scholarly journals NFATc acts as a non-canonical phenotypic stability factor for a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayalur Raghu Subbalakshmi ◽  
Deepali Kundnani ◽  
Kuheli Biswas ◽  
Anandamohan Ghosh ◽  
Samir M Hanash ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Phenotypic Plasticity ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Stochastic Simulations ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Phenotypic Stability ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Reversible Transitions

AbstractMetastasis remains the cause of over 90% of cancer-related deaths. Cells undergoing metastasis use phenotypic plasticity to adapt to their changing environmental conditions and avoid therapy and immune response. Reversible transitions between epithelial and mesenchymal phenotypes - Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT) and its reverse Mesenchymal-Epithelial Transition (MET) - form a key axis of phenotypic plasticity during metastasis and therapy resistance. Recent studies have shown that the cells undergoing EMT/MET can attain one or more hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) phenotypes, the process of which is termed as partial EMT/MET. Cells in hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can be more aggressive than those in either epithelial or mesenchymal state. Thus, it is crucial to identify the factors and regulatory networks enabling such hybrid E/M phenotypes. Here, employing an integrated computational-experimental approach, we show that the transcription factor NFATc can inhibit the process of complete EMT, thus stabilizing the hybrid E/M phenotype. It increases the range of parameters enabling the existence of a hybrid E/M phenotype, thus behaving as a phenotypic stability factor (PSF). However, unlike previously identified PSFs, it does not increase the mean residence time of the cells in hybrid E/M phenotypes, as shown by stochastic simulations; rather it enables the co-existence of epithelial, mesenchymal and hybrid E/M phenotypes and transitions among them. Clinical data suggests the effect of NFATc on patient survival in a tissue-specific or context-dependent manner. Together, our results indicate that NFATc behaves as a non-canonical phenotypic stability factor for a hybrid E/M phenotype.

scholarly journals Coupled feedback loops involving PAGE4, EMT and Notch signaling can give rise to non-genetic heterogeneity in prostate cancer cells

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Divyoj Singh ◽  
Federico Bocci ◽  
Prakash Kulkarni ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Heterogeneity ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered Protein ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered

AbstractNon-genetic heterogeneity is emerging to be a crucial factor underlying therapy resistance in multiple cancers. However, the design principles of regulatory networks underlying non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the coupled dynamics of feedback loops involving a) oscillations in androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediated through an intrinsically disordered protein PAGE4, b) multistability in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and c) Notch-Delta-Jagged signaling mediated cell-cell communication, each of which can generate non-genetic heterogeneity through multistability and/or oscillations. Our results show how different coupling strengths between AR and EMT signaling can lead to possible bistability in the levels of AR. These results reveal the emergent dynamics of coupled oscillatory and multi-stable systems and unravel mechanisms by which non-genetic heterogeneity in AR levels can be generated, which can act as a barrier to most existing therapies for prostate cancer patients.

scholarly journals A computational systems biology approach identifies SLUG as a mediator of partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ayalur Raghu Subbalakshmi ◽  
Sarthak Sahoo ◽  
Kuheli Biswas ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Systems Biology ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Specific Property ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Computational Systems Biology ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Patient Prognosis ◽  
Metastasis Therapy ◽  
Computational Systems

AbstractEpithelial-mesenchymal plasticity comprises of reversible transitions among epithelial, hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) and mesenchymal phenotypes, and underlies various aspects of aggressive tumor progression such as metastasis, therapy resistance and immune evasion. The process of cells attaining one or more hybrid E/M phenotypes is termed as partial EMT. Cells in hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can be more aggressive than those in either fully epithelial or mesenchymal state. Thus, identifying regulators of hybrid E/M phenotypes is essential to decipher the rheostats of phenotypic plasticity and consequent accelerators of metastasis. Here, using a computational systems biology approach, we demonstrate that SLUG (SNAIL2) – an EMT-inducing transcription factor – can inhibit cells from undergoing a complete EMT and thus stabilizing them in hybrid E/M phenotype(s). It expands the parametric range enabling the existence of a hybrid E/M phenotype, thereby behaving as a phenotypic stability factor (PSF). Our simulations suggest that this specific property of SLUG emerges from the topology of the regulatory network it forms with other key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Clinical data suggests that SLUG associates with worse patient prognosis across multiple carcinomas. Together, our results indicate that SLUG can stabilize hybrid E/M phenotype(s).

scholarly journals Nrf2 regulates collective cancer migration by modulating the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Samuel A Vilchez Mercedes ◽  
Federico Bocci ◽  
Ninghao Zhu ◽  
Herbert Levine ◽  
José N Onuchic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Leading Edge ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Phenotypic Stability ◽  
Interior Region ◽  
Mesenchymal Phenotype ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cancer Migration ◽  
Aggressive Cancer

AbstractHybrid epithelial/mesenchymal cells (E/M) are key players in aggressive cancer metastasis. A challenge is to understand how these cells, which are mostly non-existent in healthy tissue, become stable phenotypes participating collective cancer migration. The transcription factor Nrf2, which is associated with tumor progression and resistance to therapy, appears to be central to this process. Here, using a combined experimental-computational approach, we show that Nrf2 functions as a phenotypic stability factor for hybrid E/M cells by inhibiting a complete epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) during collective cancer migration. We demonstrate that Nrf2 and EMT signaling are spatially coordinated near the migrating front. Computational analysis of Nrf2-EMT-Notch network and experimental modulation of Nrf2 by pharmacological treatment and CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing reveal that Nrf2 stabilizes a hybrid E/M phenotype maximally observed in the interior region immediately behind the leading edge. We further demonstrate that the Nrf2-EMT-Notch network enhances Dll4 and Jagged1 expression near the leading edge, which correlates with the formation of protruding tips and leader cells. Together, Nrf2 acts as a phenotypic stability factor in restricting complete EMT and coordinating collective cancer migration.

scholarly journals Systems biology approach suggests new miRNAs as phenotypic stability factors in the epithelial–mesenchymal transition

2020 ◽  
Vol 17 (171) ◽  
pp. 20200693
Author(s):  
Daner A. Silveira ◽  
Shantanu Gupta ◽  
José Carlos M. Mombach
Keyword(s):  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Dose Dependence ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Phenotypic Stability ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Hybrid State ◽  
Breast Cells ◽  
Mcf10a Cells ◽  
Phenotypic Transition ◽  
Autocrine Mechanism

The epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a cellular programme on which epithelial cells undergo a phenotypic transition to mesenchymal ones acquiring metastatic properties such as mobility and invasion. TGF-β signalling can promote the EMT process. However, the dynamics of the concentration response of TGF-β-induced EMT is not well explained. In this work, we propose a logical model of TGF-β dose dependence of EMT in MCF10A breast cells. The model outcomes agree with experimentally observed phenotypes for the wild-type and perturbed/mutated cases. As important findings of the model, it predicts the coexistence of more than one hybrid state and that the circuit between TWIST1 and miR-129 is involved in their stabilization. Thus, miR-129 should be considered as a phenotypic stability factor. The circuit TWIST1/miR-129 associates with ZEB1-mediated circuits involving miRNAs 200, 1199, 340, and the protein GRHL2 to stabilize the hybrid state. Additionally, we found a possible new autocrine mechanism composed of the circuit involving TGF-β, miR-200, and SNAIL1 that contributes to the stabilization of the mesenchymal state. Therefore, our work can extend our comprehension of TGF-β-induced EMT in MCF10A cells to potentially improve the strategies for breast cancer treatment.

scholarly journals A Computational Systems Biology Approach Identifies SLUG as a Mediator of Partial Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition (EMT)

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-14
Author(s):  
Ayalur R. Subbalakshmi ◽  
Sarthak Sahoo ◽  
Kuheli Biswas ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Systems Biology ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Specific Property ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Stability Factor ◽  
Computational Systems Biology ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Patient Prognosis ◽  
Metastasis Therapy ◽  
Computational Systems

Epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity comprises reversible transitions among epithelial, hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal (E/M) and mesenchymal phenotypes, and underlies various aspects of aggressive tumor progression such as metastasis, therapy resistance, and immune evasion. The process of cells attaining one or more hybrid E/M phenotypes is termed as partial epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cells in hybrid E/M phenotype(s) can be more aggressive than those in either fully epithelial or mesenchymal state. Thus, identifying regulators of hybrid E/M phenotypes is essential to decipher the rheostats of phenotypic plasticity and consequent accelerators of metastasis. Here, using a computational systems biology approach, we demonstrate that SLUG (SNAIL2) – an EMT-inducing transcription factor – can inhibit cells from undergoing a complete EMT and thus stabilize them in hybrid E/M phenotype(s). It expands the parametric range enabling the existence of a hybrid E/M phenotype, thereby behaving as a phenotypic stability factor. Our simulations suggest that this specific property of SLUG emerges from the topology of the regulatory network it forms with other key regulators of epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity. Clinical data suggest that SLUG associates with worse patient prognosis across multiple carcinomas. Together, our results indicate that SLUG can stabilize hybrid E/M phenotype(s).

scholarly journals Coupled Feedback Loops Involving PAGE4, EMT and Notch Signaling Can Give Rise to Non-genetic Heterogeneity in Prostate Cancer Cells

Entropy ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 23 (3) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Divyoj Singh ◽  
Federico Bocci ◽  
Prakash Kulkarni ◽  
Mohit Kumar Jolly
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Genetic Heterogeneity ◽  
Regulatory Networks ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered Protein ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Feedback Loops ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Intrinsically Disordered

Non-genetic heterogeneity is emerging as a crucial factor underlying therapy resistance in multiple cancers. However, the design principles of regulatory networks underlying non-genetic heterogeneity in cancer remain poorly understood. Here, we investigate the coupled dynamics of feedback loops involving (a) oscillations in androgen receptor (AR) signaling mediated through an intrinsically disordered protein PAGE4, (b) multistability in epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and c) Notch–Delta–Jagged signaling mediated cell-cell communication, each of which can generate non-genetic heterogeneity through multistability and/or oscillations. Our results show how different coupling strengths between AR and EMT signaling can lead to monostability, bistability, or oscillations in the levels of AR, as well as propagation of oscillations to EMT dynamics. These results reveal the emergent dynamics of coupled oscillatory and multi-stable systems and unravel mechanisms by which non-genetic heterogeneity in AR levels can be generated, which can act as a barrier to most existing therapies for prostate cancer patients.

Galectin-3: A factotum in carcinogenesis bestowing an archery for prevention

Tumor Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 43 (1) ◽  
pp. 77-96
Author(s):  
T. Jeethy Ram ◽  
Asha Lekshmi ◽  
Thara Somanathan ◽  
K. Sujathan
Keyword(s):  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Molecular Mechanisms ◽  
Cancer Metastasis ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Cellular Level ◽  
Clinical Samples ◽  
Innovative Strategy ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Galectin 3

Cancer metastasis and therapy resistance are the foremost hurdles in oncology at the moment. This review aims to pinpoint the functional aspects of a unique multifaceted glycosylated molecule in both intracellular and extracellular compartments of a cell namely galectin-3 along with its metastatic potential in different types of cancer. All materials reviewed here were collected through the search engines PubMed, Scopus, and Google scholar. Among the 15 galectins identified, the chimeric gal-3 plays an indispensable role in the differentiation, transformation, and multi-step process of tumor metastasis. It has been implicated in the molecular mechanisms that allow the cancer cells to survive in the intravascular milieu and promote tumor cell extravasation, ultimately leading to metastasis. Gal-3 has also been found to have a pivotal role in immune surveillance and pro-angiogenesis and several studies have pointed out the importance of gal-3 in establishing a resistant phenotype, particularly through the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process. Additionally, some recent findings suggest the use of gal-3 inhibitors in overcoming therapeutic resistance. All these reports suggest that the deregulation of these specific lectins at the cellular level could inhibit cancer progression and metastasis. A more systematic study of glycosylation in clinical samples along with the development of selective gal-3 antagonists inhibiting the activity of these molecules at the cellular level offers an innovative strategy for primary cancer prevention.

scholarly journals The Role of microRNAs in Cholangiocarcinoma

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7627
Author(s):  
Tingting Shi ◽  
Asahiro Morishita ◽  
Hideki Kobara ◽  
Tsutomu Masaki
Keyword(s):  
Cell Cycle Progression ◽  
Target Genes ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Survival Rates ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Resistance Mechanisms ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Diagnosis And Prognosis ◽  
Related Risk

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), an aggressive malignancy, is typically diagnosed at an advanced stage. It is associated with dismal 5-year postoperative survival rates, generating an urgent need for prognostic and diagnostic biomarkers. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of non-coding RNAs that are associated with cancer regulation, including modulation of cell cycle progression, apoptosis, metastasis, angiogenesis, autophagy, therapy resistance, and epithelial–mesenchymal transition. Several miRNAs have been found to be dysregulated in CCA and are associated with CCA-related risk factors. Accumulating studies have indicated that the expression of altered miRNAs could act as oncogenic or suppressor miRNAs in the development and progression of CCA and contribute to clinical diagnosis and prognosis prediction as potential biomarkers. Furthermore, miRNAs and their target genes also contribute to targeted therapy development and aid in the determination of drug resistance mechanisms. This review aims to summarize the roles of miRNAs in the pathogenesis of CCA, their potential use as biomarkers of diagnosis and prognosis, and their utilization as novel therapeutic targets in CCA.

scholarly journals Cell Plasticity and Prostate Cancer: The Role of Epithelial–Mesenchymal Transition in Tumor Progression, Invasion, Metastasis and Cancer Therapy Resistance

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (11) ◽  
pp. 2795
Author(s):  
Sofia Papanikolaou ◽  
Aikaterini Vourda ◽  
Spyros Syggelos ◽  
Kostis Gyftopoulos
Keyword(s):  
Prostate Cancer ◽  
Cancer Therapy ◽  
Tumor Progression ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Metastatic Tumor ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
Cellular Process ◽  
Cell Plasticity ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition

Prostate cancer, the second most common malignancy in men, is characterized by high heterogeneity that poses several therapeutic challenges. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic, reversible cellular process which is essential in normal embryonic morphogenesis and wound healing. However, the cellular changes that are induced by EMT suggest that it may also play a central role in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to current therapeutic options. These changes include enhanced motility and loss of cell–cell adhesion that form a more aggressive cellular phenotype. Moreover, the reverse process (MET) is a necessary element of the metastatic tumor process. It is highly probable that this cell plasticity reflects a hybrid state between epithelial and mesenchymal status. In this review, we describe the underlying key mechanisms of the EMT-induced phenotype modulation that contribute to prostate tumor aggressiveness and cancer therapy resistance, in an effort to provide a framework of this complex cellular process.

Extracellular Release of ILEI/FAM3C and Amyloid-β Is Associated with the Activation of Distinct Synapse Subpopulations

2021 ◽  
pp. 1-16
Author(s):  
Masaki Nakano ◽  
Yachiyo Mitsuishi ◽  
Lei Liu ◽  
Naoki Watanabe ◽  
Emi Hibino ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Neuronal Activity ◽  
Epithelial Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Surrogate Marker ◽  
Amyloid Β ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Mesenchymal Transition ◽  
Extracellular Release ◽  
Activity Dependent ◽  
Aβ Production

Background: Brain amyloid-β (Aβ) peptide is released into the interstitial fluid (ISF) in a neuronal activity-dependent manner, and Aβ deposition in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is linked to baseline neuronal activity. Although the intrinsic mechanism for Aβ generation remains to be elucidated, interleukin-like epithelial-mesenchymal transition inducer (ILEI) is a candidate for an endogenous Aβ suppressor. Objective: This study aimed to access the mechanism underlying ILEI secretion and its effect on Aβ production in the brain. Methods: ILEI and Aβ levels in the cerebral cortex were monitored using a newly developed ILEI-specific ELISA and in vivo microdialysis in mutant human Aβ precursor protein-knockin mice. ILEI levels in autopsied brains and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were measured using ELISA. Results: Extracellular release of ILEI and Aβ was dependent on neuronal activation and specifically on tetanus toxin-sensitive exocytosis of synaptic vesicles. However, simultaneous monitoring of extracellular ILEI and Aβ revealed that a spontaneous fluctuation of ILEI levels appeared to inversely mirror that of Aβ levels. Selective activation and inhibition of synaptic receptors differentially altered these levels. The evoked activation of AMPA-type receptors resulted in opposing changes to ILEI and Aβ levels. Brain ILEI levels were selectively decreased in AD. CSF ILEI concentration correlated with that of Aβ and were reduced in AD and mild cognitive impairment. Conclusion: ILEI and Aβ are released from distinct subpopulations of synaptic terminals in an activity-dependent manner, and ILEI negatively regulates Aβ production in specific synapse types. CSF ILEI might represent a surrogate marker for the accumulation of brain Aβ.

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