1
|
Nicolò E, Gianni C, Pontolillo L, Serafini MS, Munoz-Arcos LS, Andreopoulou E, Curigliano G, Reduzzi C, Cristofanilli M. Circulating tumor cells et al.: towards a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach in breast cancer. TRANSLATIONAL BREAST CANCER RESEARCH : A JOURNAL FOCUSING ON TRANSLATIONAL RESEARCH IN BREAST CANCER 2024; 5:10. [PMID: 38751670 PMCID: PMC11093063 DOI: 10.21037/tbcr-23-55] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2023] [Accepted: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Liquid biopsy has emerged as a crucial tool in managing breast cancer (BC) patients, offering a minimally invasive approach to detect circulating tumor biomarkers. Until recently, the majority of the studies in BC focused on evaluating a single liquid biopsy analyte, primarily circulating tumor DNA and circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Despite the proven prognostic and predictive value of CTCs, their low abundance when detected using enrichment methods, especially in the early stages, poses a significant challenge. It is becoming evident that combining diverse circulating biomarkers, each representing different facets of tumor biology, has the potential to enhance the management of patients with BC. This article emphasizes the importance of considering these biomarkers as complementary/synergistic rather than competitive, recognizing their ability to contribute to a comprehensive disease profile. The review provides an overview of the clinical significance of simultaneously analyzing CTCs and other biomarkers, including cell-free circulating DNA, extracellular vesicles, non-canonical CTCs, cell-free RNAs, and non-malignant cells. Such a comprehensive liquid biopsy approach holds promise not only in BC but also in other cancer types, offering opportunities for early detection, prognostication, and therapy monitoring. However, addressing associated challenges, such as refining detection methods and establishing standardized protocols, is crucial for realizing the full potential of liquid biopsy in transforming our understanding and approach to BC. As the field evolves, collaborative efforts will be instrumental in unlocking the revolutionary impact of liquid biopsy in BC research and management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eleonora Nicolò
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Caterina Gianni
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, IRCCS Istituto Romagnolo per lo Studio dei Tumori (IRST) “Dino Amadori”, Meldola, Italy
| | - Letizia Pontolillo
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
- Medical Oncology Department, Catholic University of Sacred Heart, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli IRCCS, Rome, Italy
| | - Mara Serena Serafini
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Laura Sofia Munoz-Arcos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Eleni Andreopoulou
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Giuseppe Curigliano
- Department of Oncology and Hematology-Oncology, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
- Division of Early Drug Development, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, Milan, Italy
| | - Carolina Reduzzi
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Massimo Cristofanilli
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Smit DJ, Pantel K. Circulating tumor cells as liquid biopsy markers in cancer patients. Mol Aspects Med 2024; 96:101258. [PMID: 38387225 DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2024.101258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2023] [Revised: 02/07/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, novel methods for enrichment and identification of cancer cells circulating in the blood have been established. Blood-based detection of cancer cells and other tumor-associated products can be summarized under the term of Liquid Biopsy. Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) have been used for diagnosis, risk stratification and treatment selection as well as treatment monitoring in several studies over the past years, thus representing a valuable biomarker for cancer patients. A plethora of methods to enrich, detect and analyze CTCs has been established. In contrast to other liquid biopsy analytes (e.g. ctDNA), CTCs represent a viable analyte that provides a unique opportunity to understand the underlaying biology of cancer and the metastatic cascade on the molecular level. In this review, we provide an overview on the current methods used for enrichment, detection, molecular and functional characterization of CTCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel J Smit
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Institute of Tumor Biology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistraße 52, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Topa J, Żaczek AJ, Markiewicz A. Isolation of Viable Epithelial and Mesenchymal Circulating Tumor Cells from Breast Cancer Patients. Methods Mol Biol 2024; 2752:43-52. [PMID: 38194026 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-0716-3621-3_3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2024]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) may exhibit more aggressive features than epithelial CTCs and are more frequently observed during disease progression. Therefore, detection and characterization of both epithelial and mesenchymal CTCs in cancer patients are urgently needed to allow for a better understanding of the metastatic process and more effective treatment. Here we describe a method for detection and isolation of viable epithelial and mesenchymal CTCs from peripheral blood of breast cancer patients. The method is based on density gradient centrifugation, multiplex immunofluorescent staining, and negative anti-CD45 selection. Cells obtained after the procedure are suitable for genomic or transcriptomic profiling, and they can also be isolated by micromanipulation for single-cell analysis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Topa
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna J Żaczek
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Markiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang H, Chen J, Li J. Isolation, culture, and delivery considerations for the use of mesenchymal stem cells in potential therapies for acute liver failure. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1243220. [PMID: 37744328 PMCID: PMC10513107 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1243220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 09/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure (ALF) is a high-mortality syndrome for which liver transplantation is considered the only effective treatment option. A shortage of donor organs, high costs and surgical complications associated with immune rejection constrain the therapeutic effects of liver transplantation. Recently, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) therapy was recognized as an alternative strategy for liver transplantation. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been used in clinical trials of several liver diseases due to their ease of acquisition, strong proliferation ability, multipotent differentiation, homing to the lesion site, low immunogenicity and anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects. In this review, we comprehensively summarized the harvest and culture expansion strategies for BMSCs, the development of animal models of ALF of different aetiologies, the critical mechanisms of BMSC therapy for ALF and the challenge of clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Jun Li
- State Key Laboratory for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, National Clinical Research Center for Infectious Diseases, National Medical Center for Infectious Diseases, Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Ma Y, Gan J, Bai Y, Cao D, Jiao Y. Minimal residual disease in solid tumors: an overview. Front Med 2023; 17:649-674. [PMID: 37707677 DOI: 10.1007/s11684-023-1018-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 06/24/2023] [Indexed: 09/15/2023]
Abstract
Minimal residual disease (MRD) is termed as the small numbers of remnant tumor cells in a subset of patients with tumors. Liquid biopsy is increasingly used for the detection of MRD, illustrating the potential of MRD detection to provide more accurate management for cancer patients. As new techniques and algorithms have enhanced the performance of MRD detection, the approach is becoming more widely and routinely used to predict the prognosis and monitor the relapse of cancer patients. In fact, MRD detection has been shown to achieve better performance than imaging methods. On this basis, rigorous investigation of MRD detection as an integral method for guiding clinical treatment has made important advances. This review summarizes the development of MRD biomarkers, techniques, and strategies for the detection of cancer, and emphasizes the application of MRD detection in solid tumors, particularly for the guidance of clinical treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yarui Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China
| | - Jingbo Gan
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yinlei Bai
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Dandan Cao
- Genetron Health (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Beijing, 102206, China
| | - Yuchen Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center for Cancer/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100021, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Gnant M, Turner NC, Hernando C. Managing a Long and Winding Road: Estrogen Receptor-Positive Breast Cancer. Am Soc Clin Oncol Educ Book 2023; 43:e390922. [PMID: 37319380 DOI: 10.1200/edbk_390922] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
We review key topics in the management of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-negative breast cancer. The single biggest challenge in management of this disease is late relapse, and we review new methods for identifying which patients are at risk of late relapse and potential therapeutic approaches in clinical trials. CDK4/6 inhibitors have become a standard treatment option for high-risk patients in both the adjuvant setting and the first-line metastatic setting, and we review data on optimal treatment after progression on CDK4/6 inhibitors. Targeting the estrogen receptor remains the single most effective way of targeting the cancer, and we review the developments in new oral selective ER degraders that are becoming a standard of care in cancers with ESR1 mutations and potential future directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Gnant
- Comprehensive Cancer Center, Medical University of Vienna, Austrian Breast & Colorectal Cancer Study Group, Vienna, Austria
| | - Nicholas C Turner
- The Royal Marsden Hospital and Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Cristina Hernando
- Hospital Clínico Universitario de Valencia, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, Valencia, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liang L, Kaufmann AM. The Significance of Cancer Stem Cells and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Metastasis and Anti-Cancer Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032555. [PMID: 36768876 PMCID: PMC9917228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032555] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have been identified and characterized in both hematopoietic and solid tumors. Their existence was first predicted by Virchow and Cohnheim in the 1870s. Later, many studies showed that CSCs can be identified and isolated by their expression of specific cell markers. The significance of CSCs with respect to tumor biology and anti-cancer treatment lies in their ability to maintain quiescence with very slow proliferation, indefinite self-renewal, differentiation, and trans-differentiation such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reverse process mesenchymal-epithelial transition (MET). The ability for detachment, migration, extra- and intravasation, invasion and thereby of completing all necessary steps of the metastatic cascade highlights their significance for metastasis. CSCs comprise the cancer cell populations responsible for tumor growth, resistance to therapies and cancer metastasis. In this review, the history of the CSC theory, their identification and characterization and their biology are described. The contribution of the CSC ability to undergo EMT for cancer metastasis is discussed. Recently, novel strategies for drug development have focused on the elimination of the CSCs specifically. The unique functional and molecular properties of CSCs are discussed as possible therapeutic vulnerabilities for the development of novel anti-metastasis treatments. Prospectively, this may provide precise personalized anti-cancer treatments with improved therapeutic efficiency with fewer side effects and leading to better prognosis.
Collapse
|
8
|
Davies CR, Guo T, Burke E, Stankiewicz E, Xu L, Mao X, Scandura G, Rajan P, Tipples K, Alifrangis C, Wimalasingham AG, Galazi M, Crusz S, Powles T, Grey A, Oliver T, Kudahetti S, Shaw G, Berney D, Shamash J, Lu YJ. The potential of using circulating tumour cells and their gene expression to predict docetaxel response in metastatic prostate cancer. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1060864. [PMID: 36727071 PMCID: PMC9885040 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1060864] [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: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 12/14/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Docetaxel improves overall survival (OS) in castration-resistant prostate cancer (PCa) (CRPC) and metastatic hormone-sensitive PCa (mHSPC). However, not all patients respond due to inherent and/or acquired resistance. There remains an unmet clinical need for a robust predictive test to stratify patients for treatment. Liquid biopsy of circulating tumour cell (CTCs) is minimally invasive, can provide real-time information of the heterogeneous tumour and therefore may be a potentially ideal docetaxel response prediction biomarker. Objective In this study we investigate the potential of using CTCs and their gene expression to predict post-docetaxel tumour response, OS and progression free survival (PFS). Methods Peripheral blood was sampled from 18 mCRPC and 43 mHSPC patients, pre-docetaxel treatment, for CTC investigation. CTCs were isolated using the epitope independent Parsortix® system and gene expression was determined by multiplex RT-qPCR. We evaluated CTC measurements for post-docetaxel outcome prediction using receiver operating characteristics and Kaplan Meier analysis. Results Detection of CTCs pre-docetaxel was associated with poor patient outcome post-docetaxel treatment. Combining total-CTC number with PSA and ALP predicted lack of partial response (PR) with an AUC of 0.90, p= 0.037 in mCRPC. A significantly shorter median OS was seen in mCRPC patients with positive CTC-score (12.80 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 5.08, p= 0.0005), ≥3 total-CTCs/7.5mL (12.80 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 3.84, p= 0.0053), ≥1 epithelial-CTCs/7.5mL (14.30 vs. 37.33 months, HR= 3.89, p= 0.0041) or epithelial to mesenchymal transitioning (EMTing)-CTCs/7.5mL (11.32 vs. 32.37 months, HR= 6.73, p= 0.0001). Significantly shorter PFS was observed in patients with ≥2 epithelial-CTCs/7.5mL (7.52 vs. 18.83 months, HR= 3.93, p= 0.0058). mHSPC patients with ≥5 CTCs/7.5mL had significantly shorter median OS (24.57 vs undefined months, HR= 4.14, p= 0.0097). In mHSPC patients, expression of KLK2, KLK4, ADAMTS1, ZEB1 and SNAI1 was significantly associated with shorter OS and/or PFS. Importantly, combining CTC measurements with clinical biomarkers increased sensitivity and specificity for prediction of patient outcome. Conclusion While it is clear that CTC numbers and gene expression were prognostic for PCa post-docetaxel treatment, and CTC subtype analysis may have additional value, their potential predictive value for docetaxel chemotherapy response needs to be further investigated in large patient cohorts.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Caitlin R. Davies
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tianyu Guo
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Cell Biology and the Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
| | - Edwina Burke
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Elzbieta Stankiewicz
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Central Biobank, Medical University of Gdansk, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Lei Xu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Urology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xueying Mao
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Glenda Scandura
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Prabhakar Rajan
- Centre for Cancer Cell and Molecular Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Karen Tipples
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom
| | - Constantine Alifrangis
- University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom,Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Myria Galazi
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Shanthini Crusz
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Powles
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Centre for Experimental Cancer Medicine, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alistair Grey
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Oliver
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sakunthala Kudahetti
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Greg Shaw
- Department of Urology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust (NHS), London, United Kingdom,Division of Surgery and Interventional Sciences, University College London, London, United Kingdom,University College London Hospitals, National Health Service (NHS) Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Berney
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Jonathan Shamash
- Department of Medical Oncology, Barts Health National Health Service (NHS) Trust, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yong-Jie Lu
- Centre for Cancer Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London, United Kingdom,*Correspondence: Yong-Jie Lu,
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhao Q, Li B, Gao Q, Luo Y, Ming L. Prognostic value of epithelial–mesenchymal transition circulating tumor cells in female breast cancer: A meta-analysis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:1024783. [DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1024783] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BackgroundEpithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) conferred metastatic properties on circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and was considered to be correlated with bad survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer. However, different studies have reported controversial results regarding the relationship between CTCs that have undergone EMT (EMT-CTCs) and prognosis of breast cancer. Therefore, this meta-analysis aimed to investigate the prognostic role of EMT-CTCs in patients with breast cancer.MethodsIn total, 842 patients from nine studies that were screened from Web of Science, Embase, and PubMed were included. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were extracted or estimated by the Kaplan–Meier survival curve for the meta-analysis. Sensitivity analysis was performed to characterize heterogeneity among the trials. Meanwhile, subgroup analysis was performed to present the effects of cancer stage, identification method, sampling volume, and region on the prognostic value of EMT-CTCs.ResultsThe pooled HRs for PFS were 1.97 (univariate: 95% CI, 1.19–3.24; p = 0.008) and 2.23 (multivariate: 95% CI, 1.29–3.86; p = 0.004). The pooled HRs for OS were 2.03 (univariate: 95% CI, 1.07–3.84; p = 0.029) and 1.70 (multivariate: 95% CI, 1.14–2.52; p = 0.009). Subgroup analysis showed that EMT-CTCs were associated with PFS in the primary breast cancer group (pooled HR = 2.58, 95% CI, 1.66–4.00, p < 0.001), the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) group (pooled HR = 2.69, 95% CI, 1.66–4.35, p < 0.001), the sampling volume of the >7.5-ml group (pooled HR = 1.93, 95% CI, 1.36–2.73, p < 0.001), and the Asia group (pooled HR = 1.92, 95% CI, 1.13–3.29, p = 0.017) and with OS in the primary breast cancer group (pooled HR = 3.59, 95% CI, 1.62–7.95; p = 0.002).ConclusionThe meta-analysis showed that EMT-CTCs were associated with poorer survival outcomes in patients with breast cancer. More accurate methods and designed clinical trials with unified standards are essential to establish the real role of EMT-CTCs in disease progression in women with breast cancer.
Collapse
|
10
|
Li C, Li R, Wu X, Zuo Y, Xiong G, Huang M, Sun Y, Liao R, Xiao Y, Hu L, Gao C, Yu Y. Capture of Heterogeneous Circulating Tumor Cells in Colorectal Cancer Patients on an Immunomagnetic and Anti-Nonspecific Adsorption Platform. Anal Chem 2022; 94:15240-15249. [DOI: 10.1021/acs.analchem.2c02416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Chenglin Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Rui Li
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
- Department of Pharmacy, Nantong Fourth People’s Hospital, 37 Chenggang Road, Nantong226005, P. R. China
| | - Xueyuan Wu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Yifan Zuo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Guixiang Xiong
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Meng Huang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Yuqing Sun
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Rong Liao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Yang Xiao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Lili Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Chao Gao
- Department of Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, 99 Huaihai West Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| | - Yanyan Yu
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou221004, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Lai HC, Kuo YW, Huang YH, Chan SM, Cheng KI, Wu ZF. Pancreatic Cancer and Microenvironments: Implications of Anesthesia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14112684. [PMID: 35681664 PMCID: PMC9179559 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14112684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pancreatic cancer is a lethal malignant neoplasm with less than 10% 5-year relative survival after the initial diagnosis. Several factors may be related to the poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer, including the rapid tumor progression, increased metastatic propensity, insignificant symptoms, shortage of early diagnostic biomarkers, and its tendency toward resistance to both chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Pancreatic neoplastic cells interact intimately with a complicated microenvironment that can foster drug resistance, metastasis, or relapse in pancreatic cancer. In addition, evidence shows that perioperative factors, including surgical manipulation, anesthetics, or analgesics, might alter the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression. This review outlines the up-to-date knowledge of anesthesia implications in the pancreatic microenvironment and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving pancreatic cancer survival. Abstract Pancreatic malignancy is a lethal neoplasm, as well as one of the leading causes of cancer-associated mortality, having a 5-year overall survival rate of less than 10%. The average life expectancy of patients with advanced pancreatic cancer does not exceed six months. Although surgical excision is a favorable modality for long-term survival of pancreatic neoplasm, metastasis is initially identified in nearly 80% of the patients by the time of diagnosis, making the development of therapeutic policy for pancreatic cancer extremely daunting. Emerging evidence shows that pancreatic neoplastic cells interact intimately with a complicated microenvironment that can foster drug resistance, metastasis, or relapse in pancreatic cancer. As a result, the necessity of gaining further insight should be focused on the pancreatic microenvironment contributing to cancer progression. Numerous evidence reveals that perioperative factors, including surgical manipulation and anesthetics (e.g., propofol, volatile anesthetics, local anesthetics, epidural anesthesia/analgesia, midazolam), analgesics (e.g., opioids, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, tramadol), and anesthetic adjuvants (such as ketamine and dexmedetomidine), might alter the tumor microenvironment and cancer progression by affecting perioperative inflammatory or immune responses during cancer surgery. Therefore, the anesthesiologist plays an important role in perioperative management and may affect surgical outcomes. However, the literature on the impact of anesthesia on the pancreatic cancer microenvironment and progression is limited. This review summarizes the current knowledge of the implications of anesthesia in the pancreatic microenvironment and provides future anesthetic strategies for improving pancreatic cancer survival rates.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hou-Chuan Lai
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-H.H.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Yi-Wei Kuo
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (K.-I.C.)
| | - Yi-Hsuan Huang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-H.H.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Shun-Ming Chan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-H.H.); (S.-M.C.)
| | - Kuang-I Cheng
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (K.-I.C.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Zhi-Fu Wu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Tri-Service General Hospital and National Defense Medical Center, Taipei 114, Taiwan; (H.-C.L.); (Y.-H.H.); (S.-M.C.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan; (Y.-W.K.); (K.-I.C.)
- Department of Anesthesiology, Faculty of Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine, Wan Fang Hospital, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 116, Taiwan
- Correspondence:
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Breast Cancer Patient-Derived Scaffolds Can Expose Unique Individual Cancer Progressing Properties of the Cancer Microenvironment Associated with Clinical Characteristics. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092172. [PMID: 35565301 PMCID: PMC9103124 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 04/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Despite huge progress in cancer diagnostics and medicine we still lack optimal cancer treatments for patients with aggressive diseases. This problem can be influenced by the biological heterogeneity of cancer cells as well as poorly understood cancer promoting effects of the cancer microenvironment being an important part of the cancer niche. In this study we have specifically monitored the activity of the cancer microenvironment in breast cancer patients using cell-free scaffolds repopulated with reporter cancer cells sensing the activity of the patient environment. The data show that scaffold induced changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition and pluripotency markers were linked to clinical and prognostic properties of the original cancer and the information was even more precise when matching estrogen receptor status in our system. The findings highlight that patient-derived scaffolds uncover important information about varying malignant promoting properties in the cancer niche and can be used as a complementary diagnostic tool. Abstract Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease in terms of cellular and structural composition, and besides acquired aggressive properties in the cancer cell population, the surrounding tumor microenvironment can affect disease progression and clinical behaviours. To specifically decode the clinical relevance of the cancer promoting effects of individual tumor microenvironments, we performed a comprehensive test of 110 breast cancer samples using a recently established in vivo-like 3D cell culture platform based on patient-derived scaffolds (PDSs). Cell-free PDSs were recellularized with three breast cancer cell lines and adaptation to the different patient-based microenvironments was monitored by quantitative PCR. Substantial variability in gene expression between individual PDS cultures from different patients was observed, as well as between different cell lines. Interestingly, specific gene expression changes in the PDS cultures were significantly linked to prognostic features and clinical information from the original cancer. This link was even more pronounced when ERα-status of cell lines and PDSs matched. The results support that PDSs cultures, including a cancer cell line of relevant origin, can monitor the activity of the tumor microenvironment and reveal unique information about the malignancy-inducing properties of the individual cancer niche and serve as a future complementary diagnostic tool for breast cancer.
Collapse
|
13
|
Radfar P, Aboulkheyr Es H, Salomon R, Kulasinghe A, Ramalingam N, Sarafraz-Yazdi E, Thiery JP, Warkiani ME. Single-cell analysis of circulating tumour cells: enabling technologies and clinical applications. Trends Biotechnol 2022; 40:1041-1060. [DOI: 10.1016/j.tibtech.2022.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
|
14
|
Brown MS, Muller KE, Pattabiraman DR. Quantifying the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) from Bench to Bedside. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:1138. [PMID: 35267444 PMCID: PMC8909103 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14051138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 02/04/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and its reversal, the mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) are critical components of the metastatic cascade in breast cancer and many other solid tumor types. Recent work has uncovered the presence of a variety of states encompassed within the EMT spectrum, each of which may play unique roles or work collectively to impact tumor progression. However, defining EMT status is not routinely carried out to determine patient prognosis or dictate therapeutic decision-making in the clinic. Identifying and quantifying the presence of various EMT states within a tumor is a critical first step to scoring patient tumors to aid in determining prognosis. Here, we review the major strides taken towards translating our understanding of EMT biology from bench to bedside. We review previously used approaches including basic immunofluorescence staining, flow cytometry, single-cell sequencing, and multiplexed tumor mapping. Future studies will benefit from the consideration of multiple methods and combinations of markers in designing a diagnostic tool for detecting and measuring EMT in patient tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Meredith S. Brown
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
| | - Kristen E. Muller
- Department of Pathology, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA;
| | - Diwakar R. Pattabiraman
- Department of Molecular and Systems Biology, Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth, Hanover, NH 03755, USA;
- Norris Cotton Cancer Center, Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Lebanon, NH 03756, USA
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Topa J, Grešner P, Żaczek AJ, Markiewicz A. Breast cancer circulating tumor cells with mesenchymal features-an unreachable target? Cell Mol Life Sci 2022; 79:81. [PMID: 35048186 PMCID: PMC8770434 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-04064-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 11/26/2021] [Accepted: 11/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) mediate dissemination of solid tumors and can be an early sign of disease progression. Moreover, they show a great potential in terms of non-invasive, longitudinal monitoring of cancer patients. CTCs have been extensively studied in breast cancer (BC) and were shown to present a significant phenotypic plasticity connected with initiation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Apart from conferring malignant properties, EMT affects CTCs recovery rate, making a significant portion of CTCs from patients’ samples undetected. Wider application of methods and markers designed to isolate and identify mesenchymal CTCs is required to expand our knowledge about the clinical impact of mesenchymal CTCs. Therefore, here we provide a comprehensive review of clinical significance of mesenchymal CTCs in BC together with statistical analysis of previously published data, in which we assessed the suitability of a number of methods/markers used for isolation of CTCs with different EMT phenotypes, both in in vitro spike-in tests with BC cell lines, as well as clinical samples. Results of spiked-in cell lines indicate that, in general, methods not based on epithelial enrichment only, capture mesenchymal CTCs much more efficiently that CellSearch® (golden standard in CTCs detection), but at the same time are not much inferior to Cell Search®, though large variation in recovery rates of added cells among the methods is observed. In clinical samples, where additional CTCs detection markers are needed, positive epithelial-based CTCs enrichment was the most efficient in isolating CTCs with mesenchymal features from non-metastatic BC patients. From the marker side, PI3K and VIM were contributing the most to detection of CTCs with mesenchymal features (in comparison to SNAIL) in non-metastatic and metastatic BC patients, respectively. However, additional data are needed for more robust identification of markers for efficient detection of CTCs with mesenchymal features.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Justyna Topa
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Peter Grešner
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Anna J Żaczek
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland
| | - Aleksandra Markiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, University of Gdańsk and Medical University of Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211, Gdansk, Poland.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Xiong F, Wu GH, Wang B, Chen YJ. Plastin-3 is a diagnostic and prognostic marker for pancreatic adenocarcinoma and distinguishes from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Cancer Cell Int 2021; 21:411. [PMID: 34348730 PMCID: PMC8336331 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-021-02117-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Altered Plastin-3 (PLS3; an actin-binding protein) expression was associated with human carcinogenesis, including pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). This study first assessed differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and then bioinformatically and experimentally confirmed PLS3 to be able to predict PDA prognosis and distinguish PDA from diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Methods This study screened multiple online databases and revealed DEGs among PDA, normal pancreas, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), and normal lymph node tissues and then focused on PLS3. These DEGs were analyzed for Gene Ontology (GO) terms, Kaplan–Meier curves, and the log-rank test to characterize their association with PDA prognosis. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted, and Spearman’s tests were performed. Differential PLS3 expression in different tissue specimens (n = 30) was evaluated by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results There were a great number of DEGs between PDA and lymph node, between PDA and DLBCL, and between PDA and normal pancreatic tissues. Five DEGs (NET1, KCNK1, MAL2, PLS1, and PLS3) were associated with poor overall survival of PDA patients, but only PLS3 was further verified by the R2 and ICGC datasets. The ROC analysis showed a high PLS3 AUC (area under the curve) value for PDA diagnosis, while PLS3 was able to distinguish PDA from DLBCL. The results of Spearman's analysis showed that PLS3 expression was associated with levels of KRT7, SPP1, and SPARC. Differential PLS3 expression in different tissue specimens was further validated by RT-qPCR. Conclusions Altered PLS3 expression was useful in diagnosis and prognosis of PDA as well as to distinguish PDA from DLBCL. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12935-021-02117-1.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fei Xiong
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Guan-Hua Wu
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Bing Wang
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China
| | - Yong-Jun Chen
- Department of Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430074, Hubei, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kumar-Singh A, Parniewska MM, Giotopoulou N, Javadi J, Sun W, Szatmári T, Dobra K, Hjerpe A, Fuxe J. Nuclear Syndecan-1 Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Tumor Cells. BIOLOGY 2021; 10:biology10060521. [PMID: 34208075 PMCID: PMC8230654 DOI: 10.3390/biology10060521] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2021] [Revised: 05/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Tumor cells undergoing epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) lose cell surface adhesion molecules and gain invasive and metastatic properties. EMT is a plastic process and tumor cells may shift between different epithelial-mesenchymal states during metastasis. However, how this is regulated is not fully understood. Syndecan-1 (SDC1) is the major cell surface proteoglycan in epithelial cells and has been shown to regulate carcinoma progression and EMT. Recently, it was discovered that SDC1 translocates into the cell nucleus in certain tumor cells. Nuclear SDC1 inhibits cell proliferation, but whether nuclear SDC1 contributes to the regulation of EMT is not clear. Here, we report that loss of nuclear SDC1 is associated with cellular elongation and an E-cadherin-to-N-cadherin switch during TGF-β1-induced EMT in human A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells. Further studies showed that nuclear translocation of SDC1 contributed to the repression of mesenchymal and invasive properties of human B6FS fibrosarcoma cells. The results demonstrate that nuclear translocation contributes to the capacity of SDC1 to regulate epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in human tumor cells and opens up to mechanistic studies to elucidate the mechanisms involved.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ashish Kumar-Singh
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Malgorzata Maria Parniewska
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Nikolina Giotopoulou
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Joman Javadi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Wenwen Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Tünde Szatmári
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
| | - Katalin Dobra
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
- Division of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (J.F.); Tel.: +46-707-980-065 (J.F.)
| | - Anders Hjerpe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
- Division of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jonas Fuxe
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Karolinska Institutet, Division of Pathology, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden; (A.K.-S.); (M.M.P.); (N.G.); (J.J.); (W.S.); (T.S.); (A.H.)
- Division of Clinical Pathology/Cytology, Karolinska University Laboratory, Karolinska University Hospital, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
- Correspondence: (K.D.); (J.F.); Tel.: +46-707-980-065 (J.F.)
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Plastin 3 in health and disease: a matter of balance. Cell Mol Life Sci 2021; 78:5275-5301. [PMID: 34023917 PMCID: PMC8257523 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-021-03843-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2021] [Revised: 04/06/2021] [Accepted: 04/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
For a long time, PLS3 (plastin 3, also known as T-plastin or fimbrin) has been considered a rather inconspicuous protein, involved in F-actin-binding and -bundling. However, in recent years, a plethora of discoveries have turned PLS3 into a highly interesting protein involved in many cellular processes, signaling pathways, and diseases. PLS3 is localized on the X-chromosome, but shows sex-specific, inter-individual and tissue-specific expression variability pointing towards skewed X-inactivation. PLS3 is expressed in all solid tissues but usually not in hematopoietic cells. When escaping X-inactivation, PLS3 triggers a plethora of different types of cancers. Elevated PLS3 levels are considered a prognostic biomarker for cancer and refractory response to therapies. When it is knocked out or mutated in humans and mice, it causes osteoporosis with bone fractures; it is the only protein involved in actin dynamics responsible for osteoporosis. Instead, when PLS3 is upregulated, it acts as a highly protective SMN-independent modifier in spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). Here, it seems to counteract reduced F-actin levels by restoring impaired endocytosis and disturbed calcium homeostasis caused by reduced SMN levels. In contrast, an upregulation of PLS3 on wild-type level might cause osteoarthritis. This emphasizes that the amount of PLS3 in our cells must be precisely balanced; both too much and too little can be detrimental. Actin-dynamics, regulated by PLS3 among others, are crucial in a lot of cellular processes including endocytosis, cell migration, axonal growth, neurotransmission, translation, and others. Also, PLS3 levels influence the infection with different bacteria, mycosis, and other pathogens.
Collapse
|
19
|
Tashireva LA, Savelieva OE, Grigoryeva ES, Nikitin YV, Denisov EV, Vtorushin SV, Zavyalova MV, Cherdyntseva NV, Perelmuter VM. Heterogeneous Manifestations of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity of Circulating Tumor Cells in Breast Cancer Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:2504. [PMID: 33801519 PMCID: PMC7958863 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
To date, there is indisputable evidence of significant CTC heterogeneity in carcinomas, in particular breast cancer. The heterogeneity of CTCs is manifested in the key characteristics of tumor cells related to metastatic progression - stemness and epithelial-mesenchymal (EMT) plasticity. It is still not clear what markers can characterize the phenomenon of EMT plasticity in the range from epithelial to mesenchymal phenotypes. In this article we examine the manifestations of EMT plasticity in the CTCs in breast cancer. The prospective study included 39 patients with invasive carcinoma of no special type. CTC phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry before any type of treatment. EMT features of CTC were assessed using antibodies against CD45, CD326 (EpCam), CD325 (N-cadherin), CK7, Snail, and Vimentin. Circulating tumor cells in breast cancer are characterized by pronounced heterogeneity of EMT manifestations. The results of the study indicate that the majority of heterogeneous CTC phenotypes (22 out of 24 detectable) exhibit epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. The variability of EMT manifestations does not prevent intravasation. Co-expression of EpCAM and CK7, regardless of the variant of co-expression of Snail, N-cadherin, and Vimentin, are associated with a low number of CTCs. Intrapersonal heterogeneity is manifested by the detection of several CTC phenotypes in each patient. Interpersonal heterogeneity is manifested by various combinations of CTC phenotypes in patients (from 1 to 17 phenotypes).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liubov A. Tashireva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Olga E. Savelieva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Evgeniya S. Grigoryeva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Yuri V. Nikitin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Laboratory Diagnostics, Military Medical Academy N.a. S.M. Kirov, 190000 St. Petersburg, Russia;
| | - Evgeny V. Denisov
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Sergey V. Vtorushin
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Marina V. Zavyalova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Nadezhda V. Cherdyntseva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Vladimir M. Perelmuter
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.S.G.); (E.V.D.); (S.V.V.); (M.V.Z.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Pereira-Veiga T, González-Conde M, León-Mateos L, Piñeiro-Cid R, Abuín C, Muinelo-Romay L, Martínez-Fernández M, Brea Iglesias J, García González J, Anido U, Aguín-Losada S, Cebey V, Costa C, López-López R. Longitudinal CTCs gene expression analysis on metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel reveals new potential prognosis markers. Clin Exp Metastasis 2021; 38:239-251. [PMID: 33635497 PMCID: PMC7987626 DOI: 10.1007/s10585-021-10075-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/22/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
CTCs have extensively been used for the monitoring and characterization of metastatic prostate cancer, but their application in the clinic is still very scarce. Besides, the resistance mechanisms linked to prostate cancer treatment remain unclear. Liquid biopsies represent the most promising alternative due to the complexity of biopsying bone metastasis and the duration of the disease. We performed a prospective longitudinal study in CTCs from 20 castration-resistant prostate cancer patients treated with docetaxel. For that, we used CellSearch® technology and a custom gene expression panel with qRT-PCR using a CTCs negative enrichment approach. We found that CTCs showed a hybrid phenotype during the disease, where epithelial features were associated with the presence of ≥ 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood, while high relative expression of the gene MYCL was observed preferentially in the set of samples with < 5 CTCs/7.5 mL of blood. At baseline, patients whose CTCs had stem or hybrid features showed a later progression. After 1 cycle of docetaxel, high relative expression of ZEB1 indicated worse outcome, while KRT19 and KLK3 high expression could predisposed the patients to a worse prognosis at clinical progression. In the present work we describe biomarkers with clinical relevance for the prediction of early response or resistance in castration-resistant prostate cancer patients. Besides, we question the utility of targeted isolated CTCs and the use of a limited number of markers to define the CTCs population.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thais Pereira-Veiga
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Department of Tumor Biology, Center of Experimental Medicine, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Miriam González-Conde
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Luis León-Mateos
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro-Cid
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Carmen Abuín
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Muinelo-Romay
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Liquid Biopsy Analysis Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Mónica Martínez-Fernández
- Genomes and Disease Lab. CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Avda. Barcelona 31, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jenifer Brea Iglesias
- Genomes and Disease Lab. CIMUS, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela (USC), Avda. Barcelona 31, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Jorge García González
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Urbano Anido
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Santiago Aguín-Losada
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Víctor Cebey
- Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Clotilde Costa
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain. .,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029, Madrid, Spain.
| | - Rafael López-López
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Medical Oncology Department, University Clinical Hospital of Santiago de Compostela, 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain.,Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer, CIBERONC, 28029, Madrid, Spain.,Translational Medical Oncology Group (Oncomet), Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706, Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Alvarado-Estrada K, Marenco-Hillembrand L, Maharjan S, Mainardi VL, Zhang YS, Zarco N, Schiapparelli P, Guerrero-Cazares H, Sarabia-Estrada R, Quinones-Hinojosa A, Chaichana KL. Circulatory shear stress induces molecular changes and side population enrichment in primary tumor-derived lung cancer cells with higher metastatic potential. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2800. [PMID: 33531664 PMCID: PMC7854722 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-82634-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a leading cause of death and disease worldwide. However, while the survival for patients with primary cancers is improving, the ability to prevent metastatic cancer has not. Once patients develop metastases, their prognosis is dismal. A critical step in metastasis is the transit of cancer cells in the circulatory system. In this hostile microenvironment, variations in pressure and flow can change cellular behavior. However, the effects that circulation has on cancer cells and the metastatic process remain unclear. To further understand this process, we engineered a closed-loop fluidic system to analyze molecular changes induced by variations in flow rate and pressure on primary tumor-derived lung adenocarcinoma cells. We found that cancer cells overexpress epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers TWIST1 and SNAI2, as well as stem-like marker CD44 (but not CD133, SOX2 and/or NANOG). Moreover, these cells display a fourfold increased percentage of side population cells and have an increased propensity for migration. In vivo, surviving circulatory cells lead to decreased survival in rodents. These results suggest that cancer cells that express a specific circulatory transition phenotype and are enriched in side population cells are able to survive prolonged circulatory stress and lead to increased metastatic disease and shorter survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Keila Alvarado-Estrada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Lina Marenco-Hillembrand
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Sushila Maharjan
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Valerio Luca Mainardi
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Regenerative Medicine Technologies Lab, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), Lugano, Switzerland
- Laboratory of Biological Structures Mechanics (LaBS), Department of Chemistry, Material and Chemical Engineering "Giulio Natta", Politecnico Di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Yu Shrike Zhang
- Division of Engineering in Medicine, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Natanael Zarco
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Paula Schiapparelli
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Hugo Guerrero-Cazares
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | - Rachel Sarabia-Estrada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA
| | | | - Kaisorn L Chaichana
- Department of Neurological Surgery, Mayo Clinic, 4500 San Pablo Road, Jacksonville, FL, 32224, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Xin Z, Li D, Mao F, Du Y, Wang X, Xu P, Li Z, Qian J, Yao J. PLS3 predicts poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer and promotes cancer cell proliferation via PI3K/AKT signaling. J Cell Physiol 2020; 235:8416-8423. [PMID: 32239705 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.29685] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/12/2020] [Revised: 03/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/18/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Plastin-3 plays a key role in cancer cell proliferation and invasion, but its prognostic value in pancreatic cancer (PACA) remains poorly defined. In this study, we show that PLS3 messenger RNA is overexpressed in PACA tissue compared with normal tissue. We accumulated 207 cases of PACA specimens to perform immunohistochemical analysis and demonstrated that PLS3 levels correlate with T-classification (p < .001) and pathology (p < .001). Furthermore, overall survival rates (p < .001) in tumors with high PLS3 expression were poor, as assessed through Kaplan-Meier survival analysis. PLS3 was found to be an independent prognostic factor for PACA through multivariate Cox regression analysis. Moreover, we found that PLS3 enhances the proliferation and invasion of tumor cells as assessed through Cell Counting Kit-8, wounding healing assays, and Transwell assays. The upregulation of PLS3 also led to enhanced phosphatidylinositol-3 kinase/protein kinase B signaling in PACA cells. These data suggest that PLS3 is a biomarker to estimate PACA progression and represents a molecular target for PACA therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zechang Xin
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Duguang Li
- Department of General Surgery, Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Feiyu Mao
- Department of General Surgery, Medical College of Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Du
- Department of General Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Peng Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhennan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jianjun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Yao
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Northern Jiangsu People's Hospital, Yangzhou, Jiangsu, China
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Prognostic and Predictive Value of Cadherin 11 for Patients with Gastric Cancer and Its Correlation with Tumor Microenvironment: Results from Microarray Analysis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2020; 2020:8107478. [PMID: 32685527 PMCID: PMC7335407 DOI: 10.1155/2020/8107478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2020] [Accepted: 06/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is a disease characterized by inflammation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) both play a vital role in epithelial-driven malignancy. In the present study, we performed an integrated bioinformatics analysis of transcriptome data from multiple databases of gastric cancer patients and worked on a biomarker for evaluating tumor prognosis. We found that cadherin 11 (CDH11) is highly expressed not only in gastric cancer tissues but also in EMT molecular subtypes and metastatic patients. Also, we obtained evidence that CDH11 has a significant correlation with infiltrating immune cells in the tumor microenvironment (TME). Our findings reflected that CDH11 likely plays an important role in tumor immune escape and could provide a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for patients with gastric cancer.
Collapse
|
24
|
Ding S, Chen X, Shen K. Single-cell RNA sequencing in breast cancer: Understanding tumor heterogeneity and paving roads to individualized therapy. Cancer Commun (Lond) 2020; 40:329-344. [PMID: 32654419 PMCID: PMC7427308 DOI: 10.1002/cac2.12078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 99] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Revised: 06/27/2020] [Accepted: 06/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Single‐cell RNA sequencing (scRNA‐seq) is a novel technology that allows transcriptomic analyses of individual cells. During the past decade, scRNA‐seq sensitivity, accuracy, and efficiency have improved due to innovations including more sensitive, automated, and cost‐effective single‐cell isolation methods with higher throughput as well as ongoing technological development of scRNA‐seq protocols. Among the variety of current approaches with distinct features, researchers can choose the most suitable method to carry out their research. By profiling single cells in a complex population mix, scRNA‐seq presents great advantages over traditional sequencing methods in dissecting heterogeneity in cell populations hidden in bulk analysis and exploring rare cell types associated with tumorigenesis and metastasis. scRNA‐seq studies in recent years in the field of breast cancer research have clustered breast cancer cell populations with different molecular subtypes to identify distinct populations that may correlate with poor prognosis and drug resistance. The technology has also been used to explain tumor microenvironment heterogeneity by identifying distinct immune cell subsets that may be associated with immunosurveillance and are potential immunotherapy targets. Moreover, scRNA‐seq has diverse applications in breast cancer research besides exploring heterogeneity, including the analysis of cell‐cell communications, regulatory single‐cell states, immune cell distributions, and more. scRNA‐seq is also a promising tool that can facilitate individualized therapy due to its ability to define cell subsets with potential treatment targets. Although scRNA‐seq studies of therapeutic selection in breast cancer are currently limited, the application of this technology in this field is prospective. Joint efforts and original ideas are needed to better implement scRNA‐seq technologies in breast cancer research to pave the way for individualized treatment management. This review provides a brief introduction on the currently available scRNA‐seq approaches along with their corresponding strengths and weaknesses and may act as a reference for the selection of suitable methods for research. We also discuss the current applications of scRNA‐seq in breast cancer research for tumor heterogeneity analysis, individualized therapy, and the other research directions mentioned above by reviewing corresponding published studies. Finally, we discuss the limitations of current scRNA‐seq technologies and technical problems that remain to be overcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuning Ding
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Xiaosong Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| | - Kunwei Shen
- Department of General Surgery, Comprehensive Breast Health Center, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Celià-Terrassa T, Jolly MK. Cancer Stem Cells and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Metastasis. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Med 2020; 10:cshperspect.a036905. [PMID: 31570380 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a036905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
The cancer stem cell (CSC) concept stands for undifferentiated tumor cells with the ability to initiate heterogeneous tumors. It is also relevant in metastasis and can explain how metastatic tumors mirror the heterogeneity of primary tumors. Cellular plasticity, including the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enables the generation of CSCs at different steps of the metastatic process including metastatic colonization. In this review, we update the concept of CSCs and provide evidence of the existence of metastatic stem cells (MetSCs). In addition, we highlight the nuanced understanding of EMT that has been gained recently and the association of mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) with the acquisition of CSCs properties during metastasis. We also comment on the computational approaches that have profoundly influenced our understanding of CSCs and EMT; and how these studies and new experimental technologies can yield a deeper understanding of the biological aspects of metastasis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Toni Celià-Terrassa
- Cancer Research Program, IMIM (Hospital del Mar Medical Research Institute), 08003 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Jørgensen CLT, Forsare C, Bendahl PO, Falck AK, Fernö M, Lövgren K, Aaltonen K, Rydén L. Expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition-related markers and phenotypes during breast cancer progression. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2020; 181:369-381. [PMID: 32300922 PMCID: PMC7188722 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-020-05627-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2019] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Purpose The study aimed to investigate expression of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related proteins and phenotypes during breast cancer progression and to relate this to patient outcome. Methods Protein expression patterns of E-cadherin, N-cadherin, twist, and vimentin were examined by immunohistochemistry on formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples from primary tumors (PTs) (n = 419), synchronous lymph node metastases (LNMs) (n = 131) and recurrences (n = 34) from patients included in an observational prospective primary breast cancer study. Markers were evaluated individually and combined as defined EMT phenotypes (epithelial, mesenchymal, partial EMT, and negative). EMT profiles were compared between matched tumor progression stages, and related to clinicopathological data and distant recurrence-free interval (DRFi). Results N-cadherin-positivity, vimentin-positivity, mesenchymal and partial EMT phenotypes were associated with more aggressive tumor characteristics such as triple-negative subtype. Single EMT markers and phenotype discordance rates between paired tumor samples were observed in the range of 2–35%. Non-epithelial phenotypes were more frequently identified in recurrences compared to PTs, however, no skewness of expression or phenotype was detected between PTs and matched LNMs or between PTs and matched recurrences (Exact McNemar test). Interestingly, patients with a twist positive PT had shorter DRFi, compared to patients with a twist negative PT (hazard ratio (HR) 2.4, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.2–5.1, P = 0.02). Essentially, the same effect was seen in multivariable analysis (HR 2.5, 95% CI 0.97–6.6, P = 0.06). Conclusion The epithelial phenotype was indicated to be lost between PTs and recurrences as a reflection of tumor progression. Twist status of the PT was related to long-term prognosis warranting further investigation in larger cohorts. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (10.1007/s10549-020-05627-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Charlotte Levin Tykjær Jørgensen
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, Building 404, 22381, Lund, Sweden.
| | - Carina Forsare
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, Building 404, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Pär-Ola Bendahl
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, Building 404, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Anna-Karin Falck
- Department of Surgery, Helsingborg Hospital, Helsingborg, Sweden
| | - Mårten Fernö
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, Building 404, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Lövgren
- Division of Oncology and Pathology, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Medicon Village, Building 404, 22381, Lund, Sweden
| | - Kristina Aaltonen
- Division of Translational Cancer Research, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Lisa Rydén
- Division of Surgery, Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund, Lund University, Lund, Sweden.,Department of Surgery, Skåne University Hospital, Lund, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
27
|
Savelieva OE, Tashireva LA, Kaigorodova EV, Buzenkova AV, Mukhamedzhanov RK, Grigoryeva ES, Zavyalova MV, Tarabanovskaya NA, Cherdyntseva NV, Perelmuter VM. Heterogeneity of Stemlike Circulating Tumor Cells in Invasive Breast Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21082780. [PMID: 32316333 PMCID: PMC7216207 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21082780] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Revised: 04/13/2020] [Accepted: 04/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The presence of stem and epithelial–mesenchymal-transition (EMT) features in circulating tumor cells (CTCs) determines their invasiveness, adaptability to the microenvironment, and resistance to proapoptotic signals and chemotherapy. It also allows them to fulfil the role of metastatic “seeds”. We evaluated the heterogeneity of stem CTCs by their CD44, ALDH1, and CD133 expression depending on N-cadherin expression in breast-cancer patients. A total of 38 female patients were selected for this study. CTC phenotypes were determined by flow cytometry before any type of treatment. Multiplex immunofluorescence was used for the evaluation of tumor-cell heterogeneity in primary lesions. In patients who had CD44-CD24- CTCs, a subset of cells with the expression of other stem-cell markers (CD133 and ALDH1) were detected. Expression of CD133 and/or ALDH1 may be associated with expression of N-cadherin: all populations of N-cadherin+ CTCs demonstrate stem features; in the absence of N-cadherin expression, true nonstem (CD44-CD24-CD133-ALDH1-) cells are found. The heterogeneity of stem marker expression in CTCs was observed regardless of N-cadherin expression. In our study, stromal cell-derived factor-1 (SDF-1) receptor expression in CTCs did not depend on stemlike traits, but was instead associated with N-cadherin expression. Subpopulations of tumor cells, detected both in tumors and blood, were identified. Breast cancer was characterized by pronounced interpersonal and intrapersonal heterogeneity of CTCs by the presence and combination of various stem features and N-cadherin expression. To complete the characterization of stemlike features of CTCs, we suggest the simultaneous use of the three stem markers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olga E. Savelieva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +7-(3822)-28-26-86
| | - Liubov A. Tashireva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Evgeniya V. Kaigorodova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Angelina V. Buzenkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | | | - Evgeniya S. Grigoryeva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Marina V. Zavyalova
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
- Siberian State Medical University, 634050 Tomsk, Russia;
| | - Natalia A. Tarabanovskaya
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Nadezhda V. Cherdyntseva
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| | - Vladimir M. Perelmuter
- Cancer Research Institute, Tomsk National Research Medical Center, 634050 Tomsk, Russia; (L.A.T.); (E.V.K.); (A.V.B.); (E.S.G.); (M.V.Z.); (N.A.T.); (N.V.C.); (V.M.P.)
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Circulating tumor cell as the functional aspect of liquid biopsy to understand the metastatic cascade in solid cancer. Mol Aspects Med 2020; 72:100816. [DOI: 10.1016/j.mam.2019.07.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2019] [Revised: 07/26/2019] [Accepted: 07/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
29
|
Kutasovic JR, McCart Reed AE, Sokolova A, Lakhani SR, Simpson PT. Morphologic and Genomic Heterogeneity in the Evolution and Progression of Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E848. [PMID: 32244556 PMCID: PMC7226487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12040848] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2020] [Revised: 03/25/2020] [Accepted: 03/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
: Breast cancer is a remarkably complex and diverse disease. Subtyping based on morphology, genomics, biomarkers and/or clinical parameters seeks to stratify optimal approaches for management, but it is clear that every breast cancer is fundamentally unique. Intra-tumour heterogeneity adds further complexity and impacts a patient's response to neoadjuvant or adjuvant therapy. Here, we review some established and more recent evidence related to the complex nature of breast cancer evolution. We describe morphologic and genomic diversity as it arises spontaneously during the early stages of tumour evolution, and also in the context of treatment where the changing subclonal architecture of a tumour is driven by the inherent adaptability of tumour cells to evolve and resist the selective pressures of therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jamie R. Kutasovic
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (J.R.K.); (A.E.M.R.); (A.S.); (S.R.L.)
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Amy E. McCart Reed
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (J.R.K.); (A.E.M.R.); (A.S.); (S.R.L.)
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston 4006, Australia
| | - Anna Sokolova
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (J.R.K.); (A.E.M.R.); (A.S.); (S.R.L.)
- Pathology Queensland, The Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - Sunil R. Lakhani
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (J.R.K.); (A.E.M.R.); (A.S.); (S.R.L.)
- Pathology Queensland, The Royal Brisbane & Women’s Hospital, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia
| | - Peter T. Simpson
- UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Faculty of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, Brisbane 4029, Australia; (J.R.K.); (A.E.M.R.); (A.S.); (S.R.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Chakraborty P, George JT, Tripathi S, Levine H, Jolly MK. Comparative Study of Transcriptomics-Based Scoring Metrics for the Epithelial-Hybrid-Mesenchymal Spectrum. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:220. [PMID: 32266244 PMCID: PMC7100584 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process implicated in embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis and fibrosis. Cancer cells undergoing EMT exhibit enhanced aggressive behavior characterized by drug resistance, tumor-initiation potential, and the ability to evade the immune system. Recent in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence indicates that EMT is not an all-or-none process; instead, cells can stably acquire one or more hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes which often can be more aggressive than purely E or M cell populations. Thus, the EMT status of cancer cells can prove to be a critical estimate of patient prognosis. Recent attempts have employed different transcriptomics signatures to quantify EMT status in cell lines and patient tumors. However, a comprehensive comparison of these methods, including their accuracy in identifying cells in the hybrid E/M phenotype(s), is lacking. Here, we compare three distinct metrics that score EMT on a continuum, based on the transcriptomics signature of individual samples. Our results demonstrate that these methods exhibit good concordance among themselves in quantifying the extent of EMT in a given sample. Moreover, scoring EMT using any of the three methods discerned that cells can undergo varying extents of EMT across tumor types. Separately, our analysis also identified tumor types with maximum variability in terms of EMT and associated an enrichment of hybrid E/M signatures in these samples. Moreover, we also found that the multinomial logistic regression (MLR)-based metric was capable of distinguishing between "pure" individual hybrid E/M vs. mixtures of E and M cells. Our results, thus, suggest that while any of the three methods can indicate a generic trend in the EMT status of a given cell, the MLR method has two additional advantages: (a) it uses a small number of predictors to calculate the EMT score and (b) it can predict from the transcriptomic signature of a population whether it is comprised of "pure" hybrid E/M cells at the single-cell level or is instead an ensemble of E and M cell subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Jason T. George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shubham Tripathi
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Chakraborty P, George JT, Tripathi S, Levine H, Jolly MK. Comparative Study of Transcriptomics-Based Scoring Metrics for the Epithelial-Hybrid-Mesenchymal Spectrum. Front Bioeng Biotechnol 2020; 8:220. [PMID: 32266244 DOI: 10.3389/fbioe.2020.00220/full] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular process implicated in embryonic development, wound healing, and pathological conditions such as cancer metastasis and fibrosis. Cancer cells undergoing EMT exhibit enhanced aggressive behavior characterized by drug resistance, tumor-initiation potential, and the ability to evade the immune system. Recent in silico, in vitro, and in vivo evidence indicates that EMT is not an all-or-none process; instead, cells can stably acquire one or more hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes which often can be more aggressive than purely E or M cell populations. Thus, the EMT status of cancer cells can prove to be a critical estimate of patient prognosis. Recent attempts have employed different transcriptomics signatures to quantify EMT status in cell lines and patient tumors. However, a comprehensive comparison of these methods, including their accuracy in identifying cells in the hybrid E/M phenotype(s), is lacking. Here, we compare three distinct metrics that score EMT on a continuum, based on the transcriptomics signature of individual samples. Our results demonstrate that these methods exhibit good concordance among themselves in quantifying the extent of EMT in a given sample. Moreover, scoring EMT using any of the three methods discerned that cells can undergo varying extents of EMT across tumor types. Separately, our analysis also identified tumor types with maximum variability in terms of EMT and associated an enrichment of hybrid E/M signatures in these samples. Moreover, we also found that the multinomial logistic regression (MLR)-based metric was capable of distinguishing between "pure" individual hybrid E/M vs. mixtures of E and M cells. Our results, thus, suggest that while any of the three methods can indicate a generic trend in the EMT status of a given cell, the MLR method has two additional advantages: (a) it uses a small number of predictors to calculate the EMT score and (b) it can predict from the transcriptomic signature of a population whether it is comprised of "pure" hybrid E/M cells at the single-cell level or is instead an ensemble of E and M cell subpopulations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Chakraborty
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| | - Jason T George
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Shubham Tripathi
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Ph.D. Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Physical Biology, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Herbert Levine
- Center for Theoretical Biological Physics, Rice University, Houston, TX, United States
- Department of Physics, College of Science, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
- Department of Bioengineering, College of Engineering, Northeastern University, Boston, MA, United States
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bengaluru, India
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
Fabisiewicz A, Szostakowska-Rodzos M, Zaczek AJ, Grzybowska EA. Circulating Tumor Cells in Early and Advanced Breast Cancer; Biology and Prognostic Value. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E1671. [PMID: 32121386 PMCID: PMC7084781 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21051671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2020] [Revised: 02/25/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer metastasis is the leading cause of cancer deaths in women and is difficult to combat due to the long periods in which disseminated cells retain a potential to be re-activated and start the relapse. Assessing the number and molecular profile of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in breast cancer patients, especially in early breast cancer, should help in identifying the possibility of relapse in time for therapeutic intervention to prevent or delay recurrence. While metastatic breast cancer is considered incurable, molecular analysis of CTCs still have a potential to define particular susceptibilities of the cells representing the current tumor burden, which may differ considerably from the cells of the primary tumor, and offer more tailored therapy to the patients. In this review we inspect the routes to metastasis and how they can be linked to specific features of CTCs, how CTC analysis may be used in therapy, and what is the current status of the research and efforts to include CTC analysis in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anna Fabisiewicz
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.F.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Malgorzata Szostakowska-Rodzos
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.F.); (M.S.-R.)
| | - Anna J. Zaczek
- Laboratory of Translational Oncology, Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology, Medical University of Gdańsk, Gdańsk, Debinki 1, 80-211 Gdansk, Poland;
| | - Ewa A. Grzybowska
- Department of Molecular and Translational Oncology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Roentgena 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland; (A.F.); (M.S.-R.)
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Zhang Y, Qi J, Li J, Jia S, Wang Y, Sun Q, Kang Y, Liu Y, Cao Y, Yu J. Utility of Circulating Tumor Cells for Detection of Early-Stage Luminal A Breast Cancer. Am J Med Sci 2020; 360:543-551. [PMID: 32690274 DOI: 10.1016/j.amjms.2020.01.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with early-stage luminal A breast cancer (LABC) have better prognoses. However, follow-up examinations are frequent and remain complex. The present study examined whether circulating tumor cell (CTC) detection could be used as an earlier and more reproducible indicator of disease status among patients with early-stage LABC, and given China's healthcare resource challenges, whether it could periodically replace follow-up routine imaging. METHODS A total of 135 postoperative Chinese patients with early-stage LABC were randomly assigned to a CTC group (68 patients underwent alternating assessments using CTC detection and routine re-examination) or control group (67 patients underwent only routine re-examination). The prognosis and patient-covered costs of the various assessments were calculated for the 2 groups. RESULTS No patients had normal CTCs and simultaneous abnormal imaging findings. There were no differences in overall survival, disease-free survival and total patient-covered cost of follow-up between the 2 groups (all P > 0.05). However, there was a significant difference in the average patient-covered cost (P < 0.001). Furthermore, significant intergroup differences were observed in the total and average hospitalization times (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS Among Chinese patients with low-risk LABC, CTC detection was highly reliable and relatively low cost. Therefore, CTC detection may be used to reduce the number of routine imaging follow-ups.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yang Zhang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ji Qi
- School of Epidemiology, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jianyi Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China.
| | - Shi Jia
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yitong Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Breast Surgery, General Hospital of Benxi Iron & Steel Industry Group of Liaoning Health Industry Group, Benxi, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Ye Kang
- Department of Pathology, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yushi Liu
- School of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Yanan Cao
- School of Clinical Medicine, China Medical University, Shenyang, Liaoning Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Yu
- School of Clinical Medicine, Jinzhou Medical University, Jinzhou, Liaoning Province, China
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Epithelial-Mesenchymal Plasticity in Circulating Tumor Cells, the Precursors of Metastasis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2020; 1220:11-34. [PMID: 32304077 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-35805-1_2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Circulating tumor cells offer an unprecedented window into the metastatic cascade, and to some extent can be considered as intermediates in the process of metastasis. They exhibit dynamic oscillations in epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity and provide important opportunities for prognosis, therapy response monitoring, and targeting of metastatic disease. In this manuscript, we review the involvement of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity in the early steps of metastasis and what we have learned about its contribution to genomic instability and genetic diversity, tumor progression and therapeutic responses using cell culture, mouse models and circulating tumor cells enriched from patients.
Collapse
|
35
|
NF-kappa B Signaling-Related Signatures Are Connected with the Mesenchymal Phenotype of Circulating Tumor Cells in Non-Metastatic Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121961. [PMID: 31817685 PMCID: PMC6966426 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The role of circulating tumor cells (CTCs), tumor microenvironment (TME), and the immune system in the formation of metastasis is evident, yet the details of their interactions remain unknown. This study aimed at exploring the immunotranscriptome of primary tumors associated with the status of CTCs in breast cancer (BCa) patients. The expression of 730 immune-related genes in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded samples was analyzed using the multigenomic NanoString technology and correlated with the presence and the phenotype of CTCs. Upregulation of 37 genes and downregulation of 1 gene were observed in patients characterized by a mesenchymal phenotype of CTCs when compared to patients with epithelial CTCs. The upregulated genes were involved in NF-kappa B signaling and in the production of type I interferons. The clinical significance of the differentially expressed genes was evaluated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data of a breast invasive carcinoma (BRCA) cohort. Five of the upregulated genes-PSMD7, C2, IFNAR1, CD84, and CYLD-were independent prognostic factors in terms of overall and disease-free survival. To conclude, our data identify a group of genes that are upregulated in BCa patients with mesenchymal CTCs and reveal their prognostic potential, thus indicating that they merit further investigation.
Collapse
|
36
|
CTCs Expression Profiling for Advanced Breast Cancer Monitoring. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11121941. [PMID: 31817194 PMCID: PMC6966538 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11121941] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) has a huge clinical interest in advance and metastatic breast cancer patients. However, many approaches are biased by the use of epithelial markers, which underestimate non-epithelial CTCs phenotypes. CTCs enumeration provides valuable prognostic information; however, molecular characterization could be the best option to monitor patients throughout the disease since it may provide more relevant clinical information to the physicians. In this work, we aimed at enumerating and performing a molecular characterization of CTCs from a cohort of 20 patients with metastatic breast cancer (MBC), monitoring the disease at different time points of the therapy, and at progression when it occurred. To this end, we used a CTC negative enrichment protocol that allowed us to recover a higher variety of CTCs phenotypes. With this strategy, we were able to obtain gene expression data from CTCs from all the patients. In addition, we found that high expression levels of PALB2 and MYC were associated with a worse outcome. Interestingly, we identified that CTCs with an EpCAMhighVIMlowALDH1A1high signature showed both shorter overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS), suggesting that CTCs with epithelial-stem features had the most aggressive phenotype.
Collapse
|
37
|
Keller L, Pantel K. Unravelling tumour heterogeneity by single-cell profiling of circulating tumour cells. Nat Rev Cancer 2019; 19:553-567. [PMID: 31455893 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-019-0180-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 339] [Impact Index Per Article: 67.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Single-cell technologies have contributed to unravelling tumour heterogeneity, now considered a hallmark of cancer and one of the main causes of tumour resistance to cancer therapies. Liquid biopsy (LB), defined as the detection and analysis of cells or cell products released by tumours into the blood, offers an appealing minimally invasive approach that allows the characterization and monitoring of tumour heterogeneity in individual patients. Here, we will review and discuss how circulating tumour cell (CTC) analysis at single-cell resolution provides unique insights into tumour heterogeneity that are not revealed by analysis of circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) derived from LBs. The molecular analysis of CTCs provides complementary information to that of genomic aberrations determined using ctDNA to fully describe many different cellular components (for example, DNA, RNA, proteins and metabolites) that can influence tumour heterogeneity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Laura Keller
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Klaus Pantel
- Department of Tumour Biology, University Medical Centre Hamburg-Eppendorf, Hamburg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Targeting the Interplay between Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal-Transition and the Immune System for Effective Immunotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11050714. [PMID: 31137625 PMCID: PMC6562947 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11050714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 72] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/14/2019] [Accepted: 05/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Over the last decade, both early diagnosis and targeted therapy have improved the survival rates of many cancer patients. Most recently, immunotherapy has revolutionized the treatment options for cancers such as melanoma. Unfortunately, a significant portion of cancers (including lung and breast cancers) do not respond to immunotherapy, and many of them develop resistance to chemotherapy. Molecular characterization of non-responsive cancers suggest that an embryonic program known as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which is mostly latent in adults, can be activated under selective pressures, rendering these cancers resistant to chemo- and immunotherapies. EMT can also drive tumor metastases, which in turn also suppress the cancer-fighting activity of cytotoxic T cells that traffic into the tumor, causing immunotherapy to fail. In this review, we compare and contrast immunotherapy treatment options of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and triple negative breast cancer (TNBC). We discuss why, despite breakthrough progress in immunotherapy, attaining predictable outcomes in the clinic is mostly an unsolved problem for these tumors. Although these two cancer types appear different based upon their tissues of origin and molecular classification, gene expression indicate that they possess many similarities. Patient tumors exhibit activation of EMT, and resulting stem cell properties in both these cancer types associate with metastasis and resistance to existing cancer therapies. In addition, the EMT transition in both these cancers plays a crucial role in immunosuppression, which exacerbates treatment resistance. To improve cancer-related survival we need to understand and circumvent, the mechanisms through which these tumors become therapy resistant. In this review, we discuss new information and complementary perspectives to inform combination treatment strategies to expand and improve the anti-tumor responses of currently available clinical immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Collapse
|
39
|
Chen W, Zhang H, Zeng X, Chen L, Fang G, Cai H, Zhong X. Phase‐shifted pentafluorobutane nanoparticles for ultrasound imaging and ultrasound‐mediated hypoxia modulation. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:16543-16552. [PMID: 31099025 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2018] [Revised: 03/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Wei‐Jian Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Hua Zhang
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Biomedical Translation Research Institute and School of Pharmacy Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xue‐Yi Zeng
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Long Chen
- Department of Ultrasonography, Xiangyang Central Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Hubei University of Arts and Science Xiangyang China
| | - Gui‐Ting Fang
- Department of Ultrasonography The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Huai‐Hong Cai
- Department of Chemistry, College of Chemistry and Materials Science Jinan University Guangzhou China
| | - Xing Zhong
- Department of Ultrasonography The First Affiliated Hospital of Jinan University Guangzhou China
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Sridharan S, Howard CM, Tilley AMC, Subramaniyan B, Tiwari AK, Ruch RJ, Raman D. Novel and Alternative Targets Against Breast Cancer Stemness to Combat Chemoresistance. Front Oncol 2019. [PMID: 31681564 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01003.2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. They are heterogeneous and inherently radio- and chemoresistant. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-BCSCs. These determinants of BCSCs including the plasticity between the mesenchymal and epithelial phenotypes often leads to minimal residual disease (MRD), tumor relapse, and therapy failure. By studying the resistance mechanisms in BCSCs, a combinatorial therapy can be formulated to co-target BCSCs and bulk tumor cells. This review addresses breast cancer stemness and molecular underpinnings of how the cancer stemness can lead to pharmacological resistance. This might occur through rewiring of signaling pathways and modulated expression of various targets that support survival and self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous bulk tumor cells following chemotherapy. We explore emerging novel and alternative molecular targets against BC stemness and chemoresistance involving survival, drug efflux, metabolism, proliferation, cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Strategic targeting of such vulnerabilities in BCSCs may overcome the chemoresistance and increase the longevity of the metastatic breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Sridharan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Cory M Howard
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Augustus M C Tilley
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | - Amit K Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Randall J Ruch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Sridharan S, Howard CM, Tilley AMC, Subramaniyan B, Tiwari AK, Ruch RJ, Raman D. Male midwives. BRITISH MEDICAL JOURNAL 1982; 9:1003. [PMID: 31681564 PMCID: PMC6805781 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs) play a vital role in tumor progression and metastasis. They are heterogeneous and inherently radio- and chemoresistant. They have the ability to self-renew and differentiate into non-BCSCs. These determinants of BCSCs including the plasticity between the mesenchymal and epithelial phenotypes often leads to minimal residual disease (MRD), tumor relapse, and therapy failure. By studying the resistance mechanisms in BCSCs, a combinatorial therapy can be formulated to co-target BCSCs and bulk tumor cells. This review addresses breast cancer stemness and molecular underpinnings of how the cancer stemness can lead to pharmacological resistance. This might occur through rewiring of signaling pathways and modulated expression of various targets that support survival and self-renewal, clonogenicity, and multi-lineage differentiation into heterogeneous bulk tumor cells following chemotherapy. We explore emerging novel and alternative molecular targets against BC stemness and chemoresistance involving survival, drug efflux, metabolism, proliferation, cell migration, invasion, and metastasis. Strategic targeting of such vulnerabilities in BCSCs may overcome the chemoresistance and increase the longevity of the metastatic breast cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sangita Sridharan
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Cory M. Howard
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | | | | | - Amit K. Tiwari
- Department of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Randall J. Ruch
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
| | - Dayanidhi Raman
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Toledo, Toledo, OH, United States
- *Correspondence: Dayanidhi Raman
| |
Collapse
|