1
|
Tang RZ, Liu XQ. Biophysical cues of in vitro biomaterials-based artificial extracellular matrix guide cancer cell plasticity. Mater Today Bio 2023; 19:100607. [PMID: 36960095 PMCID: PMC10027567 DOI: 10.1016/j.mtbio.2023.100607] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2022] [Revised: 02/10/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Clinical evidence supports a role for the extracellular matrix (ECM) in cancer plasticity across multiple tumor types. The lack of in vitro models that represent the native ECMs is a significant challenge for cancer research and drug discovery. Therefore, a major motivation for developing new tumor models is to create the artificial ECM in vitro. Engineered biomaterials can closely mimic the architectural and mechanical properties of ECM to investigate their specific effects on cancer progression, offering an alternative to animal models for the testing of cancer cell behaviors. In this review, we focused on the biomaterials from different sources applied in the fabrication of the artificial ECM and their biophysical cues to recapitulate key features of tumor niche. Furthermore, we summarized how the distinct biophysical cues guided cell behaviors of cancer plasticity, including morphology, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), enrichment of cancer stem cells (CSCs), proliferation, migration/invasion and drug resistance. We also discuss the future opportunities in using the artificial ECM for applications of tumorigenesis research and precision medicine, as well as provide useful messages of principles for designing suitable biomaterial scaffolds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rui-Zhi Tang
- Key Laboratory for Molecular Diagnosis of Hubei Province, The Central Hospital of Wuhan, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430014, PR China
| | - Xi-Qiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, 430030, PR China
- Corresponding author.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tímár J, Honn KV, Hendrix MJC, Marko-Varga G, Jalkanen S. Newly identified form of phenotypic plasticity of cancer: immunogenic mimicry. Cancer Metastasis Rev 2023; 42:323-334. [PMID: 36754910 PMCID: PMC10014767 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-023-10087-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2023] [Indexed: 02/10/2023]
Abstract
Cancer plasticity is now a recognized new hallmark of cancer which is due to disturbances of cell differentiation programs. It is manifested not only in various forms like the best-known epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) but also in vasculogenic and megakaryocytic mimicries regulated by EMT-specific or less-specific transcription factors such as HIF1a or STAT1/2. Studies in the past decades provided ample data that cancer plasticity can be manifested also in the expression of a vast array of immune cell genes; best-known examples are PDL1/CD274, CD47, or IDO, and we termed it immunogenic mimicry (IGM). However, unlike other types of plasticities which are epigenetically regulated, expression of IGM genes are frequently due to gene amplifications. It is important that the majority of the IGM genes are regulated by interferons (IFNs) suggesting that their protein expressions are regulated by the immune microenvironment. Most of the IGM genes have been shown to be involved in immune escape of cancers broadening the repertoire of these mechanisms and offering novel targets for immunotherapeutics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- József Tímár
- Department of Pathology, Forensic and Insurance Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary.
| | - Kenneth V Honn
- Departments of Pathology, Oncology and Chemistry, Wayne State University, Detroit, MI, USA.,Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, MI, USA
| | - Mary J C Hendrix
- Department of Biology, Shepherd University, Shepherdstown, WV, USA
| | - György Marko-Varga
- Clinical Protein Science and Imaging, Biomedical Centre, Department of Biomedical Engineering, Lund University, Lund, Sweden
| | - Sirpa Jalkanen
- Medicity Research Laboratories, Turku, Finland.,InFLAMES Flagship, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Saha S, Pradhan N, B N, Mahadevappa R, Minocha S, Kumar S. Cancer plasticity: Investigating the causes for this agility. Semin Cancer Biol 2023; 88:138-156. [PMID: 36584960 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2022.12.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 12/19/2022] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Cancer is not a hard-wired phenomenon but an evolutionary disease. From the onset of carcinogenesis, cancer cells continuously adapt and evolve to satiate their ever-growing proliferation demands. This results in the formation of multiple subtypes of cancer cells with different phenotypes, cellular compositions, and consequently displaying varying degrees of tumorigenic identity and function. This phenomenon is referred to as cancer plasticity, during which the cancer cells exist in a plethora of cellular states having distinct phenotypes. With the advent of modern technologies equipped with enhanced resolution and depth, for example, single-cell RNA-sequencing and advanced computational tools, unbiased cancer profiling at a single-cell resolution are leading the way in understanding cancer cell rewiring both spatially and temporally. In this review, the processes and mechanisms that give rise to cancer plasticity include both intrinsic genetic factors such as epigenetic changes, differential expression due to changes in DNA, RNA, or protein content within the cancer cell, as well as extrinsic environmental factors such as tissue perfusion, extracellular milieu are detailed and their influence on key cancer plasticity hallmarks such as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer cell stemness (CSCs) are discussed. Due to therapy evasion and drug resistance, tumor heterogeneity caused by cancer plasticity has major therapeutic ramifications. Hence, it is crucial to comprehend all the cellular and molecular mechanisms that control cellular plasticity. How this process evades therapy, and the therapeutic avenue of targeting cancer plasticity must be diligently investigated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shubhraneel Saha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Nikita Pradhan
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Neha B
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India
| | - Ravikiran Mahadevappa
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Science, Gandhi Institute of Technology and Management, Deemed to be University, Bengaluru, Karnataka 562163, India
| | - Shilpi Minocha
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| | - Saran Kumar
- Kusuma School of Biological Sciences, Indian Institute of Technology Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi 110016, India.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Yang T, Liang N, Li J, Hu P, Huang Q, Zhao Z, Wang Q, Zhang H. MDSCs might be "Achilles heel" for eradicating CSCs. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2022; 65:39-50. [PMID: 35595600 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2022.04.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 04/28/2022] [Accepted: 04/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
During tumor initiation and progression, the complicated role of immune cells in the tumor immune microenvironment remains a concern. Myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a group of immune cells that originate from the bone marrow and have immunosuppressive potency in various diseases, including cancer. In recent years, the key role of cancer stemness has received increasing attention in cancer development and therapy. Several studies have demonstrated the important regulatory relationship between MDSCs and cancer stem cells (CSCs). However, there is still no clear understanding regarding the complex interacting regulation of tumor malignancy, and current research progress is limited. In this review, we summarize the complicated role of MDSCs in the modulation of cancer stemness, evaluate the mechanism of the relationship between CSCs and MDSCs, and discuss potential strategies for eradicating CSCs with respect to MDSCs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tao Yang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Ning Liang
- Department of General Surgery, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Jing Li
- Department of Stomatology, Shaanxi Provincial Hospital, Xi'an, Shaanxi 710038, China
| | - Pan Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, the 920 Hospital of Joint Logistic Support Force of Chinese PLA, Kunming, Yunnan, China
| | - Qian Huang
- Department of Gynaecology and Obstetrics, The 75th Group Army Hospital, Dali 671000, China
| | - Zifeng Zhao
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Qian Wang
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, China.
| | - Hongxin Zhang
- Department of Pain Treatment, Tangdu Hospital, Air Force Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Intervention Therapy, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shaanxi University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xianyang 712046, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Abstract
Chromatin is organized as chromosome territories in the nucleus of an interphase cell. The cell-type- and cell-state-specific organization of chromatin including the location, volume, compaction level, and spatial arrangement of chromosome territories are the major determinants of genome function. In addition, in response to different signaling stimuli and regulatory cues, it is the dynamic adaptation of chromatin structure that establishes and organizes transcriptional programs. It is known that varying levels of stemness are defined by gene regulatory networks. Accordingly, chromatin is the main milieu to host the transcriptional programs and gene regulatory networks responsible for the stemness status of a cell. In this review, our current understanding of the spatial organization of chromatin and the ways by which it defines stemness are discussed. In particular, the role of lncRNAs that regulate and affect chromatin organization and stemness properties are delineated. These roles can be categorized into the topics of specific binding to and epigenetic regulation of the promoter of pluripotency genes, their interaction with transcription factors, coordinating the intra- and inter-chromosomal looping of pluripotency-related genes, and their RNA-independent functions. This review brings together the results of studies that have begun to clarify the emerging roles of lncRNAs in the regulation of chromatin organization adapted for stemness and cancer plasticity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hesam Dehghani
- Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine Research Group, Research Institute of Biotechnology, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
- Division of Biotechnology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
- Department of Basic Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Ferdowsi University of Mashhad, Mashhad, Iran.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Choi JI, Jang SI, Hong J, Kim CH, Kwon SS, Park JS, Lim JB. Cancer-initiating cells in human pancreatic cancer organoids are maintained by interactions with endothelial cells. Cancer Lett 2020; 498:42-53. [PMID: 33188841 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2020.10.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 10/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) shows poor prognosis and high malignancy due to the presence of cancer-initiating cells (CICs) and characteristics of the tumor microenvironment (TME). Organoids are useful for studying PDAC, and establishing organoids is dependent on stem cell growth factors, including Wnt signaling. Herein, using a conventional organoid culture system, we demonstrated that CD44(+)CD24(+) and CD44(+)CD24(+)EpCAM(+) CICs were enriched >65% in a PDAC patient-derived organoid. CICs expressing CD44 formed lumen structures by gathering into circles. Additionally, organoid-derived CD44(-) cancer cells were capable of organoid re-formation and could be re-programed as CD44-expressing CICs in the organoid culture system. To mimic a TME absent artificial stem cell growth factors, a PDAC organoid with vascular niche was established. CICs in the PDAC tumor organoid were maintained by paracrine effects and direct interactions with endothelial cells. Interestingly, CD44(+) cells in PDAC tumor tissue were detected primarily in the vascular niche. Inhibiting both Wnt and Notch signaling in endothelial cells suppressed organoid formation and the maintenance of CD24(+)CD44(+) CICs. Collectively, our results suggest that PDAC patient-derived organoids maintain CICs by interacting with endothelial cells via Wnt and Notch pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jae-Il Choi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Sung Ill Jang
- Institute of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jaehyun Hong
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Chul Hoon Kim
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Soon Sung Kwon
- Department of Pharmacology, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Joon Seong Park
- Pancreatobiliary Cancer Clinic, Department of Surgery, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| | - Jong-Baeck Lim
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Kim EM, Jung CH, Song JY, Park JK, Um HD. Pro-apoptotic Bax promotes mesenchymal-epithelial transition by binding to respiratory complex-I and antagonizing the malignant actions of pro-survival Bcl-2 proteins. Cancer Lett 2018; 424:127-135. [PMID: 29596889 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2018.03.033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2017] [Revised: 03/12/2018] [Accepted: 03/22/2018] [Indexed: 10/17/2022]
Abstract
The plasticity of solid tumors between the epithelial and mesenchymal states critically influences their malignant progression and metastasis. The epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), which supports cancer cell invasion and metastasis, is promoted by pro-survival members (e.g., Bcl-2 and Bcl-XL) of the Bcl-2 protein family, which are well-known key apoptosis regulators. We found that Bcl-w, another pro-survival member, promotes EMT by increasing respiratory complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In contrast, pro-apoptotic Bax facilitates mesenchymal-epithelial transition by binding to complex-I, which inhibits complex-I-induced ROS production. Functional antagonism between pro-survival and pro-apoptotic proteins in regulating tumor plasticity was directly confirmed by co-expressing Bax with Bcl-w or Bcl-XL. Therefore, the balance between the functionally opposing Bcl-2 proteins appears to be a critical determinant of cancer cell phenotypes. We further showed that sub-lethal doses of γ-radiation induced EMT by increasing Bcl-XL and Bcl-w levels and complex-I activity. We propose that Bcl-2 proteins and complex-I are potential targets for preventing tumor progression and the malignant actions of radiotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eun Mi Kim
- Division of Applied Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Chan-Hun Jung
- Division of Applied Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jie-Young Song
- Division of Applied Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Jong Kuk Park
- Division of Applied Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hong-Duck Um
- Division of Applied Radiation Bioscience, Korea Institute of Radiological & Medical Sciences, Seoul, South Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Vatrinet R, Leone G, De Luise M, Girolimetti G, Vidone M, Gasparre G, Porcelli AM. The α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex in cancer metabolic plasticity. Cancer Metab 2017; 5:3. [PMID: 28184304 PMCID: PMC5289018 DOI: 10.1186/s40170-017-0165-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2016] [Accepted: 01/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Deregulated metabolism is a well-established hallmark of cancer. At the hub of various metabolic pathways deeply integrated within mitochondrial functions, the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase complex represents a major modulator of electron transport chain activity and tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA) flux, and is a pivotal enzyme in the metabolic reprogramming following a cancer cell’s change in bioenergetic requirements. By contributing to the control of α-ketoglutarate levels, dynamics, and oxidation state, the α-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase is also essential in modulating the epigenetic landscape of cancer cells. In this review, we will discuss the manifold roles that this TCA enzyme and its substrate play in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Renaud Vatrinet
- Dipartimento Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Università di Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy.,Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), U.O. Genetica Medica, Pol. Universitario S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Leone
- Dipartimento Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Università di Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| | - Monica De Luise
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), U.O. Genetica Medica, Pol. Universitario S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giulia Girolimetti
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), U.O. Genetica Medica, Pol. Universitario S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Michele Vidone
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), U.O. Genetica Medica, Pol. Universitario S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Gasparre
- Dipartimento Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche (DIMEC), U.O. Genetica Medica, Pol. Universitario S. Orsola-Malpighi, Università di Bologna, Via Massarenti 9, 40138 Bologna, Italy
| | - Anna Maria Porcelli
- Dipartimento Farmacia e Biotecnologie (FABIT), Università di Bologna, Via Selmi 3, 40126 Bologna, Italy
| |
Collapse
|