scholarly journals Cellular interactions constrain tumor growth

2019 ◽  
Vol 116 (6) ◽  
pp. 1918-1923 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey West ◽  
Paul K. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Fitness Landscape ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Macroscopic Tumor ◽  
Growth Laws ◽  
The Many

A tumor is made up of a heterogeneous collection of cell types, all competing on a fitness landscape mediated by microenvironmental conditions that dictate their interactions. Despite the fact that much is known about cell signaling, cellular cooperation, and the functional constraints that affect cellular behavior, the specifics of how these constraints (and the range over which they act) affect the macroscopic tumor growth laws that govern total volume, mass, and carrying capacity remain poorly understood. We develop a statistical mechanics approach that focuses on the total number of possible states each cell can occupy and show how different assumptions on correlations of these states give rise to the many different macroscopic tumor growth laws used in the literature. Although it is widely understood that molecular and cellular heterogeneity within a tumor is a driver of growth, here we emphasize that focusing on the functional coupling of states at the cellular level is what determines macroscopic growth characteristics.

scholarly journals Cellular cooperation shapes tumor growth: a statistical mechanics mathematical model

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jeffrey West ◽  
Paul K. Newton
Keyword(s):  
Mathematical Model ◽  
Statistical Mechanics ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Fitness Landscape ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Functional Coupling ◽  
Macroscopic Tumor ◽  
Growth Laws ◽  
Cellular Cooperation

AbstractA tumor is made up of a heterogeneous collection of cell types all competing on a fitness landscape mediated by micro-environmental conditions that dictate their interactions. Despite the fact that much is known about cell signaling and cellular cooperation, the specifics of how the cell-to-cell coupling and the range over which this coupling acts affect the macroscopic tumor growth laws that govern total volume, mass, and carrying capacity remain poorly understood. We develop a statistical mechanics approach that focuses on the total number of possible states each cell can occupy, and show how different assumptions on correlations of these states gives rise to the many different macroscopic tumor growth laws used in the literature. Although it is widely understood that molecular and cellular heterogeneity within a tumor is a driver of growth, here we emphasize that focusing on the functional coupling of these states at the cellular level is what determines macroscopic growth characteristics.Significance statementA mathematical model relating tumor heterogeneity at the cellular level to tumor growth at the macroscopic level is described based on a statistical mechanics framework. The model takes into account the number of accessible states available to each cell as well as their long-range coupling (population cooperation) to other cells. We show that the degree to which cell populations cooperate determine the number of independent cell states, which in turn dictates the macroscopic (volumetric) growth law. It follows that targeting cell-to-cell interactions could be a way of mitigating and controlling tumor growth.

scholarly journals Transcriptomic Changes of Murine Visceral Fat Exposed to Intermittent Hypoxia at Single Cell Resolution

2020 ◽  
Vol 22 (1) ◽  
pp. 261
Author(s):  
Abdelnaby Khalyfa ◽  
Wesley Warren ◽  
Jorge Andrade ◽  
Christopher A. Bottoms ◽  
Edward S. Rice ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Intermittent Hypoxia ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Transcriptional Networks ◽  
Metabolic Dysfunction ◽  
Rna Seq ◽  
Obstructive Sleep ◽  
Differential Expressed Gene ◽  
Key Aspects

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) is a hallmark of obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and induces metabolic dysfunction manifesting as inflammation, increased lipolysis and insulin resistance in visceral white adipose tissues (vWAT). However, the cell types and their corresponding transcriptional pathways underlying these functional perturbations are unknown. Here, we applied single nucleus RNA sequencing (snRNA-seq) coupled with aggregate RNA-seq methods to evaluate the cellular heterogeneity in vWAT following IH exposures mimicking OSA. C57BL/6 male mice were exposed to IH and room air (RA) for 6 weeks, and nuclei from vWAT were isolated and processed for snRNA-seq followed by differential expressed gene (DEGs) analyses by cell type, along with gene ontology and canonical pathways enrichment tests of significance. IH induced significant transcriptional changes compared to RA across 14 different cell types identified in vWAT. We identified cell-specific signature markers, transcriptional networks, metabolic signaling pathways, and cellular subpopulation enrichment in vWAT. Globally, we also identify 298 common regulated genes across multiple cellular types that are associated with metabolic pathways. Deconvolution of cell types in vWAT using global RNA-seq revealed that distinct adipocytes appear to be differentially implicated in key aspects of metabolic dysfunction. Thus, the heterogeneity of vWAT and its response to IH at the cellular level provides important insights into the metabolic morbidity of OSA and may possibly translate into therapeutic targets.

Paracrine regulation of cellular interactions in the testis: factors in search of a function

1997 ◽  
pp. 107-117 ◽  
Author(s):  
S Schlatt ◽  
A Meinhardt ◽  
E Nieschlag
Keyword(s):  
Cell Types ◽  
Signal Molecules ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Spermatogenic Cells ◽  
Testicular Cell ◽  
Hormone Production ◽  
Paracrine Regulation ◽  
Testicular Cells ◽  
The Many ◽  
Local Proximity

Throughout evolution, gamete generation and sex hormone production are the two processes combined in the testis. The local proximity of sex steroid-producing cells and spermatogenic cells allows multiple cellular interactions to occur and thereby facilitates the modulation and/or synchronisation of both testicular functions. This mini review provides an introduction to the vast variety of different testicular cell types, the unique bi-compartmental organization of the testis, the many factors being released in the testis and the different forms of cellular interactions occurring between testicular cells. Selected members of two groups of signal molecules (sex steroids, growth factors) are described in detail and specific examples for the intratesticular actions of signalling factors are presented.

scholarly journals Microenvironment in subchondral bone: predominant regulator for the treatment of osteoarthritis

2020 ◽  
pp. annrheumdis-2020-218089
Author(s):  
Wenhui Hu ◽  
Yueqi Chen ◽  
Ce Dou ◽  
Shiwu Dong
Keyword(s):  
Articular Cartilage ◽  
Subchondral Bone ◽  
Bone Destruction ◽  
The Elderly ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Degenerative Joint Disease ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Joint Disease ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Bone Microenvironment

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a degenerative joint disease in the elderly. Although OA has been considered as primarily a disease of the articular cartilage, the participation of subchondral bone in the pathogenesis of OA has attracted increasing attention. This review summarises the microstructural and histopathological changes in subchondral bone during OA progression that are due, at the cellular level, to changes in the interactions among osteocytes, osteoblasts, osteoclasts (OCs), endothelial cells and sensory neurons. Therefore, we focus on how pathological cellular interactions in the subchondral bone microenvironment promote subchondral bone destruction at different stages of OA progression. In addition, the limited amount of research on the communication between OCs in subchondral bone and chondrocytes (CCs) in articular cartilage during OA progression is reviewed. We propose the concept of ‘OC–CC crosstalk’ and describe the various pathways by which the two cell types might interact. Based on the ‘OC–CC crosstalk’, we elaborate potential therapeutic strategies for the treatment of OA, including restoring abnormal subchondral bone remodelling and blocking the bridge—subchondral type H vessels. Finally, the review summarises the current understanding of how the subchondral bone microenvironment is related to OA pain and describes potential interventions to reduce OA pain by targeting the subchondral bone microenvironment.

Molecular and Cellular Dynamics of Aortic Aneurysms Revealed by Single-Cell Transcriptomics

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yanming Li ◽  
Scott A. LeMaire ◽  
Ying H. Shen
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Rna Sequencing ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Aortic Aneurysms ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Cell Populations ◽  
Sequencing Analysis ◽  
Molecular Features ◽  
Single Cell Rna Sequencing

The aorta is highly heterogeneous, containing many different types of cells that perform sophisticated functions to maintain aortic homeostasis. Recently, single-cell RNA sequencing studies have provided substantial new insight into the heterogeneity of vascular cell types, the comprehensive molecular features of each cell type, and the phenotypic interrelationship between these cell populations. This new information has significantly improved our understanding of aortic biology and aneurysms at the molecular and cellular level. Here, we summarize these findings, with a focus on what single-cell RNA sequencing analysis has revealed about cellular heterogeneity, cellular transitions, communications among cell populations, and critical transcription factors in the vascular wall. We also review the information learned from single-cell RNA sequencing that has contributed to our understanding of the pathogenesis of vascular disease, such as the identification of cell types in which aneurysm-related genes and genetic variants function. Finally, we discuss the challenges and future directions of single-cell RNA sequencing applications in studies of aortic biology and diseases.

scholarly journals Single-cell transcriptomics following ischemic injury identifies a role for B2M in cardiac repair

2021 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Bas Molenaar ◽  
Louk T. Timmer ◽  
Marjolein Droog ◽  
Ilaria Perini ◽  
Danielle Versteeg ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Single Cell ◽  
Communication Networks ◽  
Cardiac Remodeling ◽  
Cardiac Injury ◽  
Ischemic Injury ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Repair Process ◽  
Cardiac Repair ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Intercellular Signaling

AbstractThe efficiency of the repair process following ischemic cardiac injury is a crucial determinant for the progression into heart failure and is controlled by both intra- and intercellular signaling within the heart. An enhanced understanding of this complex interplay will enable better exploitation of these mechanisms for therapeutic use. We used single-cell transcriptomics to collect gene expression data of all main cardiac cell types at different time-points after ischemic injury. These data unveiled cellular and transcriptional heterogeneity and changes in cellular function during cardiac remodeling. Furthermore, we established potential intercellular communication networks after ischemic injury. Follow up experiments confirmed that cardiomyocytes express and secrete elevated levels of beta-2 microglobulin in response to ischemic damage, which can activate fibroblasts in a paracrine manner. Collectively, our data indicate phase-specific changes in cellular heterogeneity during different stages of cardiac remodeling and allow for the identification of therapeutic targets relevant for cardiac repair.

scholarly journals Outflow Tract Formation—Embryonic Origins of Conotruncal Congenital Heart Disease

2021 ◽  
Vol 8 (4) ◽  
pp. 42
Author(s):  
Sonia Stefanovic ◽  
Heather C. Etchevers ◽  
Stéphane Zaffran
Keyword(s):  
Congenital Heart ◽  
Cardiac Development ◽  
Heart Defects ◽  
Dynamic Structure ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Outflow Tract ◽  
Heart Tube ◽  
Heart Field ◽  
Multiple Cell ◽  
The Many

Anomalies in the cardiac outflow tract (OFT) are among the most frequent congenital heart defects (CHDs). During embryogenesis, the cardiac OFT is a dynamic structure at the arterial pole of the heart. Heart tube elongation occurs by addition of cells from pharyngeal, splanchnic mesoderm to both ends. These progenitor cells, termed the second heart field (SHF), were first identified twenty years ago as essential to the growth of the forming heart tube and major contributors to the OFT. Perturbation of SHF development results in common forms of CHDs, including anomalies of the great arteries. OFT development also depends on paracrine interactions between multiple cell types, including myocardial, endocardial and neural crest lineages. In this publication, dedicated to Professor Andriana Gittenberger-De Groot and her contributions to the field of cardiac development and CHDs, we review some of her pioneering studies of OFT development with particular interest in the diverse origins of the many cell types that contribute to the OFT. We also discuss the clinical implications of selected key findings for our understanding of the etiology of CHDs and particularly OFT malformations.

Effect of elevated potassium on the ion content of mouse astrocytes and neurons

1992 ◽  
Vol 70 (S1) ◽  
pp. S263-S268 ◽  
Author(s):  
H. Steve White ◽  
Sien Yao Chow ◽  
Y. C. Yen-Chow ◽  
Dixon M. Woodbury
Keyword(s):  
Cortical Neurons ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Mouse Cell ◽  
Ion Concentration ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Resting Membrane Potential ◽  
Extracellular Potassium ◽  
Individual Response ◽  
Extracellular Potassium Concentration ◽  
The Brain

Potassium is tightly regulated within the extracellular compartment of the brain. Nonetheless, it can increase 3- to 4-fold during periods of intense seizure activity and 10- to 20-fold under certain pathological conditions such as spreading depression. Within the central nervous system, neurons and astrocytes are both affected by shifts in the extracellular concentration of potassium. Elevated potassium can lead to a redistribution of other ions (e.g., calcium, sodium, chloride, hydrogen, etc.) within the cellular compartment of the brain. Small shifts in the extracellular potassium concentration can markedly affect acid–base homeostasis, energy metabolism, and volume regulation of these two brain cells. Since normal neuronal function is tightly coupled to the ability of the surrounding glial cells to regulate ionic shifts within the brain and since both cell types can be affected by shifts in the extracellular potassium, it is important to characterize their individual response to an elevation of this ion. This review describes the results of side-by-side studies conducted on cortical neurons and astrocytes, which assessed the effect of elevated potassium on their resting membrane potential, intracellular volume, and their intracellular concentration of potassium, sodium, and chloride. The results obtained from these studies suggest that there exists a marked cellular heterogeneity between neurons and astrocytes in their response to an elevation in the extracellular potassium concentration.Key words: astrocytes, neurons, ion concentration, neuronal–glial interactions, mouse, cell culture.

scholarly journals Emergence of protocellular growth laws

2007 ◽  
Vol 362 (1486) ◽  
pp. 1841-1845 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tristan Rocheleau ◽  
Steen Rasmussen ◽  
Peter E Nielsen ◽  
Martin N Jacobi ◽  
Hans Ziock
Keyword(s):  
Kinetic Studies ◽  
Product Inhibition ◽  
Replication Process ◽  
Gene Replication ◽  
Math Biol ◽  
Curr Opin Cell Biol ◽  
Growth Laws ◽  
Internal Gene ◽  
The Many ◽  
The Individual

Template-directed replication is known to obey a parabolic growth law due to product inhibition (Sievers & Von Kiedrowski 1994 Nature 369 , 221; Lee et al . 1996 Nature 382 , 525; Varga & Szathmáry 1997 Bull. Math. Biol . 59 , 1145). We investigate a template-directed replication with a coupled template catalysed lipid aggregate production as a model of a minimal protocell and show analytically that the autocatalytic template–container feedback ensures balanced exponential replication kinetics; both the genes and the container grow exponentially with the same exponent. The parabolic gene replication does not limit the protocellular growth, and a detailed stoichiometric control of the individual protocell components is not necessary to ensure a balanced gene–container growth as conjectured by various authors (Gánti 2004 Chemoton theory ). Our analysis also suggests that the exponential growth of most modern biological systems emerges from the inherent spatial quality of the container replication process as we show analytically how the internal gene and metabolic kinetics determine the cell population's generation time and not the growth law (Burdett & Kirkwood 1983 J. Theor. Biol . 103 , 11–20; Novak et al . 1998 Biophys. Chem . 72 , 185–200; Tyson et al . 2003 Curr. Opin. Cell Biol . 15 , 221–231). Previous extensive replication reaction kinetic studies have mainly focused on template replication and have not included a coupling to metabolic container dynamics (Stadler et al . 2000 Bull. Math. Biol . 62 , 1061–1086; Stadler & Stadler 2003 Adv. Comp. Syst . 6 , 47). The reported results extend these investigations. Finally, the coordinated exponential gene–container growth law stemming from catalysis is an encouraging circumstance for the many experimental groups currently engaged in assembling self-replicating minimal artificial cells (Szostak 2001 et al . Nature 409 , 387–390; Pohorille & Deamer 2002 Trends Biotech . 20 123–128; Rasmussen et al . 2004 Science 303 , 963–965; Szathmáry 2005 Nature 433 , 469–470; Luisi et al . 2006 Naturwissenschaften 93 , 1–13). 1

Unexplored functions of sex hormones in glioblastoma cancer stem cells

Endocrinology ◽  
2022 ◽  
Author(s):  
Juyeun Lee ◽  
Katie Troike ◽  
R’ay Fodor ◽  
Justin D Lathia
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Immune Response ◽  
Sex Differences ◽  
Cancer Stem Cells ◽  
Tumor Growth ◽  
Sex Hormones ◽  
Cellular Heterogeneity ◽  
Cellular Functions ◽  
Biological Sex ◽  
Organismal Development

Abstract Biological sex impacts a wide array of molecular and cellular functions that impact organismal development and can influence disease trajectory in a variety of pathophysiological states. In non-reproductive cancers, epidemiological sex differences have been observed in a series of tumors, and recent work has identified previously unappreciated sex differences in molecular genetics and immune response. However, the extent of these sex differences in terms of drivers of tumor growth and therapeutic response is less clear. In glioblastoma, the most common primary malignant brain tumor, there is a male bias in incidence and outcome, and key genetic and epigenetic differences, as well as differences in immune response driven by immune-suppressive myeloid populations, have recently been revealed. Glioblastoma is a prototypic tumor in which cellular heterogeneity is driven by populations of therapeutically resistant cancer stem cells (CSCs) that underlie tumor growth and recurrence. There is emerging evidence that GBM CSCs may show a sex difference, with male tumor cells showing enhanced self-renewal, but how sex differences impact CSC function is not clear. In this mini-review, we focus on how sex hormones may impact CSCs in GBM and implications for other cancers with a pronounced CSC population. We also explore opportunities to leverage new models to better understand the contribution of sex hormones versus sex chromosomes to CSC function. With the rising interest in sex differences in cancer, there is an immediate need to understand the extent to which sex differences impact tumor growth, including effects on CSC function.

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