scholarly journals Mechanistic adaptability of cancer cells strongly affects anti-migratory drug efficacy

2014 ◽  
Vol 11 (99) ◽  
pp. 20140638 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Sun ◽  
Chwee Teck Lim ◽  
Nicholas Agung Kurniawan
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Drug Efficacy ◽  
Biophysical Properties ◽  
Invasion Mechanisms

Cancer metastasis involves the dissemination of cancer cells from the primary tumour site and is responsible for the majority of solid tumour-related mortality. Screening of anti-metastasis drugs often includes functional assays that examine cancer cell invasion inside a three-dimensional hydrogel that mimics the extracellular matrix (ECM). Here, we built a mechanically tuneable collagen hydrogel model to recapitulate cancer spreading into heterogeneous tumour stroma and monitored the three-dimensional invasion of highly malignant breast cancer cells, MDA-MB-231. Migration assays were carried out in the presence and the absence of drugs affecting four typical molecular mechanisms involved in cell migration, as well as under five ECMs with different biophysical properties. Strikingly, the effects of the drugs were observed to vary strongly with matrix mechanics and microarchitecture, despite the little dependence of the inherent cancer cell migration on the ECM condition. Specifically, cytoskeletal contractility-targeting drugs reduced migration speed in sparse gels, whereas migration in dense gels was retarded effectively by inhibiting proteolysis. The results corroborate the ability of cancer cells to switch their multiple invasion mechanisms depending on ECM condition, thus suggesting the importance of factoring in the biophysical properties of the ECM in anti-metastasis drug screenings.

scholarly journals Regulation of ATP utilization during metastatic cell migration by collagen architecture

2018 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 1-9 ◽  
Author(s):  
Matthew R. Zanotelli ◽  
Zachary E. Goldblatt ◽  
Joseph P. Miller ◽  
Francois Bordeleau ◽  
Jiahe Li ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Metastatic Cancer ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Energy Regulation ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
In Cells

Cell migration in a three-dimensional matrix requires that cells either remodel the surrounding matrix fibers and/or squeeze between the fibers to move. Matrix degradation, matrix remodeling, and changes in cell shape each require cells to expend energy. While significant research has been performed to understand the cellular and molecular mechanisms guiding metastatic migration, less is known about cellular energy regulation and utilization during three-dimensional cancer cell migration. Here we introduce the use of the genetically encoded fluorescent biomarkers, PercevalHR and pHRed, to quantitatively assess ATP, ADP, and pH levels in MDA-MB-231 metastatic cancer cells as a function of the local collagen microenvironment. We find that the use of the probe is an effective tool for exploring the thermodynamics of cancer cell migration and invasion. Specifically, we find that the ATP:ADP ratio increases in cells in denser matrices, where migration is impaired, and it decreases in cells in aligned collagen matrices, where migration is facilitated. When migration is pharmacologically inhibited, the ATP:ADP ratio decreases. Together, our data indicate that matrix architecture alters cellular energetics and that intracellular ATP:ADP ratio is related to the ability of cancer cells to effectively migrate.

scholarly journals A Novel 3D Model for Visualization and Tracking of Fibroblast-Guided Directional Cancer Cell Migration

Biology ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (10) ◽  
pp. 328
Author(s):  
Yihe Zhang ◽  
Bingjie Jiang ◽  
Meng Huee Lee
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cell Mass ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Physical Interaction ◽  
Matrix Remodeling ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Type

Stromal fibroblasts surrounding cancer cells are a major and important constituent of the tumor microenvironment not least because they contain cancer-associated fibroblasts, a unique fibroblastic cell type that promotes tumorigenicity through extracellular matrix remodeling and secretion of soluble factors that stimulate cell differentiation and invasion. Despite much progress made in understanding the molecular mechanisms that underpin fibroblast–tumor cross-talk, relatively little is known about the way the two cell types interact from a physical contact perspective. In this study, we report a novel three-dimensional dumbbell model that would allow the physical interaction between the fibroblasts and cancer cells to be visualized and monitored by microscopy. To achieve the effect, the fibroblasts and cancer cells in 50% Matrigel suspension were seeded as independent droplets in separation from each other. To allow for cell migration and interaction, a narrow passage of Matrigel causeway was constructed in between the droplets, effectively molding the gel into the shape of a dumbbell. Under time-lapse microscopy, we were able to visualize and image the entire process of fibroblast-guided cancer cell migration event, from initial vessel-like structure formation by the fibroblasts to their subsequent invasion across the causeway, attracting and trapping the cancer cells in the process. Upon prolonged culture, the entire population of fibroblasts eventually infiltrated across the passage and condensed into a spheroid-like cell mass, encapsulating the bulk of the cancer cell population within. Suitable for almost every cell type, our model has the potential for a wider application as it can be adapted for use in drug screening and the study of cellular factors involved in cell–cell attraction.

scholarly journals The C-Terminus Tail Regulates ERK3 Kinase Activity and Its Ability in Promoting Cancer Cell Migration and Invasion

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (11) ◽  
pp. 4044 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lobna Elkhadragy ◽  
Hadel Alsaran ◽  
Weiwen Long
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Kinase Activity ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Migration And Invasion ◽  
C Terminus

Extracellular signal-regulated kinase 3 (ERK3) is an atypical member of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. It harbors a kinase domain in the N-terminus and a long C-terminus extension. The C-terminus extension comprises a conserved in ERK3 and ERK4 (C34) region and a unique C-terminus tail, which was shown to be required for the interaction of ERK3 with the cytoskeletal protein septin 7. Recent studies have elucidated the role of ERK3 signaling in promoting the motility and invasiveness of cancer cells. However, little is known about the intramolecular regulation of the enzymatic activity and cellular functions of ERK3. In this study, we investigated the role of the elongated C-terminus extension in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and its ability to promote cancer cell migration and invasion. Our study revealed that the deletion of the C-terminus tail greatly diminishes the ability of ERK3 to promote the migration and invasion of lung cancer cells. We identified two molecular mechanisms underlying this effect. Firstly, the deletion of the C-terminus tail decreases the kinase activity of ERK3 towards substrates, including the oncogenic protein steroid receptor co-activator 3 (SRC-3), an important downstream target for ERK3 signaling in cancer. Secondly, in line with the previous finding that the C-terminus tail mediates the interaction of ERK3 with septin 7, we found that the depletion of septin 7 abolished the ability of ERK3 to promote migration, indicating that septin 7 acts as a downstream effector for ERK3-induced cancer cell migration. Taken together, the findings of this study advance our understanding of the molecular regulation of ERK3 signaling by unraveling the role of the C-terminus tail in regulating ERK3 kinase activity and functions in cancer cells. These findings provide useful insights for the development of therapeutic agents targeting ERK3 signaling in cancer.

scholarly journals Control of the Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition and Cancer Metastasis by Autophagy-Dependent SNAI1 Degradation

Cells ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (2) ◽  
pp. 129 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sahib Zada ◽  
Jin Hwang ◽  
Mahmoud Ahmed ◽  
Trang Lai ◽  
Trang Pham ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial To Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Nuclear Translocation ◽  
Degradation Process ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Invasion And Migration

Autophagy, an intracellular degradation process, is essential for maintaining cell homeostasis by removing damaged organelles and proteins under various conditions of stress. In cancer, autophagy has conflicting functions. It plays a key role in protecting against cancerous transformation by maintaining genomic stability against genotoxic components, leading to cancerous transformation. It can also promote cancer cell survival by supplying minimal amounts of nutrients during cancer progression. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying how autophagy regulates the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and cancer metastasis are unknown. Here, we show that starvation-induced autophagy promotes Snail (SNAI1) degradation and inhibits EMT and metastasis in cancer cells. Interestingly, SNAI1 proteins were physically associated and colocalized with LC3 and SQSTM1 in cancer cells. We also found a significant decrease in the levels of EMT and metastatic proteins under starvation conditions. Furthermore, ATG7 knockdown inhibited autophagy-induced SNAI1 degradation in the cytoplasm, which was associated with a decrease in SNAI1 nuclear translocation. Moreover, cancer cell invasion and migration were significantly inhibited by starvation-induced autophagy. These findings suggest that autophagy-dependent SNAI1 degradation could specifically regulate EMT and cancer metastasis during tumorigenesis.

scholarly journals Integrin Trafficking and Tumor Progression

2012 ◽  
Vol 2012 ◽  
pp. 1-7 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sejeong Shin ◽  
Laura Wolgamott ◽  
Sang-Oh Yoon
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cell Adhesion ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Anticancer Drugs ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Cell Adhesion

Integrins are major mediators of cancer cell adhesion to extracellular matrix. Through this interaction, integrins play critical roles in cell migration, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to apoptosis during tumor progression. Recent studies highlight the importance of integrin trafficking, endocytosis and recycling, for the functions of integrins in cancer cells. Understanding the molecular mechanisms of integrin trafficking is pivotal for understanding tumor progression and for the development of anticancer drugs.

scholarly journals Modeling the Mechanobiology of Cancer Cell Migration Using 3D Biomimetic Hydrogels

Gels ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (1) ◽  
pp. 17
Author(s):  
Xabier Morales ◽  
Iván Cortés-Domínguez ◽  
Carlos Ortiz-de-Solorzano
Keyword(s):  
Extracellular Matrix ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Chemical Composition ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
State Of The Art ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Hydrogel Scaffolds ◽  
Metastatic Process

Understanding how cancer cells migrate, and how this migration is affected by the mechanical and chemical composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) is critical to investigate and possibly interfere with the metastatic process, which is responsible for most cancer-related deaths. In this article we review the state of the art about the use of hydrogel-based three-dimensional (3D) scaffolds as artificial platforms to model the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration. We start by briefly reviewing the concept and composition of the extracellular matrix (ECM) and the materials commonly used to recreate the cancerous ECM. Then we summarize the most relevant knowledge about the mechanobiology of cancer cell migration that has been obtained using 3D hydrogel scaffolds, and relate those discoveries to what has been observed in the clinical management of solid tumors. Finally, we review some recent methodological developments, specifically the use of novel bioprinting techniques and microfluidics to create realistic hydrogel-based models of the cancer ECM, and some of their applications in the context of the study of cancer cell migration.

scholarly journals Suppressive Role of Androgen/Androgen Receptor Signaling via Chemokines on Prostate Cancer Cells

2019 ◽  
Vol 8 (3) ◽  
pp. 354 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kouji Izumi ◽  
Atsushi Mizokami
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Androgen Receptor ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Prostate Cancer Cell ◽  
Standard Form ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Prostate Cancer Cells

Androgen/androgen receptor (AR) signaling is a significant driver of prostate cancer progression, therefore androgen-deprivation therapy (ADT) is often used as a standard form of treatment for advanced and metastatic prostate cancer patients. However, after several years of ADT, prostate cancer progresses to castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC). Androgen/AR signaling is still considered an important factor for prostate cancer cell survival following CRPC progression, while recent studies have reported dichotomic roles for androgen/AR signaling. Androgen/AR signaling increases prostate cancer cell proliferation, while simultaneously inhibiting migration. As a result, ADT can induce prostate cancer metastasis. Several C-C motif ligand (CCL)-receptor (CCR) axes are involved in cancer cell migration related to blockade of androgen/AR signaling. The CCL2-CCR2 axis is negatively regulated by androgen/AR signaling, with the CCL22-CCR4 axis acting as a further downstream mediator, both of which promote prostate cancer cell migration. Furthermore, the CCL5-CCR5 axis inhibits androgen/AR signaling as an upstream mediator. CCL4 is involved in prostate carcinogenesis through macrophage AR signaling, while the CCL21-CCR7 axis in prostate cancer cells is activated by tumor necrotic factor, which is secreted when androgen/AR signaling is inhibited. Finally, the CCL2-CCR2 axis has recently been demonstrated to be a key contributor to cabazitaxel resistance in CRPC.

scholarly journals Protective Role of IRBIT on Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporter-n1 for Migratory Cancer Cells

Pharmaceutics ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (9) ◽  
pp. 816
Author(s):  
Soyoung Hwang ◽  
Dong Min Shin ◽  
Jeong Hee Hong
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Sodium Bicarbonate ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Specific Inhibitor ◽  
Protective Role ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Ip3 Receptor ◽  
Sodium Bicarbonate Cotransporter

IP3 receptor-binding protein released with IP3 (IRBIT) interacts with various ion channels and transporters. An electroneutral type of sodium bicarbonate cotransporter, NBCn1, participates in cell migration, and its enhanced expression is related to cancer metastasis. The effect of IRBIT on NBCn1 and its relation to cancer cell migration remain obscure. We therefore aimed to determine the effect of IRBIT on NBCn1 and the regulation of cancer cell migration due to IRBIT-induced alterations in NBCn1 activity. Overexpression of IRBIT enhanced cancer cell migration and NBC activity. Knockdown of IRBIT or NBCn1 and treatment with an NBC-specific inhibitor, S0859, attenuated cell migration. Stimulation with oncogenic epidermal growth factor enhanced the expression of NBCn1 and migration of cancer cells by recruiting IRBIT. The recruited IRBIT stably maintained the expression of the NBCn1 transporter machinery in the plasma membrane. Combined inhibition of IRBIT and NBCn1 dramatically inhibited the migration of cancer cells. Combined modulation of IRBIT and NBCn1 offers an effective strategy for attenuating cancer metastasis.

scholarly journals Brain-derived neurotrophic factor regulates cell motility in human colon cancer

2015 ◽  
Vol 22 (3) ◽  
pp. 455-464 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ssu-Ming Huang ◽  
Chingju Lin ◽  
Hsiao-Yun Lin ◽  
Chien-Ming Chiu ◽  
Chia-Wei Fang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Colon Cancer ◽  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Neurotrophic Factor ◽  
Transcriptional Activity ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Colon Cancer Cell ◽  
Cancer Cell Migration ◽  
Colon Cancer Cells

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a potent neurotrophic factor that has been shown to affect cancer cell metastasis and migration. In the present study, we investigated the mechanisms of BDNF-induced cell migration in colon cancer cells. The migratory activities of two colon cancer cell lines, HCT116 and SW480, were found to be increased in the presence of human BDNF. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO)-1 is known to be involved in the development and progression of tumors. However, the molecular mechanisms that underlie HO-1 in the regulation of colon cancer cell migration remain unclear. Expression of HO-1 protein and mRNA increased in response to BDNF stimulation. The BDNF-induced increase in cell migration was antagonized by a HO-1 inhibitor and HO-1 siRNA. Furthermore, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) also increased in response to BDNF stimulation, as did VEGF mRNA expression and transcriptional activity. The increase in BDNF-induced cancer cell migration was antagonized by a VEGF-neutralizing antibody. Moreover, transfection with HO-1 siRNA effectively reduced the increased VEGF expression induced by BDNF. The BDNF-induced cell migration was regulated by the ERK, p38, and Akt signaling pathways. Furthermore, BDNF-increased HO-1 and VEGF promoter transcriptional activity were inhibited by ERK, p38, and AKT pharmacological inhibitors and dominant-negative mutants in colon cancer cells. These results indicate that BDNF increases the migration of colon cancer cells by regulating VEGF/HO-1 activation through the ERK, p38, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. The results of this study may provide a relevant contribution to our understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which BDNF promotes colon cancer cell motility.

scholarly journals Engineering approaches to studying cancer cell migration in three-dimensional environments

2019 ◽  
Vol 374 (1779) ◽  
pp. 20180219 ◽  
Author(s):  
Noam Zuela-Sopilniak ◽  
Jan Lammerding
Keyword(s):  
Cell Migration ◽  
Cancer Cell ◽  
Primary Tumour ◽  
Treatment Options ◽  
Three Dimensional ◽  
Basement Membranes ◽  
Invasion And Migration ◽  
Interdisciplinary Approaches ◽  
And Migration

Cancer is one of the most devastating diseases of our time, with 17 million new cancer cases and 9.5 million cancer deaths in 2018 worldwide. The mortality associated with cancer results primarily from metastasis, i.e. the spreading of cancer cells from the primary tumour to other organs. The invasion and migration of cells through basement membranes, tight interstitial spaces and endothelial cell layers are key steps in the metastatic cascade. Recent studies demonstrated that cell migration through three-dimensional environments that mimic the in vivo conditions significantly differs from their migration on two-dimensional surfaces. Here, we review recent technological advances made in the field of cancer research that provide more ‘true to the source’ experimental platforms and measurements for the study of cancer cell invasion and migration in three-dimensional environments. These include microfabrication, three-dimensional bioprinting and intravital imaging tools, along with force and stiffness measurements of cells and their environments. These techniques will enable new studies that better reflect the physiological environment found in vivo , thereby producing more robust results. The knowledge achieved through these studies will aid in the development of new treatment options with the potential to ultimately lighten the devastating cost cancer inflicts on patients and their families. This article is part of a discussion meeting issue ‘Forces in cancer: interdisciplinary approaches in tumour mechanobiology’.

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