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Ferrari DP, Ramos-Gomes F, Alves F, Markus MA. KPC-luciferase-expressing cells elicit an anti-tumor immune response in a mouse model of pancreatic cancer. Sci Rep 2024; 14:13602. [PMID: 38866899 PMCID: PMC11169258 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-64053-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 06/04/2024] [Indexed: 06/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Mouse models for the study of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) are well-established and representative of many key features observed in human PDAC. To monitor tumor growth, cancer cells that are implanted in mice are often transfected with reporter genes, such as firefly luciferase (Luc), enabling in vivo optical imaging over time. Since Luc can induce an immune response, we aimed to evaluate whether the expression of Luc could affect the growth of KPC tumors in mice by inducing immunogenicity. Although both cell lines, KPC and Luc transduced KPC (KPC-Luc), had the same proliferation rate, KPC-Luc tumors had significantly smaller sizes or were absent 13 days after orthotopic cell implantation, compared to KPC tumors. This coincided with the loss of bioluminescence signal over the tumor region. Immunophenotyping of blood and spleen from KPC-Luc tumor-bearing mice showed a decreased number of macrophages and CD4+ T cells, and an increased accumulation of natural killer (NK) cells in comparison to KPC tumor mice. Higher infiltration of CD8+ T cells was found in KPC-Luc tumors than in their controls. Moreover, the immune response against Luc peptide was stronger in splenocytes from mice implanted with KPC-Luc cells compared to those isolated from KPC wild-type mice, indicating increased immunogenicity elicited by the presence of Luc in the PDAC tumor cells. These results must be considered when evaluating the efficacy of anti-cancer therapies including immunotherapies in immunocompetent PDAC or other cancer mouse models that use Luc as a reporter for bioluminescence imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniele Pereira Ferrari
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann Rein‑Straße 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Fernanda Ramos-Gomes
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann Rein‑Straße 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Frauke Alves
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann Rein‑Straße 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Institute of Diagnostic and Interventional Radiology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
- Department of Haematology and Medical Oncology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Robert-Koch-Str. 40, 37075, Göttingen, Germany
| | - M Andrea Markus
- Translational Molecular Imaging, Max-Planck-Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences, Hermann Rein‑Straße 3, 37075, Göttingen, Germany.
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2
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Trotter TN, Wilson A, McBane J, Dagotto CE, Yang XY, Wei JP, Lei G, Thrash H, Snyder JC, Lyerly HK, Hartman ZC. Overcoming Xenoantigen Immunity to Enable Cellular Tracking and Gene Regulation with Immune-competent "NoGlow" Mice. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1050-1062. [PMID: 38592453 PMCID: PMC11003454 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2024] [Revised: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
The ability to temporally regulate gene expression and track labeled cells makes animal models powerful biomedical tools. However, sudden expression of xenobiotic genes [e.g., GFP, luciferase (Luc), or rtTA3] can trigger inadvertent immunity that suppresses foreign protein expression or results in complete rejection of transplanted cells. Germline exposure to foreign antigens somewhat addresses these challenges; however, native fluorescence and bioluminescence abrogates the utility of reporter proteins and highly spatiotemporally restricted expression can lead to suboptimal xenoantigen tolerance. To overcome these unwanted immune responses and enable reliable cell tracking/gene regulation, we developed a novel mouse model that selectively expresses antigen-intact but nonfunctional forms of GFP and Luc, as well as rtTA3, after CRE-mediated recombination. Using tissue-specific CREs, we observed model and sex-based differences in immune tolerance to the encoded xenoantigens, illustrating the obstacles of tolerizing animals to foreign genes and validating the utility of these "NoGlow" mice to dissect mechanisms of central and peripheral tolerance. Critically, tissue unrestricted NoGlow mice possess no detectable background fluorescence or luminescence and exhibit limited adaptive immunity against encoded transgenic xenoantigens after vaccination. Moreover, we demonstrate that NoGlow mice allow tracking and tetracycline-inducible gene regulation of triple-transgenic cells expressing GFP/Luc/rtTA3, in contrast to transgene-negative immune-competent mice that eliminate these cells or prohibit metastatic seeding. Notably, this model enables de novo metastasis from orthotopically implanted, triple-transgenic tumor cells, despite high xenoantigen expression. Altogether, the NoGlow model provides a critical resource for in vivo studies across disciplines, including oncology, developmental biology, infectious disease, autoimmunity, and transplantation. SIGNIFICANCE Multitolerant NoGlow mice enable tracking and gene manipulation of transplanted tumor cells without immune-mediated rejection, thus providing a platform to investigate novel mechanisms of adaptive immunity related to metastasis, immunotherapy, and tolerance.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Andrea Wilson
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jason McBane
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | | | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jun-Ping Wei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Gangjun Lei
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Hannah Thrash
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Joshua C. Snyder
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Herbert Kim Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zachary C. Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
- Department of Integrative Immunobiology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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3
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Parkman GL, Turapov T, Kircher DA, Burnett WJ, Stehn CM, O’Toole K, Culver KM, Chadwick AT, Elmer RC, Flaherty R, Stanley KA, Foth M, Lum DH, Judson-Torres RL, Friend JE, VanBrocklin MW, McMahon M, Holmen SL. Genetic Silencing of AKT Induces Melanoma Cell Death via mTOR Suppression. Mol Cancer Ther 2024; 23:301-315. [PMID: 37931033 PMCID: PMC10932877 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-23-0474] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2023] [Revised: 09/08/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/08/2023]
Abstract
Aberrant activation of the PI3K-AKT pathway is common in many cancers, including melanoma, and AKT1, 2 and 3 (AKT1-3) are bona fide oncoprotein kinases with well-validated downstream effectors. However, efforts to pharmacologically inhibit AKT have proven to be largely ineffective. In this study, we observed paradoxical effects following either pharmacologic or genetic inhibition of AKT1-3 in melanoma cells. Although pharmacological inhibition was without effect, genetic silencing of all three AKT paralogs significantly induced melanoma cell death through effects on mTOR. This phenotype was rescued by exogenous AKT1 expression in a kinase-dependent manner. Pharmacological inhibition of PI3K and mTOR with a novel dual inhibitor effectively suppressed melanoma cell proliferation in vitro and inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, this single-agent-targeted therapy was well-tolerated in vivo and was effective against MAPK inhibitor-resistant patient-derived melanoma xenografts. These results suggest that inhibition of PI3K and mTOR with this novel dual inhibitor may represent a promising therapeutic strategy in this disease in both the first-line and MAPK inhibitor-resistant setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gennie L. Parkman
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Tursun Turapov
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - David A. Kircher
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - William J. Burnett
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Christopher M. Stehn
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Kayla O’Toole
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Katie M. Culver
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Ashley T. Chadwick
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Riley C. Elmer
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Ryan Flaherty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Karly A. Stanley
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Mona Foth
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - David H. Lum
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Robert L. Judson-Torres
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | | | - Matthew W. VanBrocklin
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Sheri L. Holmen
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Surgery, University of Utah Health Sciences Center, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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4
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Bu W, Li Y. Advances in Immunocompetent Mouse and Rat Models. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041328. [PMID: 37217281 PMCID: PMC10810718 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041328] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023]
Abstract
Rodent models of breast cancer have played critical roles in our understanding of breast cancer development and progression as well as preclinical testing of cancer prevention and therapeutics. In this article, we first review the values and challenges of conventional genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models and newer iterations of these models, especially those with inducible or conditional regulation of oncogenes and tumor suppressors. Then, we discuss nongermline (somatic) GEM models of breast cancer with temporospatial control, made possible by intraductal injection of viral vectors to deliver oncogenes or to manipulate the genome of mammary epithelial cells. Next, we introduce the latest development in precision editing of endogenous genes using in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 technology. We conclude with the recent development in generating somatic rat models for modeling estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer, something that has been difficult to accomplish in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Bu
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
| | - Yi Li
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA
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5
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Vaishnavi A, Kinsey CG, McMahon M. Preclinical Modeling of Pathway-Targeted Therapy of Human Lung Cancer in the Mouse. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2024; 14:a041385. [PMID: 37788883 PMCID: PMC10760064 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a041385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
Animal models, particularly genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), continue to have a transformative impact on our understanding of the initiation and progression of hematological malignancies and solid tumors. Furthermore, GEMMs have been employed in the design and optimization of potent anticancer therapies. Increasingly, drug responses are assessed in mouse models either prior, or in parallel, to the implementation of precision medical oncology, in which groups of patients with genetically stratified cancers are treated with drugs that target the relevant oncoprotein such that mechanisms of drug sensitivity or resistance may be identified. Subsequently, this has led to the design and preclinical testing of combination therapies designed to forestall the onset of drug resistance. Indeed, mouse models of human lung cancer represent a paradigm for how a wide variety of GEMMs, driven by a variety of oncogenic drivers, have been generated to study initiation, progression, and maintenance of this disease as well as response to drugs. These studies have now expanded beyond targeted therapy to include immunotherapy. We highlight key aspects of the relationship between mouse models and the evolution of therapeutic approaches, including oncogene-targeted therapies, immunotherapies, acquired drug resistance, and ways in which successful antitumor strategies improve on efficiently translating preclinical approaches into successful antitumor strategies in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aria Vaishnavi
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Conan G Kinsey
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
| | - Martin McMahon
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Dermatology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
- Department of Oncological Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84112, USA
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6
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Zhao G, Bu G, Liu G, Kong X, Sun C, Li Z, Dai D, Sun H, Kang Y, Feng G, Zhong Q, Zeng M. mRNA-based Vaccines Targeting the T-cell Epitope-rich Domain of Epstein Barr Virus Latent Proteins Elicit Robust Anti-Tumor Immunity in Mice. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2023; 10:e2302116. [PMID: 37890462 PMCID: PMC10724410 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202302116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023]
Abstract
Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with various malignancies and infects >90% of the global population. EBV latent proteins are expressed in numerous EBV-associated cancers and contribute to carcinogenesis, making them critical therapeutic targets for these cancers. Thus, this study aims to develop mRNA-based therapeutic vaccines that express the T-cell-epitope-rich domain of truncated latent proteins of EBV, including truncatedlatent membrane protein 2A (Trunc-LMP2A), truncated EBV nuclear antigen 1 (Trunc-EBNA1), and Trunc-EBNA3A. The vaccines effectively activate both cellular and humoral immunity in mice and show promising results in suppressing tumor progression and improving survival time in tumor-bearing mice. Furthermore, it is observed that the truncated forms of the antigens, Trunc-LMP2A, Trunc-EBNA1, and Trunc-EBNA3A, are more effective than full-length antigens in activating antigen-specific immune responses. In summary, the findings demonstrate the effectiveness of mRNA-based therapeutic vaccines targeting the T-cell-epitope-rich domain of EBV latent proteins and providing new treatment options for EBV-associated cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ge‐Xin Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Guo‐Long Bu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Gang‐Feng Liu
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery Section IIThe Third Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University/Yunnan Cancer Hospital519 Kunzhou RoadKunming650118China
| | - Xiang‐Wei Kong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Cong Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Zi‐Qian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Dan‐Ling Dai
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Hai‐Xia Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Yin‐Feng Kang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Guo‐Kai Feng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Qian Zhong
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
| | - Mu‐Sheng Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South ChinaCollaborative Innovation Center for Cancer. MedicineGuangdong Key Laboratory of Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma, Diagnosis, and TherapySun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
- Guangdong‐Hong Kong Joint Laboratory for RNA MedicineSun Yat‐sen University Cancer CenterGuangzhou510060China
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7
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Merrill JR, Inguscio A, Chung T, Demestichas B, Garcia LA, Habel J, Lewis DY, Janowitz T, Lyons SK. Sensitive, non-immunogenic in vivo imaging of cancer metastases and immunotherapy response. Cell Stress 2023; 7:59-68. [PMID: 37664695 PMCID: PMC10468692 DOI: 10.15698/cst2023.08.288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/31/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-invasive imaging of tumors expressing reporter transgenes is a popular preclinical method for studying tumor development and response to therapy in vivo due to its ability to distinguish signal from tumors over background noise. However, the utilized transgenes, such as firefly luciferase, are immunogenic and, therefore, impact results when expressed in immune-competent hosts. This represents an important limitation, given that cancer immunology and immunotherapy are currently among the most impactful areas of research and therapeutic development. Here we present a non-immunogenic preclinical tumor imaging approach. Based on the expression of murine sodium iodide symporter (mNIS), it facilitates sensitive, non-invasive detection of syngeneic tumor cells in immune-competent tumor models without additional immunogenicity arising from exogenous transgenic protein or selection marker expression. NIS-expressing tumor cells internalize the gamma-emitting [99mTc]pertechnetate ion and so can be detected by SPECT (single photon emission computed tomography). Using a mouse model of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma hepatic metastases in immune-competent C57BL/6 mice, we demonstrate that the technique enables the detection of very early metastatic lesions and longitudinal assessment of immunotherapy responses using precise and quantifiable whole-body SPECT/CT imaging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph R. Merrill
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Alessandra Inguscio
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Taemoon Chung
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Breanna Demestichas
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Libia A. Garcia
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Jill Habel
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - David Y. Lewis
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Garscube Estate, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Tobias Janowitz
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
| | - Scott K. Lyons
- Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory, 1 Bungtown Road, Cold Spring Harbor, NY 11724
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8
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Skourti E, Volpe A, Lang C, Johnson P, Panagaki F, Fruhwirth GO. Spatiotemporal quantitative microRNA-155 imaging reports immune-mediated changes in a triple-negative breast cancer model. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1180233. [PMID: 37359535 PMCID: PMC10285160 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1180233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction MicroRNAs are small non-coding RNAs and represent key players in physiology and disease. Aberrant microRNA expression is central to the development and progression of cancer, with various microRNAs proposed as potential cancer biomarkers and drug targets. There is a need to better understand dynamic microRNA expression changes as cancers progress and their tumor microenvironments evolve. Therefore, spatiotemporal and non-invasive in vivo microRNA quantification in tumor models would be highly beneficial. Methods We developed an in vivo microRNA detector platform in which the obtained signals are positively correlated to microRNA presence, and which permitted stable expression in cancer cells as needed for long-term experimentation in tumor biology. It exploits a radionuclide-fluorescence dual-reporter for quantitative in vivo imaging of a microRNA of choice by radionuclide tomography and fluorescence-based downstream ex vivo tissue analyses. We generated and characterized breast cancer cells stably expressing various microRNA detectors and validated them in vitro. Results We found the microRNA detector platform to report on microRNA presence in cells specifically and accurately, which was independently confirmed by real-time PCR and through microRNA modulation. Moreover, we established various breast tumor models in animals with different levels of residual immune systems and observed microRNA detector read-outs by imaging. Applying the detector platform to the progression of a triple-negative breast cancer model, we found that miR-155 upregulation in corresponding tumors was dependent on macrophage presence in tumors, revealing immune-mediated phenotypic changes in these tumors as they progressed. Conclusion While applied to immunooncology in this work, this multimodal in vivo microRNA detector platform will be useful whenever non-invasive quantification of spatiotemporal microRNA changes in living animals is of interest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Skourti
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alessia Volpe
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cameron Lang
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Preeth Johnson
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Fani Panagaki
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Physics, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Gilbert O. Fruhwirth
- Imaging Therapies and Cancer Group, Comprehensive Cancer Centre, School of Cancer and Pharmaceutical Sciences, King’s College London, London, United Kingdom
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9
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Budhwani KI, Patel ZH, Guenter RE, Charania AA. A hitchhiker's guide to cancer models. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1361-1373. [PMID: 35534320 PMCID: PMC9588514 DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.04.003] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/08/2022] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer is a complex and uniquely personal disease. More than 1.7 million people in the United States are diagnosed with cancer every year. As the burden of cancer grows, so does the need for new, more effective therapeutics and for predictive tools to identify optimal, personalized treatment options for every patient. Cancer models that recapitulate various aspects of the disease are fundamental to making advances along the continuum of cancer treatment from benchside discoveries to bedside delivery. In this review, we use a thought experiment as a vehicle to arrive at four broad categories of cancer models and explore the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats for each category in advancing our understanding of the disease and improving treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karim I Budhwani
- CerFlux, Inc., Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Radiation Oncology, Heersink School of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), Birmingham, AL, USA; Department of Physics, Coe College, Cedar Rapids, IA, USA.
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10
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Duncan BB, Dunbar CE, Ishii K. Applying a Clinical Lens to Animal Models of CAR-T Cell Therapies. Mol Ther Methods Clin Dev 2022; 27:17-31. [PMID: 36156878 PMCID: PMC9478925 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtm.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cells have emerged as a promising treatment modality for various hematologic and solid malignancies over the past decade. Animal models remain the cornerstone of pre-clinical evaluation of human CAR-T cell products and are generally required by regulatory agencies prior to clinical translation. However, pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of adoptively transferred T cells are dependent on various recipient factors, posing challenges for accurately predicting human engineered T cell behavior in non-human animal models. For example, murine xenograft models did not forecast now well-established cytokine-driven systemic toxicities of CAR-T cells seen in humans, highlighting the limitations of animal models that do not perfectly recapitulate complex human immune systems. Understanding the concordance as well as discrepancies between existing pre-clinical animal data and human clinical experiences, along with established advantages and limitations of each model, will facilitate investigators’ ability to appropriately select and design animal models for optimal evaluation of future CAR-T cell products. We summarize the current state of animal models in this field, and the advantages and disadvantages of each approach depending on the pre-clinical questions being asked.
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11
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The cell-line-derived subcutaneous tumor model in preclinical cancer research. Nat Protoc 2022; 17:2108-2128. [PMID: 35859135 DOI: 10.1038/s41596-022-00709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2021] [Accepted: 03/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Tumor-bearing experimental animals are essential for preclinical cancer drug development. A broad range of tumor models is available, with the simplest and most widely used involving a tumor of mouse or human origin growing beneath the skin of a mouse: the subcutaneous tumor model. Here, we outline the different types of in vivo tumor model, including some of their advantages and disadvantages and how they fit into the drug-development process. We then describe in more detail the subcutaneous tumor model and key steps needed to establish it in the laboratory, namely: choosing the mouse strain and tumor cells; cell culture, preparation and injection of tumor cells; determining tumor volume; mouse welfare; and an appropriate experimental end point. The protocol leads to subcutaneous tumor growth usually within 1-3 weeks of cell injection and is suitable for those with experience in tissue culture and mouse experimentation.
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12
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Day CP, Pérez-Guijarro E, Lopès A, Goldszmid RS, Murgai M, Wakefield L, Merlino G. Recognition of observer effect is required for rigor and reproducibility of preclinical animal studies. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:231-232. [PMID: 35180384 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2022.01.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Eva Pérez-Guijarro
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Amélie Lopès
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Romina S Goldszmid
- Laboratory of Integrative Cancer Immunology, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Meera Murgai
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Lalage Wakefield
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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13
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Overcoming unintended immunogenicity in immunocompetent mouse models of metastasis: the case of GFP. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:68. [PMID: 35241648 PMCID: PMC8894451 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-00929-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
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14
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Janghorban M, Yang Y, Zhao N, Hamor C, Nguyen TM, Zhang XHF, Rosen JM. Single-Cell Analysis Unveils the Role of the Tumor Immune Microenvironment and Notch Signaling in Dormant Minimal Residual Disease. Cancer Res 2022; 82:885-899. [PMID: 34965936 PMCID: PMC8898263 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-1230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor dormancy is a stage in which residual cancer cells remain inactive, but regrowth of dormant cancer cells contributes to recurrence. The complex ecosystem in cancer that promotes cell survival and the factors that eventually overcome growth constraints and result in proliferation remain to be fully elucidated. Doing so may provide new insights and help identify novel strategies to prolong cancer dormancy and prevent disease recurrence. To dissect the molecular pathways and the microenvironments involved in regulation of dormancy, we utilized a novel immunocompetent transgenic model to study minimal residual disease and relapse. This model revealed a significant reorganization of cancer cell structures, stroma, and immune cells, with cancer cells showing dormant cell signatures. Single-cell RNA sequencing uncovered remodeling of myeloid and lymphoid compartments. In addition, the Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway was shown to regulate many aspects of tumorigenesis, including stem cell development, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, and immune cell homeostasis during minimal residual disease. Treatment with an anti-Jagged-1 antibody inhibited the Jagged-1/Notch signaling pathway in tumor cells and the microenvironment, delaying tumor recurrence. These findings uncover a cascade of regulatory changes in the microenvironment during dormancy and identify a therapeutic strategy to undercut these changes. SIGNIFICANCE Single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis reveals dormancy-associated changes in immune and stromal cells and demonstrates a rationale to pursue Jagged-1/Notch pathway inhibition as a viable therapeutic strategy to reduce disease recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mahnaz Janghorban
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Yuchen Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Biocontrol, School of Ecology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Na Zhao
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Clark Hamor
- Department of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Tuan M. Nguyen
- Chemical Biology and Therapeutics Science, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, United States
- Divisions of Renal Medicine and Engineering, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Xiang H.-F. Zhang
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- McNair Medical Institute, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Jeffrey M. Rosen
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
- Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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15
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Galldiks N, Angenstein F, Werner JM, Bauer EK, Gutsche R, Fink GR, Langen KJ, Lohmann P. Use of advanced neuroimaging and artificial intelligence in meningiomas. Brain Pathol 2022; 32:e13015. [PMID: 35213083 PMCID: PMC8877736 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.13015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Anatomical cross‐sectional imaging methods such as contrast‐enhanced MRI and CT are the standard for the delineation, treatment planning, and follow‐up of patients with meningioma. Besides, advanced neuroimaging is increasingly used to non‐invasively provide detailed insights into the molecular and metabolic features of meningiomas. These techniques are usually based on MRI, e.g., perfusion‐weighted imaging, diffusion‐weighted imaging, MR spectroscopy, and positron emission tomography. Furthermore, artificial intelligence methods such as radiomics offer the potential to extract quantitative imaging features from routinely acquired anatomical MRI and CT scans and advanced imaging techniques. This allows the linking of imaging phenotypes to meningioma characteristics, e.g., the molecular‐genetic profile. Here, we review several diagnostic applications and future directions of these advanced neuroimaging techniques, including radiomics in preclinical models and patients with meningioma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Norbert Galldiks
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, -4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Aachen, Cologne, Germany
| | - Frank Angenstein
- Functional Neuroimaging Group, Deutsches Zentrum für Neurodegenerative Erkrankungen (DZNE), Magdeburg, Germany.,Leibniz Institute for Neurobiology (LIN), Magdeburg, Germany.,Medical Faculty, Otto von Guericke University, Magdeburg, Germany
| | - Jan-Michael Werner
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Elena K Bauer
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Robin Gutsche
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, -4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Gereon R Fink
- Department of Neurology, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.,Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, -4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany
| | - Karl-Josef Langen
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, -4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany.,Center for Integrated Oncology (CIO), Universities of Aachen, Cologne, Germany.,Department of Nuclear Medicine, University Hospital Aachen, Aachen, Germany
| | - Philipp Lohmann
- Institute of Neuroscience and Medicine (INM-3, -4), Research Center Juelich, Juelich, Germany.,Department of Stereotaxy and Functional Neurosurgery, Faculty of Medicine, University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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16
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Moquin-Beaudry G, Benabdallah B, Maggiorani D, Le O, Li Y, Colas C, Raggi C, Ellezam B, M'Callum MA, Dal Soglio D, Guimond JV, Paganelli M, Haddad E, Beauséjour C. Autologous humanized mouse models of iPSC-derived tumors enable characterization and modulation of cancer-immune cell interactions. CELL REPORTS METHODS 2022; 2:100153. [PMID: 35474871 PMCID: PMC9017190 DOI: 10.1016/j.crmeth.2021.100153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2021] [Revised: 11/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
Abstract
Modeling the tumor-immune cell interactions in humanized mice is complex and limits drug development. Here, we generated easily accessible tumor models by transforming either primary skin fibroblasts or induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cell lines injected in immune-deficient mice reconstituted with human autologous immune cells. Our results showed that fibroblastic, hepatic, or neural tumors were all efficiently infiltrated and partially or totally rejected by autologous immune cells in humanized mice. Characterization of tumor-immune infiltrates revealed high expression levels of the dysfunction markers Tim3 and PD-1 in T cells and an enrichment in regulatory T cells, suggesting rapid establishment of immunomodulatory phenotypes. Inhibition of PD-1 by Nivolumab in humanized mice resulted in increased immune cell infiltration and a slight decrease in tumor growth. We expect that these versatile and accessible cancer models will facilitate preclinical studies and the evaluation of autologous cancer immunotherapies across a range of different tumor cell types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaël Moquin-Beaudry
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Basma Benabdallah
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Damien Maggiorani
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Oanh Le
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Yuanyi Li
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Chloé Colas
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Immunologie et Infectiologie, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Claudia Raggi
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
| | - Benjamin Ellezam
- Département de Neurosciences, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pathologie, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Marie-Agnès M'Callum
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Dorothée Dal Soglio
- Département de Pathologie et Biologie Moléculaire, Faculté de Médecine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pathologie, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Jean V. Guimond
- CIUSSS du Centre-Sud-de-l’Ile-de-Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Massimiliano Paganelli
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Biologie Moléculaire, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition and Pediatric Liver Transplantation Program at CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Elie Haddad
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Microbiologie, Immunologie et Infectiologie, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Département de Pédiatrie, CHU Sainte-Justine, Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Christian Beauséjour
- Centre de Recherche du CHU Sainte-Justine, 3175 Côte Sainte-Catherine, Montréal, QC H3T 1C5, Canada
- Département de Pharmacologie et Physiologie, Montréal, QC, Canada
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17
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Grzelak CA, Goddard ET, Lederer EE, Rajaram K, Dai J, Shor RE, Lim AR, Kim J, Beronja S, Funnell APW, Ghajar CM. Elimination of fluorescent protein immunogenicity permits modeling of metastasis in immune-competent settings. Cancer Cell 2022; 40:1-2. [PMID: 34861158 PMCID: PMC9668376 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Candice A Grzelak
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Erica T Goddard
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma E Lederer
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kamya Rajaram
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jinxiang Dai
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryann E Shor
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea R Lim
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeanna Kim
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Slobodan Beronja
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | | | - Cyrus M Ghajar
- Public Health Sciences Division and Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA; Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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18
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Grosskopf AK, Correa S, Baillet J, Maikawa CL, Gale EC, Brown RA, Appel EA. Consistent tumorigenesis with self-assembled hydrogels enables high-powered murine cancer studies. Commun Biol 2021; 4:985. [PMID: 34413455 PMCID: PMC8376877 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-021-02500-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Preclinical cancer research is heavily dependent on allograft and xenograft models, but current approaches to tumor inoculation yield inconsistent tumor formation and growth, ultimately wasting valuable resources (e.g., animals, time, and money) and limiting experimental progress. Here we demonstrate a method for tumor inoculation using self-assembled hydrogels to reliably generate tumors with low variance in growth. The observed reduction in model variance enables smaller animal cohorts, improved effect observation and higher powered studies.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Santiago Correa
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Julie Baillet
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Caitlin L Maikawa
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Emily C Gale
- Department of Biochemistry, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Ryanne A Brown
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Eric A Appel
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Bioengineering, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- Department of Pediatrics-Endocrinology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
- ChEM-H Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
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19
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Bartlett AQ, Pennock ND, Klug A, Schedin P. Immune Milieu Established by Postpartum Liver Involution Promotes Breast Cancer Liver Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1698. [PMID: 33916683 PMCID: PMC8038410 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In rodents, we identified a physiologic process within the normal liver that creates a pre-metastatic niche. This physiology is weaning-induced liver involution, characterized by hepatocyte cell death, immune influx, and extracellular matrix remodeling. Here, using weaning-induced liver involution as a model of a physiologically regulated pro-metastatic niche, we investigate how liver involution supports breast cancer metastasis. Liver metastases were induced in BALB/c immune competent hosts by portal vein injection of D2OR (low metastatic) or D2A1 (high metastatic) mouse mammary tumor cells. Tumor incidence and multiplicity increased in involution hosts with no evidence of a proliferation advantage. D2OR tumor cell extravasation, seeding, and early survival were not enhanced in the involuting group compared to the nulliparous group. Rather, the involution metastatic advantage was observed at 14 days post tumor cell injection. This metastatic advantage associated with induction of immune tolerance in the involution host liver, reproductive state dependent intra-tumoral immune composition, and CD8-dependent suppression of metastases in nulliparous hosts. Our findings suggest that the normal postpartum liver is in an immune suppressed state, which can provide a pro-metastatic advantage to circulating breast cancer cells. Potential relevance to women is suggested as a postpartum diagnosis of breast cancer is an independent predictor of liver metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandra Q. Bartlett
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.Q.B.); (N.D.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Nathan D. Pennock
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.Q.B.); (N.D.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Alex Klug
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.Q.B.); (N.D.P.); (A.K.)
| | - Pepper Schedin
- Department of Cell, Developmental, and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA; (A.Q.B.); (N.D.P.); (A.K.)
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Young Women’s Breast Cancer Translational Program, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO 80045, USA
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20
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Alicke B, Totpal K, Schartner JM, Berkley AM, Lehar SM, Capietto AH, Cubas RA, Gould SE. Immunization associated with primary tumor growth leads to rejection of commonly used syngeneic tumors upon tumor rechallenge. J Immunother Cancer 2020; 8:jitc-2020-000532. [PMID: 32675310 PMCID: PMC7368499 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2020-000532] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The recent success of multiple immunomodulating drugs in oncology highlights the potential of relieving immunosuppression by directly engaging the immune system in the tumor bed to target cancer cells. Durable responses to immune checkpoint inhibitors experienced by some patients may be indicative of the formation of a T cell memory response. This has prompted the search for preclinical evidence of therapy-induced long-term immunity as part of the evaluation of novel therapeutics. A common preclinical method used to document long-term immunity is the use of tumor rechallenge experiments in which tumor growth is assessed in mice that have previously rejected tumors in response to therapy. Failure of rechallenge engraftment, typically alongside successful engraftment of the same tumor in naive animals as a control, is often presented as evidence of therapy-induced tumor immunity. Here, we present evidence that formation of tumor immunity often develops independent of therapy. We observed elevated rates of rechallenge rejection following surgical resection of primary tumors for four of five commonly used models and that such postexcision immunity could be adoptively transferred to treatment-naïve mice. We also show that tumor-specific cytolytic T cells are induced on primary tumor challenge independent of therapeutic intervention. Taken together these data call into question the utility of tumor rechallenge studies and the use of naïve animals as controls to demonstrate therapy-induced formation of long-term tumor immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bruno Alicke
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Klara Totpal
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Jill M Schartner
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Amy M Berkley
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Sophie M Lehar
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | - Rafael A Cubas
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
| | - Stephen E Gould
- Translational Oncology, Genentech Inc, South San Francisco, California, USA
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21
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Sanchez VE, Lynes JP, Walbridge S, Wang X, Edwards NA, Nwankwo AK, Sur HP, Dominah GA, Obungu A, Adamstein N, Dagur PK, Maric D, Munasinghe J, Heiss JD, Nduom EK. GL261 luciferase-expressing cells elicit an anti-tumor immune response: an evaluation of murine glioma models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:11003. [PMID: 32620877 PMCID: PMC7335060 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67411-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Preclinical models that reliably recapitulate the immunosuppressive properties of human gliomas are essential to assess immune-based therapies. GL261 murine glioma cells are widely used as a syngeneic animal model of glioma, however, it has become common practice to transfect these cells with luciferase for fluorescent tumor tracking. The aim of this study was to compare the survival of mice injected with fluorescent or non-fluorescent GL261 cells and characterize the differences in their tumor microenvironment. Mice were intracranially implanted with GL261, GL261 Red-FLuc or GL261-Luc2 cells at varying doses. Cytokine profiles were evaluated by proteome microarray and Kaplan–Meier survival analysis was used to determine survival differences. Median survival for mice implanted with 5 × 104 GL261 cells was 18 to 21 days. The GL261 Red-FLuc implanted mice cells did not reach median survival at any tumor dose. Mice injected with 3 × 105 GL261-Luc2 cells reached median survival at 23 days. However, median survival was significantly prolonged to 37 days in mice implanted with 5 × 104 GL261-Luc2 cells. Additionally, proteomic analyses revealed significantly elevated inflammatory cytokines in the supernatants of the GL261 Red-FLuc cells and GL261-Luc2 cells. Our data suggest that GL261 Red-FLuc and GL261-Luc2 murine models elicit an anti-tumor immune response by increasing pro-inflammatory modulators.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victoria E Sanchez
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John P Lynes
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Stuart Walbridge
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Xiang Wang
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nancy A Edwards
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Anthony K Nwankwo
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Hannah P Sur
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Gifty A Dominah
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Arnold Obungu
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Nicholas Adamstein
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Pradeep K Dagur
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Dragan Maric
- Flow Cytometry Core Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jeeva Munasinghe
- Mouse Imaging Facility, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - John D Heiss
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Edjah K Nduom
- Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA. .,Surgical Neurology Branch, National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke, NIH, Room 3D-20, 10 Center Drive, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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22
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Alzubi MA, Boyd DC, Harrell JC. The utility of the "Glowing Head" mouse for breast cancer metastasis research. Clin Exp Metastasis 2020; 37:241-246. [PMID: 31938954 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-020-10020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2019] [Accepted: 01/07/2020] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
The expression of cellular reporters to label cancer cells, such as green fluorescent protein (GFP) and luciferase, can stimulate immune responses and effect tumor growth. Recently, a mouse model that expresses GFP and luciferase in the anterior pituitary gland was generated to tolerize mice to these proteins; the "Glowing Head" mouse. Mice were obtained from a commercial vendor, bred, and then used for tumor growth and metastasis studies. The transgene expression of luciferase was assessed within tumor-naïve mice as well as mice with mammary tumors or metastases. Tumor-free mice with white fur, compared to black fur, allowed for stronger luciferase transgene expression to be observed in the pituitary, sternum, and femur. Growth of four different luciferase-expressing mouse cancer cell lines readily occurred in the mammary gland. Though sternum expression of the luciferase transgene occurred in cancer-free mice, growth or death of luciferase positive cancer cells in the lung could be observed. Liver metastases seeded by portal vein injections of luciferase positive cancer cell lines were completely distinct from luciferase transgene expression. Though lung and brain metastasis studies have limitations, the Glowing Head mouse can be useful to inhibit immune system rejection of luciferase or GFP expressing cancer cells. This mouse model is most beneficial for studies of mammary tumors and liver metastases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad A Alzubi
- Integrative Life Sciences Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - David C Boyd
- Integrative Life Sciences Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.,Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - J Chuck Harrell
- Integrative Life Sciences Program, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Department of Pathology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA. .,Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA.
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23
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HIV-1 Reverse Transcriptase Promotes Tumor Growth and Metastasis Formation via ROS-Dependent Upregulation of Twist. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2019; 2019:6016278. [PMID: 31885806 PMCID: PMC6915010 DOI: 10.1155/2019/6016278] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2019] [Revised: 11/01/2019] [Accepted: 11/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
HIV-induced immune suppression results in the high prevalence of HIV/AIDS-associated malignancies including Kaposi sarcoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and cervical cancer. HIV-infected people are also at an increased risk of “non-AIDS-defining” malignancies not directly linked to immune suppression but associated with viral infections. Their incidence is increasing despite successful antiretroviral therapy. The mechanism behind this phenomenon remains unclear. Here, we obtained daughter clones of murine mammary gland adenocarcinoma 4T1luc2 cells expressing consensus reverse transcriptase of HIV-1 subtype A FSU_A strain (RT_A) with and without primary mutations of drug resistance. In in vitro tests, mutations of resistance to nucleoside inhibitors K65R/M184V reduced the polymerase, and to nonnucleoside inhibitors K103N/G190S, the RNase H activities of RT_A. Expression of these RT_A variants in 4T1luc2 cells led to increased production of the reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation, enhanced cell motility in the wound healing assay, and upregulation of expression of Vimentin and Twist. These properties, particularly, the expression of Twist, correlated with the levels of expression RT_A and/or the production of ROS. When implanted into syngeneic BALB/C mice, 4T1luc2 cells expressing nonmutated RT_A demonstrated enhanced rate of tumor growth and increased metastatic activity, dependent on the level of expression of RT_A and Twist. No enhancement was observed for the clones expressing mutated RT_A variants. Plausible mechanisms are discussed involving differential interactions of mutated and nonmutated RTs with its cellular partners involved in the regulation of ROS. This study establishes links between the expression of HIV-1 RT, production of ROS, induction of EMT, and enhanced propagation of RT-expressing tumor cells. Such scenario can be proposed as one of the mechanisms of HIV-induced/enhanced carcinogenesis not associated with immune suppression.
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24
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Carlson P, Dasgupta A, Grzelak CA, Kim J, Barrett A, Coleman IM, Shor RE, Goddard ET, Dai J, Schweitzer EM, Lim AR, Crist SB, Cheresh DA, Nelson PS, Hansen KC, Ghajar CM. Targeting the perivascular niche sensitizes disseminated tumour cells to chemotherapy. Nat Cell Biol 2019; 21:238-250. [PMID: 30664790 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-018-0267-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 12/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The presence of disseminated tumour cells (DTCs) in bone marrow is predictive of poor metastasis-free survival of patients with breast cancer with localized disease. DTCs persist in distant tissues despite systemic administration of adjuvant chemotherapy. Many assume that this is because the majority of DTCs are quiescent. Here, we challenge this notion and provide evidence that the microenvironment of DTCs protects them from chemotherapy, independent of cell cycle status. We show that chemoresistant DTCs occupy the perivascular niche (PVN) of distant tissues, where they are protected from therapy by vascular endothelium. Inhibiting integrin-mediated interactions between DTCs and the PVN, driven partly by endothelial-derived von Willebrand factor and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1, sensitizes DTCs to chemotherapy. Importantly, chemosensitization is achieved without inducing DTC proliferation or exacerbating chemotherapy-associated toxicities, and ultimately results in prevention of bone metastasis. This suggests that prefacing adjuvant therapy with integrin inhibitors is a viable clinical strategy to eradicate DTCs and prevent metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patrick Carlson
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arko Dasgupta
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Candice A Grzelak
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jeanna Kim
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Alexander Barrett
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Ilsa M Coleman
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Ryann E Shor
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Erica T Goddard
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Jinxiang Dai
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Emma M Schweitzer
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Andrea R Lim
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Sarah B Crist
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Graduate Program in Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - David A Cheresh
- Department of Pathology, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA.,Sanford Consortium for Regenerative Medicine, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Peter S Nelson
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Medicine, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Urology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA.,Department of Pathology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Kirk C Hansen
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - Cyrus M Ghajar
- Public Health Sciences Division/Translational Research Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA. .,Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
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25
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Gengenbacher N, Singhal M, Augustin HG. Preclinical mouse solid tumour models: status quo, challenges and perspectives. Nat Rev Cancer 2017; 17:751-765. [PMID: 29077691 DOI: 10.1038/nrc.2017.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 193] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Oncology research in humans is limited to analytical and observational studies for obvious ethical reasons, with therapy-focused clinical trials being the one exception to this rule. Preclinical mouse tumour models therefore serve as an indispensable intermediate experimental model system bridging more reductionist in vitro research with human studies. Based on a systematic survey of preclinical mouse tumour studies published in eight scientific journals in 2016, this Analysis provides an overview of how contemporary preclinical mouse tumour biology research is pursued. It thereby identifies some of the most important challenges in this field and discusses potential ways in which preclinical mouse tumour models could be improved for better relevance, reproducibility and translatability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Gengenbacher
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mahak Singhal
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Hellmut G Augustin
- Division of Vascular Oncology and Metastasis, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ-ZMBH Alliance), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
- Department of Vascular Biology and Tumor Angiogenesis (CBTM), Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany
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26
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Baklaushev VP, Kilpeläinen A, Petkov S, Abakumov MA, Grinenko NF, Yusubalieva GM, Latanova AA, Gubskiy IL, Zabozlaev FG, Starodubova ES, Abakumova TO, Isaguliants MG, Chekhonin VP. Luciferase Expression Allows Bioluminescence Imaging But Imposes Limitations on the Orthotopic Mouse (4T1) Model of Breast Cancer. Sci Rep 2017; 7:7715. [PMID: 28798322 PMCID: PMC5552689 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-07851-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 07/04/2017] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Implantation of reporter-labeled tumor cells in an immunocompetent host involves a risk of their immune elimination. We have studied this effect in a mouse model of breast cancer after the orthotopic implantation of mammary gland adenocarcinoma 4T1 cells genetically labelled with luciferase (Luc). Mice were implanted with 4T1 cells and two derivative Luc-expressing clones 4T1luc2 and 4T1luc2D6 exhibiting equal in vitro growth rates. In vivo, the daughter 4T1luc2 clone exhibited nearly the same, and 4T1luc2D6, a lower growth rate than the parental cells. The metastatic potential of 4T1 variants was assessed by magnetic resonance, bioluminescent imaging, micro-computed tomography, and densitometry which detected 100-μm metastases in multiple organs and bones at the early stage of their development. After 3-4 weeks, 4T1 generated 11.4 ± 2.1, 4T1luc2D6, 4.5 ± 0.6; and 4T1luc2, <1 metastases per mouse, locations restricted to lungs and regional lymph nodes. Mice bearing Luc-expressing tumors developed IFN-γ response to the dominant CTL epitope of Luc. Induced by intradermal DNA-immunization, such response protected mice from the establishment of 4T1luc2-tumors. Our data show that natural or induced cellular response against the reporter restricts growth and metastatic activity of the reporter-labelled tumor cells. Such cells represent a powerful instrument for improving immunization technique for cancer vaccine applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- V P Baklaushev
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Biomedical Agency of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia.
| | - A Kilpeläinen
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - S Petkov
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - M A Abakumov
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - N F Grinenko
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - G M Yusubalieva
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky National Research Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - A A Latanova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations, Moscow, Russia
| | - I L Gubskiy
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - F G Zabozlaev
- Federal Research and Clinical Center of Specialized Medical Care and Medical Technologies, Federal Biomedical Agency of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - E S Starodubova
- Engelhardt Institute of Molecular Biology, Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Russia
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations, Moscow, Russia
| | - T O Abakumova
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky National Research Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
| | - M G Isaguliants
- Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
- Chumakov Federal Scientific Center for Research and Development of Immunobiological Preparations, Moscow, Russia.
- N.F. Gamaleya Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology, Moscow, Russia.
- Riga Stradins University, Riga, Latvia.
| | - V P Chekhonin
- Research and Education Center for Medical Nanobiotechnology, Pirogov Russian National Research Medical University, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
- Department of Fundamental and Applied Neurobiology, Serbsky National Research Center for Social and Forensic Psychiatry, Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Moscow, Russia
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27
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Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality in women worldwide. Liver metastasis is involved in upwards of 30% of cases with breast cancer metastasis, and results in poor outcomes with median survival rates of only 4.8 - 15 months. Current rodent models of breast cancer metastasis, including primary tumor cell xenograft and spontaneous tumor models, rarely metastasize to the liver. Intracardiac and intrasplenic injection models do result in liver metastases, however these models can be confounded by concomitant secondary-site metastasis, or by compromised immunity due to removal of the spleen to avoid tumor growth at the injection site. To address the need for improved liver metastasis models, a murine portal vein injection method that delivers tumor cells firstly and directly to the liver was developed. This model delivers tumor cells to the liver without complications of concurrent metastases in other organs or removal of the spleen. The optimized portal vein protocol employs small injection volumes of 5 - 10 μl, ≥ 32 gauge needles, and hemostatic gauze at the injection site to control for blood loss. The portal vein injection approach in Balb/c female mice using three syngeneic mammary tumor lines of varying metastatic potential was tested; high-metastatic 4T1 cells, moderate-metastatic D2A1 cells, and low-metastatic D2.OR cells. Concentrations of ≤ 10,000 cells/injection results in a latency of ~ 20 - 40 days for development of liver metastases with the higher metastatic 4T1 and D2A1 lines, and > 55 days for the less aggressive D2.OR line. This model represents an important tool to study breast cancer metastasis to the liver, and may be applicable to other cancers that frequently metastasize to the liver including colorectal and pancreatic adenocarcinomas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erica T Goddard
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Jacob Fischer
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University
| | - Pepper Schedin
- Department of Cell, Developmental and Cancer Biology, Oregon Health and Science University;
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28
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Abstract
Fundamental cancer research and the development of efficacious antineoplastic treatments both rely on experimental systems in which the relationship between malignant cells and immune cells can be studied. Mouse models of transplantable, carcinogen-induced or genetically engineered malignancies - each with their specific advantages and difficulties - have laid the foundations of oncoimmunology. These models have guided the immunosurveillance theory that postulates that evasion from immune control is an essential feature of cancer, the concept that the long-term effects of conventional cancer treatments mostly rely on the reinstatement of anticancer immune responses and the preclinical development of immunotherapies, including currently approved immune checkpoint blockers. Specific aspects of pharmacological development, as well as attempts to personalize cancer treatments using patient-derived xenografts, require the development of mouse models in which murine genes and cells are replaced with their human equivalents. Such 'humanized' mouse models are being progressively refined to characterize the leukocyte subpopulations that belong to the innate and acquired arms of the immune system as they infiltrate human cancers that are subjected to experimental therapies. We surmise that the ever-advancing refinement of murine preclinical models will accelerate the pace of therapeutic optimization in patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laurence Zitvogel
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), INSERM U1015, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Center of Clinical Investigations in Biotherapies of Cancer, CICBT1428, GRCC, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Jonathan M Pitt
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), INSERM U1015, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Romain Daillère
- Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus (GRCC), INSERM U1015, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805 Villejuif, France
| | - Mark J Smyth
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, QLD, Australia; University of Queensland, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe 11 labelisée par la Ligue Nationale contre le Cancer, INSERM U1138, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Paris Descartes, Sorbonne Paris Cité, 75006 Paris, France
- University of Pierre et Marie Curie, 75006 Paris, France
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, GRCC, 94805 Villejuif, France
- Karolinska Institute, Department of Women's and Children's Health, Karolinska University Hospital, 17176 Stockholm, Sweden
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29
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Day CP, Merlino G, Van Dyke T. Preclinical mouse cancer models: a maze of opportunities and challenges. Cell 2015; 163:39-53. [PMID: 26406370 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2015.08.068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 402] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Significant advances have been made in developing novel therapeutics for cancer treatment, and targeted therapies have revolutionized the treatment of some cancers. Despite the promise, only about five percent of new cancer drugs are approved, and most fail due to lack of efficacy. The indication is that current preclinical methods are limited in predicting successful outcomes. Such failure exacts enormous cost, both financial and in the quality of human life. This Primer explores the current status, promise, and challenges of preclinical evaluation in advanced mouse cancer models and briefly addresses emerging models for early-stage preclinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Ping Day
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Glenn Merlino
- Laboratory of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
| | - Terry Van Dyke
- Center for Advanced Preclinical Research, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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