Development Of Pre-metastatic Niche Research Articles

Shuangshen Granules Suppress Myeloid-derived Suppressor Cell-mediated Lung Premetastatic Niche Development by Targeting Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Receptor-1/Signal Transducer, Activator of Transcription 3 Signaling

Abstract Background: Shuangshen granules (SSGs) are extensively utilized for the treatment of lung cancer in China and have been reported to possess tumor-protective and anti-metastatic effects. Therefore, it is crucial to understand the precise mechanism. Building upon the findings of our previous study, the objective of the present study was to explore the impact of SSGs on the sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor-1 (S1PR1)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) axis, as well as the recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) during the formation of the premetastatic niches (PMNs). Methods: In a mouse xenograft model utilizing Lewis lung carcinoma (LLC) cells that express green fluorescent protein (GFP), the initiation of lung metastasis was monitored every three days until day 35 following transplantation. Lung metastasis, MDSC recruitment, the expression of PMN and S1PR1/STAT3 axis biomarkers, as well as the blood levels of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) were assessed in the SSG treatment and control groups. Results: The LLC cells did not reach the lung until 14–17 days following subcutaneous implantation, which was concurrent with the formation of lung PMNs. SSG significantly postponed the initiation of lung metastasis and reduced the recruitment of MDSCs to the lung PMNs. SSG also suppressed the S1PR1/STAT3 axis in tumor tissues, bone marrow, and lung PMNs. Additionally, SSG suppressed the blood levels of GM-CSF and TGF-β, as well as the PMN markers, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and versican. Conclusion: Our findings suggested that SSG suppressed the development of MDSC-mediated PMNs by inhibiting the S1PR1/STAT3 axis, consequently postponing the initiation of lung metastasis.

Abstract 3511: Melanoma-shed, lymph-borne CSPG4 conditions the pre-metastatic lymph node niche

Abstract Tissues are primed for metastasis prior to the arrival of tumor cells. Primary tumors drive this transformation by shedding tumor-derived factors (TDFs), including extracellular vesicles and secreted/shed proteins (TSPs) into tumor-associated blood and lymphatic vasculature. Despite being the most common site of metastasis across solid tumor types, we know very little about how the lymph node (LN) is primed for metastasis by TDFs. Here, we test the hypothesis that lymph-borne TDFs are sufficient to initiate the formation of the pre-metastatic LN niche. Using a murine melanoma model (YUMM1.7), we demonstrate primary melanomas initiate remodeling in their draining LNs that enhances metastatic outgrowth relative to contralateral, non-draining and naïve LN controls. Furthermore, we have demonstrated that TDFs isolated from YUMM1.7-conditioned media uniquely activate this pro-metastatic LN phenotype rather than factors derived from benign dermis. The focus of this field has been on the role tumor-derived extracellular vesicles play in establishing this pre-metastatic niche, however our data further demonstrates TSPs are also sufficient to activate this niche. To identify candidate TDFs in vivo that have the potential to initiate LN transformation, we adopted a novel chemical biology strategy to ubiquitously tag TDFs in vivo using non-canonical amino acids and engineered expression of mutant tRNA synthetases in YUMM1.7 melanoma cells. Using this approach, we identified several TDFs by mass spectrometry present in pre-metastatic LNs, and identified one candidate (CSPG4; Melanoma-Associated Chondroitin Sulfate Proteoglycan) as a potential mediator of pre-metastatic niche development. Shed CSPG4 is found within TSPs isolated from media conditioned by YUMM1.7, but not benign dermal, cells. We generated stable shRNA-expressing YUMM1.7 cell lines for efficient knockdown of CSPG4, and found that loss of CSPG4 confers loss of TSP-dependent pre-metastatic niche development in the draining LN. Furthermore, using an enzyme specific to chondroitins (the main glycan decorating CSPG4), we demonstrate that loss of chondroitin glycosylation of CSPG4 is sufficient to attenuate metastasis, even with the core protein present. We find that fibroblastic reticular cells in the draining LN respond to TSPs by becoming more myofibroblast like, resembling cancer-associated fibroblasts that provide direct trophic support to tumor cells. This phenotypic switch is partially rescued in the absence of CSPG4. Our results collectively indicate TSPs prime the LN for metastasis and we have identified melanoma-shed CSPG4 as a driver of pre-metastatic niche development, potentially through its influence on the LN-resident fibroblasts. Citation Format: Haley du Bois, Annie L. Chen, Katherine S. Ventre, Maria S. Steele, Triantafyllia Karakousi, Amanda W. Lund. Melanoma-shed, lymph-borne CSPG4 conditions the pre-metastatic lymph node niche [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2023; Part 1 (Regular and Invited Abstracts); 2023 Apr 14-19; Orlando, FL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2023;83(7_Suppl):Abstract nr 3511.

Tumor-intrinsic NLRP3-HSP70-TLR4 axis drives premetastatic niche development and hyperprogression during anti-PD-1 immunotherapy.

The tumor-intrinsic NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome-heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) signaling axis is triggered by CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity and contributes to the development of adaptive resistance to anti-programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) immunotherapy by recruiting granulocytic polymorphonuclear myeloid-derived suppressor cells (PMN-MDSCs) into the tumor microenvironment. Here, we demonstrate that the tumor NLRP3-HSP70 axis also drives the accumulation of PMN-MDSCs into distant lung tissues in a manner that depends on lung epithelial cell Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling, establishing a premetastatic niche that supports disease hyperprogression in response to anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Lung epithelial HSP70-TLR4 signaling induces the downstream Wnt5a-dependent release of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) and C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CXCL5), thus promoting myeloid granulopoiesis and recruitment of PMN-MDSCs into pulmonary tissues. Treatment with anti-PD-1 immunotherapy enhanced the activation of this pathway through immunologic pressure and drove disease progression in the setting of Nlrp3 amplification. Genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of NLRP3 and HSP70 blocked PMN-MDSC accumulation in the lung in response to anti-PD-1 therapy and suppressed metastatic progression in preclinical models of melanoma and breast cancer. Elevated baseline concentrations of plasma HSP70 and evidence of NLRP3 signaling activity in tumor tissue specimens correlated with the development of disease hyperprogression and inferior survival in patients with stage IV melanoma undergoing anti-PD-1 immunotherapy. Together, this work describes a pathogenic mechanism underlying the phenomenon of disease hyperprogression in melanoma and offers candidate targets and markers capable of improving the management of patients with melanoma.

114P Identification of cholangiocarcinoma-derived exosomal proteins biomarkers

Exosomes (EXO) in cholangiocarcinoma (CCCs) are distinctly strong intermediator with ability for flipping the action of neighbouring cells. This becomes more obvious that exosomes have aptitude to encourage the development of pre metastatic niche. As for metastasis to happen, cholangiocarcinoma cells need to migrate in a new environment which also requires being favourable for tumor to colonize properly. Their release into the circulation has the potential to inform about tumor status. In-depth proteomic characterization of plasma-derived EXOs has been limited by challenges in isolating EXO s from protein-abundant biological fluids.

Myeloid Derived Suppressor Cells Migrate in Response to Flow and Lymphatic Endothelial Cell Interaction in the Breast Tumor Microenvironment.

Simple SummaryMyeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) are a subset of immune cells that contribute to a pro-tumorigenic microenvironment, promoting immunosuppression in multiple tumors. In breast cancer, they have been mostly studied in pre-clinical mouse models. These models allow for examination of the development of pre-metastatic niches and immune infiltration at the primary tumor site, but are difficult to use to extricate complex intercellular signaling events and MDSC migration. Here, we describe the development of a breast tumor microenvironment model that includes primary-derived mouse MDSCs. We use this model to identify interactions that drive MDSC migration through both biophysical and cellular signaling events within the tumor microenvironment.At the site of the tumor, myeloid derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) infiltrate and interact with elements of the tumor microenvironment in complex ways. Within the invading tumor, MDSCs are exposed to interstitial fluid flow (IFF) that exists within the chronic inflammatory tumor microenvironment at the tumor–lymphatic interface. As drivers of cell migration and invasion, the link between interstitial fluid flow, lymphatics, and MDSCs have not been clearly established. Here, we hypothesized that interstitial fluid flow and cells within the breast tumor microenvironment modulate migration of MDSCs. We developed a novel 3D model to mimic the breast tumor microenvironment and incorporated MDSCs harvested from 4T1-tumor bearing mice. Using live imaging, we found that sorted GR1+ splenocytes had reduced chemotactic index compared to the unsorted population, but their speed and displacement were similar. Using our adapted tissue culture insert assay, we show that interstitial fluid flow promotes MDSC invasion, regardless of absence or presence of tumor cells. Coordinating with lymphatic endothelial cells, interstitial fluid flow further enhanced invasion of MDSCs in the presence of 4T1 cells. We also show that VEGFR3 inhibition reduced both MDSC and 4T1 flow response. Together, these findings indicate a key role of interstitial fluid flow in MDSC migration as well as describe a tool to explore the immune microenvironment in breast cancer.

Systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic reinforces tumor surgical resection and chemotherapy

Failure of conventional clinical therapies such as tumor resection and chemotherapy are mainly due to the ineffective control of tumor metastasis. Metastasis consists of three steps: (i) tumor cells extravasate from the primary sites into the circulation system via epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), (ii) the circulating tumor cells (CTCs) form “micro-thrombi” with platelets to evade the immune surveillance in circulation, and (iii) the CTCs colonize in the pre-metastatic niche. Here, we design a systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic (H@CaPP) composed of an anti-inflammatory agent, piceatannol, and an anti-thrombotic agent, low molecular weight heparin, to hinder the multiple steps of tumor metastasis. H@CaPP is found efficiently impeded EMT, inhibited the formation of “micro-thrombi”, and prevented the development of pre-metastatic niche. When combined with surgical resection or chemotherapy, H@CaPP efficiently inhibits tumor metastasis and prolonged overall survival of tumor-bearing mice. Collectively, we provide a simple and effective systemic metastasis-targeted nanotherapeutic for combating tumor metastasis.

Exosomes: Critical Mediators of Tumour Microenvironment Reprogramming.

Tumour microenvironment (TME) is a resident of a variety of cells, which are devoted to the heterogeneous population of the tumour. TME establishes a communication network for crosstalk and signalling between tumour cells, stroma, and other interstitial cells. The cross-communication drives the reprogramming of TME cells, which promote cancer progression and metastasis via diverse signalling pathways. Recently, TMEderived exosomes are recognized as critical communicators of TME cell reprogramming. This review addresses the role of TME-derived exosomes in the modulation of stroma, including reprogramming the stromal cells, ECM and tumour cell metabolism, as well as neoplastic transformation. Subsequently, we described the role of exosomes in pre-metastatic niche development, maintenance of stemness and tumour vasculature, as well as development of drug resistance. We also explored tumour-derived exosomes in precision, including diagnosis, drug delivery, and vaccine development. We discussed the currently established bioengineered exosomes as carriers for chemotherapeutic drugs, RNAi molecules, and natural compounds. Finally, we presented tetraspanin and DNA-based precision methods for the quantification of tumour-derived exosomes. Overall, TMEderived exosome-mediated reprogramming of TME and precision strategies could illuminate the potential mechanisms for targeted therapeutic intervention.

Liver prometastatic reaction: Stimulating factors and responsive cancer phenotypes.

Cancer is first a localized tissue disorder, whose soluble and exosomal molecules and invasive cells induce a host response providing the stromal components of the primary tumor microenvironment (TME). Once the TME is developed, cancer-derived molecules and cells can more efficiently spread out and a whole-body response takes place, whose pathophysiological changes may result in a paraneoplastic syndrome. Remote organ-specific prometastatic reactions may also occur at this time, facilitating metastatic activities of circulating tumor cells (CTCs) through premetastatic niche development at targeted organs. However, additional signaling factors from the inter-organ communication network involved in the pathophysiology and comorbidities of cancer patients may also regulate prometastatic reaction-stimulating effects of cancer and non-cancer tissue factors. This article provides a conceptual overview of our ongoing clinical research on the liver prometastatic reaction (LPR) of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC), their portal vein- and hepatic artery-driven LPR-Stimulating Factors (LPR-SF), and their resulting LPR-derived Metastasis-Stimulating Factors (LPR-MSF) acting on liver-invading CRC cells. In addition, we also provide new insights on the molecular subtyping of LPR-responsive cancer phenotypes in patients with CRC and melanoma; and on how to investigate and interpret the prometastatic infrastructure in the real pathophysiological context of patients with cancer undergoing surgical procedures and receiving pharmacological treatments with multiple side effects, including those affecting the LPR, its stimulating factors and responsive cancer phenotypes.

Abstract 6213: Extracellular vesicles MDM2-DNA derived from dedifferentiated liposarcoma induces MMP2 production from preadipocytes

Abstract Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is molecularly characterized by wt p53 and MDM2 gene amplification causing MDM2 protein over-production, the key oncogenic process in DDLPS. Commonly located in fat-bearing retroperitoneal areas, almost 60% of DDLPS patients undergo multifocal recurrence, typically amenable to palliative treatment only, and occasionally develop distant metastasis. These factors lead to an abysmal 10% 10 year overall survival rate. Tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can facilitate loco-regional malignancy dissemination by depositing molecular factors that participate in the development of pre-metastatic niches for tumor cell implantation and growth. High number of MDM2 DNA molecules was identified within EVs from DDLPS patient serum (ROC vs normal; 0.95) as well as from DDLPS cell lines. This MDM2 DNA could be transferred to preadipocytes (P-a), a major and ubiquitous cellular component of the DDLPS tumor microenvironment (TME), with subsequent P-a production of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), a critical component in the metastatic cascade. Since multifocal loco-regional DDLPS spreading is the main cause of the remarkably high lethality of this disease, a better understanding of the underlying oncogenic processes and their regulatory mechanisms is essential to improve the outcome of this devastating disease. Citation Format: Lucia Casadei, Federica Calore, Ameya Deshmukh, Abeba Zewdu, Paolo Fadda, Danielle Braggio, Martin Wabitsch, Carlo M. Croce, Dina Lev, Raphael Pollock. Extracellular vesicles MDM2-DNA derived from dedifferentiated liposarcoma induces MMP2 production from preadipocytes [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research 2020; 2020 Apr 27-28 and Jun 22-24. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2020;80(16 Suppl):Abstract nr 6213.

Epigenetic therapy inhibits metastases by disrupting premetastatic niches.

Cancer recurrence after surgery remains an unresolved clinical problem1-3. Myeloid cells derived from bone marrow contribute to the formation of the premetastatic microenvironment, which is required for disseminating tumour cells to engraft distant sites4-6. There are currently no effective interventions that prevent the formation of the premetastatic microenvironment6,7. Here we show that, after surgical removal of primary lung, breast and oesophageal cancers, low-dose adjuvant epigenetic therapy disrupts the premetastatic microenvironment and inhibits both the formation and growth of lung metastases through its selective effect on myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). In mouse models of pulmonary metastases, MDSCs are key factors in the formation of the premetastatic microenvironment after resection of primary tumours. Adjuvant epigenetic therapy that uses low-dose DNA methyltransferase and histone deacetylase inhibitors, 5-azacytidine and entinostat, disrupts the premetastatic niche by inhibiting the trafficking of MDSCs through the downregulation of CCR2 and CXCR2, and by promoting MDSC differentiation into a more-interstitial macrophage-like phenotype. A decreased accumulation of MDSCs in the premetastatic lung produces longer periods of disease-free survival and increased overall survival, compared with chemotherapy. Our data demonstrate that, even after removal of the primary tumour, MDSCs contribute to the development of premetastatic niches and settlement of residual tumour cells. A combination of low-dose adjuvant epigenetic modifiers that disrupts this premetastatic microenvironment and inhibits metastases may permit an adjuvant approach to cancer therapy.

Cracking the riddle of dedifferentiated liposarcoma: is EV-MDM2 a key?

Dedifferentiated liposarcoma (DDLPS) is molecularly characterized by wt p53 and MDM2 gene amplification causing MDM2 protein over-production, the key oncogenic process in DDLPS. Commonly located in fat-bearing retroperitoneal areas, almost 60% of DDLPS patients undergo multifocal recurrence, typically amenable to palliative treatment only, and occasionally develop distant metastasis. These factors lead to an abysmal 10% 10 year overall survival rate. Tumor cell-derived extracellular vesicles (EVs) can facilitate loco-regional malignancy dissemination by depositing molecular factors that participate in the development of pre-metastatic niches for tumor cell implantation and growth. High number of MDM2 DNA molecules was identified within EVs from DDLPS patient serum (ROC vs normal; 0.95) as well as from DDLPS cell lines. This MDM2 DNA could be transferred to preadipocytes (P-a), a major and ubiquitous cellular component of the DDLPS tumor microenvironment (TME), with subsequent P-a production of matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2), a critical component in the metastatic cascade. From here the hypothesis that the DDLPS microenvironment (specifically P-a cells) may participate in DDLPS recurrence events. Since multifocal loco-regional DDLPS spreading is the main cause of the remarkably high lethality of this disease, a better understanding of the underlying oncogenic processes and their regulatory mechanisms is essential to improve the outcome of this devastating disease.

Paget's "Seed and Soil" Theory of Cancer Metastasis: An Idea Whose Time has Come.

The concept that the pattern of metastatic spread of cancer is not random and that cancer cells exhibit preferences when metastasizing to organs, dates back to 1889 when Steven Paget published his "seed and soil" hypothesis. He proposed that the spread of tumor cells is governed by interaction and cooperation between the cancer cells (seed) and the host organ (soil). Extensive studies during the last several decades have provided a better understanding of the process of metastatic spread of cancer and several stages such as intravasation, extravasation, tumor latency, and development of micrometastasis and macrometastasis have been defined. Furthermore, recent studies have shown that the target organs may be prepared for metastatic deposits by the development of premetastatic niches. This specialized microenvironment is involved in promoting tumor cell homing, colonization, and subsequent growth at the target organ. The premetastatic niche consists of accumulation of aberrant immune cells and extracellular matrix proteins in target organs. The primary tumor plays a key role in the development of premetastatic niches by producing tumor-derived soluble factors which mobilize bone marrow-derived hematopoietic cells to the premetastatic niche. Exosomes-derived from the primary tumor also contribute to cancer-favorable microenvironment in the premetastatic niches. These changes prime the initially healthy organ microenvironment and render it amenable for subsequent metastatic cell colonization.

The evolving concept of cancer stem-like cells in thyroid cancer and other solid tumors

The cancer stem-like cell (CSC) hypothesis postulates that a small population of cells in a cancer has self-renewal and clonal tumor initiation properties. These cells are responsible for tumor initiation, growth, recurrence and for resistance to chemotherapy and radiation therapy. CSCs can be characterized using markers such as SSEA-1, SSEA-4, CD44, CD24, ALDEFLUOR and others. CSCs form spheres when they are cultured in serum-free condition in low attachment plates and can generate tumors when injected into immune-deficient mice. During epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), cells lose cellular adhesion and polarity and acquire an invasive phenotype. Recent studies have established a relationship between EMT and increased numbers of CSCs in some solid malignancies. Non-coding RNAs such as microRNAs and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been shown to have important roles during EMT and some of these molecules also have regulatory roles in the proliferation of CSCs. Specific lncRNAs enhanced cell migration and invasion in breast carcinomas, which was associated with the generation of stem cell properties. The tumor microenvironment of CSCs also has an important role in tumor progression. Recent studies have shown that the interaction between tumor cells and the local microenvironment at the metastatic site leads to the development of premetastatic niche(s) and allows for the proliferation of the metastatic cells during colonization. The role of exosomes in the microenvironment during the EMT program is currently a major area of research. This review examines CSCs and the relationship between EMT and CSCs in solid tumors with emphasis on thyroid CSCs. The role of non-coding RNAs and of the microenvironment in EMT and in tumor progression are also examined. This review also highlights the growing number of studies that show the close association of EMT and CSCs and the role of exosomes and other elements of the tissue microenvironment in CSC metastasis. A better understanding of these mechanisms will lead to more effective targeting of primary and metastatic malignancies.

Abstract 4113: Pre-metastatic niche formation in palmitic acid and Caco2 BBE secreted exosomes treated HepG2 cells by the CD98-integrin-FAK pathway

Abstract Up to 60% of patients with colorectal cancer (CRC) will develop metastatic CRC. This study will use an in-vitro Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) model in HepG2 cells to determine how CD98 and colon cancer secreted exosomes initiate a pre-metastatic niche. CD98 is a glycoprotein that mediates integrin signaling, amino acid transportation, inflammatory cytokines, and possibly endocytosis of exosomes. The pathway of CD98-integrin-FAK may mediate uptake of exosomes as well as the formation of pre-metastatic niche in the liver. Exosomes secreted from colon cancer and NAFLD have been implicated to initiate a pre-metastatic niche in the liver. This combinatorial study will mimic in-vivo conditions of metastatic CRC. HepG2 cells are treated with 0 μM or 7 μM of palmitic acid (PA) for 5 days as well as stimulated with and without 10 μg/mL LPS to mimic chronic inflammation in-vitro. After the 5 days of PA and LPS, then the cells are treated for additional 2 days with Caco2BBE secreted exosomes. The treatments were assessed for NAFLD and inflammatory markers FAS, ABCA1, PPARα, PPARϒ, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and CD98 by Oil-Red staining, Western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunocytochemistry (IMC). The same set experiments with a knock down of CD98 and creation of pre-metastatic niche were examined through CD98-integrin-FAK pathway. This model showed that low doses of PA formed lipid vacuoles and increased NAFLD markers FAS, PPARα, PPARγ, and ABCA1. The cytotoxicity test of the 0-7 uM of PA with and without LPS as well as exosomes indicated low toxicity. IMC of HepG2 cells showed a unique co-localization patterns with no treatment and PA causing association CD98 with integrin β1 and CD98 with caveolin-1, while the LPS and knock down of CD98 disrupted these interaction and allowed an interaction between CD98 and actin. The addition of Caco2BBE secreted exosomes with PA and LPS altered the inflammatory markers and cellular location of CD98. In conclusion, low doses of palmitic acid produced lipid vacuoles, little cytotoxicity, and increased NAFLD markers. The loss of CD98 led to cellular re-location of CD98 to the nucleus and could explain the decrease uptake of Caco2 BBE secreted exosomes and decrease in inflammatory markers. These data suggest that a pre-existing condition such as NAFLD and Caco2 BBE secreted exosomes play an integral role in the development of pre-metastatic niche by the CD98-integrin-FAK pathway. The identifying the nuances of CD98-integrin-FAK pathway will elucidate future nano-particle therapeutics for metastatic CRC. Citation Format: Jenniffer L M Stetler, Brandon S. Canup, Hamed Laroui. Pre-metastatic niche formation in palmitic acid and Caco2 BBE secreted exosomes treated HepG2 cells by the CD98-integrin-FAK pathway. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 4113.

Carving out its niche: A role for carbonic anhydrase IX in pre-metastatic niche development

Primary tumor-associated hypoxia stimulates the production of secreted factors that mobilize bone marrow-derived cells, including immunomodulatory myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) to pre-metastatic niches. We recently found that the hypoxia-induced enzyme carbonic anhydrase IX (CAIX) promotes metastasis by stimulating the G-CSF dependent mobilization of granulocytic MDSCs to the lung pre-metastatic niche.

The lack of type I interferon induces neutrophil-mediated pre-metastatic niche formation in the mouse lung.

Metastases are the major cause of death from cancer. Thus, understanding the regulation of metastatic processes is of utmost importance. Here we show that mice with impaired type I IFN signaling (Ifnar1(-/-)) develop more lung metastases in the 4T1 mammary and LLC lung carcinoma model, compared to control mice. In Ifnar1(-/-) mice, higher metastasis load is accompanied by massive neutrophil accumulation in lungs. Elevated G-CSF levels in serum and enhanced CXCR2 expression on neutrophils are most likely responsible for this phenomenon. Lung infiltrating neutrophils facilitate an improved pre-metastatic niche formation, supporting more efficient tumor cell extravasation and proliferation in this organ. This is due to the enhanced expression of pro-metastatic proteins, like Bv8, MMP9, S100A8 and S100A9. Development of pre-metastatic niche together with reduced neutrophil cytotoxicity against tumor cells results in enhanced metastatic processes in Ifnar1(-/-) mice. Overall, our findings describe a novel role for IFN during metastasis development and suggest that new treatment strategies should be considered for prevention of metastasis formation in patients.

Current and emerging therapies for bone metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer.

A paucity of therapeutic options is available to treat men with metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). However, recent developments in our understanding of the disease have resulted in several new therapies that show promise in improving overall survival rates in this patient population. Agents approved for use in the United States and those undergoing clinical trials for the treatment of mCRPC are reviewed. Recent contributions to the understanding of prostate biology and bone metastasis are discussed as well as how the underlying mechanisms may represent opportunities for therapeutic intervention. New challenges to delivering effective mCRPC treatment will also be examined. New and emerging treatments that target androgen synthesis and utilization or the microenvironment may improve overall survival rates for men diagnosed with mCRPC. Determining how factors derived from the primary tumor can promote the development of premetastatic niches and how prostate cancer cells parasitize niches in the bone microenvironment, thus remaining dormant and protected from systemic therapy, could yield new therapies to treat mCRPC. Challenges such as intratumoral heterogeneity and patient selection can potentially be circumvented via computational biology approaches. The emergence of novel treatments for mCRPC, combined with improved patient stratification and optimized therapy sequencing, suggests that significant gains may be made in terms of overall survival rates for men diagnosed with this form of cancer.

The cellular mechanisms and regulation of metastasis formation

Recent data obtained at the junction of biochem: istry, molecular and cell biology and experimental oncology, showed that the formation of secondary foci of tumor growth during cancer progression--metastasis formation--is a highly determinate and regulated process. This process includes on the one hand the appearance of metastatic population of cells with special characteristics that allow their dissemination and seeding in distant organs and on the other.hand the formation of specific attractive micro environment in target organs. These cells show the ability to switch their motility to the most effective mode depending on the properties of the surrounding tissues (plasticity), appearance of specific receptors on the cell surface, which enhance their directed migration to target organs and acquisition of some characteristics of stem cells, allowing them to survive and reproduce in alien microenvironment. These alterations are strongly coordinated with development of a specific nichein the target organ which stimulates initiation and growth of a future metastasis, so-called premetastatic niche. In this review we analyzed recent data concerning mechanisms which regulate the emergence of metastatic population of cells, development of premetastatic niches and coordination of these processes:.

Abstract 2688: Color-coded imaging of the pre-metastatic niche in the lung and liver indicates the involvement of cancer-associated fibroblasts

Abstract We report here a color-coded imaging model in which the development of pre-metastatic niches in the lung and liver can be identified. The transgenic green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing mouse was used as the host which expresses GFP in all organs but dimly in the parenchymal cells of the liver. Mouse breast cancer cells (MMT), expressing red fluorescent protein (RFP), were injected in the tail vein of GFP nude mice to establish a lung metastasis model and in the spleen of GFP nude mice to establish a liver metastasis model. Niche formation in the lung and liver metastasis was observed using the Olympus OV100, IV100, and FV1000 imaging systems. In the lung, GFP host- mouse cells accumulated around a single RFP cancer cell. In addition, GFP host cells were observed to form circle-shaped niches in the lung even without RFP cancer cells, which was possibly a niche in which future metastasis could be formed. In the liver, as with the lung, GFP host cells could form circle-shaped niches without RFP cancer cells. The accumulation of host GFP cells before metastasis formation was observed in the live mouse, enabling cancer-cell niche-interaction to be observed as well as the premetastatic niche in real time. The liver and lung metastases were removed surgically and cultured in vitro. MMT-RFP cells and GFP cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) were observed in the dish, suggesting that CAFs initiated the premetastatic niche. This is in contrast with previous studies which suggested that bone marrow cells initiated the premetastatic mice (Nature 438, 820-827, 2005). Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 2688. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-2688