1
|
Fernández-Domínguez IJ, Pérez-Cárdenas E, Taja-Chayeb L, Wegman-Ostrosky T, Caro-Sánchez CHS, Zentella-Dehesa A, Dueñas-González A, López-Basabe H, Morales-Bárcenas R, Trejo-Becerril C. Increased amounts of cell-free DNA released from a culture with a high content of cancer stem cells. Front Cell Dev Biol 2025; 13:1499936. [PMID: 40226589 PMCID: PMC11985834 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2025.1499936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2025] [Indexed: 04/15/2025] Open
Abstract
Background The study and characterization of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has gained significant importance due to its clinical applications as a diagnostic and prognostic marker. However, it remains unclear whether all cell populations within a tumor or culture contribute equally to its release. This pioneering research analyzes the contribution of cancer stem cells (CSCs) in colon cancer cell lines to the amount of cfDNA released and its role in cellular transformation. Methods The CSC population derived from the SW480 colon cancer cell line was enriched using a non-adhesive culture system to assess the quantity and electrophoretic profile of the released cfDNA. Subsequently, in vitro transformation assays were conducted to compare the transforming capacity of the cfDNA obtained from enriched cultures with that from non-enriched cultures. Group differences were analyzed using analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by post hoc interpretation with Tukey's test. Results Our study revealed that cultures with CSCs released greater amounts of cfDNA, displaying a distinct fragment profile. Additionally, cfDNA from different cellular origins influenced the transformation characteristics of NIH3T3 cells. This is the first demonstration of a link between CSC proportions and cfDNA release, suggesting that CSCs and microenvironmental conditions can affect cfDNA quantity and its potential to induce transformation. Conclusion These findings highlight the importance of cfDNA in carcinogenesis and its potential as a biomarker and therapeutic target, especially given the role of CSCs in drug resistance and tumor aggressiveness.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ileana J. Fernández-Domínguez
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
- Posgrado en Ciencias Biológicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. Edificio D, 1° Piso, Circuito de Posgrados, Ciudad Universitaria, México City, Mexico
| | - Enrique Pérez-Cárdenas
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| | - Lucia Taja-Chayeb
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| | - Talia Wegman-Ostrosky
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| | | | - Alejandro Zentella-Dehesa
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City, Mexico
- Unidad de Bioquímica, Instituto Nacional de Ciencias Médicas y Nutrición Salvador Zubirán (INCMNSZ), México City, Mexico
| | - Alfonso Dueñas-González
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
- Departamento de Medicina Genómica y Toxicología Ambiental, Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas (IIBO), Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM), México City, Mexico
| | - Horacio López-Basabe
- Departamento de Gastroenterología del Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| | - Rocío Morales-Bárcenas
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| | - Catalina Trejo-Becerril
- Subdirección de Investigación Básica, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City, Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
El-Ahmad P, Mendes-Silva AP, Diniz BS. Liquid Biopsy in Neuropsychiatric Disorders: A Step Closer to Precision Medicine. Mol Neurobiol 2025; 62:3462-3479. [PMID: 39298102 DOI: 10.1007/s12035-024-04492-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 09/11/2024] [Indexed: 09/21/2024]
Abstract
Psychiatric disorders are among the leading causes of disease burden worldwide. Despite their significant impact, their diagnosis remains challenging due to symptom heterogeneity, psychiatric comorbidity, and the lack of objective diagnostic tests and well-defined biomarkers. Leveraging genomic, epigenomic, and fragmentomic technologies, circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA)-based liquid biopsies have emerged as a potential non-invasive diagnosis and disease-monitoring tool. ccfDNA is a DNA species released into circulation from all types of cells through passive and active mechanisms and can serve as a biomarker for various diseases, namely, cancer. Despite their potential, the application of ccfDNA in neuropsychiatry remains underdeveloped. In this review, we provide an overview of liquid biopsies and their components, with a particular focus on ccfDNA. With a summary of pre-analytical practices and current ccfDNA technologies, we highlight the current state of research regarding the use of ccfDNA as a biomarker for neuropsychiatric disorders. Finally, we discuss future steps to unlock ccfDNA's potential in clinical practice.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Perla El-Ahmad
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| | - Ana Paula Mendes-Silva
- Campbell Family Mental Health Research Institute, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), Toronto, Canada
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Saskatchewan, Saskatoon, Canada
| | - Breno S Diniz
- UConn Center on Aging, University of Connecticut Health Center, 263 Farmington Ave, Farmington, CT, 06030, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Cinar M, Martinez-Medina L, Puvvula P, Arakelyan A, Vardarajan B, Anthony N, Nagaraju G, Park D, Feng L, Sheff F, Mosunjac M, Saxe D, Flygare S, Alese O, Kaufman J, Lonial S, Sarmiento J, Lossos I, Vertino P, Lopez J, El-Rayes B, Bernal-Mizrachi L. Transposon DNA sequences facilitate the tissue-specific gene transfer of circulating tumor DNA between human cells. Nucleic Acids Res 2024; 52:7539-7555. [PMID: 38783375 PMCID: PMC11260451 DOI: 10.1093/nar/gkae427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
The exchange of genes between cells is known to play an important physiological and pathological role in many organisms. We show that circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) facilitates cell-specific gene transfer between human cancer cells and explain part of the mechanisms behind this phenomenon. As ctDNA migrates into the nucleus, genetic information is transferred. Cell targeting and ctDNA integration require ERVL, SINE or LINE DNA sequences. Chemically manufactured AluSp and MER11C sequences replicated multiple myeloma (MM) ctDNA cell targeting and integration. Additionally, we found that ctDNA may alter the treatment response of MM and pancreatic cancer models. This study shows that retrotransposon DNA sequences promote cancer gene transfer. However, because cell-free DNA has been detected in physiological and other pathological conditions, our findings have a broader impact than just cancer. Furthermore, the discovery that transposon DNA sequences mediate tissue-specific targeting will open up a new avenue for the delivery of genes and therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Munevver Cinar
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | | | | | - Arsen Arakelyan
- Bioinformatics group, Institute of Molecular Biology NAS RA, Yerevan, Armenia
| | | | - Neil Anthony
- Integrated Cellular Imaging Core, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Ganji P Nagaraju
- Division of hematology and oncology, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Dongkyoo Park
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Lei Feng
- Kodikaz Therapeutic Solutions, Inc, New York, NY, USA
| | - Faith Sheff
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Marina Mosunjac
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Debra Saxe
- Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Steven Flygare
- Department of Computational Biology/ Genetics, The University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Olatunji B Alese
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Jonathan L Kaufman
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Sagar Lonial
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Juan M Sarmiento
- Department of Surgery, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Izidore S Lossos
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology-Oncology and Molecular and Cellular Pharmacology, Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Paula M Vertino
- Department of Biomedical Genetics and the Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY, USA
| | - Jose A Lopez
- Bloodworks Northwest Research Institute, Division of Hematology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Bassel El-Rayes
- Division of hematology and oncology, O’Neal Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, USA
| | - Leon Bernal-Mizrachi
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Winship Cancer Institute of Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Phillips D, Noble D. Reply from Daniel Phillips and Denis Noble. J Physiol 2024; 602:2669-2672. [PMID: 38305416 DOI: 10.1113/jp286224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Phillips
- Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| | - Denis Noble
- Department of Physiology, Anatomy & Genetics, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
De Sota RE, Quake SR, Sninsky JJ, Toden S. Decoding bioactive signals of the RNA secretome: the cell-free messenger RNA catalogue. Expert Rev Mol Med 2024; 26:e12. [PMID: 38682644 PMCID: PMC11140549 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2024.12] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite gene-expression profiling being one of the most common methods to evaluate molecular dysregulation in tissues, the utilization of cell-free messenger RNA (cf-mRNA) as a blood-based non-invasive biomarker analyte has been limited compared to other RNA classes. Recent advancements in low-input RNA-sequencing and normalization techniques, however, have enabled characterization as well as accurate quantification of cf-mRNAs allowing direct pathological insights. The molecular profile of the cell-free transcriptome in multiple diseases has subsequently been characterized including, prenatal diseases, neurological disorders, liver diseases and cancers suggesting this biological compartment may serve as a disease agnostic platform. With mRNAs packaged in a myriad of extracellular vesicles and particles, these signals may be used to develop clinically actionable, non-invasive disease biomarkers. Here, we summarize the recent scientific developments of extracellular mRNA, biology of extracellular mRNA carriers, clinical utility of cf-mRNA as disease biomarkers, as well as proposed functions in cell and tissue pathophysiology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rhys E. De Sota
- Superfluid Dx., 259 E Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Stephen R. Quake
- Department of Bioengineering and Department of Applied Physics, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA
- Chan Zuckerberg Biohub, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - John J. Sninsky
- Superfluid Dx., 259 E Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Shusuke Toden
- Superfluid Dx., 259 E Grand Avenue, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Thorsen SU, Moseholm KF, Clausen FB. Circulating cell-free DNA and its association with cardiovascular disease: what we know and future perspectives. Curr Opin Lipidol 2024; 35:14-19. [PMID: 37800671 DOI: 10.1097/mol.0000000000000907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to explore a possible link between cell-free DNA (cfDNA) and cardiovascular disease (CVD), which may hold valuable potential for future diagnostics. RECENT FINDINGS cfDNA has become topic of high interest across several medical fields. cfDNA is used as a diagnostic biomarker in cancer, prenatal care, and transplantation. In addition, cfDNA may play an unrecognized role in biological processes that are involved in or underlying various disease states, for example, inflammation. Elevated levels of cfDNA are associated with various elements of CVD, cardio-metabolic risk factors, and autoimmune diseases. Mitochondrial cfDNA and neutrophil extracellular traps may play distinct roles. Total circulating cfDNA may reflect the unspecific accumulation of stressors and the organism's susceptibility and resilience to such stressors. As such, cfDNA, in a stressful situation, may provide predictive value for future development of CVD. We suggest exploring such possibility through a large-scale prospective cohort study of pregnant women. SUMMARY There is no doubt that cfDNA is a valuable biomarker. For CVD, its potential is indicated but less explored. New studies may identify cfDNA as a valuable circulating cardiovascular risk marker to help improve risk stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Kristine Frøsig Moseholm
- Department of Public Health, Section of Epidemiology, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | |
Collapse
|
7
|
Witz A, Dardare J, Betz M, Gilson P, Merlin JL, Harlé A. Tumor-derived cell-free DNA and circulating tumor cells: partners or rivals in metastasis formation? Clin Exp Med 2024; 24:2. [PMID: 38231464 PMCID: PMC10794481 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01278-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2024]
Abstract
The origin of metastases is a topic that has sparked controversy. Despite recent advancements, metastatic disease continues to pose challenges. The first admitted model of how metastases develop revolves around cells breaking away from the primary tumor, known as circulating tumor cells (CTCs). These cells survive while circulating through the bloodstream and subsequently establish themselves in secondary organs, a process often referred to as the "metastatic cascade". This intricate and dynamic process involves various steps, but all the mechanisms behind metastatic dissemination are not yet comprehensively elucidated. The "seed and soil" theory has shed light on the phenomenon of metastatic organotropism and the existence of pre-metastatic niches. It is now established that these niches can be primed by factors secreted by the primary tumor before the arrival of CTCs. In particular, exosomes have been identified as important contributors to this priming. Another concept then emerged, i.e. the "genometastasis" theory, which challenged all other postulates. It emphasizes the intriguing but promising role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in metastasis formation through oncogenic formation of recipient cells. However, it cannot be ruled out that all these theories are intertwined. This review outlines the primary theories regarding the metastases formation that involve CTCs, and depicts cfDNA, a potential second player in the metastasis formation. We discuss the potential interrelationships between CTCs and cfDNA, and propose both in vitro and in vivo experimental strategies to explore all plausible theories.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andréa Witz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France.
| | - Julie Dardare
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Margaux Betz
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Pauline Gilson
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Jean-Louis Merlin
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| | - Alexandre Harlé
- Département de Biopathologie, Institut de Cancérologie de Lorraine, CNRS UMR 7039 CRAN-Université de Lorraine, 6 avenue de Bourgogne, 54519, Vandœuvre-lès-Nancy Cedex, France
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Schwartz RE, Conboy IM. Non-Intrinsic, Systemic Mechanisms of Cellular Senescence. Cells 2023; 12:2769. [PMID: 38132089 PMCID: PMC10741531 DOI: 10.3390/cells12242769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/28/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 12/01/2023] [Indexed: 12/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is believed to contribute to aging and disease through the activity of secreted factors that promote inflammation, remodel the extracellular matrix, and adversely modify the behavior of non-senescent cells. While the markers and properties of senescent cells are still under investigation, it is postulated that cellular senescence manifests in vivo as the consequence of cellular damage that accumulates and becomes exacerbated with time. Yet, the notions that senescence has a solely intrinsic and time-dependent nature are questioned by the rapid induction of senescence in young mice and young cells in vitro by exposure to blood from aged animals. Here, we review some of the research on the systemically present factors that increase with age and may contribute to extrinsically induced senescence or "bystander senescence". These include proteins, reactive oxygen species, lipids, and nucleic acids, which may be present in individual soluble form, in vesicles, and in non-membranous multi-component macromolecules.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Irina M. Conboy
- Department of Bioengineering, University of California Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720, USA;
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Alexandrou G, Mantikas KT, Allsopp R, Yapeter CA, Jahin M, Melnick T, Ali S, Coombes RC, Toumazou C, Shaw JA, Kalofonou M. The Evolution of Affordable Technologies in Liquid Biopsy Diagnostics: The Key to Clinical Implementation. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5434. [PMID: 38001698 PMCID: PMC10670715 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15225434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/08/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer remains a leading cause of death worldwide, despite many advances in diagnosis and treatment. Precision medicine has been a key area of focus, with research providing insights and progress in helping to lower cancer mortality through better patient stratification for therapies and more precise diagnostic techniques. However, unequal access to cancer care is still a global concern, with many patients having limited access to diagnostic tests and treatment regimens. Noninvasive liquid biopsy (LB) technology can determine tumour-specific molecular alterations in peripheral samples. This allows clinicians to infer knowledge at a DNA or cellular level, which can be used to screen individuals with high cancer risk, personalize treatments, monitor treatment response, and detect metastasis early. As scientific understanding of cancer pathology increases, LB technologies that utilize circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA) and circulating tumour cells (CTCs) have evolved over the course of research. These technologies incorporate tumour-specific markers into molecular testing platforms. For clinical translation and maximum patient benefit at a wider scale, the accuracy, accessibility, and affordability of LB tests need to be prioritized and compared with gold standard methodologies in current use. In this review, we highlight the range of technologies in LB diagnostics and discuss the future prospects of LB through the anticipated evolution of current technologies and the integration of emerging and novel ones. This could potentially allow a more cost-effective model of cancer care to be widely adopted.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- George Alexandrou
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Katerina-Theresa Mantikas
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Rebecca Allsopp
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK; (R.A.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Calista Adele Yapeter
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Myesha Jahin
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Taryn Melnick
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Simak Ali
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (S.A.); (R.C.C.)
| | - R. Charles Coombes
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London SW7 2AZ, UK; (S.A.); (R.C.C.)
| | - Christofer Toumazou
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| | - Jacqueline A. Shaw
- Leicester Cancer Research Centre, Department of Genetics and Genome Biology, University of Leicester, Leicester LE2 7LX, UK; (R.A.); (J.A.S.)
| | - Melpomeni Kalofonou
- Centre For Bio-Inspired Technology, Department of Electrical & Electronic Engineering, Imperial College London, London SW7 2BT, UK; (K.-T.M.); (C.A.Y.); (M.J.); (T.M.); (C.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu Y, Ma YH, Yang JW, Man JW, Wang HB, Li Y, Liang C, Cao JL, Chen SY, Li KP, Yang L. Rethinking neutrophil extracellular traps. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 124:110834. [PMID: 37625368 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023]
Abstract
Neutrophils are a major subset of leukocytes in human circulating blood. In some circumstances, neutrophils release neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). lnitially, NETs were considered to have a strong antibacterial capacity. However, currently, NETs have been shown to have a pivotal impact on various diseases. Different stimulators induce the production of different types of NETs, and their biological functions and modes of clearance do not appear to be the same. In this review, we will discuss several important issues related to NETs in order to better understand the relationship between NETs and diseases, as well as how to utilize the characteristics of NETs for disease treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi Liu
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Yu-Hua Ma
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Jian-Wei Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Jiang-Wei Man
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Hua-Bin Wang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Yi Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Cheng Liang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Jin-Long Cao
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Si-Yu Chen
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Kun-Peng Li
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China
| | - Li Yang
- Department of Urology, The Second Hospital of Lanzhou University, Gansu Province Clinical Research Center for Urology, Second Clinical School Lanzhou University, China.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Schwarzenbach H, Carmignac D, Gahan J. In Memoriam Peter B. Gahan 1933-2023. Histochem Cell Biol 2023; 160:369-370. [PMID: 37553538 DOI: 10.1007/s00418-023-02228-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/10/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Schwarzenbach
- University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, Martinistrasse, 20246, Hamburg, Germany.
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
12
|
Kurtulmuş A, Koçana CÇ, Toprak SF, Sözer S. The role of Extracellular Genomic Materials (EGMs) in psychiatric disorders. Transl Psychiatry 2023; 13:262. [PMID: 37464177 PMCID: PMC10354097 DOI: 10.1038/s41398-023-02549-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular Genomic Materials (EGMs) are the nucleic acids secreted or released from all types of cells by endogenous or exogenous stimuli through varying mechanisms into the extracellular region and inevitably to all biological fluids. EGMs could be found as free, protein-bound, and/ or with vesicles. EGMs can potentially have immunophenotypic and/or genotypic characteristics of a cell of origin, travel to distant organs, and interact with the new microenvironment. To achieve all, EGMs might bi-directionally transit through varying membranes, including the blood-brain barrier. Such ability provides the transfer of any information related to the pathophysiological changes in psychiatric disorders in the brain to the other distant organ systems or vice versa. In this article, many aspects of EGMs have been elegantly reviewed, including their potential in diagnosis as biomarkers, application in treatment modalities, and functional effects in the pathophysiology of psychiatric disorders. The psychiatric disorders were studied under subgroups of Schizophrenia spectrum disorders, bipolar disorder, depressive disorders, and an autism spectrum disorders. EGMs provide a robust and promising tool in clinics for prognosis and diagnosis. The successful application of EGMs into treatment modalities might further provide encouraging outcomes for researchers and clinicians in psychiatric disorders.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ayşe Kurtulmuş
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Istanbul Göztepe Prof.Dr.Süleyman Yalçın City Hospital, Department of Psychiatry, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Cemal Çağıl Koçana
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Fulya Toprak
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
- Institute of Health Sciences, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selçuk Sözer
- Department of Genetics, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lichá K, Pastorek M, Repiská G, Celec P, Konečná B. Investigation of the Presence of DNA in Human Blood Plasma Small Extracellular Vesicles. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24065915. [PMID: 36982989 PMCID: PMC10051167 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24065915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Revised: 03/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/16/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) is DNA outside of cells, which is a result of various mechanisms. EcDNA is believed to be a cause of various pathogeneses as well as their potential biomarker. EcDNA is believed to also be part of small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) from cell cultures. If ecDNA is present in sEVs in plasma, their membrane may protect it from degradation by deoxyribonucleases. Moreover, sEVs play a role in the intercellular communication, and they can therefore transfer ecDNA between cells. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of ecDNA in sEVs isolated from fresh human plasma by the ultracentrifugation and density gradient, which serves to exclude the co-isolation of non-sEVs compartments. The novelty of the current study is the investigation of the localization and subcellular origin of the ecDNA associated with sEVs in plasma, as well as the estimation of the approximate concentration. The cup-shaped sEVs were confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The highest concentration of particles was in the size of 123 nm. The presence of the sEVs markers CD9 and TSG101 was confirmed by western blot. It was found that 60-75% of DNA is on the surface of sEVs, but a part of the DNA is localized inside the sEVs. Moreover, both nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were present in plasma EVs. Further studies should focus on the potential harmful autoimmune effect of DNA carried by plasma EVs or specifically sEVs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kristína Lichá
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Pastorek
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Gabriela Repiská
- Institute of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 813 72 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Peter Celec
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Institute of Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Barbora Konečná
- Institute of Molecular Biomedicine, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University in Bratislava, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Bronkhorst AJ, Ungerer V, Oberhofer A, Gabriel S, Polatoglou E, Randeu H, Uhlig C, Pfister H, Mayer Z, Holdenrieder S. New Perspectives on the Importance of Cell-Free DNA Biology. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:2147. [PMID: 36140548 PMCID: PMC9497998 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12092147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Body fluids are constantly replenished with a population of genetically diverse cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments, representing a vast reservoir of information reflecting real-time changes in the host and metagenome. As many body fluids can be collected non-invasively in a one-off and serial fashion, this reservoir can be tapped to develop assays for the diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring of wide-ranging pathologies, such as solid tumors, fetal genetic abnormalities, rejected organ transplants, infections, and potentially many others. The translation of cfDNA research into useful clinical tests is gaining momentum, with recent progress being driven by rapidly evolving preanalytical and analytical procedures, integrated bioinformatics, and machine learning algorithms. Yet, despite these spectacular advances, cfDNA remains a very challenging analyte due to its immense heterogeneity and fluctuation in vivo. It is increasingly recognized that high-fidelity reconstruction of the information stored in cfDNA, and in turn the development of tests that are fit for clinical roll-out, requires a much deeper understanding of both the physico-chemical features of cfDNA and the biological, physiological, lifestyle, and environmental factors that modulate it. This is a daunting task, but with significant upsides. In this review we showed how expanded knowledge on cfDNA biology and faithful reverse-engineering of cfDNA samples promises to (i) augment the sensitivity and specificity of existing cfDNA assays; (ii) expand the repertoire of disease-specific cfDNA markers, thereby leading to the development of increasingly powerful assays; (iii) reshape personal molecular medicine; and (iv) have an unprecedented impact on genetics research.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abel J. Bronkhorst
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, D-80636 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Munich Biomarker Research Center, Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, D-80636 Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Valcz G, Újvári B, Buzás EI, Krenács T, Spisák S, Kittel Á, Tulassay Z, Igaz P, Takács I, Molnár B. Small extracellular vesicle DNA-mediated horizontal gene transfer as a driving force for tumor evolution: Facts and riddles. Front Oncol 2022; 12:945376. [PMID: 36003770 PMCID: PMC9393732 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.945376] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The basis of the conventional gene-centric view on tumor evolution is that vertically inherited mutations largely define the properties of tumor cells. In recent years, however, accumulating evidence shows that both the tumor cells and their microenvironment may acquire external, non-vertically inherited genetic properties via horizontal gene transfer (HGT), particularly through small extracellular vesicles (sEVs). Many phases of sEV-mediated HGT have been described, such as DNA packaging into small vesicles, their release, uptake by recipient cells, and incorporation of sEV-DNA into the recipient genome to modify the phenotype and properties of cells. Recent techniques in sEV separation, genome sequencing and editing, as well as the identification of new secretion mechanisms, shed light on a number of additional details of this phenomenon. Here, we discuss the key features of this form of gene transfer and make an attempt to draw relevant conclusions on the contribution of HGT to tumor evolution.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gábor Valcz
- MTA-SE Molecular Medicine Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Beáta Újvári
- School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Centre for Integrative Ecology, Deakin University, Waurn Ponds, VIC, Australia
| | - Edit I. Buzás
- Department of Genetics, Cell- and Immunobiology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- ELKH-SE Immune-Proteogenomics Extracellular Vesicle Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- HCEMM-SU Extracellular Vesicle Research Group, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Tibor Krenács
- 1st Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer Research, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Sándor Spisák
- Institute of Enzymology, Research Centre for Natural Sciences, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Ágnes Kittel
- Institute of Experimental Medicine, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Zsolt Tulassay
- MTA-SE Molecular Medicine Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Péter Igaz
- MTA-SE Molecular Medicine Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Endocrinology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - István Takács
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Béla Molnár
- MTA-SE Molecular Medicine Research Group, Eötvös Loránd Research Network, Budapest, Hungary
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Dutta A, Das M, Ghosh A, Rana S. Molecular and cellular pathophysiology of circulating cardiomyocyte-specific cell free DNA (cfDNA): Biomarkers of heart failure and potential therapeutic targets. Genes Dis 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.gendis.2022.08.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/07/2022] Open
|
17
|
Palomba E, Chiaiese P, Termolino P, Paparo R, Filippone E, Mazzoleni S, Chiusano ML. Effects of Extracellular Self- and Nonself-DNA on the Freshwater Microalga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and on the Marine Microalga Nannochloropsis gaditana. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 11:plants11111436. [PMID: 35684209 PMCID: PMC9183124 DOI: 10.3390/plants11111436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 05/19/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 05/11/2023]
Abstract
The role of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in soil and aquatic environments was mainly discussed in terms of source of mineral nutrients and of genetic material for horizontal gene transfer. Recently, the self-exDNA (conspecific) has been shown to have an inhibitory effect on the growth of that organism, while the same was not evident for nonself-exDNA (non conspecific). The inhibitory effect of self-exDNA was proposed as a universal phenomenon, although evidence is mainly reported for terrestrial species. The current study showed the inhibitory effect of self-exDNA also on photosynthetic aquatic microorganisms. We showed that self-exDNA inhibits the growth of the microalgae Chlamydomonas reinhardtii and Nannochloropsis gaditana, a freshwater and a marine species, respectively. In addition, the study also revealed the phenotypic effects post self-exDNA treatments. Indeed, Chlamydomonas showed the formation of peculiar heteromorphic aggregates of palmelloid cells embedded in an extracellular matrix, favored by the presence of DNA in the environment, that is not revealed after exposure to nonself-exDNA. The differential effect of self and nonself-exDNA on both microalgae, accompanied by the inhibitory growth effect of self-exDNA are the first pieces of evidence provided for species from aquatic environments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Emanuela Palomba
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, 80121 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Chiaiese
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.C.); (E.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Pasquale Termolino
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Rosa Paparo
- Institute of Biosciences and Bioresources, National Research Council, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.T.); (R.P.)
| | - Edgardo Filippone
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.C.); (E.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Stefano Mazzoleni
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.C.); (E.F.); (S.M.)
| | - Maria Luisa Chiusano
- Department of Research Infrastructures for Marine Biological Resources, Stazione Zoologica “Anton Dohrn”, 80121 Naples, Italy;
- Department of Agricultural Sciences, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, 80055 Portici, Italy; (P.C.); (E.F.); (S.M.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-81-2539492
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
The History and Future of Basic and Translational Cell-Free DNA Research at a Glance. Diagnostics (Basel) 2022; 12:diagnostics12051192. [PMID: 35626347 PMCID: PMC9139999 DOI: 10.3390/diagnostics12051192] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
We discuss the early history of the structure of DNA and its involvement in gene structure as well as its mobility in and between cells and between tissues in the form of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA). This is followed by a view of the present status of the studies on cfDNA and clinical applications of circulating cell-free tumor DNA (ctDNA). The future developments and roles of ctDNA are also considered.
Collapse
|
19
|
Kim MA, Lee EJ, Yang W, Shin HY, Kim YH, Kim JH. Identification of a novel gene signature in second-trimester amniotic fluid for the prediction of preterm birth. Sci Rep 2022; 12:3085. [PMID: 35361790 PMCID: PMC8971495 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-04709-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Accepted: 11/30/2021] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Preterm birth affects approximately 5% to 7% of live births worldwide and is the leading cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality. Amniotic fluid supernatant (AFS) contains abundant cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) that can provide genetic information associated with pregnancy complications. In the current study, cfNAs of AFS in the early second-trimester before the onset of symptoms of preterm birth were analyzed, and we compared gene expression levels between spontaneous preterm birth (n = 5) and term birth (n = 5) groups using sequencing analysis. Differential expression analyses detected 24 genes with increased and 6 genes with decreased expression in the preterm birth group compared to term birth. Upregulated expressions of RDH14, ZNF572, VOPP1, SERPINA12, and TCF15 were validated in an extended AFS sample by quantitative PCR (preterm birth group, n = 21; term birth group, n = 40). Five candidate genes displayed a significant increase in mRNA expression in immortalized trophoblast HTR-8/SVneo cell with H2O2 treatment. Moreover, the expression of five candidate genes was increased to more than twofold by pretreatment with lipopolysaccharide in HTR-8/SVneo cells. Changes in gene expression between preterm birth and term birth is strongly correlated with oxidative stress and infection during pregnancy. Specific expression patterns of genes could be used as potential markers for the early identification of women at risk of having a spontaneous preterm birth.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Min-A Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Eun-Ju Lee
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Wookyeom Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ha-Yeon Shin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Young-Han Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, 50-1 Yonsei-ro, Seodaemun-gu, Seoul, 03722, Korea.
| | - Jae-Hoon Kim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Gangnam Severance Hospital, Institute of Women's Life Medical Science, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
A Sight of the Diagnostic Value of Aberrant Cell-Free DNA Methylation in Lung Cancer. DISEASE MARKERS 2022; 2022:9619357. [PMID: 35126793 PMCID: PMC8814721 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9619357] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Background Lung cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancer worldwide. As one of the liquid biopsy analytes, alternations in cell-free DNA (cfDNA) methylation could function as promising biomarkers for lung cancer detection. Methods In this study, differential methylation analysis was performed to identify candidate markers, and lasso regression with 10-fold cross-validation (CV) was used to establish the diagnostic marker panel. The performance of the binary classifier was evaluated using the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the precision-recall (PR) curve. Results We identified 4072 differentially methylated regions (DMRs) based on cfDNA methylation data, and then a 10-DMR marker panel was established. The panel achieved an area under the ROC curve (AUROC) of 0.922 and an area under the PR curve (AUPR) of 0.899 in a cfDNA cohort containing 29 lung cancer and 74 normal samples, showing outstanding performance. Besides, the cfDNA-derived markers also performed well in primary tissue datasets, which were more robust than the tissue-derived markers. Conclusion Our study suggested that the 10-DMR marker panel attained high accuracy and robustness and may function as a novel and promising target for lung cancer detection.
Collapse
|
21
|
Barbagallo C, Platania CBM, Drago F, Barbagallo D, Di Pietro C, Purrello M, Bucolo C, Ragusa M. Do Extracellular RNAs Provide Insight into Uveal Melanoma Biology? Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5919. [PMID: 34885029 PMCID: PMC8657116 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13235919] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Uveal melanoma (UM) is the most common primary intraocular malignant tumor in adults, showing a high mortality due to metastasis. Although it is considered a rare disease, a growing number of papers have reported altered levels of RNAs (i.e., coding and non-coding RNAs) in cancerous tissues and biological fluids from UM patients. The presence of circulating RNAs, whose dysregulation is associated with UM, paved the way to the possibility of exploiting it for diagnostic and prognostic purposes. However, the biological meaning and the origin of such RNAs in blood and ocular fluids of UM patients remain unexplored. In this review, we report the state of the art of circulating RNAs in UM and debate whether the amount and types of RNAs measured in bodily fluids mirror the RNA alterations from source cancer cells. Based on literature data, extracellular RNAs in UM patients do not represent, with rare exceptions, a snapshot of RNA dysregulations occurring in cancerous tissues, but rather the complex and heterogeneous outcome of a systemic dysfunction, including immune system activity, that modifies the mechanisms of RNA delivery from several cell types.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.); (D.B.); (C.D.P.); (M.P.); (M.R.)
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Chiara Bianca Maria Platania
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.D.)
| | - Filippo Drago
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.D.)
- Center of Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Davide Barbagallo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.); (D.B.); (C.D.P.); (M.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Cinzia Di Pietro
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.); (D.B.); (C.D.P.); (M.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Michele Purrello
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.); (D.B.); (C.D.P.); (M.P.); (M.R.)
| | - Claudio Bucolo
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Pharmacology, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.M.P.); (F.D.)
- Center of Research in Ocular Pharmacology—CERFO, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy
| | - Marco Ragusa
- Department of Biomedical and Biotechnological Sciences—Section of Biology and Genetics, University of Catania, 95123 Catania, Italy; (C.B.); (D.B.); (C.D.P.); (M.P.); (M.R.)
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Alekseeva L, Mironova N. Role of Cell-Free DNA and Deoxyribonucleases in Tumor Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:12246. [PMID: 34830126 PMCID: PMC8625144 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222212246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Many studies have reported an increase in the level of circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the blood of patients with cancer. cfDNA mainly comes from tumor cells and, therefore, carries features of its genomic profile. Moreover, tumor-derived cfDNA can act like oncoviruses, entering the cells of vulnerable organs, transforming them and forming metastatic nodes. Another source of cfDNA is immune cells, including neutrophils that generate neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). Despite the potential eliminative effect of NETs on tumors, in some cases, their excessive generation provokes tumor growth as well as invasion. Considering both possible pathological contributions of cfDNA, as an agent of oncotransformation and the main component of NETs, the study of deoxyribonucleases (DNases) as anticancer and antimetastatic agents is important and promising. This review considers the pathological role of cfDNA in cancer development and the role of DNases as agents to prevent and/or prohibit tumor progression and the development of metastases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nadezhda Mironova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine, SB RAS, Lavrentiev Ave., 8, 630090 Novosibirsk, Russia;
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Wagner H, Kenk M, Fraser M, Berlin A, Fleshner N. Biorepositories and Databanks for the Development of Novel Biomarkers for Genitourinary Cancer Prevention and Management. Eur Urol Focus 2021; 7:513-521. [PMID: 34167926 DOI: 10.1016/j.euf.2021.06.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/09/2021] [Revised: 05/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Translational research in uro-oncology depends on the availability of high-quality biospecimens and associated data to advance precision medicine and improve clinical outcomes. Procurement, storage, and annotation of these specimens represent critical steps towards this end. OBJECTIVE To review best-practice experiences gained via the McCain GU BioBank, a repository of more than 750 000 biospecimens obtained from more than 16 000 patients attending clinics at the University Health Network in Toronto, Canada. EVIDENCE ACQUISITION The review summarizes our experiences at a large single-institution genitourinary oncology biorepository. EVIDENCE SYNTHESIS Key findings are placed in the context of emerging trends in genitourinary oncology, with a focus on integration of molecular profiling and clinical data with traditional biorepository management. Proposed approaches provide high-quality biospecimens with comprehensive and reliable clinical data that can fuel innovation and discovery in research. CONCLUSIONS Biorepositories are vital for improving clinical outcomes and advancing personalized medicine. High-quality biospecimens and their associated clinical data are crucial for validation of biomarkers in oncology. Efforts to procure, store, and annotate clinical specimens represent critical steps in translational research. Elements such as biobank size, biospecimen types, disease cohorts, predetermined collection protocols, broad informed consent, sample handling and storage protocols, and available infrastructure directly influence the effectiveness and capacity of a biobank. PATIENT SUMMARY Biorepositories, or biobanks, are facilities that store biospecimens such as blood, urine, or tissue (usually collected from humans) for use in research. Biobanks have become an important resource in medical research, as they provide high-quality specimens to support different types of contemporary research such as genomics, biomarker discovery, and personalized medicine. Clinical management and treatment of genitourinary cancers, such as prostate, kidney, and bladder cancers, are particularly suited for biomarker research. The provision of biospecimens and their associated clinical data have become crucial for validation of biomarkers in these cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Heidi Wagner
- McCain GU BioBank, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada.
| | - Miran Kenk
- McCain GU BioBank, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Michael Fraser
- McCain GU BioBank, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Canadian Prostate Cancer Genome Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Alejandro Berlin
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada; Canadian Prostate Cancer Genome Network, Toronto, Canada; Department of Radiation Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada
| | - Neil Fleshner
- McCain GU BioBank, Department of Surgical Oncology, Princess Margaret Cancer Centre, University Health Network, Toronto, Canada; Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ungerer V, Bronkhorst AJ, Van den Ackerveken P, Herzog M, Holdenrieder S. Serial profiling of cell-free DNA and nucleosome histone modifications in cell cultures. Sci Rep 2021; 11:9460. [PMID: 33947882 PMCID: PMC8096822 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-88866-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recent advances in basic research have unveiled several strategies for improving the sensitivity and specificity of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) based assays, which is a prerequisite for broadening its clinical use. Included among these strategies is leveraging knowledge of both the biogenesis and physico-chemical properties of cfDNA towards the identification of better disease-defining features and optimization of methods. While good progress has been made on this front, much of cfDNA biology remains uncharted. Here, we correlated serial measurements of cfDNA size, concentration and nucleosome histone modifications with various cellular parameters, including cell growth rate, viability, apoptosis, necrosis, and cell cycle phase in three different cell lines. Collectively, the picture emerged that temporal changes in cfDNA levels are rather irregular and not the result of constitutive release from live cells. Instead, changes in cfDNA levels correlated with intermittent cell death events, wherein apoptosis contributed more to cfDNA release in non-cancer cells and necrosis more in cancer cells. Interestingly, the presence of a ~ 3 kbp cfDNA population, which is often deemed to originate from accidental cell lysis or active release, was found to originate from necrosis. High-resolution analysis of this cfDNA population revealed an underlying DNA laddering pattern consisting of several oligo-nucleosomes, identical to those generated by apoptosis. This suggests that necrosis may contribute significantly to the pool of mono-nucleosomal cfDNA fragments that are generally interrogated for cancer mutational profiling. Furthermore, since active steps are often taken to exclude longer oligo-nucleosomes from clinical biospecimens and subsequent assays this raises the question of whether important pathological information is lost.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vida Ungerer
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University of Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636, Munich, Germany
| | - Abel J Bronkhorst
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University of Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636, Munich, Germany
| | | | - Marielle Herzog
- Belgian Volition SRL, 22 Rue Phocas Lejeune, Parc Scientifique Crealys, 5032, Isnes, Belgium
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University of Munich, Lazarettstraße 36, 80636, Munich, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Fernández-Domínguez IJ, Manzo-Merino J, Taja-Chayeb L, Dueñas-González A, Pérez-Cárdenas E, Trejo-Becerril C. The role of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in cellular processes. Cancer Biol Ther 2021; 22:267-278. [PMID: 33858306 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2021.1890319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays, extracellular DNA or circulating cell-free DNA is considered to be a molecule with clinical applications (diagnosis, prognosis, monitoring of treatment responses, or patient follow-up) in diverse pathologies, especially in cancer. Nevertheless, because of its molecular characteristics, it can have many other functions. This review focuses on the participation of extracellular DNA (exDNA) in fundamental processes such as cell signaling, coagulation, immunity, evolution through horizontal transfer of genetic information, and adaptive response to inflammatory processes. A deeper understanding of its role in each of these processes will allow development of better tools to monitor and control pathologies, as well as helping to generate new therapeutic options, beyond the applicability of DNA in liquid biopsy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Lucia Taja-Chayeb
- Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City
| | - Alfonso Dueñas-González
- Division of Basic Research, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología, México City.,Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico City, Mexico
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
26
|
Extracellular DNA in blood products and its potential effects on transfusion. Biosci Rep 2021; 40:222322. [PMID: 32150264 PMCID: PMC7098128 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20192770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Blood transfusions are sometimes necessary after a high loss of blood due to injury or surgery. Some people need regular transfusions due to medical conditions such as haemophilia or cancer. Studies have suggested that extracellular DNA including mitochondrial DNA present in the extracellular milieu of transfused blood products has biological actions that are capable of activating the innate immune systems and potentially contribute to some adverse reactions in transfusion. From the present work, it becomes increasingly clear that extracellular DNA encompassed mitochondrial DNA is far from being biologically inert in blood products. It has been demonstrated to be present in eligible blood products and thus can be transfused to blood recipients. Although the presence of extracellular DNA in human plasma was initially detected in 1948, some aspects have not been fully elucidated. In this review, we summarize the potential origins, clearance mechanisms, relevant structures, and potential role of extracellular DNA in the innate immune responses and its relationship with individual adverse reactions in transfusion.
Collapse
|
27
|
Wang YF, Wang XJ, Lu Z, Liu SR, Jiang Y, Wan XQ, Cheng CC, Shi LH, Wang LH, Ding Y. Overexpression of Stat3 increases circulating cfDNA in breast cancer. Breast Cancer Res Treat 2021; 187:69-80. [PMID: 33630196 DOI: 10.1007/s10549-021-06142-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/29/2020] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current studies on circulating cell-free DNA (cfDNA) have been focusing on its potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsy by detecting its content or genetic and epigenetic changes for the evaluation of tumor burden and therapeutic efficacy. However, the regulatory mechanism of cfDNA release remains unclear. Stat3 has been documented as an oncogene for the development and metastasis of breast cancer cells. In this study, we investigated whether Stat3 affects the release of cfDNA into blood and its association with the number of circulating tumor cells (CTCs). METHODS The cfDNA level in plasma of patients with breast cancer and healthy volunteers were determined by quantitative real-time PCR. Three mouse breast cancer models with different Stat3 expression were generated and used to established three breast cancer orthotopic animal models to examine the effect of Stat3 on cfDNA release in vivo. Stat3 mediated Epithelial-mesenchymal phenotype transition of CTCs was determined by immunofluorescence assay and Western blot assay. RESULTS The data showed that Stat3 increased circulating cfDNA, which is correlated with the increased volume of primary tumors and number of CTCs, accompanied with the dynamic EMT changes regulated by Snail induction. Furthermore, the high level of total circulating cfDNA and Stat3-cfDNA in patients with breast cancer were detected by quantitative real-time PCR using GAPDH and Stat3 primers. CONCLUSION Our results suggested that Stat3 increases the circulating cfDNA and CTCs in breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Fei Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xue-Jian Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Zhong Lu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Shu-Rong Liu
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yu Jiang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Xiao-Qing Wan
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Cong-Cong Cheng
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Hong Shi
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Li-Hua Wang
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.,Affiliated Hospital, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China
| | - Yi Ding
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology, Weifang Medical College, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China. .,Key Laboratory of Applied Pharmacology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, 261053, Shandong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Circulating Cell-Free DNA in Breast Cancer: Searching for Hidden Information towards Precision Medicine. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13040728. [PMID: 33578793 PMCID: PMC7916622 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040728] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/13/2021] [Revised: 02/05/2021] [Accepted: 02/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Our research focuses in the elucidation of the nature of circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) as a biological entity and its exploitation as a liquid biopsy biomaterial. Working on breast cancer, it became clear that although a promising biosource, its clinical exploitation is burdened mainly by gaps in knowledge about its biology and specific characteristics. The current review covers multiple aspects of ccfDNA in breast cancer. We cover key issues such as quantity, integrity, releasing structures, methylation specific changes, release mechanisms, biological role. Machine learning approaches for analyzing ccfDNA-generated data to produce classifiers for clinical use are also discussed. Abstract Breast cancer (BC) is a leading cause of death between women. Mortality is significantly raised due to drug resistance and metastasis, while personalized treatment options are obstructed by the limitations of conventional biopsy follow-up. Lately, research is focusing on circulating biomarkers as minimally invasive choices for diagnosis, prognosis and treatment monitoring. Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) is a promising liquid biopsy biomaterial of great potential as it is thought to mirror the tumor’s lifespan; however, its clinical exploitation is burdened mainly by gaps in knowledge of its biology and specific characteristics. The current review aims to gather latest findings about the nature of ccfDNA and its multiple molecular and biological characteristics in breast cancer, covering basic and translational research and giving insights about its validity in a clinical setting.
Collapse
|
29
|
Koçana CÇ, Toprak SF, Sözer S. Extracellular genetic materials and their application in clinical practice. Cancer Genet 2020; 252-253:48-63. [PMID: 33387935 DOI: 10.1016/j.cancergen.2020.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2020] [Revised: 11/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/20/2020] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
This study reviews the possible origins, functional roles, and diagnostic applications of 'extracellular genetic material' (EGM), a novel term introduced to cover DNA, RNA, and DNA/RNA-related molecules released from all types of cells into the extracellular region. The literature on EGMs shows them to play a dual role in diverse, fine-tuning mechanisms involved in both homeostasis and pathological events, including cancerogenesis and genometastasis. Recent developments in the next-generation technology have provided successful applications of low quantities of genomic materials into the diagnostic field, yielding high sensitivity and specificity in test results. Also, the successful application of EGMs into diagnostics has afforded promising outcomes for researchers and clinicians. This study of EGM provides a deeper understanding of the subject as an area of interest, especially cell-free DNA, aiming toward the eventual development of new therapeutic applications and diagnostic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Cemal Çağıl Koçana
- Department of Genetic, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selin Fulya Toprak
- Department of Genetic, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Selçuk Sözer
- Department of Genetic, Aziz Sancar Institute of Experimental Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Cirillo M, Craig AFM, Borchmann S, Kurtz DM. Liquid biopsy in lymphoma: Molecular methods and clinical applications. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 91:102106. [PMID: 33049623 PMCID: PMC8043056 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this article, we broadly review the application of cfDNA analysis to the diagnosis and management of lymphoma. We introduce the advantages of cfDNA measurement over conventional tissue biopsy and describe how cfDNA may be utilized for both genotyping and detection of minimal residual disease. First, we discuss genotyping, beginning with differences in identifying mutations from the blood plasma vs. from circulating cells. We review the technical distinctions between PCR- and NGS-based assays and describe two important applications of NGS-based cfDNA tests, namely the identification of resistance mutations and classification of disease subtype. We discuss difficulties in genotyping diseases with low burden of tumor cells and the application of cfDNA assays in these contexts. Second, we describe the utility of ctDNA measurement in assessing MRD. We cover recent advances in the assessment of pre-treatment disease burden as a prognostic biomarker, detection of molecular response to therapy, and early detection of relapsing disease. Third, we explore select emerging areas of research in ctDNA technologies that show promise in boosting the performance of existing ctDNA-based assays. These include cell-free DNA fragment structure analysis or 'fragmentomics', epigenetic modifications, and novel circulating analytes such as tumor-educated platelets and extracellular vesicular DNA. We also discuss alternative analytes to blood plasma for tumor detection, such as urine, saliva, and stool. Finally, we present a case that highlights potential applications of ctDNA approaches to the management of patients with lymphoma, while also defining important prerequisite advances before this can be fully realized. We close with a look to the future of cfDNA applications, outlining one potential timeline and path forward towards routine clinical application.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Melita Cirillo
- Royal Perth Hospital, Perth, Australia; University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Alexander F M Craig
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA; University of California, San Francisco School of Medicine, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Sven Borchmann
- University of Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, German Hodgkin Study Group, Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Center for Molecular Medicine, Cologne, Germany; University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Else Kröner Forschungskolleg Clonal Evolution in Cancer, Cologne, Germany.
| | - David M Kurtz
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Putative Origins of Cell-Free DNA in Humans: A Review of Active and Passive Nucleic Acid Release Mechanisms. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21218062. [PMID: 33137955 PMCID: PMC7662960 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21218062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 10/27/2020] [Accepted: 10/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Through various pathways of cell death, degradation, and regulated extrusion, partial or complete genomes of various origins (e.g., host cells, fetal cells, and infiltrating viruses and microbes) are continuously shed into human body fluids in the form of segmented cell-free DNA (cfDNA) molecules. While the genetic complexity of total cfDNA is vast, the development of progressively efficient extraction, high-throughput sequencing, characterization via bioinformatics procedures, and detection have resulted in increasingly accurate partitioning and profiling of cfDNA subtypes. Not surprisingly, cfDNA analysis is emerging as a powerful clinical tool in many branches of medicine. In addition, the low invasiveness of longitudinal cfDNA sampling provides unprecedented access to study temporal genomic changes in a variety of contexts. However, the genetic diversity of cfDNA is also a great source of ambiguity and poses significant experimental and analytical challenges. For example, the cfDNA population in the bloodstream is heterogeneous and also fluctuates dynamically, differs between individuals, and exhibits numerous overlapping features despite often originating from different sources and processes. Therefore, a deeper understanding of the determining variables that impact the properties of cfDNA is crucial, however, thus far, is largely lacking. In this work we review recent and historical research on active vs. passive release mechanisms and estimate the significance and extent of their contribution to the composition of cfDNA.
Collapse
|
32
|
Korabecna M, Zinkova A, Brynychova I, Chylikova B, Prikryl P, Sedova L, Neuzil P, Seda O. Cell-free DNA in plasma as an essential immune system regulator. Sci Rep 2020; 10:17478. [PMID: 33060738 PMCID: PMC7566599 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-74288-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2020] [Accepted: 09/04/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is always present in plasma, and it is biomarker of growing interest in prenatal diagnostics as well as in oncology and transplantology for therapy efficiency monitoring. But does this cfDNA have a physiological role? Here we show that cfDNA presence and clearance in plasma of healthy individuals plays an indispensable role in immune system regulation. We exposed THP1 cells to healthy individuals' plasma with (NP) and without (TP) cfDNA. In cells treated with NP, we found elevated expression of genes whose products maintain immune system homeostasis. Exposure of cells to TP triggered an innate immune response (IIR), documented particularly by elevated expression of pro-inflammatory interleukin 8. The results of mass spectrometry showed a higher abundance of proteins associated with IIR activation due to the regulation of complement cascade in cells cultivated with TP. These expression profiles provide evidence that the presence of cfDNA and its clearance in plasma of healthy individuals regulate fundamental mechanisms of the inflammation process and tissue homeostasis. The detailed understanding how neutrophil extracellular traps and their naturally occurring degradation products affect the performance of immune system is of crucial interest for future medical applications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- M Korabecna
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - A Zinkova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - I Brynychova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
- Department of Anthropology and Human Genetics, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - B Chylikova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Prikryl
- First Faculty of Medicine, Institute of Pathological Physiology, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - L Sedova
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - P Neuzil
- Department of Microsystem Engineering, School of Mechanical Engineering, Northwestern Polytechnical University, Xi'an, People's Republic of China
- CEITEC, Brno University of Technology, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - O Seda
- Institute of Biology and Medical Genetics, First Faculty of Medicine, Charles University and General University Hospital in Prague, Albertov 4, 128 00, Prague, Czech Republic
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Pessoa LS, Heringer M, Ferrer VP. ctDNA as a cancer biomarker: A broad overview. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 155:103109. [PMID: 33049662 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.103109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 156] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in fluids has gained attention because ctDNA seems to identify tumor-specific abnormalities, which could be used for diagnosis, follow-up of treatment, and prognosis: the so-called liquid biopsy. Liquid biopsy is a minimally invasive approach and presents the sum of ctDNA from primary and secondary tumor sites. It has been possible not only to quantify the amount of ctDNA but also to identify (epi)genetic changes. Specific mutations in genes have been identified in the plasma of patients with several types of cancer, which highlights ctDNA as a possible cancer biomarker. However, achieving detectable concentrations of ctDNA in body fluids is not an easy task. ctDNA fragments present a short half-life, and there are no cut-off values to discriminate high and low ctDNA concentrations. Here, we discuss the use of ctDNA as a cancer biomarker, the main methodologies, the inherent difficulties, and the clinical predictive value of ctDNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Luciana Santos Pessoa
- Brain's Biomedicine Laboratory, Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil; Center for Experimental Surgery, Graduate Program in Surgical Sciences, Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Manoela Heringer
- Brain's Biomedicine Laboratory, Paulo Niemeyer State Brain Institute, Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Valéria Pereira Ferrer
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Biology, Institute of Biology, Fluminense Federal University, Niteroi, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Elzanowska J, Semira C, Costa-Silva B. DNA in extracellular vesicles: biological and clinical aspects. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:1701-1714. [PMID: 32767659 PMCID: PMC8169445 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12777] [Citation(s) in RCA: 121] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 07/28/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The study of extracellular vesicles (EVs), especially in the liquid biopsy field, has rapidly evolved in recent years. However, most EV studies have focused on RNA or protein content and DNA in EVs (EV‐DNA) has largely been unnoticed. In this review, we compile current evidence regarding EV‐DNA and provide an extensive discussion on EV‐DNA biology. We look into EV‐DNA biogenesis and mechanisms of DNA loading into EVs, as well as describe the particularly significant function of DNA‐carrying EVs in the maintenance of cellular homeostasis, intracellular communication, and immune response modulation. We also examine the current role of EV‐DNA in the clinical setting, specifically in cancer, infections, pregnancy, and prenatal diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Julia Elzanowska
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Christine Semira
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| | - Bruno Costa-Silva
- Champalimaud Research, Champalimaud Centre for the Unknown, Lisbon, Portugal
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Khani M, Hosseini J, Habibi M, Mirfakhraie R, Sadeghzadeh Z, Pouresmaeili F. Investigating the relationship between ccfDNA concentration, its integrity, and some individual factors in an Iranian population. Hum Antibodies 2020; 28:319-326. [PMID: 32804121 DOI: 10.3233/hab-200419] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) increases in some pathologic conditions like cancer. We aimed to investigate the correlation between some individual factors and the ccfDNA level in peripheral blood of Iranian in relation to prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD 30 patients with prostate cancer (PCa), 40 with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and 30 controls were studied. Personal information, ccfDNA concentration, and the integrity index were assessed for the correlation between the disease and different factors. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS In PCa group, no association was found between total ccfDNA, BMI, BPH background, non-cancerous diseases, medications, PCa length, and job (p-value > 0.05). But, total ccfDNA had statistical associations with weight, family history of cancer, and location (p-value < 0.05). No association was between the integrity of ccfDNA, weight, the background of BPH, and family history of cancer. But, the integrity of ccfDNA was significantly associated with BMI and PCa length (p-value < 0.05).In BPH group, no association between total ccfDNA or the integrity of ccfDNA and the assessed factors was obtained (p-value > 0.05). In the normal group, neither statistical association was found between total ccfDNA, weight, BMI, and job, nor between the integrity of ccfDNA, weight, BMI, non-cancerous disease, drug, job, and location (p-value > 0.05). But, a statistical association was found between the integrity of ccfDNA and family history of cancer in the recent group (Based on 95% CI and P-value less than 0.05). CONCLUSION ccfDNA and its integrity as possible prostate cancer biomarkers under the influence of individuals' physiological status are prone to the pathologic changes toward the disease. Further simultaneous study of the target groups could clarify this matter.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Maryam Khani
- Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Jalil Hosseini
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mohsen Habibi
- Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Reza Mirfakhraie
- Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Sadeghzadeh
- Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farkhondeh Pouresmaeili
- Medical Genetics Department, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.,Men's Health and Reproductive Health Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Ungerer V, Bronkhorst AJ, Holdenrieder S. Preanalytical variables that affect the outcome of cell-free DNA measurements. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2020; 57:484-507. [DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2020.1750558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Vida Ungerer
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Abel J. Bronkhorst
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Dhayat SA, Yang Z. Impact of circulating tumor DNA in hepatocellular and pancreatic carcinomas. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2020; 146:1625-1645. [PMID: 32338295 PMCID: PMC7256092 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-020-03219-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2020] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pancreatic cancer (PC) belong to the most lethal malignancies worldwide. Despite advances in surgical techniques and perioperative multidisciplinary management, the prognosis of both carcinoma entities remains poor mainly because of rapid tumor progression and early dissemination with diagnosis in advanced tumor stages with poor sensitivity to current therapy regimens. Both highly heterogeneous visceral carcinomas exhibit unique somatic alterations, but share common driver genes and mutations as well. Recently, circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) could be identified as a liquid biopsy tool with huge potential as non-invasive biomarker in early diagnosis and prognosis. CtDNA released from necrotic or apoptotic cells of primary tumors, metastasis, and circulating tumor cells can reveal genetic and epigenetic alterations with tumor-specific and individual mutation and methylation profiles. In this article, we focus on clinical impact of ctDNA as potential biomarker in patients with HCC and PC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sameer A Dhayat
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 (W1), 48149, Munster, Germany.
| | - Zixuan Yang
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, University Hospital Muenster, Albert-Schweitzer-Campus 1 (W1), 48149, Munster, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Abstract
Abstract
It is well documented that in the chain from sample to the result in a clinical laboratory, the pre-analytical phase is the weakest and most vulnerable link. This also holds for the use and analysis of extracellular nucleic acids. In this short review, we will summarize and critically evaluate the most important steps of the pre-analytical phase, i.e. the choice of the best control population for the patients to be analyzed, the actual blood draw, the choice of tubes for blood drawing, the impact of delayed processing of blood samples, the best method for getting rid of cells and debris, the choice of matrix, i.e. plasma vs. serum vs. other body fluids, and the impact of long-term storage of cell-free liquids on the outcome. Even if the analysis of cell-free nucleic acids has already become a routine application in the area of non-invasive prenatal screening (NIPS) and in the care of cancer patients (search for resistance mutations in the EGFR gene), there are still many unresolved issues of the pre-analytical phase which need to be urgently tackled.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michael Fleischhacker
- DRK Kliniken Berlin Mitte , Klinik für Innere Medizin – Pneumologie und Schlafmedizin , Drontheimer Str. 39 – 40 , 13359 Berlin , Germany
| | - Bernd Schmidt
- DRK Kliniken Berlin Mitte , Klinik für Innere Medizin – Pneumologie und Schlafmedizin , Berlin , Germany
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Grabuschnig S, Soh J, Heidinger P, Bachler T, Hirschböck E, Rosales Rodriguez I, Schwendenwein D, Sensen CW. Circulating cell-free DNA is predominantly composed of retrotransposable elements and non-telomeric satellite DNA. J Biotechnol 2020; 313:48-56. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jbiotec.2020.03.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Revised: 02/26/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
|
40
|
Guibert N, Pradines A, Favre G, Mazieres J. Current and future applications of liquid biopsy in nonsmall cell lung cancer from early to advanced stages. Eur Respir Rev 2020; 29:190052. [PMID: 32051167 PMCID: PMC9488537 DOI: 10.1183/16000617.0052-2019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/11/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Liquid biopsy refers to the analysis of any tumour-derived material circulating in the blood or any other body fluid. This concept is particularly relevant in lung cancer as the tumour is often difficult to reach and may need an invasive and potentially harmful procedure. Moreover, the multitude of anticancer drugs and their sequential use underline the importance of conducting an iterative assessment of tumour biology. Liquid biopsies can noninvasively detect any targetable genomic alteration and guide corresponding targeted therapy, in addition to monitoring response to treatment and exploring the genetic changes at resistance, overcoming spatial and temporal heterogeneity.In this article, we review the available data in the field, which suggest the potential of liquid biopsy in the area of lung cancer, with a particular focus on cell-free DNA and circulating tumour cells. We discuss their respective applications in patient selection and monitoring through targeted therapy, as well as immune checkpoint inhibitors. The current data and future applications of liquid biopsy in the early stage setting are also investigated.Liquid biopsy has the potential to help manage nonsmall cell lung cancer throughout all stages of lung cancer: screening, minimal residual disease detection to guide adjuvant treatment, early detection of relapse, systemic treatment initiation and monitoring of response (targeted or immune therapy), and resistance genotyping.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Nicolas Guibert
- Thoracic Oncology Dept, Hôpital Larrey, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), Toulouse, France
- University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Pradines
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), Toulouse, France
- Medical Laboratory, Claudius Regaud Institute, Toulouse University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), Toulouse, France
| | - Gilles Favre
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), Toulouse, France
- University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
- Medical Laboratory, Claudius Regaud Institute, Toulouse University Cancer Institute (IUCT-O), Toulouse, France
| | - Julien Mazieres
- Thoracic Oncology Dept, Hôpital Larrey, University Hospital of Toulouse, Toulouse, France
- Cancer Research Centre of Toulouse (CRCT), Inserm, University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, National Scientific Research Centre (CNRS), Toulouse, France
- University of Toulouse III - Paul Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Otandault A, Abraham JD, Al Amir Dache Z, Khalyfa A, Jariel-Encontre I, Forné T, Prévostel C, Chouaib S, Gozal D, Thierry AR. Hypoxia differently modulates the release of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA. Br J Cancer 2020; 122:715-725. [PMID: 31929518 PMCID: PMC7054557 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-019-0716-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND We investigated the influence of hypoxia on the concentration of mitochondrial and nuclear cell-free DNA (McfDNA and NcfDNA, respectively). METHOD By an ultra-sensitive quantitative PCR-based assay, McfDNA and NcfDNA were measured in the supernatants of different colorectal cell lines, and in the plasma of C57/Bl6 mice engrafted with TC1 tumour cells, in normoxic or hypoxic conditions. RESULTS Our data when setting cell culture conditions highlighted the higher stability of McfDNA as compared to NcfDNA and revealed that cancer cells released amounts of nuclear DNA equivalent to the mass of a chromosome over a 6-h duration of incubation. In cell model, hypoxia induced a great increase in NcfDNA and McfDNA concentrations within the first 24 h. After this period, cfDNA total concentrations remained stable in hypoxia consecutive to a decrease of nuclear DNA release, and noteworthy, to a complete inhibition of daily mitochondrial DNA release. In TC1-engrafted mice submitted to intermittent hypoxia, plasma NcfDNA levels are much higher than in mice bred in normoxia, unlike plasma McfDNA concentration that is not impacted by hypoxia. CONCLUSION This study suggests that hypoxia negatively modulates nuclear and, particularly, mitochondrial DNA releases in long-term hypoxia, and revealed that the underlying mechanisms are differently regulated.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amaelle Otandault
- IRCM, Inserm U1194, Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier, 208, avenue des Apothicaires, Montpellier, 34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34090, France
- Institut régional du cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34298, France
| | - Jean-Daniel Abraham
- IRCM, Inserm U1194, Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier, 208, avenue des Apothicaires, Montpellier, 34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34090, France
- Institut régional du cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34298, France
| | - Zahra Al Amir Dache
- IRCM, Inserm U1194, Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier, 208, avenue des Apothicaires, Montpellier, 34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34090, France
- Institut régional du cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34298, France
| | - Abdelnaby Khalyfa
- Department of Child Health and Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Isabelle Jariel-Encontre
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Thierry Forné
- Institut de Génétique Moléculaire de Montpellier, University of Montpellier, CNRS, Montpellier, France
| | - Corinne Prévostel
- IRCM, Inserm U1194, Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier, 208, avenue des Apothicaires, Montpellier, 34298, France
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34090, France
- Institut régional du cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34298, France
| | - Salem Chouaib
- INSERM UMR 1186, Integrative Tumor Immunology and Genetic Oncology, Gustave Roussy, EPHE, Fac. de médecine-Univ. Paris-Sud, University Paris-Saclay, Villejuif, 94805, France
- TRIPM, Gulf Medical University, Ajman, UAE
| | - David Gozal
- Department of Child Health and Child Health Research Institute, University of Missouri School of Medicine, Columbia, MO, 65201, USA
| | - Alain R Thierry
- IRCM, Inserm U1194, Institut de recherche en cancérologie de Montpellier, 208, avenue des Apothicaires, Montpellier, 34298, France.
- Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34090, France.
- Institut régional du cancer de Montpellier, Montpellier, 34298, France.
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Alekseeva LA, Sen'kova AV, Zenkova MA, Mironova NL. Targeting Circulating SINEs and LINEs with DNase I Provides Metastases Inhibition in Experimental Tumor Models. MOLECULAR THERAPY. NUCLEIC ACIDS 2020; 20:50-61. [PMID: 32146418 PMCID: PMC7058713 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2020.01.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2019] [Revised: 12/16/2019] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Tumor-associated cell-free DNAs (cfDNAs) are found to play some important roles at different stages of tumor progression; they are involved in the transformation of normal cells and contribute to tumor migration and invasion. DNase I is considered a promising cancer cure, due to its ability to degrade cfDNAs. Previous studies using murine tumor models have proved the high anti-metastatic potential of DNase I. Later circulating cfDNAs, especially tandem repeats associated with short-interspersed nuclear elements (SINEs) and long-interspersed nuclear elements (LINEs), have been found to be the enzyme's main molecular targets. Here, using Lewis lung carcinoma, melanoma B16, and lymphosarcoma RLS40 murine tumor models, we reveal that tumor progression is accompanied by an increase in the level of SINE and LINEs in the pool of circulating cfDNAs. Treatment with DNase I decreased in the number and area of metastases by factor 3-10, and the size of the primary tumor node by factor 1.5-2, which correlated with 5- to 10-fold decreasing SINEs and LINEs. We demonstrated that SINEs and LINEs from cfDNA of tumor-bearing mice are able to penetrate human cells. The results show that SINEs and LINEs could be important players in metastasis, and this allows them to be considered as attractive new targets for anticancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ludmila A Alekseeva
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Avenue, 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Aleksandra V Sen'kova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Avenue, 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Marina A Zenkova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Avenue, 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia
| | - Nadezhda L Mironova
- Institute of Chemical Biology and Fundamental Medicine SB RAS, Lavrentiev Avenue, 8, Novosibirsk 630090, Russia.
| |
Collapse
|
43
|
Bronkhorst AJ, Ungerer V, Holdenrieder S. Early detection of cancer using circulating tumor DNA: biological, physiological and analytical considerations. Crit Rev Clin Lab Sci 2019:1-17. [PMID: 31865831 DOI: 10.1080/10408363.2019.1700902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Early diagnosis of cancer improves the efficacy of curative therapies. However, due to the difficulties involved in distinguishing between small early-stage tumors and normal biological variation, early detection of cancer is an extremely challenging task and there are currently no clinically validated biomarkers for a pan-cancer screening test. It is thus of particular significance that increasing evidence indicates the potential of circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) molecules, which are fragmented segments of DNA shed from tumor cells into adjacent body fluids and the circulatory system, to serve as molecular markers for early cancer detection and thereby allow early intervention and improvement of therapeutic and survival outcomes. This is possible because ctDNA molecules bear cancer-specific fragmentation patterns, nucleosome depletion motifs, and genetic and epigenetic alterations, as distinct from plasma DNA originating from non-cancerous tissues/cells. Compared to traditional biomarkers, ctDNA analysis therefore presents the distinctive advantage of detecting tumor-specific alterations. However, based on a thorough survey of the literature, theoretical and empirical evidence suggests that current ctDNA analysis strategies, which are mainly based on DNA mutation detection, do not demonstrate the necessary diagnostic sensitivity and specificity that is required for broad clinical implementation in a screening context. Therefore, in this review we explain the biological, physiological, and analytical challenges toward the development of clinically meaningful ctDNA tests. In addition, we explore some approaches that can be implemented in order to increase the sensitivity and specificity of ctDNA assays.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Abel Jacobus Bronkhorst
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Vida Ungerer
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
van der Pol Y, Mouliere F. Toward the Early Detection of Cancer by Decoding the Epigenetic and Environmental Fingerprints of Cell-Free DNA. Cancer Cell 2019; 36:350-368. [PMID: 31614115 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2019.09.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 187] [Impact Index Per Article: 31.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2019] [Revised: 07/18/2019] [Accepted: 09/06/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Widespread adaptation of liquid biopsy for the early detection of cancer has yet to reach clinical utility. Circulating tumor DNA is commonly detected though the presence of genetic alterations, but only a minor fraction of tumor-derived cell-free DNA (cfDNA) fragments exhibit mutations. The cellular processes occurring in cancer development mark the chromatin. These epigenetic marks are reflected by modifications in the cfDNA methylation, fragment size, and structure. In this review, we describe how going beyond DNA sequence information alone, by analyzing cfDNA epigenetic and immune signatures, boosts the potential of liquid biopsy for the early detection of cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ymke van der Pol
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Florent Mouliere
- Amsterdam UMC, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, De Boelelaan 1117, 1081 HV Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Bronkhorst AJ, Ungerer V, Holdenrieder S. The emerging role of cell-free DNA as a molecular marker for cancer management. BIOMOLECULAR DETECTION AND QUANTIFICATION 2019; 17:100087. [PMID: 30923679 PMCID: PMC6425120 DOI: 10.1016/j.bdq.2019.100087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 367] [Impact Index Per Article: 61.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2018] [Revised: 02/26/2019] [Accepted: 03/11/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
An increasing number of studies demonstrate the potential use of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) as a surrogate marker for multiple indications in cancer, including diagnosis, prognosis, and monitoring. However, harnessing the full potential of cfDNA requires (i) the optimization and standardization of preanalytical steps, (ii) refinement of current analysis strategies, and, perhaps most importantly, (iii) significant improvements in our understanding of its origin, physical properties, and dynamics in circulation. The latter knowledge is crucial for interpreting the associations between changes in the baseline characteristics of cfDNA and the clinical manifestations of cancer. In this review we explore recent advancements and highlight the current gaps in our knowledge concerning each point of contact between cfDNA analysis and the different stages of cancer management.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Stefan Holdenrieder
- Institute for Laboratory Medicine, German Heart Centre, Technical University Munich, Lazarettstraße. 36, D-80636, Munich, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
46
|
Nagler M, Insam H, Pietramellara G, Ascher-Jenull J. Extracellular DNA in natural environments: features, relevance and applications. Appl Microbiol Biotechnol 2018; 102:6343-6356. [PMID: 29858957 PMCID: PMC6061472 DOI: 10.1007/s00253-018-9120-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2018] [Revised: 05/15/2018] [Accepted: 05/19/2018] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Extracellular DNA (exDNA) is abundant in many habitats, including soil, sediments, oceans and freshwater as well as the intercellular milieu of metazoa. For a long time, its origin has been assumed to be mainly lysed cells. Nowadays, research is collecting evidence that exDNA is often secreted actively and is used to perform a number of tasks, thereby offering an attractive target or tool for biotechnological, medical, environmental and general microbiological applications. The present review gives an overview on the main research areas dealing with exDNA, depicts its inherent origins and functions and deduces the potential of existing and emerging exDNA-based applications. Furthermore, it provides an overview on existing extraction methods and indicates common pitfalls that should be avoided whilst working with exDNA.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Nagler
- Universität Innsbruck, Institute of Microbiology, Technikerstr. 25d, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria.
| | - Heribert Insam
- Universität Innsbruck, Institute of Microbiology, Technikerstr. 25d, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Giacomo Pietramellara
- Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Florence, Italy
| | - Judith Ascher-Jenull
- Universität Innsbruck, Institute of Microbiology, Technikerstr. 25d, 6020, Innsbruck, Austria
- Dipartimento di Scienze delle Produzioni Agroalimentari e dell'Ambiente, Università degli Studi di Firenze, Piazzale delle Cascine 18, 50144, Florence, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Wang W, Kong P, Ma G, Li L, Zhu J, Xia T, Xie H, Zhou W, Wang S. Characterization of the release and biological significance of cell-free DNA from breast cancer cell lines. Oncotarget 2018; 8:43180-43191. [PMID: 28574818 PMCID: PMC5522137 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Accepted: 04/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
In breast cancer, cell-free DNA (cfDNA) has been proven to be a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker. However, there have been few studies on the origin and biological significance of cfDNA. In this study, we assessed the release pattern of cfDNA from breast cancer cell lines under different culture conditions and investigated the biological significance of cfDNA. The cfDNA concentration increased rapidly (6 h) after passage, decreased gradually, and was then maintained at a relatively stable level after 24 h. In addition, the cfDNA concentration did not correlate with the amount of apoptotic and necrotic cells. Interestingly, if more cells were in the G1 phase, more cfDNA was detected (p < 0.01) and the cfDNA concentration correlated positively with the percent of cells in the G1 phase (p < 0.05). We observed that cells could release cfDNA actively, but not exclusively, via exosomes. Furthermore, we showed that cfDNA could stimulate hormone receptor-positive breast cancer cell proliferation by activating the TLR9-NF-κB-cyclin D1 pathway. In conclusion, cfDNA is released from breast cancer mainly by active secretion, and cfDNA could stimulate proliferation of breast cancer cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Peng Kong
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Ge Ma
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Tiansong Xia
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Hui Xie
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Wenbin Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Shui Wang
- Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital with Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 210029, China
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Aucamp J, Bronkhorst AJ, Badenhorst CPS, Pretorius PJ. The diverse origins of circulating cell-free DNA in the human body: a critical re-evaluation of the literature. Biol Rev Camb Philos Soc 2018; 93:1649-1683. [PMID: 29654714 DOI: 10.1111/brv.12413] [Citation(s) in RCA: 215] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2017] [Revised: 03/06/2018] [Accepted: 03/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Since the detection of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in human plasma in 1948, it has been investigated as a non-invasive screening tool for many diseases, especially solid tumours and foetal genetic abnormalities. However, to date our lack of knowledge regarding the origin and purpose of cfDNA in a physiological environment has limited its use to more obvious diagnostics, neglecting, for example, its potential utility in the identification of predisposition to disease, earlier detection of cancers, and lifestyle-induced epigenetic changes. Moreover, the concept or mechanism of cfDNA could also have potential therapeutic uses such as in immuno- or gene therapy. This review presents an extensive compilation of the putative origins of cfDNA and then contrasts the contributions of cellular breakdown processes with active mechanisms for the release of cfDNA into the extracellular environment. The involvement of cfDNA derived from both cellular breakdown and active release in lateral information transfer is also discussed. We hope to encourage researchers to adopt a more holistic view of cfDNA research, taking into account all the biological pathways in which cfDNA is involved, and to give serious consideration to the integration of in vitro and in vivo research. We also wish to encourage researchers not to limit their focus to the apoptotic or necrotic fraction of cfDNA, but to investigate the intercellular messaging capabilities of the actively released fraction of cfDNA and to study the role of cfDNA in pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Janine Aucamp
- Human Metabolomics, Biochemistry Division, Hoffman Street, North-West University, Private bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Abel J Bronkhorst
- Human Metabolomics, Biochemistry Division, Hoffman Street, North-West University, Private bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| | - Christoffel P S Badenhorst
- Department of Biotechnology and Enzyme Catalysis, Institute of Biochemistry, Greifswald University, Felix-Hausdorff-Straße 4, 17487, Greifswald, Germany
| | - Piet J Pretorius
- Human Metabolomics, Biochemistry Division, Hoffman Street, North-West University, Private bag X6001 Potchefstroom, 2520, South Africa
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Kinetics of circulating cell-free DNA for biomedical applications: critical appraisal of the literature. Future Sci OA 2018; 4:FSO295. [PMID: 29682327 PMCID: PMC5905581 DOI: 10.4155/fsoa-2017-0140] [Citation(s) in RCA: 104] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 01/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Circulating cell-free DNA is considered as one of the major breakthroughs in the field of innovative diagnosis, used as a liquid biopsy. The kinetic parameters of a biomarker are mandatory to assess its usefulness as a diagnostic tool. Obtaining precise mathematical values for the kinetic parameters (e.g., half-life) is then crucial because it could be used for therapeutic monitoring as a prognostic factor. However, little is known about the intrinsic properties of circulating cell-free DNA, more especially, its kinetic properties within the organism. We summarized the basic principles that may affect the kinetics of circulating cell-free DNA within the organism in the light of biological and clinical evidence. We also meta-analyzed the reported data in the literature and the methodologies that have been used to study the kinetic parameters of human circulating cell-free DNA in vivo. Circulating cell-free DNA as a biomarker was a major breakthrough in the field of diagnostics. Understanding the kinetic parameters of a biomarker is mandatory to assess its usefulness as a diagnostic tool, especially for therapeutic monitoring. However, at the present time little is known about its kinetic properties within the organism. This review provides an overview of the basic principles that may impact the kinetics of cell-free DNA within the organism and analyzes the reported data thus far.
Collapse
|
50
|
Cheng F, Su L, Qian C. Circulating tumor DNA: a promising biomarker in the liquid biopsy of cancer. Oncotarget 2018; 7:48832-48841. [PMID: 27223063 PMCID: PMC5217053 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9453] [Citation(s) in RCA: 246] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/06/2015] [Accepted: 04/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue biopsy is the standard diagnostic procedure for cancers and also provides a material for genotyping, which can assist in the targeted therapies of cancers. However, tissue biopsy-based cancer diagnostic procedures have limitations in their assessment of cancer development, prognosis and genotyping, due to tumor heterogeneity and evolution. Circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) is single- or double-stranded DNA released by the tumor cells into the blood and it thus harbors the mutations of the original tumor. In recent years, liquid biopsy based on ctDNA analysis has shed a new light on the molecular diagnosis and monitoring of cancer. Studies found that the screening of genetic mutations using ctDNA is highly sensitive and specific, suggesting that ctDNA analysis may significantly improve current systems of tumor diagnosis, even facilitating early-stage detection. Moreover, ctDNA analysis is capable of accurately determining the tumor progression, prognosis and assisting in targeted therapy. Therefore, using ctDNA as a liquid biopsy may herald a revolution for tumor management. Herein, we review the biology of ctDNA, its detection methods and potential applications in tumor diagnosis, treatment and prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Feifei Cheng
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China.,School of Life Science, Zhejiang Sci-Tech University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| | - Cheng Qian
- Institute of Pathology and Southwest Cancer Center, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|