboratory to detect cell fusion. We have previously reported color-coded cell fusion between cancer cells and stromal cells in metastatic sites by using color-coded EL4 murine lymphoma cells and host mice expressing spectrally-distinct fluorescent proteins. Cell fusion occurred between cancer cells or, between cancer cells and normal cells, such as macrophages, fibroblasts, and mesenchymal stem cells. In the present study, the aim was to morphologically classify the fusion-hybrid cells observed in the primary tumor and multiple metastases EL4 formed from cells expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP) in transgenic mice expressing green fluorescent protein (GFP), in a syngeneic model. MATERIALS AND METHODS RFP-expressing EL4 murine lymphoma cells were cultured in vitro. EL4-RFP cells were harvested and injected intraperitoneally into immunocompetent transgenic C57/BL6-GFP mice to establish a syngeneic model. Two weeks later, mice were sacrificed and each organ was harvested, cultured, and observed using confocal microscopy. RESULTS EL4 intraperitoneal tumors (primary) and metastases in the lung, liver, blood, and bone marrow were formed. All tumors were harvested and cultured. In all specimens, RFP-EL4 cells, GFP-stromal cells, and fused yellow-fluorescent hybrid cells were observed. The fused hybrid cells showed various morphologies. Immune cell-like round-shaped yellow-fluorescent fused cells had a tendency to decrease with time in liver metastases and circulating blood. In contrast fibroblast-like spindle-shaped yellow-fluorescent fused cells increased in the intraperitoneal primary tumor, lung metastases, and bone marrow. CONCLUSION Cell fusion between EL4-RFP cells and GFP stromal cells occurred in primary tumors and all metastatic sites. The morphology of the fused hybrid cells varied in the primary and metastatic sites. The present results suggest that fused cancer and stromal hybrid cells of varying morphology may play an important role in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koji Yamashita
- Gifu University Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Robert M Hoffman
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA, U.S.A.;
- Department of Surgery, University of California, San Diego, CA, U.S.A
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20
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Marabitti V, Vulpis E, Nazio F, Campello S. Mitochondrial Transfer as a Strategy for Enhancing Cancer Cell Fitness:Current Insights and Future Directions. Pharmacol Res 2024; 208:107382. [PMID: 39218420 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2024.107382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/26/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024]
Abstract
It is now recognized that tumors are not merely masses of transformed cells but are intricately interconnected with healthy cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME), forming complex and heterogeneous structures. Recent studies discovered that cancer cells can steal mitochondria from healthy cells to empower themselves, while reducing the functions of their target organ. Mitochondrial transfer, i.e. the intercellular movement of mitochondria, is recently emerging as a novel process in cancer biology, contributing to tumor growth, metastasis, and resistance to therapy by shaping the metabolic landscape of the tumor microenvironment. This review highlights the influence of transferred mitochondria on cancer bioenergetics, redox balance and apoptotic resistance, which collectively foster aggressive cancer phenotype. Furthermore, the therapeutic implications of mitochondrial transfer are discussed, emphasizing the potential of targeting these pathways to overcome drug resistance and improve treatment efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronica Marabitti
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Elisabetta Vulpis
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Francesca Nazio
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy
| | - Silvia Campello
- Department of Biology, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome 00133, Italy.
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21
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Patel RK, Parappilly MS, Walker BS, Heussner RT, Fung A, Chang YH, Kardosh A, Lopez CD, Mayo SC, Wong MH. Exploratory Analyses of Circulating Neoplastic-Immune Hybrid Cells as Prognostic Biomarkers in Advanced Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:9198. [PMID: 39273147 PMCID: PMC11395231 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25179198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/19/2024] [Indexed: 09/15/2024] Open
Abstract
Existing clinical biomarkers do not reliably predict treatment response or disease progression in patients with advanced intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC). Circulating neoplastic-immune hybrid cells (CHCs) have great promise as a blood-based biomarker for patients with advanced ICC. Peripheral blood specimens were longitudinally collected from patients with advanced ICC enrolled in the HELIX-1 phase II clinical trial (NCT04251715). CHCs were identified by co-expression of pan-cytokeratin (CK) and CD45, and levels were correlated to patient clinical disease course. Unsupervised machine learning was then performed to extract their morphological features to compare them across disease courses. Five patients were included in this study, with a median of nine specimens collected per patient. A median of 13.5 CHCs per 50,000 peripheral blood mononuclear cells were identified at baseline, and levels decreased to zero following the initiation of treatment in all patients. Counts remained undetectable in three patients who demonstrated end-of-trial clinical treatment response and conversely increased in two patients with evidence of therapeutic resistance. In the post-trial surveillance period, interval counts increased prior to or at the time of clinical progression in three patients and remain undetectable in one patient with continued long-term disease stability. Using our machine learning platform, treatment-resistant CHCs exhibited upregulation of CK and downregulation of CD45 relative to treatment-responsive CHCs. CHCs represent a promising blood-based biomarker to supplement traditional radiographic and biochemical measures.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K. Patel
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA; (R.K.P.)
| | - Michael S. Parappilly
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Brett S. Walker
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA; (R.K.P.)
| | - Robert T. Heussner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Alice Fung
- Department of Diagnostic Radiology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Adel Kardosh
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Charles D. Lopez
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA
| | - Skye C. Mayo
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97239, USA; (R.K.P.)
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
| | - Melissa H. Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR 97201, USA
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22
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Kulbay M, Marcotte E, Remtulla R, Lau THA, Paez-Escamilla M, Wu KY, Burnier MN. Uveal Melanoma: Comprehensive Review of Its Pathophysiology, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Future Perspectives. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1758. [PMID: 39200222 PMCID: PMC11352094 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081758] [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: 06/01/2024] [Revised: 07/22/2024] [Accepted: 07/24/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common intraocular malignancy in adults. Recent advances highlight the role of tumor-derived extracellular vesicles (TEV) and circulating hybrid cells (CHC) in UM tumorigenesis. Bridged with liquid biopsies, a novel technology that has shown incredible performance in detecting cancer cells or products derived from tumors in bodily fluids, it can significantly impact disease management and outcome. The aim of this comprehensive literature review is to provide a summary of current knowledge and ongoing advances in posterior UM pathophysiology, diagnosis, and treatment. The first section of the manuscript discusses the complex and intricate role of TEVs and CHCs. The second part of this review delves into the epidemiology, etiology and risk factors, clinical presentation, and prognosis of UM. Third, current diagnostic methods, ensued by novel diagnostic tools for the early detection of UM, such as liquid biopsies and artificial intelligence-based technologies, are of paramount importance in this review. The fundamental principles, limits, and challenges associated with these diagnostic tools, as well as their potential as a tracker for disease progression, are discussed. Finally, a summary of current treatment modalities is provided, followed by an overview of ongoing preclinical and clinical research studies to provide further insights on potential biomolecular pathway alterations and therapeutic targets for the management of UM. This review is thus an important resource for all healthcare professionals, clinicians, and researchers working in the field of ocular oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Merve Kulbay
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada; (M.K.); (R.R.); (T.H.A.L.); (M.P.-E.)
| | - Emily Marcotte
- McGill University Ocular Pathology and Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Raheem Remtulla
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada; (M.K.); (R.R.); (T.H.A.L.); (M.P.-E.)
| | - Tsz Hin Alexander Lau
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada; (M.K.); (R.R.); (T.H.A.L.); (M.P.-E.)
| | - Manuel Paez-Escamilla
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada; (M.K.); (R.R.); (T.H.A.L.); (M.P.-E.)
| | - Kevin Y. Wu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Ophthalmology, University of Sherbrooke, Sherbrooke, QC J1G 2E8, Canada;
| | - Miguel N. Burnier
- Department of Ophthalmology & Visual Sciences, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3S5, Canada; (M.K.); (R.R.); (T.H.A.L.); (M.P.-E.)
- McGill University Ocular Pathology and Translational Research Laboratory, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada;
- Cancer Research Program, Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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23
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Park R, Yu J, Shahzad M, Lee S, Ji JD. The immune regulatory function of B7-H3 in malignancy: spotlight on the IFN-STAT1 axis and regulation of tumor-associated macrophages. Immunol Res 2024; 72:526-537. [PMID: 38265550 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09458-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
B7-H3 is a member of the B7 superfamily and a putative inhibitory immune checkpoint molecule. Several early-phase clinical trials have reported promising anti-tumor activity and safety of anti-cancer drugs targeting B7-H3, suggesting that it may be a promising target for a potential next-generation immune checkpoint inhibitor. Despite ongoing clinical studies, most B7-H3-targeted drugs being currently investigated rely on direct cytotoxicity as their mechanisms of action rather than modulating its function as an immune checkpoint, at least in part due to its incompletely understood immune regulatory function. Recent studies have begun to elucidate the role of B7-H3 in regulating the tumor microenvironment (TME). Emerging evidence suggests that B7-H3 may regulate the interferon-STAT1 axis in the TME and promote immune suppression. Similarly, increasing evidence shows B7-H3 may be implicated in promoting M1 to M2 polarization of tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). There is also accumulating evidence suggesting that B7-H3 may play a role in the heterotypic fusion of cancer stem cells and macrophages, thereby promoting tumor invasion and metastasis. Here, we review the recent advances in the understanding of B7-H3 cancer immunobiology with a focus on highlighting its potential role in the interferon priming of TAMs and the heterotypic fusion of TAMs with cancer stem cells and suggest future direction in elucidating its immune checkpoint function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robin Park
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - James Yu
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Moazzam Shahzad
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center/University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Sunggon Lee
- Department of Internal Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Dae Ji
- Department of Rheumatology, College of Medicine, Korea University, Seoul, South Korea.
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24
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Huangfu Y, Chang F, Zhang F, Jiao Y, Han L. Monocytes-to-lymphocytes ratio increases the prognostic value of circulating tumor cells in non-small cell lung cancer: a prospective study. Transl Cancer Res 2024; 13:3589-3598. [PMID: 39145074 PMCID: PMC11319958 DOI: 10.21037/tcr-24-10] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/03/2024] [Accepted: 05/29/2024] [Indexed: 08/16/2024]
Abstract
Background Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has shown important prognostic value in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the present low sensitivity of CTC capture technology restricts their clinical application. This study aims to explore the feasibility of combining the peripheral blood cell (PBC)-derived inflammation-based score with CTCs to increase the prognostic value of CTCs in NSCLC. Methods Sixty volunteers diagnosed with NSCLC were recruited. CTC count and six inflammation-based scores were examined and the association with progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) was explored. The changes in the CTC counts before and after the immunotherapy were observed. Results Multivariate analysis showed that CTCs >7 [hazard ratio (HR) =9.07; 95% confidence interval (CI): 3.68-22.37, P<0.001] and monocytes-to-lymphocytes ratio (MLR) > 0.2 (HR =3.07; 95% CI: 1.21-7.84; P=0.01) were associated with shorter OS and PFS in patients with NSCLC. Patients with CTCs >7 and MLR >0.2 had 12.30 times increased risk of death (P<0.001) and 6.10 times increased risk of disease progression (P=0.002) compared with those with CTCs ≤7 and MLR ≤0.2. Decreased CTC counts after immunotherapy were closely related to disease control (r=0.535, P=0.01). Conclusions CTCs and MLR are both independent risk factors for prognosis in patients with NSCLC. The combination of CTCs with MLR significantly increased the prognostic value of CTCs, which would contribute to stratification of NSCLC patients and providing precise treatment. Dynamic monitoring of CTCs efficiently shows the immunotherapy response in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Huangfu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Chang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fengjuan Zhang
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanru Jiao
- Department of Clinical Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Lei Han
- Eye Institute, Henan Provincial People’s Hospital, Zhengzhou, China
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25
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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Pang A, Farley HC, Gillingham AR, Dawson AD, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma. Biomark Res 2024; 12:67. [PMID: 39030653 PMCID: PMC11264923 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-024-00609-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/21/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective curative therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. METHODS To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing (n = 8) and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids (n = 4) using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells. RESULTS Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley N Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Patrick Conley
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Christopher D Klocke
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Sidharth K Sengupta
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Amara Pang
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Hannah C Farley
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Abigail R Gillingham
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Aubrey D Dawson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Yichen Fan
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Summer L Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Alison H Skalet
- Casey Eye Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Guanming Wu
- Department of Medical Informatics and Clinical Epidemiology, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, USA.
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26
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Chu X, Tian W, Ning J, Xiao G, Zhou Y, Wang Z, Zhai Z, Tanzhu G, Yang J, Zhou R. Cancer stem cells: advances in knowledge and implications for cancer therapy. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:170. [PMID: 38965243 PMCID: PMC11224386 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01851-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 03/27/2024] [Accepted: 04/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs), a small subset of cells in tumors that are characterized by self-renewal and continuous proliferation, lead to tumorigenesis, metastasis, and maintain tumor heterogeneity. Cancer continues to be a significant global disease burden. In the past, surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy were the main cancer treatments. The technology of cancer treatments continues to develop and advance, and the emergence of targeted therapy, and immunotherapy provides more options for patients to a certain extent. However, the limitations of efficacy and treatment resistance are still inevitable. Our review begins with a brief introduction of the historical discoveries, original hypotheses, and pathways that regulate CSCs, such as WNT/β-Catenin, hedgehog, Notch, NF-κB, JAK/STAT, TGF-β, PI3K/AKT, PPAR pathway, and their crosstalk. We focus on the role of CSCs in various therapeutic outcomes and resistance, including how the treatments affect the content of CSCs and the alteration of related molecules, CSCs-mediated therapeutic resistance, and the clinical value of targeting CSCs in patients with refractory, progressed or advanced tumors. In summary, CSCs affect therapeutic efficacy, and the treatment method of targeting CSCs is still difficult to determine. Clarifying regulatory mechanisms and targeting biomarkers of CSCs is currently the mainstream idea.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianjing Chu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Wentao Tian
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Jiaoyang Ning
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Gang Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Yunqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Ziqi Wang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Zhuofan Zhai
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - Guilong Tanzhu
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Department of Dermatology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
| | - Rongrong Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- Xiangya Lung Cancer Center, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China.
- National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan Province, 410008, China.
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27
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Fuentes-Rodriguez A, Mitchell A, Guérin SL, Landreville S. Recent Advances in Molecular and Genetic Research on Uveal Melanoma. Cells 2024; 13:1023. [PMID: 38920653 PMCID: PMC11201764 DOI: 10.3390/cells13121023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/10/2024] [Revised: 06/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/09/2024] [Indexed: 06/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM), a distinct subtype of melanoma, presents unique challenges in its clinical management due to its complex molecular landscape and tendency for liver metastasis. This review highlights recent advancements in understanding the molecular pathogenesis, genetic alterations, and immune microenvironment of UM, with a focus on pivotal genes, such as GNAQ/11, BAP1, and CYSLTR2, and delves into the distinctive genetic and chromosomal classifications of UM, emphasizing the role of mutations and chromosomal rearrangements in disease progression and metastatic risk. Novel diagnostic biomarkers, including circulating tumor cells, DNA and extracellular vesicles, are discussed, offering potential non-invasive approaches for early detection and monitoring. It also explores emerging prognostic markers and their implications for patient stratification and personalized treatment strategies. Therapeutic approaches, including histone deacetylase inhibitors, MAPK pathway inhibitors, and emerging trends and concepts like CAR T-cell therapy, are evaluated for their efficacy in UM treatment. This review identifies challenges in UM research, such as the limited treatment options for metastatic UM and the need for improved prognostic tools, and suggests future directions, including the discovery of novel therapeutic targets, immunotherapeutic strategies, and advanced drug delivery systems. The review concludes by emphasizing the importance of continued research and innovation in addressing the unique challenges of UM to improve patient outcomes and develop more effective treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Fuentes-Rodriguez
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Andrew Mitchell
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
| | - Sylvain L. Guérin
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
| | - Solange Landreville
- Department of Ophthalmology and Otorhinolaryngology-Cervico-Facial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Université Laval, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada; (A.F.-R.); (A.M.); (S.L.G.)
- Hôpital du Saint-Sacrement, Regenerative Medicine Division, CHU de Québec-Université Laval Research Centre, Quebec City, QC G1S 4L8, Canada
- Centre de Recherche en Organogénèse Expérimentale de l‘Université Laval/LOEX, Quebec City, QC G1J 1Z4, Canada
- Université Laval Cancer Research Center, Quebec City, QC G1R 3S3, Canada
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Yaghoubi Naei V, Ivanova E, Mullally W, O'Leary CG, Ladwa R, O'Byrne K, Warkiani ME, Kulasinghe A. Characterisation of circulating tumor-associated and immune cells in patients with advanced-stage non-small cell lung cancer. Clin Transl Immunology 2024; 13:e1516. [PMID: 38835954 PMCID: PMC11147668 DOI: 10.1002/cti2.1516] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/29/2024] [Revised: 04/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Objectives Globally, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most prevalent form of lung cancer and the leading cause of cancer-related deaths. Tumor-associated circulating cells in NSCLC can have a wide variety of morphological and phenotypic characteristics, including epithelial, immunological or hybrid subtypes. The distinctive characteristics and potential clinical significance of these cells in patients with NSCLC are explored in this study. Methods We utilised a spiral microfluidic device to enrich large cells and cell aggregates from the peripheral blood samples of NSCLC patients. These cells were characterised through high-resolution immunofluorescent imaging and statistical analysis, correlating findings with clinical information from our patient cohort. Results We have identified varied populations of heterotypic circulating tumor cell clusters with differing immune cell composition that included a distinct class of atypical tumor-associated macrophages that exhibits unique morphology and cell size. This subtype's prevalence is positively correlated with the tumor stage, progression and metastasis. Conclusions Our study reveals a heterogeneous landscape of circulating tumor cells and their clusters, underscoring the complexity of NSCLC pathobiology. The identification of a unique subtype of atypical tumor-associatedmacrophages that simultaneously express both tumor and immune markers and whose presence correlates with late disease stages, poor clinical outcomes and metastatic risk infers the potential of these cells as biomarkers for NSCLC staging and prognosis. Future studies should focus on the role of these cells in the tumor microenvironment and their potential as therapeutic targets. Additionally, longitudinal studies tracking these cell types through disease progression could provide further insights into their roles in NSCLC evolution and response to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vahid Yaghoubi Naei
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ekaterina Ivanova
- Cancer and Ageing Research Program, Centre for Genomics and Personalised HealthQueensland University of TechnologyWoolloongabbaQLDAustralia
| | | | | | - Rahul Ladwa
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Ken O'Byrne
- The Princess Alexandra HospitalBrisbaneQLDAustralia
| | - Majid E Warkiani
- School of Biomedical EngineeringUniversity of Technology SydneySydneyNSWAustralia
| | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Frazer Institute, Faculty of MedicineThe University of QueenslandBrisbaneQLDAustralia
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Sieler M, Dörnen J, Dittmar T. How Much Do You Fuse? A Comparison of Cell Fusion Assays in a Breast Cancer Model. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:5668. [PMID: 38891857 PMCID: PMC11172233 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25115668] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Cell fusion is a biological process that is crucial for the development and homeostasis of different tissues, but it is also pathophysiologically associated with tumor progression and malignancy. The investigation of cell fusion processes is difficult because there is no standardized marker. Many studies therefore use different systems to observe and quantify cell fusion in vitro and in vivo. The comparability of the results must be critically questioned, because both the experimental procedure and the assays differ between studies. The comparability of the fluorescence-based fluorescence double reporter (FDR) and dual split protein (DSP) assay was investigated as part of this study, in which general conditions were kept largely constant. In order to be able to induce both a high and a low cell fusion rate, M13SV1 breast epithelial cells were modified with regard to the expression level of the fusogenic protein Syncytin-1 and its receptor ASCT2 and were co-cultivated for 72 h with different breast cancer cell lines. A high number of fused cells was found in co-cultures with Syncytin-1-overexpressing M13SV1 cells, but differences between the assays were also observed. This shows that the quantification of cell fusion events in particular is highly dependent on the assay selected, but the influence of fusogenic proteins can be visualized very well.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
| | - Jessica Dörnen
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
- Faculty of Medicine, Ruhr University Bochum, 44789 Bochum, Germany
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), Witten/Herdecke University, Stockumer Str. 10, 58453 Witten, Germany; (M.S.); (J.D.)
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30
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Singh A, Liu H, El-Shennawy L. Multi-omic features and clustering phenotypes of circulating tumor cells associated with metastasis and clinical outcomes. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 392:67-100. [PMID: 40287221 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/29/2025]
Abstract
Metastasis is a lethal disease of cancer, spreading from primary tumors to the bloodstream as circulating tumor cells (CTCs), which disseminate to distant organs at low efficiency for secondary tumor regeneration, thereby contributing to unfavorable patient outcomes. The detection of dynamic CTC alterations can be indicative of cancer progression (residual cancer, aggressiveness, therapy resistance) or regression (therapy response), serving as biomarkers for diagnoses and prognoses. CTC heterogeneity is impacted by both intrinsic oncogenic changes and extrinsic microenvironmental factors (e.g. the immune system and circadian rhythm), altering the genomic/genetic, epigenomic/epigenetic, proteomic, post-translational, and metabolomic landscapes. In addition to homeostatic dynamics, regenerative stemness, and metabolic plasticity, a newly discovered feature of CTCs that influences metastatic outcomes is its intercellular clustering. While the dogma suggests that CTCs play solo as single cells in the circulation, CTCs can orchestrate with other CTCs or white blood cells to form homotypic or heterotypic multi-cellular clusters, with 20-100 times enhanced metastatic potential than single CTCs. CTC clusters promote cell survival and stemness through DNA hypomethylation and signaling pathways activated by clustering-driving proteins (CD44, CD81, ICAM1, Podocalyxin, etc). Heterotypic CTC clusters may protect CTCs from immune cell attacks if not being cleared by cytotoxic immune cells. This chapter mainly focused on CTC biology related to multi-omic features and metastatic outcomes. We speculate that CTCs could guide therapeutic targeting and be targeted specifically by anti-CTC therapeutics to reduce or eliminate cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anmol Singh
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States
| | - Huiping Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States; Hematology & Oncology Division, Department of Medicine, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, United States; Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
| | - Lamiaa El-Shennawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, United States.
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31
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Karras P, Black JRM, McGranahan N, Marine JC. Decoding the interplay between genetic and non-genetic drivers of metastasis. Nature 2024; 629:543-554. [PMID: 38750233 DOI: 10.1038/s41586-024-07302-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis is a multistep process by which cancer cells break away from their original location and spread to distant organs, and is responsible for the vast majority of cancer-related deaths. Preventing early metastatic dissemination would revolutionize the ability to fight cancer. Unfortunately, the relatively poor understanding of the molecular underpinnings of metastasis has hampered the development of effective anti-metastatic drugs. Although it is now accepted that disseminating tumour cells need to acquire multiple competencies to face the many obstacles they encounter before reaching their metastatic site(s), whether these competencies are acquired through an accumulation of metastasis-specific genetic alterations and/or non-genetic events is often debated. Here we review a growing body of literature highlighting the importance of both genetic and non-genetic reprogramming events during the metastatic cascade, and discuss how genetic and non-genetic processes act in concert to confer metastatic competencies. We also describe how recent technological advances, and in particular the advent of single-cell multi-omics and barcoding approaches, will help to better elucidate the cross-talk between genetic and non-genetic mechanisms of metastasis and ultimately inform innovative paths for the early detection and interception of this lethal process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium
| | - James R M Black
- Cancer Genome Evolution Research Group, UCL Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | | | - Jean-Christophe Marine
- Laboratory for Molecular Cancer Biology, VIB Center for Cancer Biology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
- Department of Oncology, KU Leuven, Leuven, Belgium.
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32
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Heussner RT, Whalen RM, Anderson A, Theison H, Baik J, Gibbs S, Wong MH, Chang YH. Quantitative image analysis pipeline for detecting circulating hybrid cells in immunofluorescence images with human-level accuracy. Cytometry A 2024; 105:345-355. [PMID: 38385578 PMCID: PMC11217923 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2023] [Revised: 01/10/2024] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
Circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are a newly discovered, tumor-derived cell population found in the peripheral blood of cancer patients and are thought to contribute to tumor metastasis. However, identifying CHCs by immunofluorescence (IF) imaging of patient peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) is a time-consuming and subjective process that currently relies on manual annotation by laboratory technicians. Additionally, while IF is relatively easy to apply to tissue sections, its application to PBMC smears presents challenges due to the presence of biological and technical artifacts. To address these challenges, we present a robust image analysis pipeline to automate the detection and analysis of CHCs in IF images. The pipeline incorporates quality control to optimize specimen preparation protocols and remove unwanted artifacts, leverages a β-variational autoencoder (VAE) to learn meaningful latent representations of single-cell images, and employs a support vector machine (SVM) classifier to achieve human-level CHC detection. We created a rigorously labeled IF CHC data set including nine patients and two disease sites with the assistance of 10 annotators to evaluate the pipeline. We examined annotator variation and bias in CHC detection and provided guidelines to optimize the accuracy of CHC annotation. We found that all annotators agreed on CHC identification for only 65% of the cells in the data set and had a tendency to underestimate CHC counts for regions of interest (ROIs) containing relatively large amounts of cells (>50,000) when using the conventional enumeration method. On the other hand, our proposed approach is unbiased to ROI size. The SVM classifier trained on the β-VAE embeddings achieved an F1 score of 0.80, matching the average performance of human annotators. Our pipeline enables researchers to explore the role of CHCs in cancer progression and assess their potential as a clinical biomarker for metastasis. Further, we demonstrate that the pipeline can identify discrete cellular phenotypes among PBMCs, highlighting its utility beyond CHCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert T. Heussner
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Riley M. Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Ashley Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Heather Theison
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Joseph Baik
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Summer Gibbs
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Melissa H. Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, Oregon, USA
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Lu Y, Chen D, Wang B, Chai W, Yan M, Chen Y, Zhan Y, Yang R, Zhou E, Dai S, Li Y, Dong R, Zheng B. Single-cell landscape of undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma. Oncogene 2024; 43:1353-1368. [PMID: 38459120 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-024-03001-8] [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: 08/24/2023] [Revised: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 03/01/2024] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) is a highly aggressive malignant soft tissue tumor with a poor prognosis; however, the identity and heterogeneity of tumor populations remain elusive. Here, eight major cell clusters were identified through the RNA sequencing of 79,569 individual cells of UPS. UPS originates from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and features undifferentiated subclusters. UPS subclusters were predicted to exist in two bulk RNA datasets, and had a prognostic value in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset. The functional heterogeneity of malignant UPS cells and the immune microenvironment were characterized. Additionally, the fused cells were innovatively detected by expressing both monocyte/macrophage markers and other subcluster-associated genes. Based on the ligand-receptor interaction analysis, cellular interactions with epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) were abundant. Furthermore, 73% of patients with UPS (48/66) showed positive EGFR expression, which was associated with a poor prognosis. EGFR blockade with cetuximab inhibited tumor growth in a patient-derived xenograft model. Our transcriptomic studies delineate the landscape of UPS intratumor heterogeneity and serve as a foundational resource for further discovery and therapeutic exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifei Lu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Deqian Chen
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Bingnan Wang
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wenjun Chai
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Mingxia Yan
- Department of Animal Experimental Center, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yong Chen
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yong Zhan
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Ran Yang
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Enqing Zhou
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Shuyang Dai
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China
| | - Rui Dong
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Children's Hospital of Fudan University, and Shanghai Key Laboratory of Birth Defects, Shanghai, 201102, China.
| | - Biqiang Zheng
- Department of Musculoskeletal Oncology, Shanghai Cancer Center, and Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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Nicolò E, Gianni C, Pontolillo L, Serafini MS, Munoz-Arcos LS, Andreopoulou E, Curigliano G, Reduzzi C, Cristofanilli M. Circulating tumor cells et al.: towards a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach in breast cancer. TRANSLATIONAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : A JOURNAL FOCUSING ON TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER 2024; 5:10. [PMID: 38751670 PMCID: PMC11093063 DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has emerged as a crucial tool in managing breast cancer (BC) patients, offering a minimally invasive approach to detect circulating tumor biomarkers. Until recently, the majority of the studies in BC focused on evaluating a single liquid biopsy analyte, primarily circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Despite the proven prognostic and predictive value of CTCs, their low abundance when detected using enrichment methods, especially in the early stages, poses a significant challenge. It is becoming evident that combining diverse circulating biomarkers, each representing different facets of tumor biology, has the potential to enhance the management of patients with BC. This article emphasizes the importance of considering these biomarkers as complementary/synergistic rather than competitive, recognizing their ability to contribute to a comprehensive disease profile. The review provides an overview of the clinical significance of simultaneously analyzing CTCs and other biomarkers, including cell-free circulating DNA, extracellular vesicles, non-canonical CTCs, cell-free RNAs, and non-malignant cells. Such a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach holds promise not only in BC but also in other cancer types, offering opportunities for early detection, prognostication, and therapy monitoring. However, addressing associated challenges, such as refining detection methods and establishing standardized protocols, is crucial for realizing the full potential of liquid biopsy in transforming our understanding and approach to BC. As the field evolves, collaborative efforts will be instrumental in unlocking the revolutionary impact of liquid biopsy in BC research and management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Nicolò
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Letizia Pontolillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Oncology Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Serena Serafini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Sofia Munoz-Arcos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Andreopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
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Ali AM, Raza A. scRNAseq and High-Throughput Spatial Analysis of Tumor and Normal Microenvironment in Solid Tumors Reveal a Possible Origin of Circulating Tumor Hybrid Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1444. [PMID: 38611120 PMCID: PMC11010995 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071444] [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: 03/01/2024] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is a leading cause of death in cancer patients worldwide. While circulating hybrid cells (CHCs) are implicated in metastatic spread, studies documenting their tissue origin remain sparse, with limited candidate approaches using one-two markers. Utilizing high-throughput single-cell and spatial transcriptomics, we identified tumor hybrid cells (THCs) co-expressing epithelial and macrophage markers and expressing a distinct transcriptome. Rarely, normal tissue showed these cells (NHCs), but their transcriptome was easily distinguishable from THCs. THCs with unique transcriptomes were observed in breast and colon cancers, suggesting this to be a generalizable phenomenon across cancer types. This study establishes a framework for HC identification in large datasets, providing compelling evidence for their tissue residence and offering comprehensive transcriptomic characterization. Furthermore, it sheds light on their differential function and identifies pathways that could explain their newly acquired invasive capabilities. THCs should be considered as potential therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abdullah Mahmood Ali
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Azra Raza
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Edward P Evans MDS Center, Herbert Irving Comprehensive Cancer Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
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Yang C, Wang X, To KKW, Cui C, Luo M, Wu S, Huang L, Fu K, Pan C, Liu Z, Fan T, Yang C, Wang F, Fu L. Circulating tumor cells shielded with extracellular vesicle-derived CD45 evade T cell attack to enable metastasis. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2024; 9:84. [PMID: 38575583 PMCID: PMC10995208 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-024-01789-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are precursors of distant metastasis in a subset of cancer patients. A better understanding of CTCs heterogeneity and how these CTCs survive during hematogenous dissemination could lay the foundation for therapeutic prevention of cancer metastasis. It remains elusive how CTCs evade immune surveillance and elimination by immune cells. In this study, we unequivocally identified a subpopulation of CTCs shielded with extracellular vesicle (EVs)-derived CD45 (termed as CD45+ CTCs) that resisted T cell attack. A higher percentage of CD45+ CTCs was found to be closely correlated with higher incidence of metastasis and worse prognosis in cancer patients. Moreover, CD45+ tumor cells orchestrated an immunosuppressive milieu and CD45+ CTCs exhibited remarkably stronger metastatic potential than CD45- CTCs in vivo. Mechanistically, CD45 expressing on tumor surfaces was shown to form intercellular CD45-CD45 homophilic interactions with CD45 on T cells, thereby preventing CD45 exclusion from TCR-pMHC synapse and leading to diminished TCR signaling transduction and suppressed immune response. Together, these results pointed to an underappreciated capability of EVs-derived CD45-dressed CTCs in immune evasion and metastasis, providing a rationale for targeting EVs-derived CD45 internalization by CTCs to prevent cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Xueping Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kenneth K W To
- School of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Caimei Cui
- LABVIV Technology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518057, China
| | - Min Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Shaocong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Lamei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Kai Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Can Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Zeyu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Teng Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Caibo Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China
| | - Fang Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
| | - Liwu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Guangdong Provincial Clinical Research Center for Cancer, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, P.R. China.
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Whalen RM, Anderson AN, Jones JA, Sims Z, Chang YH, Nederlof MA, Wong MH, Gibbs SL. Ultra high content analyses of circulating and tumor associated hybrid cells reveal phenotypic heterogeneity. Sci Rep 2024; 14:7350. [PMID: 38538742 PMCID: PMC10973471 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-57381-8] [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: 11/03/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 07/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Persistently high, worldwide mortality from cancer highlights the unresolved challenges of disease surveillance and detection that impact survival. Development of a non-invasive, blood-based biomarker would transform survival from cancer. We demonstrate the functionality of ultra-high content analyses of a newly identified population of tumor cells that are hybrids between neoplastic and immune cells in patient matched tumor and peripheral blood specimens. Using oligonucleotide conjugated antibodies (Ab-oligo) permitting cyclic immunofluorescence (cyCIF), we present analyses of phenotypes among tumor and peripheral blood hybrid cells. Interestingly, the majority of circulating hybrid cell (CHC) subpopulations were not identified in tumor-associated hybrids. These results highlight the efficacy of ultra-high content phenotypic analyses using Ab-oligo based cyCIF applied to both tumor and peripheral blood specimens. The combination of a multiplex phenotypic profiling platform that is gentle enough to analyze blood to detect and evaluate disseminated tumor cells represents a novel approach to exploring novel tumor biology and potential utility for developing the population as a blood-based biomarker in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Riley M Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Ashley N Anderson
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Jocelyn A Jones
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Zachary Sims
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | - Young Hwan Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA
| | | | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University (OHSU), Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
| | - Summer L Gibbs
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, OHSU, Portland, OR, 97201, USA.
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Magri V, De Renzi G, Marino L, De Meo M, Siringo M, Gelibter A, Gareri R, Cataldi C, Giannini G, Santini D, Nicolazzo C, Gazzaniga P. Circulating Cancer-Associated Macrophage-like Cells as a Blood-Based Biomarker of Response to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3752. [PMID: 38612563 PMCID: PMC11011814 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25073752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Evidence has been provided that circulating cancer-associated macrophage-like cell (CAM-L) numbers increase in response to chemotherapy, with an inverse trend compared to circulating tumor cells (CTCs). In the era of evolving cancer immunotherapy, whether CAM-Ls might have a potential role as predictive biomarkers of response has been unexplored. We evaluated whether a serial blood evaluation of CTC to CAM-L ratio might predict response to immune checkpoint inhibitors in a cohort of non-small-cell lung cancer patients. At baseline, CTCs, CAM-Ls, and the CTC/CAM-L ratio significantly correlate with both progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS). The baseline CTC/CAM-L ratio was significantly different in early progressors (4.28 ± 3.21) compared to long responders (0.42 ± 0.47) (p = 0.001). In patients treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors, a CTC/CAM-L ratio ≤ 0.25 at baseline is associated with better PFS and OS. A baseline CTC/CAM-L ratio ≤ 0.25 is statistically significant to discriminate early progressions from durable response. The results of the present pilot study suggest that CAM-Ls together with CTCs could play an important role in evaluating patients treated with cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Gianluigi De Renzi
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Luca Marino
- Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Sapienza University of Rome, 00184 Rome, Italy;
| | - Michela De Meo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Marco Siringo
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Alain Gelibter
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Roberta Gareri
- UOC di Oncologia Medica, Ospedale Leopoldo Parodi Delfino, 00034 Colleferro, Italy;
| | - Chiara Cataldi
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Giuseppe Giannini
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Daniele Santini
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (M.S.); (A.G.); (C.C.); (D.S.)
| | - Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161 Rome, Italy; (G.D.R.); (M.D.M.); (G.G.); (C.N.); (P.G.)
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Fu C, Zhang X, Zhang X, Wang D, Han S, Ma Z. Advances in IL-7 Research on Tumour Therapy. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:415. [PMID: 38675377 PMCID: PMC11054630 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040415] [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: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Interleukin-7 (IL-7) is a versatile cytokine that plays a crucial role in regulating the immune system's homeostasis. It is involved in the development, proliferation, and differentiation of B and T cells, as well as being essential for the differentiation and survival of naïve T cells and the production and maintenance of memory T cells. Given its potent biological functions, IL-7 is considered to have the potential to be widely used in the field of anti-tumour immunotherapy. Notably, IL-7 can improve the tumour microenvironment by promoting the development of Th17 cells, which can in turn promote the recruitment of effector T cells and NK cells. In addition, IL-7 can also down-regulate the expression of tumour growth factor-β and inhibit immunosuppression to promote anti-tumour efficacy, suggesting potential clinical applications for anti-tumour immunotherapy. This review aims to discuss the origin of IL-7 and its receptor IL-7R, its anti-tumour mechanism, and the recent advances in the application of IL-7 in tumour therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Zhenghai Ma
- Xinjiang Key Laboratory of Biological Resources and Genetic Engineering, College of Life Science and Technology, Xinjiang University, Urumqi 830046, China; (C.F.); (X.Z.); (X.Z.); (D.W.); (S.H.)
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da Silva WN, Carvalho Costa PA, Scalzo Júnior SRA, Ferreira HAS, Prazeres PHDM, Campos CLV, Rodrigues Alves MT, Alves da Silva NJ, de Castro Santos AL, Guimarães LC, Chen Ferris ME, Thatte A, Hamilton A, Bicalho KA, Lobo AO, Santiago HDC, da Silva Barcelos L, Figueiredo MM, Teixeira MM, Vasconcelos Costa V, Mitchell MJ, Frézard F, Pires Goulart Guimaraes P. Ionizable Lipid Nanoparticle-Mediated TRAIL mRNA Delivery in the Tumor Microenvironment to Inhibit Colon Cancer Progression. Int J Nanomedicine 2024; 19:2655-2673. [PMID: 38500680 PMCID: PMC10946446 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s452896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 03/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Immunotherapy has revolutionized cancer treatment by harnessing the immune system to enhance antitumor responses while minimizing off-target effects. Among the promising cancer-specific therapies, tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) has attracted significant attention. Methods Here, we developed an ionizable lipid nanoparticle (LNP) platform to deliver TRAIL mRNA (LNP-TRAIL) directly to the tumor microenvironment (TME) to induce tumor cell death. Our LNP-TRAIL was formulated via microfluidic mixing and the induction of tumor cell death was assessed in vitro. Next, we investigated the ability of LNP-TRAIL to inhibit colon cancer progression in vivo in combination with a TME normalization approach using Losartan (Los) or angiotensin 1-7 (Ang(1-7)) to reduce vascular compression and deposition of extracellular matrix in mice. Results Our results demonstrated that LNP-TRAIL induced tumor cell death in vitro and effectively inhibited colon cancer progression in vivo, particularly when combined with TME normalization induced by treatment Los or Ang(1-7). In addition, potent tumor cell death as well as enhanced apoptosis and necrosis was found in the tumor tissue of a group treated with LNP-TRAIL combined with TME normalization. Discussion Together, our data demonstrate the potential of the LNP to deliver TRAIL mRNA to the TME and to induce tumor cell death, especially when combined with TME normalization. Therefore, these findings provide important insights for the development of novel therapeutic strategies for the immunotherapy of solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Walison Nunes da Silva
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | - Heloísa A S Ferreira
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lays Cordeiro Guimarães
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Maria Eduarda Chen Ferris
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | - Ajay Thatte
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Alex Hamilton
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | | | | | - Helton da Costa Santiago
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | - Lucíola da Silva Barcelos
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
| | | | - Mauro Martins Teixeira
- Department of Biochemistry and Immunology, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, 31270-901, Brazil
| | | | - Michael J Mitchell
- Department of Bioengineering, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Frédéric Frézard
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil
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Di Russo S, Liberati FR, Riva A, Di Fonzo F, Macone A, Giardina G, Arese M, Rinaldo S, Cutruzzolà F, Paone A. Beyond the barrier: the immune-inspired pathways of tumor extravasation. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:104. [PMID: 38331871 PMCID: PMC10851599 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-023-01429-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Extravasation is a fundamental step in the metastatic journey, where cancer cells exit the bloodstream and breach the endothelial cell barrier to infiltrate target tissues. The tactics cancer cells employ are sophisticated, closely reflecting those used by the immune system for tissue surveillance. Remarkably, tumor cells have been observed to form distinct associations or clusters with immune cells where neutrophils stand out as particularly crucial partners. These interactions are not accidental; they are critical for cancer cells to exploit the immune functions of neutrophils and successfully extravasate. In another strategy, tumor cells mimic the behavior and characteristics of immune cells. They release a suite of inflammatory mediators, which under normal circumstances, guide the processes of endothelium reshaping and facilitate the entry and movement of immune cells within tissues. In this review, we offer a new perspective on the tactics employed by cancer cells to extravasate and infiltrate target tissues. We delve into the myriad mechanisms that tumor cells borrow, adapt, and refine from the immune playbook. Video Abstract.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Di Russo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Liberati
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Agnese Riva
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Federica Di Fonzo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Alberto Macone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Giorgio Giardina
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Marzia Arese
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Serena Rinaldo
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Francesca Cutruzzolà
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy
| | - Alessio Paone
- Department of Biochemical Sciences "Alessandro Rossi Fanelli", Sapienza University of Rome, Laboratory affiliated to Istituto Pasteur Italia-Fondazione Cenci Bolognetti P.Le A. Moro 5, Rome, 00185, Italy.
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Xia C, Zhang Q, Pu Y, Hu Q, Wang Y. Cell fusion between tumor cells and macrophages promotes the metastasis of OSCC patient through the activation of the chemokine signaling pathway. Cancer Med 2024; 13:e6940. [PMID: 38457216 PMCID: PMC10923029 DOI: 10.1002/cam4.6940] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 07/10/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/09/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tumor metastasis is responsible for the high mortality rate of patients with oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Although many hypotheses have been proposed to elucidate the mechanism of tumor metastasis, the origin of the metastatic tumor cells remains unclear. In this study, we explored the role of cell fusion in the formation of OSCC metastatic tumor cells. METHODS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were fused in vitro, and the cell proliferation, migration, and phagocytosis abilities of hybrid cells and parental cells were compared. Subsequently, we compared the transcriptome differences between hybrid and parental cells. RESULTS Murine OSCC tumor cells and macrophages were successfully fused in vitro. The cytological and molecular experimental results revealed that OSCC tumor cells obtained a migration-related phenotype after fusion with macrophages, and the migration ability of hybrid cells was related to the activation of the "chemokine signal pathway". CONCLUSION After fusion with macrophages, the chemokine signaling pathway in OSCC tumor cells was activated, leading to metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengwan Xia
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qian Zhang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yumei Pu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Qingang Hu
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
| | - Yuxin Wang
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Trauma Orthognathic Plastic SurgeryNanjing Stomatological Hospital, Medical School of Nanjing UniversityNanjingChina
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Li H, Miao YQ, Suo LP, Wang X, Mao YQ, Zhang XH, Zhou N, Tian JR, Yu XY, Wang TX, Gao Y, Guo HY, Zhang Z, Ma DS, Wu HX, Cui YW, Zhang XL, Chi XC, Li YC, Irwin DM, Niu G, Tan HR. CD206 modulates the role of M2 macrophages in the origin of metastatic tumors. J Cancer 2024; 15:1462-1486. [PMID: 38356723 PMCID: PMC10861823 DOI: 10.7150/jca.91944] [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: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor metastasis is a key factor affecting the life of patients with malignant tumors. For the past hundred years, scientists have focused on how to kill cancer cells and inhibit their metastasis in vivo, but few breakthroughs have been made. Here we hypothesized a novel mode for cancer metastasis. We show that the phagocytosis of apoptotic tumor cells by macrophages leads to their polarization into the M2 phenotype, and that the expression of stem cell related as well as drug resistance related genes was induced. Therefore, it appears that M2 macrophages have "defected" and have been transformed into the initial "metastatic cancer cells", and thus are the source, at least in part, of the distal tissue tumor metastasis. This assumption is supported by the presence of fused cells with characteristics of both macrophage and tumor cell observed in the peripheral blood and ascites of patients with ovarian cancer. By eliminating the expression of CD206 in M2 macrophages using siRNA, we show that the growth and metastasis of tumors was suppressed using both in vitro cell line and with experimental in vivo mouse models. In summary, we show that M2 macrophages in the blood circulation underwent a "change of loyalty" to become "cancer cells" that transformed into distal tissue metastasis, which could be suppressed by the knockdown of CD206 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Ying-Qi Miao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Li-Ping Suo
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xi Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Yi-Qing Mao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xue-Hui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Na Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Jun-Rui Tian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Xiu-Yan Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | - Tong-Xia Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yan Gao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Hong-Yan Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zheng Zhang
- Peking University First Hospital, Beijing, China
| | | | | | | | | | - Xiao-Chun Chi
- Department of Human Anatomy, Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
| | | | - David M. Irwin
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| | - Gang Niu
- Beijing N&N Genetech Company, Beijing, China
| | - Huan-Ran Tan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Peking University Health Science Center, Beijing, China
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Patel RK, Parappilly M, Rahman S, Schwantes IR, Sewell M, Giske NR, Whalen RM, Durmus NG, Wong MH. The Hallmarks of Circulating Hybrid Cells. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:467-485. [PMID: 37996690 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
While tumor metastases represent the primary driver of cancer-related mortality, our understanding of the mechanisms that underlie metastatic initiation and progression remains incomplete. Recent work identified a novel tumor-macrophage hybrid cell population, generated through the fusion between neoplastic and immune cells. These hybrid cells are detected in primary tumor tissue, peripheral blood, and in metastatic sites. In-depth analyses of hybrid cell biology indicate that they can exploit phenotypic properties of both parental tumor and immune cells, in order to intravasate into circulation, evade the immune response, and seed tumors at distant sites. Thus, it has become increasingly evident that the development and dissemination of tumor-immune hybrid cells play an intricate and fundamental role in the metastatic cascade and can provide invaluable information regarding tumor characteristics and patient prognostication. In this chapter, we review the current understanding of this novel hybrid cell population, the specific hallmarks of cancer that these cells exploit to promote cancer progression and metastasis, and discuss exciting new frontiers that remain to be explored.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ranish K Patel
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Michael Parappilly
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Shahrose Rahman
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Issac R Schwantes
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Marisa Sewell
- Department of Surgery, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Nicole R Giske
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Riley M Whalen
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Naside Gozde Durmus
- Molecular Imaging Program at Stanford (MIPS), Department of Radiology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Melissa H Wong
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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45
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Tajima Y, Shibasaki F, Masai H. Cell fusion upregulates PD-L1 expression for evasion from immunosurveillance. Cancer Gene Ther 2024; 31:158-173. [PMID: 37990063 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-023-00693-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/07/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023]
Abstract
MSCs (mesenchymal stem cells), responsible for tissue repair, rarely undergo cell fusion with somatic cells. Here, we show that ~5% of bladder cancer cells (UMUC-3) fuses with bone marrow-derived MSC (BM-MSC) in co-culture and maintains high tumorigenicity. In eleven fusion cell clones that have been established, Mb-scale deletions carried by the bladder cancer cells are mostly absent in the fusion cells, but copy number gains contributed by the cancer cells have stayed. Fusion cells exhibit increased populations of mitotic cells with 3-polar spindles, indicative of genomic instability. They grow faster in vitro and exhibit higher colony formation in anchorage-independent growth assay in soft agar than the parent UMUC-3 does. Fusion cells develop tumors, after 4 weeks of time lag, as efficiently as the parent UMUC-3 does in xenograft experiments. 264 genes are identified whose expression is specifically altered in the fusion cells. Many of them are interferon-stimulated genes (ISG), but are activated in a manner independent of interferon. Among them, we show that PD-L1 is induced in fusion cells, and its knockout decreases tumorigenesis in a xenograft model. PD-L1 is induced in a manner independent of STAT1 known to regulate PD-L1 expression, but is regulated by histone modification, and is likely to inhibit phagocytosis by PD1-expressing macrophages, thus protecting cancer cells from immunological attacks. The fusion cells overexpress multiple cytokines including CCL2 that cause tumor progression by converting infiltrating macrophages to tumor-associated-macrophage (TAM). The results present mechanisms of how cell fusion promotes tumorigenesis, revealing a novel link between cell fusion and PD-L1, and underscore the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youichi Tajima
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
| | - Futoshi Shibasaki
- Center for Medical Research Cooperation, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan
| | - Hisao Masai
- Genome Dynamics Project, Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Tokyo Metropolitan Institute of Medical Science, Kamikitazawa, Setagaya-ku, Tokyo, 156-8506, Japan.
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Noubissi FK, Odubanjo OV, Ogle BM, Tchounwou PB. Mechanisms of Cell Fusion in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:407-432. [PMID: 37996688 PMCID: PMC10893907 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal physiological mechanism that requires a well-orchestrated regulation of intracellular and extracellular factors. Dysregulation of this process could lead to diseases such as osteoporosis, malformation of muscles, difficulties in pregnancy, and cancer. Extensive literature demonstrates that fusion occurs between cancer cells and other cell types to potentially promote cancer progression and metastasis. However, the mechanisms governing this process in cancer initiation, promotion, and progression are less well-studied. Fusogens involved in normal physiological processes such as syncytins and associated factors such as phosphatidylserine and annexins have been observed to be critical in cancer cell fusion as well. Some of the extracellular factors associated with cancer cell fusion include chronic inflammation and inflammatory cytokines, hypoxia, and viral infection. The interaction between these extracellular factors and cell's intrinsic factors potentially modulates actin dynamics to drive the fusion of cancer cells. In this review, we have discussed the different mechanisms that have been identified or postulated to drive cancer cell fusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felicite K Noubissi
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA.
| | - Oluwatoyin V Odubanjo
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
| | - Brenda M Ogle
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
- Stem Cell Institute, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities, Minneapolis, MN, USA
| | - Paul B Tchounwou
- Department of Biology, Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
- Research Centers in Minority Institutions (RCMI), Center for Health Disparity Research (RCMI-CHDR), Jackson State University, Jackson, MS, USA
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47
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Platt JL, Cascalho M. Somatic Cell Fusion in Host Defense and Adaptation. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:213-225. [PMID: 37996680 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
Evidence of fusion of somatic cells has been noted in health and in disease for more than a century. The most obvious but uncertain hallmark has been the presence of multiple nuclei in cells. Although multinucleated cells are found in normal and diseased tissues, the benefit or harm of such cells can be difficult to elucidate. Still more difficult however is the identification of mononuclear cells previously formed by fusion of somatic cells with one or more nuclei disposed. The later process can introduce mutations that promote viral diversification, cancer, and tissue senescence. Less obvious the potential benefits of cell fusion. Recent work in cell biology, immunology, and genomic analysis however makes it possible to postulate benefits and potentially arrive at novel therapeutic agents and approaches that replicate or enhance these benefits.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeffrey L Platt
- Departments of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA.
| | - Marilia Cascalho
- Departments of Surgery and Microbiology & Immunology University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
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48
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Sieler M, Dittmar T. Cell Fusion and Syncytia Formation in Cancer. Results Probl Cell Differ 2024; 71:433-465. [PMID: 37996689 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-031-37936-9_20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
The natural phenomenon of cell-cell fusion does not only take place in physiological processes, such as placentation, myogenesis, or osteoclastogenesis, but also in pathophysiological processes, such as cancer. More than a century ago postulated, today the hypothesis that the fusion of cancer cells with normal cells leads to the formation of cancer hybrid cells with altered properties is in scientific consensus. Some studies that have investigated the mechanisms and conditions for the fusion of cancer cells with other cells, as well as studies that have characterized the resulting cancer hybrid cells, are presented in this review. Hypoxia and the cytokine TNFα, for example, have been found to promote cell fusion. In addition, it has been found that both the protein Syncytin-1, which normally plays a role in placentation, and phosphatidylserine signaling on the cell membrane are involved in the fusion of cancer cells with other cells. In human cancer, cancer hybrid cells were detected not only in the primary tumor, but also in the circulation of patients as so-called circulating hybrid cells, where they often correlated with a worse outcome. Although some data are available, the questions of how and especially why cancer cells fuse with other cells are still not fully answered.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mareike Sieler
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany.
| | - Thomas Dittmar
- Institute of Immunology, Center for Biomedical Education and Research (ZBAF), University of Witten/Herdecke, Witten, Germany
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49
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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Pang A, Farley HC, Gillingham AR, Dawson AD, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Detection of neoplastic-immune hybrid cells with metastatic properties in uveal melanoma. RESEARCH SQUARE 2023:rs.3.rs-3694879. [PMID: 38106024 PMCID: PMC10723549 DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-3694879/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Background Uveal melanoma is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy affecting nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, approximately 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of uveal melanoma tumors, little is known regarding their underlying biology of metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated neoplastic cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, circulating hybrid cells (hybrids), in patients with uveal melanoma. Compared to circulating tumor cells, which lack expression of immune proteins, hybrids are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. Methods To ascertain mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we identified hybrid cells within primary uveal melanoma tumors using single cell RNA sequencing and evaluated their gene expression and predicted ligand-receptor interactions in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We then verified expression of upregulated hybrid pathways within patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood hybrids using cyclic immunofluorescence and quantified their protein expression relative to other non-hybrid tumor and disseminated tumor cells. Results Among the top upregulated genes and pathways in hybrid cells were those involved in enhanced cell motility and cytoskeletal rearrangement, immune evasion, and altered cellular metabolism. In patient-matched tumor and peripheral blood, we verified gene expression by examining concordant protein expression for each pathway category: TMSB10 (cell motility), CD74 (immune evasion) and GPX1 (metabolism). Both TMSB10 and GPX1 were expressed on significantly higher numbers of disseminated hybrid cells compared to circulating tumor cells, and CD74 and GPX1 were expressed on more disseminated hybrids than tumor-resident hybrids. Lastly, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting metastasis including GAS6-AXL, CXCL12-CXCR4, LGALS9-P4HB and IGF1-IGFR1. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of TMSB10, GPX1 and CD74 for successful hybrid cell dissemination and survival in circulation. Our results contribute to the understanding of uveal melanoma tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the tumor microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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50
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Anderson AN, Conley P, Klocke CD, Sengupta SK, Robinson TL, Fan Y, Jones JA, Gibbs SL, Skalet AH, Wu G, Wong MH. Analysis of uveal melanoma scRNA sequencing data identifies neoplastic-immune hybrid cells that exhibit metastatic potential. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.24.563815. [PMID: 37961378 PMCID: PMC10634980 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.24.563815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2023]
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common non-cutaneous melanoma and is an intraocular malignancy that affects nearly 7,000 individuals per year worldwide. Of these, nearly 50% will progress to metastatic disease for which there are currently no effective therapies. Despite advances in the molecular profiling and metastatic stratification of class 1 and 2 UM tumors, little is known regarding the underlying biology of UM metastasis. Our group has identified a disseminated tumor cell population characterized by co-expression of immune and melanoma proteins, (circulating hybrid cells (CHCs), in patients with UM. Compared to circulating tumor cells, CHCs are detected at an increased prevalence in peripheral blood and can be used as a non-invasive biomarker to predict metastatic progression. To identify mechanisms underlying enhanced hybrid cell dissemination we sought to identify hybrid cells within a primary UM single cell RNA-seq dataset. Using rigorous doublet discrimination approaches, we identified UM hybrids and evaluated their gene expression, predicted ligand-receptor status, and cell-cell communication state in relation to other melanoma and immune cells within the primary tumor. We identified several genes and pathways upregulated in hybrid cells, including those involved in enhancing cell motility and cytoskeleton rearrangement, evading immune detection, and altering cellular metabolism. In addition, we identified that hybrid cells express ligand-receptor signaling pathways implicated in promoting cancer metastasis including IGF1-IGFR1, GAS6-AXL, LGALS9-P4HB, APP-CD74 and CXCL12-CXCR4. These results contribute to our understanding of tumor progression and interactions between tumor cells and immune cells in the UM microenvironment that may promote metastasis.
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