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Shabo I, Svanvik J, Lindström A, Lechertier T, Trabulo S, Hulit J, Sparey T, Pawelek J. Roles of cell fusion, hybridization and polyploid cell formation in cancer metastasis. World J Clin Oncol 2020; 11:121-135. [PMID: 32257843 PMCID: PMC7103524 DOI: 10.5306/wjco.v11.i3.121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2019] [Revised: 01/02/2020] [Accepted: 03/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-cell fusion is a normal biological process playing essential roles in organ formation and tissue differentiation, repair and regeneration. Through cell fusion somatic cells undergo rapid nuclear reprogramming and epigenetic modifications to form hybrid cells with new genetic and phenotypic properties at a rate exceeding that achievable by random mutations. Factors that stimulate cell fusion are inflammation and hypoxia. Fusion of cancer cells with non-neoplastic cells facilitates several malignancy-related cell phenotypes, e.g., reprogramming of somatic cell into induced pluripotent stem cells and epithelial to mesenchymal transition. There is now considerable in vitro, in vivo and clinical evidence that fusion of cancer cells with motile leucocytes such as macrophages plays a major role in cancer metastasis. Of the many changes in cancer cells after hybridizing with leucocytes, it is notable that hybrids acquire resistance to chemo- and radiation therapy. One phenomenon that has been largely overlooked yet plays a role in these processes is polyploidization. Regardless of the mechanism of polyploid cell formation, it happens in response to genotoxic stresses and enhances a cancer cell’s ability to survive. Here we summarize the recent progress in research of cell fusion and with a focus on an important role for polyploid cells in cancer metastasis. In addition, we discuss the clinical evidence and the importance of cell fusion and polyploidization in solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivan Shabo
- Endocrine and Sarcoma Surgery Unit, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm SE 171 77, Sweden
- Patient Area of Breast Cancer, Sarcoma and Endocrine Tumours, Theme Cancer, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm SE 171 76, Sweden
| | - Joar Svanvik
- The Transplant Institute, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg SE 413 45, Sweden
- Division of Surgery, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE 581 83, Sweden
| | - Annelie Lindström
- Division of Cell Biology, Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping SE 581 85, Sweden
| | - Tanguy Lechertier
- Novintum Bioscience Ltd, London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, United Kingdom
| | - Sara Trabulo
- Novintum Bioscience Ltd, London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, United Kingdom
| | - James Hulit
- Novintum Bioscience Ltd, London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, United Kingdom
| | - Tim Sparey
- Novintum Bioscience Ltd, London Bioscience Innovation Centre, London NW1 0NH, United Kingdom
| | - John Pawelek
- Department of Dermatology and the Yale Cancer Center, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, United States
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