scholarly journals Large Extracellular Vesicles—A New Frontier of Liquid Biopsy in Oncology

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6543 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gaetano Pezzicoli ◽  
Marco Tucci ◽  
Domenica Lovero ◽  
Franco Silvestris ◽  
Camillo Porta ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Dna Sequencing ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Liquid Biopsy ◽  
Cancer Biomarkers ◽  
The Other ◽  
New Frontier ◽  
Commercial Kits

Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) are emerging as pivotal elements in cancer. Many studies have focused on the role of Small- (S)-EVs but in recent years Large-(L)-EVs have progressively gained increasing interest due to their peculiar content and functions. Tumor-derived L-EVs carry a lot of oncogenic proteins, nucleic acids and lipids to recipient cells and are involved in the reshaping of the tumor microenvironment as well as in the metabolic rewiring and the promotion of the pro-metastatic attitude of cancer cells. Several techniques have been developed for the isolation of L-EVs and commercial kits are also available for efficient and easy recovery of these vesicles. Also, the improvement in DNA sequencing and “omics sciences” profoundly changed the way to analyze and explore the molecular content of L-EVs, thus providing novel and potentially useful cancer biomarkers. Herein, we review the most recent findings concerning the role of L-EVs in cancer and discuss their possible use in oncology as “liquid biopsy” tools as compared to the other classes of EVs.

scholarly journals The Role of Cancer-Associated Fibroblasts and Extracellular Vesicles in Tumorigenesis

2020 ◽  
Vol 21 (18) ◽  
pp. 6837 ◽  
Author(s):  
Issraa Shoucair ◽  
Fernanda Weber Mello ◽  
James Jabalee ◽  
Saeideh Maleki ◽  
Cathie Garnis
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Therapy Resistance ◽  
The Other ◽  
Cancer Associated Fibroblasts ◽  
Metastatic Niche ◽  
Niche Formation ◽  
Molecular Aspects

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) play a key role in the communication between cancer cells and stromal components of the tumor microenvironment (TME). In this context, cancer cell-derived EVs can regulate the activation of a CAF phenotype in TME cells, which can be mediated by several EV cargos (e.g., miRNA, proteins, mRNA and lncRNAs). On the other hand, CAF-derived EVs can mediate several processes during tumorigenesis, including tumor growth, invasion, metastasis, and therapy resistance. This review aimed to discuss the molecular aspects of EV-based cross-talk between CAFs and cancer cells during tumorigenesis, in addition to assessing the roles of EV cargo in therapy resistance and pre-metastatic niche formation.

scholarly journals Extracellular Vesicles and Cancer: A Focus on Metabolism, Cytokines, and Immunity

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
pp. 171 ◽  
Author(s):  
Donatella Lucchetti ◽  
Claudio Ricciardi Tenore ◽  
Filomena Colella ◽  
Alessandro Sgambato
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Fate ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Metabolic Effects ◽  
Metabolic Phenotype ◽  
Metabolic Switch

A better understanding of the mechanisms of cell communication between cancer cells and the tumor microenvironment is crucial to develop personalized therapies. It has been known for a while that cancer cells are metabolically distinct from other non-transformed cells. This metabolic phenotype is not peculiar to cancer cells but reflects the characteristics of the tumor microenvironment. Recently, it has been shown that extracellular vesicles are involved in the metabolic switch occurring in cancer and tumor-stroma cells. Moreover, in an immune system, the metabolic programs of different cell subsets are distinctly associated with their immunological function, and extracellular vesicles could be a key factor in the shift of cell fate modulating cancer immunity. Indeed, during tumor progression, tumor-associated immune cells and fibroblasts acquire a tumor-supportive and anti-inflammatory phenotype due to their interaction with tumor cells and several findings suggest a role of extracellular vesicles in this phenomenon. This review aims to collect all the available evidence so far obtained on the role of extracellular vesicles in the modulation of cell metabolism and immunity. Moreover, we discuss the possibility for extracellular vesicles of being involved in drug resistance mechanisms, cancer progression and metastasis by inducing immune-metabolic effects on surrounding cells.

Extracellular vesicles in cancer progression: are they part of the problem or part of the solution?

Nanomedicine ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 15 (26) ◽  
pp. 2625-2641
Author(s):  
Juliete Nathali Scholl ◽  
Camila Kehl Dias ◽  
Laurent Muller ◽  
Ana Maria Oliveira Battastini ◽  
Fabrício Figueiró
Keyword(s):  
Immune Response ◽  
T Cell ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Cancer Progression ◽  
Immune Cells ◽  
Cell Function ◽  
Cytokine Release

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are released especially by cancer cells. They modulate the tumor microenvironment by interacting with immune cells while carrying immunosuppressive or immunostimulatory molecules. In this review, we will explore some conflicting reports regarding the immunological outcomes of EVs in cancer progression, in which they might initiate an antitumor immune response or an immunosuppressive response. Concerning immunosuppression, the role of tumor-derived EVs’ in the adenosinergic system is underexplored. The enhancement of adenosine (ADO) levels in the tumor microenvironment impairs T-cell function and cytokine release. However, some tumor-derived EVs may deliver immunostimulatory factors, promoting immunogenic activity, even with ADO production. The modulatory role of ADO over the tumor progression represents a piece in an intricate microenvironment with anti and pro tumoral seesaw-like mechanisms.

The Role of Cytokines in Interactions of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Breast Cancer Cells

2020 ◽  
Vol 15 ◽  
Author(s):  
Hariharan Jayaraman ◽  
Nalinkanth V. Ghone ◽  
Ranjith Kumaran R ◽  
Himanshu Dashora
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Stem Cells ◽  
Mesenchymal Stem Cells ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Cell Communication ◽  
Extra Cellular Matrix ◽  
Cytokine Signaling ◽  
Cellular Matrix

: Mesenchymal stem cells because of its high proliferation, differentiation, regenerative capacity, and ease of availability have been a popular choice in cytotherapy. Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSCs) have a natural tendency to home in a tumor microenvironment and acts against it, owing to the similarity of the latter to an injured tissue environment. Several studies have confirmed the recruitment of MSCs by tumor through various cytokine signaling that brings about phenotypic changes to cancer cells, thereby promoting migration, invasion, and adhesion of cancer cells. The contrasting results on MSCs as a tool for cancer cytotherapy may be due to the complex cell to cell interaction in the tumor microenvironment, which involves various cell types such as cancer cells, immune cells, endothelial cells, and cancer stem cells. Cell to cell communication can be simple or complex and it is transmitted through various cytokines among multiple cell phenotypes, mechano-elasticity of the extra-cellular matrix surrounding the cancer cells, and hypoxic environments. In this article, the role of the extra-cellular matrix proteins and soluble mediators that acts as communicators between mesenchymal stem cells and cancer cells has been reviewed specifically for breast cancer, as it is the leading member of cancer malignancies. The comprehensive information may be beneficial in finding a new combinatorial cytotherapeutic strategy using MSCs by exploiting the cross-talk between mesenchymal stem cells and cancer cells for treating breast cancer.

scholarly journals The Role of Extracellular Vesicles in the Development of a Cancer Stem Cell Microenvironment Niche and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Cancers ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (10) ◽  
pp. 2435
Author(s):  
Thomas J. Brown ◽  
Victoria James
Keyword(s):  
Systematic Review ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Multiple Cancer ◽  
Therapeutic Targeting ◽  
Small Component ◽  
Facilitated Communication ◽  
Cell Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Types

Cancer stem cells (CSCs) have increasingly been shown to be a crucial element of heterogenous tumors. Although a relatively small component of the population, they increase the resistance to treatment and the likelihood of recurrence. In recent years, it has been shown, across multiple cancer types (e.g., colorectal, breast and prostate), that reciprocal communication between cancer and the microenvironment exists, which is, in part, facilitated by extracellular vesicles (EVs). However, the mechanisms of this method of communication and its influence on CSC populations is less well-understood. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review is to determine the evidence that supports the role of EVs in the manipulation of the tumor microenvironment to promote the survival of CSCs. Embase and PubMed were used to identify all studies on the topic, which were screened using PRISMA guidelines, resulting in the inclusion of 16 studies. These 16 studies reported on the EV content, pathways altered by EVs and therapeutic targeting of CSC through EV-mediated changes to the microenvironment. In conclusion, these studies demonstrated the role of EV-facilitated communication in maintaining CSCs via manipulation of the tumor microenvironment, demonstrating the potential of creating therapeutics to target CSCs. However, further works are needed to fully understand the targetable mechanisms upon which future therapeutics can be based.

scholarly journals Contribution of the CK2 Catalytic Isoforms α and α’ to the Glycolytic Phenotype of Tumor Cells

Cells ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (1) ◽  
pp. 181
Author(s):  
Francesca Zonta ◽  
Christian Borgo ◽  
Camila Paz Quezada Meza ◽  
Ionica Masgras ◽  
Andrea Rasola ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Cell Proliferation ◽  
Protein Kinase ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Tumor Cells ◽  
Therapeutic Strategies ◽  
The Other ◽  
Osteosarcoma Cell ◽  
Monomeric Form ◽  
New Information

CK2 is a Ser/Thr protein kinase overexpressed in many cancers. It is usually present in cells as a tetrameric enzyme, composed of two catalytic (α or α’) and two regulatory (β) subunits, but it is active also in its monomeric form, and the specific role of the different isoforms is largely unknown. CK2 phosphorylates several substrates related to the uncontrolled proliferation, motility, and survival of cancer cells. As a consequence, tumor cells are addicted to CK2, relying on its activity more than healthy cells for their life, and exploiting it for developing multiple oncological hallmarks. However, little is known about CK2 contribution to the metabolic rewiring of cancer cells. With this study we aimed at shedding some light on it, especially focusing on the CK2 role in the glycolytic onco-phenotype. By analyzing neuroblastoma and osteosarcoma cell lines depleted of either one (α) or the other (α’) CK2 catalytic subunit, we also aimed at disclosing possible pro-tumor functions which are specific of a CK2 isoform. Our results suggest that both CK2 α and α’ contribute to cell proliferation, survival and tumorigenicity. The analyzed metabolic features disclosed a role of CK2 in tumor metabolism, and suggest prominent functions for CK2 α isoform. Results were also confirmed by CK2 pharmacological inhibition. Overall, our study provides new information on the mechanism of cancer cells addiction to CK2 and on its isoform-specific functions, with fundamental implications for improving future therapeutic strategies based on CK2 targeting.

scholarly journals Metabolome Shift in Both Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells and Astrocytes Which May Contribute to the Tumor Microenvironment

2021 ◽  
Vol 22 (14) ◽  
pp. 7430
Author(s):  
Hiromi Sato ◽  
Ayaka Shimizu ◽  
Toya Okawa ◽  
Miaki Uzu ◽  
Momoko Goto ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Breast Cancer ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Metastatic Breast ◽  
Principal Component ◽  
Pentose Phosphate ◽  
Metastatic Brain Tumors ◽  
Pentose Phosphate Pathways ◽  
Culture Supernatants

The role of astrocytes in the periphery of metastatic brain tumors is unclear. Since astrocytes regulate central nervous metabolism, we hypothesized that changes in astrocytes induced by contact with cancer cells would appear in the metabolome of both cells and contribute to malignant transformation. Coculture of astrocytes with breast cancer cell supernatants altered glutamate (Glu)-centered arginine–proline metabolism. Similarly, the metabolome of cancer cells was also altered by astrocyte culture supernatants, and the changes were further amplified in astrocytes exposed to Glu. Inhibition of Glu uptake in astrocytes reduces the variability in cancer cells. Principal component analysis of the cancer cells revealed that all these changes were in the first principal component (PC1) axis, where the responsible metabolites were involved in the metabolism of the arginine–proline, pyrimidine, and pentose phosphate pathways. The contribution of these changes to the tumor microenvironment needs to be further pursued.

scholarly journals Gastric Cancer Extracellular Vesicles Tune the Migration and Invasion of Epithelial and Mesenchymal Cells in a Histotype-Dependent Manner

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (11) ◽  
pp. 2608 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sara Rocha ◽  
Sara Pinto Teles ◽  
Mafalda Azevedo ◽  
Patrícia Oliveira ◽  
Joana Carvalho ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Gastric Cancer ◽  
Flow Cytometry ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Mesenchymal Cells ◽  
Migration And Invasion ◽  
Dependent Manner ◽  
Diffuse Type ◽  
Transmission Electron

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) secreted by tumor cells modulate recipient cells’ behavior, but their effects in normal cells from the tumor microenvironment remain poorly known. In this study, we dissected the functional impact of gastric cancer cell-derived EVs (GC-EVs), representative of distinct GC histotypes, on the behavior of normal isogenic epithelial and mesenchymal cells. GC-EVs were isolated by differential centrifugation and characterized by transmission electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and imaging flow-cytometry. Epithelial and mesenchymal cells were challenged with GC-EVs and submitted to proliferation, migration, and invasion assays. Expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers was followed by immunofluorescence and flow-cytometry. Our results indicated that GC-EVs secreted by diffuse-type cancer cells decrease the migration of recipient cells. This effect was more prominent and persistent for mesenchymal recipient cells, which also increased Fibronectin expression in response to EVs. GC-EVs secreted by cancer cells derived from tumors with an intestinal component increased invasion of recipient epithelial cells, without changes in EMT markers. In summary, this study demonstrated that GC-EVs modulate the migration and invasion of epithelial and mesenchymal cells from the tumor microenvironment, in a histotype-dependent manner, highlighting new features of intestinal and diffuse-type GC cells, which may help explaining differential metastasis patterns and aggressiveness of GC histotypes.

scholarly journals TMIC-56. ROLE OF HUMAN BRAIN TUMOR STEM CELLS-DERIVED EXTRACELLULAR VESICLES ON THE PHENOTYPIC TRANSDIFFERENTIATION OF HUMAN NEURAL PROGENITOR CELLS

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (Supplement_6) ◽  
pp. vi260-vi260
Author(s):  
Natanael Zarco ◽  
Emily Norton ◽  
Montserrat Lara-Velazquez ◽  
Anna Carrano ◽  
Alfredo Quinones-Hinojosa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Stem Cells ◽  
Brain Tumor ◽  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Extracellular Vesicles ◽  
Primary Cultures ◽  
Adult Brain ◽  
Cell Subpopulation ◽  
Tumor Stem Cells ◽  
Brain Tumor Stem Cells

Abstract Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most aggressive of all the brain tumors with a median patient survival less than 15 months. Despite of surgical resection, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy, recurrence rate is almost 100%. A great percentage of GBM tumors (~60%) infiltrate and contact the ventricular-subventricular zone (V-SVZ). Interestingly, these tumors are the most aggressive, and invariably lead to higher distal recurrence rates, shorter time to tumor progression, and lower overall survival of the patient. The reason for this role of V-SVZ-proximity on the outcome of GBM patients is unknown. We suggest that a potential explanation is the interaction of GBM with the V-SVZ. This region is the largest neurogenic niche in the adult brain where neural stem cells (NSCs) give rise to newborn neuroblasts that migrate toward the olfactory bulb. In GBM there is a cell subpopulation called brain tumor stem cells (BTSCs) with NSCs-like characteristics, but with added potential for tumor initiation, recurrence and invasiveness. Tumor microenvironment plays an important role in migration and invasion process. In the present work, we used the total exosome isolation kit to purify Extracellular Vesicles (EVs) from human primary cultures of BTSCs. We determined that BTSCs-derived EVs contain specific information that is transfer to primary cultures of human Neural Progenitors Cells (NPCs) modulating their proliferation rate, cell viability, and migration. In addition, we identify that NPCs taken up BTSCs-derived EVs and significantly increase the expression levels of stemness-related genes such as Nestin, Nanog, and Sox2, suggesting that a phenotypic transdifferentiation is being carry out. These results support our hypothesis that GBM modulate the tumor microenvironment close to the V-SVZ by releasing EVs that target cellular components in this region and promote their phenotypic transformation, highlighting that NPCs biology changes in the context of tumor environment.

scholarly journals Role of MSC in the Tumor Microenvironment

Cancers ◽  
2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (8) ◽  
pp. 2107 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ralf Hass
Keyword(s):  
Tumor Microenvironment ◽  
Cancer Cells ◽  
Tumor Development ◽  
Tumor Stroma ◽  
Cell Types ◽  
Cellular Interactions ◽  
Cell Functions ◽  
Metastatic Behavior ◽  
Stem Cell Niches

The tumor microenvironment represents a dynamically composed matrix in which tissue-associated cancer cells are embedded together with a variety of further cell types to form a more or less separate organ-like structure. Constantly mutual interactions between cells of the tumor microenvironment promote continuous restructuring and growth in the tumor. A distinct organization of the tumor stroma also facilitates the formation of transient cancer stem cell niches, thereby contributing to progressive and dynamic tumor development. An important but heterogeneous mixture of cells that communicates among the cancer cells and the different tumor-associated cell types is represented by mesenchymal stroma-/stem-like cells (MSC). Following recruitment to tumor sites, MSC can change their functionalities, adapt to the tumor’s metabolism, undergo differentiation and synergize with cancer cells. Vice versa, cancer cells can alter therapeutic sensitivities and change metastatic behavior depending on the type and intensity of this MSC crosstalk. Thus, close cellular interactions between MSC and cancer cells can eventually promote cell fusion by forming new cancer hybrid cells. Consequently, newly acquired cancer cell functions or new hybrid cancer populations enlarge the plasticity of the tumor and counteract successful interventional strategies. The present review article highlights some important features of MSC within the tumor stroma.

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