Project description:The BCL2 family of proteins regulate apoptosis by controlling mitochondrial outer membrane permeability. However, effects on mitochondrial structure and bioenergetics have also been reported. Here we comprehensively characterized the effects of BCL2 and BCL(X)L on cellular energetics in MCF7 breast cancer cells using time-lapse confocal single cell imaging and mitochondrial and cytosolic FRET reporters. We found that BCL2 and BCL(X)L increase the metabolic robustness of MCF7 cells and that this was associated with increased mitochondrial NAD(P)H and ATP levels. Experiments with the F1F0 synthase inhibitor oligomycin demonstrated that BCL2 and in particular BCL(X)L, while not affecting ATP synthase activity, more efficiently coupled the mitochondrial proton motive force with ATP production. This metabolic advantage was associated with an increased resistance to nutrient deprivation and enhanced clonogenic survival in response to metabolic stress, in the absence of profound effects on cell death. Our data suggest that a primary function of BCL(X)L and BCL2 overexpression in tumor cells is to increase their resistance to metabolic stress in the tumor microenvironment, independent of cell death signaling.
Project description:We report mRNA profiles of human breast cancer cell lines, MCF7 parental, and MCF7-derived tamoxifen resistant cell lines MCF7-TR1 and MCF7-TR2.
Project description:10X Genomics single cell RNAseq of MCF7 cells Human cancer cell lines are the workhorse of cancer research. While cell lines are known to evolve in culture, the extent of the resultant genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity and its functional consequences remain understudied. Here, genomic analyses of 106 cell lines grown in two laboratories revealed extensive clonal diversity. Follow-up comprehensive genomic characterization of 27 strains of the common breast cancer cell line MCF7 uncovered rapid genetic diversification. Similar results were obtained with multiple strains of 13 additional cell lines. Importantly, genetic changes were associated with differential activation of gene expression programs and marked differences in cell morphology and proliferation. Barcoding experiments showed that cell line evolution occurs as a result of positive clonal selection that is highly sensitive to culture conditions. Analyses of single cell-derived clones showed that ongoing instability quickly translates into cell line heterogeneity. Testing of the 27 MCF7 strains against 321 anti-cancer compounds uncovered strikingly disparate drug response: at least 75% of compounds that strongly inhibited some strains were completely inactive in others. This study documents the extent, origin and consequence of genetic variation within cell lines, and provides a framework for researchers to measure such variation in efforts to support maximally reproducible cancer research.
Project description:10X Genomics single cell RNAseq of MCF7 cells treated with bortezomib. Human cancer cell lines are the workhorse of cancer research. While cell lines are known to evolve in culture, the extent of the resultant genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity and its functional consequences remain understudied. Here, genomic analyses of 106 cell lines grown in two laboratories revealed extensive clonal diversity. Follow-up comprehensive genomic characterization of 27 strains of the common breast cancer cell line MCF7 uncovered rapid genetic diversification. Similar results were obtained with multiple strains of 13 additional cell lines. Importantly, genetic changes were associated with differential activation of gene expression programs and marked differences in cell morphology and proliferation. Barcoding experiments showed that cell line evolution occurs as a result of positive clonal selection that is highly sensitive to culture conditions. Analyses of single cell-derived clones showed that ongoing instability quickly translates into cell line heterogeneity. Testing of the 27 MCF7 strains against 321 anti-cancer compounds uncovered strikingly disparate drug response: at least 75% of compounds that strongly inhibited some strains were completely inactive in others. This study documents the extent, origin and consequence of genetic variation within cell lines, and provides a framework for researchers to measure such variation in efforts to support maximally reproducible cancer research.
Project description:10X Genomics single cell RNAseq of MCF7 cells Human cancer cell lines are the workhorse of cancer research. While cell lines are known to evolve in culture, the extent of the resultant genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity and its functional consequences remain understudied. Here, genomic analyses of 106 cell lines grown in two laboratories revealed extensive clonal diversity. Follow-up comprehensive genomic characterization of 27 strains of the common breast cancer cell line MCF7 uncovered rapid genetic diversification. Similar results were obtained with multiple strains of 13 additional cell lines. Importantly, genetic changes were associated with differential activation of gene expression programs and marked differences in cell morphology and proliferation. Barcoding experiments showed that cell line evolution occurs as a result of positive clonal selection that is highly sensitive to culture conditions. Analyses of single cell-derived clones showed that ongoing instability quickly translates into cell line heterogeneity. Testing of the 27 MCF7 strains against 321 anti-cancer compounds uncovered strikingly disparate drug response: at least 75% of compounds that strongly inhibited some strains were completely inactive in others. This study documents the extent, origin and consequence of genetic variation within cell lines, and provides a framework for researchers to measure such variation in efforts to support maximally reproducible cancer research.