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Akinsipe T, Mohamedelhassan R, Akinpelu A, Pondugula SR, Mistriotis P, Avila LA, Suryawanshi A. Cellular interactions in tumor microenvironment during breast cancer progression: new frontiers and implications for novel therapeutics. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1302587. [PMID: 38533507 PMCID: PMC10963559 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1302587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 03/28/2024] Open
Abstract
The breast cancer tumor microenvironment (TME) is dynamic, with various immune and non-immune cells interacting to regulate tumor progression and anti-tumor immunity. It is now evident that the cells within the TME significantly contribute to breast cancer progression and resistance to various conventional and newly developed anti-tumor therapies. Both immune and non-immune cells in the TME play critical roles in tumor onset, uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion, and resistance to anti-tumor therapies. Consequently, molecular and cellular components of breast TME have emerged as promising therapeutic targets for developing novel treatments. The breast TME primarily comprises cancer cells, stromal cells, vasculature, and infiltrating immune cells. Currently, numerous clinical trials targeting specific TME components of breast cancer are underway. However, the complexity of the TME and its impact on the evasion of anti-tumor immunity necessitate further research to develop novel and improved breast cancer therapies. The multifaceted nature of breast TME cells arises from their phenotypic and functional plasticity, which endows them with both pro and anti-tumor roles during tumor progression. In this review, we discuss current understanding and recent advances in the pro and anti-tumoral functions of TME cells and their implications for developing safe and effective therapies to control breast cancer progress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tosin Akinsipe
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Rania Mohamedelhassan
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Ayuba Akinpelu
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Satyanarayana R. Pondugula
- Department of Chemical Engineering, College of Engineering, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Panagiotis Mistriotis
- Department of Anatomy, Physiology, and Pharmacology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - L. Adriana Avila
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Science and Mathematics, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
| | - Amol Suryawanshi
- Department of Pathobiology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Auburn University, Auburn, AL, United States
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2
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Cambria E, Coughlin MF, Floryan MA, Offeddu GS, Shelton SE, Kamm RD. Linking cell mechanical memory and cancer metastasis. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:216-228. [PMID: 38238471 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-023-00656-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2024]
Abstract
Metastasis causes most cancer-related deaths; however, the efficacy of anti-metastatic drugs is limited by incomplete understanding of the biological mechanisms that drive metastasis. Focusing on the mechanics of metastasis, we propose that the ability of tumour cells to survive the metastatic process is enhanced by mechanical stresses in the primary tumour microenvironment that select for well-adapted cells. In this Perspective, we suggest that biophysical adaptations favourable for metastasis are retained via mechanical memory, such that the extent of memory is influenced by both the magnitude and duration of the mechanical stress. Among the mechanical cues present in the primary tumour microenvironment, we focus on high matrix stiffness to illustrate how it alters tumour cell proliferation, survival, secretion of molecular factors, force generation, deformability, migration and invasion. We particularly centre our discussion on potential mechanisms of mechanical memory formation and retention via mechanotransduction and persistent epigenetic changes. Indeed, we propose that the biophysical adaptations that are induced by this process are retained throughout the metastatic process to improve tumour cell extravasation, survival and colonization in the distant organ. Deciphering mechanical memory mechanisms will be key to discovering a new class of anti-metastatic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Cambria
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
| | - Mark F Coughlin
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Marie A Floryan
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Giovanni S Offeddu
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Sarah E Shelton
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Roger D Kamm
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Mechanical Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA.
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Grasset EM, Barillé-Nion S, Juin PP. Stress in the metastatic journey - the role of cell communication and clustering in breast cancer progression and treatment resistance. Dis Model Mech 2024; 17:dmm050542. [PMID: 38506114 PMCID: PMC10979546 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.050542] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stands as the most prevalent malignancy afflicting women. Despite significant advancements in its diagnosis and treatment, breast cancer metastasis continues to be a leading cause of mortality among women. To metastasize, cancer cells face numerous challenges: breaking away from the primary tumor, surviving in the circulation, establishing in a distant location, evading immune detection and, finally, thriving to initiate a new tumor. Each of these sequential steps requires cancer cells to adapt to a myriad of stressors and develop survival mechanisms. In addition, most patients with breast cancer undergo surgical removal of their primary tumor and have various therapeutic interventions designed to eradicate cancer cells. Despite this plethora of attacks and stresses, certain cancer cells not only manage to persist but also proliferate robustly, giving rise to substantial tumors that frequently culminate in the patient's demise. To enhance patient outcomes, there is an imperative need for a deeper understanding of the molecular and cellular mechanisms that empower cancer cells to not only survive but also expand. Herein, we delve into the intrinsic stresses that cancer cells encounter throughout the metastatic journey and the additional stresses induced by therapeutic interventions. We focus on elucidating the remarkable strategies adopted by cancer cells, such as cell-cell clustering and intricate cell-cell communication mechanisms, to ensure their survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse M. Grasset
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Sophie Barillé-Nion
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Philippe P. Juin
- Université de Nantes, INSERM, CNRS, CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Équipe Labellisée LIGUE Contre le Cancer CRCI2NA, 44000 Nantes, France
- Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, 44805 Saint Herblain, France
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Guo S, Chen P, Yang Y, Wei W, Pan Y, Zeng F, Fan L, Wang W. Tumor-to-stroma cd8 + t cells ratio combined with cancer-associated fibroblasts: an innovative approach to predicting lymph node metastases of cervical cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2024; 150:93. [PMID: 38369672 PMCID: PMC10874907 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05578-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 02/20/2024]
Abstract
PURPOSE Precise identification of lymph node metastases is vital for the management of cervical cancer. However, the existing diagnostic methods for lymph node metastases have certain drawbacks. In this study, we aim to explore the expression of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-to-stroma CD8+ T cells ratio (CD8+ T cells T:S ratio) and its association with lymph node metastases of cervical cancer. METHODS Hundred and ten cervical cancer tissues and 39 biopsy tissues from patients were investigated immunocytochemically for the expression of CAFs and CD8+ T cells. The statistical correlation analysis was carried out using the SPSS system. RESULTS A strong and statistically significant negative correlation (r= - 0.690; P < 0.001) was observed between CAF density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio. Not only were CAFs density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio correlated with lymph node metastases respectively (P < 0.001), but the combination of them also significantly correlated with lymph node metastases (P < 0.001). Then, we constructed the combined diagnosis model (Logit (P) = - 4.446 + 0.300 × CAFs + 0.752 × CD8+ T cells T:S Ratio) of cervical cancer lymph node metastases. ROC curves analysis showed that the ROC curves areas for CAFs, CD8+ T cells T:S ratio, and a combination of both are 0.879, 0.747, and 0.951. Then, the prediction model was verified by biopsy specimens and consistent results were obtained. CONCLUSIONS The combination of CAF density and CD8+ T cells T:S ratio has a significant predictive value for lymph node metastases in patients with cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuangshuang Guo
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Peiyu Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Yang Yang
- The Six Affiliated Hospital, Guangzhou Medical University, Qingyuan, 511518, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenfei Wei
- Department of Gynecology, Zhuhai People's Hospital (Zhuhai Hospital Affiliated With Jinan University), Zhuhai, Guangdong, China
| | - YuHua Pan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Fanke Zeng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China
| | - Liangsheng Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Guangzhou Medical University, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510120, Guangdong, China.
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Crozet F, Levayer R. Emerging roles and mechanisms of ERK pathway mechanosensing. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:355. [PMID: 37947896 PMCID: PMC10638131 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-05007-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/16/2023] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
The coupling between mechanical forces and modulation of cell signalling pathways is essential for tissue plasticity and their adaptation to changing environments. Whilst the number of physiological and pathological relevant roles of mechanotransduction has been rapidly expanding over the last decade, studies have been mostly focussing on a limited number of mechanosensitive pathways, which include for instance Hippo/YAP/TAZ pathway, Wnt/β-catenin or the stretch-activated channel Piezo. However, the recent development and spreading of new live sensors has provided new insights into the contribution of ERK pathway in mechanosensing in various systems, which emerges now as a fast and modular mechanosensitive pathway. In this review, we will document key in vivo and in vitro examples that have established a clear link between cell deformation, mechanical stress and modulation of ERK signalling, comparing the relevant timescale and mechanical stress. We will then discuss different molecular mechanisms that have been proposed so far, focussing on the epistatic link between mechanics and ERK and discussing the relevant cellular parameters affecting ERK signalling. We will finish by discussing the physiological and the pathological consequences of the link between ERK and mechanics, outlining how this interplay is instrumental for self-organisation and long-range cell-cell coordination.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flora Crozet
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France
| | - Romain Levayer
- Department of Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, Institut Pasteur, Université de Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 3738, 25 Rue du Dr. Roux, 75015, Paris, France.
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Wang RC, Wang Z. Precision Medicine: Disease Subtyping and Tailored Treatment. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3837. [PMID: 37568653 PMCID: PMC10417651 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153837] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The genomics-based concept of precision medicine began to emerge following the completion of the Human Genome Project. In contrast to evidence-based medicine, precision medicine will allow doctors and scientists to tailor the treatment of different subpopulations of patients who differ in their susceptibility to specific diseases or responsiveness to specific therapies. The current precision medicine model was proposed to precisely classify patients into subgroups sharing a common biological basis of diseases for more effective tailored treatment to achieve improved outcomes. Precision medicine has become a term that symbolizes the new age of medicine. In this review, we examine the history, development, and future perspective of precision medicine. We also discuss the concepts, principles, tools, and applications of precision medicine and related fields. In our view, for precision medicine to work, two essential objectives need to be achieved. First, diseases need to be classified into various subtypes. Second, targeted therapies must be available for each specific disease subtype. Therefore, we focused this review on the progress in meeting these two objectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard C. Wang
- Department of Radiology and Radiological Sciences, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21287, USA;
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6J 5H4, Canada
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Cameron AP, Gao S, Liu Y, Zhao CX. Impact of hydrogel biophysical properties on tumor spheroid growth and drug response. Biomater Adv 2023; 149:213421. [PMID: 37060634 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2023.213421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Revised: 03/30/2023] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/17/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a critical role in regulating cell-matrix interactions during tumor progression. These interactions are due in large part to the biophysical properties responding to cancer cell interactions. Within in vitro models, the ECM is mimicked by hydrogels, which possess adjustable biophysical properties that are integral to tumor development. This work presents a systematic and comparative study on the impact of the biophysical properties of two widely used natural hydrogels, Matrigel and collagen gel, on tumor growth and drug response. The biophysical properties of Matrigel and collagen including complex modulus, loss tangent, diffusive permeability, and pore size, were characterised. Then the spheroid growth rates in these two hydrogels were monitored for spheroids with two different sizes (140 μm and 500 μm in diameters). An increased migratory growth was observed in the lower concentration of both the gels. The effect of spheroid incorporation within the hydrogel had a minimal impact on the hydrogel's complex modulus. Finally, 3D tumor models using different concentrations of hydrogels were applied for drug treatment using paclitaxel. Spheroids cultured in hydrogels with different concentrations showed different drug response, demonstrating the significant effect of the choice of hydrogels and their concentrations on the drug response results despite using the same spheroids. This study provides useful insights into the effect of hydrogel biophysical properties on spheroid growth and drug response and highlights the importance of hydrogel selection and in vitro model design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Cameron
- Australian institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Song Gao
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Yun Liu
- School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Chemical Engineering and Advanced Materials, The University of Adelaide, Adelaide, Australia.
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Cao J, Li H, Tang H, Gu X, Wang Y, Guan D, Du J, Fan Y. Stiff Extracellular Matrix Promotes Invasive Behaviors of Trophoblast Cells. Bioengineering (Basel) 2023; 10:bioengineering10030384. [PMID: 36978775 PMCID: PMC10045595 DOI: 10.3390/bioengineering10030384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 03/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The effect of extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness on embryonic trophoblast cells invasion during mammalian embryo implantation remains largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the effects of ECM stiffness on various aspects of human trophoblast cell behaviors during cell-ECM interactions. The mechanical microenvironment of the uterus was simulated by fabricating polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with different levels of stiffness. The human choriocarcinoma (JAR) cell lineage was used as the trophoblast model. We found that the spreading area of JAR cells, the formation of focal adhesions, and the polymerization of the F-actin cytoskeleton were all facilitated with increased ECM stiffness. Significantly, JAR cells also exhibited durotactic behavior on ECM with a gradient stiffness. Meanwhile, stiffness of the ECM affects the invasion of multicellular JAR spheroids. These results demonstrated that human trophoblast cells are mechanically sensitive, while the mechanical properties of the uterine microenvironment could play an important role in the implantation process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jialing Cao
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
- Sino-French Engineer School, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Hangyu Li
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Hongyan Tang
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Xuenan Gu
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University Third Hospital, Beijing 100191, China
| | - Dongshi Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Nonlinear Mechanics, Institute of Mechanics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100190, China
- School of Engineering Science, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jing Du
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
| | - Yubo Fan
- Key Laboratory for Biomechanics and Mechanobiology of the Ministry of Education, Institute of Nanotechnology for Single Cell Analysis, Beijing Advanced Innovation Center for Biomedical Engineering, School of Biological Science and Medical Engineering, Beihang University, Beijing 100083, China
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Nicolini G, Balzan S, Forini F. Activated fibroblasts in cardiac and cancer fibrosis: An overview of analogies and new potential therapeutic options. Life Sci 2023; 321:121575. [PMID: 36933828 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/18/2023]
Abstract
Heart disease and cancer are two major causes of morbidity and mortality in the industrialized countries, and their increasingly recognized connections are shifting the focus from single disease studies to an interdisciplinary approach. Fibroblast-mediated intercellular crosstalk is critically involved in the evolution of both pathologies. In healthy myocardium and in non-cancerous conditions, resident fibroblasts are the main cell source for synthesis of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and important sentinels of tissue integrity. In the setting of myocardial disease or cancer, quiescent fibroblasts activate, respectively, into myofibroblasts (myoFbs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), characterized by increased production of contractile proteins, and by a highly proliferative and secretory phenotype. Although the initial activation of myoFbs/CAFs is an adaptive process to repair the damaged tissue, massive deposition of ECM proteins leads to maladaptive cardiac or cancer fibrosis, a recognized marker of adverse outcome. A better understanding of the key mechanisms orchestrating fibroblast hyperactivity may help developing innovative therapeutic options to restrain myocardial or tumor stiffness and improve patient prognosis. Albeit still unappreciated, the dynamic transition of myocardial and tumor fibroblasts into myoFbs and CAFs shares several common triggers and signaling pathways relevant to TGF-β dependent cascade, metabolic reprogramming, mechanotransduction, secretory properties, and epigenetic regulation, which might lay the foundation for future antifibrotic intervention. Therefore, the aim of this review is to highlight emerging analogies in the molecular signature underlying myoFbs and CAFs activation with the purpose of identifying novel prognostic/diagnostic biomarkers, and to elucidate the potential of drug repositioning strategies to mitigate cardiac/cancer fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Silvana Balzan
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy
| | - Francesca Forini
- CNR Institute of Clinical Physiology, Via G.Moruzzi 1, 56124 Pisa, Italy.
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10
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Yuan Z, Li Y, Zhang S, Wang X, Dou H, Yu X, Zhang Z, Yang S, Xiao M. Extracellular matrix remodeling in tumor progression and immune escape: from mechanisms to treatments. Mol Cancer 2023; 22:48. [PMID: 36906534 PMCID: PMC10007858 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-023-01744-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 52.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Accepted: 02/11/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The malignant tumor is a multi-etiological, systemic and complex disease characterized by uncontrolled cell proliferation and distant metastasis. Anticancer treatments including adjuvant therapies and targeted therapies are effective in eliminating cancer cells but in a limited number of patients. Increasing evidence suggests that the extracellular matrix (ECM) plays an important role in tumor development through changes in macromolecule components, degradation enzymes and stiffness. These variations are under the control of cellular components in tumor tissue via the aberrant activation of signaling pathways, the interaction of the ECM components to multiple surface receptors, and mechanical impact. Additionally, the ECM shaped by cancer regulates immune cells which results in an immune suppressive microenvironment and hinders the efficacy of immunotherapies. Thus, the ECM acts as a barrier to protect cancer from treatments and supports tumor progression. Nevertheless, the profound regulatory network of the ECM remodeling hampers the design of individualized antitumor treatment. Here, we elaborate on the composition of the malignant ECM, and discuss the specific mechanisms of the ECM remodeling. Precisely, we highlight the impact of the ECM remodeling on tumor development, including proliferation, anoikis, metastasis, angiogenesis, lymphangiogenesis, and immune escape. Finally, we emphasize ECM "normalization" as a potential strategy for anti-malignant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhennan Yuan
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Yingpu Li
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Sifan Zhang
- Department of Neurobiology, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xueying Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410008, China
| | - He Dou
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Xi Yu
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China
| | - Zhiren Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Cell Transplantation, The First Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, Harbin, 150001, China.,Institute of Metabolic Disease, Heilongjiang Academy of Medical Science, Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Metabolic Disorder and Cancer Related Cardiovascular Diseases, Harbin, 150001, China
| | - Shanshan Yang
- Department of Gynecological Radiotherapy, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150000, China.
| | - Min Xiao
- Department of Oncological Surgery, Harbin Medical University Cancer Hospital, Harbin, 150081, China.
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11
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Zhao H, Li R, Chen Y, Yang X, Shang Z. Stromal nicotinamide N-methyltransferase orchestrates the crosstalk between fibroblasts and tumour cells in oral squamous cell carcinoma: evidence from patient-derived assembled organoids. Oncogene 2023. [PMID: 36823377 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-023-02642-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/25/2023]
Abstract
Nicotinamide N-methyltransferase (NNMT) has been reported to be linked to methylation reprogramming in cancer cells. However, the role of NNMT in the tumour microenvironment (TME) remains elusive. Here, we found that the expression of NNMT was elevated in the stroma of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Using a fibroblast-attached organoids (FAOs) model, we confirmed that stromal NNMT expression contributed to the generation of assembled tumour organoids. In a tumour regeneration assay with co-implanted OSCC cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), the tumour-initiating activity was reduced when NNMT was silenced in CAFs. In contrast, overexpression of NNMT in paracancerous fibroblasts (PFs) accelerated tumour growth in co-inoculation experiments. Notably, fibroblast-specific NNMT can regulate type I collagen deposition in both FAOs and xenografts. Further investigations confirmed that the stromal NNMT-aggravated oncogenic activities were attenuated by treatment with inhibitors of either collagen synthesis (e.g. losartan, tranilast, and halofuginone) in fibroblasts, or the focal adhesion kinase (FAK) signal (i.e. defactinib) in cancer cells. Mechanistically, overexpression of NNMT reduced the enrichment of H3K27me3 at the promoter of the gene encoding lysyl oxidase (LOX), a key enzyme that regulates the cross-linking of collagen I. Overall, we propose that the NNMT-LOX-FAK cascade contributes to the crosstalk between cancer cells and fibroblasts during OSCC development, and that NNMT-centric extracellular matrix remodelling is a novel therapeutic target for patients with OSCC.
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12
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Varricchio A, Khan S, Price ZK, Davis RA, Ramesh SA, Yool AJ. Pharmacological Inhibition of Membrane Signaling Mechanisms Reduces the Invasiveness of U87-MG and U251-MG Glioblastoma Cells In Vitro. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36831372 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15041027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2023] [Revised: 01/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Impairing the motility of glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells is a compelling goal for new approaches to manage this highly invasive and rapidly lethal human brain cancer. Work here characterized an array of pharmacological inhibitors of membrane ion and water channels, alone and in combination, as tools for restraining glioblastoma spread in human GBM cell lines U87-MG and U251-MG. Aquaporins, AMPA glutamate receptors, and ion channel classes (shown to be upregulated in human GBM at the transcript level and linked to mechanisms of motility in other cell types) were selected as pharmacological targets for analyses. Effective compounds reduced the transwell invasiveness of U87-MG and U251-MG glioblastoma cells by 20-80% as compared with controls, without cytotoxicity. The compounds and doses used were: AqB013 (14 μM); nifedipine (25 µM); amiloride (10 µM); apamin (10 µM); 4-aminopyridine (250 µM); and CNQX (6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione; 30 µM). Invasiveness was quantified in vitro across transwell filter chambers layered with extracellular matrix. Co-application of each of the ion channel agents with the water channel inhibitor AqB013 augmented the inhibition of invasion (20 to 50% greater than either agent alone). The motility impairment achieved by co-application of pharmacological agents differed between the GBM proneural-like subtype U87-MG and classical-like subtype U251-MG, showing patterns consistent with relative levels of target channel expression (Human Protein Atlas database). In addition, two compounds, xanthurenic acid and caelestine C (from the Davis Open Access Natural Product-based Library, Griffith University QLD), were discovered to block invasion at micromolar doses in both GBM lines (IC50 values from 0.03 to 1 µM), without cytotoxicity, as measured by full mitochondrial activity under conditions matching those in transwell assays and by normal growth in spheroid assays. Mechanisms of action of these agents based on published work are likely to involve modulation of glutamatergic receptor signaling. Treating glioblastoma by the concurrent inhibition of multiple channel targets could be a powerful approach for slowing invasive cell spread without cytotoxic side effects, potentially enhancing the effectiveness of clinical interventions focused on eradicating primary tumors.
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Varricchio A, Yool AJ. Aquaporins and Ion Channels as Dual Targets in the Design of Novel Glioblastoma Therapeutics to Limit Invasiveness. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15. [PMID: 36765806 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Current therapies for Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) focus on eradicating primary tumors using radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgical resection, but have limited success in controlling the invasive spread of glioma cells into a healthy brain, the major factor driving short survival times for patients post-diagnosis. Transcriptomic analyses of GBM biopsies reveal clusters of membrane signaling proteins that in combination serve as robust prognostic indicators, including aquaporins and ion channels, which are upregulated in GBM and implicated in enhanced glioblastoma motility. Accumulating evidence supports our proposal that the concurrent pharmacological targeting of selected subclasses of aquaporins and ion channels could impede glioblastoma invasiveness by impairing key cellular motility pathways. Optimal sets of channels to be selected as targets for combined therapies could be tailored to the GBM cancer subtype, taking advantage of differences in patterns of expression between channels that are characteristic of GBM subtypes, as well as distinguishing them from non-cancerous brain cells such as neurons and glia. Focusing agents on a unique channel fingerprint in GBM would further allow combined agents to be administered at near threshold doses, potentially reducing off-target toxicity. Adjunct therapies which confine GBM tumors to their primary sites during clinical treatments would offer profound advantages for treatment efficacy.
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14
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Ning Y, Lin K, Fang J, Ding Y, Zhang Z, Chen X, Zhao Q, Wang H, Wang F. Gastrointestinal pan-cancer landscape of tumor matrix heterogeneity identifies biologically distinct matrix stiffness subtypes predicting prognosis and chemotherapy efficacy. Comput Struct Biotechnol J 2023; 21:2744-2758. [PMID: 37181656 PMCID: PMC10173364 DOI: 10.1016/j.csbj.2023.04.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2023] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are a heterogeneous group of primary solid tumors, arising in GI tract from the esophagus to rectum. Matrix stiffness (MS) is a critical physical factor for cancer progression; however, its importance in tumor progression remains to be comprehensively recognized. Herein, we conducted a comprehensive pan-cancer analysis of MS subtypes across seven GI-cancer types. Using unsupervised clustering based on literature-derived MS-specific pathway signatures, the GI-tumor samples were divided into three MS subtypes, termed as the Soft, Mixed and Stiff. Then, distinct prognoses, biological features, tumor microenvironments and mutation landscapes among three MS subtypes were revealed. The Stiff tumor subtype was associated with the poorest prognosis, the most malignant biological behaviors, and the immunosuppressive tumor stromal microenvironment. Furthermore, multiple machine learning algorithms were used to develop an 11-gene MS-signature to identify the MS subtypes of GI-caner and predict chemotherapy sensitivity, which were further validated in two external GI-cancer cohorts. This novel MS-based classification on GI-cancers could enhance our understanding of the important role of MS in tumor progression, and may have implications for the optimization of individualized cancer management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yumei Ning
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Kun Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Jun Fang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Zhang Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Xiaojia Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
| | - Qiu Zhao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Haizhou Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
| | - Fan Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
- Hubei Clinical Center and Key Lab of Intestinal and Colorectal Diseases, Wuhan, China
- Corresponding authors at: Department of Gastroenterology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, China
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Rojas A, Schneider I, Lindner C, Gonzalez I, Morales MA. Association between diabetes and cancer. Current mechanistic insights into the association and future challenges. Mol Cell Biochem 2022. [PMID: 36565361 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-022-04630-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 11/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Compelling pieces of epidemiological, clinical, and experimental research have demonstrated that Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a major risk factor associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality in many human neoplasms. In the pathophysiology context of DM, many of the main classical actors are relevant elements that can fuel the different steps of the carcinogenesis process. Hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, metabolic inflammation, and dyslipidemia are among the classic contributors to this association. Furthermore, new emerging actors have received particular attention in the last few years, and compelling data support that the microbiome, the epigenetic changes, the reticulum endoplasmic stress, and the increased glycolytic influx also play important roles in promoting the development of many cancer types. The arsenal of glucose-lowering therapeutic agents used for treating diabetes is wide and diverse, and a growing body of data raised during the last two decades has tried to clarify the contribution of therapeutic agents to this association. However, this research area remains controversial, because some anti-diabetic drugs are now considered as either promotors or protecting elements. In the present review, we intend to highlight the compelling epidemiological shreds of evidence that support this association, as well as the mechanistic contributions of many of these potential pathological mechanisms, some controversial points as well as future challenges.
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Han SJ, Kwon S, Kim KS. Contribution of mechanical homeostasis to epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1119-1136. [PMID: 36149601 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-022-00720-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Metastasis refers to the spread of cancer cells from a primary tumor to other parts of the body via the lymphatic system and bloodstream. With tremendous effort over the past decades, remarkable progress has been made in understanding the molecular and cellular basis of metastatic processes. Metastasis occurs through five steps, including infiltration and migration, intravasation, survival, extravasation, and colonization. Various molecular and cellular factors involved in the metastatic process have been identified, such as epigenetic factors of the extracellular matrix (ECM), cell-cell interactions, soluble signaling, adhesion molecules, and mechanical stimuli. However, the underlying cause of cancer metastasis has not been elucidated. CONCLUSION In this review, we have focused on changes in the mechanical properties of cancer cells and their surrounding environment to understand the causes of cancer metastasis. Cancer cells have unique mechanical properties that distinguish them from healthy cells. ECM stiffness is involved in cancer cell growth, particularly in promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). During tumorigenesis, the mechanical properties of cancer cells change in the direction opposite to their environment, resulting in a mechanical stress imbalance between the intracellular and extracellular domains. Disruption of mechanical homeostasis may be one of the causes of EMT that triggers the metastasis of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Se Jik Han
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Medicine, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.,Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Sangwoo Kwon
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea
| | - Kyung Sook Kim
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, Korea.
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17
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Li S, Lee DJ, Kim HY, Kim JY, Jung YS, Jung HS. Unraveled roles of Cav1.2 in proliferation and stemness of ameloblastoma. Cell Biosci 2022; 12:145. [PMID: 36057617 PMCID: PMC9440535 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-022-00873-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Transcriptome analysis has been known as a functional tool for cancer research recently. Mounting evidence indicated that calcium signaling plays several key roles in cancer progression. Despite numerous studies examining calcium signaling in cancer, calcium signaling studies in ameloblastoma are limited. Results In the present study, comparative transcriptome profiling of two representative odontogenic lesions, ameloblastoma and odontogenic keratocyst, revealed that Cav1.2 (CACNA1C, an L-type voltage-gated calcium channel) is strongly enriched in ameloblastoma. It was confirmed that the Ca2+ influx in ameloblastoma cells is mainly mediated by Cav1.2 through L-type voltage-gated calcium channel agonist and blocking reagent treatment. Overexpression and knockdown of Cav1.2 showed that Cav1.2 is directly involved in the regulation of the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor of activated T cell 1 (NFATc1), which causes cell proliferation. Furthermore, a tumoroid study indicated that Cav1.2-dependent Ca2+ entry is also associated with the maintenance of stemness of ameloblastoma cells via the enhancement of Wnt/β-catenin signaling activity. Conclusion In conclusion, Cav1.2 regulates the NFATc1 nuclear translocation to enhance ameloblastoma cell proliferation. Furthermore, Cav1.2 dependent Ca2+ influx contributes to the Wnt/β-catenin activity for the ameloblastoma cell stemness and tumorigenicity. Our fundamental findings could have a major impact in the fields of oral maxillofacial surgery, and genetic manipulation or pharmacological approaches to Cav1.2 can be considered as new therapeutic options. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13578-022-00873-9.
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18
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Basilico B, Palamà IE, D’Amone S, Lauro C, Rosito M, Grieco M, Ratano P, Cordella F, Sanchini C, Di Angelantonio S, Ragozzino D, Cascione M, Gigli G, Cortese B. Substrate stiffness effect on molecular crosstalk of epithelial-mesenchymal transition mediators of human glioblastoma cells. Front Oncol 2022; 12:983507. [PMID: 36091138 PMCID: PMC9454310 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.983507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The complexity of the microenvironment effects on cell response, show accumulating evidence that glioblastoma (GBM) migration and invasiveness are influenced by the mechanical rigidity of their surroundings. The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-recognized driving force of the invasive behavior of cancer. However, the primary mechanisms of EMT initiation and progression remain unclear. We have previously showed that certain substrate stiffness can selectively stimulate human GBM U251-MG and GL15 glioblastoma cell lines motility. The present study unifies several known EMT mediators to uncover the reason of the regulation and response to these stiffnesses. Our results revealed that changing the rigidity of the mechanical environment tuned the response of both cell lines through change in morphological features, epithelial-mesenchymal markers (E-, N-Cadherin), EGFR and ROS expressions in an interrelated manner. Specifically, a stiffer microenvironment induced a mesenchymal cell shape, a more fragmented morphology, higher intracellular cytosolic ROS expression and lower mitochondrial ROS. Finally, we observed that cells more motile showed a more depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential. Unravelling the process that regulates GBM cells’ infiltrative behavior could provide new opportunities for identification of new targets and less invasive approaches for treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ilaria Elena Palamà
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Stefania D’Amone
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Clotilde Lauro
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | - Maria Rosito
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Maddalena Grieco
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Lecce, Italy
| | - Patrizia Ratano
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
| | - Federica Cordella
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Caterina Sanchini
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Silvia Di Angelantonio
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Center for Life Nanoscience, Italian Institute of Technology (IIT), Rome, Italy
| | - Davide Ragozzino
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Gigli
- Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Sapienza University, Rome, Italy
- Department of Mathematics and Physics “Ennio De Giorgi” University of Salento, Lecce, Italy
| | - Barbara Cortese
- National Research Council-Nanotechnology Institute (CNR Nanotec), Rome, Italy
- *Correspondence: Barbara Cortese,
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Grasset EM, Dunworth M, Sharma G, Loth M, Tandurella J, Cimino-Mathews A, Gentz M, Bracht S, Haynes M, Fertig EJ, Ewald AJ. Triple-negative breast cancer metastasis involves complex epithelial-mesenchymal transition dynamics and requires vimentin. Sci Transl Med 2022; 14:eabn7571. [PMID: 35921474 PMCID: PMC9801390 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.abn7571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is an aggressive subtype associated with early metastatic recurrence and worse patient outcomes. TNBC tumors express molecular markers of the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), but its requirement during spontaneous TNBC metastasis in vivo remains incompletely understood. We demonstrated that spontaneous TNBC tumors from a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM), multiple patient-derived xenografts, and archival patient samples exhibited large populations in vivo of hybrid E/M cells that lead invasion ex vivo while expressing both epithelial and mesenchymal characteristics. The mesenchymal marker vimentin promoted invasion and repressed metastatic outgrowth. We next tested the requirement for five EMT transcription factors and observed distinct patterns of utilization during invasion and colony formation. These differences suggested a sequential activation of multiple EMT molecular programs during the metastatic cascade. Consistent with this model, our longitudinal single-cell RNA analysis detected three different EMT-related molecular patterns. We observed cancer cells progressing from epithelial to hybrid E/M and strongly mesenchymal patterns during invasion and from epithelial to a hybrid E/M pattern during colony formation. We next investigated the relative epithelial versus mesenchymal state of cancer cells in both GEMM and patient metastases. In both contexts, we observed heterogeneity between and within metastases in the same individual. We observed a complex spectrum of epithelial, hybrid E/M, and mesenchymal cell states within metastases, suggesting that there are multiple successful molecular strategies for distant organ colonization. Together, our results demonstrate an important and complex role for EMT programs during TNBC metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eloïse M. Grasset
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Matthew Dunworth
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Gaurav Sharma
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Melanie Loth
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Joseph Tandurella
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Ashley Cimino-Mathews
- Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Melissa Gentz
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Sydney Bracht
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Meagan Haynes
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Elana J. Fertig
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Applied Mathematics and Statistics, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Andrew J. Ewald
- Department of Cell Biology, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Department of Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA,Convergence Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
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Wei J, Yao J, Yan M, Xie Y, Liu P, Mao Y, Li X. The role of matrix stiffness in cancer stromal cell fate and targeting therapeutic strategies. Acta Biomater 2022; 150:34-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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21
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Shen Z, Gu L, Liu Y, Wang L, Zhu J, Tang S, Wei X, Wang J, Zhang S, Wang X, Cheng X, Xie X, Lu W. PLAA suppresses ovarian cancer metastasis via METTL3-mediated m6A modification of TRPC3 mRNA. Oncogene 2022; 41:4145-4158. [PMID: 35869392 PMCID: PMC9418004 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/04/2022] [Revised: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 07/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Wide metastasis contributes to a high death rate in ovarian cancer, and understanding of the molecular mechanism helps to find effective targets for metastatic ovarian cancer therapy. It has been found that phospholipase A2-activating protein (PLAA) is inactivated in some cancers, but its role in cancer metastasis remains unknown. Here, we found that PLAA was significantly downregulated in ovarian cancer highly metastatic cell lines and patients, and the low expression of PLAA was associated with poorer prognosis and high-risk clinicopathological features of patients. PLAA inhibited the migration and invasion of ovarian cancer cells and metastasis of transplanted tumor in the orthotopic xenograft mouse model. Meanwhile, PLAA inhibited metastasis of ovarian cancer by inhibiting transient receptor potential channel canonical 3 (TRPC3)-mediated the intracellular Ca2+ level. Mechanistically, PLAA inhibited methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3) expression through the ubiquitin-mediated degradation, and METTL3 stabilized TRPC3 mRNA expression via N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification. Our study verified the function and mechanism of the PLAA-METTL3-TRPC3 axis involved in ovarian cancer metastasis, with a view to providing a potential therapeutic approach for ovarian cancer.
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22
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Li S, Kim HY, Lee DJ, Park SH, Otsu K, Harada H, Jung YS, Jung HS. Inhibition of L-type voltage-gated calcium channel-mediated Ca 2+ influx suppresses the collective migration and invasion of ameloblastoma. Cell Prolif 2022; 55:e13305. [PMID: 35794842 PMCID: PMC9628225 DOI: 10.1111/cpr.13305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Objectives Ameloblastoma (AM) has been known as a benign but locally invasive tumour with high recurrence rates. Invasive behaviour of the AM results in destruction of the adjacent jawbone and the non‐detectable remnants during surgery, interrupting the complete elimination of cancer cells. Methods To explore novel targets for the tumour cell invasion, a transcriptomic analysis between AM and odontogenic keratocyst were performed through next‐generation sequencing in detail. Results Enrichment of CACNA1C gene (encoding Cav1.2) in AM, a subunit of the L‐type voltage‐gated calcium channel (VGCC) was observed for the first time. The expression and channel activity of Cav1.2 was confirmed by immunostaining and calcium imaging in the patient samples or primary cells. Verapamil, L‐type VGCC blocker revealed suppression of the Ca2+‐induced cell aggregation and collective invasion of AM cells in vitro. Furthermore, the effect of verapamil in suppressing AM invasion into the adjacent bone was confirmed through orthotopic xenograft model specifically. Conclusion Taken together, Cav1.2 maybe considered to be a therapeutic candidate to decrease the collective migration and invasion of AM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shujin Li
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Yi Kim
- NGeneS Inc, Ansan-si, Gyeonggi-do, South Korea
| | - Dong-Joon Lee
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Sung-Ho Park
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Keishi Otsu
- Division of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Hidemitsu Harada
- Division of Developmental Biology and Regenerative Medicine, Department of Anatomy, Iwate Medical University, Iwate, Japan
| | - Young-Soo Jung
- Department of Oral & Maxillofacial Surgery, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Han-Sung Jung
- Division in Anatomy and Developmental Biology, Department of Oral Biology, Taste Research Center, Oral Science Research Center, BK21 FOUR Project, Yonsei University College of Dentistry, Seoul, South Korea
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Tang X, Zhang Y, Mao J, Wang Y, Zhang Z, Wang Z, Yang H. Effects of substrate stiffness on the viscoelasticity and migration of prostate cancer cells examined by atomic force microscopy. Beilstein J Nanotechnol 2022; 13:560-569. [PMID: 35860456 PMCID: PMC9263554 DOI: 10.3762/bjnano.13.47] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
The stiffness of the extracellular matrix of tumour cells plays a key role in tumour cell metastasis. However, it is unclear how mechanical properties regulate the cellular response to the environmental matrix. In this study, atomic force microscopy (AFM) and laser confocal imaging were used to qualitatively evaluate the relationship between substrate stiffness and migration of prostate cancer (PCa) cells. Cells cultured on stiff substrates (35 kPa) undergone several interesting phenomena compared to those on soft substrates (3 kPa). Here, the stimulation generated by the stiff substrates triggered the F-actin skeleton to bundle its filaments, increasing the polarity index of the external contour of PCa cells. Analysis of AFM force-distance curves indicated that the elasticity of the cells cultured on 35 kPa substrates increased while the viscosity decreased. Wound-healing experiments showed that PCa cells cultured on 35 kPa substrates have higher migration potential. These phenomena suggested that the mechanical properties may be correlated with the migration of PCa cells. After actin depolymerisation, the elasticity of the PCa cells decreased while the viscosity increased, and the migration ability was correspondingly decreased. In conclusion, this study clearly demonstrated the relationship between substrate stiffness and the mechanical properties of cells in prostate tumour metastasis, providing a basis for understanding the changes in the biomechanical properties at a single-cell level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqiong Tang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Jiangbing Mao
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Yuhua Wang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
| | - Zhenghong Zhang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Zhengchao Wang
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Developmental Biology and Neurosciences, College of Life Sciences, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350117, China
| | - Hongqin Yang
- Key Laboratory of Optoelectronic Science and Technology for Medicine of Ministry of Education, Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory for Photonics Technology, Fujian Normal University, Fuzhou 350007, China
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Rojas A, Schneider I, Lindner C, González I, Morales MA. The RAGE/multiligand axis: a new actor in tumor biology. Biosci Rep 2022:BSR20220395. [PMID: 35727208 DOI: 10.1042/BSR20220395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2022] [Revised: 06/02/2022] [Accepted: 06/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation end-products (RAGE) is a multiligand binding and single-pass transmembrane protein which actively participates in several chronic inflammation-related diseases. RAGE, in addition to AGEs, has a wide repertoire of ligands, including several damage-associated molecular pattern molecules or alarmins such as HMGB1 and members of the S100 family proteins. Over the last years, a large and compelling body of evidence has revealed the active participation of the RAGE axis in tumor biology based on its active involvement in several crucial mechanisms involved in tumor growth, immune evasion, dissemination, as well as by sculpturing of the tumor microenvironment as a tumor-supportive niche. In the present review, we will detail the consequences of the RAGE axis activation to fuel essential mechanisms to guarantee tumor growth and spreading.
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25
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Lee D, Naikar JS, Chan SSY, Meivita MP, Li L, Tan YS, Bajalovic N, Loke DK. Ultralong recovery time in nanosecond electroporation systems enabled by orientational-disordering processes. Nanoscale 2022; 14:7934-7942. [PMID: 35603889 DOI: 10.1039/d1nr07362a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The growing importance of applications based on molecular medicine and genetic engineering is driving the need to develop high-performance electroporation technologies. The electroporation phenomenon involves disruption of the cell for increasing membrane permeability. Although there is a multitude of research focused on exploring new electroporation techniques, the engineering of programming schemes suitable for these electroporation methods remains a challenge. Nanosecond stimulations could be promising candidates for these techniques owing to their ability to generate a wide range of biological responses. Here we control the membrane permeabilization of cancer cells using different numbers of electric-field pulses through orientational disordering effects. We then report our exploration of a few-volt nanosecond alternating-current (AC) stimulation method with an increased number of pulses for developing electroporation systems. A recovery time of ∼720 min was achieved, which is above the average of ∼76 min for existing electroporation methods using medium cell populations, as well as a previously unreported increased conductance with an increase in the number of pulses using weak bias amplitudes. All-atom molecular dynamics (MD) simulations reveal the orientation-disordering-facilitated increase in the degree of permeabilization. These findings highlight the potential of few-volt nanosecond AC-stimulation with an increased number of pulse strategies for the development of next-generation low-power electroporation systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Denise Lee
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
| | - J Shamita Naikar
- Office of Innovation, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, 529889
| | - Sophia S Y Chan
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
| | - Maria Prisca Meivita
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
| | - Lunna Li
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
| | - Yaw Sing Tan
- Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore 138671
| | - Natasa Bajalovic
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
| | - Desmond K Loke
- Department of Science, Mathematics and Technology, Singapore University of Technology and Design, Singapore 487372.
- Office of Innovation, Changi General Hospital, Singapore, 529889
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26
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Yu S, Wang Y, Tang B, Liu X, Song L, Xu G, Zhu H, Sun H. Four calcium signaling pathway-related genes were upregulated in microcystic adnexal carcinoma: transcriptome analysis and immunohistochemical validation. World J Surg Oncol 2022; 20:142. [PMID: 35509066 PMCID: PMC9066904 DOI: 10.1186/s12957-022-02601-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Microcystic adnexal carcinoma (MAC) is a skin cancer with challenges in diagnosis and management. This study was aimed to detect molecular alterations of MAC and guide its pathologic diagnosis and treatment. METHODS We performed transcriptome analysis on 5 MAC and 5 normal skin tissues, identified the differentially expressed genes, and verified them by immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Three hundred four differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in MAC were identified by next-generation transcriptome sequencing, among which 225 genes were upregulated and 79 genes were downregulated. Four genes of the calcium signaling pathway, including calcium voltage-gated channel subunit alpha 1 S (CACNA1S), ATPase sarcoplasmic/endoplasmic reticulum Ca2+ transporting 1 (ATP2A1), ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), and myosin light chain kinase 3 (MYLK3), were upregulated and then been verified by immunohistochemistry. The expression of CACNA1S, ATP2A1, RYR1, and MYLK3 was upregulated in MAC compared with normal sweat glands and syringoma tumor cells and was generally negative in trichoepithelioma and infundibulocystic type basal cell carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS The four genes of the calcium signaling pathway were upregulated in MAC at both RNA and protein levels. CACNA1S, ATP2A1, RYR1, and MYLK3 may be new diagnostic molecular markers and therapeutic targets for MAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuaixia Yu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen People's Hospital, The Second Clinical Medical College, Jinan University, The First Affiliated Hospital, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen, 518020, Guangdong, China
| | - Baijie Tang
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Xiang Liu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Linhong Song
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Gang Xu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China.,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China
| | - Hong Zhu
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China. .,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
| | - Huajun Sun
- Department of Pathology, Sichuan Academy of Medical Sciences & Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chinese Academy of Sciences Sichuan Translational Medicine Research Hospital, No. 32, West Second Section, First Ring Road, Chengdu, 610072, China. .,Department of Pathology, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 611731, China.
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27
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Cameron AP, Zeng B, Liu Y, Wang H, Soheilmoghaddam F, Cooper-White J, Zhao CX. Biophysical properties of hydrogels for mimicking tumor extracellular matrix. Biomater Adv 2022; 136:212782. [PMID: 35929332 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioadv.2022.212782] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 03/26/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
The extracellular matrix (ECM) is an essential component of the tumor microenvironment. It plays a critical role in regulating cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions. However, there is lack of systematic and comparative studies on different widely-used ECM mimicking hydrogels and their properties, making the selection of suitable hydrogels for mimicking different in vivo conditions quite random. This study systematically evaluates the biophysical attributes of three widely used natural hydrogels (Matrigel, collagen gel and agarose gel) including complex modulus, loss tangent, diffusive permeability and pore size. A new and facile method was developed combining Critical Point Drying, Scanning Electron Microscopy imaging and a MATLAB image processing program (CSM method) for the characterization of hydrogel microstructures. This CSM method allows accurate measurement of the hydrogel pore size down to nanometer resolution. Furthermore, a microfluidic device was implemented to measure the hydrogel permeability (Pd) as a function of particle size and gel concentration. Among the three gels, collagen gel has the lowest complex modulus, medium pore size, and the highest loss tangent. Agarose gel exhibits the highest complex modulus, the lowest loss tangent and the smallest pore size. Collagen gel and Matrigel produced complex moduli close to that estimated for cancer ECM. The Pd of these hydrogels decreases significantly with the increase of particle size. By assessing different hydrogels' biophysical characteristics, this study provides valuable insights for tailoring their properties for various three-dimensional cancer models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna P Cameron
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Bijun Zeng
- Diamantina Institute, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Yun Liu
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Haofei Wang
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Farhad Soheilmoghaddam
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Justin Cooper-White
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia; School of Chemical Engineering, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD 4072, Australia
| | - Chun-Xia Zhao
- Australian Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD 4072, Australia.
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28
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García-Gareta E, Pérez MÁ, García-Aznar JM. Decellularization of tumours: A new frontier in tissue engineering. J Tissue Eng 2022; 13:20417314221091682. [PMID: 35495097 PMCID: PMC9044784 DOI: 10.1177/20417314221091682] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. The tumour extracellular
matrix (ECM) has unique features in terms of composition and mechanical
properties, resulting in a structurally and chemically different ECM to that of
native, healthy tissues. This paper reviews to date the efforts into
decellularization of tumours, which in the authors’ view represents a new
frontier in the ever evolving field of tumour tissue engineering. An overview of
the ECM and its importance in cancer is given, ending with examples of research
using decellularized tumours, which has already indicated potential therapeutic
targets, unravelled malignancy mechanisms or response to chemotherapy agents.
The review highlights that more research is needed in this area, which can
answer important questions related to tumour formation and progression to
ultimately identify new and effective therapeutic targets. Within the
near-future of personalized medicine, this research can create patient-specific
tumour models and therapeutic regimes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena García-Gareta
- Aragonese Agency for R&D (ARAID) Foundation, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
- Division of Biomaterials & Tissue Engineering, UCL Eastman Dental Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - María Ángeles Pérez
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
| | - José Manuel García-Aznar
- Multiscale in Mechanical & Biological Engineering Research Group, Aragón Institute of Engineering Research (I3A), School of Engineering & Architecture, University of Zaragoza, Zaragoza, Aragón, Spain
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29
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Holuigue H, Lorenc E, Chighizola M, Schulte C, Varinelli L, Deraco M, Guaglio M, Gariboldi M, Podestà A. Force Sensing on Cells and Tissues by Atomic Force Microscopy. Sensors 2022; 22:s22062197. [PMID: 35336366 PMCID: PMC8955449 DOI: 10.3390/s22062197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2022] [Revised: 03/05/2022] [Accepted: 03/09/2022] [Indexed: 01/27/2023]
Abstract
Biosensors are aimed at detecting tiny physical and chemical stimuli in biological systems. Physical forces are ubiquitous, being implied in all cellular processes, including cell adhesion, migration, and differentiation. Given the strong interplay between cells and their microenvironment, the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the structural and mechanical properties of the ECM play an important role in the transmission of external stimuli to single cells within the tissue. Vice versa, cells themselves also use self-generated forces to probe the biophysical properties of the ECM. ECM mechanics influence cell fate, regulate tissue development, and show peculiar features in health and disease conditions of living organisms. Force sensing in biological systems is therefore crucial to dissecting and understanding complex biological processes, such as mechanotransduction. Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM), which can both sense and apply forces at the nanoscale, with sub-nanonewton sensitivity, represents an enabling technology and a crucial experimental tool in biophysics and mechanobiology. In this work, we report on the application of AFM to the study of biomechanical fingerprints of different components of biological systems, such as the ECM, the whole cell, and cellular components, such as the nucleus, lamellipodia and the glycocalyx. We show that physical observables such as the (spatially resolved) Young’s Modulus (YM) of elasticity of ECMs or cells, and the effective thickness and stiffness of the glycocalyx, can be quantitatively characterized by AFM. Their modification can be correlated to changes in the microenvironment, physio-pathological conditions, or gene regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hatice Holuigue
- CIMAINA and Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy; (H.H.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Ewelina Lorenc
- CIMAINA and Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy; (H.H.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Matteo Chighizola
- CIMAINA and Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy; (H.H.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Carsten Schulte
- CIMAINA and Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy; (H.H.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (C.S.)
| | - Luca Varinelli
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Marcello Deraco
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Colorectal Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Marcello Guaglio
- Peritoneal Surface Malignancies Unit, Colorectal Surgery, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (M.D.); (M.G.)
| | - Manuela Gariboldi
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale Tumori, Via G. Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (L.V.); (M.G.)
| | - Alessandro Podestà
- CIMAINA and Dipartimento di Fisica “Aldo Pontremoli”, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria 16, 20133 Milan, Italy; (H.H.); (E.L.); (M.C.); (C.S.)
- Correspondence:
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30
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Ishihara S, Haga H. Matrix Stiffness Contributes to Cancer Progression by Regulating Transcription Factors. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1049. [PMID: 35205794 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14041049] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Matrix stiffness is recognized as a critical factor in cancer progression. Recent studies have shown that matrix stiffening is caused by the accumulation, contraction, and crosslinking of the extracellular matrix by cancer and stromal cells. Cancer and stromal cells respond to matrix stiffness, which determines the phenotypes of these cells. In addition, matrix stiffness activates and/or inactivates specific transcription factors in cancer and stromal cells to regulate cancer progression. In this review, we discuss the mechanisms of cancer stiffening and progression that are regulated by transcription factors responding to matrix stiffness. Abstract Matrix stiffness is critical for the progression of various types of cancers. In solid cancers such as mammary and pancreatic cancers, tumors often contain abnormally stiff tissues, mainly caused by stiff extracellular matrices due to accumulation, contraction, and crosslinking. Stiff extracellular matrices trigger mechanotransduction, the conversion of mechanical cues such as stiffness of the matrix to biochemical signaling in the cells, and as a result determine the cellular phenotypes of cancer and stromal cells in tumors. Transcription factors are key molecules for these processes, as they respond to matrix stiffness and are crucial for cellular behaviors. The Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) is one of the most studied transcription factors that is regulated by matrix stiffness. The YAP/TAZ are activated by a stiff matrix and promotes malignant phenotypes in cancer and stromal cells, including cancer-associated fibroblasts. In addition, other transcription factors such as β-catenin and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) also play key roles in mechanotransduction in cancer tissues. In this review, the mechanisms of stiffening cancer tissues are introduced, and the transcription factors regulated by matrix stiffness in cancer and stromal cells and their roles in cancer progression are shown.
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31
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Ravichandra A, Bhattacharjee S, Affò S. Cancer-associated fibroblasts in intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma progression and therapeutic resistance. Adv Cancer Res 2022; 156:201-226. [DOI: 10.1016/bs.acr.2022.01.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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32
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Farahani PE, Lemke SB, Dine E, Uribe G, Toettcher JE, Nelson CM. Substratum stiffness regulates Erk signaling dynamics through receptor-level control. Cell Rep 2021; 37:110181. [PMID: 34965432 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2021.110181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2020] [Revised: 08/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The EGFR/Erk pathway is triggered by extracellular ligand stimulation, leading to stimulus-dependent dynamics of pathway activity. Although mechanical properties of the microenvironment also affect Erk activity, their effects on Erk signaling dynamics are poorly understood. Here, we characterize how the stiffness of the underlying substratum affects Erk signaling dynamics in mammary epithelial cells. We find that soft microenvironments attenuate Erk signaling, both at steady state and in response to epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation. Optogenetic manipulation at multiple signaling nodes reveals that intracellular signal transmission is largely unaffected by substratum stiffness. Instead, we find that soft microenvironments decrease EGF receptor (EGFR) expression and alter the amount and spatial distribution of EGF binding at cell membranes. Our data demonstrate that the mechanical microenvironment tunes Erk signaling dynamics via receptor-ligand interactions, underscoring how multiple microenvironmental signals are jointly processed through a highly conserved pathway that regulates tissue development, homeostasis, and disease progression.
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Rojas A, Lindner C, Schneider I, Gonzàlez I, Araya H, Morales E, Gómez M, Urdaneta N, Araya P, Morales MA. Diabetes mellitus contribution to the remodeling of the tumor microenvironment in gastric cancer. World J Gastrointest Oncol 2021; 13:1997-2012. [PMID: 35070037 PMCID: PMC8713306 DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i12.1997] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2021] [Revised: 06/10/2021] [Accepted: 10/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compelling pieces of evidence derived from both clinical and experimental research has demonstrated the crucial contribution of diabetes mellitus (DM) as a risk factor associated with increased cancer incidence and mortality in many human neoplasms, including gastric cancer (GC). DM is considered a systemic inflammatory disease and therefore, this inflammatory status may have profound effects on the tumor microenvironment (TME), particularly by driving many molecular mechanisms to generate a more aggressive TME. DM is an active driver in the modification of the behavior of many cell components of the TME as well as altering the mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM), leading to an increased ECM stiffening. Additionally, DM can alter many cellular signaling mechanisms and thus favoring tumor growth, invasion, and metastatic potential, as well as key elements in regulating cellular functions and cross-talks, such as the microRNAs network, the production, and cargo of exosomes, the metabolism of cell stroma and resistance to hypoxia. In the present review, we intend to highlight the mechanistic contributions of DM to the remodeling of TME in GC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Rojas
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Cristian Lindner
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Iván Schneider
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Ileana Gonzàlez
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Hernan Araya
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital Regional de Talca, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Erik Morales
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
- Servicio de Anatomía Patologica, Hospital Regional de Talca, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Milibeth Gómez
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital Regional de Talca, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Nelson Urdaneta
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
- Servicio de Oncología, Hospital Regional de Talca, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Paulina Araya
- Biomedical Research Lab., Medicine Faculty, Catholic University of Maule, Talca 34600000, Chile
| | - Miguel Angel Morales
- Department of Molecular and Clinical Pharmacology Program, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, University of Chile, Santiago 8320000, Chile
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34
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Varricchio A, Ramesh SA, Yool AJ. Novel Ion Channel Targets and Drug Delivery Tools for Controlling Glioblastoma Cell Invasiveness. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111909. [PMID: 34769339 PMCID: PMC8584308 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2021] [Revised: 10/27/2021] [Accepted: 10/31/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Comprising more than half of all brain tumors, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a leading cause of brain cancer-related deaths worldwide. A major clinical challenge is presented by the capacity of glioma cells to rapidly infiltrate healthy brain parenchyma, allowing the cancer to escape control by localized surgical resections and radiotherapies, and promoting recurrence in other brain regions. We propose that therapies which target cellular motility pathways could be used to slow tumor dispersal, providing a longer time window for administration of frontline treatments needed to directly eradicate the primary tumors. An array of signal transduction pathways are known to be involved in controlling cellular motility. Aquaporins (AQPs) and voltage-gated ion channels are prime candidates as pharmacological targets to restrain cell migration in glioblastoma. Published work has demonstrated AQPs 1, 4 and 9, as well as voltage-gated potassium, sodium and calcium channels, chloride channels, and acid-sensing ion channels are expressed in GBM and can influence processes of cell volume change, extracellular matrix degradation, cytoskeletal reorganization, lamellipodial and filopodial extension, and turnover of cell-cell adhesions and focal assembly sites. The current gap in knowledge is the identification of optimal combinations of targets, inhibitory agents, and drug delivery systems that will allow effective intervention with minimal side effects in the complex environment of the brain, without disrupting finely tuned activities of neuro-glial networks. Based on published literature, we propose that co-treatments using AQP inhibitors in addition to other therapies could increase effectiveness, overcoming some limitations inherent in current strategies that are focused on single mechanisms. An emerging interest in nanobodies as drug delivery systems could be instrumental for achieving the selective delivery of combinations of agents aimed at multiple key targets, which could enhance success in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alanah Varricchio
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
| | - Sunita A. Ramesh
- College of Science and Engineering, Flinders University, Bedford Park, SA 5042, Australia;
| | - Andrea J. Yool
- School of Biomedicine, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA 5005, Australia;
- Correspondence:
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35
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Connelly JT, Gavara N, Sliogeryte K, Blowes LM. Research Techniques Made Simple: Analysis of Skin Cell and Tissue Mechanics Using Atomic Force Microscopy. J Invest Dermatol 2021; 141:1867-1871.e1. [PMID: 34303466 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2021.02.750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2020] [Revised: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/19/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Atomic force microscopy (AFM) is a powerful technique for nanoscale imaging and mechanical analysis of biological specimens. It is based on the highly sensitive detection of forces and displacement of a sharp-tipped cantilever as it scans the surface of an object. Because it requires minimal sample processing and preparation, AFM is particularly advantageous for the analysis of cells and tissues in their near-native state. Moreover, recent advances in Bio-AFM systems and the combination with light microscopy imaging have greatly enhanced the application of AFM in biological research. In the field of dermatology, the method has led to important insights into our understanding of the biomechanics of normal healthy skin and the pathogenesis of a variety of skin diseases. In this Research Techniques Made Simple article, we review the fundamental principles of AFM, how AFM can be applied to the analysis of cell and tissue mechanics, and recent applications of AFM in skin science and dermatology.
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Affiliation(s)
- John T Connelly
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Núria Gavara
- School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom; Serra-Hunter Program, Biophysics and Bioengineering Unit, Department of Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Kristina Sliogeryte
- Randall Division of Cell & Molecular Biophysics, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Liisa M Blowes
- Centre for Cell Biology and Cutaneous Research, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
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Yang HH, Liu JW, Lee JH, Harn HJ, Chiou TW. Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Therapeutics Targeting RTK and TGF Beta Receptor. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22158125. [PMID: 34360896 PMCID: PMC8348294 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22158125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 06/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the improved overall survival rates in most cancers, pancreatic cancer remains one of the deadliest cancers in this decade. The rigid microenvironment, which majorly comprises cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), plays an important role in the obstruction of pancreatic cancer therapy. To overcome this predicament, the signaling of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and TGF beta receptor (TGFβR) in both pancreatic cancer cell and supporting CAF should be considered as the therapeutic target. The activation of receptors has been reported to be aberrant to cell cycle regulation, and signal transduction pathways, such as growth-factor induced proliferation, and can also influence the apoptotic sensitivity of tumor cells. In this article, the regulation of RTKs/TGFβR between pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) and CAFs, as well as the RTKs/TGFβR inhibitor-based clinical trials on pancreatic cancer are reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hsin-Han Yang
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974, Taiwan;
| | - Jen-Wei Liu
- Everfront Biotech Inc., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan; (J.-W.L.); (J.-H.L.)
| | - Jui-Hao Lee
- Everfront Biotech Inc., New Taipei City 221, Taiwan; (J.-W.L.); (J.-H.L.)
| | - Horng-Jyh Harn
- Bioinnovation Center, Tzu Chi Foundation, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Department of Pathology, Buddhist Tzu Chi General Hospital, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (H.-J.H.); (T.-W.C.)
| | - Tzyy-Wen Chiou
- Department of Life Science and Graduate Institute of Biotechnology, National Dong Hwa University, Hualien 974, Taiwan;
- Correspondence: (H.-J.H.); (T.-W.C.)
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Yang Y, Wu G, Li Q, Zheng Y, Liu M, Zhou L, Chen Z, Wang Y, Guo Q, Ji R, Zhou Y. Angiogenesis-Related Immune Signatures Correlate With Prognosis, Tumor Microenvironment, and Therapeutic Sensitivity in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Mol Biosci 2021; 8:690206. [PMID: 34262941 PMCID: PMC8273615 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2021.690206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the highly heterogeneous cancers that lacks an effective risk model for prognosis prediction. Therefore, we searched for angiogenesis-related immune genes that affected the prognosis of HCC to construct a risk model and studied the role of this model in HCC. Methods: In this study, we collected the transcriptome data of HCC from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) database. Pearson correlation analysis was performed to identify the association between immune genes and angiogenesis-related genes. Consensus clustering was applied to divide patients into clusters A and B. Subsequently, we studied the differentially expressed angiogenesis-related immune genes (DEari-genes) that affected the prognosis of HCC. The most significant features were identified by least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression, and a risk model was constructed. The reliability of the risk model was evaluated in the TCGA discovery cohort and the ICGC validation cohort. In addition, we compared the novel risk model to the previous models based on ROC analysis. ssGSEA analysis was used for function evaluation, and pRRophetic was utilized to predict the sensitivity of administering chemotherapeutic agents. Results: Cluster A patients had favorable survival rates. A total of 23 DEari-genes were correlated with the prognosis of HCC. A five-gene (including BIRC5, KITLG, PGF, SPP1, and SHC1) signature-based risk model was constructed. After regrouping the HCC patients by the median score, we could effectively discriminate between them based on the adverse survival outcome, the unique tumor immune microenvironment, and low chemosensitivity. Conclusion: The five-gene signature-based risk score established by ari-genes showed a promising clinical prediction value.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Yang
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Guozhi Wu
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Ya Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Min Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Lingshan Zhou
- The First Clinical Medical College, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Zhaofeng Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yuping Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Qinghong Guo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Rui Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
| | - Yongning Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China.,Key Laboratory for Gastrointestinal Diseases of Gansu Province, Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, China
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Zhang W, Zhang S, Zhang W, Yue Y, Qian W, Wang Z. Matrix stiffness and its influence on pancreatic diseases. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2021; 1876:188583. [PMID: 34139274 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2021.188583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The matrix stiffness of the extracellular matrix(ECM), which is the slow elastic force on cells, has gradually become investigated. And a higher stiffness could induce changes in cell biological behaviors and activation of internal signaling pathways. Imbalanced stiffness of ECM is associated with a number of diseases, including pancreatic disease. In this review, we discuss the components of the ECM and the increased stiffness caused by unbalanced ECM changes. Next, we describe how matrix stiffness transmits mechanical signals and what signaling pathways are altered within the cell in detail. Finally, we discuss the effect of ECM on the behavior of pancreatic diseases from the perspective of matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, 710061 Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Wu F, Yang J, Liu J, Wang Y, Mu J, Zeng Q, Deng S, Zhou H. Signaling pathways in cancer-associated fibroblasts and targeted therapy for cancer. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:218. [PMID: 34108441 PMCID: PMC8190181 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00641-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 221] [Impact Index Per Article: 73.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2021] [Revised: 04/20/2021] [Accepted: 05/06/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
To flourish, cancers greatly depend on their surrounding tumor microenvironment (TME), and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in TME are critical for cancer occurrence and progression because of their versatile roles in extracellular matrix remodeling, maintenance of stemness, blood vessel formation, modulation of tumor metabolism, immune response, and promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and therapeutic resistance. CAFs are highly heterogeneous stromal cells and their crosstalk with cancer cells is mediated by a complex and intricate signaling network consisting of transforming growth factor-beta, phosphoinositide 3-kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin, mitogen-activated protein kinase, Wnt, Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription, epidermal growth factor receptor, Hippo, and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells, etc., signaling pathways. These signals in CAFs exhibit their own special characteristics during the cancer progression and have the potential to be targeted for anticancer therapy. Therefore, a comprehensive understanding of these signaling cascades in interactions between cancer cells and CAFs is necessary to fully realize the pivotal roles of CAFs in cancers. Herein, in this review, we will summarize the enormous amounts of findings on the signals mediating crosstalk of CAFs with cancer cells and its related targets or trials. Further, we hypothesize three potential targeting strategies, including, namely, epithelial-mesenchymal common targets, sequential target perturbation, and crosstalk-directed signaling targets, paving the way for CAF-directed or host cell-directed antitumor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fanglong Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jin Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Junjiang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Ye Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingtian Mu
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Qingxiang Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuzhi Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Hongmei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, National Center of Stomatology, National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, People's Republic of China.
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Vasiukov G, Menshikh A, Owens P, Novitskaya T, Hurley P, Blackwell T, Feoktistov I, Novitskiy SV. Adenosine/TGFβ axis in regulation of mammary fibroblast functions. PLoS One 2021; 16:e0252424. [PMID: 34101732 PMCID: PMC8186761 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0252424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer associated fibroblasts (CAF) play a key role in cancer progression and metastasis. Diminished TGFβ response on CAF correlates with poor outcome and recurrence in cancer patients. Mechanisms behind lost TGFβ signaling on CAF are poorly understood, but, utilizing MMTV-PyMT mouse model, we have previously demonstrated that in tumor microenvironment myeloid cells, producing adenosine, contribute to downregulated TGFβ signaling on CAFs. In the current work, we performed serial in vitro studies to investigate the role of adenosine/TGFβ axis in mouse mammary fibroblast functions, i.e., proliferation, protein expression, migration, and contractility. We found that adenosine analog NECA diminished TGFβ-induced CCL5 and MMP9 expression. Additionally, we discovered that NECA completely inhibited effect of TGFβ to upregulate αSMA, key protein of cytoskeletal rearrangements, necessary for migration and contractility of fibroblasts. Our results show that TGFβ increases contractility of mouse mammary fibroblasts and human fibroblast cell lines, and NECA attenuates theses effects. Using pharmacological approach and genetically modified animals, we determined that NECA effects on TGFβ pathway occur via A2A/A2B adenosine receptor—AC—PKA dependent manner. Using isolated CD11b+ cells from tumor tissue of CD73-KO and CD39-KO animals in co-culture experiments with ATP and AMP, we confirmed that myeloid cells can affect functions of mammary fibroblasts through adenosine signaling. Our data suggest a novel mechanism of interaction between adenosine and TGFβ signaling pathways that can impact phenotype of fibroblasts in a tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Georgii Vasiukov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Anna Menshikh
- Department of Medicine, Division of Nephrology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Philip Owens
- Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Boulder, Denver, CO, United States of America
| | - Tatiana Novitskaya
- Department of Pathology, Microbiology and Immunology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Paula Hurley
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Timothy Blackwell
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Igor Feoktistov
- Department of Medicine, Division of Cardiovascular Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
| | - Sergey V. Novitskiy
- Department of Medicine, Division of Allergy, Pulmonary, Critical Care Medicine, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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41
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Fejza A, Camicia L, Poletto E, Carobolante G, Mongiat M, Andreuzzi E. ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2759. [DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.
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42
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Sznurkowska MK, Aceto N. The gate to metastasis: key players in cancer cell intravasation. FEBS J 2021; 289:4336-4354. [PMID: 34077633 PMCID: PMC9546053 DOI: 10.1111/febs.16046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2021] [Revised: 04/19/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis is a leading cause of cancer‐related death and consists of a sequence of events including tumor expansion, intravasation of cancer cells into the circulation, survival in the bloodstream, extravasation at distant sites, and subsequent organ colonization. Particularly, intravasation is a process whereby cancer cells transverse the endothelium and leave the primary tumor site, pioneering the metastatic cascade. The identification of those mechanisms that trigger the entry of cancer cells into the bloodstream may reveal fundamentally novel ways to block metastasis at its start. Multiple factors have been implicated in cancer progression, yet, signals that unequivocally provoke the detachment of cancer cells from the primary tumor are still under investigation. Here, we discuss the role of intrinsic properties of cancer cells, tumor microenvironment, and mechanical cues in the intravasation process, outlining studies that suggest the involvement of various factors and highlighting current understanding and open questions in the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena K Sznurkowska
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Switzerland
| | - Nicola Aceto
- Department of Biomedicine, Cancer Metastasis Laboratory, University of Basel and University Hospital Basel, Switzerland.,Department of Biology, Institute of Molecular Health Sciences, Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich, Switzerland
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43
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Fejza A, Camicia L, Poletto E, Carobolante G, Mongiat M, Andreuzzi E. ECM Remodeling in Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Aerodigestive Tract: Pathways for Cancer Dissemination and Emerging Biomarkers. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:2759. [PMID: 34199373 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 05/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Local and distant metastasis of patients affected by squamous cell carcinoma of the upper aerodigestive tract predicts poor prognosis. In the latest years, the introduction of new therapeutic approaches, including targeted and immune therapies, has improved the overall survival. However, a large number of these patients do not benefit from these treatments. Thus, the identification of suitable prognostic and predictive biomarkers, as well as the discovery of new therapeutic targets have emerged as a crucial clinical need. In this context, the extracellular matrix represents a suitable target for the development of such therapeutic tools. In fact, the extracellular matrix is composed by complex molecules able to interact with a plethora of receptors and growth factors, thus modulating the dynamic crosstalk between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the role of the extracellular matrix in affecting squamous cell carcinoma growth and dissemination. Despite extracellular matrix is known to affect the development of many cancer types, only a restricted number of these molecules have been recognized to impact on squamous cell carcinoma progression. Thus, we consider that a thorough analysis of these molecules may be key to develop new potential therapeutic targets/biomarkers. Abstract Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) include a number of different types of tumors developing in the skin, in hollow organs, as well as the upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) including the head and neck region and the esophagus which will be dealt with in this review. These tumors are often refractory to current therapeutic approaches with poor patient outcome. The most important prognostic determinant of SCC tumors is the presence of distant metastasis, significantly correlating with low patient survival rates. Rapidly emerging evidence indicate that the extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and remodeling profoundly affect SSC metastatic dissemination. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge on the role of ECM and its remodeling enzymes in affecting the growth and dissemination of UADT SCC. Taken together, these published evidence suggest that a thorough analysis of the ECM composition in the UADT SCC microenvironment may help disclosing the mechanism of resistance to the treatments and help defining possible targets for clinical intervention.
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44
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Li Y, Li F, Bai X, Li Y, Ni C, Zhao X, Zhang D. ITGA3 Is Associated With Immune Cell Infiltration and Serves as a Favorable Prognostic Biomarker for Breast Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:658547. [PMID: 34094951 PMCID: PMC8172804 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.658547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Background ITGA3 is a member of the integrin family, a cell surface adhesion molecule that can interact with extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins. The purpose of this study was to explore the significance of ITGA3 expression in the prognosis and clinical diagnosis of breast cancer patients. Methods Oncomine, the Human Protein Atlas (HPA) and UALCAN were used to analyze the expression of ITGA3 in various cancers. PrognoScan, GEPIA, Kaplan–Meier plotter and Easysurv were utilized to analyze the prognosis of ITGA3 in certain cancers. Based on TCGA data, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance of ITGA3 expression. cBio-Portal and MethSurv were used to evaluate the genomic mechanism. LinkedOmics, NetworkAnalyst and Metascape were used to build the signaling network. TIMER is a web server for comprehensive analysis of tumor infiltrating immune cells and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs). Results The expression of ITGA3 in normal breast tissues was greater than that in breast cancer tissues at both the mRNA and protein levels. High expression of ITGA3 was associated with better prognosis of breast cancer patients. ROC analysis indicated that ITGA3 had significant diagnostic value. Genomic analysis revealed that promoter methylation of ITGA3 leads to transcriptional silencing, which may be one of the mechanisms underlying ITGA3 downregulation in BRCA. Immune infiltration analysis showed that ITGA3 may be involved in the recruitment of immune cells. Conclusions This study identified ITGA3 as a novel biomarker to estimate the diagnosis and prognosis of breast cancer. In addition, ITGA3 is involved in ECM regulation and immune cell infiltration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yue Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Fan Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyu Bai
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yanlei Li
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunsheng Ni
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiulan Zhao
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
| | - Danfang Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China.,Department of Pathology, General Hospital of Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin, China
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Abstract
The extracellular matrix is a fundamental, core component of all tissues and organs, and is essential for the existence of multicellular organisms. From the earliest stages of organism development until death, it regulates and fine-tunes every cellular process in the body. In cancer, the extracellular matrix is altered at the biochemical, biomechanical, architectural and topographical levels, and recent years have seen an exponential increase in the study and recognition of the importance of the matrix in solid tumours. Coupled with the advancement of new technologies to study various elements of the matrix and cell-matrix interactions, we are also beginning to see the deployment of matrix-centric, stromal targeting cancer therapies. This Review touches on many of the facets of matrix biology in solid cancers, including breast, pancreatic and lung cancer, with the aim of highlighting some of the emerging interactions of the matrix and influences that the matrix has on tumour onset, progression and metastatic dissemination, before summarizing the ongoing work in the field aimed at developing therapies to co-target the matrix in cancer and cancer metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas R Cox
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, The Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
- St Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, UNSW Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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46
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Ng K, Shea QT, Wong T, Luk ST, Tong M, Lo C, Man K, Yun J, Guan X, Lee TK, Zheng Y, Ma S. Chemotherapy-Enriched THBS2-Deficient Cancer Stem Cells Drive Hepatocarcinogenesis through Matrix Softness Induced Histone H3 Modifications. Adv Sci (Weinh) 2021; 8:2002483. [PMID: 33717837 PMCID: PMC7927606 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202002483] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 05/06/2023]
Abstract
The physical microenvironment is a critical mediator of tumor behavior. However, detailed biological and mechanistic insight is lacking. The present study reveals the role of chemotherapy-enriched CD133+ liver cancer stem cells (CSCs) with THBS2 deficiency. This subpopulation of cells contributes to a more aggressive cancer and functional stemness phenotype in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) by remodeling the extracellular matrix (ECM) through the regulation of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) activity, collagen degradation, and matrix stiffness. The local soft spots created by these liver CSCs can enhance stemness and drug resistance and provide a route of escape to facilitate HCC metastasis. Interestingly, a positive feed-forward loop is identified where a local soft spot microenvironment in the HCC tumor is enriched with CD133 expressing cells that secrete markedly less ECM-modifying THBS2 upon histone H3 modification at its promoter region, allowing the maintenance of a localized soft spot matrix. Clinically, THBS2 deficiency is also correlated with low HCC survival, where high levels of CSCs with low THBS2 expression in HCC are associated with decreased collagen fiber deposits and an invasive tumor front. The findings have implications for the treatment of cancer stemness and for the prevention of tumor outgrowth through disseminated tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kai‐Yu Ng
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Queenie T. Shea
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Tin‐Lok Wong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Steve T. Luk
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Man Tong
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Chung‐Mau Lo
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Kwan Man
- Department of SurgeryQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
| | - Jing‐Ping Yun
- Department of PathologySun Yat‐Sen University Cancer CentreGuangzhouGuangdong510060China
| | - Xin‐Yuan Guan
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
- Department of Clinical OncologyQueen Mary HospitalThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
| | - Terence K. Lee
- Department of Applied Biology and Chemical TechnologyThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Yong‐Ping Zheng
- Department of Biomedical EngineeringThe Hong Kong Polytechnic UniversityHung HomKowloonHong Kong
| | - Stephanie Ma
- School of Biomedical SciencesLi Ka Shing Faculty of MedicineThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Liver ResearchThe University of Hong KongPokfulamHong Kong
- The University of Hong Kong ‐ Shenzhen HospitalShenzhenGuangdong518009China
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47
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Alharbi A, Zhang Y, Parrington J. Deciphering the Role of Ca 2+ Signalling in Cancer Metastasis: From the Bench to the Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:E179. [PMID: 33430230 PMCID: PMC7825727 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13020179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 01/01/2021] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Metastatic cancer is one of the major causes of cancer-related mortalities. Metastasis is a complex, multi-process phenomenon, and a hallmark of cancer. Calcium (Ca2+) is a ubiquitous secondary messenger, and it has become evident that Ca2+ signalling plays a vital role in cancer. Ca2+ homeostasis is dysregulated in physiological processes related to tumour metastasis and progression-including cellular adhesion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, cell migration, motility, and invasion. In this review, we looked at the role of intracellular and extracellular Ca2+ signalling pathways in processes that contribute to metastasis at the local level and also their effects on cancer metastasis globally, as well as at underlying molecular mechanisms and clinical applications. Spatiotemporal Ca2+ homeostasis, in terms of oscillations or waves, is crucial for hindering tumour progression and metastasis. They are a limited number of clinical trials investigating treating patients with advanced stages of various cancer types. Ca2+ signalling may serve as a novel hallmark of cancer due to the versatility of Ca2+ signals in cells, which suggests that the modulation of specific upstream/downstream targets may be a therapeutic approach to treat cancer, particularly in patients with metastatic cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Abeer Alharbi
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK;
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, College of Pharmacy, King Saud Bin Abdul-Aziz University for Health Sciences, Riyadh 11426, Saudi Arabia
| | - Yuxuan Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK;
| | - John Parrington
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Oxford, Oxford OX1 3QT, UK;
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48
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Li X, Cheng Y, Wang Z, Zhou J, Jia Y, He X, Zhao L, Dong Y, Fan Y, Yang X, Shen B, Wu X, Wang J, Xiong C, Wei L, Li X, Wang J. Calcium and TRPV4 promote metastasis by regulating cytoskeleton through the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway in endometrial cancer. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:1009. [PMID: 33230171 PMCID: PMC7683721 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Transient receptor potential vanilloid 4 (TRPV4) is a calcium-permeable cation channel that has been associated with several types of cancer. However, its biological significance, as well as its related mechanism in endometrial cancer (EC) still remains elusive. In this study, we examined the function of calcium in EC, with a specific focus on TRPV4 and its downstream pathway. We reported here on the findings that a high level of serum ionized calcium was significantly correlated with advanced EC progression, and among all the calcium channels, TRPV4 played an essential role, with high levels of TRPV4 expression associated with cancer progression both in vitro and in vivo. Proteomic and bioinformatics analysis revealed that TRPV4 was involved in cytoskeleton regulation and Rho protein pathway, which regulated EC cell migration. Mechanistic investigation demonstrated that TRPV4 and calcium influx acted on the cytoskeleton via the RhoA/ROCK1 pathway, ending with LIMK/cofilin activation, which had an impact on F-actin and paxillin (PXN) levels. Overall, our findings indicated that ionized serum calcium level was significantly associated with poor outcomes and calcium channel TRPV4 should be targeted to improve therapeutic and preventive strategies in EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingchen Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yuan Cheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Zhiqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jia
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiangjun He
- Department of Central Laboratory & Institute of Clinical Molecular Biology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Lijun Zhao
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yangyang Dong
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Yuan Fan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Boqiang Shen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaotong Wu
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jiaqi Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China.,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Chunyang Xiong
- Department of Mechanics and Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Peking University, Beijing, 100871, China
| | - Lihui Wei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Xiaoping Li
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China
| | - Jianliu Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Peking University People's Hospital, Beijing, 100044, China. .,Beijing Key Laboratory of Female Pelvic Floor Disorders Diseases, Beijing, 100044, China.
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49
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Fang Z, Xu J, Zhang B, Wang W, Liu J, Liang C, Hua J, Meng Q, Yu X, Shi S. The promising role of noncoding RNAs in cancer-associated fibroblasts: an overview of current status and future perspectives. J Hematol Oncol 2020; 13:154. [PMID: 33213510 PMCID: PMC7678062 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-020-00988-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Accepted: 11/02/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
As the most important component of the stromal cell population in the tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) are crucial players in tumor initiation and progression. The interaction between CAFs and tumor cells, as well as the resulting effect, is much greater than initially expected. Numerous studies have shown that noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play an irreplaceable role in this interplay, and related evidence continues to emerge and advance. Under the action of ncRNAs, normal fibroblasts are directly or indirectly activated into CAFs, and their metabolic characteristics are changed; thus, CAFs can more effectively promote tumor progression. Moreover, via ncRNAs, activated CAFs can affect the gene expression and secretory characteristics of cells, alter the TME and enhance malignant biological processes in tumor cells to contribute to tumor promotion. Previously, ncRNA dysregulation was considered the main mechanism by which ncRNAs participate in the crosstalk between CAFs and tumor cells. Recently, however, exosomes containing ncRNAs have been identified as another vital mode of interaction between these two types of cells, with a more direct and clear function. Gaining an in-depth understanding of ncRNAs in CAFs and the complex regulatory network connecting CAFs with tumor cells might help us to establish more effective and safer approaches for cancer therapies targeting ncRNAs and CAFs and offer new hope for cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengli Fang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jin Xu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Bo Zhang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jiang Liu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Chen Liang
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Jie Hua
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China.,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Qingcai Meng
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Xianjun Yu
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Si Shi
- Department of Pancreatic Surgery, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, No. 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Shanghai Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Shanghai, 200032, China. .,Pancreatic Cancer Institute, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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50
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Nastały P, Stoupiec S, Popęda M, Smentoch J, Schlomm T, Morrissey C, Żaczek AJ, Beyer B, Tennstedt P, Graefen M, Eltze E, Maiuri P, Semjonow A, Pantel K, Brandt B, Bednarz-Knoll N. EGFR as a stable marker of prostate cancer dissemination to bones. Br J Cancer 2020; 123:1767-74. [PMID: 32901137 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-020-01052-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 07/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Prostate cancer (PCa) is among the most commonly diagnosed malignancies in men. Although 5-year survival in patients with localised disease reaches nearly 100%, metastatic disease still remains incurable. Therefore, there is a need for markers indicating metastatic dissemination. Methods EGFR overexpression (EGFRover) was tracked in 1039 primary tumours, circulating tumour cells from 39 d’Amico high-risk patients and metastatic samples from 21 castration-resistant PCa cases. EGFR status was compared to clinical parameters and multiple molecular factors were assessed using immunohistochemistry and gene ontology analysis. The functional aspect of EGFR was evaluated by plating PC-3 cells on soft and rigid matrices. Results EGFRover was found in 14% of primary tumours, where it was associated with shorter metastasis-free survival and was an independent indicator of worse overall survival. EGFRover correlated with a pro-migratory and pro-metastatic phenotype of tumour cells as well as rich collagen fibre content. All circulating tumour cells (detected in 13% of cases) were positive for EGFR, independent of their EMT-related phenotype. EGFRover was more prevalent in castration-resistant bone metastases (29% of patients) and supported growth of human PCa cells on rigid matrices mimicking bone stiffness. Conclusions EGFRover is a stable, EMT-independent marker of PCa disseminating to rigid organs, preferentially bones.
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