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Occhiuto CJ, Liby KT. KEAP1-Mutant Lung Cancers Weaken Anti-Tumor Immunity and Promote an M2-like Macrophage Phenotype. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:3510. [PMID: 38542481 PMCID: PMC10970780 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25063510] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2024] [Revised: 03/14/2024] [Accepted: 03/17/2024] [Indexed: 04/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Considerable advances have been made in lung cancer therapies, but there is still an unmet clinical need to improve survival for lung cancer patients. Immunotherapies have improved survival, although only 20-30% of patients respond to these treatments. Interestingly, cancers with mutations in Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), the negative regulator of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) transcription factor, are resistant to immune checkpoint inhibition and correlate with decreased lymphoid cell infiltration. NRF2 is known for promoting an anti-inflammatory phenotype when activated in immune cells, but the study of NRF2 activation in cancer cells has not been adequately assessed. The objective of this study was to determine how lung cancer cells with constitutive NRF2 activity interact with the immune microenvironment to promote cancer progression. To assess, we generated CRISPR-edited mouse lung cancer cell lines by knocking out the KEAP1 or NFE2L2 genes and utilized a publicly available single-cell dataset through the Gene Expression Omnibus to investigate tumor/immune cell interactions. We show here that KEAP1-mutant cancers promote immunosuppression of the tumor microenvironment. Our data suggest KEAP1 deletion is sufficient to alter the secretion of cytokines, increase expression of immune checkpoint markers on cancer cells, and alter recruitment and differential polarization of immunosuppressive macrophages that ultimately lead to T-cell suppression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Occhiuto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA;
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Indiana University School of Medicine, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA
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2
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Naumann F, Kaanders J, Peeters W, Adema G, Sweep F, Bussink J, Span P. Radiotherapy induces an increase in serum antioxidant capacity reflecting tumor response. Clin Transl Radiat Oncol 2024; 45:100726. [PMID: 38292333 PMCID: PMC10825560 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctro.2024.100726] [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: 10/24/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/10/2024] [Indexed: 02/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose Radiotherapy (RT) is a mainstay component of treatment for patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC), but responses vary. As RT relies upon oxidative damage, antioxidant expression in response to RT-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) could compromise treatment response. We aimed to examine local and systemic antioxidant responses to increased RT-induced ROS in relation to treatment success. Materials and methods Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), the main antioxidant transcription factor, was immunofluorescently stained in FaDu cells and in tumor biopsies of patients with oral cavity/oropharynx HNSCC before and after five fractions of RT. Besides, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) was analyzed in HNSCC tumor cells in vitro and in serum of HNSCC patients before, during, and after RT. Results Data revealed an increase in NRF2 expression and TAC in head and neck cancer cells in vitro over the course of 5 daily fractions of 2 Gy. In accordance, also in patients' tumors NRF2 expression increased, which was associated with increased serum TAC during RT. Increasing serum TAC was related to impaired local tumor control. Conclusion Radiation induced NRF2 expression and upregulated TAC, which may compromise the effect of RT-induced ROS. Changes in serum TAC during RT could serve as a novel predictor of treatment outcome in HNSCC patients.Medical Ethics Review Committee (CMO) approval - CMO number: 2007/104.
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Affiliation(s)
- F.V. Naumann
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J.H.A.M. Kaanders
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - W.J.M. Peeters
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - G.J. Adema
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - F.C.G.J. Sweep
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - J. Bussink
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
| | - P.N. Span
- Radiotherapy and OncoImmunology Laboratory, Department of Radiation Oncology, Radboud University Medical Center, Nijmegen, The Netherlands
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3
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Deen AJ, Adinolfi S, Härkönen J, Patinen T, Liu X, Laitinen T, Takabe P, Kainulainen K, Pasonen-Seppänen S, Gawriyski LM, Arasu UT, Selvarajan I, Mäkinen P, Laitinen H, Kansanen E, Kaikkonen MU, Poso A, Varjosalo M, Levonen AL. Oncogenic KEAP1 mutations activate TRAF2-NFκB signaling to prevent apoptosis in lung cancer cells. Redox Biol 2024; 69:103031. [PMID: 38184997 PMCID: PMC10808971 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2024.103031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 01/09/2024] Open
Abstract
The Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) - Nuclear factor erythroid 2 -related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway is the major transcriptional stress response system in cells against oxidative and electrophilic stress. NRF2 is frequently constitutively active in many cancers, rendering the cells resistant to chemo- and radiotherapy. Loss-of-function (LOF) mutations in the repressor protein KEAP1 are common in non-small cell lung cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma. While the mutations can occur throughout the gene, they are enriched in certain areas, indicating that these may have unique functional importance. In this study, we show that in the GSEA analysis of TCGA lung adenocarcinoma RNA-seq data, the KEAP1 mutations in R320 and R470 were associated with enhanced Tumor Necrosis Factor alpha (TNFα) - Nuclear Factor kappa subunit B (NFκB) signaling as well as MYC and MTORC1 pathways. To address the functional role of these hotspot mutations, affinity purification and mass spectrometry (AP-MS) analysis of wild type (wt) KEAP1 and its mutation forms, R320Q and R470C were employed to interrogate differences in the protein interactome. We identified TNF receptor associated factor 2 (TRAF2) as a putative protein interaction partner. Both mutant KEAP1 forms showed increased interaction with TRAF2 and other anti-apoptotic proteins, suggesting that apoptosis signalling could be affected by the protein interactions. A549 lung adenocarcinoma cells overexpressing mutant KEAP1 showed high TRAF2-mediated NFκB activity and increased protection against apoptosis, XIAP being one of the key proteins involved in anti-apoptotic signalling. To conclude, KEAP1 R320Q and R470C and its interaction with TRAF2 leads to activation of NFκB pathway, thereby protecting against apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashik Jawahar Deen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Simone Adinolfi
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Jouni Härkönen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland; Department of Pathology, Hospital Nova of Central Finland, Jyväskylä, 40620, Finland
| | - Tommi Patinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Tuomo Laitinen
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Piia Takabe
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Kirsi Kainulainen
- Institute of Biomedicine, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | | | - Lisa M Gawriyski
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Uma Thanigai Arasu
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Ilakya Selvarajan
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Petri Mäkinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Hanna Laitinen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Emilia Kansanen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland; Science Service Centre, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Minna U Kaikkonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland
| | - Antti Poso
- School of Pharmacy, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland; Department of Internal Medicine VIII, University Hospital Tübingen, Tübingen, 72076, Germany
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, HiLIFE, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, 00014, Finland
| | - Anna-Liisa Levonen
- A. I. Virtanen Institute for Molecular Sciences, University of Eastern Finland, Kuopio, 70211, Finland.
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4
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Oyoshi H, Du J, Sakai SA, Yamashita R, Okumura M, Motegi A, Hojo H, Nakamura M, Hirata H, Sunakawa H, Kotani D, Yano T, Kojima T, Nakamura Y, Kojima M, Suzuki A, Zenkoh J, Tsuchihara K, Akimoto T, Shibata A, Suzuki Y, Kageyama SI. Comprehensive single-cell analysis demonstrates radiotherapy-induced infiltration of macrophages expressing immunosuppressive genes into tumor in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2023; 9:eadh9069. [PMID: 38091397 PMCID: PMC10848745 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.adh9069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023]
Abstract
Radiotherapy (RT) combined with immunotherapy is promising; however, the immune response signature in the clinical setting after RT remains unclear. Here, by integrative spatial and single-cell analyses using multiplex immunostaining (CODEX), spatial transcriptome (VISIUM), and single-cell RNA sequencing, we substantiated the infiltration of immune cells into tumors with dynamic changes in immunostimulatory and immunosuppressive gene expression after RT. In addition, our comprehensive analysis uncovered time- and cell type-dependent alterations in the gene expression profile after RT. Furthermore, myeloid cells showed prominent up-regulation of immune response-associated genes after RT. Notably, a subset of infiltrating tumor-associated myeloid cells showing PD-L1 positivity exhibited significant up-regulation of immunostimulatory (HMGB1 and ISG15), immunosuppressive (SIRPA and IDO1), and protumor genes (CXCL8, CCL3, IL-6, and IL-1AB), which can be targets of immunotherapy in combination with PD-L1. These datasets will provide information on the RT-induced gene signature to seek an appropriate target for personalized immunotherapy combined with RT and guide the timing of combination therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hidekazu Oyoshi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Junyan Du
- Division of Translational Informatics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8568, Japan
| | - Shunsuke A. Sakai
- Division of Translational Informatics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8568, Japan
| | - Riu Yamashita
- Division of Translational Informatics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/ Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Masayuki Okumura
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Atsushi Motegi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Hidehiro Hojo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Masaki Nakamura
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Hidenari Hirata
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Hironori Sunakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Daisuke Kotani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Tomonori Yano
- Department of Gastroenterology and Endoscopy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Takashi Kojima
- Department of Gastroenterology and Gastrointestinal Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Yuka Nakamura
- Pathology Division, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Motohiro Kojima
- Pathology Division, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Ayako Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Junko Zenkoh
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Katsuya Tsuchihara
- Division of Translational Informatics, Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Department of Integrated Biosciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8568, Japan
| | - Tetsuo Akimoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
| | - Atsushi Shibata
- Division of Molecular Oncological Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Keio University, Shibakouen, Minato-ku, Tokyo, 105-8512, Japan
| | - Yutaka Suzuki
- Department of Computational Biology and Medical Sciences, Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba 277-8562, Japan
| | - Shun-Ichiro Kageyama
- Department of Radiation Oncology, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Cancer Immunology, Research Institute/ Exploratory Oncology Research and Clinical Trial Center, National Cancer Center, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
- Division of Radiation Oncology and Particle Therapy, National Cancer Center Hospital East, Kashiwa, Chiba 277-8577, Japan
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5
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Dewenter I, Kumbrink J, Poxleitner P, Smolka W, Liokatis P, Fliefel R, Otto S, Obermeier KT. New insights into redox-related risk factors and therapeutic targets in oral squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 147:106573. [PMID: 37951115 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106573] [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: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 09/18/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is the most common cancer in the oral cavity accounting for 90 % of oral cancer with a global incidence of 350.000 new cases per year. Curative resection along with adjuvant radiation therapy or a combination of radiotherapy with chemotherapy remain as gold standard in treating OSCC. Still, local recurrence, lymph nodal recurrence, and complications of radiation remain the main cause of tumor-related mortality. Reactive oxygen species are not only correlated to the etiology of OSCC due to oxidative DNA damage, lipid peroxidation or effecting signal transduction cascades that effect cell proliferation and tumorigenesis, but are also of great interest in the therapy of OSCC patients. As induced oxidative stress can be used therapeutically for the induction of tumor cell death, redox targets might be a therapeutic addition to the conventional treatment options. In this review, we discuss markers of impaired redox homeostasis as well as potential redox-related treatment targets in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ina Dewenter
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany.
| | - Joerg Kumbrink
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Ludwig Maximilians University, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Poxleitner
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Wenko Smolka
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Paris Liokatis
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Riham Fliefel
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sven Otto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Katharina Theresa Obermeier
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery and Facial Plastic Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig Maximilians University, 80337 Munich, Germany
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Kang H, Kim B, Park J, Youn H, Youn B. The Warburg effect on radioresistance: Survival beyond growth. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2023; 1878:188988. [PMID: 37726064 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2023.188988] [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: 09/01/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/21/2023]
Abstract
The Warburg effect is a phenomenon in which cancer cells rely primarily on glycolysis rather than oxidative phosphorylation, even in the presence of oxygen. Although evidence of its involvement in cell proliferation has been discovered, the advantages of the Warburg effect in cancer cell survival under treatment have not been fully elucidated. In recent years, the metabolic characteristics of radioresistant cancer cells have been evaluated, enabling an extension of the original concept of the Warburg effect. In this review, we focused on the role of the Warburg effect in redox homeostasis and DNA damage repair, two critical factors contributing to radioresistance. In addition, we highlighted the metabolic involvement in the radioresistance of cancer stem cells, which is the root cause of tumor recurrence. Finally, we summarized radiosensitizing drugs that target the Warburg effect. Insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the Warburg effect and radioresistance can provide valuable information for developing strategies to enhance the efficacy of radiotherapy and provide future directions for successful cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunkoo Kang
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Byeongsoo Kim
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - Junhyeong Park
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea
| | - HyeSook Youn
- Department of Integrative Bioscience and Biotechnology, Sejong University, Seoul 05006, Republic of Korea.
| | - BuHyun Youn
- Department of Integrated Biological Science, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea; Department of Biological Sciences, Pusan National University, Busan 46241, Republic of Korea.
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7
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Wamsley NT, Wilkerson EM, Guan L, LaPak KM, Schrank TP, Holmes BJ, Sprung RW, Gilmore PE, Gerndt SP, Jackson RS, Paniello RC, Pipkorn P, Puram SV, Rich JT, Townsend RR, Zevallos JP, Zolkind P, Le QT, Goldfarb D, Major MB. Targeted Proteomic Quantitation of NRF2 Signaling and Predictive Biomarkers in HNSCC. Mol Cell Proteomics 2023; 22:100647. [PMID: 37716475 PMCID: PMC10587640 DOI: 10.1016/j.mcpro.2023.100647] [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: 05/02/2023] [Revised: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The NFE2L2 (NRF2) oncogene and transcription factor drives a gene expression program that promotes cancer progression, metabolic reprogramming, immune evasion, and chemoradiation resistance. Patient stratification by NRF2 activity may guide treatment decisions to improve outcome. Here, we developed a mass spectrometry-based targeted proteomics assay based on internal standard-triggered parallel reaction monitoring to quantify 69 NRF2 pathway components and targets, as well as 21 proteins of broad clinical significance in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). We improved an existing internal standard-triggered parallel reaction monitoring acquisition algorithm, called SureQuant, to increase throughput, sensitivity, and precision. Testing the optimized platform on 27 lung and upper aerodigestive cancer cell models revealed 35 NRF2 responsive proteins. In formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded HNSCCs, NRF2 signaling intensity positively correlated with NRF2-activating mutations and with SOX2 protein expression. Protein markers of T-cell infiltration correlated positively with one another and with human papilloma virus infection status. CDKN2A (p16) protein expression positively correlated with the human papilloma virus oncogenic E7 protein and confirmed the presence of translationally active virus. This work establishes a clinically actionable HNSCC protein biomarker assay capable of quantifying over 600 peptides from frozen or formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded archived tissues in under 90 min.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathan T Wamsley
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Emily M Wilkerson
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Li Guan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Kyle M LaPak
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Travis P Schrank
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Chapel Hill, North Carolina, USA
| | - Brittany J Holmes
- Department of Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Robert W Sprung
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Petra Erdmann Gilmore
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sophie P Gerndt
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Ryan S Jackson
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Randal C Paniello
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Patrik Pipkorn
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Sidharth V Puram
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Jason T Rich
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Reid R Townsend
- Department of Medicine, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - José P Zevallos
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Paul Zolkind
- Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA
| | - Quynh-Thu Le
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford University, Stanford, California, USA
| | - Dennis Goldfarb
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Institute for Informatics, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
| | - Michael B Major
- Department of Cell Biology and Physiology, Washington University in St Louis, St Louis, Missouri, USA; Department of Otolaryngology/Head and Neck Surgery, Washington University School of Medicine, St Louis, Missouri, USA.
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8
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Abdelwhab A, Alaa El-Din Y, Sabry D, Aggour RL. The Effects of Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stem Cells -Derived Exosomes in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (In vitro Study). Asian Pac J Cancer Prev 2023; 24:2531-2542. [PMID: 37505788 PMCID: PMC10676480 DOI: 10.31557/apjcp.2023.24.7.2531] [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: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) derived exosomes offers several advantages as a cell-free therapeutic agents. In this study, Umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells exosomes (UC-MSCs-exos) effects on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell line was evaluated. METHODS UC-MSCs-exos were isolated and co-cultured with OSCC cells and their impact on OSCC was explored by various tests. Comet assay and western blot for cleaved caspase-3 and immunocytochemistry for caspase-8 were used for apoptosis assessment. HO-1 and Nrf2 were used to determine antioxidant levels. Tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6 were assessed as inflammatory biomarkers. HOX transcript antisense intergenic long noncoding RNA (HOTAIR) expression was also evaluated. RESULTS In a dose-dependent manner, UC-MSCs-exos reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and induced apoptosis of OSCC in vitro. Meanwhile, we found that UC-MSCs-exos downregulate HOTAIR. CONCLUSION UC-MSCs-exos conferred a suppressive role on OSCC in vitro, highlighting a promising therapeutic role. However, the exact potentially involved molecules and molecular mechanisms need to be investigated in further studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amira Abdelwhab
- Lecturer of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Yasmine Alaa El-Din
- Lecturer of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Dina Sabry
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Badr University in Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Reham Lotfy Aggour
- Lecturer of Oral Medicine, Diagnosis and Periodontology, Faculty of Dentistry, October 6 University, Cairo, Egypt.
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9
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Benavente S. Remodeling the tumor microenvironment to overcome treatment resistance in HPV-negative head and neck cancer. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2023; 6:291-313. [PMID: 37457128 PMCID: PMC10344731 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2022.141] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2023] [Accepted: 05/22/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023]
Abstract
Despite intensive efforts and refined techniques, overall survival in HPV-negative head and neck cancer remains poor. Robust immune priming is required to elicit a strong and durable antitumor immune response in immunologically cold and excluded tumors like HPV-negative head and neck cancer. This review highlights how the tumor microenvironment could be affected by different immune and stromal cell types, weighs the need to integrate metabolic regulation of the tumor microenvironment into cancer treatment strategies and summarizes the emerging clinical applicability of personalized immunotherapeutic strategies in HPV-negative head and neck cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergi Benavente
- Correspondence to: Dr. Sergi Benavente, Department of Radiation Oncology, Vall d’Hebron University Hospital, Passeig Vall d’Hebron 119, Barcelona 08035, Spain. E-mail:
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Occhiuto CJ, Moerland JA, Leal AS, Gallo KA, Liby KT. The Multi-Faceted Consequences of NRF2 Activation throughout Carcinogenesis. Mol Cells 2023; 46:176-186. [PMID: 36994476 PMCID: PMC10070161 DOI: 10.14348/molcells.2023.2191] [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: 12/16/2022] [Revised: 02/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The oxidative balance of a cell is maintained by the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathway. This cytoprotective pathway detoxifies reactive oxygen species and xenobiotics. The role of the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway as pro-tumorigenic or anti-tumorigenic throughout stages of carcinogenesis (including initiation, promotion, progression, and metastasis) is complex. This mini review focuses on key studies describing how the KEAP1/NRF2 pathway affects cancer at different phases. The data compiled suggest that the roles of KEAP1/NRF2 in cancer are highly dependent on context; specifically, the model used (carcinogen-induced vs genetic), the tumor type, and the stage of cancer. Moreover, emerging data suggests that KEAP1/NRF2 is also important for regulating the tumor microenvironment and how its effects are amplified either by epigenetics or in response to co-occurring mutations. Further elucidation of the complexity of this pathway is needed in order to develop novel pharmacological tools and drugs to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christopher J. Occhiuto
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Human Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Jessica A. Moerland
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Ana S. Leal
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Kathleen A. Gallo
- Department of Physiology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
| | - Karen T. Liby
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
- College of Osteopathic Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI 48824, USA
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11
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Microbiota, Oxidative Stress, and Skin Cancer: An Unexpected Triangle. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:antiox12030546. [PMID: 36978794 PMCID: PMC10045429 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12030546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2022] [Revised: 02/15/2023] [Accepted: 02/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence indicates that the microbiota, the unique combination of micro-organisms residing in a specific environment, plays an essential role in the development of a wide range of human diseases, including skin cancer. Moreover, a persistent imbalance of microbial community, named dysbiosis, can also be associated with oxidative stress, a well-known emerging force involved in the pathogenesis of several human diseases, including cutaneous malignancies. Although their interplay has been somewhat suggested, the connection between microbiota, oxidative stress, and skin cancer is a largely unexplored field. In the present review, we discuss the current knowledge on these topics, suggesting potential therapeutic strategies.
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Li M, Gao F, Li X, Gan Y, Han S, Yu X, Liu H, Li W. Stabilization of MCL-1 by E3 ligase TRAF4 confers radioresistance. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:1053. [PMID: 36535926 PMCID: PMC9763423 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-05500-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2022] [Revised: 12/01/2022] [Accepted: 12/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
The E3 ligase TNF receptor-associated factor 4 (TRAF4) is frequently overexpressed and closely related to poor prognosis in human malignancies. However, its effect on carcinogenesis and radiosensitivity in oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) remains unclear. The present study found that TRAF4 was significantly upregulated in primary and relapsed OSCC tumor tissues. Depletion of TRAF4 markedly improved the sensitivity of OSCC cells to irradiation (IR) treatment, showing that tumor cell proliferation, colony formation and xenograft tumor growth were reduced. Mechanistically, IR promoted the interaction between TRAF4 and Akt to induce Akt K63-mediated ubiquitination and activation. TRAF4 knockout inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and upregulated GSK3β activity, resulting in increased myeloid cell leukemia-1 (MCL-1) S159 phosphorylation, which disrupted the interaction of MCL-1 with Josephin domain containing 1 (JOSD1), and ultimately induced MCL-1 ubiquitination and degradation. Moreover, TRAF4 was positively correlated with MCL-1 in primary and in radiotherapy-treated, relapsed tumor tissues. An MCL-1 inhibitor overcame radioresistance in vitro and in vivo. Altogether, the present findings suggest that TRAF4 confers radioresistance in OSCC by stabilizing MCL-1 through Akt signaling, and that targeting TRAF4 may be a promising therapeutic strategy to overcome radioresistance in OSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ming Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,Changsha Stomatological Hospital, Changsha, Hunan 410004 People’s Republic of China ,grid.488482.a0000 0004 1765 5169School of Stomatology, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, Hunan 410208 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Feng Gao
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Ultrasonography, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Yu Gan
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
| | - Shuangze Han
- grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.33199.310000 0004 0368 7223Department of Ultrasound, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430022 People’s Republic of China
| | - Xinfang Yu
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.39382.330000 0001 2160 926XDepartment of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX 77030 USA
| | - Haidan Liu
- grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Department of Cardiovascular Surgery, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China ,grid.452708.c0000 0004 1803 0208Clinical Center for Gene Diagnosis and Therapy, The Second Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410011, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Li
- grid.431010.7Cell Transplantation and Gene Therapy Institute, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China ,grid.431010.7Department of Radiology, The Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013 People’s Republic of China
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Shimura T, Totani R, Ogasawara H, Inomata K, Sasatani M, Kamiya K, Ushiyama A. Effects of oxygen on the response of mitochondria to X-irradiation and reactive oxygen species-mediated fibroblast activation. Int J Radiat Biol 2022; 99:769-778. [PMID: 36383181 DOI: 10.1080/09553002.2023.2142980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE In living organisms, sensitivity to radiation increases in the presence of oxygen (O2) compared with that under anoxic or hypoxic conditions. Here, we investigated whether O2 concentration affected the response of mitochondria to X-rays radiation, which is associated with tumor microenvironment formation via fibroblast activation in radiation-related tumors. MATERIALS AND METHODS O2 concentrations were controlled at <5% (internal environmental oxygen condition) or anoxic levels during culture of normal human diploid lung fibroblasts TIG-3 and MRC-5. Protein expression associated with the response of mitochondria to radiation was assessed using immunostaining or western blotting. RESULTS Induction of DNA damage (marker: γ-H2A histone family member X) and mitochondrial signaling (AMP-activated protein kinase), suppression of mitochondrial metabolic activity, and generation of reactive oxygen species occurred with radiation in cells cultured under 5% and 20% O2 conditions. However, reducing O2 concentration mitigated the effects of radiation on cell growth, mitochondrial damage (parkin), induction of antioxidant responses (nuclear factor E2-related factor 2), and fibroblast activation (α-smooth muscle actin). Radiation did not affect the markers used in this study in the absence of O2. CONCLUSION O2 concentration affected the response of mitochondria to radiation and reactive oxygen species-mediated fibroblast activation. Higher O2 concentrations enhanced the effects of radiation on mitochondria in human fibroblasts. In vitro studies may overestimate in vivo radiation effects due to high O2 concentrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsutomu Shimura
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health Wako, Saitama, Japan
| | - Rina Totani
- Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Keiki Inomata
- Meiji Pharmaceutical University, Kiyose, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Megumi Sasatani
- Department of Experimental Oncology; Research Center for Radiation Genome Medicine; Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Kenji Kamiya
- Department of Experimental Oncology; Research Center for Radiation Genome Medicine; Research Institute for Radiation Biology and Medicine (RIRBM), Hiroshima University, Hiroshima, Japan
| | - Akira Ushiyama
- Department of Environmental Health, National Institute of Public Health Wako, Saitama, Japan
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Schaue D, Micewicz ED, Ratikan JA, Iwamoto KS, Vlashi E, McDonald JT, McBride WH. NRF2 Mediates Cellular Resistance to Transformation, Radiation, and Inflammation in Mice. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:1649. [PMID: 36139722 PMCID: PMC9495793 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11091649] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2022] [Revised: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 08/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is recognized as a master transcription factor that regulates expression of numerous detoxifying and antioxidant cytoprotective genes. In fact, models of NRF2 deficiency indicate roles not only in redox regulation, but also in metabolism, inflammatory/autoimmune disease, cancer, and radioresistancy. Since ionizing radiation (IR) generates reactive oxygen species (ROS), it is not surprising it activates NRF2 pathways. However, unexpectedly, activation is often delayed for many days after the initial ROS burst. Here, we demonstrate that, as assayed by γ-H2AX staining, rapid DNA double strand break (DSB) formation by IR in primary mouse Nrf2-/- MEFs was not affected by loss of NRF2, and neither was DSB repair to any great extent. In spite of this, basal and IR-induced transformation was greatly enhanced, suggesting that NRF2 protects against late IR-induced genomic instability, at least in murine MEFs. Another possible IR- and NRF2-related event that could be altered is inflammation and NRF2 deficiency increased IR-induced NF-κB pro-inflammatory responses mostly late after exposure. The proclivity of NRF2 to restrain inflammation is also reflected in the reprogramming of tumor antigen-specific lymphocyte responses in mice where Nrf2 k.o. switches Th2 responses to Th1 polarity. Delayed NRF2 responses to IR may be critical for the immune transition from prooxidant inflammation to antioxidant healing as well as in driving cellular radioresistance and survival. Targeting NRF2 to reprogram immunity could be of considerable therapeutic benefit in radiation and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dörthe Schaue
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1714, USA
| | - Ewa D. Micewicz
- Biotts S.A., Ul. Wrocławska 44C, 55-040 Bielany Wrocławskie, Poland
| | - Josephine A. Ratikan
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1714, USA
| | - Keisuke S. Iwamoto
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1714, USA
| | - Erina Vlashi
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1714, USA
| | - J. Tyson McDonald
- Department of Radiation Medicine, School of Medicine, Georgetown University, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - William H. McBride
- Department of Radiation Oncology, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1714, USA
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