Flow Cytometry in Cancer Research

A special issue of Cancers (ISSN 2072-6694). This special issue belongs to the section "Methods and Technologies Development".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (30 November 2024) | Viewed by 6155

Special Issue Editors


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Guest Editor
Unit of Molecular Biology, Hematology Laboratory, University General Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Interests: translational oncology; flow cytometry

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Unit of Molecular Biology, Haematology Laboratory, University General Hospital of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Interests: flow cytometry

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Neurosurgical Institute, University of Ioannina, Ioannina, Greece
Interests: cancer biology; translational oncology; flow cytometry

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

Flow cytometry has evolved over the years into an independent research field that investigates the quantification of the cellular phenotype. Cancer is among the leading causes of human mortality, in which neoplastic cells form a tumor that may invade adjacent tissue or metastasize to distant organs. Given the complex nature of cancer, novel approaches are always focused on the need for the accurate characterization of cancer cells and the design of effective treatment. The applications of flow cytometry on cancer extend, among others, from diagnosis of hematological malignancies and the interplay between the immune system and cancer to the study of the tumor phenotype, heterogeneity, and the intraoperative tumor diagnosis and prognosis.

Recent advances in the field include technological innovations such as mass cytometry, spectral cytometry, and imaging cytometry, as well as methodological innovations in acquisition and analysis, such as the of application of machine learning and artificial intelligence algorithms. These advances have rendered flow cytometry an invaluable tool in the fields of basic and translational cancer research.

The aim of the current Special Issue, “Flow Cytometry in Cancer Research”, is to define the state-of-the-art in the field as well as to present recent flow cytometry innovations with an application in cancer research. We wish to serve as a forum for researchers applying flow cytometry in oncology, leading to knowledge dissemination in the fight against this devastating disease.

We are welcoming primary or review articles covering, but not limited to, the following topics:

  • Reviews describing the state-of-the-art in the field;
  • The contribution of cytometry in basic and translational cancer research;
  • Novel methodologies for phenotypic analysis of cancer;
  • Clinical or animal models that incorporate flow cytometry analyses;
  • Technological and methodological advances of diagnostic techniques (for example, multiparametric analysis in hematology, oncology, immunology, etc.).

Dr. George Vartholomatos
Dr. Lefkothea Dova
Dr. Georgios S. Markopoulos
Guest Editors

Manuscript Submission Information

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Keywords

  • flow cytometry
  • translational oncology
  • cancer research
  • oncology
  • hematology
  • immunology

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Published Papers (3 papers)

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Research

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16 pages, 4716 KiB  
Article
Osteopontin Regulates Treg Cell Stability and Function with Implications for Anti-Tumor Immunity and Autoimmunity
by Aigli G. Vakrakou, Evangelia Kourepini, Ioannis Skordos, Natalia Nieto, Vily Panoutsakopoulou and Nikolaos Paschalidis
Cancers 2024, 16(17), 2952; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers16172952 - 24 Aug 2024
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Abstract
Foxp3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells represent the most highly immunosuppressive cell in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that halts effective anti-tumor immunity. Osteopontin (Opn), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycophosphoprotein, plays key roles in many types of immune-related diseases and is associated with cancer aggressiveness [...] Read more.
Foxp3-expressing regulatory T (Treg) cells represent the most highly immunosuppressive cell in the tumor microenvironment (TME) that halts effective anti-tumor immunity. Osteopontin (Opn), an extracellular matrix (ECM) glycophosphoprotein, plays key roles in many types of immune-related diseases and is associated with cancer aggressiveness when expressed by tumor cells. However, its role in Foxp3Treg heterogeneity, function, and stability in the TME is poorly defined. We generated mice with a Foxp3-specific deletion of Opn and assessed the ability of Opn-deficient Tregs to suppress inflammation. As these mice aged, they developed a scurfy-like syndrome characterized by aberrant and excessive activation of effector T cells. We evaluated and further confirmed the reduced suppressive capacity of Opn-deficient Tregs in an in vivo suppression assay of colitis. We also found that mice with Opn-deficient Foxp3+ Tregs have enhanced anti-tumor immunity and reduced tumor burden, associated with an unstable Treg phenotype, paralleled by reduced Foxp3 expression in tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes. Finally, we observed reduced Foxp3 and Helios expression in Opn-deficient Tregs compared to wild-type controls after in vitro activation. Our findings indicate that targeting Opn in Tregs reveals vigorous and effective ways of promoting Treg instability and dysfunction in the TME, facilitating anti-tumor immunity. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flow Cytometry in Cancer Research)
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12 pages, 14203 KiB  
Communication
(Very) Small Stem-like Cells in Human Cell Cultures
by Jan Jakub Lica and Bhaskar Pradhan
Cancers 2023, 15(23), 5520; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15235520 - 22 Nov 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1639
Abstract
Very Small Embryonic-like Stem Cells (VSELSCs) and Very Small Cancer Stem Cells (VSCSCs) are fields of intensive research. Although the presence in vitro of VSELSC and VSCSC cellular stage analogs appear probable, it has yet to be published. Utilizing established human cell cultures [...] Read more.
Very Small Embryonic-like Stem Cells (VSELSCs) and Very Small Cancer Stem Cells (VSCSCs) are fields of intensive research. Although the presence in vitro of VSELSC and VSCSC cellular stage analogs appear probable, it has yet to be published. Utilizing established human cell cultures with varying populations of primitive cells, stained with CD markers specific to primitive stages, in addition to a fluorescent DNA dye, and following histochemical processing, we have developed a cytological method for detecting Very Small Leukemic Stem-like Cells (VSLSLCs), Very Small Cancer Stem-like Cells (VSCSLCs), and VSELSCs. This detection provides an opportunity to advance research in these areas. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flow Cytometry in Cancer Research)
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Review

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11 pages, 258 KiB  
Review
Critical Assessment of Cancer Characterization and Margin Evaluation Techniques in Brain Malignancies: From Fast Biopsy to Intraoperative Flow Cytometry
by Ioannis Liaropoulos, Alexandros Liaropoulos and Konstantinos Liaropoulos
Cancers 2023, 15(19), 4843; https://doi.org/10.3390/cancers15194843 - 3 Oct 2023
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Abstract
Brain malignancies, given their intricate nature and location, present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This review critically assesses a range of diagnostic and surgical techniques that have emerged as transformative tools in brain malignancy management. Fast biopsy techniques, prioritizing rapid and [...] Read more.
Brain malignancies, given their intricate nature and location, present significant challenges in both diagnosis and treatment. This review critically assesses a range of diagnostic and surgical techniques that have emerged as transformative tools in brain malignancy management. Fast biopsy techniques, prioritizing rapid and minimally invasive tissue sampling, have revolutionized initial diagnostic stages. Intraoperative flow cytometry (iFC) offers real-time cellular analysis during surgeries, ensuring optimal tumor resection. The advent of intraoperative MRI (iMRI) has seamlessly integrated imaging into surgical procedures, providing dynamic feedback and preserving critical brain structures. Additionally, 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) has enhanced surgical precision by inducing fluorescence in tumor cells, aiding in their complete resection. Several other techniques have been developed in recent years, including intraoperative mass spectrometry methodologies. While each technique boasts unique strengths, they also present potential limitations. As technology and research continue to evolve, these methods are set to undergo further refinement. Collaborative global efforts will be pivotal in driving these advancements, promising a future of improved patient outcomes in brain malignancy management. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Flow Cytometry in Cancer Research)
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