Glioblastomas are aggressive brain tumors for which effective therapy is still lacking, resulting in dismal survival rates. These tumors display significant phenotypic plasticity, harboring diverse cell populations ranging from tumor core cells to dispersed, highly invasive cells. Neuron navigator 3 (NAV3), a microtubule-associated protein affecting microtubule growth and dynamics, is downregulated in various cancers, including glioblastoma, and has thus been considered a tumor suppressor. In this study, we challenge this designation and unveil distinct expression patterns of NAV3 across different invasion phenotypes. Using glioblastoma cell lines and patient-derived glioma stem-like cell cultures, we disclose an upregulation of NAV3 in invading glioblastoma cells, contrasting with its lower expression in cells residing in tumor spheroid cores. Furthermore, we establish an association between low and high NAV3 expression and the amoeboid and mesenchymal invasive phenotype, respectively, and demonstrate that overexpression of NAV3 directly stimulates glioblastoma invasive behavior in both 2D and 3D environments. Consistently, we observed increased NAV3 expression in cells migrating along blood vessels in mouse xenografts. Overall, our results shed light on the role of NAV3 in glioblastoma invasion, providing insights into this lethal aspect of glioblastoma behavior.

• MeSH
• fenotyp * MeSH
• glioblastom * patologie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru * genetika   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránové proteiny MeSH
• mikrotubuly metabolismus   MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory mozku * patologie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• pohyb buněk genetika   fyziologie   MeSH
• proteiny nervové tkáně metabolismus   genetika   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

OBJECTIVE: The highly infiltrative growth of glioblastoma (GBM) makes distinction between the tumor and normal brain tissue challenging. Therefore, fluorescence-guided surgery is often used to improve visual identification of radiological tumor margins. The aim of this study was to evaluate the ability of recently developed molecularly targeted near-infrared (NIR) protease-activated probes to visualize GBM tissue and to compare the most promising candidate with the gold standard, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA). METHODS: Single-substrate probes 6QC-ICG and 6QC-Cy5 (cysteine cathepsin cleavable), double-substrate probes AG2-FNIR and AG2-Cy5 (cysteine cathepsin and caspase 3 cleavable), and 5-ALA were administered intravenously to mice with orthotopic tumors. Activation of the probes was also evaluated in cell cultures in vitro and in biopsy material from patients with GBM ex vivo. The tumor to normal brain tissue fluorescence ratio (TNR) was quantified in brain sections using preclinical and clinical visualization platforms, and in tissue homogenates and cell suspensions using spectrofluorimetry. Subcellular localization of the fluorophores was visualized by confocal microscopy. RESULTS: In vitro, the single-substrate probe 6QC-ICG was cleaved in glioma cells and macrophages, and the resulting fluorophore accumulated intracellularly. In experimental GBMs, both single- and double-substrate probes visualized tumor tissue, while in healthy brain tissue the signal was minimal. TNR was highest for 6QC-ICG and AG2-FNIR, but the signal intensity was higher for 6QC-ICG. Using xenograft and syngeneic mouse models, as well as human GBM biopsy material ex vivo, the authors confirmed the ability of 6QC-ICG to specifically visualize the glioma tissue using preclinical and clinical visualization platforms. Finally, a comparison with 5-ALA in animals coadministered with both compounds revealed a higher TNR for 6QC-ICG in experimental GBMs. CONCLUSIONS: The cysteine cathepsin-cleavable probe 6QC-ICG is activated by glioma cells and tumor-associated macrophages, leading to a high contrast between tumor and nontumorous brain tissue that is superior to that of the current standard, 5-ALA. In addition to a well-defined mechanism of action, protease-activated probes that use NIR fluorophores (e.g., indocyanine green) have the advantage of low absorption and scattering of the NIR light and lower tissue autofluorescence. These results suggest that 6QC-ICG has the potential to become the targeted agent in intraoperative detection of GBM tissue using fluorescence imaging.

• MeSH
• fluorescenční barviva MeSH
• glioblastom * diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• kyselina aminolevulová * MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• molekulární sondy MeSH
• myši MeSH
• nádorové buněčné linie MeSH
• nádory mozku * diagnostické zobrazování   patologie   MeSH
• optické zobrazování metody   MeSH
• proteasy metabolismus   MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• myši MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• srovnávací studie MeSH

Small noncoding RNAs play an important role in various disease states, including cancer. PIWI proteins, a subfamily of Argonaute proteins, and PIWI-interacting RNAs (piRNAs) were originally described as germline-specific molecules that inhibit the deleterious activity of transposable elements. However, several studies have suggested a role for the piRNA-PIWI axis in somatic cells, including somatic stem cells. Dysregulated expression of piRNAs and PIWI proteins in human tumors implies that, analogously to their roles in undifferentiated cells under physiological conditions, these molecules may be important for cancer stem cells and thus contribute to cancer progression. We provide an overview of piRNA biogenesis and critically review the evidence for the role of piRNA-PIWI axis in cancer stem cells. In addition, we examine the potential of piRNAs and PIWI proteins to become biomarkers in cancer.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP) is a membrane-bound protease that is upregulated in a wide range of tumours and viewed as a marker of tumour-promoting stroma. Previously, we demonstrated increased FAP expression in glioblastomas and described its localisation in cancer and stromal cells. In this study, we show that FAP+ stromal cells are mostly localised in the vicinity of activated CD105+ endothelial cells and their quantity positively correlates with glioblastoma vascularisation. FAP+ mesenchymal cells derived from human glioblastomas are non-tumorigenic and mostly lack the cytogenetic aberrations characteristic of glioblastomas. Conditioned media from these cells induce angiogenic sprouting and chemotaxis of endothelial cells and promote migration and growth of glioma cells. In a chorioallantoic membrane assay, co-application of FAP+ mesenchymal cells with glioma cells was associated with enhanced abnormal angiogenesis, as evidenced by an increased number of erythrocytes in vessel-like structures and higher occurrence of haemorrhages. FAP+ mesenchymal cells express proangiogenic factors, but in comparison to normal pericytes exhibit decreased levels of antiangiogenic molecules and an increased Angiopoietin 2/1 ratio. Our results show that FAP+ mesenchymal cells promote angiogenesis and glioma cell migration and growth by paracrine communication and in this manner, they may thus contribute to glioblastoma progression.

• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Fibroblast activation protein (FAP, seprase) is a serine protease with post-proline dipeptidyl peptidase and endopeptidase enzymatic activity. FAP is upregulated in several tumor types, while its expression in healthy adult tissues is scarce. FAP molecule itself and FAP+ stromal cells play an important although probably context-dependent and tumor type-specific pathogenetic role in tumor progression. We provide an overview of FAP expression under both physiological and pathological conditions with focus on human malignancies. We also review and critically analyze the results of studies which used various strategies for the therapeutic targeting of FAP including the use of low molecular weight inhibitors, FAP activated prodrugs, anti-FAP antibodies and their conjugates, FAP-CAR T cells, and FAP vaccines. A unique enzymatic activity and selective expression in tumor microenvironment make FAP a promising therapeutic target. A better understanding of its role in individual tumor types, careful selection of patients, and identification of suitable combinations with currently available anticancer treatments will be critical for a successful translation of preclinically tested approaches of FAP targeting into clinical setting.

• MeSH
• cílená molekulární terapie metody   MeSH
• inhibitory enzymů terapeutické užití   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• membránové proteiny antagonisté a inhibitory   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• nádorové mikroprostředí účinky léků   genetika   MeSH
• nádory farmakoterapie   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese enzymů účinky léků   MeSH
• regulace genové exprese u nádorů účinky léků   MeSH
• serinové endopeptidasy genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• želatinasy antagonisté a inhibitory   genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH
• přehledy MeSH

The nonsyndromic cleft is one of the most frequent congenital defects in humans. Clinical data demonstrated improved and almost scarless neonatal healing of reparative surgery. Based on our previous results on crosstalk between neonatal fibroblasts and adult keratinocytes, the present study focused on characterization of fibroblasts prepared from cleft lip tissue samples of neonates and older children, and compared them with samples isolated from normal adult skin (face and breast) and scars. Although subtle variances in expression profiles of children and neonates were observed, the two groups differed significantly from adult cells. Compared with adult cells, differences were observed in nestin and smooth muscle actin (SMA) expression at the protein and transcript level. Furthermore, fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation drives effective wound healing and is largely regulated by the cytokine, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Dysregulation of the TGF-β signalling pathway, including low expression of the TGF-β receptor II, may contribute to reducing scarring in neonates. Fibroblasts of facial origin also exhibited age independent differences from the cells prepared from the breast, reflecting the origin of the facial cells from neural crest-based ectomesenchyme.

• MeSH
• aktiny genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• biologické markery MeSH
• biologické modely MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace MeSH
• cytokiny genetika   metabolismus   farmakologie   MeSH
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• fibroblasty cytologie   účinky léků   metabolismus   MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• kůže cytologie   MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• nestin genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• rozštěp rtu patologie   chirurgie   MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• signální transdukce MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• transformující růstový faktor beta genetika   metabolismus   MeSH
• zákroky plastické chirurgie MeSH
• Check Tag
• dítě MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• kojenec MeSH
• lidé středního věku MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mladiství MeSH
• mladý dospělý MeSH
• mužské pohlaví MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• předškolní dítě MeSH
• senioři MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Clinical evidence suggests that healing is faster and almost scarless at an early neonatal age in comparison with that in adults. In this study, the phenotypes of neonatal and adult dermal fibroblasts and keratinocytes (nestin, smooth muscle actin, keratin types 8, 14 and 19, and fibronectin) were compared. Furthermore, functional assays (proliferation, migration, scratch wound closure) including mutual epithelial‑mesenchymal interactions were also performed to complete the series of experiments. Positivity for nestin and α smooth muscle actin was higher in neonatal fibroblasts (NFs) when compared with their adult counterparts (adult fibroblasts; AFs). Although the proliferation of NFs and AFs was similar, they significantly differed in their migration potential. The keratinocyte experiments revealed small, poorly differentiated cells (positive for keratins 8, 14 and 19) in primary cultures isolated from neonatal tissues. Moreover, the neonatal keratinocytes exhibited significantly faster rates of healing the experimentally induced in vitro defects in comparison with adult cells. Notably, the epithelial/mesenchymal interaction studies showed that NFs in co-culture with adult keratinocytes significantly stimulated the adult epithelial cells to acquire the phenotype of small, non-confluent cells expressing markers of poor differentiation. These results indicate the important differences between neonatal and adult cells that may be associated with improved wound healing during the early neonatal period.

• MeSH
• aktiny metabolismus   MeSH
• buněčná diferenciace MeSH
• crista neuralis cytologie   MeSH
• dárci tkání * MeSH
• dospělí MeSH
• epitelové buňky cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• fenotyp MeSH
• fibroblasty cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• fibronektiny biosyntéza   MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• keratinocyty cytologie   metabolismus   MeSH
• kmenové buňky metabolismus   MeSH
• kokultivační techniky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• mezoderm cytologie   MeSH
• myofibroblasty cytologie   MeSH
• nestin metabolismus   MeSH
• neuroplasticita MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• pohyb buněk MeSH
• proliferace buněk MeSH
• stanovení celkové genové exprese MeSH
• stárnutí fyziologie   MeSH
• vývojová regulace genové exprese MeSH
• Check Tag
• dospělí MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• novorozenec MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Tumour microenvironment plays a critical role in cell invasion and metastasis. To investigate the role of cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in melanoma cell invasiveness, we used 3D spheroid invasion assay. The effect of conditioned media from normal fibroblasts and CAFs cultivated alone or co-cultivated with melanoma cells on BLM or A2058 melanoma spheroid invasion was analysed. We found that conditioned media from CAFs and CAFs co-cultured with melanoma cells, especially, promote invasion and migration, without significant effect on melanoma cell proliferation. We further analysed the expression of pro-invasive cytokines IL-8 and IL-6 in media and found that melanoma cells are dominant producers of IL-8 and fibroblasts are dominant producers of IL-6 in 2D monocultures, while co-cultivation of CAFs with melanoma cells induces production/secretion of IL-6 and IL-8 into the media. The analyses of IL-6 levels in 3D cultures and human melanoma samples, however, revealed that at least in some cases IL-6 is also produced directly by melanoma cells. Analysis of the role of IL-6 and IL-8 in CAF-induced melanoma invasion, using neutralising antibodies, revealed that simultaneous blocking of IL-6 and IL-8 is sufficient to fully inhibit CAF-induced human melanoma cell invasiveness. In summary, these experiments indicate the important role of CAFs and IL-8 and IL-6 cytokines in melanoma cell invasiveness.

• MeSH
• ELISA MeSH
• fibroblasty asociované s nádorem účinky léků   patologie   MeSH
• imunohistochemie MeSH
• interleukin-6 analýza   antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• interleukin-8 analýza   antagonisté a inhibitory   metabolismus   MeSH
• invazivní růst nádoru prevence a kontrola   MeSH
• kokultivační techniky MeSH
• kultivační média speciální farmakologie   MeSH
• kultivované buňky MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• melanom farmakoterapie   metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• pohyb buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• proliferace buněk účinky léků   MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH

Cancer-associated fibroblasts are bioactive elements influencing the biological properties of malignant tumors. Their origin from different cell types has been established, and the possibility of their formation by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition from cancer cells is under debate. This study shows that human cancer cells grafted to nu/nu mice induced formation of tumor stroma with the presence of typical smooth muscle actin-containing cancer-associated fibroblasts. These cells seem to be of the host origin because they are not recognized by an antibody specific for human vimentin, as was also verified in vitro. These results suggest that cancer-associated stromal fibroblasts are not formed by epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition from cancer cells.

• MeSH
• adenokarcinom metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• buněčný rodokmen * MeSH
• buňky HT-29 MeSH
• buňky stromatu metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• časové faktory MeSH
• epitelo-mezenchymální tranzice * MeSH
• fibroblasty metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• heterografty MeSH
• kolorektální nádory metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• lidé MeSH
• myši nahé MeSH
• nádorové biomarkery metabolismus   MeSH
• nádory hlavy a krku metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• nádory hltanu metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• spinocelulární karcinom metabolismus   patologie   MeSH
• transplantace nádorů MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Check Tag
• lidé MeSH
• ženské pohlaví MeSH
• zvířata MeSH
• Publikační typ
• časopisecké články MeSH
• práce podpořená grantem MeSH