Cell-free DNA promotes malignant transformation in non-tumor cells

Sci Rep. 2020 Dec 10;10(1):21674. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-78766-5.

Abstract

Cell-free DNA is present in different biological fluids and when released by tumor cells may contribute to pro-tumor events such as malignant transformation of cells adjacent to the tumor and metastasis. Thus, this study analyzed the effect of tumor cell-free DNA, isolated from the blood of prostate cancer patients, on non-tumor prostate cell lines (RWPE-1 and PNT-2). To achieve this, we performed cell-free DNA quantification and characterization assays, evaluation of gene and miRNA expression profiling focused on cancer progression and EMT, and metabolomics by mass spectrometry and cellular migration. The results showed that tumor-free cell DNA was able to alter the gene expression of MMP9 and CD44, alter the expression profile of nine miRNAs, and increased the tryptophan consumption and cell migration rates in non-tumor cells. Therefore, tumor cell-free DNA was capable of altering the receptor cell phenotype, triggering events related to malignant transformation in these cells, and can thus be considered a potential target for cancer diagnosis and therapy.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics
  • Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / genetics*
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / adverse effects*
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / analysis
  • Circulating Tumor DNA / isolation & purification
  • Disease Progression
  • Gene Expression
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic / genetics
  • Humans
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / genetics
  • Hyaluronan Receptors / metabolism
  • Male
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / genetics
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9 / metabolism
  • MicroRNAs / genetics
  • MicroRNAs / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / genetics*
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Prostatic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Tryptophan / metabolism

Substances

  • CD44 protein, human
  • Circulating Tumor DNA
  • Hyaluronan Receptors
  • MicroRNAs
  • Tryptophan
  • MMP9 protein, human
  • Matrix Metalloproteinase 9