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Journal ArticleDOI

Hypoxia as a signal for prison breakout in cancer

TL;DR: Recent advances have moved us closer to being able to exploit hypoxic mechanisms to overcome hypoxia-driven progression and therapy failure and the importance of microRNAs in intercellular communication has emerged as key themes.
Abstract: Purpose of review We discuss recent discoveries in hypoxic cellular pathophysiology and explore the interplay between hypoxic malignant cells and other stromal elements. This review will provide an update on the effects of hypoxia on cancer outcomes and therapeutic resistance. Recent findings Hypoxia has been discovered to be a key driver for tumor progression, both because of impacts on tumor cells and separately on the wider tumor microenvironment. The latter effects occur via epithelial mesenchymal transition, autophagy and metabolic switching. Through epithelial mesenchymal transition, hypoxia both drives metastasis and renders key target tissues receptive to metastasis. Autophagy is a double-edged sword which requires greater understanding to ascertain when it is a threat. Metabolic switching allows tumor cells to access hypoxic survival mechanisms even under normoxic conditions. Every element of the malignant stroma contributes to hypoxia-driven progression. Exosomal transfer of molecules from hypoxic tumor cells to target stromal cell types and the importance of microRNAs in intercellular communication have emerged as key themes. Antiangiogenic resistance can be caused by hypoxia-driven vasculogenic mimicry. Beyond this, hypoxia contributes to resistance to virtually all oncological treatment modalities. Summary Recent advances have moved us closer to being able to exploit hypoxic mechanisms to overcome hypoxia-driven progression and therapy failure.
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this paper, the authors review the cellular mechanics of metastasis in the context of current in vitro approaches and present a 2D and 3D hydrogel-based culture platform.
Abstract: The metastatic cascade presents a significant challenge to patient survival in the fight against cancer. As metastatic cells disseminate and colonize a secondary site, stepwise exposure to microenvironment-specific mechanical stimuli influences and protects successful metastasis. Following cancerous transformation and associated cell recruitment, the tumor microenvironment (TME) becomes a mechanically complex niche, owing to changes in extracellular matrix (ECM) stiffness and architecture. The ECM mechanically reprograms the cancer cell phenotype, priming cells for invasion. 2D and 3D hydrogel-based culture platforms approximate these environmental variables and permit investigations into tumor-dependent shifts in malignancy. Following TME modification, malignant cells must invade the local ECM, driven toward blood, and lymph vessels by sensing biochemical and biophysical gradients. Microfluidic chips recreate cancer-modified ECM tracks, empowering studies into modes of confined motility. Intravasation and extravasation consist of complex cancer-endothelial interactions that modify an otherwise submicron-scale migration. Perfused microfluidic platforms facilitate the physiological culture of endothelial cells and thus enhance the translatability of basic research into metastatic transendothelial migration. These platforms also shed light on the poorly understood circulating tumor cell, which defies adherent cell norms by surviving the shear stress of blood flow and avoiding anoikis. Metastatic cancers possess the plasticity to adapt to new mechanical conditions, permitting their invasiveness, and ensuring their survival against anomalous stimuli. Here, we review the cellular mechanics of metastasis in the context of current in vitro approaches. Advances that further expose the mechanisms underpinning the phenotypic fluidity of metastatic cancers remain central to the development of novel interventions targeting cancer.

24 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Hypoxic NSCLC cell-secreted exosomal miR-582-3p drives cancer cell malignant phenotypes by targeting SFRP1, which provides a better understanding of cancer metastasis and may facilitate the development of therapeutics against humanNSCLC.
Abstract: Background Hypoxic environment and exosomes (exos)-mediated intercellular communication are crucial for cancer invasion and metastasis, but the mechanisms are not yet fully understood. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effect of hypoxic tumor cell-secreted exosomal miR-582-3p on non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cell malignant phenotypes. Methods The concentration and diameters of exos were evaluated by nanosight particle tracking analysis. microRNA-582-3p (miR-582-3p) expression was detected by quantitative real-time PCR. The fluorescent dye PKH26 was used to label exos. The direct interaction between miR-582-3p and secreted frizzled-related protein 1 (SFRP1) was determined by dual-luciferase activity assay. NSCLC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion abilities were assessed by cell count kit-8 assay, wound healing assay, and transwell migration and invasion assay. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the protein expression level. Results Hypoxic NSCLC cell-derived exos promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of normoxic NSCLC cells. miR-582-3p expression was upregulated in hypoxic NSCLC cells and hypoxic NSCLC cell-secreted exos. Hypoxic NSCLC cell-derived exos transmitted miR-582-3p to normoxic NSCLC cells. Hypoxic NSCLC cell-secreted exosomal miR-582-3p promoted the proliferation, migration, and invasion of normoxic NSCLC cells. miR-582-3p inhibited the expression of SFRP1 protein by binding to its 3'-UTR. In addition, enforced expression of SFRP1 restrained malignant phenotypes of normoxic NSCLC cells, which was abrogated by hypoxic NSCLC cell-secreted exosomal miR-582-3p. Conclusion Hypoxic NSCLC cell-secreted exosomal miR-582-3p drives cancer cell malignant phenotypes by targeting SFRP1, which provides a better understanding of cancer metastasis and may facilitate the development of therapeutics against human NSCLC.

10 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Theasaponin E1 (TSE1) is an oleanane-type saponin from Camellia sinensis seeds and has been shown to have antiangiogenesis and cell growth inhibitory effects on ovarian cancer cells as mentioned in this paper.
Abstract: Novel therapeutic strategies for ovarian cancer treatment are in critical need due to the chemoresistance and adverse side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy. Theasaponin E1 (TSE1) is an oleanane-type saponin from Camellia sinensis seeds. Its apoptosis-inducing, cell cycle arresting and antiangiogenesis activities against platinum-resistant ovarian cancer cells were elucidated in vitro and using the chicken chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay. The results showed that TSE1 had more potent cell growth inhibitory effects on ovarian cancer OVCAR-3 and A2780/CP70 cells than cisplatin and was lower in cytotoxicity to normal ovarian IOSE-364 cells. TSE1 significantly induced OVCAR-3 cell apoptosis via the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, slightly arresting cell cycle at the G2/M phase, and obviously inhibited OVCAR-3 cell migration and angiogenesis with reducing the protein secretion and expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western bolt assay showed that Serine/threonine Kinase (Akt) signaling related proteins including Ataxia telangiectasia mutated kinase (ATM), Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN), Akt, Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ribosome S6 protein kinase (p70S6K) and e IF4E-binding protein 1(4E-BP1) were regulated, and Hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α) protein expression was decreased by TSE1 in OVCAR-3 cells. Moreover, TSE1 treatment potently downregulated protein expression of the Notch ligands including Delta-like protein 4 (Dll4) and Jagged1, and reduced the protein level of the intracellular domain (NICD) of Notch1. Combination treatment of TSE1 with the Notch1 signaling inhibitor tert-butyl (2S)-2-[[(2S)-2-[[2-(3,5-difluorophenyl)acetyl]amino]propanoyl]amino]-2-phenylacetate (DAPT), or the Akt signaling inhibitor wortmannin, showed a stronger inhibition toward HIF-1α activation compared with single compound treatment. Taken together, TSE1 might be a potential candidate compound for improving platinum-resistant ovarian cancer treatment via Dll4/Jagged1-Notch1-Akt-HIF-1α axis.

8 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
14 Jun 2019-Cancers
TL;DR: In conclusion, albeit that the addition of nab-paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 to CapOx may be better tolerated than other taxane triplets, relevant toxicity was observed and ADAM12 is a potential biomarker to predict survival, and warrants further investigation.
Abstract: First-line triplet chemotherapy including a taxane may prolong survival in patients with metastatic esophagogastric cancer. The added toxicity of the taxane might be minimized by using nab-paclitaxel. The aim of this phase I study was to determine the feasibility of combining nab-paclitaxel with the standard of care in the Netherlands, capecitabine and oxaliplatin (CapOx). Patients with metastatic esophagogastric adenocarcinoma received oxaliplatin 65 mg/m2 on days 1 and 8, and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 bid on days 1–14 in a 21-day cycle, with nab-paclitaxel on days 1 and 8 at four dose levels (60, 80, 100, and 120 mg/m2, respectively), using a standard 3 + 3 dose escalation phase, followed by a safety expansion cohort. Baseline tissue and serum markers for activated tumor stroma were assessed as biomarkers for response and survival. Twenty-six patients were included. The first two dose-limiting toxicities (i.e., diarrhea and dehydration) occurred at dose level 3. The resulting maximum tolerable dose (MTD) of 80 mg/m2 was used in the expansion cohort, but was reduced to 60 mg/m2 after three out of eight patients experienced diarrhea grade 3. The objective response rate was 54%. The median progression-free (PFS) and overall survival were 8.0 and 12.8 months, respectively. High baseline serum ADAM12 was associated with a significantly shorter PFS (p = 0.011). In conclusion, albeit that the addition of nab-paclitaxel 60 mg/m2 to CapOx may be better tolerated than other taxane triplets, relevant toxicity was observed. There is a rationale for preserving taxanes for later-line treatment. ADAM12 is a potential biomarker to predict survival, and warrants further investigation.

7 citations


Cites background from "Hypoxia as a signal for prison brea..."

  • ...In turn, this leads to tumor hypoxia, which is associated with metastatic propensity of tumor cells as well as with treatment resistance, and also limits the effective delivery of drugs to cancer cells [17,18]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: This study identified novel prognostic ARGs and developed a prognostic model for predicting survival in patients with BC and indicated that ICI may act as a bond between angiogenesis and BC.
Abstract: Background: This study aimed to explore the prognostic value of angiogenesis-related genes (ARGs) and their association with immune cell infiltration (ICI) in breast cancer (BC). Methods: Transcriptome data of BC were obtained from the TCGA and GEO databases. Differentially expressed ARGs were identified by the limma package. The identification of key genes and construction of the risk score model were performed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression algorithms. The prognostic value of the risk score was assessed by ROC curves and nomogram. GO, KEGG pathway, and GSEA were used to investigate the biological functions of differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and CIBERSORT, ssGSEA, and xCell algorithms were performed to estimate the ICI in high-risk and low-risk groups. The correlations between prognostic biomarkers and differentially distributed immune cells were assessed. Moreover, a ceRNA regulatory network based on prognostic biomarkers was constructed and visualized by Cytoscape software. Results: A total of 18 differentially expressed ARGs were identified between tumor and adjacent normal tissue samples. TNFSF12, SCG2, COL4A3, and TNNI3 were identified as key prognostic genes by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses. The risk score model was further constructed based on the four-gene signature and validated in GSE7390 and GSE88770 datasets. ROC curves and nomogram indicated that the risk score had good accuracy for determining BC patient survival. Biological function analysis showed that DEGs in high- and low-risk groups had a high enrichment in immune-related biological processes and signaling pathways. Moreover, significantly different ICIs were found between high- and low-risk groups, such as memory B cells, CD8+ T cells, resting memory CD4+ T cells, follicular helper T cells, regulatory T cells, monocytes, M2 macrophages, and neutrophils, and each prognostic biomarker was significantly correlated with one or more immune cell types. Conclusion: The current study identified novel prognostic ARGs and developed a prognostic model for predicting survival in patients with BC. Furthermore, this study indicated that ICI may act as a bond between angiogenesis and BC. These findings enhance our understanding of angiogenesis in BC and provide novel guidance on developing therapeutic targets for BC patients.

5 citations

References
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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: Consideration is given to the supply of oxygen to tissues as a factor in radiotherapy, and it is concluded that in certain circumstances the effectiveness of X-ray treatment might be increased if the patient were breathing oxygen at the time of irradiation.
Abstract: The sensitivity of tumour cells to X rays has been shown to be about three times as great when irradiated in a well-oxygenated medium as under anoxic conditions. The manner in which sensitivity depends on oxygen tension closely resembles that found by other workers for plant and insect tissues. The sensitivity of the tumour cells to fast neutron radiation is only slightly affected by oxygen tension. Consideration is given to the supply of oxygen to tissues as a factor in radiotherapy, and it is concluded on the basis of existing knowledge that in certain circumstances the effectiveness of X-ray treatment might be increased if the patient were breathing oxygen at the time of irradiation. The Ehrlich ascites tumour cells used in the in vitro experiments were grown as a solid tumour and exposed to X rays while the mice were inhaling various mixtures of oxygen and nitrogen at 1 atmosphere pressure and above. In all cases, except when the tumour was very large at the time of irradiation, the regression produce...

2,041 citations

Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the authors suggest that hypoxia is prognostic for survival and local control in head and neck cancers, and use endogenous proteins (e.g., HIF-1α, GLUT-1, CA IX) or exogenous bioreductive drugs.
Abstract: Hypoxia, a characteristic feature of locally advanced solid tumors, has emerged as a pivotal factor of the tumor (patho-)physiome since it can promote tumor progression and resistance to therapy. Hypoxia represents a “Janus face” in tumor biology because (a) it is associated with restrained proliferation, differentiation, necrosis or apoptosis, and (b) it can also lead to the development of an aggressive phenotype. Independent of standard prognostic factors, such as tumor stage and nodal status, hypoxia has been suggested as an adverse prognostic factor for patient outcome. Studies of tumor hypoxia involving the direct assessment of the oxygenation status have suggested worse disease-free survival for patients with hypoxic cervical cancers or soft tissue sarcomas. In head & neck cancers the studies suggest that hypoxia is prognostic for survival and local control. Technical limitations of the direct O2 sensing technique have prompted the use of surrogate markers for tumor hypoxia, such as hypoxia-related endogenous proteins (e.g., HIF-1α, GLUT-1, CA IX) or exogenous bioreductive drugs. In many—albeit not in all—studies endogenous markers showed prognostic significance for patient outcome. The prognostic relevance of exogenous markers, however, appears to be limited. Noninvasive assessment of hypoxia using imaging techniques can be achieved with PET or SPECT detection of radiolabeled tracers or with MRI techniques (e.g., BOLD). Clinical experience with these methods regarding patient prognosis is so far only limited. In the clinical studies performed up until now, the lack of standardized treatment protocols, inconsistencies of the endpoints characterizing the oxygenation status and methodological differences (e.g., different immunohistochemical staining procedures) may compromise the power of the prognostic parameter used.

1,961 citations


"Hypoxia as a signal for prison brea..." refers background in this paper

  • ..., neovascularization, extracellular matrix (ECM) modification, stromal cell adaption, and immune infiltration at the tissue level [2]]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
TL;DR: In this article, the role of HIF-1 as a mediator of adaptive responses to hypoxia that underlie cellular and systemic oxygen homeostasis was investigated in Hep3B cells.

1,817 citations


"Hypoxia as a signal for prison brea..." refers background in this paper

  • ...All rights rese consequently migration, invasion, and metastasis [5]....

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  • ...Amongst these are genes for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [4] and some glycolytic enzymes [5]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
27 Apr 2006-Nature
TL;DR: It is shown that LOX expression is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and is associated with Hypoxia in human breast and head and neck tumours, and is a good therapeutic target for preventing and treating metastases.
Abstract: Metastasis is a multistep process responsible for most cancer deaths, and it can be influenced by both the immediate microenvironment (cell-cell or cell-matrix interactions) and the extended tumour microenvironment (for example vascularization). Hypoxia (low oxygen) is clinically associated with metastasis and poor patient outcome, although the underlying processes remain unclear. Microarray studies have shown the expression of lysyl oxidase (LOX) to be elevated in hypoxic human tumour cells. Paradoxically, LOX expression is associated with both tumour suppression and tumour progression, and its role in tumorigenesis seems dependent on cellular location, cell type and transformation status. Here we show that LOX expression is regulated by hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) and is associated with hypoxia in human breast and head and neck tumours. Patients with high LOX-expressing tumours have poor distant metastasis-free and overall survivals. Inhibition of LOX eliminates metastasis in mice with orthotopically grown breast cancer tumours. Mechanistically, secreted LOX is responsible for the invasive properties of hypoxic human cancer cells through focal adhesion kinase activity and cell to matrix adhesion. Furthermore, LOX may be required to create a niche permissive for metastatic growth. Our findings indicate that LOX is essential for hypoxia-induced metastasis and is a good therapeutic target for preventing and treating metastases.

1,321 citations


"Hypoxia as a signal for prison brea..." refers background in this paper

  • ...increased invasion through focal adhesion kinase activity and cell to matrix adhesion, whereas its inhibition suppressed metastasis in animal models [77]....

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Journal ArticleDOI
15 Jan 2005-Blood
TL;DR: Infection of endothelial cells with AdCA5 under nonhypoxic conditions was sufficient to induce increased basement membrane invasion and tube formation similar to the responses induced by hypoxia, indicating that HIF-1 mediates cell-autonomous activation of endothelium cells.

1,087 citations


"Hypoxia as a signal for prison brea..." refers background in this paper

  • ...Amongst these are genes for vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) [4] and some glycolytic enzymes [5]....

    [...]