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Kashani B, Zandi Z, Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi A, Yousefi AM, Ghaffari SH, Bashash D. The PI3K signaling pathway; from normal lymphopoiesis to lymphoid malignancies. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2024:1-20. [PMID: 38690706 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2024.2350629] [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: 12/29/2023] [Accepted: 04/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION As a vital mechanism of survival, lymphopoiesis requires the collaboration of different signaling molecules to orchestrate each step of cell development and maturation. The PI3K pathway is considerably involved in the maturation of lymphatic cells and therefore, its dysregulation can immensely affect human well-being and cause some of the most prevalent malignancies. As a result, studies that investigate this pathway could pave the way for a better understanding of the lymphopoiesis mechanisms, the undesired changes that lead to cancer progression, and how to design drugs to solve this issue. AREAS COVERED The present review addresses the aforementioned aspects of the PI3K pathway and helps pave the way for future therapeutic approaches. In order to access the articles, databases such as Medicine Medline/PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Science Direct were utilized. The search formula was established by identifying main keywords including PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, Lymphopoiesis, Lymphoid malignancies, and inhibitors. EXPERT OPINION The PI3K pathway is crucial for lymphocyte development and differentiation, making it a potential target for therapeutic intervention in lymphoid cancers. Studies are focused on developing PI3K inhibitors to impede the progression of hematologic malignancies, highlighting the pathway's significance in lymphoma and lymphoid leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bahareh Kashani
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Zahra Zandi
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Atieh Pourbagheri-Sigaroodi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Amir-Mohammad Yousefi
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed H Ghaffari
- Hematology, Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation Research Center, School of Medicine, Shariati Hospital, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Davood Bashash
- Department of Hematology and Blood Banking, School of Allied Medical Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Yin H, Wang J, Tan Y, Jiang M, Zhang H, Meng G. Transcription factor abnormalities in B-ALL leukemogenesis and treatment. Trends Cancer 2023; 9:855-870. [PMID: 37407363 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2023.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2022] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/07/2023]
Abstract
The biological regulation of transcription factors (TFs) and repressor proteins is an important mechanism for maintaining cell homeostasis. In B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) TF abnormalities occur at high frequency and are often recognized as the major driving factor in carcinogenesis. We provide an in-depth review of molecular mechanisms of six major TF rearrangements in B-ALL, including DUX4-rearranged (DUX4-R), MEF2D-R, ZNF384-R, ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 fusions, and KMT2A-R. In addition, the therapeutic options and prognoses for patients who harbor these TF abnormalities are discussed. This review aims to provide an up-to-date panoramic view of how TF-based oncogenic fusions might drive carcinogenesis and impact on potential therapeutic exploration of B-ALL treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongxin Yin
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Junfei Wang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yangxia Tan
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Minghao Jiang
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Institute for Translational Brain Research, Ministry of Education (MOE) Frontiers Center for Brain Science, Fudan University, 200032 Shanghai, China.
| | - Guoyu Meng
- Shanghai Institute of Hematology, State Key Laboratory of Medical Genomics, National Research Center for Translational Medicine, Rui-Jin Hospital, School of Medicine and School of Life Sciences and Biotechnology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200025, China.
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Grüninger PK, Uhl F, Herzog H, Gentile G, Andrade-Martinez M, Schmidt T, Han K, Morgens DW, Bassik MC, Cleary ML, Gorka O, Zeiser R, Groß O, Duque-Afonso J. Functional characterization of the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway for targeted therapy in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Cancer Gene Ther 2022; 29:1751-1760. [PMID: 35794338 PMCID: PMC9663301 DOI: 10.1038/s41417-022-00491-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2022] [Revised: 05/22/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemias (B-ALL) are characterized by the activation of signaling pathways, which are involved in survival and proliferation of leukemia cells. Using an unbiased shRNA library screen enriched for targeting signaling pathways, we identified MTOR as the key gene on which human B-ALL E2A-PBX1+ RCH-ACV cells are dependent. Using genetic and pharmacologic approaches, we investigated whether B-ALL cells depend on MTOR upstream signaling pathways including PI3K/AKT and the complexes MTORC1 or MTORC2 for proliferation and survival in vitro and in vivo. Notably, the combined inhibition of MTOR and AKT shows a synergistic effect on decreased cell proliferation in B-ALL with different karyotypes. Hence, B-ALL cells were more dependent on MTORC2 rather than MTORC1 complex in genetic assays. Using cell metabolomics, we identified changes in mitochondrial fuel oxidation after shRNA-mediated knockdown or pharmacological inhibition of MTOR. Dependence of the cells on fatty acid metabolism for their energy production was increased upon inhibition of MTOR and associated upstream signaling pathways, disclosing a possible target for a combination therapy. In conclusion, B-ALL are dependent on the PI3K/AKT/MTOR signaling pathway and the combination of specific small molecules targeting this pathway appears to be promising for the treatment of B-ALL patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia K. Grüninger
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Franziska Uhl
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Heike Herzog
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Gaia Gentile
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marta Andrade-Martinez
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Tobias Schmidt
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Kyuho Han
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - David W. Morgens
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michael C. Bassik
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Genetics, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Michael L. Cleary
- grid.168010.e0000000419368956Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA USA
| | - Oliver Gorka
- grid.5963.9Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Robert Zeiser
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Olaf Groß
- grid.5963.9Institute of Neuropathology, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.5963.9Signalling Research Centres BIOSS and CIBSS, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany ,grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Center for Basics in NeuroModulation (NeuroModulBasics), University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
| | - Jesús Duque-Afonso
- grid.7708.80000 0000 9428 7911Department of Hematology/Oncology/Stem Cell Transplantation, University of Freiburg Medical Center, Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Freiburg, Germany
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Suryatenggara J, Yong KJ, Tenen DE, Tenen DG, Bassal MA. ChIP-AP: an integrated analysis pipeline for unbiased ChIP-seq analysis. Brief Bioinform 2021; 23:6489109. [PMID: 34965583 PMCID: PMC8769893 DOI: 10.1093/bib/bbab537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2021] [Revised: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 11/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromatin immunoprecipitation coupled with sequencing (ChIP-seq) is a technique used to identify protein–DNA interaction sites through antibody pull-down, sequencing and analysis; with enrichment ‘peak’ calling being the most critical analytical step. Benchmarking studies have consistently shown that peak callers have distinct selectivity and specificity characteristics that are not additive and seldom completely overlap in many scenarios, even after parameter optimization. We therefore developed ChIP-AP, an integrated ChIP-seq analysis pipeline utilizing four independent peak callers, which seamlessly processes raw sequencing files to final result. This approach enables (1) better gauging of peak confidence through detection by multiple algorithms, and (2) more thoroughly surveys the binding landscape by capturing peaks not detected by individual callers. Final analysis results are then integrated into a single output table, enabling users to explore their data by applying selectivity and sensitivity thresholds that best address their biological questions, without needing any additional reprocessing. ChIP-AP therefore presents investigators with a more comprehensive coverage of the binding landscape without requiring additional wet-lab observations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeremiah Suryatenggara
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Kol Jia Yong
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.,Department of Biochemistry, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117597, Singapore
| | | | - Daniel G Tenen
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, 02138, USA
| | - Mahmoud A Bassal
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore.,Harvard Stem Cell Institute, Boston, 02138, USA
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Yi YW, You KS, Park JS, Lee SG, Seong YS. Ribosomal Protein S6: A Potential Therapeutic Target against Cancer? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 23:ijms23010048. [PMID: 35008473 PMCID: PMC8744729 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23010048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2021] [Revised: 12/19/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ribosomal protein S6 (RPS6) is a component of the 40S small ribosomal subunit and participates in the control of mRNA translation. Additionally, phospho (p)-RPS6 has been recognized as a surrogate marker for the activated PI3K/AKT/mTORC1 pathway, which occurs in many cancer types. However, downstream mechanisms regulated by RPS6 or p-RPS remains elusive, and the therapeutic implication of RPS6 is underappreciated despite an approximately half a century history of research on this protein. In addition, substantial evidence from RPS6 knockdown experiments suggests the potential role of RPS6 in maintaining cancer cell proliferation. This motivates us to investigate the current knowledge of RPS6 functions in cancer. In this review article, we reviewed the current information about the transcriptional regulation, upstream regulators, and extra-ribosomal roles of RPS6, with a focus on its involvement in cancer. We also discussed the therapeutic potential of RPS6 in cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Weon Yi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (K.S.Y.); (J.-S.P.)
- Department of Nanobiomedical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Kyu Sic You
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (K.S.Y.); (J.-S.P.)
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
| | - Jeong-Soo Park
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (K.S.Y.); (J.-S.P.)
| | - Seok-Geun Lee
- Graduate School, Kyung Hee University, Seoul 02447, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-G.L.); (Y.-S.S.); Tel.: +82-2-961-2355 (S.-G.L.); +82-41-550-3875 (Y.-S.S.); Fax: +82-2-961-9623 (S.-G.L.)
| | - Yeon-Sun Seong
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (Y.W.Y.); (K.S.Y.); (J.-S.P.)
- Graduate School of Convergence Medical Science, Dankook University, Cheonan 31116, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea
- Correspondence: (S.-G.L.); (Y.-S.S.); Tel.: +82-2-961-2355 (S.-G.L.); +82-41-550-3875 (Y.-S.S.); Fax: +82-2-961-9623 (S.-G.L.)
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6
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Mutation accumulation in cancer genes relates to nonoptimal outcome in chronic myeloid leukemia. Blood Adv 2021; 4:546-559. [PMID: 32045476 DOI: 10.1182/bloodadvances.2019000943] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) is a myeloproliferative neoplasm accounting for ∼15% of all leukemia. Progress of the disease from an indolent chronic phase to the more aggressive accelerated phase or blast phase (BP) occurs in a minority of cases and is associated with an accumulation of somatic mutations. We performed genetic profiling of 85 samples and transcriptome profiling of 12 samples from 59 CML patients. We identified recurrent somatic mutations in ABL1 (37%), ASXL1 (26%), RUNX1 (16%), and BCOR (16%) in the BP and observed that mutation signatures in the BP resembled those of acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We found that mutation load differed between the indolent and aggressive phases and that nonoptimal responders had more nonsilent mutations than did optimal responders at the time of diagnosis, as well as in follow-up. Using RNA sequencing, we identified other than BCR-ABL1 cancer-associated hybrid genes in 6 of the 7 BP samples. Uncovered expression alterations were in turn associated with mechanisms and pathways that could be targeted in CML management and by which somatic alterations may emerge in CML. Last, we showed the value of genetic data in CML management in a personalized medicine setting.
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Adnan-Awad S, Kankainen M, Mustjoki S. Mutational landscape of chronic myeloid leukemia: more than a single oncogene leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2021; 62:2064-2078. [PMID: 33944660 DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2021.1894652] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
The BCR-ABL1 fusion gene, which causes aberrant kinase activity and uncontrolled cell proliferation, is the hallmark of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). The development of tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) that target the BCR-ABL oncoprotein has led to dramatic improvement in CML management. However, some challenges remain to be addressed in the TKI era, including patient stratification and the selection of frontline TKIs and CML progression. Additionally, with the emerging goal of treatment-free remission (TFR) in CML management, biomarkers that predict the outcomes of stopping TKI remain to be identified. Notably, recent reports have revealed the power of genome screening in understanding the role of genome aberrations other than BCR-ABL1 in CML pathogenesis. These studies have discovered the presence of disease-phase specific mutations and linked certain mutations to inferior responses to TKI treatment and CML progression. A personalized approach that incorporates genetic data in tailoring treatment strategies has been successfully implemented in acute leukemia, and it represents a promising approach for the management of high-risk CML patients. In this article, we will review current knowledge about the mutational profile in different phases of CML as well as patterns of mutational dynamics in patients having different outcomes. We highlight the effects of somatic mutations involving certain genes (e.g. epigenetic modifiers) on the outcomes of TKI treatment. We also discuss the potential value of incorporating genetic data in treatment decisions and the routine care of CML patients as a future direction for optimizing CML management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shady Adnan-Awad
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Matti Kankainen
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Satu Mustjoki
- Hematology Research Unit Helsinki, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital Comprehensive Cancer Center, Helsinki, Finland.,Translational Immunology Research Program and Department of Clinical Chemistry and Hematology, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland.,iCAN Digital Precision Cancer Medicine Flagship, Helsinki, Finland
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Abstract
The prognosis for childhood cancer has improved considerably over the past 50 years. This improvement is attributed to well-designed clinical trials which have incorporated chemotherapy, surgery, and radiation. With an increased understanding of cancer biology and genetics, we have entered an era of precision medicine and immunotherapy that provides potential for improved cure rates. However, preclinical evaluation of these therapies is more nuanced, requiring more robust animal models. Evaluation of targeted treatments requires molecularly defined xenograft models that can capture the diversity within pediatric cancer. The development of novel immunotherapies ideally involves the use of animal models that can accurately recapitulate the human immune response. In this review, we provide an overview of xenograft models for childhood cancers, review successful examples of novel therapies translated from xenograft models to the clinic, and describe the modern tools of xenograft biobanks and humanized xenograft models for the study of immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin O McNerney
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
| | - David T Teachey
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Divisions of Hematology and Oncology, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
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Mehtonen J, Teppo S, Lahnalampi M, Kokko A, Kaukonen R, Oksa L, Bouvy-Liivrand M, Malyukova A, Mäkinen A, Laukkanen S, Mäkinen PI, Rounioja S, Ruusuvuori P, Sangfelt O, Lund R, Lönnberg T, Lohi O, Heinäniemi M. Single cell characterization of B-lymphoid differentiation and leukemic cell states during chemotherapy in ETV6-RUNX1-positive pediatric leukemia identifies drug-targetable transcription factor activities. Genome Med 2020; 12:99. [PMID: 33218352 PMCID: PMC7679990 DOI: 10.1186/s13073-020-00799-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Tight regulatory loops orchestrate commitment to B cell fate within bone marrow. Genetic lesions in this gene regulatory network underlie the emergence of the most common childhood cancer, acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). The initial genetic hits, including the common translocation that fuses ETV6 and RUNX1 genes, lead to arrested cell differentiation. Here, we aimed to characterize transcription factor activities along the B-lineage differentiation trajectory as a reference to characterize the aberrant cell states present in leukemic bone marrow, and to identify those transcription factors that maintain cancer-specific cell states for more precise therapeutic intervention. METHODS We compared normal B-lineage differentiation and in vivo leukemic cell states using single cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) and several complementary genomics profiles. Based on statistical tools for scRNA-seq, we benchmarked a workflow to resolve transcription factor activities and gene expression distribution changes in healthy bone marrow lymphoid cell states. We compared these to ALL bone marrow at diagnosis and in vivo during chemotherapy, focusing on leukemias carrying the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion. RESULTS We show that lymphoid cell transcription factor activities uncovered from bone marrow scRNA-seq have high correspondence with independent ATAC- and ChIP-seq data. Using this comprehensive reference for regulatory factors coordinating B-lineage differentiation, our analysis of ETV6-RUNX1-positive ALL cases revealed elevated activity of multiple ETS-transcription factors in leukemic cells states, including the leukemia genome-wide association study hit ELK3. The accompanying gene expression changes associated with natural killer cell inactivation and depletion in the leukemic immune microenvironment. Moreover, our results suggest that the abundance of G1 cell cycle state at diagnosis and lack of differentiation-associated regulatory network changes during induction chemotherapy represent features of chemoresistance. To target the leukemic regulatory program and thereby overcome treatment resistance, we show that inhibition of ETS-transcription factors reduced cell viability and resolved pathways contributing to this using scRNA-seq. CONCLUSIONS Our data provide a detailed picture of the transcription factor activities characterizing both normal B-lineage differentiation and those acquired in leukemic bone marrow and provide a rational basis for new treatment strategies targeting the immune microenvironment and the active regulatory network in leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juha Mehtonen
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Susanna Teppo
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Mari Lahnalampi
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Aleksi Kokko
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Riina Kaukonen
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Laura Oksa
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Maria Bouvy-Liivrand
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | - Alena Malyukova
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Artturi Mäkinen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Saara Laukkanen
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Petri I Mäkinen
- A.I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland
| | | | - Pekka Ruusuvuori
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
| | - Olle Sangfelt
- Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-171 77, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Riikka Lund
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Tapio Lönnberg
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, FI-20520, Turku, Finland
| | - Olli Lohi
- BioMediTech, Faculty of Medicine and Health Technology, Tampere University, FI-33014, Tampere, Finland
- Tays Cancer Centre, Tampere University Hospital, Tampere, Finland
| | - Merja Heinäniemi
- Institute of Biomedicine, School of Medicine, University of Eastern Finland, Yliopistonranta 1, FI-70211, Kuopio, Finland.
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A phase I study of a dual PI3-kinase/mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in adult patients with relapsed or refractory acute leukemia. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2020; 21:70. [PMID: 32993794 PMCID: PMC7523358 DOI: 10.1186/s40360-020-00446-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/06/2020] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Combined inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) complexes may be an efficient treatment for acute leukemia. The primary objective of this phase I single center open label study was to determine the maximum tolerated dose (MTD) and recommended phase II dose (RP2D) of the dual pan-class I PI3K and mTOR inhibitor BEZ235 in patients with advanced leukemia. Methods Herein patients > 18 years of age who had relapsed or showed refractory leukemia were treated with BEZ235 (orally at 300–400 mg BID (cohort − 1/1)) to assess safety, tolerability, preliminary efficacy and pharmacokinetic (PK). Adverse events data and serious adverse events were analyzed and haematological and clinical biochemistry toxicities were assessed from laboratory test parameters. Response was assessed for the first time at the end of cycle 1 (day 29) and after every subsequent cycle. Pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic analyses of BEZ235 were also included (BEZ235 plasma levels, phosphorylation of AKT, S6 and 4EBP1). On statistics this trial is a multiple ascending dose study in which a following variant of the 3 + 3 rule (“Rolling Six”), a minimum of 6 and a maximum of 12 patients was recruited for the dose escalation and another 5 were planned for the expansion phase. Results Twenty-four patients with ALL (n = 11) or AML (n = 12) or CML-BP (n = 1) were enrolled. All patients had failed one (n = 5) or more lines of therapy (n = 5) and 14 patients were in refractory / refractory relapse. No formal MTD was defined, stomatitis and gastrointestinal toxicity at 400 mg BID dose was considered incompatible with prolonged treatment. The RP2D of BEZ235 was defined as 300 mg BID. Four of 24 patients showed clinical benefit. Twenty-two of 24 patients discontinued because of progression, (median time to progression 27 days (4d-112d). There was no association between PK parameters and efficacy or tolerability. Conclusions Combined inhibition of PI3K and mTOR inhibits a clinically meaningful driver pathway in a small subset of patients with ALL, with no benefit in patients with AML. Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov, identifier NCT01756118. retrospectively registered 19th December 2012, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01756118.
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11
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ARHGEF4 Regulates an Essential Oncogenic Program in t(12;21)-Associated Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Hemasphere 2020; 4:e467. [PMID: 32984770 PMCID: PMC7489581 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000467] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 07/08/2020] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
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12
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RUNX1 mutations in blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia associate with distinct phenotypes, transcriptional profiles, and drug responses. Leukemia 2020; 35:1087-1099. [PMID: 32782381 PMCID: PMC8024199 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-020-01011-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 07/26/2020] [Accepted: 07/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Blast-phase chronic myeloid leukemia (BP-CML) is associated with additional chromosomal aberrations, RUNX1 mutations being one of the most common. Tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy has only limited efficacy in BP-CML, and characterization of more defined molecular subtypes is warranted in order to design better treatment modalities for this poor prognosis patient group. Using whole-exome and RNA sequencing we demonstrate that PHF6 and BCORL1 mutations, IKZF1 deletions, and AID/RAG-mediated rearrangements are enriched in RUNX1mut BP-CML leading to typical mutational signature. On transcriptional level interferon and TNF signaling were deregulated in primary RUNX1mut CML cells and stem cell and B-lymphoid factors upregulated giving a rise to distinct phenotype. This was accompanied with the sensitivity of RUNX1mut blasts to CD19-CAR T cells in ex vivo assays. High-throughput drug sensitivity and resistance testing revealed leukemia cells from RUNX1mut patients to be highly responsive for mTOR-, BCL2-, and VEGFR inhibitors and glucocorticoids. These findings were further investigated and confirmed in CRISPR/Cas9-edited homozygous RUNX1−/− and heterozygous RUNX1−/mut BCR-ABL positive cell lines. Overall, our study provides insights into the pathogenic role of RUNX1 mutations and highlights personalized targeted therapy and CAR T-cell immunotherapy as potentially promising strategies for treating RUNX1mut BP-CML patients.
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13
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Alipoor B, Parvar SN, Sabati Z, Ghaedi H, Ghasemi H. An updated review of the H19 lncRNA in human cancer: molecular mechanism and diagnostic and therapeutic importance. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:6357-6374. [PMID: 32743775 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05695-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2020] [Accepted: 07/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Accumulating evidence has reported that H19 long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) expression level is deregulated in human cancer. It has been also demonstrated that de-regulated levels of H19 could affect cancer biology by various mechanisms including microRNA (miRNA) production (like miR-675), miRNA sponging and epigenetic modifications. Furthermore, lncRNA could act as a potential diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and also a candidate therapeutic approach for different human cancers. In this narrative review, we shed light on the molecular mechanism of H19 in cancer development and pathogenesis. Moreover, we discussed the expression pattern and diagnostic and therapeutic importance of H19 as a potential biomarker in a range of human malignancies from breast to osteosarcoma cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Behnam Alipoor
- Department of Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Paramedicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Seyedeh Nasrin Parvar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Yasuj University of Medical Sciences, Yasuj, Iran
| | - Zolfaghar Sabati
- Student Research Committee, Abadan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran
| | - Hamid Ghaedi
- Department of Medical Genetics, Faculty of Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Hassan Ghasemi
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Abadan Faculty of Medical Sciences, Abadan, Iran.
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14
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Jiang N, Dai Q, Su X, Fu J, Feng X, Peng J. Role of PI3K/AKT pathway in cancer: the framework of malignant behavior. Mol Biol Rep 2020; 47:4587-4629. [PMID: 32333246 PMCID: PMC7295848 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-020-05435-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 296] [Impact Index Per Article: 74.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Given that the PI3K/AKT pathway has manifested its compelling influence on multiple cellular process, we further review the roles of hyperactivation of PI3K/AKT pathway in various human cancers. We state the abnormalities of PI3K/AKT pathway in different cancers, which are closely related with tumorigenesis, proliferation, growth, apoptosis, invasion, metastasis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, stem-like phenotype, immune microenvironment and drug resistance of cancer cells. In addition, we investigated the current clinical trials of inhibitors against PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers and found that the clinical efficacy of these inhibitors as monotherapy has so far been limited despite of the promising preclinical activity, which means combinations of targeted therapy may achieve better efficacies in cancers. In short, we hope to feature PI3K/AKT pathway in cancers to the clinic and bring the new promising to patients for targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningni Jiang
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Qijie Dai
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Xiaorui Su
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Jianjiang Fu
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Xuancheng Feng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
| | - Juan Peng
- Department of Pathology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, 63 Duobao Road, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- The Third Clinical School of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, Guangzhou, 510150 China
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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15
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Montaño A, Ordoñez JL, Alonso-Pérez V, Hernández-Sánchez J, Santos S, González T, Benito R, García-Tuñón I, Hernández-Rivas JM. ETV6/ RUNX1 Fusion Gene Abrogation Decreases the Oncogenicity of Tumour Cells in a Preclinical Model of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia. Cells 2020; 9:E215. [PMID: 31952221 PMCID: PMC7017301 DOI: 10.3390/cells9010215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2019] [Revised: 01/09/2020] [Accepted: 01/13/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The t(12;21)(p13;q22), which fuses ETV6 and RUNX1 genes, is the most common genetic abnormality in children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia. The implication of the fusion protein in leukemogenesis seems to be clear. However, its role in the maintenance of the disease continues to be controversial. METHODS Generation of an in vitroETV6/RUNX1 knock out model using the CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing system. Functional characterization by RNA sequencing, proliferation assays, apoptosis and pharmacologic studies, and generation of edited-cell xenograft model. RESULTS The expression of ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene was completely eliminated, thus generating a powerful model on which to study the role of the fusion gene in leukemic cells. The loss of fusion gene expression led to the deregulation of biological processes affecting survival such as apoptosis resistance and cell proliferation capacity. Tumour cells showed higher levels of apoptosis, lower proliferation rate and a greater sensitivity to PI3K inhibitors in vitro along as a decrease in tumour growth in xenografts models after ETV6/RUNX1 fusion gene abrogation. CONCLUSIONS ETV6/RUNX1 fusion protein seems to play an important role in the maintenance of the leukemic phenotype and could thus become a potential therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adrián Montaño
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jose Luis Ordoñez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Salamanca, Campus Unamuno s/n, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Verónica Alonso-Pérez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jesús Hernández-Sánchez
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Sandra Santos
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Teresa González
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Rocío Benito
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Ignacio García-Tuñón
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
| | - Jesús María Hernández-Rivas
- IBSAL, IBMCC, Cancer Research Center, Universidad de Salamanca-CSIC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (A.M.); (J.L.O.); (V.A.-P.); (J.H.-S.); (S.S.); (T.G.); (R.B.)
- Department of Hematology, Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Department of Medicine, Universidad de Salamanca and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
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16
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Cuadros M, Andrades Á, Coira IF, Baliñas C, Rodríguez MI, Álvarez-Pérez JC, Peinado P, Arenas AM, García DJ, Jiménez P, Camós M, Jiménez-Velasco A, Medina PP. Expression of the long non-coding RNA TCL6 is associated with clinical outcome in pediatric B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Blood Cancer J 2019; 9:93. [PMID: 31767830 PMCID: PMC6877621 DOI: 10.1038/s41408-019-0258-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 11/06/2019] [Accepted: 11/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marta Cuadros
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain
| | - Álvaro Andrades
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Isabel F Coira
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Carlos Baliñas
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - María I Rodríguez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Juan Carlos Álvarez-Pérez
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Paola Peinado
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Alberto M Arenas
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Daniel J García
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology III and Immunology, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.,GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain
| | - Pilar Jiménez
- Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain.,Department of Clinical Analysis and Immunology, UGC Laboratorio Clínico, University Hospital Virgen de las Nieves, Granada, Spain
| | - Mireia Camós
- Hematology Laboratory, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu Barcelona, University of Barcelona; Institut de Recerca Hospital Sant Joan de Deu Barcelona; Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Raras (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | | | - Pedro P Medina
- GENYO, Centre for Genomics and Oncological Research, Pfizer/University of Granada/Andalusian Regional Government, Granada, Spain. .,Health Research Institute of Granada (ibs.Granada), Granada, Spain. .,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology I, University of Granada, Granada, Spain.
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17
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Huang T, Wang M, Huang B, Chang A, Liu F, Zhang Y, Jiang B. Long noncoding RNAs in the mTOR signaling network: biomarkers and therapeutic targets. Apoptosis 2019; 23:255-264. [PMID: 29556906 DOI: 10.1007/s10495-018-1453-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
As an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) related kinase family, the mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays vital roles in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, participating in different cellular processes including cell survival, metabolism and proliferation. Aberrant activity of this signaling pathway may lead to oncogenesis. Over the last two decades, great progress has been made in the understanding of mTOR activation and how its response is counteracted for maintaining tissue homeostasis. Besides regulatory proteins and microRNAs, long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) is another emerging critical layer of the intricate modulatory architecture for the control of the mTOR signaling circuit. Also, the production of numerous lncRNAs is induced by mTOR treatment. These findings offer new perspectives for designing novel diagnostic and therapeutic strategies. In this review, we summarize the interactions between the mTOR signaling pathway and lncRNAs in the development and progression of various types of tumors, focusing on the mechanisms of these interactions, and also discuss the potential use of lncRNAs as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tinglei Huang
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China
| | - Meiling Wang
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China
| | - Bo Huang
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China
| | - Augustus Chang
- Rutgers University, 604 Allison Road, Piscataway, NJ, 08854, USA
| | - Feng Liu
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China
| | - Yanjie Zhang
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China.
| | - Bin Jiang
- Oncology Department, Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 201900, China.
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18
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Fararjeh AS, Liu YN. ZBTB46, SPDEF, and ETV6: Novel Potential Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Castration-Resistant Prostate Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:E2802. [PMID: 31181727 PMCID: PMC6600524 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20112802] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 06/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) is the second most common killer among men in Western countries. Targeting androgen receptor (AR) signaling by androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) is the current therapeutic regime for patients newly diagnosed with metastatic PCa. However, most patients relapse and become resistant to ADT, leading to metastatic castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) and eventually death. Several proposed mechanisms have been proposed for CRPC; however, the exact mechanism through which CRPC develops is still unclear. One possible pathway is that the AR remains active in CRPC cases. Therefore, understanding AR signaling networks as primary PCa changes into metastatic CRPC is key to developing future biomarkers and therapeutic strategies for PCa and CRPC. In the current review, we focused on three novel biomarkers (ZBTB46, SPDEF, and ETV6) that were demonstrated to play critical roles in CRPC progression, epidermal growth factor receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor (EGFR TKI) drug resistance, and the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) for patients treated with ADT or AR inhibition. In addition, we summarize how these potential biomarkers can be used in the clinic for diagnosis and as therapeutic targets of PCa.
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Affiliation(s)
- AbdulFattah Salah Fararjeh
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
| | - Yen-Nien Liu
- PhD Program for Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- Graduate Institute of Cancer Molecular Biology and Drug Discovery, College of Medical Science and Technology, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
- TMU Research Center of Cancer Translational Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 11031, Taiwan.
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19
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Targeting mTOR in Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Cells 2019; 8:cells8020190. [PMID: 30795552 PMCID: PMC6406494 DOI: 10.3390/cells8020190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL) is an aggressive hematologic disorder and constitutes approximately 25% of cancer diagnoses among children and teenagers. Pediatric patients have a favourable prognosis, with 5-years overall survival rates near 90%, while adult ALL still correlates with poorer survival. However, during the past few decades, the therapeutic outcome of adult ALL was significantly ameliorated, mainly due to intensive pediatric-based protocols of chemotherapy. Mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase belonging to the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)-related kinase family (PIKK) and resides in two distinct signalling complexes named mTORC1, involved in mRNA translation and protein synthesis and mTORC2 that controls cell survival and migration. Moreover, both complexes are remarkably involved in metabolism regulation. Growing evidence reports that mTOR dysregulation is related to metastatic potential, cell proliferation and angiogenesis and given that PI3K/Akt/mTOR network activation is often associated with poor prognosis and chemoresistance in ALL, there is a constant need to discover novel inhibitors for ALL treatment. Here, the current knowledge of mTOR signalling and the development of anti-mTOR compounds are documented, reporting the most relevant results from both preclinical and clinical studies in ALL that have contributed significantly into their efficacy or failure.
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20
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Polak R, Bierings MB, van der Leije CS, Sanders MA, Roovers O, Marchante JRM, Boer JM, Cornelissen JJ, Pieters R, den Boer ML, Buitenhuis M. Autophagy inhibition as a potential future targeted therapy for ETV6-RUNX1-driven B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Haematologica 2018; 104:738-748. [PMID: 30381299 PMCID: PMC6442983 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.193631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Translocation t(12;21), resulting in the ETV6-RUNX1 (or TEL-AML1) fusion protein, is present in 25% of pediatric patients with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and is considered a first hit in leukemogenesis. A targeted therapy approach is not available for children with this subtype of leukemia. To identify the molecular mechanisms underlying ETV6-RUNX1-driven leukemia, we performed gene expression profiling of healthy hematopoietic progenitors in which we ectopically expressed ETV6-RUNX1. We reveal an ETV6-RUNX1-driven transcriptional network that induces proliferation, survival and cellular homeostasis. In addition, Vps34, an important regulator of autophagy, was found to be induced by ETV6-RUNX1 and up-regulated in ETV6-RUNX1-positive leukemic patient cells. We show that induction of Vps34 was transcriptionally regulated by ETV6-RUNX1 and correlated with high levels of autophagy. Knockdown of Vps34 in ETV6-RUNX1-positive cell lines severely reduced proliferation and survival. Inhibition of autophagy by hydroxychloroquine, a well-tolerated autophagy inhibitor, reduced cell viability in both ETV6-RUNX1-positive cell lines and primary acute lymphoblastic leukemia samples, and selectively sensitized primary ETV6-RUNX1-positive leukemia samples to L asparaginase. These findings reveal a causal relationship between ETV6-RUNX1 and autophagy, and provide pre-clinical evidence for the efficacy of autophagy inhibitors in ETV6-RUNX1-driven leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roel Polak
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Marc B Bierings
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, University Medical Center Utrecht.,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | | | - Mathijs A Sanders
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Onno Roovers
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - João R M Marchante
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Judith M Boer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam
| | - Jan J Cornelissen
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
| | - Rob Pieters
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Monique L den Boer
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Erasmus MC - Sophia Children's Hospital, Rotterdam .,Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, Utrecht
| | - Miranda Buitenhuis
- Department of Hematology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, the Netherlands
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21
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Simioni C, Martelli AM, Zauli G, Vitale M, McCubrey JA, Capitani S, Neri LM. Targeting the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin signaling pathway in B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia: An update. J Cell Physiol 2018; 233:6440-6454. [PMID: 29667769 DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2017] [Accepted: 02/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Despite considerable progress in treatment protocols, B-lineage acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) displays a poor prognosis in about 15-20% of pediatric cases and about 60% of adult patients. In addition, life-long irreversible late effects from chemo- and radiation therapy, including secondary malignancies, are a growing problem for leukemia survivors. Targeted therapy holds promising perspectives for cancer treatment as it may be more effective and have fewer side effects than conventional therapies. The phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate kinase (PI3K)/Akt/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a key regulatory cascade which controls proliferation, survival and drug-resistance of cancer cells, and it is frequently upregulated in the different subtypes of B-ALL, where it plays important roles in the pathophysiology, maintenance and progression of the disease. Moreover, activation of this signaling cascade portends a poorer prognosis in both pediatric and adult B-ALL patients. Promising preclinical data on PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors have documented their anticancer activity in B-ALL and some of these novel drugs have entered clinical trials as they could lead to a longer event-free survival and reduce therapy-associated toxicity for patients with B-ALL. This review highlights the current status of PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors in B-ALL, with an emphasis on emerging evidence of the superior efficacy of synergistic combinations involving the use of traditional chemotherapeutics or other novel, targeted agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giorgio Zauli
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Marco Vitale
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, University of Parma, Parma, Italy.,CoreLab, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, North Carolina
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Luca M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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22
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Clinical utility of miR-143/miR-182 levels in prognosis and risk stratification specificity of BFM-treated childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Ann Hematol 2018; 97:1169-1182. [PMID: 29556721 DOI: 10.1007/s00277-018-3292-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2017] [Accepted: 03/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Although childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is characterized by high remission rates, there are still patients who experience poor response to therapy or toxic effects due to intensive treatment. In the present study, we examined the expression profile of miR-143 and miR-182 in childhood ALL and evaluated their clinical significance for patients receiving Berlin-Frankfurt-Münster (BFM) protocol. Bone marrow specimens from 125 childhood ALL patients upon diagnosis and the end-of-induction (EoI; day 33), as well as from 64 healthy control children undergone RNA extraction, polyadenylation, and reverse transcription. Expression levels of miRNAs were quantified by qPCR analysis. Patients' cytogenetic, immunohistotype and MRD evaluation was performed according to international guidelines. Median follow-up time was 86.0 months (95% CI 74.0-98.0), while patients' mean DFS and OS intervals were 112.0 months (95% CI 104.2-119.8) and 109.2 months (95% CI 101.2-117.3), respectively. Bone marrow levels of miR-143/miR-182 were significantly decreased in childhood ALL patients at diagnosis and increased in more than 90% of patients at the EoI. Patients' survival analysis highlighted that children overexpressing miR-143/miR-182 at the EoI presented significantly higher risk for short-term relapse (log-rank test: p = 0.021; Cox regression: HR = 4.911, p = 0.038) and death (log-rank test: p = 0.028; Cox regression: HR = 4.590, p = 0.046). Finally, the evaluation of the miR-143/miR-182 EoI levels along with the established disease prognostic markers resulted to improved prediction of BFM-treated patients' survival outcome and response to therapy and additionally to superior BFM risk stratification specificity. Concluding, miR-143 and miR-182 could serve as novel prognostic molecular markers for pediatric ALL treated with BFM chemotherapy.
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Pathogenesis of ETV6/RUNX1-positive childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia and mechanisms underlying its relapse. Oncotarget 2018; 8:35445-35459. [PMID: 28418909 PMCID: PMC5471068 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.16367] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2016] [Accepted: 02/23/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) is the most common fusion gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Multiple lines of evidence imply a “two-hit” model for the molecular pathogenesis of E/R-positive ALL, whereby E/R rearrangement is followed by a series of secondary mutations that trigger overt leukemia. The cellular framework in which E/R arises and the maintenance of a pre-leukemic condition by E/R are fundamental to the mechanism that underlies leukemogenesis. Accordingly, a variety of studies have focused on the relationship between the clones giving rise to the primary and recurrent E/R-positive ALL. We review here the most recent insights into the pathogenic mechanisms underlying E/R-positive ALL, as well as the molecular abnormalities prevailing at relapse.
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24
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Ghazavi F, De Moerloose B, Van Loocke W, Wallaert A, Helsmoortel HH, Ferster A, Bakkus M, Plat G, Delabesse E, Uyttebroeck A, Van Nieuwerburgh F, Deforce D, Van Roy N, Speleman F, Benoit Y, Lammens T, Van Vlierberghe P. Unique long non-coding RNA expression signature in ETV6/RUNX1-driven B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Oncotarget 2018; 7:73769-73780. [PMID: 27650541 PMCID: PMC5342012 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.12063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2016] [Accepted: 09/02/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Overwhelming evidence indicates that long non-coding RNAs have essential roles in tumorigenesis. Nevertheless, their role in the molecular pathogenesis of pediatric B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia has not been extensively explored. Here, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of the long non-coding RNA transcriptome in ETV6/RUNX1-positive BCP-ALL, one of the most frequent subtypes of pediatric leukemia. First, we used primary leukemia patient samples to identify an ETV6/RUNX1 specific expression signature consisting of 596 lncRNA transcripts. Next, integration of this lncRNA signature with RNA sequencing of BCP-ALL cell lines and lncRNA profiling of an in vitro model system of ETV6/RUNX1 knockdown, revealed that lnc-NKX2-3-1, lnc-TIMM21-5, lnc-ASTN1-1 and lnc-RTN4R-1 are truly regulated by the oncogenic fusion protein. Moreover, sustained inactivation of lnc-RTN4R-1 and lnc-NKX2-3-1 in ETV6/RUNX1 positive cells caused profound changes in gene expression. All together, our study defined a unique lncRNA expression signature associated with ETV6/RUNX1-positive BCP-ALL and identified lnc-RTN4R-1 and lnc-NKX2-3-1 as lncRNAs that might be functionally implicated in the biology of this prevalent subtype of human leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzaneh Ghazavi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Barbara De Moerloose
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Wouter Van Loocke
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Annelynn Wallaert
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Hetty H Helsmoortel
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium.,Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Alina Ferster
- Department of Hemato-Oncology, HUDERF, Université Libre de Bruxelles (ULB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Marleen Bakkus
- Department of Hematology, University Hospital Brussels, Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB), Brussels, Belgium
| | - Geneviève Plat
- Department of Hematology, Children's Hospital, Toulouse, France
| | - Eric Delabesse
- Department of Hematology, Institut Universitaire de Cancérologie de Toulouse, University Toulouse-III Paul-Sabatier, Toulouse, France
| | - Anne Uyttebroeck
- Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University Hospitals Leuven, Belgium
| | - Filip Van Nieuwerburgh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Dieter Deforce
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Department of Pharmaceutics, Ghent University, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Nadine Van Roy
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Frank Speleman
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Yves Benoit
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Tim Lammens
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
| | - Pieter Van Vlierberghe
- Center for Medical Genetics, Department of Paediatrics and Genetics, Ghent University Hospital, Ghent, Belgium
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25
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Discovering new PI3Kα inhibitors with a strategy of combining ligand-based and structure-based virtual screening. J Comput Aided Mol Des 2018; 32:347-361. [DOI: 10.1007/s10822-017-0092-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2017] [Accepted: 12/15/2017] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
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26
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Evangelisti C, Cappellini A, Oliveira M, Fragoso R, Barata JT, Bertaina A, Locatelli F, Simioni C, Neri LM, Chiarini F, Lonetti A, Buontempo F, Orsini E, Pession A, Manzoli L, Martelli AM, Evangelisti C. Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase inhibition potentiates glucocorticoid response in B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. J Cell Physiol 2017; 233:1796-1811. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.26135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Evangelisti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Alessandra Cappellini
- Department of Human Social and Health Sciences; University of Cassino; Cassino Italy
| | - Mariana Oliveira
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Rita Fragoso
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - João T. Barata
- Instituto de Medicina Molecular; Faculdade de Medicina; Universidade de Lisboa; Lisbon Portugal
| | - Alice Bertaina
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital; Rome Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, IRCCS; Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital; Rome Italy
| | - Carolina Simioni
- Department of Morphology; Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - Luca M. Neri
- Department of Morphology; Surgery and Experimental Medicine; University of Ferrara; Ferrara Italy
| | - Francesca Chiarini
- Institute of Molecular Genetics; Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, National Research Council; Bologna Italy
| | - Annalisa Lonetti
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Francesca Buontempo
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Ester Orsini
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Andrea Pession
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | - Lucia Manzoli
- Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences; University of Bologna; Bologna Italy
| | | | - Camilla Evangelisti
- Institute of Molecular Genetics; Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, National Research Council; Bologna Italy
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27
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Sundaresh A, Williams O. Mechanism of ETV6-RUNX1 Leukemia. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2017; 962:201-216. [PMID: 28299659 DOI: 10.1007/978-981-10-3233-2_13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The t(12;21)(p13;q22) translocation is the most frequently occurring single genetic abnormality in pediatric leukemia. This translocation results in the fusion of the ETV6 and RUNX1 genes. Since its discovery in the 1990s, the function of the ETV6-RUNX1 fusion gene has attracted intense interest. In this chapter, we will summarize current knowledge on the clinical significance of ETV6-RUNX1, the experimental models used to unravel its function in leukemogenesis, the identification of co-operating mutations and the mechanisms responsible for their acquisition, the function of the encoded transcription factor and finally, the future therapeutic approaches available to mitigate the associated disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Sundaresh
- Cancer section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
| | - Owen Williams
- Cancer section, Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK.
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28
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Liu G, Xiang T, Wu QF, Wang WX. Long Noncoding RNA H19-Derived miR-675 Enhances Proliferation and Invasion via RUNX1 in Gastric Cancer Cells. Oncol Res 2016; 23:99-107. [PMID: 26931432 PMCID: PMC7838630 DOI: 10.3727/096504015x14496932933575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The lncRNA H19 and its mature product miR-675 have recently been shown to be upregulated and promote the progression of gastric cancer. However, the detailed function and underlying molecular mechanism of H19/miR-675 in the carcinogenesis of gastric cancer remains unclear. In this study, we found that H19 depended on miR-675 to enhance the proliferation and invasion of gastric cancer AGS cells, and the expression of miR-675 was positively correlated with H19 in patients with gastric cancer. Subsequently, the tumor-suppressor runt domain transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) was confirmed to be a downstream molecule of H19/miR-675 axis, since overexpression of H19 or miR-675 significantly decreased RUNX1 expression in AGS cells, and knockdown of H19 or miR-675 enhanced RUNX1 expression. More importantly, a series of assays further demonstrated that introduction of RUNX1 abrogated H19/miR-675-induced Akt/mTOR pathway activation and the following cellular proliferation and invasion of AGS cells. To our knowledge, this is the time to demonstrate that RUNX1 serves as a link between H19/miR-675 axis and Akt/mTOR signaling and is a pivotal mediator in gastric cancer progression induced by H19/miR-675. Thus, our study provides important clues for understanding the key roles of lncRNA-miRNA functional network and identifying new therapeutic targets for gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gao Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Laparoscopic Surgery, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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29
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Grausenburger R, Bastelberger S, Eckert C, Kauer M, Stanulla M, Frech C, Bauer E, Stoiber D, von Stackelberg A, Attarbaschi A, Haas OA, Panzer-Grümayer R. Genetic alterations in glucocorticoid signaling pathway components are associated with adverse prognosis in children with relapsed ETV6/RUNX1-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Leuk Lymphoma 2015; 57:1163-73. [PMID: 26327566 DOI: 10.3109/10428194.2015.1088650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
The ETV6/RUNX1 gene fusion defines the largest genetic subgroup of childhood ALL with overall rapid treatment response. However, up to 15% of cases relapse. Because an impaired glucocorticoid pathway is implicated in disease recurrence we studied the impact of genetic alterations by SNP array analysis in 31 relapsed cases. In 58% of samples, we found deletions in various glucocorticoid signaling pathway-associated genes, but only NR3C1 and ETV6 deletions prevailed in minimal residual disease poor responding and subsequently relapsing cases (p<0.05). To prove the necessity of a functional glucocorticoid receptor, we reconstituted wild-type NR3C1 expression in mutant, glucocorticoid-resistant REH cells and studied the glucocorticoid response in vitro and in a xenograft mouse model. While these results prove that glucocorticoid receptor defects are crucial for glucocorticoid resistance in an experimental setting, they do not address the essential clinical situation where glucocorticoid resistance at relapse is rather part of a global drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Reinhard Grausenburger
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria
| | - Stephan Bastelberger
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria
| | - Cornelia Eckert
- b Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology , Charité, Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum , Berlin , Germany
| | - Maximilian Kauer
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria
| | - Martin Stanulla
- c Department of Pediatrics , University Hospital Hannover , Hannover , Germany
| | - Christian Frech
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria
| | - Eva Bauer
- d Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research , Vienna , Austria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- d Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research , Vienna , Austria .,e Institute of Pharmacology, Medical University of Vienna , Vienna , Austria , and
| | - Arend von Stackelberg
- b Department of Pediatrics, Division of Oncology and Hematology , Charité, Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum , Berlin , Germany
| | | | - Oskar A Haas
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria .,f St. Anna Kinderspital, Medical University Vienna , Vienna , Austria
| | - Renate Panzer-Grümayer
- a Children's Cancer Research Institute, St. Anna Kinderkrebsforschung , Vienna , Austria
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30
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Ghazavi F, Lammens T, Van Roy N, Poppe B, Speleman F, Benoit Y, Van Vlierberghe P, De Moerloose B. Molecular basis and clinical significance of genetic aberrations in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Exp Hematol 2015; 43:640-53. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2015.05.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2015] [Revised: 05/26/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2015] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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31
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Effects of p38α/β inhibition on acute lymphoblastic leukemia proliferation and survival in vivo. Leukemia 2015; 29:2307-16. [PMID: 26104660 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2015.153] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2014] [Revised: 06/03/2015] [Accepted: 06/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
P38α/β has been described as a tumor-suppressor controlling cell cycle checkpoints and senescence in epithelial malignancies. However, p38α/β also regulates other cellular processes. Here, we describe a role of p38α/β as a regulator of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) proliferation and survival in experimental ALL models. We also report first evidence that p38α/β phosphorylation is associated with the occurrence of relapses in TEL-AML1-positive leukemia. First, in vitro experiments show that p38α/β signaling is induced in a cyclical manner upon initiation of proliferation and remains activated during log-phase of cell growth. Next, we provide evidence that growth-permissive signals in the bone marrow activate p38α/β in a novel avian ALL model, in which therapeutic targeting can be tested. We further demonstrate that p38α/β inhibition by small molecules can suppress leukemic expansion and prolong survival of mice bearing ALL cell lines and primary cells. Knockdown of p38α strongly delays leukemogenesis in mice xenografted with cell lines. Finally, we show that in xenografted TEL-AML1 patients, ex vivo p38α/β phosphorylation is associated with an inferior long-term relapse-free survival. We propose p38α/β as a mediator of proliferation and survival in ALL and show first preclinical evidence for p38α/β inhibition as an adjunct approach to conventional therapies.
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32
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Bertacchini J, Heidari N, Mediani L, Capitani S, Shahjahani M, Ahmadzadeh A, Saki N. Targeting PI3K/AKT/mTOR network for treatment of leukemia. Cell Mol Life Sci 2015; 72:2337-47. [PMID: 25712020 PMCID: PMC11113278 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-015-1867-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2014] [Revised: 02/10/2015] [Accepted: 02/16/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Increased activity of PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been observed in a huge number of malignancies. This pathway can function as a prosurvival factor in leukemia stem cells and early committed leukemic precursors and its inhibition is regarded as a therapeutic approach. Accordingly, the aim of this review is to evaluate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR inhibitors used in leukemia models. DISCUSSION Inhibition of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway has been reported to have beneficial therapeutic effects in leukemias, both in vitro in leukemia cell lines and in vivo in animal models. Overall, the use of dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitor, dual Akt/RTK inhibitor, Akt inhibitor, selective inhibitor of PI3K, mTOR inhibitor and dual PI3K/PDK1 inhibitor in CML, AML, APL, CLL, B-ALL and T-ALL has a better therapeutic effect than conventional treatments. CONCLUSIONS Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway may have pro-apoptotic and antiproliferative effects on hematological malignancies. Furthermore, modulation of miRNA can be used as a novel therapeutic approach to regulate the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway. However, both aspects require further clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessika Bertacchini
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Nazanin Heidari
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Laura Mediani
- Department of Surgery, Medicine, Dentistry and Morphology, University of Modena and Reggio Emilia, Modena, Italy
| | - Silvano Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
- LTTA Center, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - Mohammad Shahjahani
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Ahmad Ahmadzadeh
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
| | - Najmaldin Saki
- Health Research Institute, Research Center of Thalassemia and Hemoglobinopathy, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Hajingabo LJ, Daakour S, Martin M, Grausenburger R, Panzer-Grümayer R, Dequiedt F, Simonis N, Twizere JC. Predicting interactome network perturbations in human cancer: application to gene fusions in acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Mol Biol Cell 2014; 25:3973-85. [PMID: 25273558 PMCID: PMC4244205 DOI: 10.1091/mbc.e14-06-1038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic variations such as gene fusions are directly or indirectly associated with human diseases. A method is presented combining gene expression and interactome data analyses to identify specific targets in leukemia. The Myc network and the mRNA export machinery are perturbed in ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 subtypes of leukemia. Genomic variations such as point mutations and gene fusions are directly or indirectly associated with human diseases. They are recognized as diagnostic, prognostic markers and therapeutic targets. However, predicting the functional effect of these genetic alterations beyond affected genes and their products is challenging because diseased phenotypes are likely dependent of complex molecular interaction networks. Using as models three different chromosomal translocations—ETV6-RUNX1 (TEL-AML1), BCR-ABL1, and TCF3-PBX1 (E2A-PBX1)—frequently found in precursor-B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (preB-ALL), we develop an approach to extract perturbed molecular interactions from gene expression changes. We show that the MYC and JunD transcriptional circuits are specifically deregulated after ETV6-RUNX1 and TCF3-PBX1 gene fusions, respectively. We also identified the bulk mRNA NXF1-dependent machinery as a direct target for the TCF3-PBX1 fusion protein. Through a novel approach combining gene expression and interactome data analysis, we provide new insight into TCF3-PBX1 and ETV6-RUNX1 acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leon Juvenal Hajingabo
- Laboratoire de Bioinformatique des Génomes et des Réseaux, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Sarah Daakour
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Maud Martin
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Reinhard Grausenburger
- Department of Biotechnology, University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences Vienna, 1180 Vienna, Austria
| | - Renate Panzer-Grümayer
- Children's Cancer Research Institute, St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, 1090 Vienna, Austria
| | - Franck Dequiedt
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Nicolas Simonis
- Laboratoire de Bioinformatique des Génomes et des Réseaux, Université Libre de Bruxelles, B-1050 Bruxelles, Belgium
| | - Jean-Claude Twizere
- Laboratory of Protein Signaling and Interactions, GIGA-Research, University of Liège, B-4000 Liège, Belgium
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34
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Kaindl U, Morak M, Portsmouth C, Mecklenbräuker A, Kauer M, Zeginigg M, Attarbaschi A, Haas OA, Panzer-Grümayer R. Blocking ETV6/RUNX1-induced MDM2 overexpression by Nutlin-3 reactivates p53 signaling in childhood leukemia. Leukemia 2014; 28:600-8. [PMID: 24240203 PMCID: PMC3948158 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.345] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2013] [Revised: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 10/07/2013] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
ETV6/RUNX1 (E/R) is the most common fusion gene in childhood acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It is responsible for the initiation of leukemia but also indispensable for disease maintenance and propagation, although its function in these latter processes is less clear. We therefore investigated the effects of the perceived p53 pathway alterations in model cell lines and primary leukemias and, in particular, how E/R upregulates MDM2, the predominant negative regulator of p53. We found that E/R transactivates MDM2 in both p53(+/+) and p53(-/-) HCT116 cells by binding to promoter-inherent RUNX1 motifs, which indicates that this activation occurs in a direct and p53-independent manner. Treatment of E/R-positive leukemic cell lines with Nutlin-3, a small molecule that inhibits the MDM2/p53 interaction, arrests their cell cycle and induces apoptosis. These phenomena concur with a p53-induced expression of p21, pro-apoptotic BAX and PUMA, as well as caspase 3 activation and poly ADP-ribose polymerase cleavage. The addition of DNA-damaging and p53-activating chemotherapeutic drugs intensifies apoptosis. Moreover, Nutlin-3 exposure leads to an analogous p53 accumulation and apoptotic surge in E/R-positive primary leukemic cells. Our findings clarify the role of p53 signaling in E/R-positive leukemias and outline the potential basis for its therapeutic exploitation in this setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- U Kaindl
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Morak
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - C Portsmouth
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Mecklenbräuker
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Kauer
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - M Zeginigg
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
| | - A Attarbaschi
- St Anna Kinderspital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - O A Haas
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
- St Anna Kinderspital, Medical University Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - R Panzer-Grümayer
- St Anna Kinderkrebsforschung, Children's Cancer Research Institute, Vienna, Austria
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Linka Y, Ginzel S, Krüger M, Novosel A, Gombert M, Kremmer E, Harbott J, Thiele R, Borkhardt A, Landgraf P. The impact of TEL-AML1 (ETV6-RUNX1) expression in precursor B cells and implications for leukaemia using three different genome-wide screening methods. Blood Cancer J 2013; 3:e151. [PMID: 24121163 PMCID: PMC3816209 DOI: 10.1038/bcj.2013.48] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2013] [Revised: 08/18/2013] [Accepted: 09/04/2013] [Indexed: 02/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The reciprocal translocation t(12;21)(p13;q22), the most common structural genomic alteration in B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia in children, results in a chimeric transcription factor TEL-AML1 (ETV6-RUNX1). We identified directly and indirectly regulated target genes utilizing an inducible TEL-AML1 system derived from the murine pro B-cell line BA/F3 and a monoclonal antibody directed against TEL-AML1. By integration of promoter binding identified with chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP)-on-chip, gene expression and protein output through microarray technology and stable labelling of amino acids in cell culture, we identified 217 directly and 118 indirectly regulated targets of the TEL-AML1 fusion protein. Directly, but not indirectly, regulated promoters were enriched in AML1-binding sites. The majority of promoter regions were specific for the fusion protein and not bound by native AML1 or TEL. Comparison with gene expression profiles from TEL-AML1-positive patients identified 56 concordantly misregulated genes with negative effects on proliferation and cellular transport mechanisms and positive effects on cellular migration, and stress responses including immunological responses. In summary, this work for the first time gives a comprehensive insight into how TEL-AML1 expression may directly and indirectly contribute to alter cells to become prone for leukemic transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Linka
- Heinrich-Heine University of Dusseldorf, Medical Faculty, Clinic for Pediatric Oncology, Hematology and Clinical Immunology, Dusseldorf, Germany
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Neri LM, Cani A, Martelli AM, Simioni C, Junghanss C, Tabellini G, Ricci F, Tazzari PL, Pagliaro P, McCubrey JA, Capitani S. Targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway in B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia and its therapeutic potential. Leukemia 2013; 28:739-48. [PMID: 23892718 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.226] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2013] [Revised: 07/11/2013] [Accepted: 07/19/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
B-precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-pre ALL) is a malignant disorder characterized by the abnormal proliferation of B-cell progenitors. The prognosis of B-pre ALL has improved in pediatric patients, but the outcome is much less successful in adults. Constitutive activation of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), Akt and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) (PI3K/Akt/mTOR) network is a feature of B-pre ALL, where it strongly influences cell growth and survival. RAD001, a selective mTORC1 inhibitor, has been shown to be cytotoxic against many types of cancer including hematological malignancies. To investigate whether mTORC1 could represent a target in the therapy of B-pre ALL, we treated cell lines and adult patient primary cells with RAD001. We documented that RAD001 decreased cell viability, induced cell cycle arrest in G0/G1 phase and caused apoptosis in B-pre ALL cell lines. Autophagy was also induced, which was important for the RAD001 cytotoxic effect, as downregulation of Beclin-1 reduced drug cytotoxicity. RAD001 strongly synergized with the novel allosteric Akt inhibitor MK-2206 in both cell lines and patient samples. Similar results were obtained with the combination CCI-779 plus GSK 690693. These findings point out that mTORC1 inhibitors, either as a single agent or in combination with Akt inhibitors, could represent a potential therapeutic innovative strategy in B-pre ALL.
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Affiliation(s)
- L M Neri
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - A Cani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - A M Martelli
- 1] Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy [2] Institute of Molecular Genetics, National Research Council, Pavia, Italy
| | - C Simioni
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
| | - C Junghanss
- University of Rostock, Division of Medicine, Department of Hematology/Oncology/Palliative Medicine, Rostock, Germany
| | - G Tabellini
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - F Ricci
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - P L Tazzari
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Pagliaro
- Immunohematology and Transfusion Center, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi, Bologna, Italy
| | - J A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine, East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, USA
| | - S Capitani
- Department of Morphology, Surgery and Experimental Medicine, University of Ferrara, Ferrara, Italy
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Abstract
Key Points
STAT3 activity is necessary for TEL-AML1 leukemia maintenance. TEL-AML1 induces STAT3 activation via RAC1 and leading to induction of MYC expression.
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38
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Multifaceted roles of GSK-3 and Wnt/β-catenin in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis: opportunities for therapeutic intervention. Leukemia 2013; 28:15-33. [PMID: 23778311 PMCID: PMC3887408 DOI: 10.1038/leu.2013.184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 192] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/07/2013] [Revised: 06/08/2013] [Accepted: 06/11/2013] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) is well documented to participate in a complex array of critical cellular processes. It was initially identified in rat skeletal muscle as a serine/threonine kinase that phosphorylated and inactivated glycogen synthase. This versatile protein is involved in numerous signaling pathways that influence metabolism, embryogenesis, differentiation, migration, cell cycle progression and survival. Recently, GSK-3 has been implicated in leukemia stem cell pathophysiology and may be an appropriate target for its eradication. In this review, we will discuss the roles that GSK-3 plays in hematopoiesis and leukemogenesis as how this pivotal kinase can interact with multiple signaling pathways such as: Wnt/β-catenin, phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN)/Akt/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), Ras/Raf/MEK/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), Notch and others. Moreover, we will discuss how targeting GSK-3 and these other pathways can improve leukemia therapy and may overcome therapeutic resistance. In summary, GSK-3 is a crucial regulatory kinase interacting with multiple pathways to control various physiological processes, as well as leukemia stem cells, leukemia progression and therapeutic resistance. GSK-3 and Wnt are clearly intriguing therapeutic targets.
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Sionov RV. MicroRNAs and Glucocorticoid-Induced Apoptosis in Lymphoid Malignancies. ISRN HEMATOLOGY 2013; 2013:348212. [PMID: 23431463 PMCID: PMC3569899 DOI: 10.1155/2013/348212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2012] [Accepted: 11/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The initial response of lymphoid malignancies to glucocorticoids (GCs) is a critical parameter predicting successful treatment. Although being known as a strong inducer of apoptosis in lymphoid cells for almost a century, the signaling pathways regulating the susceptibility of the cells to GCs are only partly revealed. There is still a need to develop clinical tests that can predict the outcome of GC therapy. In this paper, I discuss important parameters modulating the pro-apoptotic effects of GCs, with a specific emphasis on the microRNA world comprised of small players with big impacts. The journey through the multifaceted complexity of GC-induced apoptosis brings forth explanations for the differential treatment response and raises potential strategies for overcoming drug resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ronit Vogt Sionov
- The Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, The Institute for Medical Research-Israel-Canada, Hadassah Medical School, The Hebrew University of Jerusalem, Ein-Kerem, 91120 Jerusalem, Israel
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Martelli AM, Chiarini F, Evangelisti C, Cappellini A, Buontempo F, Bressanin D, Fini M, McCubrey JA. Two hits are better than one: targeting both phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase and mammalian target of rapamycin as a therapeutic strategy for acute leukemia treatment. Oncotarget 2012; 3:371-94. [PMID: 22564882 PMCID: PMC3380573 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) are two key components of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway. This signal transduction cascade regulates a wide range of physiological cell processes, that include differentiation, proliferation, apoptosis, autophagy, metabolism, motility, and exocytosis. However, constitutively active PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling characterizes many types of tumors where it negatively influences response to therapeutic treatments. Hence, targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling with small molecule inhibitors may improve cancer patient outcome. The PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling cascade is overactive in acute leukemias, where it correlates with enhanced drug-resistance and poor prognosis. The catalytic sites of PI3K and mTOR share a high degree of sequence homology. This feature has allowed the synthesis of ATP-competitive compounds targeting the catalytic site of both kinases. In preclinical models, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors displayed a much stronger cytotoxicity against acute leukemia cells than either PI3K inhibitors or allosteric mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin. At variance with rapamycin, dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors targeted both mTOR complex 1 and mTOR complex 2, and inhibited the rapamycin-resistant phosphorylation of eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1, resulting in a marked inhibition of oncogenic protein translation. Therefore, they strongly reduced cell proliferation and induced an important apoptotic response. Here, we reviewed the evidence documenting that dual PI3K/mTOR inhibitors may represent a promising option for future targeted therapies of acute leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto M Martelli
- Department of Human Anatomy, University of Bologna, Cellular Signalling Laboratory, Bologna, Italy.
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