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de Sousa C, Eksteen C, Riedemann J, Engelbrecht AM. Highlighting the role of CD44 in cervical cancer progression: immunotherapy's potential in inhibiting metastasis and chemoresistance. Immunol Res 2024:10.1007/s12026-024-09493-6. [PMID: 38816670 DOI: 10.1007/s12026-024-09493-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Accepted: 05/16/2024] [Indexed: 06/01/2024]
Abstract
Cervical cancer affects thousands of women globally with recurring high-risk HPV infections being at the centre of cervical pathology. Oncological treatment strategies are continually challenged by both chemoresistance and metastasis within patients. Although both work hand-in-hand, targeting their individual mechanisms could prove highly beneficial for treatment outcomes. Such targets include the metastatic-promoting stem cell marker, CD44, which is abundant in cervical cancer cells and is common to both chemoresistance and metastatic mechanisms. Seeing that many existing advanced-stage cervical cancer treatment regimes, such as platinum-based chemotherapy regimens, remain limited and are rarely curative, alternative treatment options within the field of immunology are being considered. The use of immune checkpoint inhibition therapy, which targets immune checkpoints, CTLA-4 and PD-1/PD-L1, has shown promise as an alternate standard of care for patients suffering from advanced-stage cervical cancer. Therefore, this review aims to assess whether immune checkpoint inhibition can mitigate the pathological effects of CD44-induced EMT, metastasis, and chemoresistance in cervical cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cayleigh de Sousa
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Mike de Vries Building, C/o Merriman and Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | - Carla Eksteen
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Mike de Vries Building, C/o Merriman and Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa
| | | | - Anna-Mart Engelbrecht
- Department of Physiological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Stellenbosch University, Mike de Vries Building, C/o Merriman and Bosman Street, Stellenbosch, 7600, South Africa.
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2
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Allen TA. The Role of Circulating Tumor Cells as a Liquid Biopsy for Cancer: Advances, Biology, Technical Challenges, and Clinical Relevance. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:1377. [PMID: 38611055 PMCID: PMC11010957 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16071377] [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: 02/27/2024] [Revised: 03/23/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 04/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of mortality worldwide, with metastasis significantly contributing to its lethality. The metastatic spread of tumor cells, primarily through the bloodstream, underscores the importance of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in oncological research. As a critical component of liquid biopsies, CTCs offer a non-invasive and dynamic window into tumor biology, providing invaluable insights into cancer dissemination, disease progression, and response to treatment. This review article delves into the recent advancements in CTC research, highlighting their emerging role as a biomarker in various cancer types. We explore the latest technologies and methods for CTC isolation and detection, alongside novel approaches to characterizing their biology through genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and epigenetic profiling. Additionally, we examine the clinical implementation of these findings, assessing how CTCs are transforming the landscape of cancer diagnosis, prognosis, and management. By offering a comprehensive overview of current developments and potential future directions, this review underscores the significance of CTCs in enhancing our understanding of cancer and in shaping personalized therapeutic strategies, particularly for patients with metastatic disease.
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3
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Kouhmareh K, Martin E, Finlay D, Bhadada A, Hernandez-Vargas H, Downey F, Allen JK, Teriete P. Capture of circulating metastatic cancer cell clusters from a lung cancer patient can reveal a unique genomic profile and potential anti-metastatic molecular targets: A proof of concept study. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.19.558270. [PMID: 37781582 PMCID: PMC10541091 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.19.558270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Metastasis remains the leading cause of cancer deaths worldwide and lung cancer, known for its highly metastatic progression, remains among the most lethal of malignancies. The heterogeneous genomic profile of lung cancer metastases is often unknown. Since different metastatic events can selectively spread to multiple organs, strongly suggests more studies are needed to understand and target these different pathways. Unfortunately, access to the primary driver of metastases, the metastatic cancer cell clusters (MCCCs), remains difficult and limited. These metastatic clusters have been shown to be 100-fold more tumorigenic than individual cancer cells. Capturing and characterizing MCCCs is a key limiting factor in efforts to help treat and ultimately prevent cancer metastasis. Elucidating differentially regulated biological pathways in MCCCs will help uncover new therapeutic drug targets to help combat cancer metastases. We demonstrate a novel, proof of principle technology, to capture MCCCs directly from patients' whole blood. Our platform can be readily tuned for different solid tumor types by combining a biomimicry-based margination effect coupled with immunoaffinity to isolate MCCCs. Adopting a selective capture approach based on overexpressed CD44 in MCCCs provides a methodology that preferentially isolates them from whole blood. Furthermore, we demonstrate a high capture efficiency of more than 90% when spiking MCCC-like model cell clusters into whole blood. Characterization of the captured MCCCs from lung cancer patients by immunofluorescence staining and genomic analyses, suggests highly differential morphologies and genomic profiles., This study lays the foundation to identify potential drug targets thus unlocking a new area of anti-metastatic therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kourosh Kouhmareh
- PhenoVista Biosciences, 6195 Cornerstone Ct E STE 114, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Erika Martin
- PhenoVista Biosciences, 6195 Cornerstone Ct E STE 114, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Darren Finlay
- NCI Cancer Center Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 N. Torrey Pines Rd., La Jolla, CA 92037
| | - Anukriti Bhadada
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | | | - Francisco Downey
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Jeffrey K Allen
- TumorGen Inc., 6197 Cornerstone Ct E STE #101, San Diego, CA 92121
| | - Peter Teriete
- IDEAYA Biosciences, 7000 Shoreline Ct STE #350, South San Francisco, CA 94080
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4
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Waryah C, Alves E, Mazzieri R, Dolcetti R, Thompson EW, Redfern A, Blancafort P. Unpacking the Complexity of Epithelial Plasticity: From Master Regulator Transcription Factors to Non-Coding RNAs. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3152. [PMID: 37370762 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15123152] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2023] [Revised: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 06/10/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular plasticity in cancer enables adaptation to selective pressures and stress imposed by the tumor microenvironment. This plasticity facilitates the remodeling of cancer cell phenotype and function (such as tumor stemness, metastasis, chemo/radio resistance), and the reprogramming of the surrounding tumor microenvironment to enable immune evasion. Epithelial plasticity is one form of cellular plasticity, which is intrinsically linked with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Traditionally, EMT has been regarded as a binary state. Yet, increasing evidence suggests that EMT involves a spectrum of quasi-epithelial and quasi-mesenchymal phenotypes governed by complex interactions between cellular metabolism, transcriptome regulation, and epigenetic mechanisms. Herein, we review the complex cross-talk between the different layers of epithelial plasticity in cancer, encompassing the core layer of transcription factors, their interacting epigenetic modifiers and non-coding RNAs, and the manipulation of cancer immunogenicity in transitioning between epithelial and mesenchymal states. In examining these factors, we provide insights into promising therapeutic avenues and potential anti-cancer targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charlene Waryah
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Eric Alves
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Roberta Mazzieri
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Riccardo Dolcetti
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Erik W Thompson
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, QLD 4059, Australia
- Translational Research Institute, Brisbane, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Andrew Redfern
- School of Medicine, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
| | - Pilar Blancafort
- Cancer Epigenetics Group, Harry Perkins Institute of Medical Research, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
- School of Human Sciences, University of Western Australia, Perth, WA 6009, Australia
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5
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Malagoli Tagliazucchi G, Wiecek AJ, Withnell E, Secrier M. Genomic and microenvironmental heterogeneity shaping epithelial-to-mesenchymal trajectories in cancer. Nat Commun 2023; 14:789. [PMID: 36774358 PMCID: PMC9922305 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36439-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2023] [Indexed: 02/13/2023] Open
Abstract
The epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a key cellular process underlying cancer progression, with multiple intermediate states whose molecular hallmarks remain poorly characterised. To fill this gap, we present a method to robustly evaluate EMT transformation in individual tumours based on transcriptomic signals. We apply this approach to explore EMT trajectories in 7180 tumours of epithelial origin and identify three macro-states with prognostic and therapeutic value, attributable to epithelial, hybrid E/M and mesenchymal phenotypes. We show that the hybrid state is relatively stable and linked with increased aneuploidy. We further employ spatial transcriptomics and single cell datasets to explore the spatial heterogeneity of EMT transformation and distinct interaction patterns with cytotoxic, NK cells and fibroblasts in the tumour microenvironment. Additionally, we provide a catalogue of genomic events underlying distinct evolutionary constraints on EMT transformation. This study sheds light on the aetiology of distinct stages along the EMT trajectory, and highlights broader genomic and environmental hallmarks shaping the mesenchymal transformation of primary tumours.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Anna J Wiecek
- UCL Genetics Institute, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Eloise Withnell
- UCL Genetics Institute, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK
| | - Maria Secrier
- UCL Genetics Institute, Department of Genetics, Evolution and Environment, University College London, London, WC1E 6BT, UK.
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From the Catastrophic Objective Irreproducibility of Cancer Research and Unavoidable Failures of Molecular Targeted Therapies to the Sparkling Hope of Supramolecular Targeted Strategies. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24032796. [PMID: 36769134 PMCID: PMC9917659 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24032796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/23/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The unprecedented non-reproducibility of the results published in the field of cancer research has recently come under the spotlight. In this short review, we try to highlight some general principles in the organization and evolution of cancerous tumors, which objectively lead to their enormous variability and, consequently, the irreproducibility of the results of their investigation. This heterogeneity is also extremely unfavorable for the effective use of molecularly targeted medicine. Against the seemingly comprehensive background of this heterogeneity, we single out two supramolecular characteristics common to all tumors: the clustered nature of tumor interactions with their microenvironment and the formation of biomolecular condensates with tumor-specific distinctive features. We suggest that these features can form the basis of strategies for tumor-specific supramolecular targeted therapies.
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7
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Luo K, Xu S, Zhao J, Liu F. Upregulation of lncRNA PINK1-AS Predicts the Distant Metastasis of Patients with Small Cell Lung Cancer. Mol Biotechnol 2023; 65:28-33. [PMID: 35764723 DOI: 10.1007/s12033-022-00512-1] [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: 12/08/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
PINK1-AS has been shown to participate in gastric cancer, while its role in other tumors is unclear. This study was carried out to explore the participation of PINK1-AS in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). In this study, the expression of PINK1-AS in SCLC and paired non-cancer tissues from 60 SCLC patients and in plasma samples from 60 SCLC patients and 60 healthy controls was analyzed with RT-qPCR. Chi-squared t test was applied to analyze the associations between plasma expression levels of PINK1-AS and the clinical factors of the patients. Patients were followed up for 5 years to explore the role of PINK1-AS in the prognosis of SCLC. ROC curve analysis was applied to explore the role of PINK1-AS in the prediction of distant metastasis. Transwell assays were performed to evaluate the role of silencing and overexpression of PINK1-AS in the invasion and migration of SCLC cells. We found that PINK1-AS was upregulated in SCLC tissues compared to that in non-cancer tissues. Plasma expression levels of PINK1-AS were increased in SCLC patients compared to that in the controls. High plasma expression levels of PINK1-AS were closely associated with worse survival. Plasma expression of PINK1-AS was only closely correlated with distant tumor metastasis, but not other factors. High plasma expression levels of PINK1-AS effectively separated patients with distant metastasis from non-metastatic patients. Moreover, PINK1-AS positively regulated the migration and invasion of SCLC cells. Therefore, the upregulation of PINK1-AS predicts the distant metastasis of patients with SCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kun Luo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, No. 258 Wenhua Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Shufeng Xu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, No. 258 Wenhua Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, People's Republic of China.
| | - Jing Zhao
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, No. 258 Wenhua Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
| | - Feifei Liu
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, First Hospital of Qinhuangdao, No. 258 Wenhua Road, Haigang District, Qinhuangdao, 066000, Hebei, People's Republic of China
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8
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Denham ST, Brammer B, Chung KY, Wambaugh MA, Bednarek JM, Guo L, Moreau CT, Brown JCS. A dissemination-prone morphotype enhances extrapulmonary organ entry by Cryptococcus neoformans. Cell Host Microbe 2022; 30:1382-1400.e8. [PMID: 36099922 PMCID: PMC9588642 DOI: 10.1016/j.chom.2022.08.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Revised: 06/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Environmental pathogens move from ecological niches to mammalian hosts, requiring adaptation to dramatically different environments. Microbes that disseminate farther, including the fungal meningitis pathogen Cryptococcus neoformans, require additional adaptation to diverse tissues. We demonstrate that the formation of a small C. neoformans morphotype-called "seed" cells due to their colonizing ability-is critical for extrapulmonary organ entry. Seed cells exhibit changes in fungal cell size and surface expression that result in an enhanced macrophage update. Seed cell formation is triggered by environmental factors, including C. neoformans' environmental niche, and pigeon guano with phosphate plays a central role. Seed cells show the enhanced expression of phosphate acquisition genes, and mutants unable to acquire phosphate fail to adopt the seed cell morphotype. Additionally, phosphate can be released by tissue damage, potentially establishing a feed-forward loop of seed cell formation and dissemination. Thus, C. neoformans' size variation represent inducible morphotypes that change host interactions to facilitate microbe spread.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven T Denham
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Brianna Brammer
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Krystal Y Chung
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Morgan A Wambaugh
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Joseph M Bednarek
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Li Guo
- Molecular Medicine Program, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Christian T Moreau
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA
| | - Jessica C S Brown
- Division of Microbiology and Immunology, Department of Pathology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA.
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9
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Chen J, Wang H, Zhou L, Liu Z, Tan X. A combination of circulating tumor cells and CA199 improves the diagnosis of pancreatic cancer. J Clin Lab Anal 2022; 36:e24341. [PMID: 35334495 PMCID: PMC9102772 DOI: 10.1002/jcla.24341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 01/29/2022] [Accepted: 02/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Early diagnosis of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is difficult due to the lack of effective screening tests. CA199, the standard biomarker for PDAC management, is not sufficiently reliable for early diagnosis. This prospective study aimed to evaluate whether circulating tumor cells (CTCs) could complement or perform better than CA199 in determining PDAC. METHODS A total of 168 blood samples were collected from 80 patients with PDAC, 32 patients with acute pancreatitis, 22 patients with benign pancreatic masses, and 34 healthy donors. CTCs were detected by a novel system combining negative enrichment with immunostaining and fluorescence in situ hybridization (NE-imFISH). Next, ROC curves and AUC analyses were conducted to assess diagnostic abilities of CA199, CTCs, and the combination of the two biomarkers in PDAC. RESULTS CTCs were stained as CD45-/DAPI+/CEP8 ≥3. With 2 CTCs/3.2 ml as the cut-off value, the sensitivity/specificity of the CTC number was 0.76/0.94, which was comparable to that of CA199 (0.78/0.83; Delong test p = 0.3360). Improved performance was achieved through a logistic regression model integrating CA199 and CTC number (AUCCTC+CA199 = 0.95, AUCCA199 = 0.80, AUCCTC number = 0.85; Delong test p vs . CA199 < 0.0001 and p vs . CTC number = 0.0002). CTC subtype was inferior to CTC number as a diagnostic marker (AUCCTC subtype = 0.73; Delong test p vs . CTC number < 0.0001). CONCLUSION The dual-marker panel consisting of CA199 and CTC number can significantly improve upon the diagnostic performance of CA199 alone, highlighting the promising clinical utilization as an effective strategy for PDAC surveillance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junliang Chen
- Department of General SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Huaitao Wang
- Department of General SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Lei Zhou
- Department of General SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Zhihao Liu
- Department of General SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
| | - Xiaodong Tan
- Department of General SurgeryShengjing Hospital of China Medical UniversityShenyangChina
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10
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Cascallar M, Alijas S, Pensado-López A, Vázquez-Ríos AJ, Sánchez L, Piñeiro R, de la Fuente M. What Zebrafish and Nanotechnology Can Offer for Cancer Treatments in the Age of Personalized Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092238. [PMID: 35565373 PMCID: PMC9099873 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092238] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2022] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 04/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer causes millions of deaths each year and thus urgently requires the development of new therapeutic strategies. Nanotechnology-based anticancer therapies are a promising approach, with several formulations already approved and in clinical use. The evaluation of these therapies requires efficient in vivo models to study their behavior and interaction with cancer cells, and to optimize their properties to ensure maximum efficacy and safety. In this way, zebrafish is an important candidate due to its high homology with the human genoma, its large offspring, and the ease in developing specific cancer models. The role of zebrafish as a model for anticancer therapy studies has been highly evidenced, allowing researchers not only to perform drug screenings but also to evaluate novel therapies such as immunotherapies and nanotherapies. Beyond that, zebrafish can be used as an “avatar” model for performing patient-derived xenografts for personalized medicine. These characteristics place zebrafish in an attractive position as a role model for evaluating novel therapies for cancer treatment, such as nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- María Cascallar
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
| | - Sandra Alijas
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
| | - Alba Pensado-López
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Center for Research in Molecular Medicine & Chronic Diseases (CIMUS), Campus Vida, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Abi Judit Vázquez-Ríos
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Laura Sánchez
- Department of Zoology, Genetics and Physical Anthropology, Universidade de Santiago de Compostela, Campus de Lugo, 27002 Lugo, Spain; (A.P.-L.); (L.S.)
- Preclinical Animal Models Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - Roberto Piñeiro
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- Roche-Chus Joint Unit, Translational Medical Oncology Group, Oncomet, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela, Travesía da Choupana s/n, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
| | - María de la Fuente
- Nano-Oncology and Translational Therapeutics Group, Health Research Institute of Santiago de Compostela (IDIS), SERGAS, 15706 Santiago de Compostela, Spain; (M.C.); (S.A.); (A.J.V.-R.)
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Cáncer (CIBERONC), 28029 Madrid, Spain;
- DIVERSA Technologies S.L., 15782 Santiago de Compostela, Spain
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +34-981-955-704
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11
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Unraveling Cancer Metastatic Cascade Using Microfluidics-based Technologies. Biophys Rev 2022; 14:517-543. [PMID: 35528034 PMCID: PMC9043145 DOI: 10.1007/s12551-022-00944-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer has long been a leading cause of death. The primary tumor, however, is not the main cause of death in more than 90% of cases. It is the complex process of metastasis that makes cancer deadly. The invasion metastasis cascade is the multi-step biological process of cancer cell dissemination to distant organ sites and adaptation to the new microenvironment site. Unraveling the metastasis process can provide great insight into cancer death prevention or even treatment. Microfluidics is a promising platform, that provides a wide range of applications in metastasis-related investigations. Cell culture microfluidic technologies for in vitro modeling of cancer tissues with fluid flow and the presence of mechanical factors have led to the organ-on-a-chip platforms. Moreover, microfluidic systems have also been exploited for capturing and characterization of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) that provide crucial information on the metastatic behavior of a tumor. We present a comprehensive review of the recent developments in the application of microfluidics-based systems for analysis and understanding of the metastasis cascade from a wider perspective.
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12
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Gaonkar PP, Patankar SR, Sridharan G. Assessment of angiogenesis using endoglin in salivary gland tumors - An immunohistochemical study. J Cancer Res Ther 2022; 18:623-628. [PMID: 35900532 DOI: 10.4103/jcrt.jcrt_8_21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Background Endoglin, a co-receptor of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 and TGF-β2, is indispensable for endothelial cell proliferation and modulation of tumor promotion activities of TGF-β1. The assessment of neovascularization using endoglin expression has been considered a potential predictor of prognosis in various solid malignancies. Aims and Objectives To analyze the expression of endoglin by immunohistochemistry in both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Materials and Methods Fifteen cases of benign salivary gland tumors and seventeen cases of malignant salivary gland tumors were included in the study, and immunohistochemistry was performed using anti-CD105 antibody using standard protocol. Results and Conclusion The study demonstrated that there is increased endoglin expression in malignant tumors as compared to their benign counterparts which is suggestive of increased angiogenic activity in tumor areas and could be responsible for the aggressive behavior of the malignancies. The highest density of endoglin-positive blood vessels was observed in the inflammatory tumor stromal areas. Furthermore, a significant increase in endoglin expression was evident as the grade of malignant salivary gland tumor increased. The results of the study indicate that the increased expression of endoglin in high-grade malignancies contributes to their aggressive nature.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sangeeta R Patankar
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, YMT Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
| | - Gokul Sridharan
- Department of Oral Pathology and Microbiology, YMT Dental College and Hospital, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India
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13
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Abstract
During cancer progression, metastatic dissemination accounts for ∼90% of death in patients. Metastasis occurs upon dissemination of circulating tumor cells (CTC) through body fluids, in particular the bloodstream, and several key steps remain elusive. Although the majority of CTCs travel as single cells, they can form clusters either with themselves (homoclusters) or with other circulating cells (heteroclusters) and thereby increase their metastatic potential. In addition, cancer cell mechanics and mechanical cues from the microenvironment are important factors during metastatic progression. Recent progress in intravital imaging technologies, biophysical methods, and microfluidic-based isolation of CTCs allow now to probe mechanics at single cell resolution while shedding light on key steps of the hematogenous metastatic cascade. In this review, we discuss the importance of CTC mechanics and their correlation with metastatic success and how such development could lead to the identification of therapeutically relevant targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Peralta
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg 67000, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Naël Osmani
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg 67000, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
| | - Jacky G Goetz
- INSERM UMR_S1109, Tumor Biomechanics, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Université de Strasbourg, Strasbourg 67000, France.,Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg (FMTS), Strasbourg 67000, France.,Equipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer
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14
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An Immunological Perspective of Circulating Tumor Cells as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:life12020323. [PMID: 35207611 PMCID: PMC8878951 DOI: 10.3390/life12020323] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Immune modulation is a hallmark of cancer. Cancer–immune interaction shapes the course of disease progression at every step of tumorigenesis, including metastasis, of which circulating tumor cells (CTCs) are regarded as an indicator. These CTCs are a heterogeneous population of tumor cells that have disseminated from the tumor into circulation. They have been increasingly studied in recent years due to their importance in diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of treatment response. Ample evidence demonstrates that CTCs interact with immune cells in circulation, where they must evade immune surveillance or modulate immune response. The interaction between CTCs and the immune system is emerging as a critical point by which CTCs facilitate metastatic progression. Understanding the complex crosstalk between the two may provide a basis for devising new diagnostic and treatment strategies. In this review, we will discuss the current understanding of CTCs and the complex immune-CTC interactions. We also present novel options in clinical interventions, targeting the immune-CTC interfaces, and provide some suggestions on future research directions.
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15
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Volovetskiy AB, Malinina PA, Kapitannikova AY, Smetanina SV, Kruglova IA, Maslennikova AV. Isolation of Circulating Tumor Cells from Peripheral Blood Samples of Cancer Patients Using Microfluidic Technology. Sovrem Tekhnologii Med 2021; 12:62-68. [PMID: 34796020 PMCID: PMC8596232 DOI: 10.17691/stm2020.12.6.08] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the investigation was to study the potential of an innovative microfluidic technology for the isolation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) from the peripheral blood samples of cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- A B Volovetskiy
- Researcher, Laboratory of Nanotheranostics, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology Park; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Malaya Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - P A Malinina
- Clinical Resident, Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy and Radiation Diagnostics; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia
| | - A Y Kapitannikova
- Researcher, Laboratory of Nanoteranology, Institute for Molecular Medicine, Biomedical Science and Technology Park; I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University (Sechenov University), 8/2 Malaya Trubetskaya St., Moscow, 119991, Russia
| | - S V Smetanina
- Head of the Сytological Laboratory; Nizhny Novgorod Regional Oncologic Dispensary, 11/1 Delovaya St., Nizhny Novgorod, 603163, Russia
| | - I A Kruglova
- Physician of Clinical Laboratory Diagnostics; City Hospital No.35, 47 Respublikanskaya St., Nizhny Novgorod, 603089, Russia
| | - A V Maslennikova
- Head of the Department of Oncology, Radiation Therapy and Radiation Diagnostics; Privolzhsky Research Medical University, 10/1 Minin and Pozharsky Square, Nizhny Novgorod, 603005, Russia; Professor, Department of Biophysics National Research Lobachevsky State University of Nizhni Novgorod, 23 Prospekt Gagarina, Nizhny Novgorod, 603950, Russia
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16
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Cencioni C, Comunanza V, Middonti E, Vallariello E, Bussolino F. The role of redox system in metastasis formation. Angiogenesis 2021; 24:435-450. [PMID: 33909153 PMCID: PMC8292271 DOI: 10.1007/s10456-021-09779-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
The metastatic cancer disease represents the real and urgent clinical need in oncology. Therefore, an understanding of the complex molecular mechanisms sustaining the metastatic cascade is critical to advance cancer therapies. Recent studies highlight how redox signaling influences the behavior of metastatic cancer cells, contributes to their travel in bloodstream from the primary tumor to the distant organs and conditions the progression of the micrometastases or their dormant state. Radical oxygen species not only regulate intracellular processes but participate to paracrine circuits by diffusion to nearby cells, thus assuming unpredicted roles in the communication between metastatic cancer cells, blood circulating cells, and stroma cells at site of colonization. Here, we review recent insights in the role of radical oxygen species in the metastasis formation with a special focus on extravasation at metastatic sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Cencioni
- Institute for Systems Analysis and Computer Science "A. Ruberti", National Research Council (IASI-CNR), 00185, Rome, Italy
| | - Valentina Comunanza
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS-FPO, 10063, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Emanuele Middonti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS-FPO, 10063, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Edoardo Vallariello
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS-FPO, 10063, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federico Bussolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10043, Orbassano, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - IRCCS-FPO, 10063, Candiolo, Italy.
- , Strada Provinciale di Piobesi 142, Km 3.95, 10060, Candiolo, Italy.
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17
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Berthelet J, Wimmer VC, Whitfield HJ, Serrano A, Boudier T, Mangiola S, Merdas M, El-Saafin F, Baloyan D, Wilcox J, Wilcox S, Parslow AC, Papenfuss AT, Yeo B, Ernst M, Pal B, Anderson RL, Davis MJ, Rogers KL, Hollande F, Merino D. The site of breast cancer metastases dictates their clonal composition and reversible transcriptomic profile. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2021; 7:eabf4408. [PMID: 34233875 PMCID: PMC8262813 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.abf4408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 05/25/2021] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Intratumoral heterogeneity is a driver of breast cancer progression, but the nature of the clonal interactive network involved in this process remains unclear. Here, we optimized the use of optical barcoding to visualize and characterize 31 cancer subclones in vivo. By mapping the clonal composition of thousands of metastases in two clinically relevant sites, the lungs and liver, we found that metastases were highly polyclonal in lungs but not in the liver. Furthermore, the transcriptome of the subclones varied according to their metastatic niche. We also identified a reversible niche-driven signature that was conserved in lung and liver metastases collected during patient autopsies. Among this signature, we found that the tumor necrosis factor-α pathway was up-regulated in lung compared to liver metastases, and inhibition of this pathway affected metastasis diversity. These results highlight that the cellular and molecular heterogeneity observed in metastases is largely dictated by the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jean Berthelet
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Verena C Wimmer
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Holly J Whitfield
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Antonin Serrano
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Thomas Boudier
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Stefano Mangiola
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
| | - Michal Merdas
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Farrah El-Saafin
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - David Baloyan
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Jordan Wilcox
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Steven Wilcox
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Adam C Parslow
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Anthony T Papenfuss
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Belinda Yeo
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Austin Health, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
| | - Matthias Ernst
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Bhupinder Pal
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
| | - Robin L Anderson
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Melissa J Davis
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Kelly L Rogers
- Advanced Technology and Biology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
| | - Frédéric Hollande
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
- University of Melbourne Centre for Cancer Research, Victorian Comprehensive Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC 3000, Australia
| | - Delphine Merino
- Olivia Newton-John Cancer Research Institute, Heidelberg, VIC 3084, Australia.
- School of Cancer Medicine, La Trobe University, Bundoora, VIC 3086, Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry, and Health Science, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC 3010, Australia
- Immunology Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC 3052, Australia
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18
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Sellner F, Thalhammer S, Klimpfinger M. Tumour Evolution and Seed and Soil Mechanism in Pancreatic Metastases of Renal Cell Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:1342. [PMID: 33809634 PMCID: PMC8002056 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13061342] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Revised: 03/06/2021] [Accepted: 03/12/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In metastatic renal cell carcinoma, pancreatic metastases can appear in two clinical manifestations: (a) very rarely as isolated pancreatic metastases and (b) in the context with multi-organ metastatic disease. Both courses are characterised by rare, unusual clinical features. For isolated pancreatic metastases, the literature shows no effect on survival in all 11 publications that examined the effect of singular versus multiple pancreatic metastases; a lack of effect on survival time was also present in all 8 studies on pancreatic metastases size, in 7 of 8 studies on the influence of disease-free interval (DFI), and in 6 of 7 studies on the influence of synchronous versus metachronous metastases. In multi-organ site metastases observations, on the other hand, all five available references showed significantly better results in patients with concurrent pancreatic metastases compared to those without pancreatic metastases, although the total number of affected organs in the pancreatic metastases cohort was larger. Tumour volume-dependent risk factors thus remain surprisingly ineffective in both groups, which contradicts the usual behaviour of solid tumours. The reasons for this unusual behaviour and possible relations to tumour evolution and the hypothesis of an influence of a seed and soil mechanism in the occurrence of pancreatic metastases in metastatic renal cell carcinoma are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz Sellner
- Department of Surgery, Medical University of Vienna, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Sabine Thalhammer
- Department of General-, Visceral- and Vascular Surgery, Clinic Favoriten—Kaiser Franz Josef Hospital, 1100 Vienna, Austria;
| | - Martin Klimpfinger
- Clinical Institute of Pathology, Medical University, 1090 Vienna, Austria;
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19
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Jin H, Gao S, Song D, Liu Y, Chen X. Intratumorally CpG immunotherapy with carbon nanotubes inhibits local tumor growth and liver metastasis by suppressing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition of colon cancer cells. Anticancer Drugs 2021; 32:278-285. [PMID: 32976213 PMCID: PMC7861496 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001000] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2020] [Revised: 08/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Colon cancer liver metastasis accounts for the major cause of death of colon cancer patients. Previous study reported a carbon nanotubes (CNT)-conjugated CpG complex (CNT-CpG), which displayed a significant antitumor effect in gliomas. However, whether CNT-CpG could limit colon tumor growth and suppress the colon cancer liver metastasis has not been evaluated. In this study, we report CNT enhances CpG uptake in mouse colon cancer cells. Results demonstrated only CpG with CNT conjugation showed significant activation of NF-κB signal. Moreover, intratumorally delivery of CNT-CpG successfully suppressed local xenograft tumor growth and liver metastasis. CNT-CpG treatments cured 75% of mice and inhibited local tumor growth, significantly prolonged survival outcomes and limited liver metastatic tumor nodules from colon cancer cells. Using human colon cancer cell line, HCT116, we observed significantly inhibitory effects of CNT-CpG on cell growth, invasion and migration. Importantly, CNT-CpG treatment blocked the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). We compared the mRNA levels of EMT markers of colon cancer cells without or with CNT-CpG treatment from in-vitro and in-vivo models. Consistent results demonstrated expression of epithelial marker, E-cadherin was upregulated by CNT-CpG. In contrast, three mesenchymal markers, snail, fibronectin and vimentin were significantly suppressed by CNT-CpG treatment compared with control or free CpG. In summary, our data suggest CNT-CpG is an effective therapeutic approach against local colon tumor and their liver metastasis. This study presents the CNT-CpG complex as a promising therapeutic target for developing novel therapies against both local colon tumors and liver metastatic tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Sujie Gao
- Department of Anesthesia, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin Province
| | | | - Yiting Liu
- Department of Radiology, Peking University School of Oncology, Beijing Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, People’s Republic of China
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20
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Rigiracciolo DC, Cirillo F, Talia M, Muglia L, Gutkind JS, Maggiolini M, Lappano R. Focal Adhesion Kinase Fine Tunes Multifaced Signals toward Breast Cancer Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040645. [PMID: 33562737 PMCID: PMC7915897 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer represents the most common diagnosed malignancy and the main leading cause of tumor-related death among women worldwide. Therefore, several efforts have been made in order to identify valuable molecular biomarkers for the prognosis and prediction of therapeutic responses in breast tumor patients. In this context, emerging discoveries have indicated that focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a non-receptor tyrosine kinase, might represent a promising target involved in breast tumorigenesis. Of note, high FAK expression and activity have been tightly correlated with a poor clinical outcome and metastatic features in several tumors, including breast cancer. Recently, a role for the integrin-FAK signaling in mechanotransduction has been suggested and the function of FAK within the breast tumor microenvironment has been ascertained toward tumor angiogenesis and vascular permeability. FAK has been also involved in cancer stem cells (CSCs)-mediated initiation, maintenance and therapeutic responses of breast tumors. In addition, the potential of FAK to elicit breast tumor-promoting effects has been even associated with the capability to modulate immune responses. On the basis of these findings, several agents targeting FAK have been exploited in diverse preclinical tumor models. Here, we recapitulate the multifaceted action exerted by FAK and its prognostic significance in breast cancer. Moreover, we highlight the recent clinical evidence regarding the usefulness of FAK inhibitors in the treatment of breast tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Damiano Cosimo Rigiracciolo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Francesca Cirillo
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Marianna Talia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Lucia Muglia
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
| | - Jorge Silvio Gutkind
- Department of Pharmacology, Moores Cancer Center, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA;
| | - Marcello Maggiolini
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
- Correspondence: (D.C.R.); (M.M.)
| | - Rosamaria Lappano
- Department of Pharmacy, Health and Nutritional Sciences, University of Calabria, 87036 Rende, Italy; (F.C.); (M.T.); (L.M.); (R.L.)
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21
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Saxena K, Jolly MK, Balamurugan K. Hypoxia, partial EMT and collective migration: Emerging culprits in metastasis. Transl Oncol 2020; 13:100845. [PMID: 32781367 PMCID: PMC7419667 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2020.100845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2020] [Revised: 07/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/27/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular biological process involved in migration of primary cancer cells to secondary sites facilitating metastasis. Besides, EMT also confers properties such as stemness, drug resistance and immune evasion which can aid a successful colonization at the distant site. EMT is not a binary process; recent evidence suggests that cells in partial EMT or hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can have enhanced stemness and drug resistance as compared to those undergoing a complete EMT. Moreover, partial EMT enables collective migration of cells as clusters of circulating tumor cells or emboli, further endorsing that cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes may be the 'fittest' for metastasis. Here, we review mechanisms and implications of hybrid E/M phenotypes, including their reported association with hypoxia. Hypoxia-driven activation of HIF-1α can drive EMT. In addition, cyclic hypoxia, as compared to acute or chronic hypoxia, shows the highest levels of active HIF-1α and can augment cancer aggressiveness to a greater extent, including enriching for a partial EMT phenotype. We also discuss how metastasis is influenced by hypoxia, partial EMT and collective cell migration, and call for a better understanding of interconnections among these mechanisms. We discuss the known regulators of hypoxia, hybrid EMT and collective cell migration and highlight the gaps which needs to be filled for connecting these three axes which will increase our understanding of dynamics of metastasis and help control it more effectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kritika Saxena
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India
| | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore 560012, India.
| | - Kuppusamy Balamurugan
- Laboratory of Cell and Developmental Signaling, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD 21702, USA.
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22
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Photodynamic inactivation of circulating tumor cells: An innovative approach against metastatic cancer. Eur J Pharm Biopharm 2020; 157:38-46. [PMID: 33059005 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejpb.2020.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2020] [Revised: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
The spread of a primary malignant tumor is the major reason for most of the cancer-associated deaths. To this day, treatment regimen and available drugs are still insufficient to manage these conditions. In this work, a new therapeutic concept based on photodynamic therapy (PDT) of metastasis-initiating cells is introduced. To address this issue, an experimental model was developed to simulate the movement and photodynamic inactivation of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) in vitro. Using curcumin loaded poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) nanoparticles, a significant reduction in the cell viability of human breast cancer cells (MDA-MB-231) could be achieved after 30 min laser irradiation (λ = 447 nm, P = 100mW) under flow conditions (5 cm s-1). Confocal laser scanning microscopy images confirmed the immediate accumulation of curcumin on the cell membrane and an increased fluorescence signal after irradiation. PDT caused time-dependent morphological cell alterations (i.e. membrane evaginations and disruption) indicating apoptosis and early necrosis. During the photoactivation of curcumin, a blue shift in the absorption spectra and a decrease in the curcumin content could be determined. This study confirms that the presented experimental model is suitable for in vitro investigations of CTCs under in vivo-like conditions, at the same time encouraging the clinical implementation of PDT as an innovative strategy against metastasis.
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23
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De Palma FDE, Luglio G, Tropeano FP, Pagano G, D’Armiento M, Kroemer G, Maiuri MC, De Palma GD. The Role of Micro-RNAs and Circulating Tumor Markers as Predictors of Response to Neoadjuvant Therapy in Locally Advanced Rectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E7040. [PMID: 32987896 PMCID: PMC7582560 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21197040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The response to neoadjuvant chemoradiation (nCRT) is a critical step in the management of locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC) patients. Only a minority of LARC patients responds completely to neoadjuvant treatments, thus avoiding invasive radical surgical resection. Moreover, toxic side effects can adversely affect patients' survival. The difficulty in separating in advances responder from non-responder patients affected by LARC highlights the need for valid biomarkers that guide clinical decision-making. In this context, microRNAs (miRNAs) seem to be promising candidates for predicting LARC prognosis and/or therapy response, particularly due to their stability, facile detection, and disease-specific expression in human tissues, blood, serum, or urine. Although a considerable number of studies involving potential miRNA predictors to nCRT have been conducted over the years, to date, the identification of the perfect miRNA signatures or single miRNA, as well as their use in the clinical practice, is still representing a challenge for the management of LARC patients. In this review, we will first introduce LARC and its difficult management. Then, we will trace the scientific history and the key obstacles for the identification of specific miRNAs that predict responsiveness to nCRT. There is a high potential to identify non-invasive biomarkers that circulate in the human bloodstream and that might indicate the LARC patients who benefit from the watch-and-wait approach. For this, we will critically evaluate recent advances dealing with cell-free nucleic acids including miRNAs and circulating tumor cells as prognostic or predictive biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatima Domenica Elisa De Palma
- Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université of Paris, 75005 Paris, France; (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, 94800 Villejuif, France
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate, 80131 Naples, Italy
| | - Gaetano Luglio
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Francesca Paola Tropeano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.T.); (G.P.)
| | - Gianluca Pagano
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.T.); (G.P.)
| | - Maria D’Armiento
- Department of Public Health, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (G.L.); (M.D.)
| | - Guido Kroemer
- Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université of Paris, 75005 Paris, France; (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, 94800 Villejuif, France
- Suzhou Institute for Systems Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou 100864, China
- Department of Women’s and Children’s Health, Karolinska Institutet, 171 77 Stockholm, Sweden
- Pôle de Biologie, Hôpital Européen Georges Pompidou, AP-HP, 75015 Paris, France
| | - Maria Chiara Maiuri
- Equipe 11 labellisée Ligue contre le Cancer, Centre de Recherche des Cordeliers, INSERM UMRS 1138, Sorbonne Université, Université of Paris, 75005 Paris, France; (G.K.); (M.C.M.)
- Metabolomics and Cell Biology Platforms, Gustave Roussy Comprehensive Cancer Institute, 94800 Villejuif, France
| | - Giovanni Domenico De Palma
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, University of Naples “Federico II”, 80138 Naples, Italy; (F.P.T.); (G.P.)
- Centro Interuniversitario di Studi per l’Innovazione Tecnologica in Chirurgia, University of Naples Federico II, 80138 Naples, Italy
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24
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Hayes JD, Dinkova-Kostova AT, Tew KD. Oxidative Stress in Cancer. Cancer Cell 2020; 38:167-197. [PMID: 32649885 PMCID: PMC7439808 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2020.06.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1040] [Impact Index Per Article: 260.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 04/29/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Contingent upon concentration, reactive oxygen species (ROS) influence cancer evolution in apparently contradictory ways, either initiating/stimulating tumorigenesis and supporting transformation/proliferation of cancer cells or causing cell death. To accommodate high ROS levels, tumor cells modify sulfur-based metabolism, NADPH generation, and the activity of antioxidant transcription factors. During initiation, genetic changes enable cell survival under high ROS levels by activating antioxidant transcription factors or increasing NADPH via the pentose phosphate pathway (PPP). During progression and metastasis, tumor cells adapt to oxidative stress by increasing NADPH in various ways, including activation of AMPK, the PPP, and reductive glutamine and folate metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- John D Hayes
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland.
| | - Albena T Dinkova-Kostova
- Division of Cellular Medicine, Jacqui Wood Cancer Centre, Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, University of Dundee, Dundee DD1 9SY, UK, Scotland; Department of Pharmacology and Molecular Sciences and Department of Medicine, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21205, USA
| | - Kenneth D Tew
- Department of Cell and Molecular Pharmacology, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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25
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Zhuyan J, Chen M, Zhu T, Bao X, Zhen T, Xing K, Wang Q, Zhu S. Critical steps to tumor metastasis: alterations of tumor microenvironment and extracellular matrix in the formation of pre-metastatic and metastatic niche. Cell Biosci 2020; 10:89. [PMID: 32742634 PMCID: PMC7388444 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-020-00453-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 07/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
For decades, cancer metastasis has been a heated topic for its high mortality. Previous research has shown that pre-metastatic niche and metastatic niche are the 2 crucial steps in cancer metastasis, assisting cancerous cells' infiltration, survival, and colonization at target sites. More recent studies have unraveled details about the specific mechanisms related to the modification of pro-invasion environments. Here, we will review literatures on extracellular matrix (ECM) alterations, general cancer metastasis, organ specificity, pre-metastatic niche, metastatic niche, colony formation and impact on the course of metastasis. Respectively, the metastatic mechanisms like effect of hypoxia or inflammation on pre-metastatic niche construction, as well as the interaction between cancer cells and local milieu will be discussed. Based on the evidences of metastatic niches, we revisit and discussed the "Seed and Soil" hypothesis by Paget. This review will seek to provide insight into the mechanism of metastatic organ specificity which pre-metastatic niche and metastatic niche might suggest from an evolutionary aspect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianan Zhuyan
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
- Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, Shanghai, 201100 China
| | - Mingyu Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Huashan Hospital, Shanghai, 200040 China
| | - Tianhao Zhu
- Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, Shanghai, 201100 China
| | - Xunxia Bao
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Timing Zhen
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Kaichen Xing
- School of Medical Instrument and Food Engineering, University of Shanghai for Science and Technology, Shanghai, 200093 China
| | - Qiubo Wang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Wuxi 9th Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, No.999 Liangxi Road, Wuxi, China
| | - Sibo Zhu
- School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, 2005 Songhu Road, Shanghai, 200438 China
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26
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Connolly S, Newport D, McGourty K. The mechanical responses of advecting cells in confined flow. BIOMICROFLUIDICS 2020; 14:031501. [PMID: 32454924 PMCID: PMC7200165 DOI: 10.1063/5.0005154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/21/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Fluid dynamics have long influenced cells in suspension. Red blood cells and white blood cells are advected through biological microchannels in both the cardiovascular and lymphatic systems and, as a result, are subject to a wide variety of complex fluidic forces as they pass through. In vivo, microfluidic forces influence different biological processes such as the spreading of infection, cancer metastasis, and cell viability, highlighting the importance of fluid dynamics in the blood and lymphatic vessels. This suggests that in vitro devices carrying cell suspensions may influence the viability and functionality of cells. Lab-on-a-chip, flow cytometry, and cell therapies involve cell suspensions flowing through microchannels of approximately 100-800 μ m. This review begins by examining the current fundamental theories and techniques behind the fluidic forces and inertial focusing acting on cells in suspension, before exploring studies that have investigated how these fluidic forces affect the reactions of suspended cells. In light of these studies' findings, both in vivo and in vitro fluidic cell microenvironments shall also be discussed before concluding with recommendations for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Connolly
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
| | - D Newport
- School of Engineering, Bernal Institute, University of Limerick, Limerick V94 T9PX, Ireland
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