scholarly journals From cells to tissue: How cell scale heterogeneity impacts glioblastoma growth and treatment response

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jill A. Gallaher ◽  
Susan C. Massey ◽  
Andrea Hawkins-Daarud ◽  
Sonal S. Noticewala ◽  
Russell C. Rockne ◽  
...  

AbstractGlioblastomas are aggressive primary brain tumors known for their inter- and intratumor heterogeneity. This disease is uniformly fatal, with intratumor heterogeneity the major reason for treatment failure and recurrence. Just like the nature vs nurture debate, heterogeneity can arise from heritable or environmental influences. Whilst it is impossible to clinically separate observed behavior of cells from their environmental context, using a mathematical framework combined with multiscale data gives us insight into the relative roles of variation from inherited and environmental sources.To better understand the implications of intratumor heterogeneity on therapeutic outcomes, we created a hybrid agent-based mathematical model that captures both the overall tumor kinetics and the individual cellular behavior. We track single cells as agents, cell density on a coarser scale, and growth factor diffusion and dynamics on a finer scale over time and space. Our model parameters were fit utilizing serial MRI imaging and cell tracking data from ex vivo tissue slices acquired from a growth-factor driven glioblastoma murine model.When fitting our model to serial imaging only, there was a spectrum of equally-good parameter fits corresponding to a wide range of phenotypic behaviors. This wide spectrum of in silico tumors also had a wide variety of responses to an application of an antiproliferative treatment. Recurrent tumors were generally less proliferative than pre-treatment tumors as measured via the model simulations and validated from human GBM patient histology. When fitting our model using imaging and cell scale data, we determined that heritable heterogeneity is required to capture the observed migration behavior. Further, we found that all tumors increased in size after an anti-migratory treatment, and some tumors were larger after a combination treatment than with an anti-proliferative treatment alone. Together our results emphasize the need to understand the underlying phenotypes and tumor heterogeneity in designing therapeutic regimens.

Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (11) ◽  
pp. 4098-4107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie P. Goff ◽  
Donna S. Shields ◽  
Joel S. Greenberger

Abstract There is a need to determine whether culture conditions may exist for ex vivo expansion of hematopoeitic stem cells (HSC), which favor solely proliferative self-renewal of HSC as opposed to proliferation with differentiation. Using single cells, we studied the effects of individual and combinations of cytokines in serum-free medium on the kinetics of the first cell doubling and the resulting phenotype of each of individual daughter cell. CD34+Thy-1+lin−cells were plated 1 cell per well in Terasaki plates in serum-free medium containing cytokines. Each well containing a single cell was monitored daily over 7 days for maintenance, division, or death. When division occurred in an individual well, the phenotype of the daughter cells was determined by staining with anti-CD34 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- and phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated lineage specific antibodies. The cumulative percent of wells with an undivided single cell, wells in which the cell had divided, and wells in which the cell had died were scored. The number of doublets with conserved phenotype (CD34+lin−) was compared to those wells with one or more differentiated daughter cells (CD34+lin+). Over 7 days, cells cultured in single factors showed that between 13% (interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and 29% (thrombopoietin [TPO]) of the cells were undivided, between 13% (IL-1) and 35% (TPO) of the cells doubled, and between 35% (TPO) and greater than 60% (IL-11, IL-1, or hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) died. When combinations of cytokines were used over 7 days, between 5% (FLT-3 ligand [FLT-3L], stem cell factor [SCF], IL-3, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF], β nerve growth factor [βNGF]) and 22% (FLT-3L + HGF) of the cells remained undivided, between 15% (HGF, IL-1, IL-11, G-CSF) and 68% (SCF + TPO) of the cells had doubled and between 27% (FLT-3L + TPO) and 70% (HGF, IL-1, IL-11, G-CSF) died. The combination of FLT-3L + TPO induced the highest total percent (64.6%) of cells with conserved phenotype (percent conserved doublets + percent with 1 cell conserved), followed by SCF + TPO, (50%) and the combination of FLT-3L, SCF, IL-3, IL-6, G-CSF, βNGF (53%). These combinations also produced the highest yield of cells with conserved phenotype after one division (FLT-3L + TPO − 81 cells/100 initial cells, SCF + TPO − 68 cells/100 initial cells) (P = .01). Observation of the time of the initial cell division and phenotype of the daughter cells allowed us to identify candidate combinations of cytokines that promote maintenance of lin− cells (TPO), or recruit the primitive cells to divide and undergo phenotypic self-renewal (FLT-3L + TPO, SCF + TPO).


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (16) ◽  
pp. 4042
Author(s):  
Laura M. Lechermann ◽  
Doreen Lau ◽  
Bala Attili ◽  
Luigi Aloj ◽  
Ferdia A. Gallagher

Cell therapy is a rapidly evolving field involving a wide spectrum of therapeutic cells for personalised medicine in cancer. In vivo imaging and tracking of cells can provide useful information for improving the accuracy, efficacy, and safety of cell therapies. This review focuses on radiopharmaceuticals for the non-invasive detection and tracking of therapeutic cells using positron emission tomography (PET). A range of approaches for imaging therapeutic cells is discussed: Direct ex vivo labelling of cells, in vivo indirect labelling of cells by utilising gene reporters, and detection of specific antigens expressed on the target cells using antibody-based radiopharmaceuticals (immuno-PET). This review examines the evaluation of PET imaging methods for therapeutic cell tracking in preclinical cancer models, their role in the translation into patients, first-in-human studies, as well as the translational challenges involved and how they can be overcome.


Micromachines ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 10 (4) ◽  
pp. 215 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nayi Wang ◽  
Yao Lu ◽  
Zhuo Chen ◽  
Rong Fan

MicroRNAs are a class of small RNA molecules that regulate the expression of mRNAs in a wide range of biological processes and are implicated in human health and disease such as cancers. How to measure microRNA profiles in single cells with high throughput is essential to the development of cell-based assays for interrogating microRNA-mediated intratumor heterogeneity and the design of new lab tests for diagnosis and monitoring of cancers. Here, we report on an in situ hybridization barcoding workflow implemented in a sub-nanoliter microtrough array chip for high-throughput and multiplexed microRNA detection at the single cell level. The microtroughs are used to encapsulate single cells that are fixed, permeabilized, and pre-incubated with microRNA detection probes, each of which consists of a capture strand complementary to specific microRNA and a unique reporter strand that can be photocleaved in the microtroughs and subsequently detected by an array of DNA barcodes patterned on the bottom of the microtroughs. In this way, the measurement of reporter strands released from single cells is a surrogate for detecting single-cell microRNA profiles. This approach permits direct measurement of microRNAs without PCR amplification owing to the small volume (<1 nL) of microtroughs. It offers high throughput and high multiplexing capability for evaluating microRNA heterogeneity in single cells, representing a new approach toward microRNA-based diagnosis and monitoring of complex human diseases.


Blood ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 92 (11) ◽  
pp. 4098-4107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Julie P. Goff ◽  
Donna S. Shields ◽  
Joel S. Greenberger

There is a need to determine whether culture conditions may exist for ex vivo expansion of hematopoeitic stem cells (HSC), which favor solely proliferative self-renewal of HSC as opposed to proliferation with differentiation. Using single cells, we studied the effects of individual and combinations of cytokines in serum-free medium on the kinetics of the first cell doubling and the resulting phenotype of each of individual daughter cell. CD34+Thy-1+lin−cells were plated 1 cell per well in Terasaki plates in serum-free medium containing cytokines. Each well containing a single cell was monitored daily over 7 days for maintenance, division, or death. When division occurred in an individual well, the phenotype of the daughter cells was determined by staining with anti-CD34 fluorescein isothiocyanate (FITC)- and phycoerythrin (PE)-conjugated lineage specific antibodies. The cumulative percent of wells with an undivided single cell, wells in which the cell had divided, and wells in which the cell had died were scored. The number of doublets with conserved phenotype (CD34+lin−) was compared to those wells with one or more differentiated daughter cells (CD34+lin+). Over 7 days, cells cultured in single factors showed that between 13% (interleukin-6 [IL-6]) and 29% (thrombopoietin [TPO]) of the cells were undivided, between 13% (IL-1) and 35% (TPO) of the cells doubled, and between 35% (TPO) and greater than 60% (IL-11, IL-1, or hepatocyte growth factor [HGF]) died. When combinations of cytokines were used over 7 days, between 5% (FLT-3 ligand [FLT-3L], stem cell factor [SCF], IL-3, IL-6, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor [G-CSF], β nerve growth factor [βNGF]) and 22% (FLT-3L + HGF) of the cells remained undivided, between 15% (HGF, IL-1, IL-11, G-CSF) and 68% (SCF + TPO) of the cells had doubled and between 27% (FLT-3L + TPO) and 70% (HGF, IL-1, IL-11, G-CSF) died. The combination of FLT-3L + TPO induced the highest total percent (64.6%) of cells with conserved phenotype (percent conserved doublets + percent with 1 cell conserved), followed by SCF + TPO, (50%) and the combination of FLT-3L, SCF, IL-3, IL-6, G-CSF, βNGF (53%). These combinations also produced the highest yield of cells with conserved phenotype after one division (FLT-3L + TPO − 81 cells/100 initial cells, SCF + TPO − 68 cells/100 initial cells) (P = .01). Observation of the time of the initial cell division and phenotype of the daughter cells allowed us to identify candidate combinations of cytokines that promote maintenance of lin− cells (TPO), or recruit the primitive cells to divide and undergo phenotypic self-renewal (FLT-3L + TPO, SCF + TPO).


2019 ◽  
Vol 14 (2) ◽  
pp. 133-143 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hidayat Hussain ◽  
Ivan R. Green ◽  
Muhammad Saleem ◽  
Khanzadi F. Khattak ◽  
Muhammad Irshad ◽  
...  

Background: Cucurbitacins belong to a group of tetracyclic triterpenoids that display a wide range of biological effects. In the past, numerous cucurbitacins have been isolated from natural sources and many active compounds have been synthesized using the privileged scaffold in order to enhance its cytotoxic effects. Objective: his review covers patents on the therapeutic effects of natural cucurbitacins and their synthetic analogs published during the past decade. By far, the majority of patents published are related to cancer and Structure-Activity Relationships (SAR) of these compounds are included to lend gravitas to this important class of natural products. Methods: The date about the published patents was downloaded via online open access patent databases. Results: Cucurbitacins display significant cytotoxic properties, in particular cucurbitacins B and D which possess very potent effects towards a number of cancer cells. Numerous cucurbitacins isolated from natural sources have been derivatized through chemical modification at the C(2)-OH and C(25)- OH groups. Most importantly, an acyl ester of the C(25)-OH and, iso-propyl, n-propyl and ethyl ether groups of the C(2)-OH demonstrated the most increased cytotoxic activity. Conclusion: The significant cytotoxic effects of natural and semi-synthetic cucurbitacins make them attractive as new drug candidates. Moreover, cucurbitacins have the capability to form conjugates with other anticancer drugs which will synergistically enhance their anticancer effects. The authors believe that in order to get lead compounds, there should be a greater focus on the synthesis of homodimers, heterodimers, and halo derivatives of cucurbitacins. In the opinion of the authors the analysis of the published patents on the cucurbitacins indicates that these compounds can be developed into a regimen to treat a wide spectrum of cancers.


2021 ◽  
Vol 9 ◽  
pp. 205031212110225
Author(s):  
Mark A Pianka ◽  
Joseph Serino ◽  
Steven F DeFroda ◽  
Blake M Bodendorfer

Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is a common cause of lateral hip pain, encompassing a spectrum of disorders, including trochanteric bursitis, abductor tendon pathology, and external coxa saltans. Greater trochanteric pain syndrome is primarily a clinical diagnosis, and careful clinical examination is essential for accurate diagnosis and treatment. A thorough history and physical exam may be used to help differentiate greater trochanteric pain syndrome from other common causes of hip pain, including osteoarthritis, femoroacetabular impingement, and lumbar stenosis. Although not required for diagnosis, plain radiographs and magnetic resonance imaging may be useful to exclude alternative pathologies or guide treatment of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. The majority of patients with greater trochanteric pain syndrome respond well to conservative management, including physical therapy, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and corticosteroid injections. Operative management is typically indicated in patients with chronic symptoms refractory to conservative therapy. A wide range of surgical options, both open and endoscopic, are available and should be guided by the specific etiology of pain. The purpose of this review is to highlight pertinent clinical and radiographic features used in the diagnosis and management of greater trochanteric pain syndrome. In addition, treatment indications, techniques, and outcomes are described.


Genetics ◽  
2000 ◽  
Vol 156 (1) ◽  
pp. 457-467 ◽  
Author(s):  
Z W Luo ◽  
S H Tao ◽  
Z-B Zeng

Abstract Three approaches are proposed in this study for detecting or estimating linkage disequilibrium between a polymorphic marker locus and a locus affecting quantitative genetic variation using the sample from random mating populations. It is shown that the disequilibrium over a wide range of circumstances may be detected with a power of 80% by using phenotypic records and marker genotypes of a few hundred individuals. Comparison of ANOVA and regression methods in this article to the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) shows that, given the genetic variance explained by the trait locus, the power of TDT depends on the trait allele frequency, whereas the power of ANOVA and regression analyses is relatively independent from the allelic frequency. The TDT method is more powerful when the trait allele frequency is low, but much less powerful when it is high. The likelihood analysis provides reliable estimation of the model parameters when the QTL variance is at least 10% of the phenotypic variance and the sample size of a few hundred is used. Potential use of these estimates in mapping the trait locus is also discussed.


Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (13) ◽  
pp. 3366
Author(s):  
Anna-Sophie Liegmann ◽  
Kerstin Heselmeyer-Haddad ◽  
Annette Lischka ◽  
Daniela Hirsch ◽  
Wei-Dong Chen ◽  
...  

Purpose: Older breast cancer patients are underrepresented in cancer research even though the majority (81.4%) of women dying of breast cancer are 55 years and older. Here we study a common phenomenon observed in breast cancer which is a large inter- and intratumor heterogeneity; this poses a tremendous clinical challenge, for example with respect to treatment stratification. To further elucidate genomic instability and tumor heterogeneity in older patients, we analyzed the genetic aberration profiles of 39 breast cancer patients aged 50 years and older (median 67 years) with either short (median 2.4 years) or long survival (median 19 years). The analysis was based on copy number enumeration of eight breast cancer-associated genes using multiplex interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization (miFISH) of single cells, and by targeted next-generation sequencing of 563 cancer-related genes. Results: We detected enormous inter- and intratumor heterogeneity, yet maintenance of common cancer gene mutations and breast cancer specific chromosomal gains and losses. The gain of COX2 was most common (72%), followed by MYC (69%); losses were most prevalent for CDH1 (74%) and TP53 (69%). The degree of intratumor heterogeneity did not correlate with disease outcome. Comparing the miFISH results of diploid with aneuploid tumor samples significant differences were found: aneuploid tumors showed significantly higher average signal numbers, copy number alterations (CNAs) and instability indices. Mutations in PIKC3A were mostly restricted to luminal A tumors. Furthermore, a significant co-occurrence of CNAs of DBC2/MYC, HER2/DBC2 and HER2/TP53 and mutual exclusivity of CNAs of HER2 and PIK3CA mutations and CNAs of CCND1 and PIK3CA mutations were revealed. Conclusion: Our results provide a comprehensive picture of genome instability profiles with a large variety of inter- and intratumor heterogeneity in breast cancer patients aged 50 years and older. In most cases, the distribution of chromosomal aneuploidies was consistent with previous results; however, striking exceptions, such as tumors driven by exclusive loss of chromosomes, were identified.


2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (15) ◽  
pp. 6931
Author(s):  
Jie Liu ◽  
Martin Oberlack ◽  
Yongqi Wang

Singularities in the stress field of the stagnation-point flow of a viscoelastic fluid have been studied for various viscoelastic constitutive models. Analyzing the analytical solutions of these models is the most effective way to study this problem. In this paper, exact analytical solutions of two-dimensional steady wall-free stagnation-point flows for the generic Oldroyd 8-constant model are obtained for the stress field using different material parameter relations. For all solutions, compatibility with the conservation of momentum is considered in our analysis. The resulting solutions usually contain arbitrary functions, whose choice has a crucial effect on the stress distribution. The corresponding singularities are discussed in detail according to the choices of the arbitrary functions. The results can be used to analyze the stress distribution and singularity behavior of a wide spectrum of viscoelastic models derived from the Oldroyd 8-constant model. Many previous results obtained for simple viscoelastic models are reproduced as special cases. Some previous conclusions are amended and new conclusions are drawn. In particular, we find that all models have singularities near the stagnation point and most of them can be avoided by appropriately choosing the model parameters and free functions. In addition, the analytical solution for the stress tensor of a near-wall stagnation-point flow for the Oldroyd-B model is also obtained. Its compatibility with the momentum conservation is discussed and the parameters are identified, which allow for a non-singular solution.


2021 ◽  
pp. 1-7
Author(s):  
Sarah Jarrin ◽  
Abrar Hakami ◽  
Ben Newland ◽  
Eilís Dowd

Despite decades of research and billions in global investment, there remains no preventative or curative treatment for any neurodegenerative condition, including Parkinson’s disease (PD). Arguably, the most promising approach for neuroprotection and neurorestoration in PD is using growth factors which can promote the growth and survival of degenerating neurons. However, although neurotrophin therapy may seem like the ideal approach for neurodegenerative disease, the use of growth factors as drugs presents major challenges because of their protein structure which creates serious hurdles related to accessing the brain and specific targeting of affected brain regions. To address these challenges, several different delivery systems have been developed, and two major approaches—direct infusion of the growth factor protein into the target brain region and in vivo gene therapy—have progressed to clinical trials in patients with PD. In addition to these clinically evaluated approaches, a range of other delivery methods are in various degrees of development, each with their own unique potential. This review will give a short overview of some of these alternative delivery systems, with a focus on ex vivo gene therapy and biomaterial-aided protein and gene delivery, and will provide some perspectives on their potential for clinical development and translation.


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