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Qiu Y, Gao T, Smith BR. Mechanical deformation and death of circulating tumor cells in the bloodstream. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2024:10.1007/s10555-024-10198-3. [PMID: 38980581 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-024-10198-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/24/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/10/2024]
Abstract
The circulation of tumor cells through the bloodstream is a significant step in tumor metastasis. To better understand the metastatic process, circulating tumor cell (CTC) survival in the circulation must be explored. While immune interactions with CTCs in recent decades have been examined, research has yet to sufficiently explain some CTC behaviors in blood flow. Studies related to CTC mechanical responses in the bloodstream have recently been conducted to further study conditions under which CTCs might die. While experimental methods can assess the mechanical properties and death of CTCs, increasingly sophisticated computational models are being built to simulate the blood flow and CTC mechanical deformation under fluid shear stresses (FSS) in the bloodstream.Several factors contribute to the mechanical deformation and death of CTCs as they circulate. While FSS can damage CTC structure, diverse interactions between CTCs and blood components may either promote or hinder the next metastatic step-extravasation at a remote site. Overall understanding of how these factors influence the deformation and death of CTCs could serve as a basis for future experiments and simulations, enabling researchers to predict CTC death more accurately. Ultimately, these efforts can lead to improved metastasis-specific therapeutics and diagnostics specific in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunxiu Qiu
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- The Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Tong Gao
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
- Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and Engineering, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA
| | - Bryan Ronain Smith
- Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- The Institute for Quantitative Health Science & Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, 48824, USA.
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2
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Rahmati N, Maftoon N. Computational analysis of cancer cell adhesion in curved vessels affected by wall shear stress for prediction of metastatic spreading. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2024; 12:1393413. [PMID: 38860135 PMCID: PMC11163055 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2024.1393413] [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: 02/29/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: The dynamics of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) within blood vessels play a pivotal role in predicting metastatic spreading of cancer within the body. However, the limited understanding and method to quantitatively investigate the influence of vascular architecture on CTC dynamics hinders our ability to predict metastatic process effectively. To address this limitation, the present study was conducted to investigate the influence of blood vessel tortuosity on the behaviour of CTCs, focusing specifically on establishing methods and examining the role of shear stress in CTC-vessel wall interactions and its subsequent impact on metastasis. Methods: We computationally simulated CTC behaviour under various shear stress conditions induced by vessel tortuosity. Our computational model, based on the lattice Boltzmann method (LBM) and a coarse-grained spectrin-link membrane model, efficiently simulates blood plasma dynamics and CTC deformability. The model incorporates fluid-structure interactions and receptor-ligand interactions crucial for CTC adhesion using the immersed boundary method (IBM). Results: Our findings reveal that uniform shear stress in straight vessels leads to predictable CTC-vessel interactions, whereas in curved vessels, asymmetrical flow patterns and altered shear stress create distinct adhesion dynamics, potentially influencing CTC extravasation. Quantitative analysis shows a 25% decrease in the wall shear stress in low-shear regions and a 58.5% increase in the high-shear region. We observed high-shear regions in curved vessels to be potential sites for increased CTC adhesion and extravasation, facilitated by elevated endothelial expression of adhesion molecules. This phenomenon correlates with the increased number of adhesion bonds, which rises to approximately 40 in high-shear regions, compared to around 12 for straight vessels and approximately 5-6 in low-shear regions. The findings also indicate an optimal cellular stiffness necessary for successful CTC extravasation in curved vessels. Discussion: By the quantitative assessment of the risk of CTC extravasation as a function of vessel tortuosity, our study offers a novel tool for the prediction of metastasis risk to support the development of personalized therapeutic interventions based on individual vascular characteristics and tumor cell properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nahid Rahmati
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
| | - Nima Maftoon
- Department of Systems Design Engineering, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
- Centre for Bioengineering and Biotechnology, University of Waterloo, Waterloo, ON, Canada
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3
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Abramova A, Rivandi M, Yang L, Stamm N, Cieslik JP, Honisch E, Niederacher D, Fehm T, Neubauer H, Franken A. A workflow for the enrichment, the identification, and the isolation of non-apoptotic single circulating tumor cells for RNA sequencing analysis. Cytometry A 2024; 105:242-251. [PMID: 38054742 DOI: 10.1002/cyto.a.24816] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/30/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are constantly shed by tumor tissue and can serve as a valuable analyte for a gene expression analysis from a liquid biopsy. However, a high proportion of CTCs can be apoptotic leading to rapid mRNA decay and challenging the analysis of their transcriptome. We established a workflow to enrich, to identify, and to isolate single CTCs including the discrimination of apoptotic and non-apoptotic CTCs for further single CTC transcriptome analysis. Viable tumor cells-we first used cells from breast cancer cell lines followed by CTCs from metastatic breast cancer patients-were enriched with the CellSearch system from diagnostic leukapheresis products, identified by immunofluorescence analysis for neoplastic markers, and isolated by micromanipulation. Then, their cDNA was generated, amplified, and sequenced. In order to exclude early apoptotic tumor cells, staining with Annexin V coupled to a fluorescent dye was used. Annexin V staining intensity was associated with decreased RNA integrity as well as lower numbers of total reads, exon reads, and detected genes in cell line cells and CTCs. A comparative RNA analysis of single cells from MDA-MB-231 and MCF7 cell lines revealed the expected differential transcriptome profiles. Enrichment and staining procedures of cell line cells that were spiked into blood had only little effect on the obtained RNA sequencing data compared to processing of naïve cells. Further, the detection of transcripts of housekeeping genes such as GAPDH was associated with a significantly higher quality of expression data from CTCs. This workflow enables the enrichment, detection, and isolation of single CTCs for individual transcriptome analyses. The discrimination of apoptotic and non-apoptotic cells allows to focus on CTCs with a high RNA integrity to ensure a successful transcriptome analysis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Abramova
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Mahdi Rivandi
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Liwen Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Nadia Stamm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Jan-Philipp Cieslik
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Ellen Honisch
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Dieter Niederacher
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Tanja Fehm
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - Hans Neubauer
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
| | - André Franken
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital and Medical Faculty of the Heinrich-Heine University Duesseldorf, Duesseldorf, Germany
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Piñeiro R. Editorial: Mechanisms of metastasis from circulating and disseminated tumor cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1386050. [PMID: 38476261 PMCID: PMC10927939 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1386050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Roberto Piñeiro
- Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- European Liquid Biopsy Society (ELBS), Hamburg, Germany
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Mierke CT. Phenotypic Heterogeneity, Bidirectionality, Universal Cues, Plasticity, Mechanics, and the Tumor Microenvironment Drive Cancer Metastasis. Biomolecules 2024; 14:184. [PMID: 38397421 PMCID: PMC10887446 DOI: 10.3390/biom14020184] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor diseases become a huge problem when they embark on a path that advances to malignancy, such as the process of metastasis. Cancer metastasis has been thoroughly investigated from a biological perspective in the past, whereas it has still been less explored from a physical perspective. Until now, the intraluminal pathway of cancer metastasis has received the most attention, while the interaction of cancer cells with macrophages has received little attention. Apart from the biochemical characteristics, tumor treatments also rely on the tumor microenvironment, which is recognized to be immunosuppressive and, as has recently been found, mechanically stimulates cancer cells and thus alters their functions. The review article highlights the interaction of cancer cells with other cells in the vascular metastatic route and discusses the impact of this intercellular interplay on the mechanical characteristics and subsequently on the functionality of cancer cells. For instance, macrophages can guide cancer cells on their intravascular route of cancer metastasis, whereby they can help to circumvent the adverse conditions within blood or lymphatic vessels. Macrophages induce microchannel tunneling that can possibly avoid mechanical forces during extra- and intravasation and reduce the forces within the vascular lumen due to vascular flow. The review article highlights the vascular route of cancer metastasis and discusses the key players in this traditional route. Moreover, the effects of flows during the process of metastasis are presented, and the effects of the microenvironment, such as mechanical influences, are characterized. Finally, the increased knowledge of cancer metastasis opens up new perspectives for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Tanja Mierke
- Faculty of Physics and Earth System Science, Peter Debye Institute of Soft Matter Physics, Biological Physics Division, Leipzig University, 04103 Leipzig, Germany
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6
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Gostomczyk K, Marsool MDM, Tayyab H, Pandey A, Borowczak J, Macome F, Chacon J, Dave T, Maniewski M, Szylberg Ł. Targeting circulating tumor cells to prevent metastases. Hum Cell 2024; 37:101-120. [PMID: 37874534 PMCID: PMC10764589 DOI: 10.1007/s13577-023-00992-6] [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: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/03/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are cancer cells that detach from the primary tumor, enter the bloodstream or body fluids, and spread to other body parts, leading to metastasis. Their presence and characteristics have been linked to cancer progression and poor prognosis in different types of cancer. Analyzing CTCs can offer valuable information about tumors' genetic and molecular diversity, which is crucial for personalized therapy. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the reverse process, mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET), play a significant role in generating and disseminating CTCs. Certain proteins, such as EpCAM, vimentin, CD44, and TGM2, are vital in regulating EMT and MET and could be potential targets for therapies to prevent metastasis and serve as detection markers. Several devices, methods, and protocols have been developed for detecting CTCs with various applications. CTCs interact with different components of the tumor microenvironment. The interactions between CTCs and tumor-associated macrophages promote local inflammation and allow the cancer cells to evade the immune system, facilitating their attachment and invasion of distant metastatic sites. Consequently, targeting and eliminating CTCs hold promise in preventing metastasis and improving patient outcomes. Various approaches are being explored to reduce the volume of CTCs. By investigating and discussing targeted therapies, new insights can be gained into their potential effectiveness in inhibiting the spread of CTCs and thereby reducing metastasis. The development of such treatments offers great potential for enhancing patient outcomes and halting disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland.
- University Hospital No. 2 Im. Dr Jan Biziel, Ujejskiego 75, 85-168, Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | | | | | | | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Facundo Macome
- Universidad del Norte Santo Tomás de Aquino, San Miquel de Tucuman, Argentina
| | - Jose Chacon
- American University of Integrative Sciences, Cole Bay, Saint Martin, Barbados
| | - Tirth Dave
- Bukovinian State Medical University, Chernivtsi, Ukraine
| | - Mateusz Maniewski
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University, Torun, Poland
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre, Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital, Bydgoszcz, Poland
- Chair of Pathology, Dr Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2, Bydgoszcz, Poland
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Gostomczyk K, Łukaszewska E, Borowczak J, Bator A, Zdrenka M, Bodnar M, Szylberg Ł. Flow cytometry in the detection of circulating tumor cells in neoplastic effusions. Clin Chim Acta 2024; 552:117651. [PMID: 37980974 DOI: 10.1016/j.cca.2023.117651] [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: 08/01/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite its limitations, the cytology of body fluids is widely used in diagnosing neoplastic cells. Flow cytometry detects and identifies individual cells, enabling the detection of circulating tumor cells and facilitating diagnosis. This study compared the diagnostic utility of flow cytometry and cytology for detecting cancer cells in peritoneal and pleural fluids. METHODOLOGY We used flow cytometry and cytology to examine 119 pleural and peritoneal effusions received for routine screening. Antibodies against clusters of differentiation 45 (CD45), 14 (CD14), and Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) were used to detect malignant cells. Based on combined clinical and diagnostic information, 37 fluid specimens were malignant, and 77 were benign. RESULTS Flow cytometry correctly identified 34 cancers, while cytology identified 26 cancers (sensitivity 91.89 % vs. 70.27, respectively). Both methods had equal specificity (98.7 %). At a cut-off of > 0.29 % EpCAM(+) cells to all cells in the samples, flow cytometry accurately detected cancer cells, achieving 89.2 % sensitivity, 90.9 % specificity, and an AUC of 0.959 (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION Flow cytometry improves the detection of epithelial cancer cells in peritoneal and pleural fluids compared to conventional cytology. Due to similar specificity and higher sensitivity, flow cytometry offers a promising alternative to cytology for patient screening.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karol Gostomczyk
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland.
| | - Ewelina Łukaszewska
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Jędrzej Borowczak
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Anita Bator
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Marek Zdrenka
- Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Magdalena Bodnar
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland; Chair of Pathology, Dr. Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland
| | - Łukasz Szylberg
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynaecology and Oncology, Chair of Pathomorphology and Clinical Placentology, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, Poland; Department of Tumor Pathology and Pathomorphology, Oncology Centre - Prof. Franciszek Łukaszczyk Memorial Hospital in Bydgoszcz, Poland; Chair of Pathology, Dr. Jan Biziel Memorial University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz, Poland
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8
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Nicolazzo C, Francescangeli F, Magri V, Giuliani A, Zeuner A, Gazzaniga P. Is cancer an intelligent species? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:1201-1218. [PMID: 37540301 PMCID: PMC10713722 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10123-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/26/2023] [Indexed: 08/05/2023]
Abstract
Some relevant emerging properties of intelligent systems are "adaptation to a changing environment," "reaction to unexpected situations," "capacity of problem solving," and "ability to communicate." Single cells have remarkable abilities to adapt, make adequate context-dependent decision, take constructive actions, and communicate, thus theoretically meeting all the above-mentioned requirements. From a biological point of view, cancer can be viewed as an invasive species, composed of cells that move from primary to distant sites, being continuously exposed to changes in the environmental conditions. Blood represents the first hostile habitat that a cancer cell encounters once detached from the primary site, so that cancer cells must rapidly carry out multiple adaptation strategies to survive. The aim of this review was to deepen the adaptation mechanisms of cancer cells in the blood microenvironment, particularly referring to four adaptation strategies typical of animal species (phenotypic adaptation, metabolic adaptation, niche adaptation, and collective adaptation), which together define the broad concept of biological intelligence. We provided evidence that the required adaptations (either structural, metabolic, and related to metastatic niche formation) and "social" behavior are useful principles allowing putting into a coherent frame many features of circulating cancer cells. This interpretative frame is described by the comparison with analog behavioral traits typical of various animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Nicolazzo
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Francescangeli
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Magri
- Department of Pathology, Oncology and Radiology, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Giuliani
- Environment and Health Department, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Ann Zeuner
- Department of Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, Viale Regina Elena 299, 00161, Rome, Italy
| | - Paola Gazzaniga
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Sapienza University of Rome, 00161, Rome, Italy.
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Quartieri M, Puspitasari A, Vitacchio T, Durante M, Tinganelli W. The role of hypoxia and radiation in developing a CTCs-like phenotype in murine osteosarcoma cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1222809. [PMID: 38033871 PMCID: PMC10687637 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1222809] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 12/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Cancer treatment has evolved significantly, yet concerns about tumor recurrence and metastasis persist. Within the dynamic tumor microenvironment, a subpopulation of mesenchymal tumor cells, known as Circulating Cancer Stem Cells (CCSCs), express markers like CD133, TrkB, and CD47, making them radioresistant and pivotal to metastasis. Hypoxia intensifies their stemness, complicating their identification in the bloodstream. This study investigates the interplay of acute and chronic hypoxia and radiation exposure in selecting and characterizing cells with a CCSC-like phenotype. Methods: LM8 murine osteosarcoma cells were cultured and subjected to normoxic (21% O2) and hypoxic (1% O2) conditions. We employed Sphere Formation and Migration Assays, Western Blot analysis, CD133 Cell Sorting, and CD133+ Fluorescent Activated Cell Sorting (FACS) analysis with a focus on TrkB antibody to assess the effects of acute and chronic hypoxia, along with radiation exposure. Results: Our findings demonstrate that the combination of radiation and acute hypoxia enhances stemness, while chronic hypoxia imparts a cancer stem-like phenotype in murine osteosarcoma cells, marked by increased migration and upregulation of CCSC markers, particularly TrkB and CD47. These insights offer a comprehensive understanding of the interactions between radiation, hypoxia, and cellular responses in the context of cancer treatment. Discussion: This study elucidates the complex interplay among radiation, hypoxia, and cellular responses, offering valuable insights into the intricacies and potential advancements in cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martina Quartieri
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Anggraeini Puspitasari
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
- Biology Division, Gunma University Heavy Ion Medical Center, Maebashi, Japan
| | - Tamara Vitacchio
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Marco Durante
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
- Institut für Festkörperphysik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Darmstadt, Germany
| | - Walter Tinganelli
- Biophysics Department, GSI Helmholtzzentrum für Schwerionenforschung GmbH, Darmstadt, Germany
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Kouhmareh K, Martin E, Finlay D, Bhadada A, Hernandez-Vargas H, Downey F, Allen JK, Teriete P. Capture of circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters from a lung cancer patient can reveal a unique genomic profile and potential anti-metastatic molecular targets: A proof of concept study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.19.558270. [PMID: 37781582 PMCID: PMC10541091 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and lung cancer, known for its highly metastatic progression, remains among the most lethal of malignancies. The heterogeneous genomic profile of lung cancer metastases is often unknown. Since different metastatic events can selectively spread to multiple organs, strongly suggests more studies are needed to understand and target these different pathways. Unfortunately, access to the primary driver of metastases, the metastatic cancer cell clusters (MCCCs), remains difficult and limited. These metastatic clusters have been shown to be 100-fold more tumorigenic than individual cancer cells. Capturing and characterizing MCCCs is a key limiting factor in efforts to help treat and ultimately prevent cancer metastasis. Elucidating differentially regulated biological pathways in MCCCs will help uncover new therapeutic drug targets to help combat cancer metastases. We demonstrate a novel, proof of principle technology, to capture MCCCs directly from patients' whole blood. Our platform can be readily tuned for different solid tumor types by combining a biomimicry-based margination effect coupled with immunoaffinity to isolate MCCCs. Adopting a selective capture approach based on overexpressed CD44 in MCCCs provides a methodology that preferentially isolates them from whole blood. Furthermore, we demonstrate a high capture efficiency of more than 90% when spiking MCCC-like model cell clusters into whole blood. Characterization of the captured MCCCs from lung cancer patients by immunofluorescence staining and genomic analyses, suggests highly differential morphologies and genomic profiles., This study lays the foundation to identify potential drug targets thus unlocking a new area of anti-metastatic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Kouhmareh
- PhenoVista Biosciences, 6195 Cornerstone Ct E STE 114, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Erika Martin
- PhenoVista Biosciences, 6195 Cornerstone Ct E STE 114, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Darren Finlay
- NCI Cancer Center Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Anukriti Bhadada
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | | | - Francisco Downey
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Jeffrey K Allen
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Peter Teriete
- IDEAYA Biosciences, 7000 Shoreline Ct STE #350, South San Francisco, CA 94080
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11
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Payne K, Brooks J, Batis N, Khan N, El-Asrag M, Nankivell P, Mehanna H, Taylor G. Feasibility of mass cytometry proteomic characterisation of circulating tumour cells in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma for deep phenotyping. Br J Cancer 2023; 129:1590-1598. [PMID: 37735243 PMCID: PMC10645808 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-023-02428-2] [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: 03/08/2023] [Revised: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/05/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are a potential cancer biomarker, but current methods of CTC analysis at single-cell resolution are limited. Here, we describe high-dimensional single-cell mass cytometry proteomic analysis of CTCs in HNSCC. METHODS Parsortix microfluidic-enriched CTCs from 14 treatment-naïve HNSCC patients were analysed by mass cytometry analysis using 41 antibodies. Immune cell lineage, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), stemness, proliferation and immune checkpoint expression was assessed alongside phosphorylation status of multiple signalling proteins. Patient-matched tumour gene expression and CTC EMT profiles were compared. Standard bulk CTC RNAseq was performed as a baseline comparator to assess mass cytometry data. RESULTS CTCs were detected in 13/14 patients with CTC counts of 2-24 CTCs/ml blood. Unsupervised clustering separated CTCs into epithelial, early EMT and advanced EMT groups that differed in signalling pathway activation state. Patient-specific CTC cluster patterns separated into immune checkpoint low and high groups. Patient tumour and CTC EMT profiles differed. Mass cytometry outperformed bulk RNAseq to detect CTCs and characterise cell phenotype. DISCUSSION We demonstrate mass cytometry allows high-plex proteomic characterisation of CTCs at single-cell resolution and identify common CTC sub-groups with potential for novel biomarker development and immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment stratification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karl Payne
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Jill Brooks
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Nikolaos Batis
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Institute of Clinical Sciences, College of Medical and Dental Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Naeem Khan
- Clinical Immunology Service, Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Mohammed El-Asrag
- Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Paul Nankivell
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Hisham Mehanna
- Institute of Head and Neck Studies and Education, Institute of Cancer and Genomic Sciences, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Graham Taylor
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
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12
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Tong H, Li K, Zhou M, Wu R, Yang H, Peng Z, Zhao Q, Luo KQ. Coculture of cancer cells with platelets increases their survival and metastasis by activating the TGFβ/Smad/PAI-1 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:4259-4277. [PMID: 37705745 PMCID: PMC10496510 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.85986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2023] [Accepted: 07/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023] Open
Abstract
When cancer cells enter the bloodstream, they can interact with platelets to acquire stronger survival and metastatic abilities. To elucidate the underlying mechanisms, we cocultured metastatic melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer cells with species-homologous platelets. We found that cocultured cancer cells displayed higher viabilities in circulation, stronger capacities for cell migration, invasion, and colony formation in vitro, and more tumorigenesis and metastasis in mice. RNA sequencing analysis revealed that the level of serpin family E member 1 (SERPINE1) was significantly upregulated in cocultured cancer cells. Knockdown of SERPINE1 reversed the coculture-elevated survival and metastatic phenotypes of cancer cells. Mechanistic studies indicated that coculture with platelets activated the TGFβ/Smad pathway to induce SERPINE1 expression in cancer cells, which encodes plasminogen activator inhibitor 1 (PAI-1). PAI-1 then activated PI3K to increase the phosphorylation of AKTThr308 and Bad to elevate Bcl-2, which enhanced cell survival in circulation. Moreover, higher levels of PAI-1 were detected in metastatic tumors from melanoma and triple-negative breast cancer patients than in normal tissues, and high levels of PAI-1 were associated with a shorter overall survival time and worse disease progression in breast cancer. PAI-1 may act as a potential biomarker for detecting and treating metastatic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haibo Tong
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Koukou Li
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Muya Zhou
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Renfei Wu
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Hongmei Yang
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Zheng Peng
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Qi Zhao
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
| | - Kathy Qian Luo
- Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
- Ministry of Education Frontiers Science Center for Precision Oncology, University of Macau
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13
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Orrapin S, Thongkumkoon P, Udomruk S, Moonmuang S, Sutthitthasakul S, Yongpitakwattana P, Pruksakorn D, Chaiyawat P. Deciphering the Biology of Circulating Tumor Cells through Single-Cell RNA Sequencing: Implications for Precision Medicine in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12337. [PMID: 37569711 PMCID: PMC10418766 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) hold unique biological characteristics that directly involve them in hematogenous dissemination. Studying CTCs systematically is technically challenging due to their extreme rarity and heterogeneity and the lack of specific markers to specify metastasis-initiating CTCs. With cutting-edge technology, single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) provides insights into the biology of metastatic processes driven by CTCs. Transcriptomics analysis of single CTCs can decipher tumor heterogeneity and phenotypic plasticity for exploring promising novel therapeutic targets. The integrated approach provides a perspective on the mechanisms underlying tumor development and interrogates CTCs interactions with other blood cell types, particularly those of the immune system. This review aims to comprehensively describe the current study on CTC transcriptomic analysis through scRNA-seq technology. We emphasize the workflow for scRNA-seq analysis of CTCs, including enrichment, single cell isolation, and bioinformatic tools applied for this purpose. Furthermore, we elucidated the translational knowledge from the transcriptomic profile of individual CTCs and the biology of cancer metastasis for developing effective therapeutics through targeting key pathways in CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Santhasiri Orrapin
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
| | - Patcharawadee Thongkumkoon
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
| | - Sasimol Udomruk
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research (MSTR) Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Sutpirat Moonmuang
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
| | - Songphon Sutthitthasakul
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
| | - Petlada Yongpitakwattana
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
| | - Dumnoensun Pruksakorn
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research (MSTR) Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
- Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
| | - Parunya Chaiyawat
- Center of Multidisciplinary Technology for Advanced Medicine (CMUTEAM), Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand; (S.O.); (P.T.); (S.U.); (S.M.); (S.S.); (P.Y.); (D.P.)
- Musculoskeletal Science and Translational Research (MSTR) Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Muang, Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand
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14
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Geetha R, Iyer S, Keechilat P, N GI, Thankappan KK, N V S. Evaluation of premetastatic changes in lymph nodes(pN0) of oral tongue tumour: A prospective observational Study. F1000Res 2023; 12:889. [PMID: 37786649 PMCID: PMC10541534 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.138951.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/17/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Tongue tumors show intra and inter-tumoral heterogenicity with high incidence, relapse and mortality rates necessitating further research. Recurrence/metastasis that occurs after surgical resection of primary cancer is often the reason for poor survival in these patients. Lymph nodes are the most common site of metastasis in tongue tumors. Therefore, premetastatic molecular changes can be best evaluated in lymph nodes which may epitomize the earliest events in the metastasis cascades. The presence of circulating tumor cells(CTCs) in the absence of nodal disease (N0) may represent tumor aggressiveness, suggesting an immune escape which may have high metastatic potential. This trial was developed to investigate the earliest pre-metastatic changes which may regulate tumor dormancy and predict metastasis. A better understanding of organotropism or pre-metastatic changes can help in theragnostic, thereby preventing the outbreak of overt metastasis. Methods: A single-institutional prospective observational cohort study. This trial will be conducted at a tertiary care Centre (Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences Kochi). Eligible patients will be enrolled after obtaining informed consent. The dissected lymph nodes will be subjected to histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses for premetastatic niche (PMN) formation. In addition, circulating tumor cells will be evaluated before treatment and 6 months after treatment. The patients will be followed up for a period of two years to correlate the findings with the recurrence-free survival. Expected results: The pre-metastatic changes, if detected will be a predictive biomarker. It may help to define future drug targets for metastasis chemoprevention . CTCs may define the tumor aggressiveness ,there by prognostication and helps in better disease management. Ethics and dissemination: The study has received the following approval: Ethics Committee of Amrita School of Medicine (ECASM-AIMS-2022-048).Trial Registered Prospectively( CTRI/2022/03/041256 ) on 22/03/2022 under Clinical Trial Registry of India.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rajalakshmi Geetha
- Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Subramania Iyer
- Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Pavithran Keechilat
- Medical Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | | | - Krishna Kumar Thankappan
- Head and Neck Surgery/Oncology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences - Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, Kerala, India
| | - Smitha N V
- Department of Pathology, Amrita Institute of Medical Sciences -Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Kochi, India
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15
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Guo L, An T, Zhou H, Wan Z, Huang Z, Chong T. MMP9 and TYROBP affect the survival of circulating tumor cells in clear cell renal cell carcinoma by adapting to tumor immune microenvironment. Sci Rep 2023; 13:6982. [PMID: 37117633 PMCID: PMC10147606 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-34317-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a key role in tumor metastasis. CTCs have altered gene expression and can survive in the bloodstream. Finding the key genes whose expression are altered in CTCs could help explain the mechanism of tumor metastasis. We searched for genes differentially expressed in CTCs by analyzing four CTCs and primary tumor gene expression datasets in the GEO database. Key genes of clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) CTCs were identified. The correlation between key genes and the immune microenvironment of ccRCC was explored. Finally, the CTCs cell model of ccRCC was constructed by in vivo screening method, and the expression of key genes was detected at the cell and tissue levels. A total of 771 DEGs were obtained. Gene enrichment analysis showed that DEGs of CTCs were mainly involved in the regulation of the tumor immune process and tumor cell apoptosis. Finally, we found 2 key genes, MMP9 and TYROBP in ccRCC CTCs. The high expression of these 2 genes predicted a poor prognosis of ccRCC, and the expression levels of these 2 genes were significantly increased in CTCs and ccRCC tissues. Our study suggested that genetic alterations in CTCs contribute to the ability of CTCs to survive in the blood by adapting to the tumor microenvironment. MMP9 and TYROBP are potential therapeutic and prognostic targets for ccRCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Guo
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Fifth Road, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Tian An
- Department of Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang, China
| | - Haibin Zhou
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Fifth Road, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Ziyan Wan
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Fifth Road, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Zhixin Huang
- School of Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, China
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Fifth Road, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Tie Chong
- Department of Urology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 157 West Fifth Road, Xi'an, 710000, China.
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16
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Fitzgerald KN, Motzer RJ, Lee CH. Adjuvant therapy options in renal cell carcinoma - targeting the metastatic cascade. Nat Rev Urol 2023; 20:179-193. [PMID: 36369389 PMCID: PMC10921989 DOI: 10.1038/s41585-022-00666-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
Localized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is primarily managed with nephrectomy, which is performed with curative intent. However, disease recurs in ~20% of patients. Treatment with adjuvant therapies is used after surgery with the intention of curing additional patients by disrupting the establishment, maturation or survival of micrometastases, processes collectively referred to as the metastatic cascade. Immune checkpoint inhibitors and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-targeting tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have shown efficacy in the treatment of metastatic RCC, increasing the interest in the utility of these agents in the adjuvant setting. Pembrolizumab, an inhibitor of the immune checkpoint PD1, is now approved by the FDA and is under review by European regulatory agencies for the adjuvant treatment of patients with localized resected clear cell RCC based on the results of the KEYNOTE-564 trial. However, the optimal use of immunotherapy and VEGFR-targeting TKIs for adjuvant treatment of RCC is not completely understood. These agents disrupt the metastatic cascade at multiple steps, providing biological rationale for further investigating the applications of these therapeutics in the adjuvant setting. Clinical trials to evaluate adjuvant therapeutics in RCC are ongoing, and clinical considerations must guide the practical use of immunotherapy and TKI agents for the adjuvant treatment of localized resected RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly N Fitzgerald
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Robert J Motzer
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Chung-Han Lee
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.
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17
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Vidlarova M, Rehulkova A, Stejskal P, Prokopova A, Slavik H, Hajduch M, Srovnal J. Recent Advances in Methods for Circulating Tumor Cell Detection. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:3902. [PMID: 36835311 PMCID: PMC9959336 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043902] [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: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 02/06/2023] [Accepted: 02/12/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are released from primary tumors and transported through the body via blood or lymphatic vessels before settling to form micrometastases under suitable conditions. Accordingly, several studies have identified CTCs as a negative prognostic factor for survival in many types of cancer. CTCs also reflect the current heterogeneity and genetic and biological state of tumors; so, their study can provide valuable insights into tumor progression, cell senescence, and cancer dormancy. Diverse methods with differing specificity, utility, costs, and sensitivity have been developed for isolating and characterizing CTCs. Additionally, novel techniques with the potential to overcome the limitations of existing ones are being developed. This primary literature review describes the current and emerging methods for enriching, detecting, isolating, and characterizing CTCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Monika Vidlarova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Alona Rehulkova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Pavel Stejskal
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Andrea Prokopova
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Hanus Slavik
- Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique, Institut des Neurosciences Cellulaires et Intégratives, Université de Strasbourg, 67000 Strasbourg, France
| | - Marian Hajduch
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
| | - Josef Srovnal
- Institute of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, Palacky University in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
- Laboratory of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital in Olomouc, 779 00 Olomouc, Czech Republic
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18
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From the Catastrophic Objective Irreproducibility of Cancer Research and Unavoidable Failures of Molecular Targeted Therapies to the Sparkling Hope of Supramolecular Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032796. [PMID: 36769134 PMCID: PMC9917659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032796] [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: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented non-reproducibility of the results published in the field of cancer research has recently come under the spotlight. In this short review, we try to highlight some general principles in the organization and evolution of cancerous tumors, which objectively lead to their enormous variability and, consequently, the irreproducibility of the results of their investigation. This heterogeneity is also extremely unfavorable for the effective use of molecularly targeted medicine. Against the seemingly comprehensive background of this heterogeneity, we single out two supramolecular characteristics common to all tumors: the clustered nature of tumor interactions with their microenvironment and the formation of biomolecular condensates with tumor-specific distinctive features. We suggest that these features can form the basis of strategies for tumor-specific supramolecular targeted therapies.
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19
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Organotropism of breast cancer metastasis: A comprehensive approach to the shared gene network. GENE REPORTS 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.genrep.2023.101749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
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20
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Meyer YM, Wilting SM, Kraan J, Olthof P, Vermeulen P, Martens J, Grünhagen DJ, Sleijfer S, Verhoef C. Circulating tumour cells are associated with histopathological growth patterns of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Clin Exp Metastasis 2023; 40:69-77. [PMID: 36326981 PMCID: PMC9898367 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-022-10191-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
Histopathological Growth Patterns (HGPs) have prognostic and predictive value in patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM). This study examined whether preoperative measurement of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) is associated with HGP. CTCs were prospectively enumerated in 7.5 ml of blood using the FDA-approved CellSearch system in patients who underwent local treatment of CRLM with curative intent between 2008 and 2021. All CTC samples were collected on the day of local treatment. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for CRLM or with extrahepatic disease at the time of CTC sampling were excluded. HGP was scored retrospectively following the current consensus guidelines. The association between CTCs and HGP was investigated through multivariable logistic regression. Data were available for 177 patients, desmoplastic HGP (dHGP) was observed in 34 patients (19%). There were no statistically significant differences in patient and tumour characteristics between dHGP and non-dHGP at baseline. Patients with dHGP had longer overall - and disease-free survival (logrank p = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively) compared to patients with non-dHGP. CTCs were not detected in 25(74%) of dHGP patients and in 68(48%) of non-dHGP patients (chi-squared p = 0.006). Preoperative absence of CTCs was the only significant predictor for dHGP in multivariable logistic regression (Odds Ratio 2.7, 95%CI 1.1-6.8, p = 0.028), Table 3. Preoperative absence of CTCs is associated with dHGP in chemo naive CRLM patients without extrahepatic disease. Based on our results, CTC count alone is not sufficient to preoperatively identify HGPs, but integration of CTC count in multivariable prediction models may aid the preoperative identification of HGPs of CRLM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y M Meyer
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S M Wilting
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - J Kraan
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Olthof
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Vermeulen
- Translational Cancer Research Unit (GZA Hospitals and University of Antwerp), Antwerp, Belgium
| | - J Martens
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - D J Grünhagen
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - S Sleijfer
- Department of Medical Oncology, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - C Verhoef
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastrointestinal Surgery, Erasmus MC Cancer Institute, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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21
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Jin Y, Cai W, Zhao C, Yang F, Yang C, Zhang X, Zhou Q, Zhao W, Zhang C, Zhang F, Wang M, Li M. EMT status of circulating breast cancer cells and impact of fluidic shear stress. Exp Cell Res 2022; 421:113385. [PMID: 36228736 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2022.113385] [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: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 10/04/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) play a vital role in the metastasis and recurrence of breast cancer. CTCs are highly heterogeneous at the stage of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT), but the phenotypic and biological characteristics in different EMT stages remain poorly defined. We conducted an orthotopic mouse (4T1) model of breast cancer to isolate CTCs and identified two phenotypes of CTCs: intermediate E/M and mesenchymal CTCs. MTT, Colony formation, Transwell migration and invasion assays were utilized to examined cell proliferation, colony forming, migration and invasion ability. Both the intermediate E/M and mesenchymal CTCs exhibited lower rates of proliferation, colony formation and invasion, as compared to primary tumor cells. The mesenchymal CTCs had a higher rate of invasion but lower rates of proliferation and colony formation than the intermediate E/M CTCs. They also exhibited lower rates of growth and metastasis than the primary tumor cells in vivo, but the mesenchymal CTCs had a higher rate of metastasis than the intermediate E/M CTCs. Fluid shear stress induced the EMT transition of CTCs. The comprehensive analysis of CTCs proteomics discovered proteins that differentially expressed in the two types of CTCs and their primary tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanling Jin
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Zhejiang Provincial People's Hospital, Hangzhou, China
| | - Wei Cai
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Provincial Hospital, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chanyuan Zhao
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Feng Yang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenguang Yang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyu Zhang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Quan Zhou
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Wenjie Zhao
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Chenli Zhang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Fangfang Zhang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Min Wang
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Experimental Teaching Center of Basic Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
| | - Min Li
- Institute of Pathology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China; Gansu Provincial Key Laboratory of Preclinical Study for New Drug Development, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.
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22
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Noubissi Nzeteu GA, Geismann C, Arlt A, Hoogwater FJH, Nijkamp MW, Meyer NH, Bockhorn M. Role of Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition for the Generation of Circulating Tumors Cells and Cancer Cell Dissemination. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:5483. [PMID: 36428576 PMCID: PMC9688619 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 10/24/2022] [Accepted: 11/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumor-related death is primarily caused by metastasis; consequently, understanding, preventing, and treating metastasis is essential to improving clinical outcomes. Metastasis is mainly governed by the dissemination of tumor cells in the systemic circulation: so-called circulating tumor cells (CTCs). CTCs typically arise from epithelial tumor cells that undergo epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), resulting in the loss of cell-cell adhesions and polarity, and the reorganization of the cytoskeleton. Various oncogenic factors can induce EMT, among them the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as Wnt and Notch signaling pathways. This entails the activation of numerous transcription factors, including ZEB, TWIST, and Snail proteins, acting as transcriptional repressors of epithelial markers, such as E-cadherin and inducers of mesenchymal markers such as vimentin. These genetic and phenotypic changes ultimately facilitate cancer cell migration. However, to successfully form distant metastases, CTCs must primarily withstand the hostile environment of circulation. This includes adaption to shear stress, avoiding being trapped by coagulation and surviving attacks of the immune system. Several applications of CTCs, from cancer diagnosis and screening to monitoring and even guided therapy, seek their way into clinical practice. This review describes the process leading to tumor metastasis, from the generation of CTCs in primary tumors to their dissemination into distant organs, as well as the importance of subtyping CTCs to improve personalized and targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaetan Aime Noubissi Nzeteu
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Claudia Geismann
- Laboratory of Molecular Gastroenterology & Hepatology, Department of Internal Medicine I, UKSH-Campus Kiel, 24118 Kiel, Germany
| | - Alexander Arlt
- Department for Gastroenterology and Hepatology, University Hospital Oldenburg, Klinikum Oldenburg AöR, European Medical School (EMS), 26133 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Frederik J. H. Hoogwater
- Section of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Maarten W. Nijkamp
- Section of HPB Surgery & Liver Transplantation, Department of Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713 GZ Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - N. Helge Meyer
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
| | - Maximilian Bockhorn
- University Hospital of General and Visceral Surgery, Department of Human Medicine, University of Oldenburg and Klinikum Oldenburg, 26129 Oldenburg, Germany
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Drug susceptibility testing of circulating lung cancer cells for personalized treatment. MEDICAL ONCOLOGY (NORTHWOOD, LONDON, ENGLAND) 2022; 40:1. [PMID: 36308571 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-022-01860-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 09/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
The presence of Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has been proven to be correlated with disease progression and the patient's response to treatment. However, the culture of CTCs for clinical utility is still a big challenge. We have developed a short-term method that enables CTCs culture and provides an opportunity to monitor drug susceptibility testing in individual patients. In a proof-of-concept study, we established a unique method using Matrigel® coated in 96 well plate to enable cancer cell clusters to attach and proliferate. The culture method using Matrigel® provides in vitro conditions and improves the attachment and differentiation of anchorage-dependent epithelial cells proliferation and mimics the tumor microenvironment. We further treated the cells attached to Matrigel® with the same drug regimen as the patient has undergone. Around 30.7% of the CTCs were viable after the drug treatment. We also correlated the decrease in cell viability after drug treatment with the reduction in the pleural effusion of the patient as seen by the images obtained from CT scans pre-and post-treatment. Moreover, as per the RECIST criterion, the patient had exhibited a positive response to the treatment. The short-term culturing of CTC along with the drug susceptibility testing offers a novel method to predict patient response to the treatment and could be utilized for screening suitable drug combinations for personalized treatment.
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Lugassy C, Kleinman HK, Cassoux N, Barnhill R. Hematogenous metastasis and tumor dormancy as concepts or dogma? The continuum of vessel co-option and angiotropic extravascular migratory metastasis as an alternative. Front Oncol 2022; 12:996411. [PMID: 36303828 PMCID: PMC9594150 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.996411] [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: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
It has been accepted for many years that tumor cells spread via the circulation to distant sites. The latency period between treatment and tumor recurrence has been attributed to dormant cells in distant organs that emerge and grow as metastatic tumors. These processes are accepted with an incomplete demonstration of their existence. Challenging such a well-established accepted paradigm is not easy as history as shown. An alternative or co-existing mechanism involving tumor cell migration along the outside of the vessels and co-option of the blood vessel has been studied for over 25 years and is presented. Several lines of data support this new mechanism of tumor spread and metastatic growth and is termed angiotropic extravascular migratory metastasis or EVMM. This slow migration along the outside of the vessel wall may explain the latency period between treatment and metastatic tumor growth. The reader is asked to be open to this possible new concept in how tumors spread and grow and the reason for this latency period. A full understanding of how tumors spread and grow is fundamental for the targeting of new therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire Lugassy
- Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Hynda K. Kleinman
- Laboratory of Cell Biology, National Institute of Dental and Craniofacial Research (NIDCR), National Institutes of Health (NIH), Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Nathalie Cassoux
- University of Paris Réné Descartes Faculty (UFR) of Medicine, Paris, France
- Department of Ophthalmology, Institut Curie, Paris, France
| | - Raymond Barnhill
- Department of Translational Research, Institut Curie, Paris, France
- University of Paris Réné Descartes Faculty (UFR) of Medicine, Paris, France
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Konig S, Strobel H, Grunert M, Lyszkiewicz M, Brühl O, Karpel-Massler G, Ziętara N, La Ferla-Brühl K, Siegelin MD, Debatin KM, Westhoff MA. Unblinding the watchmaker: cancer treatment and drug design in the face of evolutionary pressure. Expert Opin Drug Discov 2022; 17:1081-1094. [PMID: 35997138 DOI: 10.1080/17460441.2022.2114454] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Death due to cancer is mostly associated with therapy ineffectiveness, i.e. tumor cells no longer responding to treatment. The underlying dynamics that facilitate this mutational escape from selective pressure are well studied in several other fields and several interesting approaches exist to combat this phenomenon, for example in the context of antibiotic-resistance in bacteria. AREAS COVERED Ninety percent of all cancer-related deaths are associated with treatment failure. Here, we discuss the common treatment modalities and prior attempts to overcome acquired resistance to therapy. The underlying molecular mechanisms are discussed and the implications of emerging resistance in other systems, such as bacteria, are discussed in the context of cancer. EXPERT OPINION Reevaluating emerging therapy resistance in tumors as an evolutionary mechanism to survive in a rapidly and drastically altering fitness landscape leads to novel treatment strategies and distinct requirements for new drugs. Here, we propose a scheme of considerations that need to be applied prior to the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sophia Konig
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Hannah Strobel
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Michael Grunert
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, German Armed Forces Hospital of Ulm, Ulm, Germany
| | - Marcin Lyszkiewicz
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Oliver Brühl
- Laboratorio Analisi Sicilia, Catania, Lentini, Italy
| | | | - Natalia Ziętara
- Cancer Immunology and Immune Modulation, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharma GmbH & Co. KG, Germany
| | | | - Markus D Siegelin
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Medical Center, Albany, NY, USA
| | - Klaus-Michael Debatin
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
| | - Mike-Andrew Westhoff
- Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine, Ulm University Hospital, Ulm, Germany
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Selenium and tellurium in the development of novel small molecules and nanoparticles as cancer multidrug resistance reversal agents. Drug Resist Updat 2022; 63:100844. [DOI: 10.1016/j.drup.2022.100844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Novel Circulating Tumour Cell-Related Risk Model Indicates Prognosis and Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:6521290. [PMID: 35677538 PMCID: PMC9168189 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6521290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is the most common histological subtype of lung cancer (LC) and one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. LUAD has a low survival rate owing to tumour invasion and metastasis. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) are precursors of distant metastasis, which are considered to adopt the characteristics of cancer stem cells (CSCs). Therefore, analysing the risk factors of LUAD from the perspective of CTCs may provide novel insights into the metastatic mechanisms and may help to develop diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. Methods A total of 447 patients from TCGA dataset were included in the training cohort, and 460 patients from the GEO dataset were included in the validation cohort. A CTC-related-gene risk model was constructed using LASSO penalty–Cox analysis, and its predictive value was further verified. Functional enrichment analysis was performed on differentially expressed genes (DEGs), followed by immune correlation analysis based on the results. In addition, western blot, CCK-8 and colony formation assays were used to validate the biological function of RAB26 in LUAD. Results A novel in-silico CTC-related-gene risk model, named the CTCR model, was constructed, which successfully divided patients into the high- and low-risk groups. The prognosis of the high-risk group was worse than that of the low-risk group. ROC analysis revealed that the risk model outperformed traditional clinical markers in predicting the prognosis of patients with LUAD. Further study demonstrated that the identified DEGs were significantly enriched in immune-related pathways. The immune score of the low-risk group was higher than that of the high-risk group. In addition, RAB26 was found to promote the proliferation of LUAD. Conclusion A prognostic risk model based on CTC-related genes was successfully constructed, and the relationship between DEGs and tumour immunity was analysed. In addition, RAB26 was found to promote the proliferation of LUAD cells.
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Jones AB, Rocco A, Lamb LS, Friedman GK, Hjelmeland AB. Regulation of NKG2D Stress Ligands and Its Relevance in Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:2339. [PMID: 35565467 PMCID: PMC9105350 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Under cellular distress, multiple facets of normal homeostatic signaling are altered or disrupted. In the context of the immune landscape, external and internal stressors normally promote the expression of natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) ligands that allow for the targeted recognition and killing of cells by NKG2D receptor-bearing effector populations. The presence or absence of NKG2D ligands can heavily influence disease progression and impact the accessibility of immunotherapy options. In cancer, tumor cells are known to have distinct regulatory mechanisms for NKG2D ligands that are directly associated with tumor progression and maintenance. Therefore, understanding the regulation of NKG2D ligands in cancer will allow for targeted therapeutic endeavors aimed at exploiting the stress response pathway. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of regulatory mechanisms controlling the induction and repression of NKG2D ligands in cancer. Additionally, we highlight current therapeutic endeavors targeting NKG2D ligand expression and offer our perspective on considerations to further enhance the field of NKG2D ligand biology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amber B. Jones
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
| | - Abbey Rocco
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.R.); (G.K.F.)
| | | | - Gregory K. Friedman
- Department of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA; (A.R.); (G.K.F.)
| | - Anita B. Hjelmeland
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Integrative Biology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35233, USA;
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Kapeleris J, Ebrahimi Warkiani M, Kulasinghe A, Vela I, Kenny L, Ladwa R, O’Byrne K, Punyadeera C. Clinical Applications of Circulating Tumour Cells and Circulating Tumour DNA in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer-An Update. Front Oncol 2022; 12:859152. [PMID: 35372000 PMCID: PMC8965052 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.859152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite efforts to improve earlier diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), most patients present with advanced stage disease, which is often associated with poor survival outcomes with only 15% surviving for 5 years from their diagnosis. Tumour tissue biopsy is the current mainstream for cancer diagnosis and prognosis in many parts of the world. However, due to tumour heterogeneity and accessibility issues, liquid biopsy is emerging as a game changer for both cancer diagnosis and prognosis. Liquid biopsy is the analysis of tumour-derived biomarkers in body fluids, which has remarkable advantages over the use of traditional tumour biopsy. Circulating tumour cells (CTCs) and circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) are two main derivatives of liquid biopsy. CTC enumeration and molecular analysis enable monitoring of cancer progression, recurrence, and treatment response earlier than traditional biopsy through a minimally invasive liquid biopsy approach. CTC-derived ex-vivo cultures are essential to understanding CTC biology and their role in metastasis, provide a means for personalized drug testing, and guide treatment selection. Just like CTCs, ctDNA provides opportunity for screening, monitoring, treatment evaluation, and disease surveillance. We present an updated review highlighting the prognostic and therapeutic significance of CTCs and ctDNA in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joanna Kapeleris
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | | | - Arutha Kulasinghe
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Ian Vela
- The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Australian Prostate Cancer Research Centre, Queensland, Institute of Health and Biomedical Innovation, Queensland University of Technology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Urology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Liz Kenny
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Central Integrated Regional Cancer Service, Queensland Health, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Rahul Ladwa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
- School of Medicine, University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Kenneth O’Byrne
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Department of Medical Oncology, Princess Alexandra Hospital, Woolloongabba, QLD, Australia
| | - Chamindie Punyadeera
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, The Centre for Biomedical Technologies, The School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Kelvin Grove, QLD, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
- Saliva and Liquid Biopsy Translational Laboratory, Griffith Institute for Drug Discovery and Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Nathan, QLD, Australia
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Ginghina O, Hudita A, Zamfir M, Spanu A, Mardare M, Bondoc I, Buburuzan L, Georgescu SE, Costache M, Negrei C, Nitipir C, Galateanu B. Liquid Biopsy and Artificial Intelligence as Tools to Detect Signatures of Colorectal Malignancies: A Modern Approach in Patient's Stratification. Front Oncol 2022; 12:856575. [PMID: 35356214 PMCID: PMC8959149 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.856575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the second most frequently diagnosed type of cancer and a major worldwide public health concern. Despite the global efforts in the development of modern therapeutic strategies, CRC prognosis is strongly correlated with the stage of the disease at diagnosis. Early detection of CRC has a huge impact in decreasing mortality while pre-lesion detection significantly reduces the incidence of the pathology. Even though the management of CRC patients is based on robust diagnostic methods such as serum tumor markers analysis, colonoscopy, histopathological analysis of tumor tissue, and imaging methods (computer tomography or magnetic resonance), these strategies still have many limitations and do not fully satisfy clinical needs due to their lack of sensitivity and/or specificity. Therefore, improvements of the current practice would substantially impact the management of CRC patients. In this view, liquid biopsy is a promising approach that could help clinicians screen for disease, stratify patients to the best treatment, and monitor treatment response and resistance mechanisms in the tumor in a regular and minimally invasive manner. Liquid biopsies allow the detection and analysis of different tumor-derived circulating markers such as cell-free nucleic acids (cfNA), circulating tumor cells (CTCs), and extracellular vesicles (EVs) in the bloodstream. The major advantage of this approach is its ability to trace and monitor the molecular profile of the patient's tumor and to predict personalized treatment in real-time. On the other hand, the prospective use of artificial intelligence (AI) in medicine holds great promise in oncology, for the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis prediction of disease. AI has two main branches in the medical field: (i) a virtual branch that includes medical imaging, clinical assisted diagnosis, and treatment, as well as drug research, and (ii) a physical branch that includes surgical robots. This review summarizes findings relevant to liquid biopsy and AI in CRC for better management and stratification of CRC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Octav Ginghina
- Department II, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Surgery, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Ariana Hudita
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marius Zamfir
- Department of Surgery, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Andrada Spanu
- Department of Surgery, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Mara Mardare
- Department of Surgery, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Irina Bondoc
- Department of Surgery, “Sf. Ioan” Clinical Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | | | - Sergiu Emil Georgescu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Marieta Costache
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Carolina Negrei
- Department of Toxicology, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Cornelia Nitipir
- Department II, University of Medicine and Pharmacy “Carol Davila” Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
- Department of Oncology, Elias University Emergency Hospital, Bucharest, Romania
| | - Bianca Galateanu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Bucharest, Bucharest, Romania
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Radfar P, Aboulkheyr Es H, Salomon R, Kulasinghe A, Ramalingam N, Sarafraz-Yazdi E, Thiery JP, Warkiani ME. Single-cell analysis of circulating tumour cells: enabling technologies and clinical applications. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1041-1060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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Malik R, Rafli R, Salmi S, Noer YA. Relationship of Sleep Quality and Oxidative Stress Level in Smartphone Users; Study in Faculty of Medicine Student, Universitas Baiturrahmah. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.8593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Excessive smartphones can affect sleep quality, reducing sleep duration. This lack of sleep will impact various health and increase levels of free radicals in the body, affecting various cell functions.
AIM: The aim of the study was to measure the relationship between sleep quality due to smartphone use and serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: This was a quasi-experimental with pre- and post-test group study. Sleep quality was assessed with Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), and the smartphone addiction was assessed based on Smartphone Addiction Scale (SAS) score. The subjects were divided into four groups (n = 6) based on their PSQI and SAS score. The first group was the subjects with normal sleep and non-smartphone addict. The second group was the subjects with normal sleep but smartphone addict. The third group was the subjects with abnormal sleep and non-smartphone addict. Furthermore, fourth was the subjects with abnormal sleep and smartphone addiction. All the subjects were asked to sleep usually and used the smartphone as necessary a day before the study started. Blood plasma was collected from the subject before and after the study for MDA measurement. Plasma MDA was determined using the thiobarbituric acid test.
RESULTS: Smartphone use can reduce sleep quality and duration, resulting in sleep deprivation. There was no increase in MDA concentration (p > 0.05) in the ordinary and non-addictive or smartphone-addicted sleep group. Meanwhile, the group that stayed up late and was neither addictive nor addictive showed an increase in MDA levels and was statistically significant (p < 0.05).
CONCLUSION: Adequate sleep can reduce blood serum MDA levels and smartphone use does not affect MDA levels.
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Dotse E, Lim KH, Wang M, Wijanarko KJ, Chow KT. An Immunological Perspective of Circulating Tumor Cells as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:323. [PMID: 35207611 PMCID: PMC8878951 DOI: 10.3390/life12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune modulation is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer-immune interaction shapes the course of disease progression at every step of tumorigenesis, including metastasis, of which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as an indicator. These CTCs are a heterogeneous population of tumor cells that have disseminated from the tumor into circulation. They have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their importance in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of treatment response. Ample evidence demonstrates that CTCs interact with immune cells in circulation, where they must evade immune surveillance or modulate immune response. The interaction between CTCs and the immune system is emerging as a critical point by which CTCs facilitate metastatic progression. Understanding the complex crosstalk between the two may provide a basis for devising new diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of CTCs and the complex immune-CTC interactions. We also present novel options in clinical interventions, targeting the immune-CTC interfaces, and provide some suggestions on future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eunice Dotse
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - King H. Lim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Meijun Wang
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
| | - Kevin Julio Wijanarko
- Department of Paediatrics, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia;
- Murdoch Children’s Research Institute, Royal Children’s Hospital, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Kwan T. Chow
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, City University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China; (E.D.); (K.H.L.); (M.W.)
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TLR4 and pSTAT3 Expression on Circulating Tumor Cells (CTCs) and Immune Cells in the Peripheral Blood of Breast Cancer Patients: Prognostic Implications. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14041053. [PMID: 35205801 PMCID: PMC8869985 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
TLR4 and pSTAT3 are key players in cancer inflammation and immune evasion; however, their role in the peripheral blood (PB) is largely unexplored. Herein we evaluated their expression in the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and peripheral-blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of patients with early (n = 99) and metastatic (n = 100) breast cancer (BC). PB samples obtained prior to adjuvant and first-line therapy, were immunofluorescently stained for Cytokeratins/TLR4/pSTAT3/DAPI and analyzed via Ariol microscopy. TLR4+ CTCs were detected in 50% and 68% of early and metastatic CTC-positive patients, respectively, and pSTAT3+ CTCs in 83% and 68%, respectively. In metastatic patients, CTC detection was associated with a high risk of death (HR: 1.764, p = 0.038), while TLR4+ CTCs correlated with a high risk of disease progression (HR: 1.964, p = 0.030). Regarding PBMCs, TLR4 expression prevailed in metastatic disease (p = 0.029), while pSTAT3 expression was more frequent in early disease (p = 0.014). In early BC, TLR4 expression on PBMCs independently predicted for high risk of relapse (HR: 3.549; p = 0.009), whereas in metastatic BC, TLR4+/pSTAT3- PBMCs independently predicted for high risk of death (HR: 2.925; p = 0.012). These results suggest that TLR4/pSTAT3 signaling on tumor- and immune-cell compartments in the PB could play a role in BC progression, and may hold independent prognostic implications for BC patients.
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Raineri D, Cappellano G, Vilardo B, Maione F, Clemente N, Canciani E, Boggio E, Gigliotti CL, Monge C, Dianzani C, Boldorini R, Dianzani U, Chiocchetti A. Inducible T-Cell Costimulator Ligand Plays a Dual Role in Melanoma Metastasis upon Binding to Osteopontin or Inducible T-Cell Costimulator. Biomedicines 2021; 10:biomedicines10010051. [PMID: 35052731 PMCID: PMC8772802 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10010051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Revised: 12/22/2021] [Accepted: 12/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Recently, we demonstrated that inducible T-cell costimulator (ICOS) shares its unique ligand (ICOSL) with osteopontin (OPN), and OPN/ICOSL binding promotes tumor metastasis and angiogenesis in the 4T1 breast cancer model. Literature showed that OPN promotes melanoma metastasis by suppressing T-cell activation and recruiting myeloid suppressor cells (MDSC). On the opposite, ICOS/ICOSL interaction usually sustains an antitumor response. Here, we engineered murine B16F10 melanoma cells, by transfecting or silencing ICOSL. In vitro data showed that loss of ICOSL favors anchorage-independent growth and induces more metastases in vivo, compared to ICOSL expressing cells. To dissect individual roles of the three molecules, we compared data from C57BL/6 with those from OPN-KO, ICOS-KO, and ICOSL-KO mice, missing one partner at a time. We found that OPN produced by the tumor microenvironment (TME) favors the metastasis by interacting with stromal ICOSL. This activity is dominantly inhibited by ICOS expressed on TME by promoting Treg expansion. Importantly, we also show that OPN and ICOSL highly interact in human melanoma metastases compared to primary tumors. Interfering with this binding may be explored in immunotherapy either for nonresponding or patients resistant to conventional therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Davide Raineri
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Cappellano
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Beatrice Vilardo
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Federica Maione
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Nausicaa Clemente
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Elena Canciani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
| | - Elena Boggio
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Casimiro Luca Gigliotti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Chiara Monge
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (C.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Chiara Dianzani
- Dipartimento di Scienza e Tecnologia del Farmaco, Università di Torino, 10125 Torino, Italy; (C.M.); (C.D.)
| | - Renzo Boldorini
- Divisione di Anatomia Patologica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy;
| | - Umberto Dianzani
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Laboratorio di Biochimica Clinica, Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, AOU Maggiore della Carità, Università del Piemonte Orientale, Corso Mazzini 18, 28100 Novara, Italy
- Correspondence:
| | - Annalisa Chiocchetti
- Dipartimento di Scienze della Salute, Interdisciplinary Research Center of Autoimmune Diseases-IRCAD, Università del Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy; (D.R.); (G.C.); (B.V.); (F.M.); (N.C.); (E.C.); (E.B.); (C.L.G.); (A.C.)
- Center for Translational Research on Autoimmune and Allergic Diseases, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100 Novara, Italy
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Sequential Isolation and Characterization of Single CTCs and Large CTC Clusters in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13246362. [PMID: 34944983 PMCID: PMC8699456 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13246362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Revised: 12/13/2021] [Accepted: 12/15/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The presence of cancer cells clusters is a frequent event capable of increasing their aptitude to survive in the bloodstream. Consistently, clusters ranging from 2–50 cancer cells are detected in about 50% of patients with metastatic cancers, including colorectal carcinoma. Although a deepened analysis of clusters might certainly offer new insights into the complexity of metastatic cascade, research in this field has come to a halt, since most circulating tumor cells isolation techniques are not compatible with large-sized clusters isolation. In the present study, we describe a sequential method to simultaneously isolate single and clustered circulating tumor cells from a single blood draw, opening new scenarios for an ever more precise characterization of colorectal cancer metastatic cascade. Abstract Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) detach from a primary tumor or its metastases and circulate in the bloodstream. The vast majority of CTCs are deemed to die into the bloodstream, with only few cells representing viable metastatic precursors. Particularly, single epithelial CTCs do not survive long in the circulation due to the loss of adhesion-dependent survival signals. In metastatic colorectal cancer, the generation of large CTC clusters is a very frequent occurrence, able to increase the aptitude of CTCs to survive in the bloodstream. Although a deepened analysis of large-sized CTC clusters might certainly offer new insights into the complexity of the metastatic cascade, most CTC isolation techniques are unfortunately not compatible with large-sized CTC clusters isolation. The inappropriateness of standard CTC isolation devices for large clusters isolation and the scarce availability of detection methods able to specifically isolate and characterize both single CTCs and CTC clusters finally prevented in-depth studies on the prognostic and predictive value of clusters in clinical practice, unlike that which has been described for single CTCs. In the present study, we validated a new sequential filtration method for the simultaneous isolation of large CTC clusters and single CTCs in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer at failure of first-line treatments. The new method might allow differential downstream analyses for single and clustered CTCs starting from a single blood draw, opening new scenarios for an ever more precise characterization of colorectal cancer metastatic cascade.
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Batoon L, McCauley LK. Cross Talk Between Macrophages and Cancer Cells in the Bone Metastatic Environment. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:763846. [PMID: 34803925 PMCID: PMC8597897 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.763846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The skeleton is a common site for cancer metastases with the bone microenvironment providing the appropriate conditions for cancer cell colonization. Once in bone, cancer cells effectively manipulate their microenvironment to support their growth and survival. Despite previous efforts to improve treatment modalities, skeletal metastases remain with poor prognoses. This warrants an improved understanding of the mechanisms leading to bone metastasis that will aid development of effective treatments. Macrophages in the tumor microenvironment are termed tumor associated macrophages (TAMs) and their crosstalk with cancer cells is critical in regulating tumorigenicity in multiple cancers. In bone metastases, this crosstalk is also being increasingly implicated but the specific signaling pathways remain incompletely understood. Here, we summarize the reported functions, interactions, and signaling of macrophages with cancer cells during the metastatic cascade to bone. Specifically, we review and discuss how these specific interactions impact macrophages and their profiles to promote tumor development. We also discuss the potential of targeting this crosstalk to inhibit disease progression. Finally, we identify the remaining knowledge gaps that will need to be addressed in order to fully consider therapeutic targeting to improve clinical outcomes in cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lena Batoon
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
- Bones and Immunology Group, Mater Research Institute, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
| | - Laurie K. McCauley
- Department of Periodontics and Oral Medicine, University of Michigan School of Dentistry, Ann Arbor, MI, United States
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Hatzidaki E, Iliopoulos A, Papasotiriou I. A Novel Method for Colorectal Cancer Screening Based on Circulating Tumor Cells and Machine Learning. ENTROPY 2021; 23:e23101248. [PMID: 34681972 PMCID: PMC8534570 DOI: 10.3390/e23101248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 09/20/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colorectal cancer is one of the most common types of cancer, and it can have a high mortality rate if left untreated or undiagnosed. The fact that CRC becomes symptomatic at advanced stages highlights the importance of early screening. The reference screening method for CRC is colonoscopy, an invasive, time-consuming procedure that requires sedation or anesthesia and is recommended from a certain age and above. The aim of this study was to build a machine learning classifier that can distinguish cancer from non-cancer samples. For this, circulating tumor cells were enumerated using flow cytometry. Their numbers were used as a training set for building an optimized SVM classifier that was subsequently used on a blind set. The SVM classifier’s accuracy on the blind samples was found to be 90.0%, sensitivity was 80.0%, specificity was 100.0%, precision was 100.0% and AUC was 0.98. Finally, in order to test the generalizability of our method, we also compared the performances of different classifiers developed by various machine learning models, using over-sampling datasets generated by the SMOTE algorithm. The results showed that SVM achieved the best performances according to the validation accuracy metric. Overall, our results demonstrate that CTCs enumerated by flow cytometry can provide significant information, which can be used in machine learning algorithms to successfully discriminate between healthy and colorectal cancer patients. The clinical significance of this method could be the development of a simple, fast, non-invasive cancer screening tool based on blood CTC enumeration by flow cytometry and machine learning algorithms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleana Hatzidaki
- Research Genetic Cancer Centre SA (RGCC), 53100 Florina, Greece; (E.H.); (A.I.)
| | - Aggelos Iliopoulos
- Research Genetic Cancer Centre SA (RGCC), 53100 Florina, Greece; (E.H.); (A.I.)
| | - Ioannis Papasotiriou
- Research Genetic Cancer Centre International GmbH, 6300 Zug, Switzerland
- Correspondence:
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Kryvoshlyk I. CIRCULATING TUMOR CELLS: WHERE WE LEFT OFF? BIOTECHNOLOGIA ACTA 2021. [DOI: 10.15407/biotech14.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer metastasis and recurrence are the leading causes of cancer-related death. Tumor cells which leave the primary or secondary tumors and shed into the bloodstream are called circulating tumor cells (CTC). These cells are the key drivers of cancer dissemination to surrounding tissues and to distant organs. The use of CTC in clinical practice necessitates the deep insight into their biology, as well as into their role in cancer evasion of immune surveillance, tumor resistance to chemo- radio- and immunotherapies and metastatic dormancy. Aim. The purpose of the work was to review the current knowledge on the CTC biology, as well as the prospects for their use for the diagnosis and targeted treatment of metastatic disease. Methods. The work proposed the integrative literature review using MEDLINE, Biological Abstracts and EMBASE databases. Results. This review summarizes and discusses historical milestones and current data concerning СTС biology, the main stages of their life cycle, their role in metastatic cascade, clinical prospects for their use as markers for the diagnosis and prognostication of the disease course, as well as targets for cancer treatment. Conclusions. Significant progress in the area of CTC biology and their use in cancer theranostics convincingly proved the attractiveness of these cells as targets for cancer prognosis and therapy. The effective use of liquid biopsy with quantitative and phenotypic characteristics of CTCs is impeded by the imperfection of the methodology for taking biological material and by the lack of reliable markers for assessing the metastatic potential of CTCs of various origins. The variety of mechanisms of tumor cells migration and invasion requires the development of complex therapeutic approaches for anti-metastatic therapy targeting CTCs. Efforts to address these key issues could help developing new and effective cancer treatment strategies.
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Liu S, Nyström NN, Kelly JJ, Hamilton AM, Fu Y, Ronald JA. Molecular Imaging Reveals a High Degree of Cross-Seeding of Spontaneous Metastases in a Novel Mouse Model of Synchronous Bilateral Breast Cancer. Mol Imaging Biol 2021; 24:104-114. [PMID: 34312806 PMCID: PMC8760205 DOI: 10.1007/s11307-021-01630-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2021] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose Synchronous bilateral breast cancer (SBBC) patients present with cancer in both breasts at the time of diagnosis or within a short time interval. They show higher rates of metastasis and lower overall survival compared to women with unilateral breast cancer. Here we established the first preclinical SBBC model and used molecular imaging to visualize the patterns of metastasis from each primary tumor. Procedures We engineered human breast cancer cells to express either Akaluc or Antares2 for bioluminescence imaging (BLI) and tdTomato or zsGreen for ex vivo fluorescence microscopy. Both cell populations were implanted into contralateral mammary fat pads of mice (n=10), and dual-BLI was performed weekly for up to day 29 (n=3), 38 (n=4), or 42 (n=3). Primary tumors and lungs were fixed, and ex vivo fluorescence microscopy was used to analyze the cellular makeup of micrometastases. Results Signal from both Antares2 and Akaluc was first detected in the lungs on day 28 and was present in 9 of 10 mice at endpoint. Ex vivo fluorescence microscopy of the lungs revealed that for mice sacrificed on day 38, a significant percentage of micrometastases were composed of cancer cells from both primary tumors (mean 37%; range 27 to 45%), while two mice sacrificed on day 42 showed percentages of 51% and 70%. Conclusions A high degree of metastatic cross-seeding of cancer cells derived from bilateral tumors may contribute to faster metastatic growth and intratumoral heterogeneity. We posit that our work will help understand treatment resistance and optimal planning of SBBC treatment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s11307-021-01630-z.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shirley Liu
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Nivin N Nyström
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John J Kelly
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Amanda M Hamilton
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - Yanghao Fu
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada
| | - John A Ronald
- Robarts Research Institute, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Western Ontario, London, ON, Canada.
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Biomaterials for Cell-Surface Engineering and Their Efficacy. J Funct Biomater 2021; 12:jfb12030041. [PMID: 34287337 PMCID: PMC8293134 DOI: 10.3390/jfb12030041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Literature in the field of stem cell therapy indicates that, when stem cells in a state of single-cell suspension are injected systemically, they show poor in vivo survival, while such cells show robust cell survival and regeneration activity when transplanted in the state of being attached on a biomaterial surface. Although an attachment-deprived state induces anoikis, when cell-surface engineering technology was adopted for stem cells in a single-cell suspension state, cell survival and regenerative activity dramatically improved. The biochemical signal coming from ECM (extracellular matrix) molecules activates the cell survival signal transduction pathway and prevents anoikis. According to the target disease, various therapeutic cells can be engineered to improve their survival and regenerative activity, and there are several types of biomaterials available for cell-surface engineering. In this review, biomaterial types and application strategies for cell-surface engineering are presented along with their expected efficacy.
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Hamilton G, Plangger A. The Impact of NK Cell-Based Therapeutics for the Treatment of Lung Cancer for Biologics: Targets and Therapy. Biologics 2021; 15:265-277. [PMID: 34262255 PMCID: PMC8273903 DOI: 10.2147/btt.s290305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/15/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Lung cancer has a dismal prognosis and novel targeted therapies leave still room for major improvements and better outcomes. Immunotherapy targeting immune checkpoint (IC) proteins, either as single agents or in combination with chemotherapy, is active but responders constitute only approximately 10-15% of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Other effector immune cells such as CAR-T cells or NK cells may help to overcome the limitations of the IC inhibitor therapies for lung cancer. NK cells can kill tumor cells without previous priming and are present in the circulatory system and lymphoid organs. Tissue-residing NK cells differ from peripheral effector cells and, in case of the lung, comprise CD56bright CD16-negative populations showing high cytokine release but low cytotoxicity in contrast to the circulating CD56dim CD16-positive NK cells exhibiting high cytotoxic efficacy. This local attenuation of NK cell killing potency seems due to a specific stage of NK differentiation, immunosuppressive factors as well as presence of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and regulatory T cells (TREGs). Improved NK cell-based immunotherapies involve IL-2-stimulated effector cells, NK cells expanded with the help of cytokines, permanent NK cell lines, induced pluripotent stem cell-derived NK cells and NK cells armed with chimeric antigen receptors. Compared to CAR T cell therapy, NK cells administration is devoid of graft-versus-host disease (GvHD) and cytokine-release syndrome. Although NK cells are clearly active against lung cancer cells, the low-cytotoxicity differentiation state in lung tumors, the presence of immunosuppressive leucocyte populations, limited infiltration and adverse conditions of the microenvironment need to be overcome. This goal may be achieved in the future using large numbers of activated and armed NK cells as provided by novel methods in NK cell isolation, expansion and stimulation of cytotoxic activity, including combinations with monoclonal antibodies in antibody-dependent cytotoxicity (ADCC). This review discusses the basic characteristics of NK cells and the potential of NK cell preparations in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerhard Hamilton
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Adelina Plangger
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Godinho-Pereira J, Garcia AR, Figueira I, Malhó R, Brito MA. Behind Brain Metastases Formation: Cellular and Molecular Alterations and Blood-Brain Barrier Disruption. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7057. [PMID: 34209088 PMCID: PMC8268492 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2021] [Revised: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) brain metastases is a life-threatening condition to which accounts the poor understanding of BC cells' (BCCs) extravasation into the brain, precluding the development of preventive strategies. Thus, we aimed to unravel the players involved in the interaction between BCCs and blood-brain barrier (BBB) endothelial cells underlying BBB alterations and the transendothelial migration of malignant cells. We used brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) as a BBB in vitro model, under conditions mimicking shear stress to improve in vivo-like BBB features. Mixed cultures were performed by the addition of fluorescently labelled BCCs to distinguish individual cell populations. BCC-BMEC interaction compromised BBB integrity, as revealed by junctional proteins (β-catenin and zonula occludens-1) disruption and caveolae (caveolin-1) increase, reflecting paracellular and transcellular hyperpermeability, respectively. Both BMECs and BCCs presented alterations in the expression pattern of connexin 43, suggesting the involvement of the gap junction protein. Myosin light chain kinase and phosphorylated myosin light chain were upregulated, revealing the involvement of the endothelial cytoskeleton in the extravasation process. β4-Integrin and focal adhesion kinase were colocalised in malignant cells, reflecting molecular interaction. Moreover, BCCs exhibited invadopodia, attesting migratory properties. Collectively, hub players involved in BC brain metastases formation were unveiled, disclosing possible therapeutic targets for metastases prevention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joana Godinho-Pereira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Ana Rita Garcia
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Inês Figueira
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Farm-ID—Faculty of Pharmacy Association for Research and Development, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Rui Malhó
- BioISI—Biosystems and Integrative Sciences Institute, Faculty of Sciences, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande 016, 1749-016 Lisbon, Portugal;
| | - Maria Alexandra Brito
- iMed.ULisboa—Research Institute for Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal; (J.G.-P.); (A.R.G.); (I.F.)
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Medicines, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisbon, Portugal
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Reprogramming the tumor metastasis cascade by targeting galectin-driven networks. Biochem J 2021; 478:597-617. [PMID: 33600595 DOI: 10.1042/bcj20200167] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Revised: 12/28/2020] [Accepted: 01/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
A sequence of interconnected events known as the metastatic cascade promotes tumor progression by regulating cellular and molecular interactions between tumor, stromal, endothelial, and immune cells both locally and systemically. Recently, a new concept has emerged to better describe this process by defining four attributes that metastatic cells should undergo. Every individual hallmark represents a unique trait of a metastatic cell that impacts directly in the outcome of the metastasis process. These critical features, known as the hallmarks of metastasis, include motility and invasion, modulation of the microenvironment, cell plasticity and colonization. They are hierarchically regulated at different levels by several factors, including galectins, a highly conserved family of β-galactoside-binding proteins abundantly expressed in tumor microenvironments and sites of metastasis. In this review, we discuss the role of galectins in modulating each hallmark of metastasis, highlighting novel therapeutic opportunities for treating the metastatic disease.
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Verma R, Sattar RSA, Nimisha, Apurva, Kumar A, Sharma AK, Sumi MP, Ahmad E, Ali A, Mahajan B, Saluja SS. Cross-talk between next generation sequencing methodologies to identify genomic signatures of esophageal cancer. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2021; 162:103348. [PMID: 33961993 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2021.103348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 04/22/2021] [Accepted: 05/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The asymptomatic behaviour of esophageal cancerous cells at early stages develops advanced clinical presentation of the disease, resulting in poor prognosis and curbed intervention of therapeutic modalities. The endeavours to detect diagnostic and prognostic markers have been proven futile at the clinical platform. While several biomarkers have been investigated, including CYFRA 21-1, carcinoembryonic antigen and squamous cell carcinoma antigen, their sensitivity has not proved consistently satisfactory across the various stages of esophageal cancer. Hence, there is an impending requirement of biomarkers for early diagnosis and better prognosis. In the recent past, next generation sequencing (NGS) tool has emerged as an important tool to highlight the hallmarks of esophageal cancer (EC). This review summarizes the changes/mutations occurred in tumor cells during carcinogenesis and addresses the contribution of NGS techniques, viz. whole genome sequencing (WGS), RNA-Sequencing and Exome sequencing (ES), in EC. Additionally, this review highlights the connection between the findings from these techniques. An effort has been made to emphasize the genes affected and involved signaling pathway in EC. Further, investigations of these mutated genes would not only shed light on the relevant genes to be studied but also help in the better management and cure through personalized therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Renu Verma
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Real Sumayya Abdul Sattar
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Nimisha
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Apurva
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Arun Kumar
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Abhay Kumar Sharma
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Mamta Parveen Sumi
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Ejaj Ahmad
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Asgar Ali
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Science (AIIMS), Patna, Bihar, India
| | - Bhawna Mahajan
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India; Department of Biochemistry, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India
| | - Sundeep Singh Saluja
- Central Molecular Laboratory, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India; Department of GI Surgery, Govind Ballabh Pant Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research (GIPMER), New Delhi, India.
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Kalita B, Coumar MS. Deciphering molecular mechanisms of metastasis: novel insights into targets and therapeutics. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2021; 44:751-775. [PMID: 33914273 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00611-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The transition of a primary tumour to metastatic progression is driven by dynamic molecular changes, including genetic and epigenetic alterations. The metastatic cascade involves bidirectional interactions among extracellular and intracellular components leading to disintegration of cellular junctions, cytoskeleton reorganization and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. These events promote metastasis by reprogramming the primary cancer cell's molecular framework, enabling them to cause local invasion, anchorage-independent survival, cell death and immune resistance, extravasation and colonization of distant organs. Metastasis follows a site-specific pattern that is still poorly understood at the molecular level. Although various drugs have been tested clinically across different metastatic cancer types, it has remained difficult to develop efficacious therapeutics due to complex molecular layers involved in metastasis as well as experimental limitations. CONCLUSIONS In this review, a systemic evaluation of the molecular mechanisms of metastasis is outlined and the potential molecular components and their status as therapeutic targets and the associated pre-clinical and clinical agents available or under investigations are discussed. Integrative methods like pan-cancer data analysis, which can provide clinical insights into both targets and treatment decisions and help in the identification of crucial components driving metastasis such as mutational profiles, gene signatures, associated pathways, site specificities and disease-gene phenotypes, are discussed. A multi-level data integration of the metastasis signatures across multiple primary and metastatic cancer types may facilitate the development of precision medicine and open up new opportunities for future therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bikashita Kalita
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India
| | - Mohane Selvaraj Coumar
- Centre for Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Pondicherry, 605014, India.
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Neophytou CM, Panagi M, Stylianopoulos T, Papageorgis P. The Role of Tumor Microenvironment in Cancer Metastasis: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Opportunities. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13092053. [PMID: 33922795 PMCID: PMC8122975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13092053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 152] [Impact Index Per Article: 50.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Metastasis, the process by which cancer cells escape primary tumor site and colonize distant organs, is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. The tumor microenvironment (TME), comprises different cell types, including immune cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts, as well as structural elements, such as collagen and hyaluronan that constitute the extracellular matrix (ECM). Intratumoral interactions between the cellular and structural components of the TME regulate the aggressiveness, and dissemination of malignant cells and promote immune evasion. At the secondary site, the TME also facilitates escape from dormancy to enhance metastatic tumor outgrowth. Moreover, the ECM applies mechanical forces on tumors that contribute to hypoxia and cancer cell invasiveness whereas also hinders drug delivery and efficacy in both primary and metastatic sites. In this review, we summarize the latest developments regarding the role of the TME in cancer progression and discuss ongoing efforts to remodel the TME to stop metastasis in its tracks. Abstract The tumor microenvironment (TME) regulates essential tumor survival and promotion functions. Interactions between the cellular and structural components of the TME allow cancer cells to become invasive and disseminate from the primary site to distant locations, through a complex and multistep metastatic cascade. Tumor-associated M2-type macrophages have growth-promoting and immunosuppressive functions; mesenchymal cells mass produce exosomes that increase the migratory ability of cancer cells; cancer associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reorganize the surrounding matrix creating migration-guiding tracks for cancer cells. In addition, the tumor extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts determinant roles in disease progression and cancer cell migration and regulates therapeutic responses. The hypoxic conditions generated at the primary tumor force cancer cells to genetically and/or epigenetically adapt in order to survive and metastasize. In the circulation, cancer cells encounter platelets, immune cells, and cytokines in the blood microenvironment that facilitate their survival and transit. This review discusses the roles of different cellular and structural tumor components in regulating the metastatic process, targeting approaches using small molecule inhibitors, nanoparticles, manipulated exosomes, and miRNAs to inhibit tumor invasion as well as current and future strategies to remodel the TME and enhance treatment efficacy to block the detrimental process of metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiana M. Neophytou
- European University Research Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
| | - Myrofora Panagi
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (M.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Triantafyllos Stylianopoulos
- Cancer Biophysics Laboratory, Department of Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineering, University of Cyprus, Nicosia 2109, Cyprus; (M.P.); (T.S.)
| | - Panagiotis Papageorgis
- European University Research Center, Nicosia 2404, Cyprus;
- Tumor Microenvironment, Metastasis and Experimental Therapeutics Laboratory, Basic and Translational Cancer Research Center, Department of Life Sciences, European University Cyprus, Nicosia 1516, Cyprus
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +357-22-713158
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Priyadarshani J, Roy T, Das S, Chakraborty S. Frugal Approach toward Developing a Biomimetic, Microfluidic Network-on-a-Chip for In Vitro Analysis of Microvascular Physiology. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2021; 7:1263-1277. [PMID: 33555875 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.1c00070] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Several disease conditions, such as cancer metastasis and atherosclerosis, are deeply connected with the complex biophysical phenomena taking place in the complicated architecture of the tiny blood vessels in human circulatory systems. Traditionally, these diseases have been probed by devising various animal models, which are otherwise constrained by ethical considerations as well as limited predictive capabilities. Development of an engineered network-on-a-chip, which replicates not only the functional aspects of the blood-carrying microvessels of human bodies, but also its geometrical complexity and hierarchical microstructure, is therefore central to the evaluation of organ-assist devices and disease models for therapeutic assessment. Overcoming the constraints of reported resource-intensive fabrication techniques, here, we report a facile, simple yet niche combination of surface engineering and microfabrication strategy to devise a highly ordered hierarchical microtubular network embedded within a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) slab for dynamic cell culture on a chip, with a vision of addressing the exclusive aspects of the vascular transport processes under medically relevant paradigms. The design consists of hierarchical complexity ranging from capillaries (∼80 μm) to large arteries (∼390 μm) and a simultaneous tuning of the interfacial material chemistry. The fluid flow behavior is characterized numerically within the hierarchical network, and a confluent endothelial layer is realized on the inner wall of microfluidic device. We further explore the efficacy of the device as a vascular deposition assay of circulatory tumor cells (MG-63 osteosarcoma cells) present in whole blood. The proposed paradigm of mimicking an in vitro vascular network in a low-cost paradigm holds further potential for probing cellular dynamics as well as offering critical insights into various vascular transport processes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jyotsana Priyadarshani
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Trina Roy
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Soumen Das
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Suman Chakraborty
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
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49
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Ma Y, Zhou A, Song J. Upregulation of miR-1307-3p and its function in the clinical prognosis and progression of gastric cancer. Oncol Lett 2020; 21:91. [PMID: 33376524 PMCID: PMC7751337 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2020.12352] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 11/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-associated mortality worldwide. miR-1307-3p has been demonstrated to serve multiple roles in the development of various types of cancer. The present study aimed to evaluate the expression and functional role of miR-1307-3p in the progression of gastric cancer. The expression of miR-1307-3p in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines was detected by reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Furthermore, the correlation between miR-1307-3p expression and the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients was evaluated. Cell Counting Kit-8 and Transwell assays were performed to analyze the effects of miR-1307-3p on the proliferation and the migratory and invasive abilities of gastric cancer cells, respectively. Dual-luciferase reporter assay was conducted to reveal the potential underlying mechanism of miR-1307-3p. In gastric cancer tissues and cells, miR-1307-3p expression was significantly upregulated compared with the normal tissues and cell lines. In addition, the expression of miR-1307-3p was associated with the Tumor-Node Metastasis stage of patients. The results from Cox regression analysis demonstrated that miR-1307-3p may serve as an independent predictor for the prognosis of patients with gastric cancer. Furthermore, the upregulation of miR-1307-3p in gastric cancer cell lines significantly promoted the cell proliferation and migratory and invasive abilities by targeting DAB2 interacting protein. In conclusion, the findings from the present study suggested that miR-1307-3p may serve as a tumor promoter of gastric cancer and that miR-1307-3p expression in tumor tissues may be used as a prognostic indicator for patients with gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhui Ma
- Department of Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, P.R. China
| | - Aifeng Zhou
- Department of Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, P.R. China
| | - Juan Song
- Department of Laboratory, Qingdao Central Hospital, Qingdao, Shandong 266042, P.R. China
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Iliopoulos A, Beis G, Apostolou P, Papasotiriou I. Complex Networks, Gene Expression and Cancer Complexity: A Brief Review of Methodology and Applications. Curr Bioinform 2020. [DOI: 10.2174/1574893614666191017093504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
In this brief survey, various aspects of cancer complexity and how this complexity can
be confronted using modern complex networks’ theory and gene expression datasets, are described.
In particular, the causes and the basic features of cancer complexity, as well as the challenges
it brought are underlined, while the importance of gene expression data in cancer research
and in reverse engineering of gene co-expression networks is highlighted. In addition, an introduction
to the corresponding theoretical and mathematical framework of graph theory and complex
networks is provided. The basics of network reconstruction along with the limitations of gene
network inference, the enrichment and survival analysis, evolution, robustness-resilience and cascades
in complex networks, are described. Finally, an indicative and suggestive example of a cancer
gene co-expression network inference and analysis is given.
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Affiliation(s)
- A.C. Iliopoulos
- Research and Development Department, Research Genetic Cancer Centre S.A., Florina, Greece
| | - G. Beis
- Research and Development Department, Research Genetic Cancer Centre S.A., Florina, Greece
| | - P. Apostolou
- Research and Development Department, Research Genetic Cancer Centre S.A., Florina, Greece
| | - I. Papasotiriou
- Research Genetic Cancer Centre International GmbH, Zug, Switzerland
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