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Senchukova MA. Colorectal cancer and dormant metastases: Put to sleep or destroy? World J Gastrointest Oncol 2024; 16:2304-2317. [DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v16.i6.2304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2024] [Revised: 04/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/13/2024] Open
Abstract
After reading the review by An et al “Biological factors driving colorectal cancer metastasis”, which covers the problem of the metastasis of colorectal cancer (CRC), I had a desire to discuss with readers one of the exciting problems associated with dormant metastases. Most deaths from CRCs are caused by metastases, which can be detected both at diagnosis of the primary tumor and several years or even decades after treatment. This is because tumor cells that enter the bloodstream can be destroyed by the immune system, cause metastatic growth, or remain dormant for a long time. Dormant tumor cells may not manifest themselves throughout a person’s life or, after some time and under appropriate conditions, may give rise to the growth of metastases. In this editorial, we will discuss the most important features of dormant metastases and the mechanisms of premetastatic niche formation, as well as factors that contribute to the activation of dormant metastases in CRCs. We will pay special attention to the possible mechanisms involved in the formation of circulating tumor cell complexes and the choice of therapeutic strategies that promote the dormancy or destruction of tumor cells in CRCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina A Senchukova
- Department of Oncology, Orenburg State Medical University, Orenburg 460000, Russia
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2
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Xu R, Yin P, Wei J, Ding Q. The role of matrix stiffness in breast cancer progression: a review. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1284926. [PMID: 37916166 PMCID: PMC10616305 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1284926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The significance of matrix stiffness in cancer development has been investigated in recent years. The gradual elastic force the extracellular matrix imparts to cells, known as matrix stiffness, is one of the most important types of mechanical stimulation. Increased matrix stiffness alters the biological activity of cells, which promotes the growth of numerous malignancies, including breast cancer. Comprehensive studies have demonstrated that increasing matrix stiffness activates molecular signaling pathways that are closely linked to breast cancer progression. There are many articles exploring the relationship between mechanism hardness and breast cancer, so we wanted to provide a systematic summary of recent research advances. In this review, we briefly introduce the mechanism of matrix stiffness in breast cancer, elaborate on the effect of extracellular matrix stiffness on breast cancer biological behavior and signaling pathways, and finally, we will talk about breast cancer treatment that focuses on matrix stiffness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruoxi Xu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Peng Yin
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jifu Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Jiangsu Institute of Cancer Research, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Ding
- Jiangsu Breast Disease Center, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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3
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Qin Y, Ashrafizadeh M, Mongiardini V, Grimaldi B, Crea F, Rietdorf K, Győrffy B, Klionsky DJ, Ren J, Zhang W, Zhang X. Autophagy and cancer drug resistance in dialogue: Pre-clinical and clinical evidence. Cancer Lett 2023; 570:216307. [PMID: 37451426 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216307] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 49.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2023] [Revised: 07/07/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
The emergence of drug resistance is a major challenge for oncologists. Resistance can be categorized as acquired or intrinsic; the alteration of several biological mechanisms contributes to both intrinsic and acquired resistance. Macroautophagy/autophagy is the primary process in eukaryotes for the degradation of macromolecules and organelles. This process is critical in maintaining cellular homeostasis. Given its function as either a pro-survival or a pro-death phenomenon, autophagy has a complex physio-pathological role. In some circumstances, autophagy can confer chemoresistance and promote cell survival, whereas in others it can promote chemosensitivity and contribute to cell death. The role of autophagy in the modulation of cancer drug resistance reflects its impact on apoptosis and metastasis. The regulation of autophagy in cancer is mediated by various factors including AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), MAPK, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-AKT, BECN1 and ATG proteins. Non-coding RNAs are among the main regulators of autophagy, e.g., via the modulation of chemoresistance pathways. Due to the significant contribution of autophagy in cancer drug resistance, small molecule modulators and natural compounds targeting autophagy have been introduced to alter the response of cancer cells to chemotherapy. Furthermore, nanotherapeutic approaches based on autophagy regulation have been introduced in pre-clinical cancer therapy. In this review we consider the potential for using autophagy regulators for the clinical treatment of malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Qin
- Department of Lab, Chifeng Cancer Hospital (The 2nd Affliated Hospital of Chifeng University), Chifeng University, Chifeng City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, 024000, China.
| | - Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China; Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Vera Mongiardini
- Molecular Medicine Research Line, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, 16163, Italy
| | - Benedetto Grimaldi
- Molecular Medicine Research Line, Fondazione Istituto Italiano di Tecnologia (IIT), Genoa, 16163, Italy
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Katja Rietdorf
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Milton Keynes, UK
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- Department of Bioinformatics, Semmelweis University, Tüzoltó u. 7-9, 1094, Budapest, Hungary; Department of Pediatrics, Semmelweis University, Tüzoltó u. 7-9, 1094, Budapest, Hungary; Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Molecular Life Sciences, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Magyar tudosok korutja 2, 1117, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute and Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, USA
| | - Jun Ren
- Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China
| | - Xianbin Zhang
- Department of General Surgery and Institute of Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Digestive System Tumors, Carson International Cancer Center, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen University, Shenzhen, Guangdong, 518055, China.
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4
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Martino F, Lupi M, Giraudo E, Lanzetti L. Breast cancers as ecosystems: a metabolic perspective. Cell Mol Life Sci 2023; 80:244. [PMID: 37561190 PMCID: PMC10415483 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-023-04902-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023]
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer and one of the major causes of cancer death. Despite enormous progress in its management, both from the therapeutic and early diagnosis viewpoints, still around 700,000 patients succumb to the disease each year, worldwide. Late recurrency is the major problem in BC, with many patients developing distant metastases several years after the successful eradication of the primary tumor. This is linked to the phenomenon of metastatic dormancy, a still mysterious trait of the natural history of BC, and of several other types of cancer, by which metastatic cells remain dormant for long periods of time before becoming reactivated to initiate the clinical metastatic disease. In recent years, it has become clear that cancers are best understood if studied as ecosystems in which the impact of non-cancer-cell-autonomous events-dependent on complex interaction between the cancer and its environment, both local and systemic-plays a paramount role, probably as significant as the cell-autonomous alterations occurring in the cancer cell. In adopting this perspective, a metabolic vision of the cancer ecosystem is bound to improve our understanding of the natural history of cancer, across space and time. In BC, many metabolic pathways are coopted into the cancer ecosystem, to serve the anabolic and energy demands of the cancer. Their study is shedding new light on the most critical aspect of BC management, of metastatic dissemination, and that of the related phenomenon of dormancy and fostering the application of the knowledge to the development of metabolic therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Flavia Martino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Mariadomenica Lupi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Enrico Giraudo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Science and Drug Technology, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
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5
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Inoue C, Miki Y, Suzuki T. New Perspectives on Sex Steroid Hormones Signaling in Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3620. [PMID: 37509283 PMCID: PMC10377312 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15143620] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The importance of sex hormones, especially estrogen, in the pathogenesis of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) has attracted attention due to its high incidence among young adults and nonsmokers, especially those who are female. Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) reside in the cancer stroma and influence cancer growth, invasion, metastasis, and acquisition of drug resistance through interactions with cancer cells and other microenvironmental components. Hormone-mediated cell-cell interactions are classic cell-cell interactions and well-known phenomena in breast cancer and prostate cancer CAFs. In cancers of other organs, including NSCLC, the effects of CAFs on hormone-receptor expression and hormone production in cancer tissues have been reported; however, there are few such studies. Many more studies have been performed on breast and prostate cancers. Recent advances in technology, particularly single-cell analysis techniques, have led to significant advances in the classification and function of CAFs. However, the importance of sex hormones in cell-cell interactions of CAFs in NSCLC remains unclear. This review summarizes reports on CAFs in NSCLC and sex hormones in cancer and immune cells surrounding CAFs. Furthermore, we discuss the prospects of sex-hormone research involving CAFs in NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chihiro Inoue
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Miki
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
| | - Takashi Suzuki
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai 980-8575, Japan
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Tian X, He Y, Qi L, Liu D, Zhou D, Liu Y, Gong W, Han Z, Xia Y, Li H, Wang J, Zhu K, Chen L, Guo H, Zhao Q. Autophagy Inhibition Contributes to Apoptosis of PLK4 Downregulation-induced Dormant Cells in Colorectal Cancer. Int J Biol Sci 2023; 19:2817-2834. [PMID: 37324947 PMCID: PMC10266079 DOI: 10.7150/ijbs.79949] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Dormant cancer cells account for cancer recurrence, distant metastasis and drug resistance which lead to poor prognosis in colorectal cancer (CRC). However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms regulating tumor cell dormancy and how to eliminate dormant cancer cells. Recent studies indicate autophagy affects dormant tumor cell survival. Here, we found that polo-like kinases 4 (PLK4), a central regulator of the cell cycle and proliferation, plays a crucial role in regulating CRC cells dormancy both in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of PLK4 induced dormancy and inhibited migration and invasion in different CRC cell lines. Clinically, PLK4 expression was correlated with the dormancy markers (Ki67, p-ERK, p-p38) and late recurrence in CRC tissues. Mechanistically, downregulation of PLK4 induced autophagy contributed to restoring phenotypically aggressive tumor cells to a dormant state through the MAPK signaling pathway, and inhibition of autophagy would trigger apoptosis of dormant cells. Our findings reveal that downregulation of PLK4-induced autophagy contributes to tumor dormancy and autophagy inhibition leads to apoptosis of CRC dormant cells. Our study is the first to report that downregulation PLK4 induced autophagy is an early event in CRC dormancy and highlights autophagy inhibitor as a potential therapeutic target for dormant cell elimination.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Lu Chen
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
| | - Hua Guo
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
| | - Qiang Zhao
- ✉ Corresponding author: Qiang Zhao, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Hua Guo, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail: ; Lu Chen, Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital, Tianjin, 300060, China, Tel.: +86 22 23537796, fax: +86 22 23537796, E-mail:
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Frtús A, Smolková B, Uzhytchak M, Lunova M, Jirsa M, Petrenko Y, Dejneka A, Lunov O. Mechanical Regulation of Mitochondrial Dynamics and Function in a 3D-Engineered Liver Tumor Microenvironment. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:2408-2425. [PMID: 37001010 PMCID: PMC10170482 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.2c01518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/03/2023]
Abstract
It has become evident that physical stimuli of the cellular microenvironment transmit mechanical cues regulating key cellular functions, such as proliferation, migration, and malignant transformation. Accumulating evidence suggests that tumor cells face variable mechanical stimuli that may induce metabolic rewiring of tumor cells. However, the knowledge of how tumor cells adapt metabolism to external mechanical cues is still limited. We therefore designed soft 3D collagen scaffolds mimicking a pathological mechanical environment to decipher how liver tumor cells would adapt their metabolic activity to physical stimuli of the cellular microenvironment. Here, we report that the soft 3D microenvironment upregulates the glycolysis of HepG2 and Alexander cells. Both cell lines adapt their mitochondrial activity and function under growth in the soft 3D microenvironment. Cells grown in the soft 3D microenvironment exhibit marked mitochondrial depolarization, downregulation of mitochondrially encoded cytochrome c oxidase I, and slow proliferation rate in comparison with stiff monolayer cultures. Our data reveal the coupling of liver tumor glycolysis to mechanical cues. It is proposed here that soft 3D collagen scaffolds can serve as a useful model for future studies of mechanically regulated cellular functions of various liver (potentially other tissues as well) tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Frtús
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Barbora Smolková
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Uzhytchak
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Mariia Lunova
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague 14021, Czech Republic
| | - Milan Jirsa
- Institute for Clinical & Experimental Medicine (IKEM), Prague 14021, Czech Republic
| | - Yuriy Petrenko
- Department of Neuroregeneration, Institute of Experimental Medicine of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 14220, Czech Republic
| | - Alexandr Dejneka
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
| | - Oleg Lunov
- Department of Optical and Biophysical Systems, Institute of Physics of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Prague 18221, Czech Republic
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8
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Gregori A, Bergonzini C, Capula M, Mantini G, Khojasteh-Leylakoohi F, Comandatore A, Khalili-Tanha G, Khooei A, Morelli L, Avan A, Danen EH, Schmidt T, Giovannetti E. Prognostic Significance of Integrin Subunit Alpha 2 (ITGA2) and Role of Mechanical Cues in Resistance to Gemcitabine in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15030628. [PMID: 36765586 PMCID: PMC9913151 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15030628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/16/2023] [Accepted: 01/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION PDAC is an extremely aggressive tumor with a poor prognosis and remarkable therapeutic resistance. The dense extracellular matrix (ECM) which characterizes PDAC progression is considered a fundamental determinant of chemoresistance, with major contributions from mechanical factors. This study combined biomechanical and pharmacological approaches to evaluate the role of the cell-adhesion molecule ITGA2, a key regulator of ECM, in PDAC resistance to gemcitabine. METHODS The prognostic value of ITGA2 was analysed in publicly available databases and tissue-microarrays of two cohorts of radically resected and metastatic patients treated with gemcitabine. PANC-1 and its gemcitabine-resistant clone (PANC-1R) were analysed by RNA-sequencing and label-free proteomics. The role of ITGA2 in migration, proliferation, and apoptosis was investigated using hydrogel-coated wells, siRNA-mediated knockdown and overexpression, while collagen-embedded spheroids assessed invasion and ECM remodeling. RESULTS High ITGA2 expression correlated with shorter progression-free and overall survival, supporting its impact on prognosis and the lack of efficacy of gemcitabine treatment. These findings were corroborated by transcriptomic and proteomic analyses showing that ITGA2 was upregulated in the PANC-1R clone. The aggressive behavior of these cells was significantly reduced by ITGA2 silencing both in vitro and in vivo, while PANC-1 cells growing under conditions resembling PDAC stiffness acquired resistance to gemcitabine, associated to increased ITGA2 expression. Collagen-embedded spheroids of PANC-1R showed a significant matrix remodeling and spreading potential via increased expression of CXCR4 and MMP2. Additionally, overexpression of ITGA2 in MiaPaCa-2 cells triggered gemcitabine resistance and increased proliferation, both in vitro and in vivo, associated to upregulation of phospho-AKT. CONCLUSIONS ITGA2 emerged as a new prognostic factor, highlighting the relevance of stroma mechanical properties as potential therapeutic targets to counteract gemcitabine resistance in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alessandro Gregori
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Cecilia Bergonzini
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Mjriam Capula
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Institute of Life Sciences, Sant’Anna School of Advanced Studies, 56127 Pisa, Italy
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
| | - Giulia Mantini
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
| | | | - Annalisa Comandatore
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Ghazaleh Khalili-Tanha
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Alireza Khooei
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Luca Morelli
- General Surgery Unit, Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, 56100 Pisa, Italy
| | - Amir Avan
- Metabolic Syndrome Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
- Medical Genetics Research Center, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad 91886-17871, Iran
| | - Erik H. Danen
- Leiden Academic Center for Drug Research, Leiden University, 2333 CC Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Thomas Schmidt
- Physics of Life Processes, Huygens-Kamerlingh Onnes Laboratory, Leiden University, 2333 CA Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Elisa Giovannetti
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Department of Cancer Biology and Immunology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Cancer Pharmacology Lab, Fondazione Pisana per La Scienza, 56017 San Giuliano, Italy
- Correspondence:
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Jobst M, Kiss E, Gerner C, Marko D, Del Favero G. Activation of autophagy triggers mitochondrial loss and changes acetylation profile relevant for mechanotransduction in bladder cancer cells. Arch Toxicol 2023; 97:217-233. [PMID: 36214828 PMCID: PMC9816236 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03375-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Bladder cells are constantly exposed to multiple xenobiotics and bioactive metabolites. In addition to this challenging chemical environment, they are also exposed to shear stress originating from urine and interstitial fluids. Hence, physiological function of bladder cells relies on a high biochemical and biomechanical adaptive competence, which, in turn, is largely supported via autophagy-related mechanisms. As a negative side of this plasticity, bladder cancer cells are known to adapt readily to chemotherapeutic programs. At the molecular level, autophagy was described to support resistance against pharmacological treatments and to contribute to the maintenance of cell structure and metabolic competence. In this study, we enhanced autophagy with rapamycin (1-100 nM) and assessed its effects on the motility of bladder cells, as well as the capability to respond to shear stress. We observed that rapamycin reduced cell migration and the mechanical-induced translocation potential of Krüppel-like transcription factor 2 (KLF2). These effects were accompanied by a rearrangement of cytoskeletal elements and mitochondrial loss. In parallel, intracellular acetylation levels were decreased. Mechanistically, inhibition of the NAD + -dependent deacetylase sirtuin-1 (SIRT1) with nicotinamide (NAM; 0.1-5 mM) restored acetylation levels hampered by rapamycin and cell motility. Taken together, we described the effects of rapamycin on cytoskeletal elements crucial for mechanotransduction and the dependency of these changes on the mitochondrial turnover caused by autophagy activation. Additionally, we could show that targeted metabolic intervention could revert the outcome of autophagy activation, reinforcing the idea that bladder cells can easily adapt to multiple xenobiotics and circumvent in this way the effects of single chemicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximilian Jobst
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Endre Kiss
- Core Facility Multimodal, Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Christopher Gerner
- Department of Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria ,Joint Metabolome Facility, University of Vienna and Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Doris Marko
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Giorgia Del Favero
- Department of Food Chemistry and Toxicology, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria ,Core Facility Multimodal, Imaging, Faculty of Chemistry, University of Vienna, Währingerstr. 38-40, 1090 Vienna, Austria
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10
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Gonzalez-Molina J, Moyano-Galceran L, Single A, Gultekin O, Alsalhi S, Lehti K. Chemotherapy as a regulator of extracellular matrix-cell communication: Implications in therapy resistance. Semin Cancer Biol 2022; 86:224-236. [PMID: 35331851 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2022] [Accepted: 03/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The development of most solid cancers, including pancreatic, breast, lung, liver, and ovarian cancer, involves a desmoplastic reaction: a process of major remodeling of the extracellular matrix (ECM) affecting the ECM composition, mechanics, and microarchitecture. These properties of the ECM influence key cancer cell functions, including treatment resistance. Furthermore, emerging data show that various chemotherapeutic treatments lead to alterations in ECM features and ECM-cell communication. Here, we summarize the current knowledge around the effects of chemotherapy on both the ECM remodeling and ECM-cell signaling and discuss the implications of these alterations on distinct mechanisms of chemoresistance. Additionally, we provide an overview of current therapeutic strategies and ongoing clinical trials utilizing anti-cancer drugs to target the ECM-cell communication and explore the future challenges of these strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jordi Gonzalez-Molina
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
| | - Lidia Moyano-Galceran
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Andrew Single
- Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway
| | - Okan Gultekin
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Shno Alsalhi
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Kaisa Lehti
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Biomedical Laboratory Science, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, Trondheim, Norway.
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11
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Gq Signaling in Autophagy Control: Between Chemical and Mechanical Cues. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11081599. [PMID: 36009317 PMCID: PMC9405508 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11081599] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 08/14/2022] [Accepted: 08/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
All processes in human physiology relies on homeostatic mechanisms which require the activation of specific control circuits to adapt the changes imposed by external stimuli. One of the critical modulators of homeostatic balance is autophagy, a catabolic process that is responsible of the destruction of long-lived proteins and organelles through a lysosome degradative pathway. Identification of the mechanism underlying autophagic flux is considered of great importance as both protective and detrimental functions are linked with deregulated autophagy. At the mechanistic and regulatory levels, autophagy is activated in response to diverse stress conditions (food deprivation, hyperthermia and hypoxia), even a novel perspective highlight the potential role of physical forces in autophagy modulation. To understand the crosstalk between all these controlling mechanisms could give us new clues about the specific contribution of autophagy in a wide range of diseases including vascular disorders, inflammation and cancer. Of note, any homeostatic control critically depends in at least two additional and poorly studied interdependent components: a receptor and its downstream effectors. Addressing the selective receptors involved in autophagy regulation is an open question and represents a new area of research in this field. G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) represent one of the largest and druggable targets membrane receptor protein superfamily. By exerting their action through G proteins, GPCRs play fundamental roles in the control of cellular homeostasis. Novel studies have shown Gαq, a subunit of heterotrimeric G proteins, as a core modulator of mTORC1 and autophagy, suggesting a fundamental contribution of Gαq-coupled GPCRs mechanisms in the control of this homeostatic feedback loop. To address how GPCR-G proteins machinery integrates the response to different stresses including oxidative conditions and mechanical stimuli, could provide deeper insight into new signaling pathways and open potential and novel therapeutic strategies in the modulation of different pathological conditions.
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12
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McDonald PC, Dedhar S. New Perspectives on the Role of Integrin-Linked Kinase (ILK) Signaling in Cancer Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133209. [PMID: 35804980 PMCID: PMC9264971 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/03/2022] [Revised: 06/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Today, the vast majority of deaths from cancer are due to cancer metastasis. Metastasis requires that cancer cells escape from the initial tumor, travel through blood vessels, and form new tumors in distant host tissues. Integrin-linked kinase (ILK) is overexpressed by many types of cancer cells and provides both structural and signaling functions that are important for successful metastasis. Here, we discuss recent findings that show how ILK is involved in promoting physical changes important for cell motility and invasion, and how ILK relays signals to other machinery components during metastasis, including interactions with components of the immune system and communication between cancer cells and normal cells, to affect the process of metastasis. We also discuss the contribution of ILK to therapeutic resistance and examine efforts to target ILK for the treatment of metastatic disease. Abstract Cancer metastasis is a major barrier to the long-term survival of cancer patients. In cancer cells, integrin engagement downstream of cell-extracellular matrix (ECM) interactions results in the recruitment of cytoskeletal and signaling molecules to form multi-protein complexes to promote processes critical for metastasis. One of the major functional components of these complexes is Integrin Linked Kinase (ILK). Here, we discuss recent advances in our understanding of the importance of ILK as a signaling effector in processes linked to tumor progression and metastasis. New mechanistic insights as to the role of ILK in cellular plasticity, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, and invasion, including the impact of ILK on the formation of invadopodia, filopodia-like protrusions (FLPs), and Neutrophil Extracellular Trap (NET)-induced motility are highlighted. Recent findings detailing the contribution of ILK to therapeutic resistance and the importance of ILK as a potentially therapeutically tractable vulnerability in both solid tumors and hematologic malignancies are discussed. Indeed, pharmacologic inhibition of ILK activity using specific small molecule inhibitors is effective in curtailing the contribution of ILK to these processes, potentially offering a novel therapeutic avenue for inhibiting critical steps in the metastatic cascade leading to reduced drug resistance and increased therapeutic efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul C. McDonald
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada;
| | - Shoukat Dedhar
- Department of Integrative Oncology, BC Cancer Research Institute, Vancouver, BC V5Z 1L3, Canada;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC V6T 1Z3, Canada
- Correspondence:
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13
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Recent insights into the effects of metabolism on breast cancer cell dormancy. Br J Cancer 2022; 127:1385-1393. [PMID: 35715635 PMCID: PMC9553927 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-01869-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Revised: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) remains the most common cancer, as well as the leading cause of cancer mortality in women worldwide [1]. Approximately 30% of patients with early-stage BC experience metastasis or a recurrent form of the disease [2]. The phenomenon of BC dormancy, where metastasised cancer cells remain in a quiescent phase at their disseminated location and for unknown reasons can become actively proliferative again, further adds to BC’s clinical burden with treatment at this secondary stage typically proving futile. An emerging avenue of research focuses on the metabolic properties of dormant BC cells (BCCs) and potential metabolic changes causing BCCs to enter/exit their quiescent state. Here we explore several studies that have uncovered changes in carbon metabolism underlying a dormant state, with conflicting studies uncovering shifts towards both glycolysis and/or oxidative phosphorylation. This review highlights that the metabolic states/shifts of dormant BCCs seem to be dependent on different BC subtypes and receptor status; however, more work needs to be done to fully map these differences. Building on the research that this review outlines could provide new personalised therapeutic possibilities for BC patients.
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14
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Ravasio A, Morselli E, Bertocchi C. Mechanoautophagy: Synergies Between Autophagy and Cell Mechanotransduction at Adhesive Complexes. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:917662. [PMID: 35721483 PMCID: PMC9198486 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.917662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cells are exposed and respond to various mechanical forces and physical cues stemming from their environment. This interaction has been seen to differentially regulate various cellular processes for maintenance of homeostasis, of which autophagy represents one of the major players. In addition, autophagy has been suggested to regulate mechanical functions of the cells including their interaction with the environment. In this minireview, we summarize the state of the art of the fascinating interplay between autophagy and the mechanotransduction machinery associated with cell adhesions, that we name ¨Mechanoautophagy¨
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Ravasio
- Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Cristina Bertocchi, ; Andrea Ravasio,
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Sciences, Universidad San Sebastián, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristina Bertocchi
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- *Correspondence: Cristina Bertocchi, ; Andrea Ravasio,
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15
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Dormancy in Breast Cancer, the Role of Autophagy, lncRNAs, miRNAs and Exosomes. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23095271. [PMID: 35563661 PMCID: PMC9105119 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23095271] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2022] [Revised: 05/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC) is the most frequently diagnosed cancer in women for which numerous diagnostic and therapeutic options have been developed. Namely, the targeted treatment of BC, for the most part, relies on the expression of growth factors and hormone receptors by these cancer cells. Despite this, close to 30% of BC patients may experience relapse due to the presence of minimal residual disease (MRD) consisting of surviving disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) from the primary tumour which can colonise a secondary site. This can lead to either detectable metastasis or DTCs entering a dormant state for a prolonged period where they are undetectable. In the latter, cells can re-emerge from their dormant state due to intrinsic and microenvironmental cues leading to relapse and metastatic outgrowth. Pre- and clinical studies propose that targeting dormant DTCs may inhibit metastasis, but the choice between keeping them dormant or forcing their “awakening” is still controversial. This review will focus on cancer cells’ microenvironmental cues and metabolic and molecular properties, which lead to dormancy, relapse, and metastatic latency in BC. Furthermore, we will focus on the role of autophagy, long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), miRNAs, and exosomes in influencing the induction of dormancy and awakening of dormant BC cells. In addition, we have analysed BC treatment from a viewpoint of autophagy, lncRNAs, miRNAs, and exosomes. We propose the targeted modulation of these processes and molecules as modern aspects of precision medicine for BC treatment, improving both novel and traditional BC treatment options. Understanding these pathways and processes may ultimately improve BC patient prognosis, patient survival, and treatment response.
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16
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Ashrafizadeh M, Paskeh MDA, Mirzaei S, Gholami MH, Zarrabi A, Hashemi F, Hushmandi K, Hashemi M, Nabavi N, Crea F, Ren J, Klionsky DJ, Kumar AP, Wang Y. Targeting autophagy in prostate cancer: preclinical and clinical evidence for therapeutic response. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:105. [PMID: 35317831 PMCID: PMC8939209 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02293-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer is a leading cause of death worldwide and new estimates revealed prostate cancer as the leading cause of death in men in 2021. Therefore, new strategies are pertinent in the treatment of this malignant disease. Macroautophagy/autophagy is a “self-degradation” mechanism capable of facilitating the turnover of long-lived and toxic macromolecules and organelles. Recently, attention has been drawn towards the role of autophagy in cancer and how its modulation provides effective cancer therapy. In the present review, we provide a mechanistic discussion of autophagy in prostate cancer. Autophagy can promote/inhibit proliferation and survival of prostate cancer cells. Besides, metastasis of prostate cancer cells is affected (via induction and inhibition) by autophagy. Autophagy can affect the response of prostate cancer cells to therapy such as chemotherapy and radiotherapy, given the close association between autophagy and apoptosis. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that upstream mediators such as AMPK, non-coding RNAs, KLF5, MTOR and others regulate autophagy in prostate cancer. Anti-tumor compounds, for instance phytochemicals, dually inhibit or induce autophagy in prostate cancer therapy. For improving prostate cancer therapy, nanotherapeutics such as chitosan nanoparticles have been developed. With respect to the context-dependent role of autophagy in prostate cancer, genetic tools such as siRNA and CRISPR-Cas9 can be utilized for targeting autophagic genes. Finally, these findings can be translated into preclinical and clinical studies to improve survival and prognosis of prostate cancer patients. • Prostate cancer is among the leading causes of death in men where targeting autophagy is of importance in treatment; • Autophagy governs proliferation and metastasis capacity of prostate cancer cells; • Autophagy modulation is of interest in improving the therapeutic response of prostate cancer cells; • Molecular pathways, especially involving non-coding RNAs, regulate autophagy in prostate cancer; • Autophagy possesses both diagnostic and prognostic roles in prostate cancer, with promises for clinical application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Milad Ashrafizadeh
- Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Sabanci University, Orta Mahalle, Üniversite Caddesi No. 27, Orhanlı, Tuzla, 34956, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Mahshid Deldar Abad Paskeh
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Sepideh Mirzaei
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Islamic Azad University, Science and Research Branch, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Ali Zarrabi
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences, Istinye University, 34396, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Farid Hashemi
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, University of Tehran, Tehran, 1417466191, Iran
| | - Kiavash Hushmandi
- Department of Food Hygiene and Quality Control, Division of Epidemiology & Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mehrdad Hashemi
- Department of Genetics, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.,Farhikhtegan Medical Convergence sciences Research Center, Farhikhtegan Hospital Tehran Medical sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Noushin Nabavi
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Francesco Crea
- Cancer Research Group-School of Life Health and Chemical Sciences, The Open University, Walton Hall, Milton Keynes, MK7 6AA, UK
| | - Jun Ren
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, 98195, USA.,Shanghai Institute of Cardiovascular Diseases, Department of Cardiology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Daniel J Klionsky
- Life Sciences Institute & Department of Molecular, Cellular and Developmental Biology, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Alan Prem Kumar
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore and Department of Pharmacology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore. .,NUS Centre for Cancer Research (N2CR), Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
| | - Yuzhuo Wang
- Department of Urological Sciences and Vancouver Prostate Centre, University of British Columbia, V6H3Z6, Vancouver, BC, Canada.
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17
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Wang Z, Chang M, Zhang Y, Zhou G, Liu P, Lou J, Wang Y, Zhang Y, Guo X, Wang Y, Bao X, Lian W, Wang Y, Wang R, Ma W, Xing B, Gao J. Multi-Omics Investigations Revealed Underlying Molecular Mechanisms Associated With Tumor Stiffness and Identified Sunitinib as a Potential Therapy for Reducing Stiffness in Pituitary Adenomas. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:820562. [PMID: 35372359 PMCID: PMC8965615 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.820562] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose: Pituitary adenomas (PAs) are the second most common intracranial neoplasms. Total surgical resection was extremely important for curing PAs, whereas tumor stiffness has gradually become the most critical factor affecting the resection rate in PAs. We aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms of tumor stiffening and explore novel medications to reduce stiffness for improving surgical remission rates in PA patients. Methods: RNA sequencing, whole-genome bisulfite sequencing, and whole exome sequencing were applied to identify transcriptomic, epigenomic, and genomic underpinnings among 11 soft and 11 stiff PA samples surgically resected from patients at Peking Union Medical College Hospital (PUMCH). GH3 cell line and xenograft PA model was used to demonstrate therapeutic effect of sunitinib, and atomic force microscopy (AFM) was used to detect the stiffness of tumors. Results: Tumor microenvironment analyses and immunofluorescence staining indicated endothelial cells (ECs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were more abundant in stiff PAs. Weighted gene coexpression network analysis identified the most critical stiffness-related gene (SRG) module, which was highly correlated with stiff phenotype, ECs and CAFs. Functional annotations suggested SRGs might regulate PA stiffness by regulating the development, differentiation, and apoptosis of ECs and CAFs and related molecular pathways. Aberrant DNA methylation and m6A RNA modifications were investigated to play crucial roles in regulating PA stiffness. Somatic mutation analysis revealed increased intratumoral heterogeneity and decreased response to immunotherapy in stiff tumors. Connectivity Map analysis of SRGs and pRRophetic algorithm based on drug sensitivity data of cancer cell lines finally determine sunitinib as a promising agent targeting stiff tumors. Sunitinib inhibited PA growth in vitro and in vivo, and also reduced tumor stiffness in xenograft PA models detected by AFM. Conclusion: This is the first study investigating the underlying mechanisms contributing to the stiffening of PAs, and providing novel insights into medication therapy for stiff PAs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zihao Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengqi Chang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yanruo Zhang
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Gang Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Penghao Liu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jizhong Lou
- Key Laboratory of RNA Biology, CAS Center for Excellence in Biomacromolecules, Institute of Biophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuekun Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaopeng Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yaning Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xinjie Bao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Lian
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Renzhi Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Wenbin Ma
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Bing Xing
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Gao, ; Bing Xing,
| | - Jun Gao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- State Key Laboratory of Complex Severe and Rare Diseases, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- *Correspondence: Jun Gao, ; Bing Xing,
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18
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Chen Y, Li P, Peng Y, Xie X, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Li T, Qin X, Li S, Yang H, Wu C, Zheng C, Zhu J, You F, Liu Y. Protective autophagy attenuates soft substrate-induced apoptosis through ROS/JNK signaling pathway in breast cancer cells. Free Radic Biol Med 2021; 172:590-603. [PMID: 34242793 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2021.07.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Tumor microenvironments are characterized not only in terms of chemical composition, but also by physical properties such as stiffness, which influences morphology, proliferation, and fate of tumor cells. However, the underlying mechanisms between matrix stiffness and the apoptosis-autophagy balance remain largely unexplored. In this study, we cultured human breast cancer MDA-MB-231 cells on rigid (57 kPa), stiff (38 kPa) or soft (10 kPa) substrates and demonstrated that increasing autophagy levels and autophagic flux in the cells cultured on soft substrates partly attenuated soft substrate-induced apoptosis. Mechanistically, this protective autophagy is regulated by intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation, which triggers the downstream signals of JNK, Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. More importantly, soft substrate-induced activation of ROS/JNK signaling promotes cell apoptosis through the mitochondrial pathway, whereas it increases protective autophagy by suppressing the interaction of Bcl-2 and Beclin-1. Taken together, our data suggest that JNK is the mediator of soft substrate-induced breast cancer cell apoptosis and autophagy which is likely to be the mechanism that partly attenuates mitochondrial apoptosis. This study provides new insights into the molecular mechanism by which autophagy plays a protective role against soft substrate-induced apoptosis in human breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Chen
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ping Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yueting Peng
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiaoxue Xie
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yixi Zhang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Ying Jiang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Tingting Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Xiang Qin
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Shun Li
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Hong Yang
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chunhui Wu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Chuan Zheng
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Jie Zhu
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Fengming You
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China
| | - Yiyao Liu
- Department of Biophysics, School of Life Science and Technology, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, 610054, Sichuan, PR China; TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 39 Shi-er-qiao Road, Chengdu, 610072, Sichuan, PR China.
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19
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Hernández-Cáceres MP, Munoz L, Pradenas JM, Pena F, Lagos P, Aceiton P, Owen GI, Morselli E, Criollo A, Ravasio A, Bertocchi C. Mechanobiology of Autophagy: The Unexplored Side of Cancer. Front Oncol 2021; 11:632956. [PMID: 33718218 PMCID: PMC7952994 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.632956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Proper execution of cellular function, maintenance of cellular homeostasis and cell survival depend on functional integration of cellular processes and correct orchestration of cellular responses to stresses. Cancer transformation is a common negative consequence of mismanagement of coordinated response by the cell. In this scenario, by maintaining the balance among synthesis, degradation, and recycling of cytosolic components including proteins, lipids, and organelles the process of autophagy plays a central role. Several environmental stresses activate autophagy, among those hypoxia, DNA damage, inflammation, and metabolic challenges such as starvation. In addition to these chemical challenges, there is a requirement for cells to cope with mechanical stresses stemming from their microenvironment. Cells accomplish this task by activating an intrinsic mechanical response mediated by cytoskeleton active processes and through mechanosensitive protein complexes which interface the cells with their mechano-environment. Despite autophagy and cell mechanics being known to play crucial transforming roles during oncogenesis and malignant progression their interplay is largely overlooked. In this review, we highlight the role of physical forces in autophagy regulation and their potential implications in both physiological as well as pathological conditions. By taking a mechanical perspective, we wish to stimulate novel questions to further the investigation of the mechanical requirements of autophagy and appreciate the extent to which mechanical signals affect this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Paz Hernández-Cáceres
- Laboratory of Autophagy and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Leslie Munoz
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Javiera M. Pradenas
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Investigation in Oncology, Faculty of Biological Sciences Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Francisco Pena
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Lagos
- Laboratory of Autophagy and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Pablo Aceiton
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Gareth I. Owen
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Santiago, Chile
- Laboratory of Investigation in Oncology, Faculty of Biological Sciences Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy, Santiago, Chile
| | - Eugenia Morselli
- Laboratory of Autophagy and Metabolism, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
- Autophagy Research Center, Santiago de Chile, Chile
| | - Alfredo Criollo
- Advanced Center for Chronic Diseases (ACCDiS), Santiago, Chile
- Autophagy Research Center, Santiago de Chile, Chile
- Facultad De Odontología, Instituto De Investigación En Ciencias Odontológicas (ICOD), Universidad De Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Andrea Ravasio
- Laboratory for Mechanobiology of Transforming Systems, Institute for Biological and Medical Engineering, Schools of Engineering, Medicine and Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
| | - Cristina Bertocchi
- Laboratory for Molecular Mechanics of Cell Adhesion, Department of Physiology, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Pontificia Universidad Católica De Chile, Santiago, Chile
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