1
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Vogt M, Dudvarski Stankovic N, Cruz Garcia Y, Hofstetter J, Schneider K, Kuybu F, Hauck T, Adhikari B, Hamann A, Rocca Y, Grysczyk L, Martin B, Gebhardt-Wolf A, Wiegering A, Diefenbacher M, Gasteiger G, Knapp S, Saur D, Eilers M, Rosenfeldt M, Erhard F, Vos SM, Wolf E. Targeting MYC effector functions in pancreatic cancer by inhibiting the ATPase RUVBL1/2. Gut 2024:gutjnl-2023-331519. [PMID: 38821858 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2023-331519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The hallmark oncogene MYC drives the progression of most tumours, but direct inhibition of MYC by a small-molecule drug has not reached clinical testing. MYC is a transcription factor that depends on several binding partners to function. We therefore explored the possibility of targeting MYC via its interactome in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). DESIGN To identify the most suitable targets among all MYC binding partners, we constructed a targeted shRNA library and performed screens in cultured PDAC cells and tumours in mice. RESULTS Unexpectedly, many MYC binding partners were found to be important for cultured PDAC cells but dispensable in vivo. However, some were also essential for tumours in their natural environment and, among these, the ATPases RUVBL1 and RUVBL2 ranked first. Degradation of RUVBL1 by the auxin-degron system led to the arrest of cultured PDAC cells but not untransformed cells and to complete tumour regression in mice, which was preceded by immune cell infiltration. Mechanistically, RUVBL1 was required for MYC to establish oncogenic and immunoevasive gene expression identifying the RUVBL1/2 complex as a druggable vulnerability in MYC-driven cancer. CONCLUSION One implication of our study is that PDAC cell dependencies are strongly influenced by the environment, so genetic screens should be performed in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the auxin-degron system can be applied in a PDAC model, allowing target validation in living mice. Finally, by revealing the nuclear functions of the RUVBL1/2 complex, our study presents a pharmaceutical strategy to render pancreatic cancers potentially susceptible to immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Markus Vogt
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Nevenka Dudvarski Stankovic
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Yiliam Cruz Garcia
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Julia Hofstetter
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Katharina Schneider
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Filiz Kuybu
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Theresa Hauck
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Bikash Adhikari
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
| | - Anton Hamann
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Yamila Rocca
- Max Planck Research Group and Institute of Systems Immunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lara Grysczyk
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Benedikt Martin
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Anneli Gebhardt-Wolf
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Armin Wiegering
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Department of General, Visceral, Transplantation, Vascular and Pediatric Surgery, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Markus Diefenbacher
- Comprehensive Pneumology Center (CPC)/Institute of Lung Health and Immunity (LHI), Helmholtz Munich, Member of the German Center for Lung Research (DZL/CPC-M), Munich, Germany
- Ludwig-Maximilian-Universität München (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Georg Gasteiger
- Max Planck Research Group and Institute of Systems Immunology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefan Knapp
- Institute for Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Goethe-University Frankfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Institute of Translational Cancer Research, TUM School of Medicine and Health, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | - Florian Erhard
- Computational Systems Virology and Bioinformatics, Institute for Virology and Immunobiology, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Seychelle M Vos
- Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Elmar Wolf
- Cancer Systems Biology Group, Chair of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
- Institute of Biochemistry, University of Kiel, Kiel, Germany
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2
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Fortin BM, Pfeiffer SM, Insua-Rodríguez J, Alshetaiwi H, Moshensky A, Song WA, Mahieu AL, Chun SK, Lewis AN, Hsu A, Adam I, Eng OS, Pannunzio NR, Seldin MM, Marazzi I, Marangoni F, Lawson DA, Kessenbrock K, Masri S. Circadian control of tumor immunosuppression affects efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade. Nat Immunol 2024:10.1038/s41590-024-01859-0. [PMID: 38806707 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01859-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/30/2024]
Abstract
The circadian clock is a critical regulator of immunity, and this circadian control of immune modulation has an essential function in host defense and tumor immunosurveillance. Here we use a single-cell RNA sequencing approach and a genetic model of colorectal cancer to identify clock-dependent changes to the immune landscape that control the abundance of immunosuppressive cells and consequent suppression of cytotoxic CD8+ T cells. Of these immunosuppressive cell types, PD-L1-expressing myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) peak in abundance in a rhythmic manner. Disruption of the epithelial cell clock regulates the secretion of cytokines that promote heightened inflammation, recruitment of neutrophils and the subsequent development of MDSCs. We also show that time-of-day anti-PD-L1 delivery is most effective when synchronized with the abundance of immunosuppressive MDSCs. Collectively, these data indicate that circadian gating of tumor immunosuppression informs the timing and efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bridget M Fortin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Shannon M Pfeiffer
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Jacob Insua-Rodríguez
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Hamad Alshetaiwi
- Department of Pathology, University of Hail, Hail, Saudi Arabia
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alexander Moshensky
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Wei A Song
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alisa L Mahieu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Sung Kook Chun
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Amber N Lewis
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Alex Hsu
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Isam Adam
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Oliver S Eng
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Oncology, University of California Irvine, Orange, CA, USA
| | - Nicholas R Pannunzio
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Marcus M Seldin
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Ivan Marazzi
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Francesco Marangoni
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Devon A Lawson
- Department of Physiology and Biophysics, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Kai Kessenbrock
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA
| | - Selma Masri
- Department of Biological Chemistry, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Chao Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
- Center for Epigenetics and Metabolism, University of California Irvine, Irvine, CA, USA.
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3
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Fancelli S, Petroni G, Pillozzi S, Antonuzzo L. Unconventional strategy could be the future: From target to KRAS broad range treatment. Heliyon 2024; 10:e29739. [PMID: 38694108 PMCID: PMC11061671 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e29739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2023] [Revised: 04/11/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The RAS gene family comprises genes that regulate cell growth and differentiation. KRAS, a member of this family, is often mutated in different cancers, resulting in uncontrolled cell growth and tumor development. Recent clinical trial results on KRAS inhibition in NSCLC have defined the presence of a significant proportion of patients resistant to direct G12C inhibition. The presence of co-mutations and the occurrence of secondary resistance phenomena observed in preclinical and clinical settings partly justify these poor results. In addition, all other non-G12C mutations currently remain without specific strategies. Evidence of interactions between KRAS signaling and the TME suggests potential in vitro efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this short paper, we have reviewed the most relevant data from recent conferences, with a focus on KRAS inhibitors resistance mechanisms and interactions with the peri-tumor immune system. Commentary.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Fancelli
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
| | - Giulia Petroni
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
| | - Serena Pillozzi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences ‘Mario Serio', University of Florence, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Antonuzzo
- Clinical Oncology Unit, Careggi University Hospital, Florence, Italy
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Italy
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4
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Stone ML, Lee J, Lee JW, Coho H, Tariveranmoshabad M, Wattenberg MM, Choi H, Herrera VM, Xue Y, Choi-Bose S, Zingone SK, Patel D, Markowitz K, Delman D, Balachandran VP, Beatty GL. Hepatocytes coordinate immune evasion in cancer via release of serum amyloid A proteins. Nat Immunol 2024; 25:755-763. [PMID: 38641718 DOI: 10.1038/s41590-024-01820-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024]
Abstract
T cell infiltration into tumors is a favorable prognostic feature, but most solid tumors lack productive T cell responses. Mechanisms that coordinate T cell exclusion are incompletely understood. Here we identify hepatocyte activation via interleukin-6/STAT3 and secretion of serum amyloid A (SAA) proteins 1 and 2 as important regulators of T cell surveillance of extrahepatic tumors. Loss of STAT3 in hepatocytes or SAA remodeled the tumor microenvironment with infiltration by CD8+ T cells, while interleukin-6 overexpression in hepatocytes and SAA signaling via Toll-like receptor 2 reduced the number of intratumoral dendritic cells and, in doing so, inhibited T cell tumor infiltration. Genetic ablation of SAA enhanced survival after tumor resection in a T cell-dependent manner. Likewise, in individuals with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma, long-term survivors after surgery demonstrated lower serum SAA levels than short-term survivors. Taken together, these data define a fundamental link between liver and tumor immunobiology wherein hepatocytes govern productive T cell surveillance in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meredith L Stone
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jesse Lee
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Jae W Lee
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Heather Coho
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Mito Tariveranmoshabad
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Max M Wattenberg
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Hana Choi
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Veronica M Herrera
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yuqing Xue
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Shaanti Choi-Bose
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sofia K Zingone
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Dhruv Patel
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Kelly Markowitz
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Devora Delman
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Vinod P Balachandran
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Hepatopancreatobiliary Service, Department of Surgery, David M. Rubenstein Center for Pancreatic Cancer Research, Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gregory L Beatty
- Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
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5
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Perurena N, Situ L, Cichowski K. Combinatorial strategies to target RAS-driven cancers. Nat Rev Cancer 2024; 24:316-337. [PMID: 38627557 DOI: 10.1038/s41568-024-00679-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
Although RAS was formerly considered undruggable, various agents that inhibit RAS or specific RAS oncoproteins have now been developed. Indeed, the importance of directly targeting RAS has recently been illustrated by the clinical success of mutant-selective KRAS inhibitors. Nevertheless, responses to these agents are typically incomplete and restricted to a subset of patients, highlighting the need to develop more effective treatments, which will likely require a combinatorial approach. Vertical strategies that target multiple nodes within the RAS pathway to achieve deeper suppression are being investigated and have precedence in other contexts. However, alternative strategies that co-target RAS and other therapeutic vulnerabilities have been identified, which may mitigate the requirement for profound pathway suppression. Regardless, the efficacy of any given approach will likely be dictated by genetic, epigenetic and tumour-specific variables. Here we discuss various combinatorial strategies to treat KRAS-driven cancers, highlighting mechanistic concepts that may extend to tumours harbouring other RAS mutations. Although many promising combinations have been identified, clinical responses will ultimately depend on whether a therapeutic window can be achieved and our ability to prospectively select responsive patients. Therefore, we must continue to develop and understand biologically diverse strategies to maximize our likelihood of success.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naiara Perurena
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Lisa Situ
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Karen Cichowski
- Genetics Division, Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
- Ludwig Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA.
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6
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Tian T, Li Y, Li J, Xu H, Fan H, Zhu J, Wang Y, Peng F, Gong Y, Du Y, Yan X, He X, Cali Daylan AE, Pircher A, Neibart SS, Okuma Y, Hong MH, Huang M, Lu Y. Immunotherapy for patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer harboring oncogenic driver alterations other than EGFR: a multicenter real-world analysis. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2024; 13:861-874. [PMID: 38736501 PMCID: PMC11082706 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr-24-116] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2024] [Accepted: 03/25/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024]
Abstract
Background The administration of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with oncogenic driver alterations other than epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) aroused a heated discussion. We thus aimed to evaluate ICI treatment in these patients in real-world routine clinical practice. Methods A multicenter, retrospective study was conducted for NSCLC patients with at least one gene alteration (KRAS, HER2, BRAF, MET, RET, ALK, ROS1) receiving ICI monotherapy or combination treatment. The data regarding clinicopathologic characteristics, clinical efficacy, and safety were investigated. Results A total of 216 patients were included, the median age was 60 years, 72.7% of patients were male, and 46.8% had a smoking history. The molecular alterations involved KRAS (n=95), HER2 (n=42), BRAF (n=22), MET (n=21), RET (n=14), ALK (n=14), and ROS1 (n=8); 56.5% of patients received immunotherapy in the first-line, and the rest 43.5% were treated as a second-line and above. For the entire cohort who received immunotherapy-based regimens in the first-line, the median progression-free survival (PFS) was 7.5 months and the median overall survival (OS) was 24.8 months. For the entire cohort who received immunotherapy-based regimens in the second-line and above, the median PFS was 4.7 months and median OS was 17.1 months. KRAS mutated NSCLC treated with immunotherapy-based regimens in the first-line setting had a median PFS and OS were 7.8 and 26.1 months, respectively. Moreover, the median PFS and OS of immunotherapy-based regimens for KRAS-mutant NSCLC that progressed after chemotherapy were 5.9 and 17.1 months. Programmed death ligand 1 (PD-L1) expression level was not consistently associated with response to immunotherapy across different gene alteration subsets. In the KRAS group, PD-L1 positivity [tumor proportion score (TPS) ≥1%] was associated with better PFS and OS according to the multivariate Cox analysis. No statistically significant association was found for smoking status, age, or gender with clinical efficacy in any gene group analyses. Conclusions KRAS-mutant NSCLC could obtain clinical benefits from ICIs either for treatment-naive patients or those who have experienced progression after chemotherapy, and PD-L1 positive expression (TPS >1%) may be a potential positive predictor. For NSCLC with ALK, RET and ROS1 rearrangement, MET exon 14 skipping mutation, or BRAF V600E mutation, effectiveness of single or combined ICI therapy remains limited, therefore, targeted therapies should be considered prior to immunotherapy regimens. Future studies should address the investigation of better predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response in oncogene-driven NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Tian
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanying Li
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Thoracic Cancer, Medical Oncology Center, Sichuan Cancer Hospital & Institute, Sichuan Cancer Center, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyu Xu
- Department of Oncology, 363 Hospital, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua Fan
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, Leshan People’s Hospital, Leshan, China
| | - Jiang Zhu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yongsheng Wang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Feng Peng
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Youling Gong
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yijia Du
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaoyan Yan
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiulan He
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | | | - Andreas Pircher
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Internal Medicine V, Comprehensive Cancer Center Innsbruck (CCCI), Medical University of Innsbruck (MUI), Innsbruck, Austria
| | | | - Yusuke Okuma
- Department of Thoracic Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Min Hee Hong
- Division of Medical Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Yonsei Cancer Center, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Meijuan Huang
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - You Lu
- Division of Thoracic Tumor Multimodality Treatment and Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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7
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Chauhan S, Jaiswal S, Jakhmola V, Singh B, Bhattacharya S, Garg M, Sengupta S. Potential role of p53 deregulation in modulating immune responses in human malignancies: A paradigm to develop immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2024; 588:216766. [PMID: 38408603 PMCID: PMC7615729 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2024.216766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/22/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The crucial role played by the oncogenic expression of TP53, stemming from mutation or amyloid formation, in various human malignancies has been extensively studied over the past two decades. Interestingly, the potential role of TP53 as a crucial player in modulating immune responses has provided new insight into the field of cancer biology. The loss of p53's transcriptional functions and/or the acquisition of tumorigenic properties can efficiently modulate the recruitment and functions of myeloid and lymphoid cells, ultimately leading to the evasion of immune responses in human tumors. Consequently, the oncogenic nature of the tumor suppressor p53 can dynamically alter the function of immune cells, providing support for tumor progression and metastasis. This review comprehensively explores the dual role of p53 as both the guardian of the genome and an oncogenic driver, especially in the context of regulation of autophagy, apoptosis, the tumor microenvironment, immune cells, innate immunity, and adaptive immune responses. Additionally, the focus of this review centers on how p53 status in the immune response can be harnessed for the development of tailored therapeutic strategies and their potential application in immunotherapy against human malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shivi Chauhan
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India
| | - Shivani Jaiswal
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India
| | - Vibhuti Jakhmola
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India
| | - Bhavana Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India
| | - Sujata Bhattacharya
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India.
| | - Shinjinee Sengupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noda, 201313, India.
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8
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Yu H, Liu J, Bu X, Ma Z, Yao Y, Li J, Zhang T, Song W, Xiao X, Sun Y, Xiong W, Shi J, Dai P, Xiang B, Duan H, Yan X, Wu F, Zhang WC, Lin D, Hu H, Zhang H, Slack FJ, He HH, Freeman GJ, Wei W, Zhang J. Targeting METTL3 reprograms the tumor microenvironment to improve cancer immunotherapy. Cell Chem Biol 2024; 31:776-791.e7. [PMID: 37751743 PMCID: PMC10954589 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2023.09.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2022] [Revised: 07/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/01/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) is a heterogeneous ecosystem containing cancer cells, immune cells, stromal cells, cytokines, and chemokines which together govern tumor progression and response to immunotherapies. Methyltransferase-like 3 (METTL3), a core catalytic subunit for RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, plays a crucial role in regulating various physiological and pathological processes. Whether and how METTL3 regulates the TME and anti-tumor immunity in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) remain poorly understood. Here, we report that METTL3 elevates expression of pro-tumorigenic chemokines including CXCL1, CXCL5, and CCL20, and destabilizes PD-L1 mRNA in an m6A-dependent manner, thereby shaping a non-inflamed TME. Thus, inhibiting METTL3 reprograms a more inflamed TME that renders anti-PD-1 therapy more effective in several murine lung tumor models. Clinically, NSCLC patients who exhibit low-METTL3 expression have a better prognosis when receiving anti-PD-1 therapy. Collectively, our study highlights targeting METTL3 as a promising strategy to improve immunotherapy in NSCLC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haisheng Yu
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Xia Bu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Zhiqiang Ma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Senior Department of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Yingmeng Yao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jinfeng Li
- Institute of Oncology, Chinese PLA General Hospital, The Fifth Medical Center, 28 Fuxing Road, Beijing 100853, China
| | - Tiantian Zhang
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjing Song
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiangling Xiao
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Yishuang Sun
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Wenjun Xiong
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jie Shi
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Panpan Dai
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Bolin Xiang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Hongtao Duan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Xiaolong Yan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tangdu Hospital, The Fourth Military Medical University, 1 Xinsi Road, Xi'an 710038, China
| | - Fei Wu
- Department of Urology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan 250021, P.R.China
| | - Wen Cai Zhang
- Department of Cancer Division, Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida. Orlando, FL 32827, USA
| | - Dandan Lin
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430061, China
| | - Hankun Hu
- Department of Pharmacy, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Haojian Zhang
- Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Frank J Slack
- Harvard Medical School Initiative for RNA Medicine, Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02215, USA
| | - Housheng Hansen He
- Princess Margaret Cancer Center, University Health Network, Toronto, ON, Canada; Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, ON, Canada
| | - Gordon J Freeman
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA.
| | - Jinfang Zhang
- Department of Radiation and Medical Oncology, Medical Research Institute, Frontier Science Center of Immunology and Metabolism, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China; Taikang Center for Life and Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China.
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9
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Swanton C, Bernard E, Abbosh C, André F, Auwerx J, Balmain A, Bar-Sagi D, Bernards R, Bullman S, DeGregori J, Elliott C, Erez A, Evan G, Febbraio MA, Hidalgo A, Jamal-Hanjani M, Joyce JA, Kaiser M, Lamia K, Locasale JW, Loi S, Malanchi I, Merad M, Musgrave K, Patel KJ, Quezada S, Wargo JA, Weeraratna A, White E, Winkler F, Wood JN, Vousden KH, Hanahan D. Embracing cancer complexity: Hallmarks of systemic disease. Cell 2024; 187:1589-1616. [PMID: 38552609 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2024.02.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2024] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 04/02/2024]
Abstract
The last 50 years have witnessed extraordinary developments in understanding mechanisms of carcinogenesis, synthesized as the hallmarks of cancer. Despite this logical framework, our understanding of the molecular basis of systemic manifestations and the underlying causes of cancer-related death remains incomplete. Looking forward, elucidating how tumors interact with distant organs and how multifaceted environmental and physiological parameters impinge on tumors and their hosts will be crucial for advances in preventing and more effectively treating human cancers. In this perspective, we discuss complexities of cancer as a systemic disease, including tumor initiation and promotion, tumor micro- and immune macro-environments, aging, metabolism and obesity, cancer cachexia, circadian rhythms, nervous system interactions, tumor-related thrombosis, and the microbiome. Model systems incorporating human genetic variation will be essential to decipher the mechanistic basis of these phenomena and unravel gene-environment interactions, providing a modern synthesis of molecular oncology that is primed to prevent cancers and improve patient quality of life and cancer outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Swanton
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
| | - Elsa Bernard
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | | | - Fabrice André
- INSERM U981, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Department of Medical Oncology, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France; Paris Saclay University, Kremlin-Bicetre, France
| | - Johan Auwerx
- Laboratory of Integrative Systems Physiology, Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Allan Balmain
- UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | | | - René Bernards
- Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Oncode Institute, the Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Susan Bullman
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - James DeGregori
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Genetics, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | | | - Ayelet Erez
- Department of Molecular Cell Biology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Gerard Evan
- The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Kings College London, London, UK
| | - Mark A Febbraio
- Drug Discovery Biology, Monash Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Monash University, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Andrés Hidalgo
- Department of Immunobiology, Yale University, New Haven, CT 06519, USA; Area of Cardiovascular Regeneration, Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of Oncology, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | | | - Katja Lamia
- Department of Molecular Medicine, Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Jason W Locasale
- Department of Pharmacology and Cancer Biology, Duke University, Durham, NC, USA; Department of Molecular and Structural Biochemistry, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, NC, USA
| | - Sherene Loi
- Division of Cancer Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia; The Sir Department of Medical Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Miriam Merad
- Department of immunology and immunotherapy, Precision Immunology Institute, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Kathryn Musgrave
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Newcastle University, Newcastle, UK; Department of Haematology, The Newcastle upon Tyne Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Ketan J Patel
- MRC Weatherall Institute of Molecular Medicine, University of Oxford, John Radcliffe Hospital, Oxford, UK
| | - Sergio Quezada
- Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Haematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK
| | - Jennifer A Wargo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Department of Genomic Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Ashani Weeraratna
- Sidney Kimmel Cancer Center, Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Eileen White
- Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA; Ludwig Princeton Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Princeton, NJ, USA
| | - Frank Winkler
- Neurology Clinic and National Center for Tumor Diseases, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany; Clinical Cooperation Unit Neuro-oncology, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - John N Wood
- Molecular Nociception Group, WIBR, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Douglas Hanahan
- Lausanne Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Lausanne, Switzerland; Swiss institute for Experimental Cancer Research (ISREC), EPFL, Lausanne, Switzerland; Agora Translational Cancer Research Center, Lausanne, Switzerland.
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10
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Singh S, Fang J, Jin H, Van de Velde LA, Wu Q, Cortes A, Morton CL, Woolard MA, Quarni W, Steele JA, Connelly JP, He L, Thorne R, Turner G, Confer T, Johnson M, Caufield WV, Freeman BB, Lockey T, Pruett-Miller SM, Wang R, Davidoff AM, Thomas PG, Yang J. RBM39 degrader invigorates natural killer cells to eradicate neuroblastoma despite cancer cell plasticity. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.03.21.586157. [PMID: 38585889 PMCID: PMC10996557 DOI: 10.1101/2024.03.21.586157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/09/2024]
Abstract
The cellular plasticity of neuroblastoma is defined by a mixture of two major cell states, adrenergic (ADRN) and mesenchymal (MES), which may contribute to therapy resistance. However, how neuroblastoma cells switch cellular states during therapy remains largely unknown and how to eradicate neuroblastoma regardless of their cell states is a clinical challenge. To better understand the lineage switch of neuroblastoma in chemoresistance, we comprehensively defined the transcriptomic and epigenetic map of ADRN and MES types of neuroblastomas using human and murine models treated with indisulam, a selective RBM39 degrader. We showed that cancer cells not only undergo a bidirectional switch between ADRN and MES states, but also acquire additional cellular states, reminiscent of the developmental pliancy of neural crest cells. The lineage alterations are coupled with epigenetic reprogramming and dependency switch of lineage-specific transcription factors, epigenetic modifiers and targetable kinases. Through targeting RNA splicing, indisulam induces an inflammatory tumor microenvironment and enhances anticancer activity of natural killer cells. The combination of indisulam with anti-GD2 immunotherapy results in a durable, complete response in high-risk transgenic neuroblastoma models, providing an innovative, rational therapeutic approach to eradicate tumor cells regardless of their potential to switch cell states.
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11
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Ramirez CFA, Taranto D, Ando-Kuri M, de Groot MHP, Tsouri E, Huang Z, de Groot D, Kluin RJC, Kloosterman DJ, Verheij J, Xu J, Vegna S, Akkari L. Cancer cell genetics shaping of the tumor microenvironment reveals myeloid cell-centric exploitable vulnerabilities in hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:2581. [PMID: 38519484 PMCID: PMC10959959 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-46835-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 03/12/2024] [Indexed: 03/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Myeloid cells are abundant and plastic immune cell subsets in the liver, to which pro-tumorigenic, inflammatory and immunosuppressive roles have been assigned in the course of tumorigenesis. Yet several aspects underlying their dynamic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression remain elusive, including the impact of distinct genetic mutations in shaping a cancer-permissive tumor microenvironment (TME). Here, in newly generated, clinically-relevant somatic female HCC mouse models, we identify cancer genetics' specific and stage-dependent alterations of the liver TME associated with distinct histopathological and malignant HCC features. Mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)-activated, NrasG12D-driven tumors exhibit a mixed phenotype of prominent inflammation and immunosuppression in a T cell-excluded TME. Mechanistically, we report a NrasG12D cancer cell-driven, MEK-ERK1/2-SP1-dependent GM-CSF secretion enabling the accumulation of immunosuppressive and proinflammatory monocyte-derived Ly6Clow cells. GM-CSF blockade curbs the accumulation of these cells, reduces inflammation, induces cancer cell death and prolongs animal survival. Furthermore, GM-CSF neutralization synergizes with a vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) inhibitor to restrain HCC outgrowth. These findings underscore the profound alterations of the myeloid TME consequential to MAPK pathway activation intensity and the potential of GM-CSF inhibition as a myeloid-centric therapy tailored to subsets of HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christel F A Ramirez
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daniel Taranto
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Masami Ando-Kuri
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Marnix H P de Groot
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Efi Tsouri
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Zhijie Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Daniel de Groot
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Roelof J C Kluin
- Genomics Core facility, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Daan J Kloosterman
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Joanne Verheij
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Center Amsterdam, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Jing Xu
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, 510060, PR China
| | - Serena Vegna
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
| | - Leila Akkari
- Division of Tumor Biology and Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Oncode Institute, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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12
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Ascanelli C, Dahir R, Wilson CH. Manipulating Myc for reparative regeneration. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1357589. [PMID: 38577503 PMCID: PMC10991803 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1357589] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/15/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024] Open
Abstract
The Myc family of proto-oncogenes is a key node for the signal transduction of external pro-proliferative signals to the cellular processes required for development, tissue homoeostasis maintenance, and regeneration across evolution. The tight regulation of Myc synthesis and activity is essential for restricting its oncogenic potential. In this review, we highlight the central role that Myc plays in regeneration across the animal kingdom (from Cnidaria to echinoderms to Chordata) and how Myc could be employed to unlock the regenerative potential of non-regenerative tissues in humans for therapeutic purposes. Mastering the fine balance of harnessing the ability of Myc to promote transcription without triggering oncogenesis may open the door to many exciting opportunities for therapeutic development across a wide array of diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Catherine H. Wilson
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, United Kingdom
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13
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Pandey S, Anang V, Schumacher MM. Mitochondria driven innate immune signaling and inflammation in cancer growth, immune evasion, and therapeutic resistance. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:223-247. [PMID: 38782500 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.006] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Mitochondria play an important and multifaceted role in cellular function, catering to the cell's energy and biosynthetic requirements. They modulate apoptosis while responding to diverse extracellular and intracellular stresses including reactive oxygen species (ROS), nutrient and oxygen scarcity, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and signaling via surface death receptors. Integral components of mitochondria, such as mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), mitochondrial RNA (mtRNA), Adenosine triphosphate (ATP), cardiolipin, and formyl peptides serve as major damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs). These molecules activate multiple innate immune pathways both in the cytosol [such as Retionoic Acid-Inducible Gene-1 (RIG-1) and Cyclic GMP-AMP Synthase (cGAS)] and on the cell surface [including Toll-like receptors (TLRs)]. This activation cascade leads to the release of various cytokines, chemokines, interferons, and other inflammatory molecules and oxidative species. The innate immune pathways further induce chronic inflammation in the tumor microenvironment which either promotes survival and proliferation or promotes epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), metastasis and therapeutic resistance in the cancer cell's. Chronic activation of innate inflammatory pathways in tumors also drives immunosuppressive checkpoint expression in the cancer cells and boosts the influx of immune-suppressive populations like Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells (MDSCs) and Regulatory T cells (Tregs) in cancer. Thus, sensing of cellular stress by the mitochondria may lead to enhanced tumor growth. In addition to that, the tumor microenvironment also becomes a source of immunosuppressive cytokines. These cytokines exert a debilitating effect on the functioning of immune effector cells, and thus foster immune tolerance and facilitate immune evasion. Here we describe how alteration of the mitochondrial homeostasis and cellular stress drives innate inflammatory pathways in the tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanjay Pandey
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States.
| | - Vandana Anang
- International Center for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), New Delhi, India
| | - Michelle M Schumacher
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Montefiore Medical Center, Bronx, NY, United States; Department of Pathology, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, Bronx, NY, United States
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14
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Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Exploiting the therapeutic implications of KRAS inhibition on tumor immunity. Cancer Cell 2024; 42:338-357. [PMID: 38471457 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2024.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2023] [Revised: 02/12/2024] [Accepted: 02/14/2024] [Indexed: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
Over the past decade, RAS oncogenic proteins have transitioned from being deemed undruggable to having two clinically approved drugs, with several more in advanced stages of development. Despite the initial benefit of KRAS-G12C inhibitors for patients with tumors harboring this mutation, the rapid emergence of drug resistance underscores the urgent need to synergize these inhibitors with other therapeutic approaches to improve outcomes. RAS mutant tumor cells can create an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME), suggesting an increased susceptibility to immunotherapies following RAS inhibition. This provides a rationale for combining RAS inhibitory drugs with immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). However, achieving this synergy in the clinical setting has proven challenging. Here, we explore how understanding the impact of RAS mutant tumor cells on the TME can guide innovative approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies, review progress in both pre-clinical and clinical stages, and discuss challenges and future directions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Julian Downward
- Francis Crick Institute, 1 Midland Road, London NW1 1AT, UK.
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15
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Wan X, Wang J, Fang F, Hu Y, Zhang Z, Tao Y, Zhang Y, Yu J, Wu Y, Zhou B, Yin H, Ma L, Li X, Zhuo R, Cheng W, Zhang S, Pan J, Lu J, Hu S. Super enhancer related gene ANP32B promotes the proliferation of acute myeloid leukemia by enhancing MYC through histone acetylation. Cancer Cell Int 2024; 24:81. [PMID: 38383388 PMCID: PMC10882810 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-024-03271-y] [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: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 02/23/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a malignancy of the hematopoietic system, and childhood AML accounts for about 20% of pediatric leukemia. ANP32B, an important nuclear protein associated with proliferation, has been found to regulate hematopoiesis and CML leukemogenesis by inhibiting p53 activity. However, recent study suggests that ANP32B exerts a suppressive effect on B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in mice by activating PU.1. Nevertheless, the precise underlying mechanism of ANP32B in AML remains elusive. RESULTS Super enhancer related gene ANP32B was significantly upregulated in AML patients. The expression of ANP32B exhibited a negative correlation with overall survival. Knocking down ANP32B suppressed the proliferation of AML cell lines MV4-11 and Kasumi-1, along with downregulation of C-MYC expression. Additionally, it led to a significant decrease in H3K27ac levels in AML cell lines. In vivo experiments further demonstrated that ANP32B knockdown effectively inhibited tumor growth. CONCLUSIONS ANP32B plays a significant role in promoting tumor proliferation in AML. The downregulation of ANP32B induces cell cycle arrest and promotes apoptosis in AML cell lines. Mechanistic analysis suggests that ANP32B may epigenetically regulate the expression of MYC through histone H3K27 acetylation. ANP32B could serve as a prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic target for AML patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaomei Wan
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Jianwei Wang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Fang Fang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yixin Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zimu Zhang
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yanfang Tao
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yongping Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Juanjuan Yu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Yumeng Wu
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, 233004, China
| | - Bi Zhou
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Suzhou Hospital of AnHui Medical University, Suzhou, 234000, China
| | - Hongli Yin
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Li Ma
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Xiaolu Li
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Ran Zhuo
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
| | - Wei Cheng
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Shuqi Zhang
- Children's Hospital of Soochow University, Suzhou, 215003, China
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 24100, China
| | - Jian Pan
- Institute of Pediatric Research, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, China.
| | - Jun Lu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Shaoyan Hu
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital of Soochow University, No.92 Zhongnan Street, SIP, Suzhou, 215003, Jiangsu, China.
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16
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Sahu P, Mitra A, Ganguly A. Targeting KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways for immunomodulation and improving treatment outcomes in solid tumors. INTERNATIONAL REVIEW OF CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2024; 386:167-222. [PMID: 38782499 DOI: 10.1016/bs.ircmb.2024.01.005] [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: 05/25/2024]
Abstract
Historically, KRAS has been considered 'undruggable' inspite of being one of the most frequently altered oncogenic proteins in solid tumors, primarily due to the paucity of pharmacologically 'druggable' pockets within the mutant isoforms. However, pioneering developments in drug design capable of targeting the mutant KRAS isoforms especially KRASG12C-mutant cancers, have opened the doors for emergence of combination therapies comprising of a plethora of inhibitors targeting different signaling pathways. SHP2 signaling pathway, primarily known for activation of intracellular signaling pathways such as KRAS has come up as a potential target for such combination therapies as it emerged to be the signaling protein connecting KRAS and the immune signaling pathways and providing the link for understanding the overlapping regions of RAS/ERK/MAPK signaling cascade. Thus, SHP2 inhibitors having potent tumoricidal activity as well as role in immunomodulation have generated keen interest in researchers to explore its potential as combination therapy in KRAS mutant solid tumors. However, the excitement with these combination therapies need to overcome challenges thrown up by drug resistance and enhanced toxicity. In this review, we will discuss KRAS and SHP2 signaling pathways and their roles in immunomodulation and regulation of tumor microenvironment and also analyze the positive effects and drawbacks of the different combination therapies targeted at these signaling pathways along with their present and future potential to treat solid tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Priyanka Sahu
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Ankita Mitra
- Laura and Isaac Perlmutter Cancer Center, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, NY, United States
| | - Anirban Ganguly
- Department of Biochemistry, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Deoghar, Jharkhand, India.
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Asleh K, Ouellette RJ. Tumor Copy Number Alteration Burden as a Predictor for Resistance to Immune Checkpoint Blockade across Different Cancer Types. Cancers (Basel) 2024; 16:732. [PMID: 38398121 PMCID: PMC10886982 DOI: 10.3390/cancers16040732] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2024] [Revised: 02/03/2024] [Accepted: 02/07/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) benefits only a subset of advanced cancer patients, and predictive biomarkers for immunotherapy response are needed. Recently, copy number alteration (CNA) burden has been proposed to predict ICB resistance. We assessed this finding using the publicly accessible data for 1661 ICB-treated patients whose tumors were profiled by MSK-IMPACT, an approved targeted assay in clinical care. We tested the hypothesis that the continuous increase in CNA burden is associated with poor overall survival following ICB. In addition, we hypothesized that the combinatorial biomarkers of tumor mutational burden (TMB) and CNA burden would better stratify patients for immune status and ICB response. Of the 1661 cases, 79% (n = 1307) were treated with anti PD-1/PD-L1 and the remaining 21% (n = 354) with anti CTLA-4 or the combination of both. In a multivariate analysis, increase in CNA burden was associated with poor overall survival [HR = 1.52, 95% CI (1.01-2.30), p = 0.04]. The combination of biomarkers TMB and CNA burden stratified patients into four clinically distinct subsets among which "LowTMB/HighCNA" showed the worst survival (p < 0.0001). The four patient subsets had unique CNA profiles and enriched pathways, which could predict transcriptional and phenotypic effects related to immune signaling and CD8+ T-cell abundance in the tumor microenvironment. CNA burden was associated with poor overall survival in patients receiving ICB and could improve patient stratification when incorporated with TMB. These findings may guide patient selection for immunotherapy or alternative strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karama Asleh
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Halifax, NS B3H 1V8, Canada
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada;
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
| | - Rodney J. Ouellette
- Beatrice Hunter Cancer Research Institute, Halifax, NS B3H 0A2, Canada;
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB E1C 8X3, Canada
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB E1A 3E9, Canada
- Dr. Georges L. Dumont University Hospital, Vitalité Health Network, Moncton, NB E1C 2Z3, Canada
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18
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Venkatraman S, Balasubramanian B, Thuwajit C, Meller J, Tohtong R, Chutipongtanate S. Targeting MYC at the intersection between cancer metabolism and oncoimmunology. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1324045. [PMID: 38390324 PMCID: PMC10881682 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1324045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
MYC activation is a known hallmark of cancer as it governs the gene targets involved in various facets of cancer progression. Of interest, MYC governs oncometabolism through the interactions with its partners and cofactors, as well as cancer immunity via its gene targets. Recent investigations have taken interest in characterizing these interactions through multi-Omic approaches, to better understand the vastness of the MYC network. Of the several gene targets of MYC involved in either oncometabolism or oncoimmunology, few of them overlap in function. Prominent interactions have been observed with MYC and HIF-1α, in promoting glucose and glutamine metabolism and activation of antigen presentation on regulatory T cells, and its subsequent metabolic reprogramming. This review explores existing knowledge of the role of MYC in oncometabolism and oncoimmunology. It also unravels how MYC governs transcription and influences cellular metabolism to facilitate the induction of pro- or anti-tumoral immunity. Moreover, considering the significant roles MYC holds in cancer development, the present study discusses effective direct or indirect therapeutic strategies to combat MYC-driven cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simran Venkatraman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Brinda Balasubramanian
- Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, Biodiscovery Institute, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, United Kingdom
| | - Chanitra Thuwajit
- Department of Immunology, Faculty of Medicine Siriraj Hospital, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Jaroslaw Meller
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Division of Biomedical Informatics, Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center, Cincinnati, OH, United States
| | - Rutaiwan Tohtong
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, Mahidol University, Bangkok, Thailand
| | - Somchai Chutipongtanate
- Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
- Milk, microbiome, Immunity and Lactation research for Child Health (MILCH) and Novel Therapeutics Lab, Division of Epidemiology, Department of Environmental and Public Health Sciences, University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Cincinnati, OH, United States
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19
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Deutzmann A, Sullivan DK, Dhanasekaran R, Li W, Chen X, Tong L, Mahauad-Fernandez WD, Bell J, Mosley A, Koehler AN, Li Y, Felsher DW. Nuclear to cytoplasmic transport is a druggable dependency in MYC-driven hepatocellular carcinoma. Nat Commun 2024; 15:963. [PMID: 38302473 PMCID: PMC10834515 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-45128-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/12/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
The MYC oncogene is often dysregulated in human cancer, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MYC is considered undruggable to date. Here, we comprehensively identify genes essential for survival of MYChigh but not MYClow cells by a CRISPR/Cas9 genome-wide screen in a MYC-conditional HCC model. Our screen uncovers novel MYC synthetic lethal (MYC-SL) interactions and identifies most MYC-SL genes described previously. In particular, the screen reveals nucleocytoplasmic transport to be a MYC-SL interaction. We show that the majority of MYC-SL nucleocytoplasmic transport genes are upregulated in MYChigh murine HCC and are associated with poor survival in HCC patients. Inhibiting Exportin-1 (XPO1) in vivo induces marked tumor regression in an autochthonous MYC-transgenic HCC model and inhibits tumor growth in HCC patient-derived xenografts. XPO1 expression is associated with poor prognosis only in HCC patients with high MYC activity. We infer that MYC may generally regulate and require altered expression of nucleocytoplasmic transport genes for tumorigenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anja Deutzmann
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Delaney K Sullivan
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Renumathy Dhanasekaran
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Wei Li
- Center for Genetic Medicine Research, Children's National Hospital, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
- Department of Genomics and Precision Medicine, George Washington University, Washington, DC, 20012, USA
| | - Xinyu Chen
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Ling Tong
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | | | - John Bell
- Stanford Genome Technology Center, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Adriane Mosley
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA
| | - Angela N Koehler
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Department of Biological Engineering, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Center for Precision Cancer Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, 02139, USA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
| | - Yulin Li
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Institute for Academic Medicine, Houston Methodist and Weill Cornell Medical College, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Department of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
- Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford University, Stanford, CA, 94305, USA.
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20
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Chuang YM, Tzeng SF, Ho PC, Tsai CH. Immunosurveillance encounters cancer metabolism. EMBO Rep 2024; 25:471-488. [PMID: 38216787 PMCID: PMC10897436 DOI: 10.1038/s44319-023-00038-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2023] [Revised: 12/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor cells reprogram nutrient acquisition and metabolic pathways to meet their energetic, biosynthetic, and redox demands. Similarly, metabolic processes in immune cells support host immunity against cancer and determine differentiation and fate of leukocytes. Thus, metabolic deregulation and imbalance in immune cells within the tumor microenvironment have been reported to drive immune evasion and to compromise therapeutic outcomes. Interestingly, emerging evidence indicates that anti-tumor immunity could modulate tumor heterogeneity, aggressiveness, and metabolic reprogramming, suggesting that immunosurveillance can instruct cancer progression in multiple dimensions. This review summarizes our current understanding of how metabolic crosstalk within tumors affects immunogenicity of tumor cells and promotes cancer progression. Furthermore, we explain how defects in the metabolic cascade can contribute to developing dysfunctional immune responses against cancers and discuss the contribution of immunosurveillance to these defects as a feedback mechanism. Finally, we highlight ongoing clinical trials and new therapeutic strategies targeting cellular metabolism in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Ming Chuang
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Sheue-Fen Tzeng
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Ping-Chih Ho
- Department of Fundamental Oncology, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, University of Lausanne, Lausanne, Switzerland.
| | - Chin-Hsien Tsai
- Graduate Institute of Life Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
- Department and Graduate Institute of Biochemistry, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan.
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21
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Qiao M, Zhou F, Liu X, Jiang T, Wang H, Li X, Zhao C, Cheng L, Chen X, Ren S, Wang Z, Zhou C. Targeting focal adhesion kinase boosts immune response in KRAS/LKB1 co-mutated lung adenocarcinoma via remodeling the tumor microenvironment. Exp Hematol Oncol 2024; 13:11. [PMID: 38291516 PMCID: PMC10826079 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00471-6] [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: 06/17/2023] [Accepted: 12/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS mutation is one of the most common oncogenic drivers in NSCLC, however, the response to immunotherapy is heterogeneous owing to the distinct co-occurring genomic alterations. KRAS/LKB1 co-mutated lung adenocarcinoma displays poor response to PD-1 blockade whereas the mechanism remains undetermined. METHODS We explored the specific characteristics of tumor microenvironment (TME) in KL tumors using syngeneic KRASG12DLKB1-/- (KL) and KRASG12DTP53-/- (KP) lung cancer mouse models. The impact of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) inhibitor on KL lung tumors was investigated in vitro and in vivo through evaluation of both KL cell lines and KL lung cancer mouse models. RESULTS We identified KL tumors as "immune-cold" tumors with excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen deposition that formed a physical barrier to block the infiltration of CD8+T cells. Mechanistically, abundant activated cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) resulted from FAK activation contributed to the formation of the unique TME of KL tumors. FAK inhibition with a small molecular inhibitor could remodel the TME by inhibiting CAFs activation, decreasing collagen deposition and further facilitating the infiltration of anti-tumor immune cells, including CD8+ T cells, DC cells and M1-like macrophages into tumors, hence, converting "immune-cold" KL tumors into "immune-hot" tumors. The combined FAK inhibitor and PD-1 blockade therapy synergistically retarded primary and metastatic tumor growth of KL tumors. CONCLUSIONS Our study identified FAK as a promising intervention target for KL tumors and provided basis for the combination of FAK inhibitor with PD-1 blockade in the management of KL lung cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Qiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
- Department of Medical Oncology, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, People's Republic of China
| | - Fei Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinyu Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Tao Jiang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Haowei Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xuefei Li
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Chao Zhao
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Cheng
- Department of Lung Cancer and Immunology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaoxia Chen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Shengxiang Ren
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China
| | - Zaiqi Wang
- InxMed (Shanghai) Co., Ltd, Shanghai, 201202, People's Republic of China
| | - Caicun Zhou
- Department of Medical Oncology, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital & Thoracic Cancer Institute, Tongji University School of Medicine, No. 507, Zheng Min Road, Shanghai, 200433, People's Republic of China.
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22
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Liu Y, Chen H, Yan X, Zhang J, Deng Z, Huang M, Gu J, Zhang J. MyD88 in myofibroblasts enhances nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocarcinogenesis via promoting macrophage M2 polarization. Cell Commun Signal 2024; 22:86. [PMID: 38291436 PMCID: PMC10826060 DOI: 10.1186/s12964-024-01489-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a major cause of chronic liver diseases and has emerged as the leading factor in the pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MyD88 contributes to the development of HCC. However, the underlying mechanism by which MyD88 in myofibroblasts regulates NAFLD-associated liver cancer development remains unknown. RESULTS Myofibroblast MyD88-deficient (SMAMyD88-/-) mice were protected from diet-induced obesity and developed fewer and smaller liver tumors. MyD88 deficiency in myofibroblasts attenuated macrophage M2 polarization and fat accumulation in HCC tissues. Mechanistically, MyD88 signaling in myofibroblasts enhanced CCL9 secretion, thereby promoting macrophage M2 polarization. This process may depend on the CCR1 receptor and STAT6/ PPARβ pathway. Furthermore, liver tumor growth was attenuated in mice treated with a CCR1 inhibitor. CCLl5 (homologous protein CCL9 in humans) expression was increased in myofibroblasts of HCC and was associated with shorter survival of patients with HCC. Thus, our results indicate that MyD88 in myofibroblasts promotes NAFLD-related HCC progression and may be a promising therapeutic target for HCC treatment. CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that MyD88 in myofibroblasts can promote nonalcoholic fatty liver disease-related hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing macrophage M2 polarization, which might provide a potential molecular therapeutic target for HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Liu
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No.3 Shangyuancun Road, Beijing, 100044, P.R. China
| | - Haiqiang Chen
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No.3 Shangyuancun Road, Beijing, 100044, P.R. China
| | - Xuanxuan Yan
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No.3 Shangyuancun Road, Beijing, 100044, P.R. China
| | - Jie Zhang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No.3 Shangyuancun Road, Beijing, 100044, P.R. China
| | - Zhenzhong Deng
- Department of Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China
| | - Maosheng Huang
- Department of Epidemiology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Jianchun Gu
- Department of Oncology, Xinhua Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 1665 Kongjiang Road, Shanghai, 200092, P. R. China.
| | - Jinhua Zhang
- College of Life Science and Bioengineering, Beijing Jiaotong University, No.3 Shangyuancun Road, Beijing, 100044, P.R. China.
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23
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Gulhan DC, Viswanadham V, Muyas F, Jin H, Foote MB, Lee JJK, Barras D, Jung YL, Ljungstrom V, Rousseau B, Galor A, Diplas BH, Maron SB, Cleary JM, Cortés-Ciriano I, Park PJ. Predicting response to immune checkpoint blockade therapy among mismatch repair-deficient patients using mutational signatures. MEDRXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR HEALTH SCIENCES 2024:2024.01.19.24301236. [PMID: 38293061 PMCID: PMC10827269 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.19.24301236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2024]
Abstract
Despite the overall efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) for mismatch repair deficiency (MMRD) across tumor types, a sizable fraction of patients with MMRD still do not respond to ICB. We performed mutational signature analysis of panel sequencing data (n = 95) from MMRD cases treated with ICB. We discover that T>C-rich single base substitution (SBS) signatures-SBS26 and SBS54 from the COSMIC Mutational Signatures catalog-identify MMRD patients with significantly shorter overall survival. Tumors with a high burden of SBS26 show over-expression and enriched mutations of genes involved in double-strand break repair and other DNA repair pathways. They also display chromosomal instability (CIN), likely related to replication fork instability, leading to copy number losses that trigger immune evasion. SBS54 is associated with transcriptional activity and not with CIN, defining a distinct subtype. Consistently, cancer cell lines with a high burden of SBS26 and SBS54 are sensitive to treatments targeting pathways related to their proposed etiology. Together, our analysis offers an explanation for the heterogeneous responses to ICB among MMRD patients and supports an SBS signature-based predictor as a prognostic biomarker for differential ICB response.
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24
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Miao T, Symonds A, Hickman OJ, Wu D, Wang P, Lemoine N, Wang Y, Linardopoulos S, Halldén G. Inhibition of Bromodomain Proteins Enhances Oncolytic HAdVC5 Replication and Efficacy in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) Models. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1265. [PMID: 38279262 PMCID: PMC10816486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25021265] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2023] [Revised: 01/14/2024] [Accepted: 01/16/2024] [Indexed: 01/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is the most aggressive type of pancreatic cancer, which rapidly develops resistance to the current standard of care. Several oncolytic Human AdenoViruses (HAdVs) have been reported to re-sensitize drug-resistant cancer cells and in combination with chemotherapeutics attenuate solid tumour growth. Obstacles preventing greater clinical success are rapid hepatic elimination and limited viral replication and spread within the tumour microenvironment. We hypothesised that higher intratumoural levels of the virus could be achieved by altering cellular epigenetic regulation. Here we report on the screening of an enriched epigenetics small molecule library and validation of six compounds that increased viral gene expression and replication. The greatest effects were observed with three epigenetic inhibitors targeting bromodomain (BRD)-containing proteins. Specifically, BRD4 inhibitors enhanced the efficacy of Ad5 wild type, Ad∆∆, and Ad-3∆-A20T in 3-dimensional co-culture models of PDAC and in vivo xenografts. RNAseq analysis demonstrated that the inhibitors increased viral E1A expression, altered expression of cell cycle regulators and inflammatory factors, and attenuated expression levels of tumour cell oncogenes such as c-Myc and Myb. The data suggest that the tumour-selective Ad∆∆ and Ad-3∆-A20T combined with epigenetic inhibitors is a novel strategy for the treatment of PDAC by eliminating both cancer and associated stromal cells to pave the way for immune cell access even after systemic delivery of the virus.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tizong Miao
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Alistair Symonds
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Oliver J. Hickman
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Dongsheng Wu
- Bioimaging Centre, School of Engineering and Materials Science, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 4NS, UK;
| | - Ping Wang
- Centre for Immunobiology, Blizard Institute, Barts and The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London E1 2AT, UK; (A.S.); (P.W.)
| | - Nick Lemoine
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Yaohe Wang
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
| | - Spiros Linardopoulos
- Cancer Drug Target Discovery Laboratory, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK; (O.J.H.); (S.L.)
| | - Gunnel Halldén
- Centre for Biomarkers and Biotherapeutics, Barts Cancer Institute, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK; (T.M.); (N.L.); (Y.W.)
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25
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Singla N, Nirschl TR, Obradovic AZ, Shenderov E, Lombardo K, Liu X, Pons A, Zarif JC, Rowe SP, Trock BJ, Hammers HJ, Bivalacqua TJ, Pierorazio PM, Deutsch JS, Lotan TL, Taube JM, Ged YMA, Gorin MA, Allaf ME, Drake CG. Immunomodulatory response to neoadjuvant nivolumab in non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Sci Rep 2024; 14:1458. [PMID: 38228729 PMCID: PMC10792074 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-51889-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 01/18/2024] Open
Abstract
Novel perioperative strategies are needed to reduce recurrence rates in patients undergoing nephrectomy for high-risk, non-metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC). We conducted a prospective, phase I trial of neoadjuvant nivolumab prior to nephrectomy in 15 evaluable patients with non-metastatic ccRCC. We leveraged tissue from that cohort to elucidate the effects of PD-1 inhibition on immune cell populations in ccRCC and correlate the evolving immune milieu with anti-PD-1 response. We found that nivolumab durably induces a pro-inflammatory state within the primary tumor, and baseline immune infiltration within the primary tumor correlates with nivolumab responsiveness. Nivolumab increases CTLA-4 expression in the primary tumor, and subsequent nephrectomy increases circulating concentrations of sPD-L1, sPD-L3 (sB7-H3), and s4-1BB. These findings form the basis to consider neoadjuvant immune checkpoint inhibition (ICI) for high-risk ccRCC while the tumor remains in situ and provide the rationale for perioperative strategies of novel ICI combinations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nirmish Singla
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA.
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA.
| | - Thomas R Nirschl
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Pathobiology Graduate Program, Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | | | - Eugene Shenderov
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Kara Lombardo
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Xiaopu Liu
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Alice Pons
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Jelani C Zarif
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
- Bloomberg~Kimmel Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Steven P Rowe
- The Russell H. Morgan Department of Radiology and Radiological Science, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Bruce J Trock
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
| | - Hans J Hammers
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Trinity J Bivalacqua
- Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Phillip M Pierorazio
- Division of Urology, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Julie S Deutsch
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Tamara L Lotan
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Janis M Taube
- Department of Pathology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Yasser M A Ged
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Michael A Gorin
- Milton and Carroll Petrie Department of Urology, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY, USA
| | - Mohamad E Allaf
- Department of Urology, James Buchanan Brady Urological Institute, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, 600 North Wolfe Street, Park 213, Baltimore, MD, 21287, USA
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and the Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Charles G Drake
- Immuno-Oncology, The Janssen Pharmaceutical Companies of Johnson & Johnson, Raritan, NJ, USA
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Liu A, Gammon ST, Pisaneschi F, Boda A, Ager CR, Piwnica-Worms D, Hong DS, Curran MA. Hypoxia-activated prodrug and antiangiogenic therapies cooperatively treat pancreatic cancer but elicit immunosuppressive G-MDSC infiltration. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e169150. [PMID: 37988164 PMCID: PMC10906452 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.169150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/23/2023] Open
Abstract
We previously showed that ablation of tumor hypoxia can sensitize tumors to immune checkpoint blockade (ICB). Here, we used a Kras+/G12D TP53+/R172H Pdx1-Cre-derived (KPC-derived) model of pancreatic adenocarcinoma to examine the tumor response and adaptive resistance mechanisms involved in response to 2 established methods of hypoxia-reducing therapy: the hypoxia-activated prodrug TH-302 and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) blockade. The combination of both modalities normalized tumor vasculature, increased DNA damage and cell death, and delayed tumor growth. In contrast with prior cancer models, the combination did not alleviate overall tissue hypoxia or sensitize these KPC tumors to ICB therapy despite qualitative improvements to the CD8+ T cell response. Bulk tumor RNA sequencing, flow cytometry, and adoptive myeloid cell transfer suggested that treated tumor cells increased their capacity to recruit granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs) through CCL9 secretion. Blockade of the CCL9/CCR1 axis could limit G-MDSC migration, and depletion of Ly6G-positive cells could sensitize tumors to the combination of TH-302, anti-VEGFR-2, and ICB. Together, these data suggest that pancreatic tumors modulate G-MDSC migration as an adaptive response to vascular normalization and that these immunosuppressive myeloid cells act in a setting of persistent hypoxia to maintain adaptive immune resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arthur Liu
- The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology program, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Seth T. Gammon
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Federica Pisaneschi
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Akash Boda
- The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology program, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Casey R. Ager
- Mayo Clinic, Department of Immunology, Scottsdale, Arizona, USA
| | - David Piwnica-Worms
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Division of Diagnostic Imaging, Department of Cancer Systems Imaging, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - David S. Hong
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Investigational Cancer Therapeutics, Houston, Texas, USA
| | - Michael A. Curran
- The University of Texas MD Anderson UTHealth Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Immunology program, Houston, Texas, USA
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Immunology, Houston, Texas, USA
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27
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Qian Y, Yin Y, Zheng X, Liu Z, Wang X. Metabolic regulation of tumor-associated macrophage heterogeneity: insights into the tumor microenvironment and immunotherapeutic opportunities. Biomark Res 2024; 12:1. [PMID: 38185636 PMCID: PMC10773124 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-023-00549-7] [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: 10/01/2023] [Accepted: 12/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) are a heterogeneous population that play diverse functions in tumors. Their identity is determined not only by intrinsic factors, such as origins and transcription factors, but also by external signals from the tumor microenvironment (TME), such as inflammatory signals and metabolic reprogramming. Metabolic reprogramming has rendered TAM to exhibit a spectrum of activities ranging from pro-tumorigenic to anti-tumorigenic, closely associated with tumor progression and clinical prognosis. This review implicates the diversity of TAM phenotypes and functions, how this heterogeneity has been re-evaluated with the advent of single-cell technologies, and the impact of TME metabolic reprogramming on TAMs. We also review current therapies targeting TAM metabolism and offer new insights for TAM-dependent anti-tumor immunotherapy by focusing on the critical role of different metabolic programs in TAMs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujing Qian
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Yujia Yin
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Xiaocui Zheng
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China
| | - Zhaoyuan Liu
- Department of Immunology and Microbiology, Shanghai Institute of Immunology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200025, China.
| | - Xipeng Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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28
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Zhou W, Chen Y, Zheng Y, Bai Y, Yin J, Wu XX, Hong M, Liang L, Zhang J, Gao Y, Sun N, Li J, Zhang Y, Wu L, Jin X, Niu J. Characterizing immune variation and diagnostic indicators of preeclampsia by single-cell RNA sequencing and machine learning. Commun Biol 2024; 7:32. [PMID: 38182876 PMCID: PMC10770323 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-023-05669-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2023] [Accepted: 12/04/2023] [Indexed: 01/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Preeclampsia is a multifactorial and heterogeneous complication of pregnancy. Here, we utilize single-cell RNA sequencing to dissect the involvement of circulating immune cells in preeclampsia. Our findings reveal downregulation of immune response in lymphocyte subsets in preeclampsia, such as reduction in natural killer cells and cytotoxic genes expression, and expansion of regulatory T cells. But the activation of naïve T cell and monocyte subsets, as well as increased MHC-II-mediated pathway in antigen-presenting cells were still observed in preeclampsia. Notably, we identified key monocyte subsets in preeclampsia, with significantly increased expression of angiogenesis pathways and pro-inflammatory S100 family genes in VCAN+ monocytes and IFN+ non-classical monocytes. Furthermore, four cell-type-specific machine-learning models have been developed to identify potential diagnostic indicators of preeclampsia. Collectively, our study demonstrates transcriptomic alternations of circulating immune cells and identifies immune components that could be involved in pathophysiology of preeclampsia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenwen Zhou
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Yixuan Chen
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Yuhui Zheng
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Yong Bai
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | | | - Xiao-Xia Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Mei Hong
- College of Life Sciences, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Protein Function and Regulation in Agricultural Organisms, South China Agricultural University, Guangzhou, 510642, China
| | - Langchao Liang
- College of Life Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- BGI Research, Qingdao, 266555, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Ya Gao
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China
| | - Ning Sun
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | | | - Yiwei Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China
| | - Linlin Wu
- Department of Obstetrics, the Eighth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Shenzhen, 518033, China.
| | - Xin Jin
- BGI Research, Shenzhen, 518103, China.
- School of Medicine, South China University of Technology, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
- Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Transomics Biotechnologies, BGI-Shenzhen, Shenzhen, 518083, China.
| | - Jianmin Niu
- Department of Obstetrics, Shenzhen Maternity & Child Healthcare Hospital, The First School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Shenzhen, 518028, China.
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29
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Ren W, Xu Z, Chang Y, Ju F, Wu H, Liang Z, Zhao M, Wang N, Lin Y, Xu C, Chen S, Rao Y, Lin C, Yang J, Liu P, Zhang J, Huang C, Xia N. Pharmaceutical targeting of OTUB2 sensitizes tumors to cytotoxic T cells via degradation of PD-L1. Nat Commun 2024; 15:9. [PMID: 38167274 PMCID: PMC10761827 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-44466-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 12/14/2023] [Indexed: 01/05/2024] Open
Abstract
PD-1 is a co-inhibitory receptor expressed by CD8+ T cells which limits their cytotoxicity. PD-L1 expression on cancer cells contributes to immune evasion by cancers, thus, understanding the mechanisms that regulate PD-L1 protein levels in cancers is important. Here we identify tumor-cell-expressed otubain-2 (OTUB2) as a negative regulator of antitumor immunity, acting through the PD-1/PD-L1 axis in various human cancers. Mechanistically, OTUB2 directly interacts with PD-L1 to disrupt the ubiquitination and degradation of PD-L1 in the endoplasmic reticulum. Genetic deletion of OTUB2 markedly decreases the expression of PD-L1 proteins on the tumor cell surface, resulting in increased tumor cell sensitivity to CD8+ T-cell-mediated cytotoxicity. To underscore relevance in human patients, we observe a significant correlation between OTUB2 expression and PD-L1 abundance in human non-small cell lung cancer. An inhibitor of OTUB2, interfering with its deubiquitinase activity without disrupting the OTUB2-PD-L1 interaction, successfully reduces PD-L1 expression in tumor cells and suppressed tumor growth. Together, these results reveal the roles of OTUB2 in PD-L1 regulation and tumor evasion and lays down the proof of principle for OTUB2 targeting as therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenfeng Ren
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Zilong Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yating Chang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Fei Ju
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Hongning Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Zhiqi Liang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Min Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Naizhen Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yanhua Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Chenhang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Shengming Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Yipeng Rao
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Chaolong Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China
| | - Jianxin Yang
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory and Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China
| | - Pingguo Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary & Pancreatic Surgery, The National Key Clinical Specialty, Zhongshan Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China.
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory and Chronic Liver Disease and Hepatocellular Carcinoma, Xiamen, Fujian, 361004, China.
| | - Jun Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Chenghao Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
| | - Ningshao Xia
- State Key Laboratory of Vaccines for Infectious Diseases, Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, Department of Laboratory Medicine, School of Public Health, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- State Key Laboratory of Molecular Vaccinology and Molecular Diagnostics, National Institute of Diagnostics and Vaccine Development in Infectious Diseases, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
- School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, 361102, China.
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30
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Hofstetter J, Ogunleye A, Kutschke A, Buchholz LM, Wolf E, Raabe T, Gallant P. Spt5 interacts genetically with Myc and is limiting for brain tumor growth in Drosophila. Life Sci Alliance 2024; 7:e202302130. [PMID: 37935464 PMCID: PMC10629571 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202302130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/13/2023] [Indexed: 11/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor SPT5 physically interacts with MYC oncoproteins and is essential for efficient transcriptional activation of MYC targets in cultured cells. Here, we use Drosophila to address the relevance of this interaction in a living organism. Spt5 displays moderate synergy with Myc in fast proliferating young imaginal disc cells. During later development, Spt5-knockdown has no detectable consequences on its own, but strongly enhances eye defects caused by Myc overexpression. Similarly, Spt5-knockdown in larval type 2 neuroblasts has only mild effects on brain development and survival of control flies, but dramatically shrinks the volumes of experimentally induced neuroblast tumors and significantly extends the lifespan of tumor-bearing animals. This beneficial effect is still observed when Spt5 is knocked down systemically and after tumor initiation, highlighting SPT5 as a potential drug target in human oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julia Hofstetter
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Ayoola Ogunleye
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - André Kutschke
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Lisa Marie Buchholz
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Elmar Wolf
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Cancer Systems Biology Group, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Thomas Raabe
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Molecular Genetics, Biocenter, Am Hubland, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Peter Gallant
- https://ror.org/00fbnyb24 Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Theodor Boveri Institute, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
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31
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Boumelha J, Molina-Arcas M, Downward J. Facts and Hopes on RAS Inhibitors and Cancer Immunotherapy. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:5012-5020. [PMID: 37581538 PMCID: PMC10722141 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-3655] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/01/2023] [Indexed: 08/16/2023]
Abstract
Although the past decade has seen great strides in the development of immunotherapies that reactivate the immune system against tumors, there have also been major advances in the discovery of drugs blocking oncogenic drivers of cancer growth. However, there has been very little progress in combining immunotherapies with drugs that target oncogenic driver pathways. Some of the most important oncogenes in human cancer encode RAS family proteins, although these have proven challenging to target. Recently drugs have been approved that inhibit a specific mutant form of KRAS: G12C. These have improved the treatment of patients with lung cancer harboring this mutation, but development of acquired drug resistance after initial responses has limited the impact on overall survival. Because of the immunosuppressive nature of the signaling network controlled by oncogenic KRAS, targeted KRAS G12C inhibition can indirectly affect antitumor immunity, and does so without compromising the critical role of normal RAS proteins in immune cells. This serves as a rationale for combination with immune checkpoint blockade, which can provide additional combinatorial therapeutic benefit in some preclinical cancer models. However, in clinical trials, combination of KRAS G12C inhibitors with PD-(L)1 blockade has yet to show improved outcome, in part due to treatment toxicities. A greater understanding of how oncogenic KRAS drives immune evasion and how mutant-specific KRAS inhibition impacts the tumor microenvironment can lead to novel approaches to combining RAS inhibition with immunotherapies.
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32
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Kang M, Qiu J, Wei H, Li J. A bibliometric analysis of global research trends of inflammation in cervical cancer: A review. Medicine (Baltimore) 2023; 102:e36598. [PMID: 38065854 PMCID: PMC10713142 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000036598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/21/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Cervical cancer is a common malignant tumor and a leading cause of death in women worldwide. It plays a crucial role in tumorigenesis and progression of cervical cancer. A total of 1606 references on inflammation in cervical cancer were retrieved from the Web of Science Core Collection and visual analysis was performed using VOSviewer. Inflammation in cervical cancer has attracted the attention of researchers. Even though China is the country that publishes the most papers, with the most of the top-ranking institutions, there is no extensive collaboration and exchange of papers by Chinese scholars. PLOS One is a popular journal on inflammation in cervical cancer. Instead, authors from other countries perform better, for example, the Sjoerd H. Van Der Burg is the most widely cited author and "M2 macrophages induced by prostaglandin E2 and IL-6 from cervical carcinoma are switched to activated M1 macrophages by CD4 + Th1 cells" (Moniek Heusinkveld, Leiden University Medical Center) is the most cited article of inflammation in cervical cancer. Keywords associated with "apoptosis," "HPV," "NF-κB," and "oxidative stress have been used in many studies, and keywords associated with "apoptosis," "human papillomavirus (HPV)," "NF-κB," and "oxidative stress" are involved in many studies, and there may be more research ideas in the future. From the perspective of precision medicine, more substantive research articles can promote scientific value, strengthen communication and cooperation, produce more extensive research results, and greatly promote the clinical diagnosis and treatment of cervical cancer. All procedures performed in this study involving human participants were in accordance with the ethical standards of the institutional and/or national research committee and with the 1964 Helsinki Declaration and its later amendments or comparable ethical standards.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meili Kang
- Central Laboratory of Medicine School, Shaanxi Province University Engineering Research Center of Biosecurity Defense Equipment, Xi’an Peihua University, Xi’an, China
- Department of cardiology, First Hospital of Northwestern University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Junling Qiu
- Department of cardiology, First Hospital of Northwestern University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Hong Wei
- Department of Rehabilitation Teaching and Research, Xi’an Siyuan University, Xi’an, China
| | - Jianing Li
- Department of Medicine School, Xiamen University, Xiamen, China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Clinical Medical Research Center for Obstetrics and Gynecology Diseases of Fujian Province, Laboratory of Research and Diagnosis of Gynecological Diseases of Xiamen City, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
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33
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Dallmann J, Freitag J, Jung C, Khinvasara K, Merz L, Peters D, Schork M, Beck J. CIMT 2023: report on the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association for Cancer Immunotherapy. IMMUNO-ONCOLOGY TECHNOLOGY 2023; 20:100397. [PMID: 37876518 PMCID: PMC10590812 DOI: 10.1016/j.iotech.2023.100397] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2023]
Abstract
The Association for Cancer Immunotherapy (CIMT) celebrated the 20th anniversary of the CIMT Annual Meeting. CIMT2023 was held 3-5 May 2023 in Mainz, Germany. 1051 academic and clinical professionals from over 30 countries attended the meeting and discussed the latest advances in cancer immunology and immunotherapy research. This report summarizes the highlights of CIMT2023.
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Affiliation(s)
- J. Dallmann
- Immunotherapies & Preclinical Research, BioNTech SE, Mainz
| | - J. Freitag
- TRON-Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - C. Jung
- BioNTech Cell & Gene Therapies GmbH, Mainz
| | - K. Khinvasara
- TRON-Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - L. Merz
- TRON-Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - D. Peters
- Immunotherapies & Preclinical Research, BioNTech SE, Mainz
| | - M. Schork
- TRON-Translational Oncology, University Medical Center of the Johannes Gutenberg University Mainz gGmbH, Mainz, Germany
| | - J.D. Beck
- Immunotherapies & Preclinical Research, BioNTech SE, Mainz
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Muñoz-Ruiz M, Llorian M, D'Antuono R, Pavlova A, Mavrigiannaki AM, McKenzie D, García-Cassani B, Iannitto ML, Wu Y, Dart R, Davies D, Jamal-Hanjani M, Jandke A, Ushakov DS, Hayday AC. IFN-γ-dependent interactions between tissue-intrinsic γδ T cells and tissue-infiltrating CD8 T cells limit allergic contact dermatitis. J Allergy Clin Immunol 2023; 152:1520-1540. [PMID: 37562754 DOI: 10.1016/j.jaci.2023.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Elicitation of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD), an inflammatory type 4 hypersensitivity disease, induces skin infiltration by polyclonal effector CD8 αβ T cells and precursors of tissue-resident memory T (TRM) cells. Because TRM have long-term potential to contribute to body-surface immunoprotection and immunopathology, their local regulation needs a fuller understanding. OBJECTIVE We sought to investigate how TRM-cell maturation might be influenced by innate-like T cells pre-existing within many epithelia. METHODS This study examined CD8+ TRM-cell maturation following hapten-induced ACD in wild-type mice and in strains harboring altered compartments of dendritic intraepidermal γδ T cells (DETCs), a prototypic tissue-intrinsic, innate-like T-cell compartment that reportedly regulates ACD, but by no elucidated mechanism. RESULTS In addition to eliciting CD8 TRM, ACD induced DETC activation and an intimate coregulatory association of the 2 cell types. This depended on DETC sensing IFN-γ produced by CD8 cells and involved programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). Thus, in mice lacking DETC or lacking IFN-γ receptor solely on γδ cells, ACD-elicited CD8 T cells showed enhanced proliferative and effector potentials and reduced motility, collectively associated with exaggerated ACD pathology. Comparable dysregulation was elicited by PD-L1 blockade in vitro, and IFN-γ-regulated PD-L1 expression was a trait of human skin-homing and intraepithelial γδ T cells. CONCLUSIONS The size and quality of the tissue-infiltrating CD8 T-cell response during ACD can be profoundly regulated by local innate-like T cells responding to IFN-γ and involving PD-L1. Thus, interindividual and tissue-specific variations in tissue-intrinsic lymphocytes may influence responses to allergens and other challenges and may underpin inflammatory pathologies such as those repeatedly observed in γδ T-cell-deficient settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miguel Muñoz-Ruiz
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Department of Immunology, Ophthalmology and Ear, Nose and Throat, Complutense University School of Medicine and 12 de Octubre Health Research Institute, Madrid, Spain
| | - Miriam Llorian
- Bioinformatics and Biostatistics science technology platform (STP), The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rocco D'Antuono
- Light Microscopy STP, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Pavlova
- Department of Biology, Division of Genetics, Nikolaus-Fiebiger-Center for Molecular Medicine, Erlangen, Germany
| | | | - Duncan McKenzie
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Bethania García-Cassani
- Development and Homeostasis of the Nervous System Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Maria Luisa Iannitto
- Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Yin Wu
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Robin Dart
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Daniel Davies
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mariam Jamal-Hanjani
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, United Kingdom
| | - Anett Jandke
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Dmitry S Ushakov
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Institute of Molecular Virology and Cell Biology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut, Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Greifswald-Insel Riems, Germany
| | - Adrian C Hayday
- Immunosurveillance Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, United Kingdom; Peter Gorer Department of Immunobiology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom; Centre for Inflammation Biology and Cancer Immunology, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
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Kwantwi LB. Genetic alterations shape innate immune cells to foster immunosuppression and cancer immunotherapy resistance. Clin Exp Med 2023; 23:4289-4296. [PMID: 37910258 DOI: 10.1007/s10238-023-01240-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/01/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Cancer immunotherapy, particularly immune checkpoint inhibitors, has opened a new avenue for cancer treatment following the durable clinical benefits. Despite the clinical successes across several cancer types, primary or acquired resistance might eventually lead to cancer progression in patients with clinical responses. Hence, to broaden the clinical applicability of these treatments, a detailed understanding of the mechanisms limiting the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy is needed. Evidence provided thus far has implicated immunosuppressive innate immune cells infiltrating the tumor microenvironment as key players in immunotherapy resistance. According to the available data, genetic alterations can shape the innate immune response to promote immunotherapy resistance and tumor progression. Herein, this review has discussed the current understanding of the underlying mechanisms where genetic alterations modulate the innate immune milieu to drive immunosuppression and immunotherapy resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Louis Boafo Kwantwi
- Department of Pathology, Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, California, USA.
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Sekar TV, Elghonaimy EA, Swancutt KL, Diegeler S, Gonzalez I, Hamilton C, Leung PQ, Meiler J, Martina CE, Whitney M, Aguilera TA. Simultaneous selection of nanobodies for accessible epitopes on immune cells in the tumor microenvironment. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7473. [PMID: 37978291 PMCID: PMC10656474 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-43038-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
In the rapidly advancing field of synthetic biology, there exists a critical need for technology to discover targeting moieties for therapeutic biologics. Here we present INSPIRE-seq, an approach that utilizes a nanobody library and next-generation sequencing to identify nanobodies selected for complex environments. INSPIRE-seq enables the parallel enrichment of immune cell-binding nanobodies that penetrate the tumor microenvironment. Clone enrichment and specificity vary across immune cell subtypes in the tumor, lymph node, and spleen. INSPIRE-seq identifies a dendritic cell binding clone that binds PHB2. Single-cell RNA sequencing reveals a connection with cDC1s, and immunofluorescence confirms nanobody-PHB2 colocalization along cell membranes. Structural modeling and docking studies assist binding predictions and will guide nanobody selection. In this work, we demonstrate that INSPIRE-seq offers an unbiased approach to examine complex microenvironments and assist in the development of nanobodies, which could serve as active drugs, modified to become drugs, or used as targeting moieties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thillai V Sekar
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
- Department of Microbiology, Pondicherry University, Kalapet, Puducherry, India
| | - Eslam A Elghonaimy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Katy L Swancutt
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Sebastian Diegeler
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Isaac Gonzalez
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Cassandra Hamilton
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Peter Q Leung
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Jens Meiler
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
- Institute for Drug Discovery, Leipzig University Medical School, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cristina E Martina
- Department of Chemistry and Center for Structural Biology, Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, USA
| | - Michael Whitney
- Department of Pharmacology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | - Todd A Aguilera
- Department of Radiation Oncology, the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA.
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Li B, Sun L, Sun Y, Zhen L, Qi Q, Mo T, Wang H, Qiu M, Cai Q. Identification of the key genes of tuberculosis and construction of a diagnostic model via weighted gene co-expression network analysis. J Infect Chemother 2023; 29:1046-1053. [PMID: 37499902 DOI: 10.1016/j.jiac.2023.07.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease with high mortality, and mining key genes for TB diagnosis is vital to raise the survival rate of patients. METHODS The whole microarray datasets GSE83456 (training set) and GSE19444 (validation set) of TB patients were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Differential expression was conducted on genes between TB and normal samples (unconfirmed TB) in GSE83456 to yield TB-related differentially expressed genes (DEGs). DEGs were subjected to weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and clustered to form distinct gene modules. The immune scores of 25 kinds of immune cells were obtained by single-sample gene set enrichment analysis (ssGSEA) of TB samples, and Pearson correlation analysis was carried out between the 25 immune scores and diverse gene modules. The gene modules significantly associated with immune cells were retained as Target modules. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses were performed on the genes in the modules (p-value <0.05). The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was established utilizing the STRING database for genes in the Target module, and the selected key genes were intersected with immune-related genes in the ImmPort database. The obtained immune-related module genes were used for subsequent least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression analysis and diagnostic models were constructed. Finally, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was utilized to validate the diagnostic model. RESULTS The turquoise and yellow modules had a high correlation with macrophages. LASSO regression analysis of immune-related genes in TB was carried on to finally construct a 5-gene diagnostic model composed of C5, GRN, IL1B, IL23A, and TYMP. As demonstrated by the ROC curves, the diagnostic efficiency of this diagnostic model was 0.957 and 0.944 in the training and validation sets, respectively. Therefore, the immune-related 5-gene model had a good diagnostic function for TB. CONCLUSION We identified 5 immune-related diagnostic markers that may play an important role in TB, and verified that this immune-related key gene model had a good diagnostic performance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baiying Li
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Lifang Sun
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Yaping Sun
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Libo Zhen
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Qi Qi
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Ting Mo
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Huijie Wang
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Meihua Qiu
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China
| | - Qingshan Cai
- Department of Tuberculosis, Affiliated Hangzhou Chest Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310003, China.
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Fazilaty H, Basler K. Reactivation of embryonic genetic programs in tissue regeneration and disease. Nat Genet 2023; 55:1792-1806. [PMID: 37904052 DOI: 10.1038/s41588-023-01526-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
Embryonic genetic programs are reactivated in response to various types of tissue damage, providing cell plasticity for tissue regeneration or disease progression. In acute conditions, these programs remedy the damage and then halt to allow a return to homeostasis. In chronic situations, including inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancer, prolonged activation of embryonic programs leads to disease progression and tissue deterioration. Induction of progenitor identity and cell plasticity, for example, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, are critical outcomes of reactivated embryonic programs. In this Review, we describe molecular players governing reactivated embryonic genetic programs, their role during disease progression, their similarities and differences and lineage reversion in pathology and discuss associated therapeutics and drug-resistance mechanisms across many organs. We also discuss the diversity of reactivated programs in different disease contexts. A comprehensive overview of commonalities between development and disease will provide better understanding of the biology and therapeutic strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Fazilaty
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
| | - Konrad Basler
- Department of Molecular Life Sciences, University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
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Laurent PA, Milic M, Quevrin C, Meziani L, Liu W, Morel D, Signolle N, Clémenson C, Levy A, Mondini M, Deutsch E. KRAS G12C inhibition using MRTX1257: a novel radio-sensitizing partner. J Transl Med 2023; 21:773. [PMID: 37907934 PMCID: PMC10619254 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04619-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/11/2023] [Indexed: 11/02/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND KRAS activating mutations are considered the most frequent oncogenic drivers and are correlated with radio-resistance in multiple cancers including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and colorectal cancer. Although KRAS was considered undruggable until recently, several KRAS inhibitors have recently reached clinical development. Among them, MRTX849 (Mirati Therapeutics) showed encouraging clinical outcomes for the treatment of selected patients with KRASG12C mutated NSCLC and colorectal cancers. In this work, we explore the ability of MRTX1257, a KRASG12C inhibitor analogous to MRTX849, to radio-sensitize KRASG12C+/+ mutated cell lines and tumors. METHODS Both in vitro and in vivo models of radiotherapy (RT) in association with MRTX1257 were used, with different RAS mutational profiles. We assessed in vitro the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257 in CT26 KRASG12C+/+, CT26 WT, LL2 WT and LL2 NRAS KO (LL2 NRAS-/-) cell lines. In vivo, we used syngeneic models of subcutaneous CT26 KRASG12C+/+ tumors in BALB/c mice and T cell deficient athymic nu/nu mice to assess both the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257 and its immunological features. RESULTS MRTX1257 was able to radio-sensitize CT26 KRASG12C+/+ cells in vitro in a time and dose dependent manner. Moreover, RT in association with MRTX1257 in BALB/c mice bearing CT26 KRASG12C+/+ subcutaneous tumors resulted in an observable cure rate of 20%. However, no durable response was observed with similar treatment in athymic nude mice. The analysis of the immune microenvironment of CT26 KRASG12C+/+ tumors following RT and MRTX1257 showed an increase in the proportion of various cell subtypes including conventional CD4 + T cells, dendritic cells type 2 (cDC2) and inflammatory monocytes. Furthermore, the expression of PD-L1 was dramatically down-regulated within both tumor and myeloid cells, thus illustrating the polarization of the tumor microenvironment towards a pro-inflammatory and anti-tumor phenotype following the combined treatment. CONCLUSION This work is the first to demonstrate in vitro as in vivo the radio-sensitizing effect of MRTX1257, a potent KRASG12C inhibitor compatible with oral administration, in CT26 KRASG12C mutated cell lines and tumors. This is a first step towards the use of new combinatorial strategies using KRAS inhibitors and RT in KRASG12C mutated tumors, which are the most represented in NSCLC with 14% of patients harboring this mutational profile.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pierre-Antoine Laurent
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Marina Milic
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Clément Quevrin
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Lydia Meziani
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Winchygn Liu
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Daphné Morel
- Drug Development Department (DITEP), Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Nicolas Signolle
- Experimental and Translational Pathology Platform (PETRA), AMMICa, INSERM US23/UAR3655, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, Villejuif, France
| | - Céline Clémenson
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Antonin Levy
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Michele Mondini
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France
| | - Eric Deutsch
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France.
- INSERM U1030, Molecular Radiation Therapy and Therapeutic Innovation, Gustave Roussy Cancer Campus, University of Paris-Saclay, 114 rue Edouard Vaillant, 94805, Villejuif, France.
- SIRIC SOCRATE, Gustave Roussy, Villejuif, France.
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Luo Z, Eichinger KM, Zhang A, Li S. Targeting cancer metabolic pathways for improving chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Cancer Lett 2023; 575:216396. [PMID: 37739209 PMCID: PMC10591810 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2023.216396] [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: 07/14/2023] [Revised: 08/28/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/24/2023]
Abstract
Recent discoveries in cancer metabolism have revealed promising metabolic targets to modulate cancer progression, drug response, and anti-cancer immunity. Combination therapy, consisting of metabolic inhibitors and chemotherapeutic or immunotherapeutic agents, offers new opportunities for improved cancer therapy. However, it also presents challenges due to the complexity of cancer metabolic pathways and the metabolic interactions between tumor cells and immune cells. Many studies have been published demonstrating potential synergy between novel inhibitors of metabolism and chemo/immunotherapy, yet our understanding of the underlying mechanisms remains limited. Here, we review the current strategies of altering the metabolic pathways of cancer to improve the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy. We also note the need to differentiate the effect of metabolic inhibition on cancer cells and immune cells and highlight nanotechnology as an emerging solution. Improving our understanding of the complexity of the metabolic pathways in different cell populations and the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy will aid in the discovery of novel strategies that effectively restrict cancer growth and augment the anti-cancer effects of chemo/immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhangyi Luo
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | | | - Anju Zhang
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Song Li
- Center for Pharmacogenetics, Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Pharmacy, Pittsburgh, PA, USA; UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA, USA.
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Curtis KL, Homer KM, Wendt RA, Stapley BM, Clark ET, Harward K, Chang A, Clarke DM, Arroyo JA, Reynolds PR. Inflammatory Cytokine Elaboration Following Secondhand Smoke (SHS) Exposure Is Mediated in Part by RAGE Signaling. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15645. [PMID: 37958629 PMCID: PMC10649034 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2023] [Revised: 10/19/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is a key contributor to immune and inflammatory responses in myriad diseases. RAGE is a transmembrane pattern recognition receptor with a special interest in pulmonary anomalies due to its naturally abundant pulmonary expression. Our previous studies demonstrated an inflammatory role for RAGE following acute 30-day exposure to secondhand smoke (SHS), wherein immune cell diapedesis and cytokine/chemokine secretion were accentuated in part via RAGE signaling. However, the chronic inflammatory mechanisms associated with RAGE have yet to be fully elucidated. In this study, we address the impact of long-term SHS exposure on RAGE signaling. RAGE knockout (RKO) and wild-type (WT) mice were exposed to SHS using a nose-only delivery system (Scireq Scientific, Montreal, Canada) for six months. SHS-exposed animals were compared to mice exposed to room air (RA) only. Immunoblotting was used to assess the phospho-AKT and phospho-ERK activation data, and colorimetric high-throughput assays were used to measure NF-kB. Ras activation was measured via ELISAs. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cellularity was quantified, and a mouse cytokine antibody array was used to screen the secreted cytokines. The phospho-AKT level was decreased, while those of phospho-ERK, NF-kB, and Ras were elevated in both groups of SHS-exposed mice, with the RKO + SHS-exposed mice demonstrating significantly decreased levels of each intermediate compared to those of the WT + SHS-exposed mice. The BALF contained increased levels of diverse pro-inflammatory cytokines in the SHS-exposed WT mice, and diminished secretion was detected in the SHS-exposed RKO mice. These results validate the role for RAGE in the mediation of chronic pulmonary inflammatory responses and suggest ERK signaling as a likely pathway that perpetuates RAGE-dependent inflammation. Additional characterization of RAGE-mediated pulmonary responses to prolonged exposure will provide a valuable insight into the cellular mechanisms of lung diseases such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Paul R. Reynolds
- Lung and Placenta Laboratory, Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Brigham Young University, Provo, UT 84602, USA (R.A.W.); (E.T.C.); (A.C.)
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Yao D, Binan L, Bezney J, Simonton B, Freedman J, Frangieh CJ, Dey K, Geiger-Schuller K, Eraslan B, Gusev A, Regev A, Cleary B. Scalable genetic screening for regulatory circuits using compressed Perturb-seq. Nat Biotechnol 2023:10.1038/s41587-023-01964-9. [PMID: 37872410 PMCID: PMC11035494 DOI: 10.1038/s41587-023-01964-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2023] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 10/25/2023]
Abstract
Pooled CRISPR screens with single-cell RNA sequencing readout (Perturb-seq) have emerged as a key technique in functional genomics, but they are limited in scale by cost and combinatorial complexity. In this study, we modified the design of Perturb-seq by incorporating algorithms applied to random, low-dimensional observations. Compressed Perturb-seq measures multiple random perturbations per cell or multiple cells per droplet and computationally decompresses these measurements by leveraging the sparse structure of regulatory circuits. Applied to 598 genes in the immune response to bacterial lipopolysaccharide, compressed Perturb-seq achieves the same accuracy as conventional Perturb-seq with an order of magnitude cost reduction and greater power to learn genetic interactions. We identified known and novel regulators of immune responses and uncovered evolutionarily constrained genes with downstream targets enriched for immune disease heritability, including many missed by existing genome-wide association studies. Our framework enables new scales of interrogation for a foundational method in functional genomics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Douglas Yao
- Program in Systems, Synthetic, and Quantitative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Loic Binan
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jon Bezney
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Brooke Simonton
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Jahanara Freedman
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Chris J Frangieh
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
| | - Kushal Dey
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, MA, USA
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | | | - Alexander Gusev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
- Division of Genetics, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Aviv Regev
- Klarman Cell Observatory, Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA, USA
- Computational and Systems Biology Program, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
- Genentech, South San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - Brian Cleary
- Faculty of Computing and Data Sciences, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biology, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Program in Bioinformatics, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
- Biological Design Center, Boston University, Boston, MA, USA.
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Graham MK, Wang R, Chikarmane R, Wodu B, Vaghasia A, Gupta A, Zheng Q, Hicks J, Sysa-Shah P, Pan X, Castagna N, Liu J, Meyers J, Skaist A, Zhang Y, Schuebel K, Simons BW, Bieberich CJ, Nelson WG, Lupold SE, DeWeese TL, De Marzo AM, Yegnasubramanian S. Convergent alterations in the tumor microenvironment of MYC-driven human and murine prostate cancer. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.09.07.553268. [PMID: 37905029 PMCID: PMC10614732 DOI: 10.1101/2023.09.07.553268] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
The tissue microenvironment in prostate cancer is profoundly altered. While such alterations have been implicated in driving prostate cancer initiation and progression to aggressive disease, how prostate cancer cells and their precursors mediate those changes is unclear, in part due to the inability to longitudinally study the disease evolution in human tissues. To overcome this limitation, we performed extensive single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and rigorous molecular pathology of the comparative biology between human prostate cancer and key time points in the disease evolution of a genetically engineered mouse model (GEMM) of prostate cancer. Our studies of human tissues, with validation in a large external data set, revealed that cancer cell-intrinsic activation of MYC signaling was the top up-regulated pathway in human cancers, representing a common denominator across the well-known molecular and pathological heterogeneity of human prostate cancer. Likewise, numerous non-malignant cell states in the tumor microenvironment (TME), including non-cancerous epithelial, immune, and fibroblast cell compartments, were conserved across individuals, raising the possibility that these cell types may be a sequelae of the convergent MYC activation in the cancer cells. To test this hypothesis, we employed a GEMM of prostate epithelial cell-specific MYC activation in two mouse strains. Cell communication network and pathway analyses suggested that MYC oncogene-expressing neoplastic cells, directly and indirectly, reprogrammed the TME during carcinogenesis, leading to the emergence of cascading cell state alterations in neighboring epithelial, immune, and fibroblast cell types that paralleled key findings in human prostate cancer. Importantly, among these changes, the progression from a precursor-enriched to invasive-cancer-enriched state was accompanied by a cell-intrinsic switch from pro-immunogenic to immunosuppressive transcriptional programs with coinciding enrichment of immunosuppressive myeloid and Treg cells in the immune microenvironment. These findings implicate activation of MYC signaling in reshaping convergent aspects of the TME of prostate cancer as a common denominator across the otherwise well-documented molecular heterogeneity of human prostate cancer.
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44
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Ghorani E, Swanton C, Quezada SA. Cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving acquired immune tolerance. Immunity 2023; 56:2270-2295. [PMID: 37820584 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune evasion is a hallmark of cancer, enabling tumors to survive contact with the host immune system and evade the cycle of immune recognition and destruction. Here, we review the current understanding of the cancer cell-intrinsic factors driving immune evasion. We focus on T cells as key effectors of anti-cancer immunity and argue that cancer cells evade immune destruction by gaining control over pathways that usually serve to maintain physiological tolerance to self. Using this framework, we place recent mechanistic advances in the understanding of cancer immune evasion into broad categories of control over T cell localization, antigen recognition, and acquisition of optimal effector function. We discuss the redundancy in the pathways involved and identify knowledge gaps that must be overcome to better target immune evasion, including the need for better, routinely available tools that incorporate the growing understanding of evasion mechanisms to stratify patients for therapy and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ghorani
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Hematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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45
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Wu G, Su J, Zeng L, Deng S, Huang X, Ye Y, Li R, Bai R, Zhuang L, Li M, Zhou Q, Zheng Y, Deng J, Zhang S, Chen R, Lin D, Zhang J, Zheng J. LncRNA BCAN-AS1 stabilizes c-Myc via N 6-methyladenosine-mediated binding with SNIP1 to promote pancreatic cancer. Cell Death Differ 2023; 30:2213-2230. [PMID: 37726400 PMCID: PMC10589284 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-023-01225-x] [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: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023] Open
Abstract
C-Myc overexpression contributes to multiple hallmarks of human cancer but directly targeting c-Myc is challenging. Identification of key factors involved in c-Myc dysregulation is of great significance to develop potential indirect targets for c-Myc. Herein, a collection of long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) interacted with c-Myc is detected in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cells. Among them, lncRNA BCAN-AS1 is identified as the one with highest c-Myc binding enrichment. BCAN-AS1 was abnormally elevated in PDAC tumors and high BCAN-AS1 level was significantly associated with poor prognosis. Mechanistically, Smad nuclear-interacting protein 1 (SNIP1) was characterized as a new N6-methyladenosine (m6A) mediator binding to BCAN-AS1 via recognizing its m6A modification. m6A-modified BCAN-AS1 acts as a scaffold to facilitate the formation of a ternary complex together with c-Myc and SNIP1, thereby blocking S phase kinase-associated protein 2 (SKP2)-mediated c-Myc ubiquitination and degradation. Biologically, BCAN-AS1 promotes malignant phenotypes of PDAC in vitro and in vivo. Treatment of metastasis xenograft and patient-derived xenograft mouse models with in vivo-optimized antisense oligonucleotide of BCAN-AS1 effectively represses tumor growth and metastasis. These findings shed light on the pro-tumorigenic role of BCAN-AS1 and provide an innovant insight into c-Myc-interacted lncRNA in PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guandi Wu
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jiachun Su
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Medicine, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lingxing Zeng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shuang Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xudong Huang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ying Ye
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rui Li
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ruihong Bai
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lisha Zhuang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Mei Li
- Department of Pathology, Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, Guangzhou, China
| | - Quanbo Zhou
- Department of Pancreaticobiliary Surgery, Sun Yat-sen Memorial Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yanfen Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Junge Deng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shaoping Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Rufu Chen
- Guangdong Provincial People's Hospital & Guangdong Academy of Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Dongxin Lin
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China
- Department of Etiology and Carcinogenesis, National Cancer Center/National Clinical Research Center/Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jialiang Zhang
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Jian Zheng
- Sun Yat-sen University Cancer Center, State Key Laboratory of Oncology in South China and Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Guangzhou, China.
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Cancer Biomarkers, Prevention and Treatment, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.
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46
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Papadopoulos D, Uhl L, Ha SA, Eilers M. Beyond gene expression: how MYC relieves transcription stress. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:805-816. [PMID: 37422352 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2023] [Revised: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 06/15/2023] [Indexed: 07/10/2023]
Abstract
MYC oncoproteins are key drivers of tumorigenesis. As transcription factors, MYC proteins regulate transcription by all three nuclear polymerases and gene expression. Accumulating evidence shows that MYC proteins are also crucial for enhancing the stress resilience of transcription. MYC proteins relieve torsional stress caused by active transcription, prevent collisions between the transcription and replication machineries, resolve R-loops, and repair DNA damage by participating in a range of protein complexes and forming multimeric structures at sites of genomic instability. We review the key complexes and multimerization properties of MYC proteins that allow them to mitigate transcription-associated DNA damage, and propose that the oncogenic functions of MYC extend beyond the modulation of gene expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dimitrios Papadopoulos
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany; Mildred Scheel Early Career Center, University Hospital Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Leonie Uhl
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stefanie Anh Ha
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Martin Eilers
- Theodor Boveri Institute, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Biocenter, University of Würzburg, Am Hubland, 97074 Würzburg, Germany.
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47
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Aktar S, Islam F, Cheng T, Gamage SMK, Choudhury IN, Islam MS, Lu CT, Hamid FB, Ishida H, Abe I, Xie N, Gopalan V, Lam AK. Correlation between KRAS Mutation and CTLA-4 mRNA Expression in Circulating Tumour Cells: Clinical Implications in Colorectal Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1808. [PMID: 37761948 PMCID: PMC10530465 DOI: 10.3390/genes14091808] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Combination strategies of KRAS inhibition with immunotherapy in treating advanced or recurrent colorectal carcinoma (CRC) may need to be assessed in circulating tumour cells (CTCs) to achieve better clinical outcomes. This study aimed to investigate the genomic variations of KRAS in CTCs and matched CRC tissues and compared mRNA expression of KRAS and CTLA-4 between wild-type and KRAS-mutated CTCs and CRC tissues. Clinicopathological correlations were also compared. Six known mutations of KRAS were identified at both codon 12 and codon 13 (c.35G>T/G12V, c.35G>A7/G12D, c.35G>C/G12A, c.34G>A/G12S, c.38G>C/G13A, and c.38G>A/G13D). Three CTC samples harboured the identified mutations (16.7%; 3/18), while fifteen matched primary tumour tissues (65.2%, 15/23) showed the mutations. CTCs harbouring the KRAS variant were different from matched CRC tissue. All the mutations were heterozygous. Though insignificant, CTLA-4 mRNA expression was higher in patients carrying KRAS mutations. Patients harbouring KRAS mutations in CTCs were more likely to have poorly differentiated tumours (p = 0.039) and with lymph node metastasis (p = 0.027) and perineural invasion (p = 0.014). KRAS mutations in CTCs were also significantly correlated with overall pathological stages (p = 0.027). These findings imply the genetic basis of KRAS with immunotherapeutic target molecules based on a real-time platform. This study also suggests the highly heterogeneous nature of cancer cells, which may facilitate the assessment of clonal dynamics across a single patient's disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sharmin Aktar
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Mawlana Bhashani Science and Technology University, Tangail 1902, Bangladesh
| | - Farhadul Islam
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Rajshahi, Rajshahi 6205, Bangladesh;
| | - Tracie Cheng
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Sujani Madhurika Kodagoda Gamage
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Faculty of Health Sciences & Medicine, Bond University, Gold Coast, QLD 4229, Australia
| | - Indra Neil Choudhury
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Md Sajedul Islam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Department of Biochemistry & Biotechnology, University of Barishal, Barishal 8254, Bangladesh
| | - Cu Tai Lu
- Department of Surgery, Gold Coast University Hospital, Gold Coast, QLD 4215, Australia;
| | - Faysal Bin Hamid
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Hirotaka Ishida
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Ichiro Abe
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Nan Xie
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
| | - Vinod Gopalan
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
| | - Alfred K. Lam
- Cancer Molecular Pathology, School of Medicine and Dentistry, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia; (S.A.); (T.C.); (S.M.K.G.); (M.S.I.); (F.B.H.); (H.I.); (I.A.); (N.X.)
- Menzies Health Institute Queensland, Griffith University, Gold Coast, QLD 4222, Australia;
- Pathology Queensland, Gold Coast University Hospital, Southport, QLD 4215, Australia
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48
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Doha ZO, Sears RC. Unraveling MYC's Role in Orchestrating Tumor Intrinsic and Tumor Microenvironment Interactions Driving Tumorigenesis and Drug Resistance. PATHOPHYSIOLOGY 2023; 30:400-419. [PMID: 37755397 PMCID: PMC10537413 DOI: 10.3390/pathophysiology30030031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2023] [Revised: 09/04/2023] [Accepted: 09/08/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
The transcription factor MYC plays a pivotal role in regulating various cellular processes and has been implicated in tumorigenesis across multiple cancer types. MYC has emerged as a master regulator governing tumor intrinsic and tumor microenvironment interactions, supporting tumor progression and driving drug resistance. This review paper aims to provide an overview and discussion of the intricate mechanisms through which MYC influences tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance in cancer. We delve into the signaling pathways and molecular networks orchestrated by MYC in the context of tumor intrinsic characteristics, such as proliferation, replication stress and DNA repair. Furthermore, we explore the impact of MYC on the tumor microenvironment, including immune evasion, angiogenesis and cancer-associated fibroblast remodeling. Understanding MYC's multifaceted role in driving drug resistance and tumor progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies and combination treatments that may effectively combat this devastating disease. Through an analysis of the current literature, this review's goal is to shed light on the complexities of MYC-driven oncogenesis and its potential as a promising therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zinab O. Doha
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Department of Medical Laboratories Technology, Taibah University, Al-Madinah 42353, Saudi Arabia
| | - Rosalie C. Sears
- Department of Molecular and Medical Genetics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97239, USA;
- Brenden-Colson Center for Pancreatic Care, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR 97201, USA
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49
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Khanolkar A, Liu G, Simpson Schneider BM. Defining the Basal and Immunomodulatory Mediator-Induced Phosphoprotein Signature in Pediatric B Cell Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (B-ALL) Diagnostic Samples. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:13937. [PMID: 37762241 PMCID: PMC10531382 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241813937] [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: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
It is theorized that dysregulated immune responses to infectious insults contribute to the development of pediatric B-ALL. In this context, our understanding of the immunomodulatory-mediator-induced signaling responses of leukemic blasts in pediatric B-ALL diagnostic samples is rather limited. Hence, in this study, we defined the signaling landscape of leukemic blasts, as well as normal mature B cells and T cells residing in diagnostic samples from 63 pediatric B-ALL patients. These samples were interrogated with a range of immunomodulatory-mediators within 24 h of collection, and phosflow analyses of downstream proximal signaling nodes were performed. Our data reveal evidence of basal hyperphosphorylation across a broad swath of these signaling nodes in leukemic blasts in contrast to normal mature B cells and T cells in the same sample. We also detected similarities in the phosphoprotein signature between blasts and mature B cells in response to IFNγ and IL-2 treatment, but significant divergence in the phosphoprotein signature was observed between blasts and mature B cells in response to IL-4, IL-7, IL-10, IL-21 and CD40 ligand treatment. Our results demonstrate the existence of both symmetry and asymmetry in the phosphoprotein signature between leukemic and non-leukemic cells in pediatric B-ALL diagnostic samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aaruni Khanolkar
- Department of Pathology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
- Department of Pathology, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
| | - Guorong Liu
- Department of Pathology, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60611, USA
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50
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Wallbillich NJ, Lu H. Role of c-Myc in lung cancer: Progress, challenges, and prospects. CHINESE MEDICAL JOURNAL PULMONARY AND CRITICAL CARE MEDICINE 2023; 1:129-138. [PMID: 37920609 PMCID: PMC10621893 DOI: 10.1016/j.pccm.2023.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
Lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Despite the recent advances in cancer therapies, the 5-year survival of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients hovers around 20%. Inherent and acquired resistance to therapies (including radiation, chemotherapies, targeted drugs, and combination therapies) has become a significant obstacle in the successful treatment of NSCLC. c-Myc, one of the critical oncoproteins, has been shown to be heavily associated with the malignant cancer phenotype, including rapid proliferation, metastasis, and chemoresistance across multiple cancer types. The c-Myc proto-oncogene is amplified in small cell lung cancers (SCLCs) and overexpressed in over 50% of NSCLCs. c-Myc is known to actively regulate the transcription of cancer stemness genes that are recognized as major contributors to tumor progression and therapeutic resistance; thus, targeting c-Myc either directly or indirectly in mitigation of the cancer stemness phenotype becomes a promising approach for development of a new strategy against drug resistant lung cancers. This review will summarize what is currently known about the mechanisms underlying c-Myc regulation of cancer stemness and its involvement in drug resistance and offer an overview on the current progress and future prospects in therapeutically targeting c-Myc in both SCLC and NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nicholas J. Wallbillich
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
| | - Hua Lu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1430 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
- Tulane Cancer Center, Tulane University School of Medicine, 1700 Tulane Avenue, New Orleans, LA 70112, USA
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