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Forsythe SD, Pu T, Andrews SG, Madigan JP, Sadowski SM. Models in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Current Perspectives and Future Directions. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:3756. [PMID: 37568572 PMCID: PMC10416968 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15153756] [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: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs) are a heterogeneous group of tumors derived from multiple neuroendocrine origin cell subtypes. Incidence rates for pNENs have steadily risen over the last decade, and outcomes continue to vary widely due to inability to properly screen. These tumors encompass a wide range of functional and non-functional subtypes, with their rarity and slow growth making therapeutic development difficult as most clinically used therapeutics are derived from retrospective analyses. Improved molecular understanding of these cancers has increased our knowledge of the tumor biology for pNENs. Despite these advances in our understanding of pNENs, there remains a dearth of models for further investigation. In this review, we will cover the current field of pNEN models, which include established cell lines, animal models such as mice and zebrafish, and three-dimensional (3D) cell models, and compare their uses in modeling various disease aspects. While no study model is a complete representation of pNEN biology, each has advantages which allow for new scientific understanding of these rare tumors. Future efforts and advancements in technology will continue to create new options in modeling these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Steven D. Forsythe
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Tracey Pu
- Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA;
| | - Stephen G. Andrews
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - James P. Madigan
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
| | - Samira M. Sadowski
- Neuroendocrine Cancer Therapy Section, Surgical Oncology Program, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA; (S.D.F.); (S.G.A.); (J.P.M.)
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2
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He L, Boulant S, Stanifer M, Guo C, Nießen A, Chen M, Felix K, Bergmann F, Strobel O, Schimmack S. The link between menin and pleiotrophin in the tumor biology of pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Cancer Sci 2022; 113:1575-1586. [PMID: 35179814 PMCID: PMC9128182 DOI: 10.1111/cas.15301] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 01/26/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
MEN1, which encodes menin protein, is the most frequently mutated gene in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNEN). Pleiotrophin (PTN) was reported being a downstream factor of menin and to promote metastasis in different tumor entities. In this study, the effect of menin and its link to PTN were assessed on features of pNEN cells and outcome of pNEN patients. The expression of menin and PTN in pNEN patient tissues were examined by qRT-PCR and western blot and compared to their metastasis status. Functional assays, including transwell migration/invasion and scratch wound healing assays, were performed on specifically designed CRISPR/Cas9-mediated MEN1-knockout (MEN1-KO) pNEN cell lines (BON1MEN1-KO and QGP1MEN1-KO ) to study the metastasis of pNEN. Among 30 menin negative pNEN patients, 21 revealed a strong protein expression of PTN. This combination was associated with metastasis and shorter disease-free survival. Accordingly, in BON1MEN1-KO and QGP1MEN1-KO cells, PTN protein expression was positively associated with enhanced cell migration and invasion, which could be reversed by PTN silencing. PTN is a predicting factor of metastatic behavior of menin-deficient-pNEN. In vitro, menin is able to both promote and suppress the metastasis of pNEN by regulating PTN expression depending on the tumoral origin of pNEN cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping He
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China
| | - Steeve Boulant
- Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Megan Stanifer
- Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Cuncai Guo
- Center for Integrative Infectious Disease Research, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Anna Nießen
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Mingyi Chen
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany.,Department of Breast Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, 310003, P.R. China
| | - Klaus Felix
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Frank Bergmann
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Oliver Strobel
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Simon Schimmack
- Department of General, Visceral and Transplantation Surgery, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
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3
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Herring B, Jang S, Whitt J, Goliwas K, Aburjania Z, Dudeja V, Ren B, Berry J, Bibb J, Frost A, Chen H, Rose JB, Jaskula-Sztul R. Ex Vivo Modeling of Human Neuroendocrine Tumors in Tissue Surrogates. Front Endocrinol (Lausanne) 2021; 12:710009. [PMID: 35002949 PMCID: PMC8734644 DOI: 10.3389/fendo.2021.710009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 11/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Few models exist for studying neuroendocrine tumors (NETs), and there are mounting concerns that the currently available array of cell lines is not representative of NET biology. The lack of stable patient-derived NET xenograft models further limits the scientific community's ability to make conclusions about NETs and their response to therapy in patients. To address these limitations, we propose the use of an ex vivo 3D flow-perfusion bioreactor system for culturing and studying patient-derived NET surrogates. Herein, we demonstrate the utility of the bioreactor system for culturing NET surrogates and provide methods for evaluating the efficacy of therapeutic agents on human NET cell line xenograft constructs and patient-derived NET surrogates. We also demonstrate that patient-derived NET tissues can be propagated using the bioreactor system and investigate the near-infrared (NIR) dye IR-783 for its use in monitoring their status within the bioreactor. The results indicate that the bioreactor system and similar 3D culture models may be valuable tools for culturing patient-derived NETs and monitoring their response to therapy ex vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Brendon Herring
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Samuel Jang
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Jason Whitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Kayla Goliwas
- Department of Medicine, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Zviadi Aburjania
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Vikas Dudeja
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Bin Ren
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Joel Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - James Bibb
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Andra Frost
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - John Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
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4
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Targeting HDACs in Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumor Models. Cells 2021; 10:cells10061408. [PMID: 34204116 PMCID: PMC8228033 DOI: 10.3390/cells10061408] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2021] [Revised: 05/29/2021] [Accepted: 06/03/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Compared to pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC), pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (PanNET) represent a rare and heterogeneous tumor entity. In addition to surgical resection, several therapeutic approaches, including biotherapy, targeted therapy or chemotherapy are applicable. However, primary or secondary resistance to current therapies is still challenging. Recent genome-wide sequencing efforts in PanNET identified a large number of mutations in pathways involved in epigenetic modulation, including acetylation. Therefore, targeting epigenetic modulators in neuroendocrine cells could represent a new therapeutic avenue. Detailed information on functional effects and affected signaling pathways upon epigenetic targeting in PanNETs, however, is missing. The primary human PanNET cells NT-3 and NT-18 as well as the murine insulinoma cell lines beta-TC-6 (mouse) and RIN-T3 (rat) were treated with the non-selective histone-deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitor panobinostat (PB) and analyzed for functional effects and affected signaling pathways by performing Western blot, FACS and qPCR analyses. Additionally, NanoString analysis of more than 500 potentially affected targets was performed. In vivo immunohistochemistry (IHC) analyses on tumor samples from xenografts and the transgenic neuroendocrine Rip1Tag2-mouse model were investigated. PB dose dependently induced cell cycle arrest and apoptosis in neuroendocrine cells in human and murine species. HDAC inhibition stimulated redifferentiation of human primary PanNET cells by increasing mRNA-expression of somatostatin receptors (SSTRs) and insulin production. In addition to hyperacetylation of known targets, PB mediated pleitropic effects via targeting genes involved in the cell cycle and modulation of the JAK2/STAT3 axis. The HDAC subtypes are expressed ubiquitously in the existing cell models and in human samples of metastatic PanNET. Our results uncover epigenetic HDAC modulation using PB as a promising new therapeutic avenue in PanNET, linking cell-cycle modulation and pathways such as JAK2/STAT3 to epigenetic targeting. Based on our data demonstrating a significant impact of HDAC inhibition in clinical relevant in vitro models, further validation in vivo is warranted.
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Detjen K, Hammerich L, Özdirik B, Demir M, Wiedenmann B, Tacke F, Jann H, Roderburg C. Models of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Current Status and Future Directions. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:217-236. [PMID: 32615560 DOI: 10.1159/000509864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors that originate from the endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. GEP-NENs are subdivided according to their differentiation into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Since GEP-NENs represent rare diseases, only limited data from large prospective, randomized clinical trials are available, and recommendations for treatment of GEP-NEN are in part based on data from retrospective analyses or case series. In this context, tractable disease models that reflect the situation in humans and that allow to recapitulate the different clinical aspects and disease stages of GEP-NET or GEP-NEC are urgently needed. In this review, we highlight available data on mouse models for GEP-NEN. We discuss how these models reflect tumor biology of human disease and whether these models could serve as a tool for understanding the pathogenesis of GEP-NEN and for disease modeling and pharmacosensitivity assays, facilitating prediction of treatment response in patients. In addition, open issues applicable for future developments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Detjen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burcin Özdirik
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Wiedenmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henning Jann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany,
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Jin XF, Spöttl G, Maurer J, Nölting S, Auernhammer CJ. Inhibition of Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling in Neuroendocrine Tumors in vitro: Antitumoral Effects. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12020345. [PMID: 32033025 PMCID: PMC7072467 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12020345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2019] [Revised: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 01/30/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and aims: Inhibition of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by specific inhibitors is currently being investigated as an antitumoral strategy for various cancers. The role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in neuroendocrine tumors still needs to be further investigated. Methods: This study investigated the antitumor activity of the porcupine (PORCN) inhibitor WNT974 and the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 in human neuroendocrine tumor (NET) cell lines BON1, QGP-1, and NCI-H727 in vitro. NET cells were treated with WNT974, PRI-724, or small interfering ribonucleic acids against β-catenin, and subsequent analyses included cell viability assays, flow cytometric cell cycle analysis, caspase3/7 assays and Western blot analysis. Results: Treatment of NET cells with WNT974 significantly reduced NET cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner by inducing NET cell cycle arrest at the G1 and G2/M phases without inducing apoptosis. WNT974 primarily blocked Wnt/β-catenin signaling by the dose- and time-dependent downregulation of low-density lipoprotein receptor-related protein 6 (LRP6) phosphorylation and non-phosphorylated β-catenin and total β-catenin, as well as the genes targeting the latter (c-Myc and cyclinD1). Furthermore, the WNT974-induced reduction of NET cell viability occurred through the inhibition of GSK-3-dependent or independent signaling (including pAKT/mTOR, pEGFR and pIGFR signaling). Similarly, treatment of NET cells with the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 caused significant growth inhibition, while the knockdown of β-catenin expression by siRNA reduced NET tumor cell viability of BON1 cells but not of NCI-H727 cells. Conclusions: The PORCN inhibitor WNT974 possesses antitumor properties in NET cell lines by inhibiting Wnt and related signaling. In addition, the β-catenin inhibitor PRI-724 possesses antitumor properties in NET cell lines. Future studies are needed to determine the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in NET as a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xi-Feng Jin
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Gerald Spöttl
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Julian Maurer
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
| | - Svenja Nölting
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
- Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Josef Auernhammer
- Department of Internal Medicine 4, University-Hospital, Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, 81377 Munich, Germany; (X.-F.J.); (G.S.); (J.M.); (S.N.)
- Interdisciplinary Center of Neuroendocrine Tumors of the GastroEnteroPancreatic System (GEPNET-KUM), Klinikum der Universitaet Muenchen, Ludwig-Maximilians-University of Munich, Campus Grosshadern, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence:
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7
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Herring B, Whitt J, Aweda T, Ou J, Guenter R, Lapi S, Berry J, Chen H, Liu X, Rose JB, Jaskula-Sztul R. A growth model of neuroendocrine tumor surrogates and the efficacy of a novel somatostatin-receptor-guided antibody-drug conjugate: Perspectives on clinical response? Surgery 2019; 167:197-203. [PMID: 31543319 PMCID: PMC8162105 DOI: 10.1016/j.surg.2019.04.073] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2019] [Revised: 03/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND As patient-derived xenografts and other preclinical models of neuroendocrine tumors for testing personalized therapeutics are lacking, we have developed a perfused, 3D bioreactor model to culture tumor surrogates from patient-derived neuroendocrine tumors. This work evaluates the duration of surrogate culture and surrogate response to a novel antibody-drug conjugate. METHODS Twenty-seven patient-derived neuroendocrine tumors were cultured. Histologic sections of a pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor xenograft (BON-1) tumor were assessed for SSTR2 expression before tumor implantation into 2 bioreactors. One surrogate was treated with an antibody-drug conjugate composed of an anti-mitotic Monomethyl auristatin-E linked to a somatostatin receptor 2 antibody. Viability and therapeutic response were assessed by pre-imaging incubation with IR-783 and the RealTime-Glo AnnexinV Apoptosis and Necrosis Assay (Promega Corporation, Madison, WI) over 6 days. A primary human pancreatic neuroendocrine tumor was evaluated similarly. RESULTS Mean surrogate growth duration was 34.8 days. Treated BON-1 surrogates exhibited less proliferation (1.2 vs 1.9-fold) and greater apoptosis (1.5 vs 1.1-fold) than controls, whereas treated patient-derived neuroendocrine tumor bioreactors exhibited greater degrees of apoptosis (13- vs 9-fold) and necrosis (2.5- vs 1.6-fold). CONCLUSION Patient-derived neuroendocrine tumor surrogates can be cultured reliably within the bioreactor. This model can be used to evaluate the efficacy of antibody-guided chemotherapy ex vivo and may be useful for predicting clinical responses.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jason Whitt
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Tolulope Aweda
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Jianfa Ou
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | | | - Suzanne Lapi
- Department of Radiology, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Joel Berry
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Herbert Chen
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Xiaoguang Liu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - J Bart Rose
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL
| | - Renata Jaskula-Sztul
- Department of Surgery, University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine, AL.
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Boons G, Vandamme T, Peeters M, Van Camp G, Op de Beeck K. Clinical applications of (epi)genetics in gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: Moving towards liquid biopsies. Rev Endocr Metab Disord 2019; 20:333-351. [PMID: 31368038 DOI: 10.1007/s11154-019-09508-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
High-throughput analysis, including next-generation sequencing and microarrays, have strongly improved our understanding of cancer biology. However, genomic data on rare cancer types, such as neuroendocrine neoplasms, has been lagging behind. Neuroendocrine neoplasms (NENs) develop from endocrine cells spread throughout the body and are highly heterogeneous in biological behavior. In this challenging disease, there is an urgent need for new therapies and new diagnostic, prognostic, follow-up and predictive biomarkers to aid patient management. The last decade, molecular data on neuroendocrine neoplasms of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas, termed gastroenteropancreatic NENs (GEP-NENs), has strongly expanded. The aim of this review is to give an overview of the recent advances on (epi)genetic level and highlight their clinical applications to address the current needs in GEP-NENs. We illustrate how molecular alterations can be and are being used as therapeutic targets, how mutations in DAXX/ATRX and copy number variations could be used as prognostic biomarkers, how far we are in identifying predictive biomarkers and how genetics can contribute to GEP-NEN classification. Finally, we discuss recent studies on liquid biopsies in the field of GEP-NENs and illustrate how liquid biopsies can play a role in patient management. In conclusion, molecular studies have suggested multiple potential biomarkers, but further validation is ongoing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gitta Boons
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
| | - Timon Vandamme
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Endocrinology, Erasmus Medical Center, Dr. Molewaterplein 50, 3015GE, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marc Peeters
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
| | - Guy Van Camp
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium.
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium.
| | - Ken Op de Beeck
- Center for Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610, Wilrijk, Belgium
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp and Antwerp University Hospital, Prins Boudewijnlaan 43, 2650, Edegem, Belgium
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9
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Romano D. Relevance of neuroendocrine tumours models assessed by kinomic profiling. ANNALES D'ENDOCRINOLOGIE 2019; 80:144-148. [PMID: 31054767 DOI: 10.1016/j.ando.2019.04.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Although there is evidence of a significant rise of neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) incidence, current treatments are largely insufficient due to somewhat poor knowledge of these tumours. Despite many efforts achieved to expose driver oncogene mutations in NETs, the genetic landscape of NETs is characterized by relatively few mutations and chromosomal aberrations per tumour compared with other tumour types. In addition, NETs display few actionable mutations providing compelling rationale for targeted therapies. Recent works aiming at characterizing currently used NETs in vitro models at the genomic level raised concerns on their reliability as bona fide tools to study NETs biology. However, the lack of actionable mutation in NETs implies that sole use of genomic is not sufficient to describe these models and establish appropriate therapeutic strategies. Several kinases and kinase-involving signalling pathways have been demonstrated as abnormally regulated in NETs. Yet, kinases have only been investigated regardless of their involvement in large intracellular signalling networks. In order to assess the validity of in vitro NETs models to study NETs biology, "next-generation" high throughput functional technologies based on "kinome-wide activity" will demonstrate the similarities between signalling pathways in NETs models and patients' samples. These approaches will significantly assist in identifying actionable alterations in NETs signalling pathways and guide patient stratification into early-phase clinical trials based on kinase inhibition targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Romano
- Marseille Medical Genetics, MMG, U1251 Inserm, Aix-Marseille université, Marseille, France.
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Vandamme T, Beyens M, Boons G, Schepers A, Kamp K, Biermann K, Pauwels P, De Herder WW, Hofland LJ, Peeters M, Van Camp G, Op de Beeck K. Hotspot DAXX, PTCH2 and CYFIP2 mutations in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms. Endocr Relat Cancer 2019; 26:1-12. [PMID: 30021865 DOI: 10.1530/erc-18-0120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in DAXX/ATRX, MEN1 and genes involved in the phosphoinositide-3-kinase/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) pathway have been implicated in pancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (pNENs). However, mainly mutations present in the majority of tumor cells have been identified, while proliferation-driving mutations could be present only in small fractions of the tumor. This study aims to identify high- and low-abundance mutations in pNENs using ultra-deep targeted resequencing. Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded matched tumor-normal tissue of 38 well-differentiated pNENs was sequenced using a HaloPlex targeted resequencing panel. Novel amplicon-based algorithms were used to identify both single nucleotide variants (SNVs) and insertion-deletions (indels) present in >10% of reads (high abundance) and in <10% of reads (low abundance). Found variants were validated by Sanger sequencing. Sequencing resulted in 416,711,794 reads with an average target base coverage of 2663 ± 1476. Across all samples, 32 high-abundance somatic, 3 germline and 30 low-abundance mutations were withheld after filtering and validation. Overall, 92% of high-abundance and 84% of low-abundance mutations were predicted to be protein damaging. Frequently, mutated genes were MEN1, DAXX, ATRX, TSC2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK-ERK pathway-related genes. Additionally, recurrent alterations on the same genomic position, so-called hotspot mutations, were found in DAXX, PTCH2 and CYFIP2. This first ultra-deep sequencing study highlighted genetic intra-tumor heterogeneity in pNEN, by the presence of low-abundance mutations. The importance of the ATRX/DAXX pathway was confirmed by the first-ever pNEN-specific protein-damaging hotspot mutation in DAXX. In this study, both novel genes, including the pro-apoptotic CYFIP2 gene and hedgehog signaling PTCH2, and novel pathways, such as the MAPK-ERK pathway, were implicated in pNEN.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Vandamme
- Center of Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Beyens
- Center of Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - G Boons
- Center of Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - A Schepers
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - K Kamp
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - K Biermann
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - P Pauwels
- Department of Pathology, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - W W De Herder
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - L J Hofland
- Section of Endocrinology, Department of Internal Medicine, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - M Peeters
- Center of Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - G Van Camp
- Center of Medical Genetics, University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
| | - K Op de Beeck
- Center of Oncological Research (CORE), University of Antwerp, Antwerp, Belgium
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Bollard J, Patte C, Massoma P, Goddard I, Gadot N, Benslama N, Hervieu V, Ferraro-Peyret C, Cordier-Bussat M, Scoazec JY, Roche C, Walter T, Vercherat C. Combinatorial Treatment with mTOR Inhibitors and Streptozotocin Leads to Synergistic In Vitro and In Vivo Antitumor Effects in Insulinoma Cells. Mol Cancer Ther 2017; 17:60-72. [DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-17-0325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/13/2017] [Revised: 09/29/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Lines KE, Stevenson M, Filippakopoulos P, Müller S, Lockstone HE, Wright B, Grozinsky-Glasberg S, Grossman AB, Knapp S, Buck D, Bountra C, Thakker RV. Epigenetic pathway inhibitors represent potential drugs for treating pancreatic and bronchial neuroendocrine tumors. Oncogenesis 2017; 6:e332. [PMID: 28504695 PMCID: PMC5523063 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2017.30] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2016] [Revised: 03/24/2017] [Accepted: 03/28/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer is associated with alterations in epigenetic mechanisms such as histone modifications and methylation of DNA, and inhibitors targeting epigenetic mechanisms represent a novel class of anti-cancer drugs. Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) of the pancreas (PNETs) and bronchus (BNETs), which may have 5-year survivals of <50% and as low as 5%, respectively, represent targets for such drugs, as >40% of PNETs and ~35% of BNETs have mutations of the multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) gene, which encodes menin that modifies histones by interacting with histone methyltransferases. We assessed 9 inhibitors of epigenetic pathways, for their effects on proliferation, by CellTiter Blue assay, and apoptosis, by CaspaseGlo assay, using 1 PNET and 2 BNET cell lines. Two inhibitors, referred to as (+)-JQ1 (JQ1) and PFI-1, targeting the bromo and extra terminal (BET) protein family which bind acetylated histone residues, were most effective in decreasing proliferation (by 40-85%, P<0.001) and increasing apoptosis (by 2-3.6 fold, P<0.001) in all 3 NET cell lines. The anti-proliferative effects of JQ1 and PFI-1 remained present for at least 48 hours after removal of the compound. JQ1, but not PFI-1, had cell cycle effects, assessed by propidium iodide staining and flow cytometry, resulting in increased and decreased proportions of NET cells in G1, and S and G2 phases, respectively. RNA Sequencing analysis revealed that these JQ1 effects were associated with increased histone 2B expression, and likely mediated through altered activity of bromodomain-containing (Brd) proteins. Assessment of JQ1 in vivo, using a pancreatic beta cell-specific conditional Men1 knockout mouse model that develops PNETs, revealed that JQ1 significantly reduced proliferation (by ~50%, P<0.0005), assessed by bromodeoxyuridine incorporation, and increased apoptosis (by ~3 fold, P<0.0005), assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labelling, of PNETs. Thus, our studies demonstrate that BET protein inhibitors may provide new treatments for NETs.
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Affiliation(s)
- K E Lines
- Academic Endocrine Unit, OCDEM, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - M Stevenson
- Academic Endocrine Unit, OCDEM, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - P Filippakopoulos
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - S Müller
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - H E Lockstone
- Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - B Wright
- Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - S Grozinsky-Glasberg
- Neuroendocrine Tumor Unit, Endocrinology & Metabolism Service, Department of Medicine, Hadassah-Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel
| | - A B Grossman
- Academic Endocrine Unit, OCDEM, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - S Knapp
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Johann Wolfgang Goethe-University and Buchmann Institute for Molecular Life Sciences, Max-von-Laue-Strasse 9, Frankfurt am Main, Jerusalem, Germany
| | - D Buck
- Oxford Genomics Centre, Wellcome Trust Centre for Human Genetics, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford, UK
| | - C Bountra
- Structural Genomics Consortium, University of Oxford, Old Road Campus, Headington, Oxford, UK
| | - R V Thakker
- Academic Endocrine Unit, OCDEM, University of Oxford, Churchill Hospital, Headington, Oxford, UK
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Crona J, Skogseid B. GEP- NETS UPDATE: Genetics of neuroendocrine tumors. Eur J Endocrinol 2016; 174:R275-90. [PMID: 27165966 DOI: 10.1530/eje-15-0972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2015] [Accepted: 12/21/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are a heterogeneous group of neoplasms, arising from neuroendocrine cells that are dispersed throughout the body. Around 20% of NETs occur in the context of a genetic syndrome. Today there are at least ten recognized NET syndromes. This includes the classical syndromes: multiple endocrine neoplasias types 1 and 2, and von Hippel-Lindau and neurofibromatosis type 1. Additional susceptibility genes associated with a smaller fraction of NETs have also been identified. Recognizing genetic susceptibility has proved essential both to provide genetic counseling and to give the best preventive care. In this review we will also discuss the knowledge of somatic genetic alterations in NETs. At least 24 genes have been implicated as drivers of neuroendocrine tumorigenesis, and the overall rates of genomic instability are relatively low. Genetic intra-tumoral, as well as inter-tumoral heterogeneity in the same patient, have also been identified. Together these data point towards the common pathways in NET evolution, separating early from late disease drivers. Although knowledge of specific mutations in NETs has limited impact on actual patient management, we predict that in the near future genomic profiling of tumors will be included in the clinical arsenal for diagnostics, prognostics and therapeutic decisions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Joakim Crona
- Department of Medical SciencesUppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag hammarskjölds väg 20, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Britt Skogseid
- Department of Medical SciencesUppsala University, Rudbecklaboratoriet, Dag hammarskjölds väg 20, 75185 Uppsala, Sweden
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