scholarly journals Association of CD44−/CD24− Breast Cancer Cells with Late Stage Tumor Recurrence

2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xinbo Qiao ◽  
Yixiao Zhang ◽  
Lisha Sun ◽  
Qingtian Ma ◽  
Jie Yang ◽  
...  

AbstractTumor metastasis remains the main cause of breast cancer-related deaths, especially the later breast cancer distant metastasis. This study assessed CD44−/CD24− tumor cells in 576 tissue specimens for associations with clinicopathological features and metastasis and then investigated the underlying molecular events. The data showed that level of CD44−/CD24− cells was associated with later postoperative distant tumor metastasis. Furthermore, CD44−/CD24− triple negative cells could spontaneously convert into CD44+/CD24− cancer stem cells (CSCs) with properties similar to CD44+/CD24− CSCs from parental MDA-MB-231 cells in terms of gene expression, tumor cell xenograft formation, and lung metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Single-cell RNA sequencing identified RHBDL2 as a regulator that enhanced spontaneous CD44+/CD24− CSC conversion, whereas knockdown of RHBDL2 expression inhibited YAP/NF-κB signaling and blocked spontaneous CD44−/CD24− cell conversion to CSCs. These data suggested that the level of CD44−/CD24− tumor cells could predict breast cancer prognosis, metastasis, and response to adjuvant therapy.

2019 ◽  
Vol 2 (4) ◽  
pp. 83-98 ◽  
Author(s):  
André De Lima Mota ◽  
Bruna Vitorasso Jardim-Perassi ◽  
Tialfi Bergamin De Castro ◽  
Jucimara Colombo ◽  
Nathália Martins Sonehara ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women and has a high mortality rate. Adverse conditions in the tumor microenvironment, such as hypoxia and acidosis, may exert selective pressure on the tumor, selecting subpopulations of tumor cells with advantages for survival in this environment. In this context, therapeutic agents that can modify these conditions, and consequently the intratumoral heterogeneity need to be explored. Melatonin, in addition to its physiological effects, exhibits important anti-tumor actions which may associate with modification of hypoxia and Warburg effect. In this study, we have evaluated the action of melatonin on tumor growth and tumor metabolism by different markers of hypoxia and glucose metabolism (HIF-1α, glucose transporters GLUT1 and GLUT3 and carbonic anhydrases CA-IX and CA-XII) in triple negative breast cancer model. In an in vitro study, gene and protein expressions of these markers were evaluated by quantitative real-time PCR and immunocytochemistry, respectively. The effects of melatonin were also tested in a MDA-MB-231 xenograft animal model. Results showed that melatonin treatment reduced the viability of MDA-MB-231 cells and tumor growth in Balb/c nude mice (p <0.05). The treatment significantly decreased HIF-1α gene and protein expression concomitantly with the expression of GLUT1, GLUT3, CA-IX and CA-XII (p <0.05). These results strongly suggest that melatonin down-regulates HIF-1α expression and regulates glucose metabolism in breast tumor cells, therefore, controlling hypoxia and tumor progression. 


2019 ◽  
Vol 18 ◽  
pp. 153473541984804 ◽  
Author(s):  
Paola Lasso ◽  
Mónica Llano Murcia ◽  
Tito Alejandro Sandoval ◽  
Claudia Urueña ◽  
Alfonso Barreto ◽  
...  

Background: The tumor cells responsible for metastasis are highly resistant to chemotherapy and have characteristics of stem cells, with a high capacity for self-regeneration and the use of detoxifying mechanisms that participate in drug resistance. In vivo models of highly resistant cells allow us to evaluate the real impact of the immune response in the control of cancer. Materials and Methods: A tumor population derived from the 4T1 breast cancer cell line that was stable in vitro and highly aggressive in vivo was obtained, characterized, and determined to exhibit cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotypes (CD44+, CD24+, ALDH+, Oct4+, Nanog+, Sox2+, and high self-renewal capacity). Orthotopic transplantation of these cells allowed us to evaluate their in vivo susceptibility to chemo and immune responses induced after vaccination. Results: The immune response induced after vaccination with tumor cells treated with doxorubicin decreased the formation of tumors and macrometastasis in this model, which allowed us to confirm the immune response relevance in the control of highly chemotherapy-resistant ALDH+ CSCs in an aggressive tumor model in immunocompetent animals. Conclusions: The antitumor immune response was the main element capable of controlling tumor progression as well as metastasis in a highly chemotherapy-resistant aggressive breast cancer model.


2017 ◽  
Vol 79 (6) ◽  
pp. 1195-1203 ◽  
Author(s):  
Elham Mousavi ◽  
Shahrzad Tavakolfar ◽  
Ali Almasirad ◽  
Zahra Kooshafar ◽  
Soudeh Dehghani ◽  
...  

2012 ◽  
Vol 30 (15_suppl) ◽  
pp. e13579-e13579 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nandini Dey ◽  
Hui Wu ◽  
Yuliang Sun ◽  
Pradip De ◽  
Brian Leyland-Jones

e13579 Background: BRCA1-deficiency confers sensitivity to PARP1 inhibition (alone or in combination with platinum compounds) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Recent understanding of the biology of TNBC tumor cells has recognized molecular targets suitable for treatment with targeted therapeutics including cell surface RTK(s), such as EGFR. Methods: We studied the effect of combination of PARP inhibitor, (olaparib) plus carboplatin with a dual EGFR/VEGFR inhibitor, vandetanib in a TNBC model in both in vitro and in vivo settings. We tested the effects of drug combinations on (a) cell signaling marker(s) of survival/proliferation/apoptosis, (b) adhesion-dependent and clonogenic survival, and (c) different phenotypes (migration, invasion, vascular mimicry, and cord formation) using TNBC cell and HUVEC cells. The combination of PARP1 inhibition and EGFR/VEGFR inhibition was evaluated in tumor-bearing athymic mice treated with olaparib plus carboplatin and vandetanib. Results: Data showed that, (1) EC50s for vandetanib ranged from 5-15 µM, (2) vandetanib (10 µM) inhibited phosphorylation of AKT (S473 & T308), S6RP, 4EBP1 and ERK, (3) effect of olaparib on TNBC cell survival can be effectively studied in vitro by clonogenic assay, (4) TNBC cell lines exhibited higher sensitivity to vandetanib in clonogenic assay when combined with 10 µM fixed dose of olaparib, and (5) a combination of vandetanib with olaparib plus carboplatin time dependently increased caspase-3 and PARP cleavage, inhibited vascular mimicry, blocked fibronectin-directed migration, and suppressed clonogenic growth in TNBC cells.Vandetanib blocked (a) cord formation, (b) vitronectin-directed migration, and (c) HIF-1alpha accumulation and phosphorylation of proliferation markers (AKT, 4EBP1, and ERK) in HUVEC cells. Conclusions: Anti-proliferative/pro-apoptotic, and anti-migratory/invasive effects of vandetanib (alone or in combination with carboplatin plus olaparib) were observed both in tumor cells and in endothelial cells. We are currently studying in vivo the effect of combining olaparib plus carboplatin with vandetanib, in xenograft model the results of which will be presented in the meeting.


2007 ◽  
Vol 103 (1) ◽  
pp. 129-129
Author(s):  
Yingchao Zhang ◽  
Yu Wang ◽  
Wenxin Gao ◽  
Ruhui Zhang ◽  
Xichun Han ◽  
...  

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (17) ◽  
pp. 9279
Author(s):  
Inés Martínez-Pena ◽  
Pablo Hurtado ◽  
Nuria Carmona-Ule ◽  
Carmen Abuín ◽  
Ana Belén Dávila-Ibáñez ◽  
...  

Background: Cancer metastasis is a deathly process, and a better understanding of the different steps is needed. The shedding of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and CTC-cluster from the primary tumor, its survival in circulation, and homing are key events of the metastasis cascade. In vitro models of CTCs and in vivo models of metastasis represent an excellent opportunity to delve into the behavior of metastatic cells, to gain understanding on how secondary tumors appear. Methods: Using the zebrafish embryo, in combination with the mouse and in vitro assays, as an in vivo model of the spatiotemporal development of metastases, we study the metastatic competency of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters and the molecular mechanisms. Results: CTC-clusters disseminated at a lower frequency than single CTCs in the zebrafish and showed a reduced capacity to invade. A temporal follow-up of the behavior of disseminated CTCs showed a higher survival and proliferation capacity of CTC-clusters, supported by their increased resistance to fluid shear stress. These data were corroborated in mouse studies. In addition, a differential gene signature was observed, with CTC-clusters upregulating cell cycle and stemness related genes. Conclusions: The zebrafish embryo is a valuable model system to understand the biology of breast cancer CTCs and CTC-clusters.


2021 ◽  
Vol 2021 ◽  
pp. 1-10
Author(s):  
Yu-Chen Cai ◽  
Hang Yang ◽  
Hong-Bo Shan ◽  
Hui-Fang Su ◽  
Wen-Qi Jiang ◽  
...  

Background. 6-Phosphofructo-2-kinase/fructose-2,6-biphosphate-4 (PFKFB4) is a key factor that plays an important role in tumorigenesis. However, its role in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) progression needs to be further validated. We investigated whether PFKFB4 is directly involved in the oncogenic signaling networks of TNBC. Methods. First, we assessed the expression level of PFKFB4 in tumor tissue specimens by immunohistochemistry and evaluated its prognostic value. Next, the effect of PFKFB4 on TNBC cell growth and associated mechanisms were investigated. Finally, the results were further verified in vivo. Results. We found that PFKFB4 overexpression was associated with an unfavorable prognosis in TNBC patients. PFKFB4 was overexpressed in TNBC cell lines in hypoxic environments, and its overexpression promoted tumor progression in vitro and in vivo. Further analyses demonstrated that the possible mechanism might be that PFKFB4 overexpression facilitates TNBC progression by enhancing the G1/S phase transition by increasing the protein level of CDK6 and phosphorylation of Rb. Conclusions. These data suggest that PFKFB4 plays significant roles in the tumorigenesis and development of TNBC.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (10) ◽  
pp. 1585 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Verigos ◽  
Panagiotis Karakaidos ◽  
Dimitris Kordias ◽  
Alexandra Papoudou-Bai ◽  
Zoi Evangelou ◽  
...  

Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in the female population, despite advances in diagnosis and treatment. The highly heterogeneous nature of the disease represents a major obstacle to successful therapy and results in a significant number of patients developing drug resistance and, eventually, suffering from tumor relapse. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a small subset of tumor cells characterized by self-renewal, increased tumor-initiation capacity, and resistance to conventional therapies. As such, they have been implicated in the etiology of tumor recurrence and have emerged as promising targets for the development of novel therapies. Here, we show that the histone demethylase lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) plays an important role in the chemoresistance of breast cancer cells. Our data, from a series of in vitro and in vivo assays, advocate for LSD1 being critical in maintaining a pool of tumor-initiating cells that may contribute to the development of drug resistance. Combinatory administration of LSD1 inhibitors and anti-cancer drugs is more efficacious than monotherapy alone in eliminating all tumor cells in a 3D spheroid system. In conclusion, we provide compelling evidence that LSD1 is a key regulator of breast cancer stemness and a potential target for the design of future combination therapies.


2019 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1186-1199 ◽  
Author(s):  
Leire Arreal ◽  
Marco Piva ◽  
Sonia Fernández ◽  
Ajinkya Revandkar ◽  
Ariane Schaub- Clerigué ◽  
...  

Abstract Oncogene addiction postulates that the survival and growth of certain tumor cells is dependent upon the activity of one oncogene, despite their multiple genetic and epigenetic abnormalities. This phenomenon provides a foundation for molecular targeted therapy and a rationale for oncogene-based stratification. We have previously reported that the Promyelocytic Leukemia protein (PML) is upregulated in triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) and it regulates cancer-initiating cell function, thus suggesting that this protein can be therapeutically targeted in combination with PML-based stratification. However, the effects of PML perturbation on the bulk of tumor cells remained poorly understood. Here we demonstrate that TNBC cells are addicted to the expression of this nuclear protein. PML inhibition led to a remarkable growth arrest combined with features of senescence in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the growth arrest and senescence were associated to a decrease in MYC and PIM1 kinase levels, with the subsequent accumulation of CDKN1B (p27), a trigger of senescence. In line with this notion, we found that PML is associated to the promoter regions of MYC and PIM1, consistent with their direct correlation in breast cancer specimens. Altogether, our results provide a feasible explanation for the functional similarities of MYC, PIM1, and PML in TNBC and encourage further study of PML targeting strategies for the treatment of this breast cancer subtype.


2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (5) ◽  
pp. 645-654 ◽  
Author(s):  
Angelina M. Fuzer ◽  
Ana C.B.M. Martin ◽  
Amanda B. Becceneri ◽  
James A. da Silva ◽  
Paulo C. Vieira ◽  
...  

Background: Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC) represents the approximately 15% of breast cancers that lack expression of Estrogen (ER) and Progesterone Receptors (PR) and do not exhibit amplification of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) gene, imposing difficulties to treatment. Interactions between tumor cells and their microenvironment facilitate tumor cell invasion in the surrounding tissues, intravasation through newly formed vessels, and dissemination to form metastasis. To treat metastasis from breast and many other cancer types, chemotherapy is one of the most extensively used methods. However, its efficacy and safety remain a primary concern, as well as its toxicity and other side effects. Thus, there is increasing interest in natural antitumor agents. In a previous work, we have demonstrated that [10]-gingerol is able to revert malignant phenotype in breast cancer cells in 3D culture and, moreover, to inhibit the dissemination of TNBC to multiple organs including lung, bone and brain, in spontaneous and experimental in vivo metastasis assays in mouse model. Objective: This work aims to investigate the in vitro effects of [10]-gingerol, using human MDA-MB-231TNBC cells, in comparison to non-tumor MCF-10A breast cells, in order to understand the antitumor and antimetastatic effects found in vivo and in a 3D environment. Methods: We investigated different steps of the metastatic process in vitro, such as cell migration, invasion, adhesion and MMP activity. In addition, we analyzed the anti-apoptotic and genotoxic effects of [10]-gingerol using PEAnnexin, DNA fragmentation, TUNEL and comet assays, respectively. Results: [10]-gingerol was able to inhibit cell adhesion, migration, invasion and to induce apoptosis more effectively in TNBC cells, when compared to non-tumor cells, demonstrating that these mechanisms can be involved in the antitumor and antimetastatic effects of [10]-gingerol, found both in 3D culture and in vivo. Conclusion: Taken together, results found here are complementary to previous studies of our group and others and demonstrate that additional mechanisms, besides apoptotic cell death, is used by [10]-gingerol to accomplish its antitumor and antimetastatic effects. Our results indicate a potential for this natural compound as an antitumor molecule or as an adjuvant for chemotherapeutics already used in the clinic.


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