scholarly journals Induction of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and Gli1 expression in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) spheroid cultures

2018 ◽  
Vol 18 (4) ◽  
pp. 336-346 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nesrine Essid ◽  
Jean Claude Chambard ◽  
Amel Benammar Elgaaïed

Tumor microenvironment provides a specialized niche in which a population of stem-like cells is enriched and contributes to cancer progression. Moreover, cancer stem cell (CSC) phenotype has been associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Here we investigated the effect of tumor microenvironment on the phenotypic characteristics of head and neck cancer cells and expression of CSC markers using a three-dimensional (3D), spheroid, culture system of CAL33 cell line from human tongue squamous cell carcinoma. CAL33 cells derived from 2D monolayer cultures were grown in spheroid cultures containing serum-free medium (epidermal growth factor [EGF], fibroblast growth factor [FGF], and insulin). Adherent CAL33 cells from spheroids or standard control cultures were grown in the presence/absence of serum in combination with hypoxia/normoxia. Markers of EMT, CSC, and hypoxia were analyzed either by Western blotting, immunofluorescence, or reverse transcription quantitative PCR. Spheroid cultures showed hypoxic microenvironment (high carbonic anhydrase IX [CAIX] expression), mesenchymal-like characteristics (reduced E-cadherin and increased vimentin and N-cadherin expression, presence of larger colonies comprised of larger, spread cells with lower density), and increased expression of the CSC marker glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1 (Gli1). These effects were recapitulated in serum-free adherent CAL33 cells maintained for prolonged periods in hypoxia (1% O2) but, in contrast, were completely abolished by the presence of serum. Overall, we found that a combination of hypoxia, EGF and FGF was essential to induce the EMT in adherent CAL33 cell cultures. The addition of serum rapidly reverts the EMT of cells, affects CSC phenotype and, thus, prevents the detection of such cells in tumor cell lines.

2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Eun Kyung Kim ◽  
Yoon Ah Cho ◽  
Mi-kyoung Seo ◽  
Hyunmi Ryu ◽  
Byoung Chul Cho ◽  
...  

AbstractNeuro-oncological ventral antigen 1 (NOVA1) is known as a neuron-specific pre-mRNA binding splicing factor. Previously, it was shown to be highly upregulated in T lymphocytes, as well as fibroblasts/stromal spindle cells, in tertiary lymphoid tissues formed by the benign immune-inflammatory process, while it was frequently downregulated in tumor cells and other cells within the tumor microenvironment. Here, we sought to identify the mechanisms of NOVA1 modulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). NOVA1 was induced by inflammatory-immune signals within the tumor microenvironment and was suppressed by epigenetic dysregulation, such as that with miR-146. We found attenuated expression of NOVA1 to be associated with non-oropharynx sites such as oral cavity, hypopharynx, and larynx, human papilloma virus (HPV)-negative SCC defined by immunohistochemistry for p16INK4a expression, fewer tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, and poor patient outcomes. Moreover, changes were discovered in epithelial mesenchymal transition-associated markers according to NOVA1 status. This study provides some insights to the underlying mechanism of NOVA1 regulation and suggests that NOVA1 may serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for HNSCC in the future.


2021 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ajaz A. Bhat ◽  
Parvaiz Yousuf ◽  
Nissar A. Wani ◽  
Arshi Rizwan ◽  
Shyam S. Chauhan ◽  
...  

AbstractHead and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is a very aggressive disease with a poor prognosis for advanced-stage tumors. Recent clinical, genomic, and cellular studies have revealed the highly heterogeneous and immunosuppressive nature of HNSCC. Despite significant advances in multimodal therapeutic interventions, failure to cure and recurrence are common and account for most deaths. It is becoming increasingly apparent that tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in HNSCC tumorigenesis, promotes the evolution of aggressive tumors and resistance to therapy, and thereby adversely affects the prognosis. A complete understanding of the TME factors, together with the highly complex tumor–stromal interactions, can lead to new therapeutic interventions in HNSCC. Interestingly, different molecular and immune landscapes between HPV+ve and HPV−ve (human papillomavirus) HNSCC tumors offer new opportunities for developing individualized, targeted chemoimmunotherapy (CIT) regimen. This review highlights the current understanding of the complexity between HPV+ve and HPV−ve HNSCC TME and various tumor–stromal cross-talk modulating processes, including epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), anoikis resistance, angiogenesis, immune surveillance, metastatic niche, therapeutic resistance, and development of an aggressive tumor phenotype. Furthermore, we summarize the recent developments and the rationale behind CIT strategies and their clinical applications in HPV+ve and HPV−ve HNSCC.


2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 19
Author(s):  
Heba A. El Hendawy ◽  
Afaf Ibrahiem ◽  
El-Nagdy SY ◽  
Zedan W

Background: Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is regarded as an essential step for tumor invasion and metastasis. In squamous cell carcinoma of head and neck (HNSCC), N-Cadherin expression and its involvement in tumor progression remains a controversial topic.Aim of the study: The present study aimed to assess the expression of N-cadherin and HA in HNSCC and further study their relation to patients survival and outcomes.Material and methods: Fifty-eight retrospective selected cases of head and neck squamous carcinomas (HNSCCs) with available paraffin blocks. Complete clinico-pathological and follow-up data were recorded. Immune staining for N-cadherin and hyaluronan were done, also, we study the correlation of the results with patients survival data.Results: Squamous cell carcinoma islands demonstrated high N-cadherin expression in 55.2% and low expression in 44.8%. N-cadherin high expression was significantly (p < .05) associated with large tumor sizes, advanced TNM clinical stage, increased incidence of recurrence and patient’s death. A significant correlation was recorded between the presence of neural invasion and N-cadherin expression (p = .004). Strong intensity of stromal HA was significantly (p < .05) associated with an oral site, nodal metastasis, and higher TNM stage. Patients with high N-cadherin expression, diffuse hyaluronan, and strong stromal hyaluronanreaction had significantly lower DFS rates (p < .05). High N-cadherin expression, diffuse hyaluronan immunoreactivity, and strong stromal hyaluronan reaction intensity had significantly lower OS rates (p < .05).Conclusion: N-cadherin and hyaluronan could be important and promising biomarkers during surveillance of patients with HNSCC.


Cancers ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 11 (3) ◽  
pp. 395 ◽  
Author(s):  
Chris Yang ◽  
Wafik Sedhom ◽  
John Song ◽  
Shi-Long Lu

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) affects 650,000 people worldwide and has a dismal 50% 5-year survival rate. Recurrence and metastasis are believed the two most important factors causing this high mortality. Understanding the biological process and the underlying mechanisms of recurrence and metastasis is critical to develop novel and effective treatment, which is expected to improve patients’ survival of HNSCC. MicroRNAs are small, non-coding nucleotides that regulate gene expression at the transcriptional and post-transcriptional level. Oncogenic and tumor-suppressive microRNAs have shown to regulate nearly every step of recurrence and metastasis, ranging from migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), anoikis, to gain of cancer stem cell property. This review encompasses an overview of microRNAs involved in these processes. The recent advances of utilizing microRNA as biomarkers and targets for treatment, particularly on controlling recurrence and metastasis are also reviewed.


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