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Delgado M, Gallegos Z, Stippec S, McGlynn K, Cobb MH, Whitehurst AW. Testis Specific Serine Kinase 6 (TSSK6) is abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer and promotes oncogenic behaviors. J Biol Chem 2024:107380. [PMID: 38762178 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2024.107380] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2024] [Revised: 05/02/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024] Open
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are a collection of proteins whose expression is normally restricted to the gamete, but abnormally activated in a wide variety of tumors. The CTA, Testis specific serine kinase 6 (TSSK6), is essential for male fertility in mice. Functional relevance of TSSK6 to cancer, if any, has not previously been investigated. Here we find that TSSK6 is frequently anomalously expressed in colorectal cancer and patients with elevated TSSK6 expression have reduced relapse free survival. Depletion of TSSK6 from colorectal cancer cells attenuates anchorage independent growth, invasion and growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of TSSK6 enhances anchorage independence and invasion in vitro as well as in vivo tumor growth. Notably, ectopic expression of TSSK6 in semi-transformed human colonic epithelial cells is sufficient to confer anchorage independence and enhance invasion. In somatic cells, TSSK6 co-localizes with and enhances the formation of paxillin and tensin positive foci at the cell periphery, suggesting a function in focal adhesion formation. Importantly, TSSK6 kinase activity is essential to induce these tumorigenic behaviors. Our findings establish that TSSK6 exhibits oncogenic activity when abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer cells. Thus, TSSK6 is a previously unrecognized intervention target for therapy, which could exhibit an exceptionally broad therapeutic window.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Delgado
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Zachary Gallegos
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Steve Stippec
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Kathleen McGlynn
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
| | - Melanie H Cobb
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA
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Alrohaibani A, Yu Y, Gao L, McLean KM, Hetts J, Saglam O. PReferentially Expressed Antigen in MElanoma Expression in Uterine and Ovarian Carcinosarcomas. Int J Gynecol Pathol 2024; 43:284-289. [PMID: 38085958 DOI: 10.1097/pgp.0000000000000959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/20/2024]
Abstract
Carcinosarcoma (CS) is an aggressive form of gynecologic malignancy that accounts for ~5% of carcinomas in the endometrium and ovaries. There has been no significant improvement in survival over the last decades despite additional treatment options. PReferentially Expressed Antigen in MElanoma (PRAME) is an immunotherapy target used for the treatment of several solid tumors. We explored the PRAME protein expression levels in ovarian and uterine CS (n = 29). The expression levels were recorded by H-score (percentage of positively stained cells multiplied by staining intensity) in carcinomatous and sarcomatous components separately and compared by paired t-test. The marker expression levels of ovarian and uterine CS were tested against each other in the CS group. Sarcoma-predominant samples (>50% of the sampled tissue) were compared with samples without predominant sarcomatous components by a 2-sample pooled t-test. In addition, high-grade carcinomatous components of CS samples were tested against low-grade endometrioid carcinoma (International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics grades 1 and 2; n = 13), and sarcomatous components against uterine leiomyosarcoma (n = 14). There was no significant difference between any subgroups except for sarcomatous elements of CS and leiomyosarcoma ( P < 0.001). A weak positive correlation was found between H-scores of carcinomatous and sarcomatous components ( P = 0.062, r = 0.36). In the ovarian CS group, there was a moderate inverse correlation between age and the mean H-score of the carcinomatous component ( r = -0.683, P = 0.02). Our results further support PRAME overexpression in gynecologic cancers, including CS with similar expression levels in epithelial and mesenchymal components. PRAME might have a role in epithelial-mesenchymal transition in this group of cancers.
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Delgado M, Gallegos Z, McGlynn K, Stippec S, Cobb MH, Whitehurst A. The Cancer Testis Antigen Testis Specific Serine Kinase 6 (TSSK6) is abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer and promotes oncogenic behaviors. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.01.08.574658. [PMID: 38260312 PMCID: PMC10802504 DOI: 10.1101/2024.01.08.574658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/24/2024]
Abstract
Cancer testis antigens (CTAs) are a collection of proteins whose expression is normally restricted to the gamete, but abnormally activated in a wide variety of tumors. The CTA, Testis specific serine kinase 6 (TSSK6), is essential for male fertility in mice. Functional relevance of TSSK6 to cancer, if any, has not previously been investigated. Here we find that TSSK6 is frequently anomalously expressed in colorectal cancer and patients with elevated TSSK6 expression have reduced relapse free survival. Depletion of TSSK6 from colorectal cancer cells attenuates anchorage independent growth, invasion and growth in vivo. Conversely, overexpression of TSSK6 enhances anchorage independence and invasion in vitro as well as in vivo tumor growth. Notably, ectopic expression of TSSK6 in semi-transformed human colonic epithelial cells is sufficient to confer anchorage independence and enhance invasion. In somatic cells, TSSK6 co-localizes with and enhances the formation of paxillin and tensin positive foci at the cell periphery, suggesting a function in focal adhesion formation. Importantly, TSSK6 kinase activity is essential to induce these tumorigenic behaviors. Our findings establish that TSSK6 exhibits oncogenic activity when abnormally expressed in colorectal cancer cells. Thus, TSSK6 is a previously unrecognized intervention target for therapy, which could exhibit an exceptionally broad therapeutic window.
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Zhang XJ, Yu Y, Zhao HP, Guo L, Dai K, Lv J. Mechanisms of tumor immunosuppressive microenvironment formation in esophageal cancer. World J Gastroenterol 2024; 30:2195-2208. [PMID: 38690024 PMCID: PMC11056912 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v30.i16.2195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/05/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/26/2024] Open
Abstract
As a highly invasive malignancy, esophageal cancer (EC) is a global health issue, and was the eighth most prevalent cancer and the sixth leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide in 2020. Due to its highly immunogenic nature, emer-ging immunotherapy approaches, such as immune checkpoint blockade, have demonstrated promising efficacy in treating EC; however, certain limitations and challenges still exist. In addition, tumors may exhibit primary or acquired resistance to immunotherapy in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME); thus, understanding the TIME is urgent and crucial, especially given the im-portance of an immunosuppressive microenvironment in tumor progression. The aim of this review was to better elucidate the mechanisms of the suppressive TIME, including cell infiltration, immune cell subsets, cytokines and signaling pathways in the tumor microenvironment of EC patients, as well as the downregulated expression of major histocompatibility complex molecules in tumor cells, to obtain a better understanding of the differences in EC patient responses to immunotherapeutic strategies and accurately predict the efficacy of immunotherapies. Therefore, personalized treatments could be developed to maximize the advantages of immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Jun Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yan Yu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - He-Ping Zhao
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Lei Guo
- Department of Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Kun Dai
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Yanliang Railway Hospital of Xi’an, Xi’an 710089, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Jing Lv
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Honghui Hospital, Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an 710054, Shaanxi Province, China
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Zhang S, Liang Y, Ji P, Zheng R, Lu F, Hou G, Yang G, Yuan L. Truncated PD1 Engineered Gas-Producing Extracellular Vesicles for Ultrasound Imaging and Subsequent Degradation of PDL1 in Tumor Cells. ADVANCED SCIENCE (WEINHEIM, BADEN-WURTTEMBERG, GERMANY) 2024; 11:e2305891. [PMID: 38263860 DOI: 10.1002/advs.202305891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 01/05/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024]
Abstract
PDL1 blockade therapy holds great promise in cancer immunotherapy. Ultrasound imaging of PDL1 expression in the tumor is of great importance in predicting the therapeutic efficacy. As a proof-of-concept study, a novel ultrasound contrast agent has been innovated here to image and block PDL1 in the tumor tissue. Briefly, extracellular vesicles (EVs) are engineered to display truncated PD1 (tPD1) on the surface to bind PDL1 with high affinity by fusion to EV-abundant transmembrane protein PTGFRN. The engineered EVs are then encapsulated with Ca(HCO3)2 via electroporation and designated as Gp-EVtPD1, which would recognize PDL1 highly expressed cells and produce gas in the endosomes and lysosomes. On the one hand, the echogenic signal intensity correlates well with the PDL1 expression and immune response inhibition in the tumor. On the other hand, during the trajectory of Gp-EVtPD1 in the recipient cells, tPD1 on the EV binds PDL1 and triggers the PDL1 endocytosis and degradation in endosomes/lysosomes in a sequential manner, and thus boosts the anti-tumor immunity of cytotoxic T cells. In summary, Gp-EVtPD1 serves as a novel ultrasound contrast agent and blocker of PDL1, which might be of great advantage in imaging PDL1 expression and conquering immune checkpoint blocker resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyan Zhang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road No. 569th, Xi'an, 710038, P. R. China
| | - Yuan Liang
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road No. 569th, Xi'an, 710038, P. R. China
| | - Panpan Ji
- Department of Digestive Surgery, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Shaanxi, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Rui Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Changlexi Road No. 169th, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Fan Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Changlexi Road No. 169th, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Guangdong Hou
- Department of Urology, Xijing Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Guodong Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Holistic Integrative Management of Gastrointestinal Cancers and Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Fourth Military Medical University, Changlexi Road No. 169th, Xi'an, 710032, P. R. China
| | - Lijun Yuan
- Department of Ultrasound Diagnostics, Tangdu Hospital, Fourth Military Medical University, Xinsi Road No. 569th, Xi'an, 710038, P. R. China
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Toyofuku T, Ishikawa T, Nojima S, Kumanogoh A. Efficacy against Lung Cancer Is Augmented by Combining Aberrantly N-Glycosylated T Cells with a Chimeric Antigen Receptor Targeting Fragile X Mental Retardation 1 Neighbor. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2024; 212:917-927. [PMID: 38214607 PMCID: PMC10876419 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2300618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2023] [Accepted: 12/17/2023] [Indexed: 01/13/2024]
Abstract
The adaptive transfer of T cells redirected to cancer cells via chimeric Ag receptors (CARs) has produced clinical benefits for the treatment of hematologic diseases. To extend this approach to solid cancer, we screened CARs targeting surface Ags on human lung cancer cells using (to our knowledge) novel expression cloning based on the Ag receptor-induced transcriptional activation of IL-2. Isolated CARs were directed against fragile X mental retardation 1 neighbor (FMR1NB), a cancer-testis Ag that is expressed by malignant cells and adult testicular germ cells. Anti-FMR1NB CAR human T cells demonstrated target-specific cytotoxicity and successfully controlled tumor growth in mouse xenograft models of lung cancer. Furthermore, to protect CAR T cells from immune-inhibitory molecules, which are present in the tumor microenvironment, we introduced anti-FMR1NB CARs into 2-deoxy-glucose (2DG)-treated human T cells. These cells exhibited reduced binding affinity to immune-inhibitory molecules, and the suppressive effects of these molecules were resisted through blockade of the N-glycosylation of their receptors. Anti-FMR1NB CARs in 2DG-treated human T cells augmented target-specific cytotoxicity in vitro and in vivo. Thus, our findings demonstrated the feasibility of eradicating lung cancer cells using 2DG-treated human T cells, which are able to direct tumor-specific FMR1NB via CARs and survive in the suppressive tumor microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Toshihiko Toyofuku
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takako Ishikawa
- Department of Immunology and Molecular Medicine, Graduate School of Medicine, The Center of Medical Innovation and Translational Research, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nojima
- Department of Pathology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Atsushi Kumanogoh
- Department of Respiratory Medicine and Clinical Immunology, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Laboratory of Immunopathology, WPI Immunology Frontier Research Center, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
- Integrated Frontier Research for Medical Science Division, Institute for Open and Transdisciplinary Research Initiatives, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Yang M, Diaz F, Krause ART, Lei Y, Liu WS. Synergistic enhancement of the mouse Pramex1 and Pramel1 in repressing retinoic acid (RA) signaling during gametogenesis. Cell Biosci 2024; 14:28. [PMID: 38395975 PMCID: PMC10893636 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-024-01212-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2024] [Indexed: 02/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PRAME constitutes one of the largest multi-copy gene families in Eutherians, encoding cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) with leucine-rich repeats (LRR) domains, highly expressed in cancer cells and gametogenic germ cells. This study aims to elucidate genetic interactions between two members, Pramex1 and Pramel1, in the mouse Prame family during gametogenesis using a gene knockout approach. RESULT Single-gene knockout (sKO) of either Pramex1 or Pramel1 resulted in approximately 7% of abnormal seminiferous tubules, characterized by a Sertoli-cell only (SCO) phenotype, impacting sperm count and fecundity significantly. Remarkably, sKO female mice displayed normal reproductive functions. In contrast, Pramex1/Pramel1 double knockout (dKO) mice exhibited reduced fecundity in both sexes. In dKO females, ovarian primary follicle count decreased by 50% compared to sKO and WT mice, correlating with a 50% fecundity decrease. This suggested compensatory roles during oogenesis in Pramex1 or Pramel1 sKO females. Conversely, dKO males showed an 18% frequency of SCO tubules, increased apoptotic germ cells, and decreased undifferentiated spermatogonia compared to sKO and WT testes. Western blot analysis with PRAMEX1- or PRAMEL1-specific antibodies on sKO testes revealed compensatory upregulation of each protein (30-50%) in response to the other gene's deletion. Double KO males exhibited more severe defects in sperm count and litter size, surpassing Pramex1 and Pramel1 sKO accumulative effects, indicating a synergistic enhancement interaction during spermatogenesis. Additional experiments administering trans-retinoic acid (RA) and its inhibitor (WIN18,446) in sKO, dKO, and WT mice suggested that PRAMEX1 and PRAMEL1 synergistically repress the RA signaling pathway during spermatogenesis. CONCLUSION Data from sKO and dKO mice unveil a synergistic interaction via the RA signaling pathway between Pramex1 and Pramel1 genes during gametogenesis. This discovery sets the stage for investigating interactions among other members within the Prame family, advancing our understanding of multi-copy gene families involved in germ cell formation and function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Yang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Francisco Diaz
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Ana Rita T Krause
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA
| | - Yuguo Lei
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, College of Engineering, The Pennsylvania State University, University Park, PA, USA
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University, 311 AVBS Building, University Park, PA, 16802, USA.
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Zhao B, Yin J, Ding L, Luo J, Luo J, Mu J, Pan S, Du J, Zhong Y, Zhang L, Liu L. SPAG6 regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis via TGF-β/Smad signal pathway in adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Int J Hematol 2024; 119:119-129. [PMID: 38147275 DOI: 10.1007/s12185-023-03684-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 11/09/2023] [Accepted: 11/17/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Adult B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) prognosis remains unsatisfactory, and searching for new therapeutic targets is crucial for improving patient prognosis. Sperm-associated antigen 6 (SPAG6), a member of the cancer-testis antigen family, plays an important role in tumors, especially hematologic tumors; however, it is unknown whether SPAG6 plays a role in adult B-ALL. In this study, we demonstrated for the first time that SPAG6 expression was up-regulated in the bone marrow of adult B-ALL patients compared to healthy donors, and expression was significantly reduced in patients who achieved complete remission (CR) after treatment. In addition, patients with high SPAG6 expression were older (≥ 35 years; P = 0.015), had elevated white blood cell counts (WBC > 30 × 109/L; P = 0.021), and a low rate of CR (P = 0.036). We explored the SPAG6 effect on cell function by lentiviral transfection of adult B-ALL cell lines BALL-1 and NALM-6, and discovered that knocking down SPAG6 significantly inhibited cell proliferation and promoted apoptosis. We identified that SPAG6 knockdown might regulate cell proliferation and apoptosis via the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Beibei Zhao
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jiaxiu Yin
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Li Ding
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Jie Luo
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Jiao Mu
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Shirui Pan
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory Research Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400042, China
| | - Juan Du
- Department of Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, 646000, Sichuan, People's Republic of China
| | - Yirui Zhong
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Linyi Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Liu
- Department of Hematology, Chongqing Medical University, Medical College Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
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Xiong Z, Raphael I, Olin M, Okada H, Li X, Kohanbash G. Glioblastoma vaccines: past, present, and opportunities. EBioMedicine 2024; 100:104963. [PMID: 38183840 PMCID: PMC10808938 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2023.104963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Revised: 12/21/2023] [Accepted: 12/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is one of the most lethal central nervous systems (CNS) tumours in adults. As supplements to standard of care (SOC), various immunotherapies improve the therapeutic effect in other cancers. Among them, tumour vaccines can serve as complementary monotherapy or boost the clinical efficacy with other immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) and chimeric antigen receptor T cells (CAR-T) therapy. Previous studies in GBM therapeutic vaccines have suggested that few neoantigens could be targeted in GBM due to low mutation burden, and single-peptide therapeutic vaccination had limited efficacy in tumour control as monotherapy. Combining diverse antigens, including neoantigens, tumour-associated antigens (TAAs), and pathogen-derived antigens, and optimizing vaccine design or vaccination strategy may help with clinical efficacy improvement. In this review, we discussed current GBM therapeutic vaccine platforms, evaluated and potential antigenic targets, current challenges, and perspective opportunities for efficacy improvement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zujian Xiong
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China
| | - Itay Raphael
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA
| | - Michael Olin
- Department of Pediatrics, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - Hideho Okada
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, CA 94143, USA
| | - Xuejun Li
- Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008, PR China; Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410008 PR China.
| | - Gary Kohanbash
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15201, USA; Department of Immunology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA.
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Pugacheva EM, Bhatt DN, Rivero-Hinojosa S, Tajmul M, Fedida L, Price E, Ji Y, Loukinov D, Strunnikov AV, Ren B, Lobanenkov VV. BORIS/CTCFL epigenetically reprograms clustered CTCF binding sites into alternative transcriptional start sites. Genome Biol 2024; 25:40. [PMID: 38297316 PMCID: PMC10832218 DOI: 10.1186/s13059-024-03175-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2023] [Accepted: 01/15/2024] [Indexed: 02/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pervasive usage of alternative promoters leads to the deregulation of gene expression in carcinogenesis and may drive the emergence of new genes in spermatogenesis. However, little is known regarding the mechanisms underpinning the activation of alternative promoters. RESULTS Here we describe how alternative cancer-testis-specific transcription is activated. We show that intergenic and intronic CTCF binding sites, which are transcriptionally inert in normal somatic cells, could be epigenetically reprogrammed into active de novo promoters in germ and cancer cells. BORIS/CTCFL, the testis-specific paralog of the ubiquitously expressed CTCF, triggers the epigenetic reprogramming of CTCF sites into units of active transcription. BORIS binding initiates the recruitment of the chromatin remodeling factor, SRCAP, followed by the replacement of H2A histone with H2A.Z, resulting in a more relaxed chromatin state in the nucleosomes flanking the CTCF binding sites. The relaxation of chromatin around CTCF binding sites facilitates the recruitment of multiple additional transcription factors, thereby activating transcription from a given binding site. We demonstrate that the epigenetically reprogrammed CTCF binding sites can drive the expression of cancer-testis genes, long noncoding RNAs, retro-pseudogenes, and dormant transposable elements. CONCLUSIONS Thus, BORIS functions as a transcription factor that epigenetically reprograms clustered CTCF binding sites into transcriptional start sites, promoting transcription from alternative promoters in both germ cells and cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena M Pugacheva
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
| | - Dharmendra Nath Bhatt
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Samuel Rivero-Hinojosa
- Center for Cancer and Immunology Research, Children's National Research Institute, Washington, DC, 20010, USA
| | - Md Tajmul
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Liron Fedida
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Emma Price
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Yon Ji
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Dmitri Loukinov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA
| | - Alexander V Strunnikov
- Guangzhou Institutes of Biomedicine and Health, Molecular Epigenetics Laboratory, 190 Kai Yuan Avenue, Science Park, Guangzhou, 510530, China
| | - Bing Ren
- Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, 9500 Gilman Drive, La Jolla, CA, 92093, USA
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Epigenomics, Moores Cancer Center and Institute of Genomic Medicine, University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, La Jolla, CA, 92093-0653, USA
| | - Victor V Lobanenkov
- Molecular Pathology Section, Laboratory of Immunogenetics, National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, 20892, USA.
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Cassalia F, Danese A, Tudurachi I, Federico S, Zambello A, Guidotti A, Franceschin L, Bolzon A, Naldi L, Belloni Fortina A. PRAME Updated: Diagnostic, Prognostic, and Therapeutic Role in Skin Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1582. [PMID: 38338862 PMCID: PMC10855739 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2023] [Revised: 01/19/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME), a member of the cancer/testis antigen family, is central to the field of skin cancer diagnostics and therapeutics. As a nuclear receptor and transcriptional regulator, PRAME plays a critical role in inhibiting retinoic acid signalling, which is essential for cell differentiation and proliferation. Its aberrant overexpression in various malignancies, particularly cutaneous melanoma, is associated with more aggressive tumour phenotypes, positioning PRAME as both a diagnostic and prognostic marker. In melanoma, PRAME is typically highly expressed, in contrast to its weak or absent expression in benign nevi, thereby improving the accuracy of differential diagnoses. The diagnostic value of PRAME extends to various lesions. It is significantly expressed in uveal melanoma, correlating to an increased risk of metastasis. In acral melanomas, especially those with histopathological ambiguity, PRAME helps to improve diagnostic accuracy. However, its expression in spitzoid and ungual melanocytic lesions is inconsistent and requires a comprehensive approach for an accurate assessment. In soft tissue sarcomas, PRAME may be particularly helpful in differentiating melanoma from clear cell sarcoma, an important distinction due to their similar histological appearance but different treatment approaches and prognosis, or in detecting dedifferentiated and undifferentiated melanomas. In non-melanoma skin cancers such as basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Merkel cell carcinoma, the variable expression of PRAME can lead to diagnostic complexity. Despite these challenges, the potential of PRAME as a therapeutic target in melanoma is significant. Emerging immunotherapies, including T-cell-based therapies and vaccines targeting PRAME, are being investigated to exploit its cancer-specific expression. Ongoing research into the molecular role and mechanism of action of PRAME in skin cancer continues to open new avenues in both diagnostics and therapeutics, with the potential to transform the management of melanoma and related skin cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fortunato Cassalia
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Andrea Danese
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Integrated Medical and General Activity, University of Verona, 37100 Verona, Italy;
| | - Ina Tudurachi
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Serena Federico
- Dermatology Unit, University of Magna Graecia, 88100 Catanzaro, Italy;
| | - Anna Zambello
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Alessia Guidotti
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Ludovica Franceschin
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Anna Bolzon
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
| | - Luigi Naldi
- Department of Dermatology, Ospedale San Bortolo, 36100 Vicenza, Italy;
- Centro Studi Gruppo Italiano Studi Epidemiologici in Dermatologia (GISED), 24121 Bergamo, Italy
| | - Anna Belloni Fortina
- Dermatology Unit, Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy; (I.T.); (A.Z.); (A.G.); (L.F.); (A.B.); (A.B.F.)
- Pediatric Dermatology Department of Women’s and Child’s Health (SDB), University of Padua, 35121 Padua, Italy
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12
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Alrubie TM, Shaik JP, Alamri AM, Alanazi M, Alshareeda AT, alqarni A, Alawfi HG, Almaiman SM, Almutairi MH. FTHL17, PRM2, CABYR, CPXCR1, ADAM29, and CABS1 are highly expressed in colon cancer patients and are regulated in vitro by epigenetic alterations. Heliyon 2024; 10:e23689. [PMID: 38187237 PMCID: PMC10767510 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e23689] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 11/29/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Colon cancer is a serious public health issue and a major cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide, including Saudi Arabia. Knowledge of genes associated with colon cancer development and progression is essential for identifying new cancer-specific biomarkers to improve the diagnosis of colon cancer. Methods The expression levels of FTHL17, PRM2, CABYR, CPXCR1, ADAM29, and CABS1 in 15 adjacent colon cancer and normal colon tissue samples from male patients were investigated using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR) assays. qRT-PCR analysis was also used to determine whether reducing DNA methyltransferase (via 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine treatment) or histone deacetylation (via trichostatin treatment) increased the expression levels of the tested genes. Results The analysis of the 15 colon cancer and adjacent normal colon tissue samples revealed that all six genes were expressed in both groups, but their expression levels were significantly higher in the colon cancer group. Furthermore, the mRNA expression levels of the FTHL17, PRM2, CABYR, CPXCR1, and ADAM29 genes were considerably upregulated after treatment of HCT116 and Caco-2 cells with 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine and trichostatin. However, the CABS1 gene was activated only with trichostatin treatment. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that FTHL17, PRM2, CABYR, CPXCR1, ADAM29, and CABS1 are suitable candidate biomarkers of colon cancer and their expressions are regulated by hypomethylation and hyperacetylation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Turki M. Alrubie
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Jilani P. Shaik
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M. Alamri
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammad Alanazi
- Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa T. Alshareeda
- Blood and Cancer Research Department, King Abdullah International Medical Research Center, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ayyob alqarni
- Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Homoud G. Alawfi
- Department of Surgery, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Sarah M. Almaiman
- Department of Anatomic Pathology, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Ministry of National Guard Health Affairs, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mikhlid H. Almutairi
- Zoology Department, College of Science, King Saud University, P.O. Box: 2455, 11451, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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13
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Liu W, Bruggeman JW, Lei Q, van Pelt AMM, Koster J, Hamer G. Germline specific genes increase DNA double-strand break repair and radioresistance in lung adenocarcinoma cells. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:38. [PMID: 38216586 PMCID: PMC10786935 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06433-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2023] [Revised: 12/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/04/2024] [Indexed: 01/14/2024]
Abstract
In principle, germline cells possess the capability to transmit a nearly unaltered set of genetic material to infinite future generations, whereas somatic cells are limited by strict growth constraints necessary to assure an organism's physical structure and eventual mortality. As the potential to replicate indefinitely is a key feature of cancer, we hypothesized that the activation of a "germline program" in somatic cells can contribute to oncogenesis. Our group recently described over one thousand germline specific genes that can be ectopically expressed in cancer, yet how germline specific processes contribute to the malignant properties of cancer is poorly understood. We here show that the expression of germ cell/cancer (GC) genes correlates with malignancy in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). We found that LUAD cells expressing more GC genes can repair DNA double strand breaks more rapidly, show higher rates of proliferation and are more resistant to ionizing radiation, compared to LUAD cells that express fewer GC genes. In particular, we identified the HORMA domain protein regulator TRIP13 to be predominantly responsible for this malignant phenotype, and that TRIP13 inhibition or expression levels affect the response to ionizing radiation and subsequent DNA repair. Our results demonstrate that GC genes are viable targets in oncology, as they induce increased radiation resistance and increased propagation in cancer cells. Because their expression is normally restricted to germline cells, we anticipate that GC gene directed therapeutic options will effectively target cancer, with limited side effects besides (temporary) infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenqing Liu
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Willem Bruggeman
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Qijing Lei
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Ans M M van Pelt
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jan Koster
- Center for Experimental and Molecular Medicine, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology and Radiobiology, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Geert Hamer
- Reproductive Biology Laboratory, Center for Reproductive Medicine, Amsterdam UMC, University of Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
- Amsterdam Reproduction and Development Research Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
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14
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Julve M, Kennedy O, Frampton AE, Bagwan I, Lythgoe MP. Gene of the month: cancer testis antigen gene 1b (NY-ESO-1). J Clin Pathol 2023; 77:1-7. [PMID: 37857483 DOI: 10.1136/jcp-2023-209053] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/04/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
Cancer testis antigen gene 1B (CTAG1B) and its associated gene product; New York oesophageal squamous carcinoma 1 (NY-ESO-1), represent a unique and promising target for cancer immunotherapy. As a member of the cancer testis antigen family (CTA), the protein's restricted expression pattern and ability to elicit spontaneous humoural and cellular immune responses has resulted in a plethora of novel modalities and approaches attempting to harness its immunotherapeutic anti-cancer potential. Here, we discuss the structure and function of CTAG1B/NY-ESO-1 in both health and disease, immunohistochemical detection, as well as the most promising advances in the development of associated anti-cancer therapies. From cancer vaccines to engineered cellular therapy approaches, a multitude of immunotherapies targeting CTA's are coming to the forefront of oncology. Although the efficacy of such approaches have yet to provide convincing evidence of durable response, early phase clinical trial data has resulted in some exciting findings which will have significant potential to act as a platform for future practice changing technologies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Max Julve
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Oliver Kennedy
- Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Adam Enver Frampton
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
- Section of Oncology, Deptartment of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, FHMS, University of Surrey, Guildford, UK
| | - Izhar Bagwan
- Department of Cellular Pathology, Royal Surrey Hospital, Guildford, UK
| | - Mark P Lythgoe
- Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
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15
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Gelmi MC, Gezgin G, van der Velden PA, Luyten GPM, Luk SJ, Heemskerk MHM, Jager MJ. PRAME Expression: A Target for Cancer Immunotherapy and a Prognostic Factor in Uveal Melanoma. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:36. [PMID: 38149971 PMCID: PMC10755595 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.15.36] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose Uveal melanoma (UM) is a rare disease with a high mortality, and new therapeutic options are being investigated. Preferentially Expressed Antigen in Melanoma (PRAME) is a cancer testis antigen, expressed in the testis, but also in cancers, including uveal melanoma. PRAME is considered a target for immune therapy in several cancers, and PRAME-specific T cell clones have been shown to kill UM cells. Methods We studied the literature on PRAME expression in hematological and solid malignancies, including UM, and its role as a target for immunotherapy. The distribution of tumor features was compared between PRAME-high and PRAME-low UM in a 64-patient cohort from the Leiden University Medical Center (LUMC) and in the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort of 80 cases and differential gene expression analysis was performed in the LUMC cohort. Results PRAME is expressed in many malignancies, it is frequently associated with a negative prognosis, and can be the target of T cell receptor (TCR)-transduced T cells, a promising treatment option with high avidity and safety. In UM, PRAME is expressed in 26% to 45% of cases and is correlated with a worse prognosis. In the LUMC and the TCGA cohorts, high PRAME expression was associated with larger diameter, higher Tumor-Node-Metastasis (TNM) stage, more frequent gain of chromosome 8q, and an inflammatory phenotype. Conclusions We confirm that PRAME is associated with poor prognosis in UM and has a strong connection with extra copies of 8q. We show that PRAME-specific immunotherapy in an adjuvant setting is promising in treatment of malignancies, including UM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Chiara Gelmi
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | - Gulçin Gezgin
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | | | - Sietse J. Luk
- Department of Hematology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
| | | | - Martine J. Jager
- Department of Ophthalmology, Leiden University Medical Center, Leiden, The Netherlands
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16
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Vontzou N, Pei Y, Mueller JC, Reifová R, Ruiz-Ruano FJ, Schlebusch SA, Suh A. Songbird germline-restricted chromosome as a potential arena of genetic conflicts. Curr Opin Genet Dev 2023; 83:102113. [PMID: 37734346 DOI: 10.1016/j.gde.2023.102113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Revised: 08/03/2023] [Accepted: 08/20/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Genetic conflicts can arise between components of the genome with different inheritance strategies. The germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) of songbirds shows unusual mitotic and meiotic transmission compared with the rest of the genome. It is excluded from somatic cells and maintained only in the germline. It is usually present in one copy in the male germline and eliminated during spermatogenesis, while in the female germline, it usually occurs in two copies and behaves as a regular chromosome. Here, we review what is known about the GRC's evolutionary history, genetic content, and expression and discuss how it may be involved in different types of genetic conflicts. Finally, we interrogate the potential role of the GRC in songbird germline development, highlighting several unsolved mysteries.
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Affiliation(s)
- Niki Vontzou
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; School of Biological Sciences, University of East Anglia, Norwich, UK.
| | - Yifan Pei
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Department of Organismal Biology - Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
| | - Jakob C Mueller
- Department of Ornithology, Max Planck Institute for Biological Intelligence, 82319 Seewiesen, Germany
| | - Radka Reifová
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Francisco J Ruiz-Ruano
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany. https://twitter.com/@fjruizruano
| | - Stephen A Schlebusch
- Department of Zoology, Faculty of Science, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Alexander Suh
- Centre for Molecular Biodiversity Research, Leibniz Institute for the Analysis of Biodiversity Change, Adenauerallee 127, 53113 Bonn, Germany; Institute of Evolutionary Biology and Ecology, University of Bonn, An der Immenburg 1, 53121 Bonn, Germany; Department of Organismal Biology - Systematic Biology, Evolutionary Biology Centre, Science for Life Laboratory, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
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17
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Sun G, Chen H, Xia J, Li T, Ye H, Li J, Zhang X, Cheng Y, Wang K, Shi J, Wang P. Diagnostic performance of anti-MAGEA family protein autoantibodies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 125:111041. [PMID: 37866309 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.111041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2023] [Revised: 09/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/08/2023] [Indexed: 10/24/2023]
Abstract
MAGEA family proteins are immunogenic and can produce corresponding autoantibodies, and we aim to evaluate the diagnostic value of anti-MAGEA family protein autoantibodies in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Protein chip was used to detect the expression level of anti-MAGEA autoantibodies (IgG and IgM) in 20 mixed serum samples. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay was adopted to determine the expression level of autoantibodies in 1019 serum samples (423 ESCC, 423 healthy control (HC), 173 benign esophageal disease (BED)), and stepwise logistic regression analysis was used for developing a diagnostic model. Eight anti-MAGEA autoantibodies were screened out based on the protein chip. The levels of 7 autoantibodies (MAGEA1-IgG, MAGEA3-IgG, MAGEA3-IgM, MAGEA4-IgG, MAGEA6-IgG, MAGEA10-IgG, MAGEA12-IgG) in ESCC were significantly higher than that in HC, and the levels of anti-MAGEA1 IgG, anti-MAGEA3-IgG, anti-MAGEA4-IgG, anti-MAGEA10-IgG and anti-MAGEA12-IgG autoantibodies in ESCC group were significantly higher than those in BED group. The area under curve (AUC), sensitivity and specificity of the logistic regression model (MAGEA1-IgG, MAGEA4-IgG, MAGEA6-IgG, MAGEA12-IgG) in the training set and the validation set were 0.725 and 0.698, 55.2% and 51.8%, 80.4% and 84.5%, respectively, in distinguishing ESCC and HC. The model also could distinguish between ESCC and BED, with the AUC of 0.743, sensitivity of 55.4% and specificity of 89.0%. The positive rate of the model combined with cytokeratin 19 fragment to diagnose ESCC reached 78.0%. The study identified anti-MAGEA autoantibodies with potential diagnostic value for ESCC, which may provide new promising for the detection of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guiying Sun
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Huili Chen
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Junfen Xia
- Office of Health Care, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Tiandong Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Hua Ye
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jiaxin Li
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Xiaoyue Zhang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Yifan Cheng
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Keyan Wang
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Jianxiang Shi
- Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China; Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China
| | - Peng Wang
- Department of Epidemiology and Statistics, College of Public Health, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450001, Henan Province, China; Henan Key Laboratory of Tumor Epidemiology and State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450052, Henan Province, China.
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Samel A, Väärtnõu F, Verk L, Kurg K, Mutso M, Kurg R. How the Intrinsically Disordered N-Terminus of Cancer/Testis Antigen MAGEA10 Is Responsible for Its Expression, Nuclear Localisation and Aberrant Migration. Biomolecules 2023; 13:1704. [PMID: 38136576 PMCID: PMC10741916 DOI: 10.3390/biom13121704] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Revised: 11/16/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma-associated antigen A (MAGEA) subfamily proteins are normally expressed in testis and/or placenta. However, aberrant expression is detected in the tumour cells of multiple types of human cancer. MAGEA expression is mainly observed in cancers that have acquired malignant phenotypes, invasiveness and metastasis, and the expression of MAGEA family proteins has been linked to poor prognosis in cancer patients. All MAGE proteins share the common MAGE homology domain (MHD) which encompasses up to 70% of the protein; however, the areas flanking the MHD region vary between family members and are poorly conserved. To investigate the molecular basis of MAGEA10 expression and anomalous mobility in gel, deletion and point-mutation, analyses of the MAGEA10 protein were performed. Our data show that the intrinsically disordered N-terminal domain and, specifically, the first seven amino acids containing a unique linear motif, PRAPKR, are responsible for its expression, aberrant migration in SDS-PAGE and nuclear localisation. The aberrant migration in gel and nuclear localisation are not related to each other. Hiding the N-terminus with an epitope tag strongly affected its mobility in gel and expression in cells. Our results suggest that the intrinsically disordered domains flanking the MHD determine the unique properties of individual MAGEA proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Reet Kurg
- Institute of Technology, University of Tartu, 50411 Tartu, Estonia; (A.S.); (F.V.); (L.V.); (K.K.); (M.M.)
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19
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Liu N, Xiao X, Zhang Z, Mao C, Wan M, Shen J. Advances in Cancer Vaccine Research. ACS Biomater Sci Eng 2023; 9:5999-6023. [PMID: 37921277 DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.3c01154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2023]
Abstract
The use of cancer vaccines is considered a promising therapeutic strategy in clinical oncology, which is achieved by stimulating antitumor immunity with tumor antigens delivered in the form of cells, peptides, viruses, and nucleic acids. The ideal cancer vaccine has many advantages, including low toxicity, specificity, and induction of persistent immune memory to overcome tumor heterogeneity and reverse the immunosuppressive microenvironment. Many therapeutic vaccines have entered clinical trials for a variety of cancers, including melanoma, breast cancer, lung cancer, and others. However, many challenges, including single antigen targeting, weak immunogenicity, off-target effects, and impaired immune response, have hindered their broad clinical translation. In this review, we introduce the principle of action, components (including antigens and adjuvants), and classification (according to applicable objects and preparation methods) of cancer vaccines, summarize the delivery methods of cancer vaccines, and review the clinical and theoretical research progress of cancer vaccines. We also present new insights into cancer vaccine technologies, platforms, and applications as well as an understanding of potential next-generation preventive and therapeutic vaccine technologies, providing a broader perspective for future vaccine design.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nian Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiangyu Xiao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ziqiang Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chun Mao
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Mimi Wan
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jian Shen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center of Biomedical Functional Materials, School of Chemistry and Materials Science, Nanjing Normal University, No. 1 Wenyuan Road, Nanjing 210023, China
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20
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Lezcano C, Jungbluth AA, Busam KJ. Immunohistochemistry for PRAME in Dermatopathology. Am J Dermatopathol 2023; 45:733-747. [PMID: 37856737 PMCID: PMC10593485 DOI: 10.1097/dad.0000000000002440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2023]
Abstract
ABSTRACT Preferentially expressed antigen in melanoma (PRAME) is a tumor-associated antigen first identified in a melanoma patient and found to be expressed in most melanomas as well as in variable levels in other malignant neoplasms of epithelial, mesenchymal, or hematolymphoid lineage. Detection of PRAME expression in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue is possible by immunohistochemistry (IHC) with commercially available monoclonal antibodies. In situ and invasive melanoma frequently show a diffuse pattern of nuclear PRAME immunoreactivity which contrasts with the infrequent and typically nondiffuse staining seen in nevi. In many challenging melanocytic tumors, results of PRAME IHC and other ancillary tests correlate well, but not always: The tests are not interchangeable. Most metastatic melanomas are positive for PRAME, whereas nodal nevi are not. Numerous studies on PRAME IHC have become available in the past few years with results supporting the value of PRAME IHC as an ancillary tool in the evaluation of melanocytic lesions and providing insights into limitations in sensitivity and specificity as well as possible pitfalls that need to be kept in mind by practicing pathologists.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cecilia Lezcano
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Achim A Jungbluth
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY; and
| | - Klaus J Busam
- Pathologist, Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
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21
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Yang M, Ma W, Oatley J, Liu WS. Mouse Pramel1 regulates spermatogonial development by inhibiting retinoic acid signaling during spermatogenesis. Development 2023; 150:dev201907. [PMID: 37781892 DOI: 10.1242/dev.201907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023]
Abstract
Spermatogenesis begins when cell fate-committed prospermatogonia migrate to the basement membrane and initiate spermatogenesis in response to retinoic acid (RA) in the neonatal testis. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms in this process are not fully understood. Here, we report findings on the involvement of a cancer/testis antigen, PRAMEL1, in the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. By analyzing mouse models with either global or conditional Pramel1 inactivation, we found that PRAMEL1 regulates the RA responsiveness of the subtypes of prospermatogonia in the neonatal testis, and affects their homing process during the initiation of spermatogenesis. Pramel1 deficiency led to increased fecundity in juvenile males and decreased fecundity in mature males. In addition, Pramel1 deficiency resulted in a regional Sertoli cell-only phenotype during the first round of spermatogenesis, which was rescued by administration of the RA inhibitor WIN18,446, suggesting that PRAMEL1 functions as an inhibitor of RA signaling in germ cells. Overall, our findings suggest that PRAMEL1 fine-tunes RA signaling, playing a crucial role in the proper establishment of the first and subsequent rounds of spermatogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyao Yang
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - Wenzhi Ma
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
| | - Jon Oatley
- Center for Reproductive Biology, School of Molecular Biosciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, Washington State University, Pullman, WA 99164, USA
| | - Wan-Sheng Liu
- Department of Animal Science, Center for Reproductive Biology and Health (CRBH), College of Agricultural Sciences, The Pennsylvania State University,University Park, PA 16803, USA
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22
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Xiao J, Huang F, Li L, Zhang L, Xie L, Liu B. Expression of four cancer-testis antigens in TNBC indicating potential universal immunotherapeutic targets. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023; 149:15003-15011. [PMID: 37610673 PMCID: PMC10602960 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-05274-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/24/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Immunotherapy is an attractive treatment for breast cancer. Cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) are potential targets for immunotherapy for their restricted expression. Here, we investigate the expression of CTAs in breast cancer and their value for prognosis. So as to hunt for a potential panel of CTAs for universal immunotherapeutic targets. MATERIAL AND METHODS A total of 137 breast cancer tissue specimens including 51 triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) were assessed for MAGE-A4, MAGEA1, NY-ESO-1, KK-LC-1 and PRAME expression by immunohistochemistry. The expression of PD-L1 and TILs was also calculated and correlated with the five CTAs. Clinical data were collected to evaluate the CTA's value for prognosis. Data from the K-M plotter were used as a validation cohort. RESULTS The expression of MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1 and KK-LC-1 in TNBC was significantly higher than in non-TNBC (P = 0.012, P = 0.005, P < 0.001 respectively). 76.47% of TNBC expressed at least one of the five CTAs. Patients with positive expression of either MAGE-A4 or PRAME had a significantly extended disease-free survival (DFS). Data from the Kaplan-Meier plotter confirm our findings. CONCLUSIONS MAGE-A4, NY-ESO-1, PRAME and KK-LC-1 are overexpressed in breast cancer, especially in TNBC. Positive expression of MAGE-A4 or PARME may be associated with prolonged DFS. A panel of CTAs is attractive universal targets for immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xiao
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Fengli Huang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Clinical College of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lin Li
- Department of Pathology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Lianru Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Li Xie
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Baorui Liu
- Department of Oncology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
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23
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Herrera LR, Johnson RA, McGlynn K, Gibbs ZA, Davis AJ, Whitehurst AW. The cancer testes antigen, HORMAD1, limits genomic instability in cancer cells by protecting stalled replication forks. J Biol Chem 2023; 299:105348. [PMID: 37838177 PMCID: PMC10656231 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2023.105348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/18/2023] [Accepted: 10/01/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Tumors anomalously induce the expression of meiotic genes, which are otherwise restricted only to developing gametes. If and how these aberrantly expressed meiotic proteins influence DNA metabolism is not clear, but could have important implications for how tumors acquire and mitigate genomic instability. HORMAD1 is a highly conserved meiotic protein that is frequently expressed in lung adenocarincoma where its expression correlates with reduced patient survival and increased mutation burden. Here, we find that HORMAD1 associates with the replisome and is critical for protecting stalled DNA replication forks. Loss of HORMAD1 leads to nascent DNA strand degradation, an event which is mediated by the MRE11-DNA2-BLM pathway. We find that these phenotypes are due to limited RAD51 loading onto stalled replication forks in the absence of HORMAD1. Ultimately, loss of HORMAD1 leads to increased DNA breaks and chromosomal defects, which is exacerbated dramatically by induction of replication stress. Tumor cells proliferate despite encountering chronic replication stress, placing them on the precipice of catastrophic genomic damage. Our data support the hypothesis that the aberrant expression of HORMAD1 is engaged to attenuate the accumulation of excessive DNA damage due to chronic replication stress, which may otherwise lead to accumulation of toxic levels of genomic instability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luis Reza Herrera
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Ronnesha A Johnson
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Kathleen McGlynn
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Zane A Gibbs
- Department of Pharmacology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA
| | - Anthony J Davis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
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24
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Lee B, Park J, Voshall A, Maury E, Kang Y, Kim YJ, Lee JY, Shim HR, Kim HJ, Lee JW, Jung MH, Kim SC, Chu HBK, Kim DW, Kim M, Choi EJ, Hwang OK, Lee HW, Ha K, Choi JK, Kim Y, Choi Y, Park WY, Lee EA. Pan-cancer analysis reveals multifaceted roles of retrotransposon-fusion RNAs. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2023:2023.10.16.562422. [PMID: 37905014 PMCID: PMC10614793 DOI: 10.1101/2023.10.16.562422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/02/2023]
Abstract
Transposon-derived transcripts are abundant in RNA sequences, yet their landscape and function, especially for fusion transcripts derived from unannotated or somatically acquired transposons, remains underexplored. Here, we developed a new bioinformatic tool to detect transposon-fusion transcripts in RNA-sequencing data and performed a pan-cancer analysis of 10,257 cancer samples across 34 cancer types as well as 3,088 normal tissue samples. We identified 52,277 cancer-specific fusions with ~30 events per cancer and hotspot loci within transposons vulnerable to fusion formation. Exonization of intronic transposons was the most prevalent genic fusions, while somatic L1 insertions constituted a small fraction of cancer-specific fusions. Source L1s and HERVs, but not Alus showed decreased DNA methylation in cancer upon fusion formation. Overall cancer-specific L1 fusions were enriched in tumor suppressors while Alu fusions were enriched in oncogenes, including recurrent Alu fusions in EZH2 predictive of patient survival. We also demonstrated that transposon-derived peptides triggered CD8+ T-cell activation to the extent comparable to EBV viruses. Our findings reveal distinct epigenetic and tumorigenic mechanisms underlying transposon fusions across different families and highlight transposons as novel therapeutic targets and the source of potent neoantigens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boram Lee
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
- Department of Pathology and Translational Genomics, Samsung Medical Center, Sungkyunkwan University School of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Junseok Park
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Adam Voshall
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Eduardo Maury
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
- Bioinformatics and Integrative Genomics Program; Harvard/MIT MD-PhD Program, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Yeeok Kang
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoen Jeong Kim
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin-Young Lee
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye-Ran Shim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo-Ju Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Woo Lee
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Min-Hyeok Jung
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Si-Cho Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Hoang Bao Khanh Chu
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Da-Won Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Minjeong Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Ji Choi
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Ok Kyung Hwang
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Ho Won Lee
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyungsoo Ha
- New Drug Development Center, KBiohealth, Cheongju-Si, Chungbuk, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyoon Choi
- Department of Bio and Brain Engineering, KAIST, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | - Yongjoon Kim
- Cancer Genome Research Center (CGRC), Yonsei University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Yoonjoo Choi
- Combinatorial Tumor Immunotherapy MRC, Chonnam National University Medical School, Hwasun, Republic of Korea
| | - Woong-Yang Park
- Samsung Genome Institute, Samsung Medical Center, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Eunjung Alice Lee
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Boston Children’s Hospital, Boston, MA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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25
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Ghorani E, Swanton C, Quezada SA. Cancer cell-intrinsic mechanisms driving acquired immune tolerance. Immunity 2023; 56:2270-2295. [PMID: 37820584 DOI: 10.1016/j.immuni.2023.09.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023]
Abstract
Immune evasion is a hallmark of cancer, enabling tumors to survive contact with the host immune system and evade the cycle of immune recognition and destruction. Here, we review the current understanding of the cancer cell-intrinsic factors driving immune evasion. We focus on T cells as key effectors of anti-cancer immunity and argue that cancer cells evade immune destruction by gaining control over pathways that usually serve to maintain physiological tolerance to self. Using this framework, we place recent mechanistic advances in the understanding of cancer immune evasion into broad categories of control over T cell localization, antigen recognition, and acquisition of optimal effector function. We discuss the redundancy in the pathways involved and identify knowledge gaps that must be overcome to better target immune evasion, including the need for better, routinely available tools that incorporate the growing understanding of evasion mechanisms to stratify patients for therapy and trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Ghorani
- Cancer Immunology and Immunotherapy Unit, Department of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK; Department of Medical Oncology, Imperial College London Hospitals, London, UK.
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK; Department of Oncology, University College London Hospitals, London, UK
| | - Sergio A Quezada
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK; Cancer Immunology Unit, Research Department of Hematology, University College London Cancer Institute, London, UK.
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26
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Yu X, Xu B, Gao T, Fu X, Jiang B, Zhou N, Gao W, Wu T, Shen C, Huang X, Wu Y, Zheng B. E3 ubiquitin ligase RNF187 promotes growth of spermatogonia via lysine 48-linked polyubiquitination-mediated degradation of KRT36/KRT84. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23217. [PMID: 37738023 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301120r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 08/25/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023]
Abstract
Ubiquitination is the most common post-translational modification and is essential for various cellular regulatory processes. RNF187, which is known as RING domain AP1 coactivator-1, is a member of the RING finger family. RNF187 can promote the proliferation and migration of various tumor cells. However, whether it has a similar role in regulating spermatogonia is not clear. This study explored the role and molecular mechanism of RNF187 in a mouse spermatogonia cell line (GC-1). We found that RNF187 knockdown reduced the proliferation and migration of GC-1 cells and promoted their apoptosis. RNF187 overexpression significantly increased the proliferation and migration of GC-1 cells. In addition, we identified Keratin36/Keratin84 (KRT36/KRT84) as interactors with RNF187 by co-immunoprecipitation and mass spectrometry analyses. RNF187 promoted GC-1 cell growth by degrading KRT36/KRT84 via lysine 48-linked polyubiquitination. Subsequently, we found that KRT36 or KRT84 overexpression significantly attenuated proliferation and migration of RNF187-overexpressing GC-1 cells. In summary, our study explored the involvement of RNF187 in regulating the growth of spermatogonia via lysine 48-linked polyubiquitination-mediated degradation of KRT36/KRT84. This may provide a promising new strategy for treating infertility caused by abnormal spermatogonia development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiangling Yu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Bingya Xu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Tingting Gao
- Changzhou Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital, Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Xu Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Bing Jiang
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Nianchao Zhou
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Wenxin Gao
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Tiantian Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Cong Shen
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Department of Histology and Embryology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yibo Wu
- Human Reproductive and Genetic Center, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, China
| | - Bo Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Reproductive Medicine, Center for Reproduction and Genetics, Suzhou Municipal Hospital, The Affiliated Suzhou Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Gusu School, Nanjing Medical University, Suzhou, China
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27
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Burioli EAV, Hammel M, Vignal E, Vidal-Dupiol J, Mitta G, Thomas F, Bierne N, Destoumieux-Garzón D, Charrière GM. Transcriptomics of mussel transmissible cancer MtrBTN2 suggests accumulation of multiple cancer traits and oncogenic pathways shared among bilaterians. Open Biol 2023; 13:230259. [PMID: 37816387 PMCID: PMC10564563 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.230259] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Transmissible cancer cell lines are rare biological entities giving rise to diseases at the crossroads of cancer and parasitic diseases. These malignant cells have acquired the amazing capacity to spread from host to host. They have been described only in dogs, Tasmanian devils and marine bivalves. The Mytilus trossulus bivalve transmissible neoplasia 2 (MtrBTN2) lineage has even acquired the capacity to spread inter-specifically between marine mussels of the Mytilus edulis complex worldwide. To identify the oncogenic processes underpinning the biology of these atypical cancers we performed transcriptomics of MtrBTN2 cells. Differential expression, enrichment, protein-protein interaction network, and targeted analyses were used. Overall, our results suggest the accumulation of multiple cancerous traits that may be linked to the long-term evolution of MtrBTN2. We also highlight that vertebrate and lophotrochozoan cancers could share a large panel of common drivers, which supports the hypothesis of an ancient origin of oncogenic processes in bilaterians.
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Affiliation(s)
- E A V Burioli
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - M Hammel
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - E Vignal
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - J Vidal-Dupiol
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - G Mitta
- IFREMER, UMR 241 Écosystèmes Insulaires Océaniens, Labex Corail, Centre Ifremer du Pacifique, Tahiti, Polynésie française
| | - F Thomas
- CREEC/CANECEV (CREES), MIVEGEC, Unité Mixte de Recherches, IRD 224-CNRS 5290-Université de Montpellier, Montpellier, France
| | - N Bierne
- ISEM, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, EPHE, IRD, Montpellier, France
| | - D Destoumieux-Garzón
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
| | - G M Charrière
- IHPE, Univ Montpellier, CNRS, IFREMER, Univ Perpignan Via Domitia, Montpellier, France
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28
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El‐Botty R, Vacher S, Mainguené J, Briaux A, Ibadioune S, Dahmani A, Montaudon E, Nemati F, Huguet L, Sourd L, Morriset L, Château‐Joubert S, Dubois T, Maire V, Lidereau R, Rapinat A, Gentien D, Coussy F, Bièche I, Marangoni E. HORMAD1 overexpression predicts response to anthracycline-cyclophosphamide and survival in triple-negative breast cancers. Mol Oncol 2023; 17:2017-2028. [PMID: 36852691 PMCID: PMC10552896 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Revised: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancers (TNBCs) represent 15-20% of all breast cancers and are associated with higher recurrence and distant metastasis rate. Standard of care for early stage TNBC is anthracyclines combined with cyclophosphamide (AC) followed by taxanes, in the neo-adjuvant or adjuvant setting. This work aimed to identify predictive biomarkers of AC response in patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models of TNBC and to validate them in the clinical setting. By gene and protein expression analysis of 39 PDX with different responses to AC, we found that high expression of HORMAD1 was associated with better response to AC. Both gene and protein expression were associated with promoter hypomethylation. In a cohort of 526 breast cancer patients, HORMAD1 was overexpressed in 71% of TNBC. In a second cohort of 186 TNBC patients treated with AC, HORMAD1 expression was associated with longer metastasis-free survival (MFS). In summary, HORMAD1 overexpression was predictive of an improved response to AC in PDX and is an independent prognostic factor in TNBC patients treated with AC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania El‐Botty
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Sophie Vacher
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Juliette Mainguené
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Adrien Briaux
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Sabrina Ibadioune
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Ahmed Dahmani
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Elodie Montaudon
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Fariba Nemati
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Léa Huguet
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Laura Sourd
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Ludivine Morriset
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | | | - Thierry Dubois
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Virginie Maire
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Rosette Lidereau
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Audrey Rapinat
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - David Gentien
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Florence Coussy
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
- Medical Oncology Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
| | - Ivan Bièche
- Department of Genetics, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical and Biological SciencesParis City University, Inserm U1016France
| | - Elisabetta Marangoni
- Translational Research Department, Institut CuriePSL Research UniversityParisFrance
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29
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Lisica Šikić N, Petrić Miše B, Tomić S, Spagnol G, Matak L, Juretić A, Spagnoli G. MAGE-A10 Protein Expression in Advanced High Grade Serous Ovarian Cancer Is Associated with Resistance to First-Line Platinum-Based Chemotherapy. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4697. [PMID: 37835391 PMCID: PMC10571787 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15194697] [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: 08/23/2023] [Revised: 09/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/21/2023] [Indexed: 10/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer has a dismal prognosis. Standard treatment following surgery relies on platinum-based chemotherapy. However, sizeable percentages of patients are unresponsive. Identification of markers predicting the response to chemotherapy might help select eligible patients and spare non-responding patients from treatment-associated toxicity. Cancer/testis antigens (CTAs) are expressed by healthy germ cells and malignant cells of diverse histological origin. This expression profile identifies them as attractive targets for cancer immunotherapies. We analyzed the correlations between expression of MAGE-A10 and New York esophageal-1 cancer (NY-ESO-1) CTAs at the protein level and the effectiveness of platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with advanced-stage high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSOC). MAGE-A10 and NY-ESO-1 protein expression was analyzed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded samples from 93 patients with advanced-stage HGSOC treated at our institutions between January 1996 and December 2013. The correlation between the expression of these markers and response to platinum-based chemotherapy, evaluated according to RECIST 1.1 criteria and platinum sensitivity, measured as platinum-free interval (PFI), progression free (PFS), and overall survival (OS) was explored. The MAGE-A10 protein expression predicted unresponsiveness to platinum-based chemotherapy (p = 0.005), poor platinum sensitivity (p < 0.001), poor PFS (p < 0.001), and OS (p < 0.001). Multivariate analysis identified MAGE-A10 protein expression as an independent predictor of poor platinum sensitivity (p = 0.005) and shorter OS (p < 0.001). Instead, no correlation was observed between the NY-ESO-1 protein expression and response to platinum-based chemotherapy (p = 0.832), platinum sensitivity (p = 0.168), PFS (p = 0.126), and OS (p = 0.335). The MAGE-A10 protein expression reliably identified advanced-stage HGSOC unresponsive to platinum-based chemotherapy. Targeted immunotherapy could represent an important alternative therapeutic option in these cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nataša Lisica Šikić
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, General Hospital Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Branka Petrić Miše
- Department of Oncology, Clinical Hospital Center Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Snježana Tomić
- Department of Pathology, Forensic Medicine and Cytology, Clinical Hospital Center Split, School of Medicine, University of Split, 21000 Split, Croatia
| | - Giulia Spagnol
- Department of Women and Children's Health, Clinic of Gynecology and Obstetrics, University of Padua, 35122 Padua, Italy
| | - Luka Matak
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, General Hospital Zadar, 23000 Zadar, Croatia
| | - Antonio Juretić
- Department of Oncology, University Hospital Dubrava, University of Zagreb, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia
| | - Giulio Spagnoli
- Istituto CNR "Translational Pharmacology", 00133 Rome, Italy
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Fujikawa K, Saito T, Kurose K, Kojima T, Funakoshi T, Sato E, Kakimi K, Iida S, Doki Y, Oka M, Ueda R, Wada H. Integrated analysis of phase 1a and 1b randomized controlled trials; Treg-targeted cancer immunotherapy with the humanized anti-CCR4 antibody, KW-0761, for advanced solid tumors. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291772. [PMID: 37729184 PMCID: PMC10511099 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Regulatory T cells (Tregs) have attracted attention as a novel therapeutic target to augment the clinical efficacy of immunotherapy. We conducted phase Ia and Ib trials to examine the safety and efficacy of the anti-CCR4 antibody, KW-0761 (mogamulizumab), which may eliminate effector Tregs (eTregs). We herein overviewed the results of these trials, presented cases with a durable clinical response, and investigated factors associated with the clinical effects of KW-0761. METHODS Forty-nine patients with CCR4-negative solid cancers were enrolled in the phase Ia and Ib trials on KW-0761. An integral analysis of safety, clinical responses, prognosis, blood laboratory data, and cancer testis antigen-specific immune responses was performed. RESULTS Grade 3-4 treatment-related adverse events were reported in 21 (42.9%) out of 49 patients, all of which were manageable. A partial response and stable disease were observed in 1 and 9 patients, respectively. A durable clinical response was noted in 2 esophageal and 2 lung cancer patients. eTreg depletion in peripheral blood was confirmed in most patients, and eTreg depletion was sustained during the KW-0761 treatment. High lymphocyte levels at baseline and 2 weeks after the initiation of KW-0761 were associated with a favorable clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS A durable clinical response was noted in some patients, and high lymphocyte levels before treatment initiation may be a biomarker for the efficacy of KW-0761. The synergistic effect of KW-0761 for depleting Tregs and other immunotherapies is expected in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaoru Fujikawa
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Takuro Saito
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Koji Kurose
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Chiba, Japan
| | - Takeru Funakoshi
- Department of Dermatology, Keio University School of Medicine, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Eiichi Sato
- Department of Pathology, Institute of Medical Science (Medical Research Center), Tokyo Medical University, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Kakimi
- Department of Immunotherapeutics, The University of Tokyo Hospital, Bunkyo-Ku, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shinsuke Iida
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Nagoya City University Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Mizuho-cho, Mizuho-ku, Nagoya, Aichi, Japan
| | - Yuichiro Doki
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
| | - Mikio Oka
- Department of Immuno-Oncology, Kawasaki Medical School, Kurashiki, Okayama, Japan
| | - Ryuzo Ueda
- Department of Immunology, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hisashi Wada
- Department of Clinical Research in Tumor Immunology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Osaka, Japan
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Cousu C, Mulot E, De Smet A, Formichetti S, Lecoeuche D, Ren J, Muegge K, Boulard M, Weill JC, Reynaud CA, Storck S. Germinal center output is sustained by HELLS-dependent DNA-methylation-maintenance in B cells. Nat Commun 2023; 14:5695. [PMID: 37709749 PMCID: PMC10502085 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-41317-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 08/29/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
HELLS/LSH (Helicase, Lymphoid Specific) is a SNF2-like chromatin remodelling protein involved in DNA methylation. Its loss-of-function in humans causes humoral immunodeficiency, called ICF4 syndrome (Immunodeficiency, Centromeric Instability, Facial anomalies). Here we show by our newly generated B-cell-specific Hells conditional knockout mouse model that HELLS plays a pivotal role in T-dependent B-cell responses. HELLS deficiency induces accelerated decay of germinal center (GC) B cells and impairs the generation of high affinity memory B cells and circulating antibodies. Mutant GC B cells undergo dramatic DNA hypomethylation and massive de-repression of evolutionary recent retrotransposons, which surprisingly does not directly affect their survival. Instead, they prematurely upregulate either memory B cell markers or the transcription factor ATF4, which is driving an mTORC1-dependent metabolic program typical of plasma cells. Treatment of wild type mice with a DNMT1-specific inhibitor phenocopies the accelerated kinetics, thus pointing towards DNA-methylation maintenance by HELLS being a crucial mechanism to fine-tune the GC transcriptional program and enable long-lasting humoral immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clara Cousu
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Eléonore Mulot
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Annie De Smet
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sara Formichetti
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
- Joint PhD degree program, European Molecular Biology Laboratory and Faculty of Biosciences, Heidelberg University, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Damiana Lecoeuche
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Jianke Ren
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
- NHC Key Lab of Reproduction Regulation,Shanghai Engineering Research Center of Reproductive Health Drug and Devices, Shanghai Institute for Biomedical and Pharmaceutical Technologies, Shanghai, 200237, China
| | - Kathrin Muegge
- Epigenetics Section, Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research in the Mouse Cancer Genetics Program, National Cancer Institute, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Matthieu Boulard
- Epigenetics and Neurobiology Unit, European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), 00015, Monterotondo, Italy
| | - Jean-Claude Weill
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Claude-Agnès Reynaud
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France
| | - Sébastien Storck
- Université Paris Cité, CNRS UMR 8253, INSERM U1151, Institut Necker Enfants Malades, F-75015, Paris, France.
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Naletova I, Schmalhausen E, Tomasello B, Pozdyshev D, Attanasio F, Muronetz V. The role of sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase in the development of pathologies-from asthenozoospermia to carcinogenesis. Front Mol Biosci 2023; 10:1256963. [PMID: 37711387 PMCID: PMC10499166 DOI: 10.3389/fmolb.2023.1256963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 08/21/2023] [Indexed: 09/16/2023] Open
Abstract
The review considers various aspects of the influence of the glycolytic enzyme, sperm-specific glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDS) on the energy metabolism of spermatozoa and on the occurrence of several pathologies both in spermatozoa and in other cells. GAPDS is a unique enzyme normally found only in mammalian spermatozoa. GAPDS provides movement of the sperm flagellum through the ATP formation in glycolytic reactions. Oxidation of cysteine residues in GAPDS results in inactivation of the enzyme and decreases sperm motility. In particular, reduced sperm motility in diabetes can be associated with GAPDS oxidation by superoxide anion produced during glycation reactions. Mutations in GAPDS gene lead in the loss of motility, and in some cases, disrupts the formation of the structural elements of the sperm flagellum, in which the enzyme incorporates during spermiogenesis. GAPDS activation can be used to increase the spermatozoa fertility, and inhibitors of this enzyme are being tried as contraceptives. A truncated GAPDS lacking the N-terminal fragment of 72 amino acids that attaches the enzyme to the sperm flagellum was found in melanoma cell lines and then in specimens of melanoma and other tumors. Simultaneous production of the somatic form of GAPDH and sperm-specific GAPDS in cancer cells leads to a reorganization of their energy metabolism, which is accompanied by a change in the efficiency of metastasis of certain forms of cancer. Issues related to the use of GAPDS for the diagnosis of cancer, as well as the possibility of regulating the activity of this enzyme to prevent metastasis, are discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Irina Naletova
- Institute of Crystallography, National Council of Research, Catania, Italy
| | - Elena Schmalhausen
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Barbara Tomasello
- Department of Drug and Health Sciences, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Denis Pozdyshev
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Vladimir Muronetz
- Belozersky Institute of Physico-Chemical Biology, Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow, Russia
- Butlerov Chemical Institute, Kazan Federal University, Kazan, Russia
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Jacquet E, Chuffart F, Vitte AL, Nika E, Mousseau M, Khochbin S, Rousseaux S, Bourova-Flin E. Aberrant activation of five embryonic stem cell-specific genes robustly predicts a high risk of relapse in breast cancers. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:463. [PMID: 37592220 PMCID: PMC10436393 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09571-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2023] [Accepted: 08/09/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In breast cancer, as in all cancers, genetic and epigenetic deregulations can result in out-of-context expressions of a set of normally silent tissue-specific genes. The activation of some of these genes in various cancers empowers tumours cells with new properties and drives enhanced proliferation and metastatic activity, leading to a poor survival prognosis. RESULTS In this work, we undertook an unprecedented systematic and unbiased analysis of out-of-context activations of a specific set of tissue-specific genes from testis, placenta and embryonic stem cells, not expressed in normal breast tissue as a source of novel prognostic biomarkers. To this end, we combined a strict machine learning framework of transcriptomic data analysis, and successfully created a new robust tool, validated in several independent datasets, which is able to identify patients with a high risk of relapse. This unbiased approach allowed us to identify a panel of five biomarkers, DNMT3B, EXO1, MCM10, CENPF and CENPE, that are robustly and significantly associated with disease-free survival prognosis in breast cancer. Based on these findings, we created a new Gene Expression Classifier (GEC) that stratifies patients. Additionally, thanks to the identified GEC, we were able to paint the specific molecular portraits of the particularly aggressive tumours, which show characteristics of male germ cells, with a particular metabolic gene signature, associated with an enrichment in pro-metastatic and pro-proliferation gene expression. CONCLUSIONS The GEC classifier is able to reliably identify patients with a high risk of relapse at early stages of the disease. We especially recommend to use the GEC tool for patients with the luminal-A molecular subtype of breast cancer, generally considered of a favourable disease-free survival prognosis, to detect the fraction of patients undergoing a high risk of relapse.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuelle Jacquet
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer and Blood Diseases Department, Grenoble, France
| | - Florent Chuffart
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Anne-Laure Vitte
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Eleni Nika
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Department of Pathology, Grenoble, France
| | - Mireille Mousseau
- Université Grenoble Alpes, CHU Grenoble Alpes, Medical Oncology Unit, Cancer and Blood Diseases Department, Grenoble, France
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1039, Bioclinical Radiopharmaceuticals, Grenoble, France
| | - Saadi Khochbin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Sophie Rousseaux
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France
| | - Ekaterina Bourova-Flin
- Université Grenoble Alpes, INSERM U1209, CNRS UMR5309, EpiMed, Institute for Advanced Biosciences, Grenoble, France.
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Komuro H, Shinohara S, Fukushima Y, Demachi-Okamura A, Muraoka D, Masago K, Matsui T, Sugita Y, Takahashi Y, Nishida R, Takashima C, Ohki T, Shigematsu Y, Watanabe F, Adachi K, Fukuyama T, Hamana H, Kishi H, Miura D, Tanaka Y, Onoue K, Onoguchi K, Yamashita Y, Stratford R, Clancy T, Yamaguchi R, Kuroda H, Doi K, Iwata H, Matsushita H. Single-cell sequencing on CD8 + TILs revealed the nature of exhausted T cells recognizing neoantigen and cancer/testis antigen in non-small cell lung cancer. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:e007180. [PMID: 37544663 PMCID: PMC10407349 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2023-007180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND CD8+tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are often observed in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). However, the characteristics of CD8+ TILs, especially T-cell populations specific for tumor antigens, remain poorly understood. METHODS High throughput single-cell RNA sequencing and single-cell T-cell receptor (TCR) sequencing were performed on CD8+ TILs from three surgically-resected lung cancer specimens. Dimensional reduction for clustering was performed using Uniform Manifold Approximation and Projection. CD8+ TIL TCR specific for the cancer/testis antigen KK-LC-1 and for predicted neoantigens were investigated. Differentially-expressed gene analysis, Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) and single sample GSEA was performed to characterize antigen-specific T cells. RESULTS A total of 6998 CD8+ T cells was analyzed, divided into 10 clusters according to their gene expression profile. An exhausted T-cell (exhausted T (Tex)) cluster characterized by the expression of ENTPD1 (CD39), TOX, PDCD1 (PD1), HAVCR2 (TIM3) and other genes, and by T-cell oligoclonality, was identified. The Tex TCR repertoire (Tex-TCRs) contained nine different TCR clonotypes recognizing five tumor antigens including a KK-LC-1 antigen and four neoantigens. By re-clustering the tumor antigen-specific T cells (n=140), it could be seen that the individual T-cell clonotypes were present on cells at different stages of differentiation and functional states even within the same Tex cluster. Stimulating these T cells with predicted cognate peptide indicated that TCR signal strength and subsequent T-cell proliferation and cytokine production was variable but always higher for neoantigens than KK-LC-1. CONCLUSIONS Our approach focusing on T cells with an exhausted phenotype among CD8+ TILs may facilitate the identification of tumor antigens and clarify the nature of the antigen-specific T cells to specify the promising immunotherapeutic targets in patients with NSCLC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hiroyasu Komuro
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Shuichi Shinohara
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yasunori Fukushima
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Ayako Demachi-Okamura
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Daisuke Muraoka
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Katsuhiro Masago
- Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takuya Matsui
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Sugita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yusuke Takahashi
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Reina Nishida
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Chieko Takashima
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Takashi Ohki
- Department of Respiratory Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Ichinomiya, Japan
| | - Yoshiki Shigematsu
- Department of Respiratory Surgery, Ichinomiya Nishi Hospital, Ichinomiya, Japan
| | - Fumiaki Watanabe
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Mie Chuo Medical Center, Tsu, Japan
| | | | - Takashi Fukuyama
- Division of Biomedical Research, Kitasato University Medical Center, Kitamoto, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Hamana
- Department of Immunology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Kishi
- Department of Immunology, University of Toyama, Toyama, Japan
| | - Daiki Miura
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Yuki Tanaka
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | - Kousuke Onoue
- Drug Development Division, NEC Corporation, Minato-ku, Japan
| | | | | | | | - Trevor Clancy
- NEC OncoImmunity AS, Oslo Cancer Cluster, Oslo, Norway
| | - Rui Yamaguchi
- Division of Cancer Systems Biology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Informatics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroaki Kuroda
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Aichi Cancer Center Hospital, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Doi
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hisashi Iwata
- Department of General Thoracic Surgery, Gifu University School of Medicine Graduate School of Medicine, Gifu, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Matsushita
- Division of Translational Oncoimmunology, Aichi Cancer Center Research Institute, Nagoya, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunogenomics, Nagoya University Graduate School of Medicine, Nagoya, Japan
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Kirkiz E, Meers O, Grebien F, Buschbeck M. Histone Variants and Their Chaperones in Hematological Malignancies. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e927. [PMID: 37449197 PMCID: PMC10337764 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Accepted: 06/13/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Epigenetic regulation occurs on the level of compacting DNA into chromatin. The functional unit of chromatin is the nucleosome, which consists of DNA wrapped around a core of histone proteins. While canonical histone proteins are incorporated into chromatin through a replication-coupled process, structural variants of histones, commonly named histone variants, are deposited into chromatin in a replication-independent manner. Specific chaperones and chromatin remodelers mediate the locus-specific deposition of histone variants. Although histone variants comprise one of the least understood layers of epigenetic regulation, it has been proposed that they play an essential role in directly regulating gene expression in health and disease. Here, we review the emerging evidence suggesting that histone variants have a role at different stages of hematopoiesis, with a particular focus on the histone variants H2A, H3, and H1. Moreover, we discuss the current knowledge on how the dysregulation of histone variants can contribute to hematopoietic malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ecem Kirkiz
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
| | - Oliver Meers
- Cancer and Leukaemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- PhD Programme in Biomedicine, University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Florian Grebien
- Institute for Medical Biochemistry, University of Veterinary Medicine, Vienna, Austria
- St. Anna Children’s Cancer Research Institute (CCRI), Vienna, Austria
| | - Marcus Buschbeck
- Cancer and Leukaemia Epigenetics and Biology Program, Josep Carreras Leukaemia Research Institute (IJC), Campus Can Ruti, Badalona, Spain
- Germans Trias i Pujol Research Institute (IGTP), Badalona, Spain
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Bao L, Zhu P, Mou Y, Song Y, Qin Y. Targeting LSD1 in tumor immunotherapy: rationale, challenges and potential. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1214675. [PMID: 37483603 PMCID: PMC10360200 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1214675] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Lysine-specific demethylase 1 (LSD1) is an enzyme that removes lysine methylation marks from nucleosome histone tails and plays an important role in cancer initiation, progression, metastasis, and recurrence. Recent research shows that LSD1 regulates tumor cells and immune cells through multiple upstream and downstream pathways, enabling tumor cells to adapt to the tumor microenvironment (TME). As a potential anti-tumor treatment strategy, immunotherapy has developed rapidly in the past few years. However, most patients have a low response rate to available immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs), including anti-PD-(L)1 therapy and CAR-T cell therapy, due to a broad array of immunosuppressive mechanisms. Notably, inhibition of LSD1 turns "cold tumors" into "hot tumors" and subsequently enhances tumor cell sensitivity to ICIs. This review focuses on recent advances in LSD1 and tumor immunity and discusses a potential therapeutic strategy for combining LSD1 inhibition with immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Bao
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ping Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The First College of Clinical Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Infection and Inflammation, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yuan Mou
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Yinhong Song
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- Institute of Infection and Inflammation, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
| | - Ye Qin
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Tumor Microenvironment and Immunotherapy, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
- College of Basic Medical Science, China Three Gorges University, Yichang, China
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Talwar JV, Laub D, Pagadala MS, Castro A, Lewis M, Luebeck GE, Gorman BR, Pan C, Dong FN, Markianos K, Teerlink CC, Lynch J, Hauger R, Pyarajan S, Tsao PS, Morris GP, Salem RM, Thompson WK, Curtius K, Zanetti M, Carter H. Autoimmune alleles at the major histocompatibility locus modify melanoma susceptibility. Am J Hum Genet 2023; 110:1138-1161. [PMID: 37339630 PMCID: PMC10357503 DOI: 10.1016/j.ajhg.2023.05.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Autoimmunity and cancer represent two different aspects of immune dysfunction. Autoimmunity is characterized by breakdowns in immune self-tolerance, while impaired immune surveillance can allow for tumorigenesis. The class I major histocompatibility complex (MHC-I), which displays derivatives of the cellular peptidome for immune surveillance by CD8+ T cells, serves as a common genetic link between these conditions. As melanoma-specific CD8+ T cells have been shown to target melanocyte-specific peptide antigens more often than melanoma-specific antigens, we investigated whether vitiligo- and psoriasis-predisposing MHC-I alleles conferred a melanoma-protective effect. In individuals with cutaneous melanoma from both The Cancer Genome Atlas (n = 451) and an independent validation set (n = 586), MHC-I autoimmune-allele carrier status was significantly associated with a later age of melanoma diagnosis. Furthermore, MHC-I autoimmune-allele carriers were significantly associated with decreased risk of developing melanoma in the Million Veteran Program (OR = 0.962, p = 0.024). Existing melanoma polygenic risk scores (PRSs) did not predict autoimmune-allele carrier status, suggesting these alleles provide orthogonal risk-relevant information. Mechanisms of autoimmune protection were neither associated with improved melanoma-driver mutation association nor improved gene-level conserved antigen presentation relative to common alleles. However, autoimmune alleles showed higher affinity relative to common alleles for particular windows of melanocyte-conserved antigens and loss of heterozygosity of autoimmune alleles caused the greatest reduction in presentation for several conserved antigens across individuals with loss of HLA alleles. Overall, this study presents evidence that MHC-I autoimmune-risk alleles modulate melanoma risk unaccounted for by current PRSs.
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Affiliation(s)
- James V Talwar
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - David Laub
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Meghana S Pagadala
- Biomedical Science Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Andrea Castro
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - McKenna Lewis
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Georg E Luebeck
- Public Health Sciences Division, Herbold Computational Biology Program, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Bryan R Gorman
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, VA 22102, USA
| | - Cuiping Pan
- Palo Alto Epidemiology Research and Information Center for Genomics, VA Palo Alto, CA, USA
| | - Frederick N Dong
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Booz Allen Hamilton, Inc., McLean, VA 22102, USA
| | - Kyriacos Markianos
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Pediatrics, Boston Children's Hospital, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Department of Pediatrics, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA; Broad Institute of Harvard and MIT, Cambridge, MA 02115, USA
| | - Craig C Teerlink
- Department of Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Julie Lynch
- Department of Veterans Affairs Informatics and Computing Infrastructure (VINCI), VA Salt Lake City Healthcare System, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Epidemiology, University of Utah School of Medicine, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Richard Hauger
- VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center for Behavioral Genetics of Aging, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA, USA; Center of Excellence for Stress and Mental Health (CESAMH), VA San Diego Healthcare System, San Diego, CA, USA
| | - Saiju Pyarajan
- Center for Data and Computational Sciences (C-DACS), VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA; Department of Medicine, Brigham Women's Hospital, Boston, MA, USA; Department of Medicine, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Philip S Tsao
- Palo Alto Epidemiology Research and Information Center for Genomics, VA Palo Alto, CA, USA; Department of Medicine, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, USA
| | - Gerald P Morris
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Rany M Salem
- Division of Epidemiology, Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health and Human Longevity Science, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Wesley K Thompson
- Center for Population Neuroscience and Genetics, Laureate Institute for Brain Research, Tulsa, OK 74136, USA
| | - Kit Curtius
- Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Division of Biomedical Informatics, Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Maurizio Zanetti
- Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; The Laboratory of Immunology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology and Oncology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA
| | - Hannah Carter
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Genetics, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Bioinformatics and Systems Biology Program, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA; Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
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Li D, Xia L, Huang P, Wang Z, Guo Q, Huang C, Leng W, Qin S. Serine protease PRSS56, a novel cancer-testis antigen activated by DNA hypomethylation, promotes colorectal and gastric cancer progression via PI3K/AKT axis. Cell Biosci 2023; 13:124. [PMID: 37400936 DOI: 10.1186/s13578-023-01060-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2023] [Accepted: 05/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cancer/testis (CT) antigens/genes are usually overexpressed in cancers and exhibit high immunogenicity, making them promising targets for immunotherapy and cancer vaccines. The role of serine protease PRSS56 in cancers remains unknown to date. METHODS RNA sequencing studies were performed to screen CT genes in gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) cells exposed to DNA methyltransferase inhibitor 5-aza-2'-deoxycytidine (5-AZA-CdR). Bioinformatics analysis was conducted to analyze the correlation between PRSS56 expression and DNA methylation. Functional experiments were performed to explore the biological function of PRSS56 in GC and CRC. RESULTS In this study, we identified the testis-specific serine proteases PRSS56 as a novel CT antigen. PRSS56 was frequently overexpressed in various cancers, especially in gastrointestinal cancer. PRSS56 expression was negatively associated with promoter DNA methylation level, and positively associated with gene body methylation level. PRSS56 expression was significantly activated in colorectal and gastric cancer cells exposed to DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. Importantly, our finding highlights that the decreased methylation level of the CpG site cg10242318 in the PRSS56 promoter region resulted in its overexpression in GC and CRC. Additionally, functional assays verified that PRSS56 overexpression activated PI3K-AKT signaling in GC and CRC. CONCLUSION Serine protease PRSS56 is a novel CT antigen that is reactivated in cancers by promoter DNA hypomethylation. PRSS56 functions oncogenic roles in GC and CRC by activating of PI3K/AKT axis. Our results presented here represent the first data on the function of the serine protease PRSS56 in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dandan Li
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Lingyun Xia
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Pan Huang
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Zidi Wang
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Qiwei Guo
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Congcong Huang
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China
| | - Weidong Leng
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China.
| | - Shanshan Qin
- Department of Stomatology, Taihe Hospital and Hubei Key Laboratory of Embryonic Stem Cell Research, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China.
- Laboratory of Tumor biology, Academy of Bio-Medicine Research, Hubei University of Medicine, Shiyan, Hubei, 442000, P.R. China.
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Llano E, Pendás AM. Synaptonemal Complex in Human Biology and Disease. Cells 2023; 12:1718. [PMID: 37443752 PMCID: PMC10341275 DOI: 10.3390/cells12131718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/23/2023] [Revised: 06/16/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The synaptonemal complex (SC) is a meiosis-specific multiprotein complex that forms between homologous chromosomes during prophase of meiosis I. Upon assembly, the SC mediates the synapses of the homologous chromosomes, leading to the formation of bivalents, and physically supports the formation of programmed double-strand breaks (DSBs) and their subsequent repair and maturation into crossovers (COs), which are essential for genome haploidization. Defects in the assembly of the SC or in the function of the associated meiotic recombination machinery can lead to meiotic arrest and human infertility. The majority of proteins and complexes involved in these processes are exclusively expressed during meiosis or harbor meiosis-specific subunits, although some have dual functions in somatic DNA repair and meiosis. Consistent with their functions, aberrant expression and malfunctioning of these genes have been associated with cancer development. In this review, we focus on the significance of the SC and their meiotic-associated proteins in human fertility, as well as how human genetic variants encoding for these proteins affect the meiotic process and contribute to infertility and cancer development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Llano
- Departamento Fisiología y Farmacología, Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Alberto M. Pendás
- Molecular Mechanisms Program, Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biologıía Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
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Mao Z, Lee JK. Expanding the landscape of TCR gene therapy targeting MAGE. Mol Ther Oncolytics 2023; 29:59-60. [PMID: 37215387 PMCID: PMC10195836 DOI: 10.1016/j.omto.2023.04.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/24/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Zhiyuan Mao
- Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA
| | - John K. Lee
- Human Biology Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Clinical Research Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Division of Medical Oncology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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Gantchev J, Messina-Pacheco J, Martínez Villarreal A, Ramchatesingh B, Lefrançois P, Xie P, Amar L, Xu HH, Raveendra K, Sikorski D, Guerra Ordaz DJ, Gill RPK, Lambert M, Litvinov IV. Ectopically Expressed Meiosis-Specific Cancer Testis Antigen HORMAD1 Promotes Genomic Instability in Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cells 2023; 12:1627. [PMID: 37371097 DOI: 10.3390/cells12121627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 05/29/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Genomic instability is a prominent hallmark of cancer, however the mechanisms that drive and sustain this process remain elusive. Research demonstrates that numerous cancers with increased levels of genomic instability ectopically express meiosis-specific genes and undergo meiomitosis, the clash of mitotic and meiotic processes. These meiotic genes may represent novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of cancer. We studied the relationship between the expression of the meiosis protein HORMAD1 and genomic instability in squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs). First, we assessed markers of DNA damage and genomic instability following knockdown and overexpression of HORMAD1 in different cell lines representing SCCs and epithelial cancers. shRNA-mediated depletion of HORMAD1 expression resulted in increased genomic instability, DNA damage, increased sensitivity to etoposide, and decreased expression of DNA damage response/repair genes. Conversely, overexpression of HORMAD1 exhibited protective effects leading to decreased DNA damage, enhanced survival and decreased sensitivity to etoposide. Furthermore, we identified a meiotic molecular pathway that regulates HORMAD1 expression by targeting the upstream meiosis transcription factor STRA8. Our results highlight a specific relationship between HORMAD1 and genomic instability in SCCs, suggesting that selectively inhibiting HORMAD1, possibly, through STRA8 signaling, may provide a new paradigm of treatment options for HORMAD1-expressing SCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Gantchev
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Julia Messina-Pacheco
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | | | | | - Philippe Lefrançois
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Jewish General Hospital, Montreal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada
| | - Pingxing Xie
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Laetitia Amar
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | - Hong Hao Xu
- Faculty of Medicine, Laval University, Quebec City, QC G1V 0A6, Canada
| | | | - Daniel Sikorski
- Faculty of Medicine, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3G 2M1, Canada
| | | | | | - Marine Lambert
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
| | - Ivan V Litvinov
- Research Institute of McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
- Division of Dermatology, Department of Medicine, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada
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Chang R, Gulley JL, Fong L. Vaccinating against cancer: getting to prime time. J Immunother Cancer 2023; 11:jitc-2022-006628. [PMID: 37286302 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-006628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors, cellular therapies, and T-cell engagers, have fundamentally changed our approach to treating cancer. However, successes with cancer vaccines have been more difficult to realize. While vaccines against specific viruses have been widely adopted to prevent the development of cancer, only two vaccines can improve survival in advanced disease: sipuleucel-T and talimogene laherparepvec. These represent the two approaches that have the most traction: vaccinating against cognate antigen and priming responses using tumors in situ. Here, we review the challenges and opportunities researchers face in developing therapeutic vaccines for cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryan Chang
- Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
| | - James L Gulley
- NCI, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Lawrence Fong
- Hematology/Oncology, University of California, San Francisco, California, USA
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Akhtar MS, Akhter N, Talat A, Alharbi RA, Sindi AAA, Klufah F, Alyahyawi HE, Alruwetei A, Ahmad A, Zamzami MA, Deo S, Husain SA, Badi OA, Khan MJ. Association of mutation and expression of the brother of the regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS) gene with breast cancer progression. Oncotarget 2023; 14:528-541. [PMID: 37235839 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.28442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/28/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The BORIS, 11 zinc-finger transcription factors, is a member of the cancer-testis antigen (CTA) family. It is mapped to chromosome number 20q13.2 and this region is genetically linked to the early onset of breast cancer. The current study analyzed the correlation between BORIS mutations and the expression of the protein in breast cancer cases. MATERIALS AND METHODS A population-based study including a total of 155 breast cancer tissue samples and an equal number of normal adjacent tissues from Indian female breast cancer patients was carried out. Mutations of the BORIS gene were detected by polymerase chain reaction-single standard confirmation polymorphisms (PCR-SSCP) and automated DNA sequencing and by immunohistochemistry for BORIS protein expression were performed. The observed findings were correlated with several clinicopathological parameters to find out the clinical relevance of associations. RESULTS Of all the cases 16.12% (25/155) showed mutations in the BORIS gene. The observed mutations present on codon 329 are missense, leading to Val> Ile (G>A) change on exon 5 of the BORIS gene. A significant association was observed between mutations of the BORIS gene and some clinicopathological features like nodal status (p = 0.013), estrogen receptor (ER) expression (p = 0.008), progesterone receptor (PR) expression (p = 0.039), clinical stage (p = 0.010) and menopausal status (p = 0.023). The protein expression analysis showed 20.64% (32/155) samples showing low or no expression (+), 34.19% (53/155) with moderate expression (++), and 45.17% (70/155) showing high expression (+++) of BORIS protein. A significant association was observed between the expression of BORIS protein and clinicopathological features like clinical stage (p = 0.013), nodal status (p = 0.049), ER expression (p = 0.039), and PR expression (p = 0.027). When mutation and protein expression were correlated in combination with clinicopathological parameters a significant association was observed in the category of high (+++) level of BORIS protein expression (p = 0.017). CONCLUSION The BORIS mutations and high protein expression occur frequently in carcinoma of the breast suggesting their association with the onset and progression of breast carcinoma. Further, the BORIS has the potential to be used as a biomarker.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Salman Akhtar
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Naseem Akhter
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
- Department of Neurology, Henry Ford Health System, Detroit, MI 48202, USA
| | - Arshi Talat
- Department of Orthodontics and Dentofacial Orthopedics, ITS Dental College, Hospital and Research Centre, Greater Noida, Delhi-NCR, India
| | - Raed A Alharbi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmajeed A A Sindi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faisal Klufah
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan E Alyahyawi
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, Al-Baha University, Al-Baha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulmohsen Alruwetei
- Department of Medical Laboratory, College of Applied Medical Sciences, Qassim University, Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abrar Ahmad
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mazin A Zamzami
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Svs Deo
- Department of Surgical Oncology, BRA- IRCH, All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), New Delhi, India
| | - Syed Akhtar Husain
- Department of Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Osama A Badi
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Science, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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Chu YH, Huang YC, Chiu PY, Kuo WH, Pan YR, Kuo YT, Wang RH, Kao YC, Wang YH, Lin YF, Lin KT. Combating breast cancer progression through combination therapy with hypomethylating agent and glucocorticoid. iScience 2023; 26:106597. [PMID: 37128608 PMCID: PMC10148121 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2023.106597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2022] [Revised: 12/09/2022] [Accepted: 04/03/2023] [Indexed: 05/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women. Among breast cancer types, triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) accounts for 15% of all breast cancers with aggressive tumor behavior. By using bioinformatic approaches, we observed that the microRNA-708 promoter is highly methylated in breast carcinomas, and this methylation is linked to a poor prognosis. Moreover, microRNA-708 expression correlates with better clinical outcomes in TNBC patients. Combination treatment with the hypomethylating agent decitabine and synthetic glucocorticoid significantly increased the expression of microRNA-708, reactivated DNMT-suppressed pathways, and decreased the expression of multiple metastasis-promoting genes such as matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and IL-1β, leading to the suppression of breast cancer cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, as well as reduced tumor growth and distant metastasis in the TNBC xenograft mouse model. Overall, our study reveals a therapeutic opportunity in which a combined regimen of decitabine with glucocorticoid may have therapeutic potential in treating TNBC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu-Hsin Chu
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chen Huang
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Yun Chiu
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Wen-Hung Kuo
- Department of Surgery, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yan-Ru Pan
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ting Kuo
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Rong-Hsuan Wang
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Chin Kao
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Hsiang Wang
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Fan Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Ti Lin
- Institute of Biotechnology, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Science, College of Life Science, National Tsing Hua University, Hsinchu, Taiwan
- Corresponding author
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Xia A, Yue Q, Zhu M, Xu J, Liu S, Wu Y, Wang Z, Xu Z, An H, Wang Q, Wang S, Sun B. The cancer-testis lncRNA LINC01977 promotes HCC progression by interacting with RBM39 to prevent Notch2 ubiquitination. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:169. [PMID: 37198207 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01459-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/28/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer-testis genes are involved in the occurrence and development of cancer, but the role of cancer-testis-associated lncRNAs (CT-lncRNAs) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains to be explored. Here, we discovered a novel CT-lncRNA, LINC01977, based on the Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) databases. LINC01977 was exclusively expressed in testes and highly expressed in HCC. High LINC01977 levels correlated with poorer overall survival (OS) in individuals with HCC. Functional assays showed that LINC01977 promoted HCC growth and metastasis in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, LINC01977 directly bound to RBM39 to promote the further entry of Notch2 into the nucleus, thereby preventing the ubiquitination and degradation of Notch2. Furthermore, the RNA binding protein IGF2BP2, one of the m6A modification readers, enhanced the stability of LINC01977, resulting in its high level in HCC. Therefore, the data suggest that LINC01977 interacts with RBM39 and promotes the progression of HCC by inhibiting Notch2 ubiquitination and degradation, indicating that LINC01977 may be a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for HCC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anliang Xia
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qi Yue
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing, China
| | - Mingming Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Jianbo Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Affiliated Huai'an No.1 People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Huai'an, China
| | - Siyuan Liu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yue Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhangding Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhu Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hongda An
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qiang Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.
| | - Shouyu Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Molecular Medicine, Medical School of Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
| | - Beicheng Sun
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing, China.
- Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, Clinical College of Jiangsu University, Nanjing, China.
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Grizzi F, Chiriva-Internati M, Miranda E, Zaharie R, Hajjar NA, Zaharie F, Del Arco CD, Fernández-Aceñero MJ, Bresalier RS, Moiş E. Sperm protein antigen 17 and Sperm flagellar 1 cancer testis antigens are expressed in a rare case of ciliated foregut cyst of the common hepatic duct. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 247:154546. [PMID: 37224658 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Ciliated foregut cysts (CFCs) are frequently described in liver, pancreas and gallbladder and generally considered benign although one case of squamous cell metaplasia and five cases of squamous cell carcinoma arising from a ciliated hepatic foregut cyst have been reported. Here we explore two cancer-testis antigens (CTAs), Sperm protein antigen 17 (SPA17) and Sperm flagellar 1 (SPEF1) expression in a rare case of CFC of the common hepatic duct MATERIALS AND METHODS: 3 µm-thick CFC sections were immunohistochemically treated with antibodies raised against human SPA17 or SPEF1. In silico Protein-Protein Interaction (PPI) network and differential protein expression were also investigated RESULTS: Immunohistochemistry revealed SPA17 and SPEF1 in the cytoplasm of ciliated epithelium. SPA17, but not SPEF1, was also detected in cilia. The PPI networks demonstrated that other CTAs are significantly predicted functional partners with SPA17 and SPEF1. The differential protein expression demonstrated that SPA17 was higher in breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, liver hepatocellular carcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma, gastric adenocarcinoma, cervical squamous cell carcinoma, bladder urothelial carcinoma. SPEF1 expression was higher in breast cancer, cholangiocarcinoma, uterine corpus endometrial carcinoma and kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma CONCLUSIONS: Our study suggests that further characterization of SPA17 and SPEF1 in patients with CFCs might provide significant insights to understand the mechanisms underlying their potential to malignant transformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fabio Grizzi
- Department of Immunology and Inflammation, IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy; Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy.
| | - Maurizio Chiriva-Internati
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Roxana Zaharie
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Nadim Al Hajjar
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Florin Zaharie
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | | | | | - Robert S Bresalier
- Departments of Gastroenterology, Hepatology & Nutrition, Division of Internal Medicine, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Emil Moiş
- Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Regional Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
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47
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Qian L, Sun R, Xue Z, Guo T. Mass Spectrometry-based Proteomics of Epithelial Ovarian Cancers: a Clinical Perspective. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023:100578. [PMID: 37209814 PMCID: PMC10388592 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/31/2022] [Revised: 05/08/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 05/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Increasing proteomic studies focused on epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) have attempted to identify early disease biomarkers, establish molecular stratification, and discover novel druggable targets. Here we review these recent studies from a clinical perspective. Multiple blood proteins have been used clinically as diagnostic markers. The ROMA test integrates CA125 and HE4, while the OVA1 and OVA2 tests analyze multiple proteins identified by proteomics. Targeted proteomics has been widely used to identify and validate potential diagnostic biomarkers in EOCs, but none has yet been approved for clinical adoption. Discovery proteomic characterization of bulk EOC tissue specimens has uncovered a large number of dysregulated proteins, proposed new stratification schemes, and revealed novel targets of therapeutic potential. A major hurdle facing clinical translation of these stratification schemes based on bulk proteomic profiling is intra-tumor heterogeneity, namely that single tumor specimens may harbor molecular features of multiple subtypes. We reviewed over 2500 interventional clinical trials of ovarian cancers since 1990, and cataloged 22 types of interventions adopted in these trials. Among 1418 clinical trials which have been completed or are not recruiting new patients, about 50% investigated chemotherapies. Thirty-seven clinical trials are at phase 3 or 4, of which 12 focus on PARP, 10 on VEGFR, 9 on conventional anti-cancer agents, and the remaining on sex hormones, MEK1/2, PD-L1, ERBB, and FRα. Although none of the foregoing therapeutic targets were discovered by proteomics, newer targets discovered by proteomics, including HSP90 and cancer/testis antigens, are being tested also in clinical trials. To accelerate the translation of proteomic findings to clinical practice, future studies need to be designed and executed to the stringent standards of practice-changing clinical trials. We anticipate that the rapidly evolving technology of spatial and single-cell proteomics will deconvolute the intra-tumor heterogeneity of EOCs, further facilitating their precise stratification and superior treatment outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liujia Qian
- iMarker lab, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China.
| | - Rui Sun
- iMarker lab, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Zhangzhi Xue
- iMarker lab, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China
| | - Tiannan Guo
- iMarker lab, Westlake Laboratory of Life Sciences and Biomedicine, Key Laboratory of Structural Biology of Zhejiang Province, School of Life Sciences, Westlake University, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Westlake Institute for Advanced Study, Hangzhou, Zhejiang Province, China; Research Center for Industries of the Future, Westlake University, 600 Dunyu Road, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, 310030, China.
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48
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Segura-Collar B, Hiller-Vallina S, de Dios O, Caamaño-Moreno M, Mondejar-Ruescas L, Sepulveda-Sanchez JM, Gargini R. Advanced immunotherapies for glioblastoma: tumor neoantigen vaccines in combination with immunomodulators. Acta Neuropathol Commun 2023; 11:79. [PMID: 37165457 PMCID: PMC10171733 DOI: 10.1186/s40478-023-01569-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 04/22/2023] [Indexed: 05/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial-origin brain tumors, including glioblastomas (GBM), have one of the worst prognoses due to their rapid and fatal progression. From an oncological point of view, advances in complete surgical resection fail to eliminate the entire tumor and the remaining cells allow a rapid recurrence, which does not respond to traditional therapeutic treatments. Here, we have reviewed new immunotherapy strategies in association with the knowledge of the immune micro-environment. To understand the best lines for the future, we address the advances in the design of neoantigen vaccines and possible new immune modulators. Recently, the efficacy and availability of vaccine development with different formulations, especially liposome plus mRNA vaccines, has been observed. We believe that the application of new strategies used with mRNA vaccines in combination with personalized medicine (guided by different omic's strategies) could give good results in glioma therapy. In addition, a large part of the possible advances in new immunotherapy strategies focused on GBM may be key improving current therapies of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI), given the fact that this type of tumor has been highly refractory to ICI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berta Segura-Collar
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Pathology and Neurooncology Unit, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, S/N, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Sara Hiller-Vallina
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Pathology and Neurooncology Unit, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, S/N, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Olaya de Dios
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Instituto de Salud Carlos III, UFIEC, 28222, Majadahonda, Spain
| | - Marta Caamaño-Moreno
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Pathology and Neurooncology Unit, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, S/N, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Lucia Mondejar-Ruescas
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Pathology and Neurooncology Unit, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, S/N, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Juan M Sepulveda-Sanchez
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain
| | - Ricardo Gargini
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas I+12, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
- Pathology and Neurooncology Unit, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, Av. de Córdoba, S/N, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
- Medical Oncology, Hospital Universitario, 12 de Octubre, 28041, Madrid, Spain.
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49
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Magara T, Nakamura M, Nojiri Y, Yoshimitsu M, Kano S, Kato H, Morita A. Tumor immune microenvironment of cutaneous angiosarcoma with cancer testis antigens and the formation of tertiary lymphoid structures. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1106434. [PMID: 37081973 PMCID: PMC10112511 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1106434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous angiosarcoma (CAS) is a highly malignant tumor with few effective treatments. Although the indication for immune checkpoint inhibitors such as anti-PD-1 antibodies is expected to expand, there are many unknowns regarding the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS, which is generally considered an immunologically “cold” tumor. Our previous study demonstrated that tertiary lymphoid structures (TLSs) were associated with a favorable prognosis in CAS. However, we still don’t know what the difference is between cases of TLS-rich and TLS-poor. Furthermore, the number of TLSs can vary significantly between lesions in the same case, for example, between primary and recurrence. To analyze the changes in the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS in more detail, we performed comprehensive RNA sequencing using a Next-generation sequencer (NGS). Sixty-two samples from 31 cases of CAS treated at Nagoya City University were collected. NGS and gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) were performed on 15 samples among them. Immunohistochemistry and prognostic analysis by Kaplan-Meier method were performed on all 62 samples. NGS results showed that NY-ESO-1 (CTAG1B) was significantly upregulated in the TLS-positive cases. Immune checkpoint molecules including programmed death-1 (PD-1) and programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) were upregulated in TLS-negative or TLS-low cases and seemed to associate with the suppression of TLS formation. In a comparison of primary and recurrent lesions, other cancer-testis antigens (CTAs) including XAGE-1B were significantly upregulated in recurrent lesions. The number of infiltrating CD8-positive cells and TLSs showed no significant trend between primary and recurrent lesions. However, the PD-L1 expression of tumor cells was significantly lower in recurrent than in primary lesions. Chemokines correlated with NY-ESO-1 expression were CCL21 and CXCL8, and only CCL21 correlated with the number of TLS. There was no chemokine associated with XAGE-1. NY-ESO-1 and XAGE-1 are detectable by immunohistochemistry. Although each cannot be a prognostic marker by itself, they can be a helpful marker in combination with the number of TLSs. CTAs play an essential role in forming the tumor immune microenvironment in CAS. These findings are evidence that CAS is an immunologically “hot” tumor and provides us with potential therapeutic targets and encourages the expansion of immunotherapy indications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tetsuya Magara
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Motoki Nakamura
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Yuka Nojiri
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Maki Yoshimitsu
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Shinji Kano
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Hiroshi Kato
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
| | - Akimichi Morita
- Department of Geriatric and Environmental Dermatology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Nagoya City University, Nagoya, Japan
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50
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Weigert R, Hetzel S, Bailly N, Haggerty C, Ilik IA, Yung PYK, Navarro C, Bolondi A, Kumar AS, Anania C, Brändl B, Meierhofer D, Lupiáñez DG, Müller FJ, Aktas T, Elsässer SJ, Kretzmer H, Smith ZD, Meissner A. Dynamic antagonism between key repressive pathways maintains the placental epigenome. Nat Cell Biol 2023; 25:579-591. [PMID: 37024684 PMCID: PMC10104784 DOI: 10.1038/s41556-023-01114-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/21/2023] [Indexed: 04/08/2023]
Abstract
DNA and Histone 3 Lysine 27 methylation typically function as repressive modifications and operate within distinct genomic compartments. In mammals, the majority of the genome is kept in a DNA methylated state, whereas the Polycomb repressive complexes regulate the unmethylated CpG-rich promoters of developmental genes. In contrast to this general framework, the extra-embryonic lineages display non-canonical, globally intermediate DNA methylation levels, including disruption of local Polycomb domains. Here, to better understand this unusual landscape's molecular properties, we genetically and chemically perturbed major epigenetic pathways in mouse trophoblast stem cells. We find that the extra-embryonic epigenome reflects ongoing and dynamic de novo methyltransferase recruitment, which is continuously antagonized by Polycomb to maintain intermediate, locally disordered methylation. Despite its disorganized molecular appearance, our data point to a highly controlled equilibrium between counteracting repressors within extra-embryonic cells, one that can seemingly persist indefinitely without bistable features typically seen for embryonic forms of epigenetic regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raha Weigert
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Technische Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Sara Hetzel
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Nina Bailly
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chuck Haggerty
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Ibrahim A Ilik
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Philip Yuk Kwong Yung
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Carmen Navarro
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Adriano Bolondi
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany
| | - Abhishek Sampath Kumar
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Chiara Anania
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Björn Brändl
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie gGmbH, Kiel, Germany
| | - David Meierhofer
- Mass Spectrometry Joint Facilities Scientific Service, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Darío G Lupiáñez
- Epigenetics and Sex Development Group, Berlin Institute for Medical Systems Biology, Max-Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine, Berlin-Buch, Germany
| | - Franz-Josef Müller
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
- Universitätsklinikum Schleswig-Holstein Campus Kiel, Zentrum für Integrative Psychiatrie gGmbH, Kiel, Germany
| | - Tugce Aktas
- Otto Warburg Laboratories, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Simon J Elsässer
- Science for Life Laboratory, Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Ming Wai Lau Centre for Reparative Medicine, Stockholm node, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Helene Kretzmer
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - Zachary D Smith
- Department of Genetics, Yale Stem Cell Center, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, CT, USA.
| | - Alexander Meissner
- Department of Genome Regulation, Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany.
- Department of Biology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, Freie Universität Berlin, Berlin, Germany.
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA, USA.
- Department of Stem Cell and Regenerative Biology, Harvard University, Cambridge, MA, US.
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