1
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Boccarelli A, Del Buono N, Esposito F. Review of Patient Gene Profiles Obtained through a Non-Negative Matrix Factorization-Based Framework to Determine the Role Inflammation Plays in Neuroblastoma Pathogenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:4406. [PMID: 38673990 PMCID: PMC11050151 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25084406] [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: 02/25/2024] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Neuroblastoma is the most common extracranial solid tumor in children. It is a highly heterogeneous tumor consisting of different subcellular types and genetic abnormalities. Literature data confirm the biological and clinical complexity of this cancer, which requires a wider availability of gene targets for the implementation of personalized therapy. This paper presents a study of neuroblastoma samples from primary tumors of untreated patients. The focus of this analysis is to evaluate the impact that the inflammatory process may have on the pathogenesis of neuroblastoma. Eighty-eight gene profiles were selected and analyzed using a non-negative matrix factorization framework to extract a subset of genes relevant to the identification of an inflammatory phenotype, whose targets (PIK3CG, NFATC2, PIK3R2, VAV1, RAC2, COL6A2, COL6A3, COL12A1, COL14A1, ITGAL, ITGB7, FOS, PTGS2, PTPRC, ITPR3) allow further investigation. Based on the genetic signals automatically derived from the data used, neuroblastoma could be classified according to stage rather than as a "cold" or "poorly immunogenic" tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angelina Boccarelli
- Department of Precision and Regenerative Medicine and Polo Jonico, School of Medicine, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Piazza Giulio Cesare 11, 70121 Bari, Italy;
| | - Nicoletta Del Buono
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
| | - Flavia Esposito
- Department of Mathematics, University of Bari Aldo Moro, Via Edoardo Orabona 4, 70125 Bari, Italy;
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2
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Romero R, Chu T, González-Robles TJ, Smith P, Xie Y, Kaur H, Yoder S, Zhao H, Mao C, Kang W, Pulina MV, Lawrence KE, Gopalan A, Zaidi S, Yoo K, Choi J, Fan N, Gerstner O, Karthaus WR, DeStanchina E, Ruggles KV, Westcott PM, Chaligné R, Pe’er D, Sawyers CL. The neuroendocrine transition in prostate cancer is dynamic and dependent on ASCL1. BIORXIV : THE PREPRINT SERVER FOR BIOLOGY 2024:2024.04.09.588557. [PMID: 38645223 PMCID: PMC11030418 DOI: 10.1101/2024.04.09.588557] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/23/2024]
Abstract
Lineage plasticity is a recognized hallmark of cancer progression that can shape therapy outcomes. The underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms mediating lineage plasticity remain poorly understood. Here, we describe a versatile in vivo platform to identify and interrogate the molecular determinants of neuroendocrine lineage transformation at different stages of prostate cancer progression. Adenocarcinomas reliably develop following orthotopic transplantation of primary mouse prostate organoids acutely engineered with human-relevant driver alterations (e.g., Rb1-/-; Trp53-/-; cMyc+ or Pten-/-; Trp53-/-; cMyc+), but only those with Rb1 deletion progress to ASCL1+ neuroendocrine prostate cancer (NEPC), a highly aggressive, androgen receptor signaling inhibitor (ARSI)-resistant tumor. Importantly, we show this lineage transition requires a native in vivo microenvironment not replicated by conventional organoid culture. By integrating multiplexed immunofluorescence, spatial transcriptomics and PrismSpot to identify cell type-specific spatial gene modules, we reveal that ASCL1+ cells arise from KRT8+ luminal epithelial cells that progressively acquire transcriptional heterogeneity, producing large ASCL1+;KRT8- NEPC clusters. Ascl1 loss in established NEPC results in transient tumor regression followed by recurrence; however, Ascl1 deletion prior to transplantation completely abrogates lineage plasticity, yielding adenocarcinomas with elevated AR expression and marked sensitivity to castration. The dynamic feature of this model reveals the importance of timing of therapies focused on lineage plasticity and offers a platform for identification of additional lineage plasticity drivers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo Romero
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tinyi Chu
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Tania J. González-Robles
- Institute of Systems Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
| | - Perianne Smith
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Yubin Xie
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Harmanpreet Kaur
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Sara Yoder
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Huiyong Zhao
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Chenyi Mao
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wenfei Kang
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Maria V. Pulina
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kayla E. Lawrence
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Anuradha Gopalan
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Samir Zaidi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Department of Genitourinary Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kwangmin Yoo
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Jungmin Choi
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea
| | - Ning Fan
- Molecular Cytology Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Olivia Gerstner
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Wouter R. Karthaus
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Elisa DeStanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Kelly V. Ruggles
- Institute of Systems Genetics, Department of Precision Medicine, NYU Grossman School of Medicine, New York, NY 10061, USA
| | | | - Ronan Chaligné
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
| | - Dana Pe’er
- Program for Computational and Systems Biology, Sloan Kettering Institute, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Alan and Sandra Gerry Metastasis and Tumor Ecosystems Center, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
| | - Charles L. Sawyers
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065, USA
- Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Chevy Chase, MD 20815, USA
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3
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Lofiego MF, Piazzini F, Caruso FP, Marzani F, Solmonese L, Bello E, Celesti F, Costa MC, Noviello T, Mortarini R, Anichini A, Ceccarelli M, Coral S, Di Giacomo AM, Maio M, Covre A. Epigenetic remodeling to improve the efficacy of immunotherapy in human glioblastoma: pre-clinical evidence for development of new immunotherapy approaches. J Transl Med 2024; 22:223. [PMID: 38429759 PMCID: PMC10908027 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-024-05040-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: 12/22/2023] [Accepted: 02/24/2024] [Indexed: 03/03/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is a highly aggressive primary brain tumor, that is refractory to standard treatment and to immunotherapy with immune-checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). Noteworthy, melanoma brain metastases (MM-BM), that share the same niche as GBM, frequently respond to current ICI therapies. Epigenetic modifications regulate GBM cellular proliferation, invasion, and prognosis and may negatively regulate the cross-talk between malignant cells and immune cells in the tumor milieu, likely contributing to limit the efficacy of ICI therapy of GBM. Thus, manipulating the tumor epigenome can be considered a therapeutic opportunity in GBM. METHODS Microarray transcriptional and methylation profiles, followed by gene set enrichment and IPA analyses, were performed to study the differences in the constitutive expression profiles of GBM vs MM-BM cells, compared to the extracranial MM cells and to investigate the modulatory effects of the DNA hypomethylating agent (DHA) guadecitabine among the different tumor cells. The prognostic relevance of DHA-modulated genes was tested by Cox analysis in a TCGA GBM patients' cohort. RESULTS The most striking differences between GBM and MM-BM cells were found to be the enrichment of biological processes associated with tumor growth, invasion, and extravasation with the inhibition of MHC class II antigen processing/presentation in GBM cells. Treatment with guadecitabine reduced these biological differences, shaping GBM cells towards a more immunogenic phenotype. Indeed, in GBM cells, promoter hypomethylation by guadecitabine led to the up-regulation of genes mainly associated with activation, proliferation, and migration of T and B cells and with MHC class II antigen processing/presentation. Among DHA-modulated genes in GBM, 7.6% showed a significant prognostic relevance. Moreover, a large set of immune-related upstream-regulators (URs) were commonly modulated by DHA in GBM, MM-BM, and MM cells: DHA-activated URs enriched for biological processes mainly involved in the regulation of cytokines and chemokines production, inflammatory response, and in Type I/II/III IFN-mediated signaling; conversely, DHA-inhibited URs were involved in metabolic and proliferative pathways. CONCLUSIONS Epigenetic remodeling by guadecitabine represents a promising strategy to increase the efficacy of cancer immunotherapy of GBM, supporting the rationale to develop new epigenetic-based immunotherapeutic approaches for the treatment of this still highly deadly disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Francesca Pia Caruso
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Solmonese
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Maria Claudia Costa
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information Technology (DIETI), University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Teresa Noviello
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | - Roberta Mortarini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Anichini
- Human Tumors Immunobiology Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - Michele Ceccarelli
- BIOGEM Institute of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Ariano Irpino, Italy
- Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
- Department of Public Health Sciences, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL, USA
| | | | - Anna Maria Di Giacomo
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Michele Maio
- University of Siena, Siena, Italy
- Center for Immuno-Oncology, University Hospital of Siena, Siena, Italy
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4
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Jia D, Han J, Cai J, Huan Z, Wang Y, Ge X. Mesenchymal stem cells overexpressing PBX1 alleviates haemorrhagic shock-induced kidney damage by inhibiting NF-κB activation. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA. MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2024; 1871:119571. [PMID: 37673222 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2023.119571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 08/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/26/2023] [Indexed: 09/08/2023]
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have favourable outcomes in the treatment of kidney diseases. Pre-B-cell leukaemia transcription factor 1 (PBX1) has been reported to be a regulator of self-renewal of stem cells. Whether PBX1 is beneficial to MSCs in the treatment of haemorrhagic shock (HS)-induced kidney damage is unknown. We overexpressed PBX1 in rat bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (rBMSCs) and human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (hBMSCs) to treat rats with HS and hypoxia-treated human proximal tubule epithelial cells (HK-2), respectively. The results indicated that PBX1 enhanced the homing capacity of rBMSCs to kidney tissues and that treatment with rBMSCs overexpressing PBX1 improved the indicators of kidney function, alleviated structural damage to kidney tissues. Furthermore, administration with rBMSCs overexpressing PBX1 inhibited HS-induced NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation and the release of proinflammatory cytokines, and further attenuated apoptosis. We then determined whether NF-κB, an important factor in NLRP3 activation and the regulation of inflammation, participates in HS-induced kidney damage, and we found that rBMSCs overexpressing PBX1 inhibited NF-κB activation by decreasing the p-IκBα/IκBα and p-p65/p65 ratios and inhibiting the nuclear translocation and decreasing the DNA-binding capacity of NF-κB. hBMSCs overexpressing PBX1 also exhibited protective effects on HK-2 cells exposed to hypoxia, as shown by the increase in cell viability, the mitigation of apoptosis, the decrease in inflammation, and the inhibition of NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Our study demonstrates that MSCs overexpressing PBX1 ameliorates HS-induced kidney damage by inhibiting NF-κB pathway-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Jia
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jiahui Han
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China
| | - Jimin Cai
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China
| | - Zhirong Huan
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Wang
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Ge
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Wuxi 9th People's Hospital Affiliated to Soochow University, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China; Orthopedic Institution of Wuxi City, Wuxi, Jiangsu 214000, People's Republic of China.
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5
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Wang R, Tan W. RBM15-Mediated N6-Methyl Adenosine (m6A) Modification of EZH2 Drives the Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Cervical Cancer. Crit Rev Eukaryot Gene Expr 2024; 34:15-29. [PMID: 38842201 DOI: 10.1615/critreveukaryotgeneexpr.2024052205] [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: 06/07/2024]
Abstract
RBM15 functions as an oncogene in multi-type cancers. However, the reports on the roles of RBM15 in cervical cancer are limited. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potentials of RBM15 in cervical cancer. RT-qPCR was conducted to determine mRNA levels. Western was carried out to detect protein expression. CCK-8, colony formation and EdU assays were conducted to determine cell proliferation. Scratch and transwell assays were conducted to determine cell migration and invasion. MeRIP assay was conducted to determine N6-methyl adenosine (m6A) levels. Luciferase assay was conducted to verify the m6A sites of EZH2 and binding sites between EZH2 and promoter of FN1. ChIP assay was conducted to verify the interaction between EZH2 and FN1. The results showed that RBM15 was upregulated in cervical cancer patients and cells. Moreover, high levels of RBM15 predicted poor clinical outcomes. RBM15 knockdown inhibited the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of cervical cancer cells. RBM15 promoted the m6A modification of EZH2 as well as its protein translation. Additionally, EZH2 bound to the promoter of fibronectin 1 (FN1) and EZH2-FN1 axis is the cascade downstream of RBM15. Overexpressed EZH2 antagonized the effects of RBM15 knockdown and promoted the aggressiveness of cervical cancer cells. In summary, RBM15/EZH2/FN1 signaling cascade induces the proliferation and EMT of cervical cancer. Therefore, RBM15/EZH2/FN1 signaling may be a promising strategy for cervical cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruixue Wang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology Ward 2, Harbin Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital, Harbin City 150081, China
| | - Wenhua Tan
- Harbin Medical University Affiliated Second Hospital
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6
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Li B, Zhou Q, Wan Q, Qiao X, Chen S, Zhou J, Wuxiao Z, Luo L, Ng SB, Li J, Chng WJ. EZH2 K63-polyubiquitination affecting migration in extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:187. [PMID: 38031139 PMCID: PMC10685657 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01606-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/11/2023] [Accepted: 11/20/2023] [Indexed: 12/01/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Overexpressed EZH2 is oncogenically involved in the pathogenesis of different cancerous contexts including extranodal natural killer/T cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, the underlying mechanisms of EZH2 upregulation have not been fully clarified and it is still difficult to target EZH2 in ENKTL. RESULTS Current study identifies an E3 ligase TRIP12 that triggers K63-linked polyubiquitination of EZH2 in ENKTL and unexpectedly, stabilizes EZH2. As determined by gene expression profiling (GEP), TRIP12 and EZH2 levels correlate with each other in ENKTL patient samples. Aided by quantitative mass spectrometry (MS) and follow-up analysis, we identify K634 as the ubiquitination site of EZH2. Further study confirms that TRIP12-mediated EZH2 K634 ubiquitination enhances the interaction between EZH2 and SUZ12 or CDK1 and increases the level of EZH2 T487 phosphorylation. This study further demonstrates the TRIP12-EZH2 signaling might be regulated by cytoplasmic HSP60. Importantly, the TRIP12-EZH2 axis mediates ENKTL cell migration via accelerating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Moreover, our study finds out dexamethasone treatment manipulates TRIP12-EZH2 signaling and may represent a novel therapeutic strategy against ENKTL metastasis. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, TRIP12 induces K63-linked site-specific polyubiquitination of EZH2 for stabilization, which promotes ENKTL cell migration and could be targeted by dexamethasone treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Boheng Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Qidi Zhou
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Qin Wan
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xuan Qiao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Shangying Chen
- Bioinformatics Core, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jianbiao Zhou
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Zhijun Wuxiao
- Department of Hematology, Lymphoma and Myeloma Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Hainan Medical University, Haikou, China
| | - Lei Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Siok-Bian Ng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
- Department of Pathology, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore
| | - Jieping Li
- Department of Hematology Oncology, Chongqing University Cancer Hospital, Chongqing, China.
| | - Wee-Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, Singapore.
- Department of Hematology-Oncology, National University Cancer Institute of Singapore, National University Health System, Singapore, Singapore.
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Abstract
Over the past decade, melanoma has led the field in new cancer treatments, with impressive gains in on-treatment survival but more modest improvements in overall survival. Melanoma presents heterogeneity and transcriptional plasticity that recapitulates distinct melanocyte developmental states and phenotypes, allowing it to adapt to and eventually escape even the most advanced treatments. Despite remarkable advances in our understanding of melanoma biology and genetics, the melanoma cell of origin is still fiercely debated because both melanocyte stem cells and mature melanocytes can be transformed. Animal models and high-throughput single-cell sequencing approaches have opened new opportunities to address this question. Here, we discuss the melanocytic journey from the neural crest, where they emerge as melanoblasts, to the fully mature pigmented melanocytes resident in several tissues. We describe a new understanding of melanocyte biology and the different melanocyte subpopulations and microenvironments they inhabit, and how this provides unique insights into melanoma initiation and progression. We highlight recent findings on melanoma heterogeneity and transcriptional plasticity and their implications for exciting new research areas and treatment opportunities. The lessons from melanocyte biology reveal how cells that are present to protect us from the damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation reach back to their origins to become a potentially deadly cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Patricia P Centeno
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Valeria Pavet
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, UK
| | - Richard Marais
- Molecular Oncology Group, Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute, The University of Manchester, Alderley Park, UK.
- Oncodrug Ltd, Alderly Park, Macclesfield, UK.
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8
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Moscona R, Janssen SM, Elchebly M, Papadakis AI, Rubin E, Spatz A. BORIS/CTCFL-mediated chromatin accessibility alterations promote a pro-invasive transcriptional signature in melanoma cells. Pigment Cell Melanoma Res 2023; 36:299-313. [PMID: 37082838 DOI: 10.1111/pcmr.13089] [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: 08/29/2022] [Revised: 03/20/2023] [Accepted: 03/30/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023]
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer, due to its tendency to metastasize early. Brother of regulator of imprinted sites (BORIS), also known as CCCTC binding factor-like (CTCFL), is a transcription regulator that becomes ectopically expressed in melanoma. We recently showed that BORIS contributes to melanoma phenotype switching by altering the gene expression program of melanoma cells from an intermediate melanocytic state toward a more mesenchymal-like state. However, the mechanism underlying this transcriptional switch remains unclear. Here, ATAC-seq was used to study BORIS-mediated chromatin accessibility alterations in melanoma cells harboring an intermediate melanocytic state. The gene set that gained promoter accessibility, following ectopic BORIS expression, showed enrichment for biological processes associated with melanoma invasion, while promoters of genes associated with proliferation showed reduced accessibility. Integration of ATAC-seq and RNA-seq data demonstrated that increased chromatin accessibility was associated with transcriptional upregulation of genes involved in tumor progression processes, and the aberrant activation of oncogenic transcription factors, while reduced chromatin accessibility and downregulated genes were associated with repressed activity of tumor suppressors and proliferation factors. Together, these findings indicate that BORIS mediates transcriptional reprogramming in melanoma cells by altering chromatin accessibility and gene expression, shifting the cellular transcription landscape of melanoma cells toward a mesenchymal-like genetic signature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roy Moscona
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Sanne Marlijn Janssen
- Lady Davis Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
| | | | | | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Alan Spatz
- Lady Davis Institute, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, Quebec, Canada
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9
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The role and application of transcriptional repressors in cancer treatment. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:1-17. [PMID: 36645575 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01427-4] [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: 09/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Gene expression is modulated through the integration of many regulatory elements and their associated transcription factors (TFs). TFs bind to specific DNA sequences and either activate or repress transcriptional activity. Through decades of research, it has been established that aberrant expression or functional abnormalities of TFs can lead to uncontrolled cell division and the development of cancer. Initial studies on transcriptional regulation in cancer have focused on TFs as transcriptional activators. However, recent studies have demonstrated several different mechanisms of transcriptional repression in cancer, which could be potential therapeutic targets for the development of specific anti-cancer agents. In the first section of this review, "Emerging roles of transcriptional repressors in cancer development," we summarize the current understanding of transcriptional repressors and their involvement in the molecular processes of cancer progression. In the subsequent section, "Therapeutic applications," we provide an updated overview of the available therapeutic targets for drug discovery and discuss the new frontier of such applications.
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10
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Pagliuca C, Di Leo L, De Zio D. New Insights into the Phenotype Switching of Melanoma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14246118. [PMID: 36551603 PMCID: PMC9776915 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14246118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 12/02/2022] [Accepted: 12/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is considered one of the deadliest skin cancers, partly because of acquired resistance to standard therapies. The most recognized driver of resistance relies on acquired melanoma cell plasticity, or the ability to dynamically switch among differentiation phenotypes. This confers the tumor noticeable advantages. During the last year, two new features have been included in the hallmarks of cancer, namely "Unlocking phenotypic plasticity" and "Non-mutational epigenetic reprogramming". Such are inextricably intertwined as, most of the time, plasticity is not discernable at the genetic level, as it rather consists of epigenetic reprogramming heavily influenced by external factors. By analyzing current literature, this review provides reasoning about the origin of plasticity and clarifies whether such features already exist among tumors or are acquired by selection. Moreover, markers of plasticity, molecular effectors, and related tumor advantages in melanoma will be explored. Ultimately, as this new branch of tumor biology opened a wide landscape of therapeutic possibilities, in the final paragraph of this review, we will focus on newly characterized drugs targeting melanoma plasticity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chiara Pagliuca
- Melanoma Research Team, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Luca Di Leo
- Melanoma Research Team, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Daniela De Zio
- Melanoma Research Team, Danish Cancer Society Research Center, 2100 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Department of Drug Design and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, 2200 Copenhagen, Denmark
- Correspondence:
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11
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Mou K, Zhou Y, Mu X, Zhang J, Wang L, Ge R. PARP1 Is a Prognostic Marker and Targets NFATc2 to Promote Carcinogenesis in Melanoma. Genet Test Mol Biomarkers 2022; 26:503-511. [DOI: 10.1089/gtmb.2021.0214] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kuanhou Mou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Yan Zhou
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Xin Mu
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Jian Zhang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Lijuan Wang
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
| | - Rui Ge
- Department of Dermatology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an, P.R. China
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12
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Anichini A, Molla A, Nicolini G, Perotti VE, Sgambelluri F, Covre A, Fazio C, Lofiego MF, Di Giacomo AM, Coral S, Manca A, Sini MC, Pisano M, Noviello T, Caruso F, Brich S, Pruneri G, Maurichi A, Santinami M, Ceccarelli M, Palmieri G, Maio M, Mortarini R. Landscape of immune-related signatures induced by targeting of different epigenetic regulators in melanoma: implications for immunotherapy. J Exp Clin Cancer Res 2022; 41:325. [PMID: 36397155 PMCID: PMC9670381 DOI: 10.1186/s13046-022-02529-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Improvement of efficacy of immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) remains a major clinical goal. Association of ICB with immunomodulatory epigenetic drugs is an option. However, epigenetic inhibitors show a heterogeneous landscape of activities. Analysis of transcriptional programs induced in neoplastic cells by distinct classes of epigenetic drugs may foster identification of the most promising agents. Methods Melanoma cell lines, characterized for mutational and differentiation profile, were treated with inhibitors of DNA methyltransferases (guadecitabine), histone deacetylases (givinostat), BET proteins (JQ1 and OTX-015), and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (GSK126). Modulatory effects of epigenetic drugs were evaluated at the gene and protein levels. Master molecules explaining changes in gene expression were identified by Upstream Regulator (UR) analysis. Gene set enrichment and IPA were used respectively to test modulation of guadecitabine-specific gene and UR signatures in baseline and on-treatment tumor biopsies from melanoma patients in the Phase Ib NIBIT-M4 Guadecitabine + Ipilimumab Trial. Prognostic significance of drug-specific immune-related genes was tested with Timer 2.0 in TCGA tumor datasets. Results Epigenetic drugs induced different profiles of gene expression in melanoma cell lines. Immune-related genes were frequently upregulated by guadecitabine, irrespective of the mutational and differentiation profiles of the melanoma cell lines, to a lesser extent by givinostat, but mostly downregulated by JQ1 and OTX-015. GSK126 was the least active drug. Quantitative western blot analysis confirmed drug-specific modulatory profiles. Most of the guadecitabine-specific signature genes were upregulated in on-treatment NIBIT-M4 tumor biopsies, but not in on-treatment lesions of patients treated only with ipilimumab. A guadecitabine-specific UR signature, containing activated molecules of the TLR, NF-kB, and IFN innate immunity pathways, was induced in drug-treated melanoma, mesothelioma and hepatocarcinoma cell lines and in a human melanoma xenograft model. Activation of guadecitabine-specific UR signature molecules in on-treatment tumor biopsies discriminated responding from non-responding NIBIT-M4 patients. Sixty-five % of the immune-related genes upregulated by guadecitabine were prognostically significant and conferred a reduced risk in the TCGA cutaneous melanoma dataset. Conclusions The DNMT inhibitor guadecitabine emerged as the most promising immunomodulatory agent among those tested, supporting the rationale for usage of this class of epigenetic drugs in combinatorial immunotherapy approaches. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s13046-022-02529-5.
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13
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Nourmohammadi F, Forghanifard MM, Abbaszadegan MR, Zarrinpour V. EZH2 regulates oncomiR-200c and EMT markers in esophageal squamous cell carcinomas. Sci Rep 2022; 12:18290. [PMID: 36316365 PMCID: PMC9622866 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-23253-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
EZH2, as a histone methyltransferase, has been associated with cancer development and metastasis possibly through the regulation of microRNAs and cellular pathways such as EMT. In this study, the effect of EZH2 expression on miR-200c and important genes of the EMT pathway was investigated in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC). Comparative qRT-PCR was used to examine EZH2 expression in ESCC lines (YM-1 and KYSE-30) following the separately transfected silencing and ectopic expressional EZH2 vectors in ESCC. Subsequently, expression of miR-200c and EMT markers was also assessed using qRT-PCR, western blotting and immunocytochemistry. Underexpression of Mir200c was detected in YM-1 and KYSE-30 cells after EZH2 silencing, while its overexpression was observed after EZH2 induced expression. Following EZH2 silencing, downregulation of mesenchymal markers and upregulation of epithelial markers were detected in the ESCCs. Our results demonstrate that EZH2 regulates the expression of miR-200c and critical EMT genes, implying that overexpression of Zeb2, Fibronectin, N-cadherin, and Vimentin lead to a mesenchymal phenotype and morphology while underexpression of epithelial genes, enhance cell migration after enforced expression of EZH2 in ESCCs. EZH2 gene can be a beneficial treatment marker for patients with esophageal cancer through decrease invasiveness of the disease and efficient response to neoadjuvant therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Vajiheh Zarrinpour
- Department of Biology, Damghan Branch, Islamic Azad University, Damghan, Iran
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14
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Pillai M, Rajaram G, Thakur P, Agarwal N, Muralidharan S, Ray A, Barbhaya D, Somarelli JA, Jolly MK. Mapping phenotypic heterogeneity in melanoma onto the epithelial-hybrid-mesenchymal axis. Front Oncol 2022; 12:913803. [PMID: 36003764 PMCID: PMC9395132 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.913803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-studied hallmark of epithelial-like cancers that is characterized by loss of epithelial markers and gain of mesenchymal markers. Melanoma, which is derived from melanocytes of the skin, also undergo phenotypic plasticity toward mesenchymal-like phenotypes under the influence of various micro-environmental cues. Our study connects EMT to the phenomenon of de-differentiation (i.e., transition from proliferative to more invasive phenotypes) observed in melanoma cells during drug treatment. By analyzing 78 publicly available transcriptomic melanoma datasets, we found that de-differentiation in melanoma is accompanied by upregulation of mesenchymal genes, but not necessarily a concomitant loss of an epithelial program, suggesting a more “one-dimensional” EMT that leads to a hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype. Samples lying in the hybrid epithelial/mesenchymal phenotype also correspond to the intermediate phenotypes in melanoma along the proliferative-invasive axis - neural crest and transitory ones. As melanoma cells progress along the invasive axis, the mesenchymal signature does not increase monotonically. Instead, we observe a peak in mesenchymal scores followed by a decline, as cells further de-differentiate. This biphasic response recapitulates the dynamics of melanocyte development, suggesting close interactions among genes controlling differentiation and mesenchymal programs in melanocytes. Similar trends were noted for metabolic changes often associated with EMT in carcinomas in which progression along mesenchymal axis correlates with the downregulation of oxidative phosphorylation, while largely maintaining glycolytic capacity. Overall, these results provide an explanation for how EMT and de-differentiation axes overlap with respect to their transcriptional and metabolic programs in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maalavika Pillai
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Gouri Rajaram
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Pradipti Thakur
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Nilay Agarwal
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- Undergraduate Programme, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Srinath Muralidharan
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
| | - Ankita Ray
- Department of Biotechnology, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, India
| | - Dev Barbhaya
- Department of Biological Sciences and Bioengineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, India
| | | | - Mohit Kumar Jolly
- Centre for BioSystems Science and Engineering, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, India
- *Correspondence: Mohit Kumar Jolly,
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Zhu J, Zhao J, Luo C, Zhu Z, Peng X, Zhu X, Lin K, Bu F, Zhang W, Li Q, Wang K, Hu Z, Yu X, Chen L, Yuan R. FAT10 promotes chemotherapeutic resistance in pancreatic cancer by inducing epithelial-mesenchymal transition via stabilization of FOXM1 expression. Cell Death Dis 2022; 13:497. [PMID: 35614040 PMCID: PMC9132907 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-022-04960-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Revised: 05/16/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the deadliest malignant tumors, and its resistance to gemcitabine chemotherapy is the primary reason for poor prognosis in patients. Ubiquitin-like protein FAT10 has recently been reported to promote tumor chemotherapy resistance. In this study, the expression of FAT10 in PC was significantly higher than that in adjacent noncancerous tissues. Increased expression of FAT10 in PC was related to a late TNM stage and decreased overall survival. Functional experiments revealed that downregulating the expression of FAT10 inhibits the proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of PC cells, promotes the apoptosis of PC cells, and enhances sensitivity to gemcitabine chemotherapy. In addition, upregulation of FAT10 increased the expression of FOXM1 protein. The effect of downregulating FAT10 was reversed by FOXM1 overexpression, and FOXM1 knockdown inhibited EMT driven by FAT10 overexpression. Mechanistically, FAT10 stabilized the expression of FOXM1 by competing with ubiquitin to bind FOXM1 and inhibiting the ubiquitination-mediated degradation of FOXM1. In conclusion, the FAT10-FOXM1 axis is a pivotal driver of PC proliferation and gemcitabine resistance, and the results provide novel insights into chemotherapy resistance in PC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinfeng Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Jiefeng Zhao
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Chen Luo
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhengming Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xingyu Peng
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xiaojian Zhu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kang Lin
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Fanqin Bu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Wenjun Zhang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Qing Li
- Department of Pathology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Zhigang Hu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Xin Yu
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China
| | - Leifeng Chen
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Cancer Center, Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan, 430060, Hubei, China.
| | - Rongfa Yuan
- Department of General Surgery, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
- Jiangxi Provincial Clinical Research Center for General Surgery Disease, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi Province, China.
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16
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Zhang S, Cao S, Gong M, Zhang W, Zhang W, Zhu Z, Wu S, Yue Y, Qian W, Ma Q, Wang S, Wang Z. Mechanically activated ion channel Piezo1 contributes to melanoma malignant progression through AKT/mTOR signaling. Cancer Biol Ther 2022; 23:336-347. [PMID: 36112948 PMCID: PMC9037449 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2022.2060015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is a highly aggressive cancer that can metastasize at early stage. The aim of this study is to clarify the role of Piezo1 and its potential mechanism in regulating the malignant phenotypes of melanoma. In the present study, we first showed that Piezo1 was abnormally expressed in melanoma, which accelerated the malignant progression by activating AKT/mTOR signaling. Firstly, we found that Piezo1 was upregulated in melanoma and associated with poor survival. Additionally, Piezo1 knockdown significantly weakened intracellular calcium signal and viability of melanoma cells. Furthermore, Piezo1 knockdown inhibited the transendothelial migration and invasion in vitro, as well as metastasis in vivo. Mechanistically, we found that Piezo1 activated AKT/mTOR signaling to maintain malignant phenotypes of melanoma. Therefore, Piezo1 acts as an oncogene in melanoma cells and provides a novel candidate for melanoma diagnosis and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simei Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuang Cao
- Department of Nephrology and Medical Intensive Care, Charité – Universitätsmedizin, Molecular and Translational Kidney Research, Max Delbrück Center for Molecular Medicine in the Helmholtz Association, Berlin, Germany
| | - Mengyuan Gong
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Wunai Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weifan Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zeen Zhu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shuai Wu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Yangyang Yue
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Weikun Qian
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Qingyong Ma
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Shengpeng Wang
- Cardiovascular Research Center, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi’an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
| | - Zheng Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University, Xi’an, Shaanxi, China
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17
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薛 晓, 李 忠, 赵 明. [Metformin and lipopolysaccharide regulate transcription of NFATc2 gene via the transcription factor RUNX2]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2022; 42:425-431. [PMID: 35426808 PMCID: PMC9010990 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2022.03.16] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To construct a luciferase reporter gene vector carrying human nuclear factor of activated T cells 2 (NFATc2) gene promoter and examine the effects of metformin and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) on the transcriptional activity of NFATc2 gene. METHODS The promoter sequence of human NFATc2 gene was acquired from UCSC website for PCR amplification. NFATc2 promoter fragment was inserted into pGL3-basic plasmid double cleaved with Kpn Ⅰ and Hind Ⅲ. The resultant recombinant plasmid pGL3-NFATC2-promoter was co-transfected with the internal reference plasmid pRL-TK in 293F cells, and luciferase activity in the cells was detected. Reporter gene vectors of human NFATc2 gene promoter with different fragment lengths were also constructed and assayed for luciferase activity. The changes in transcription activity of NFATc2 gene were assessed after treatment with different concentrations of metformin and LPS for 24 h. We also examined the effect of mutation in RUNX2-binding site in NFATC2 gene promoter on the regulatory effects of metformin and LPS on NFATc2 transcription. RESULTS We successfully constructed pGL3-NFATc2-promoter plasmids carrying different lengths (2170 bp, 2077 bp, 1802 bp, 1651 bp, 1083 bp, 323 bp) of NFATc2 promoter sequences as verified by enzymatic digestion and sequencing. Transfection of 293F cells with the plasmid carrying a 1651 bp NFATc2 promoter (pGL3-1651 bp) resulted in the highest transcriptional activity of NFATc2 gene, and the luciferase activity was approximately 3.3 times that of pGL3-2170 bp (1.843 ± 0.146 vs 0.547 ± 0.085). Moderate (5 mmol/L) and high (10 mmol/L) concentrations of metformin significantly upregulated the transcriptional activity of pGL3-1651 bp by up to 2.5 and 3 folds, respectively. LPS at different doses also upregulated the transcriptional activity of pGL3-1651 bp by at least 1.6 folds. The mutation in the RUNX2 binding site on pGL3-1651 bp obviously reduced metformin- and LPS-induced enhancement of pGL3-1651bp transcription by 1.7 and 2 folds, respectively. CONCLUSION pGL3-NFATc2-promoter can be transcribed and activated in 293F cells, and LPS and metformin can activate the transcription of pGL3- NFATc2-promoter in a RUNX2-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- 晓阳 薛
- 南方医科大学第二临床医学院,广东 广州 510515Second School of Clinical Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 忠豪 李
- 广东省医学休克微循环重点实验室,南方医科大学基础医学院病理生理学教研室,广东 广州 510515Key Lab of Medical Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong Province, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - 明 赵
- 广东省医学休克微循环重点实验室,南方医科大学基础医学院病理生理学教研室,广东 广州 510515Key Lab of Medical Shock and Microcirculation Research of Guangdong Province, Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
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18
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Kohtamäki L, Arjama M, Mäkelä S, Ianevski P, Välimäki K, Juteau S, Ilmonen S, Ungureanu D, Kallioniemi O, Murumägi A, Hernberg M. High-throughput ex vivo drug testing identifies potential drugs and drug combinations for NRAS-positive malignant melanoma. Transl Oncol 2022; 15:101290. [PMID: 34837846 PMCID: PMC8633005 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2021.101290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 11/05/2021] [Accepted: 11/17/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapy options for patients with metastatic melanoma (MM) have considerably improved over the past decade. However, many patients still need effective therapy after unsuccessful immunotherapy, especially patients with BRAF-negative tumors who lack the option of targeted treatment second line. Therefore, the elucidation of efficient and personalized therapy options for these patients is required. In this study, three patient-derived cancer cells (PDCs) were established from NRAS Q61-positive MM patients. The response of PDCs and five established melanoma cell lines (two NRAS-positive, one wild type, and two BRAF V600-positive) was evaluated toward a panel of 527 oncology drugs using high-throughput drug sensitivity and resistance testing. The PDCs and cell lines displayed strong responses to MAPK inhibitors, as expected. Additionally, the PDCs and cell lines were responsive to PI3K/mTOR, mTOR, and PLK1 inhibitors among other effective drugs currently undergoing clinical trials. Combinations with a MEK inhibitor were tested with other targeted agents to identify effective synergies. MEK inhibitor showed synergy with multikinase inhibitor ponatinib, ABL inhibitor nilotinib, PI3K/mTOR inhibitor pictilisib, and pan-RAF inhibitor LY3009120. The application of the patients' cancer cells for functional drug testing ex vivo is one step further in the process of identifying potential agents and agent combinations to personalize treatment for patients with MM. Our preliminary study results suggest that this approach has the potential for larger-scale drug testing and personalized treatment applications in our expansion trial. Our results show that drug sensitivity and resistance testing may be implementable in the treatment planning of patients with MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Kohtamäki
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Mariliina Arjama
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Siru Mäkelä
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Philipp Ianevski
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Katja Välimäki
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Susanna Juteau
- Department of Pathology, University of Helsinki and Helsinki University Hospital, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Suvi Ilmonen
- Helsinki University Hospital, Department of Surgery, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
| | - Daniela Ungureanu
- Applied Tumor Genomics Research Program, Research Programs Unit, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - Olli Kallioniemi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland; Science for Life Laboratory (SciLifeLab), Department of Oncology and Pathology, Karolinska Institutet, Sweden
| | - Astrid Murumägi
- Institute for Molecular Medicine Finland (FIMM), Helsinki Institute of Life Science (HiLIFE), Helsinki, Finland and University of Helsinki, Finland.
| | - Micaela Hernberg
- Helsinki University Hospital, Comprehensive Cancer Center, Department of Oncology, Helsinki and University of Helsinki, Finland
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19
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Seyfrid M, Maich WT, Shaikh VM, Tatari N, Upreti D, Piyasena D, Subapanditha M, Savage N, McKenna D, Mikolajewicz N, Han H, Chokshi C, Kuhlmann L, Khoo A, Salim SK, Archibong-Bassey B, Gwynne W, Brown K, Murtaza N, Bakhshinyan D, Vora P, Venugopal C, Moffat J, Kislinger T, Singh S. CD70 as an actionable immunotherapeutic target in recurrent glioblastoma and its microenvironment. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e003289. [PMID: 35017149 PMCID: PMC8753449 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2021-003289] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 10/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Glioblastoma (GBM) patients suffer from a dismal prognosis, with standard of care therapy inevitably leading to therapy-resistant recurrent tumors. The presence of cancer stem cells (CSCs) drives the extensive heterogeneity seen in GBM, prompting the need for novel therapies specifically targeting this subset of tumor-driving cells. Here, we identify CD70 as a potential therapeutic target for recurrent GBM CSCs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN In the current study, we identified the relevance and functional influence of CD70 on primary and recurrent GBM cells, and further define its function using established stem cell assays. We use CD70 knockdown studies, subsequent RNAseq pathway analysis, and in vivo xenotransplantation to validate CD70's role in GBM. Next, we developed and tested an anti-CD70 chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T therapy, which we validated in vitro and in vivo using our established preclinical model of human GBM. Lastly, we explored the importance of CD70 in the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME) by assessing the presence of its receptor, CD27, in immune infiltrates derived from freshly resected GBM tumor samples. RESULTS CD70 expression is elevated in recurrent GBM and CD70 knockdown reduces tumorigenicity in vitro and in vivo. CD70 CAR-T therapy significantly improves prognosis in vivo. We also found CD27 to be present on the cell surface of multiple relevant GBM TIME cell populations, notably putative M1 macrophages and CD4 T cells. CONCLUSION CD70 plays a key role in recurrent GBM cell aggressiveness and maintenance. Immunotherapeutic targeting of CD70 significantly improves survival in animal models and the CD70/CD27 axis may be a viable polytherapeutic avenue to co-target both GBM and its TIME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathieu Seyfrid
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - William Thomas Maich
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - Nazanin Tatari
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deepak Upreti
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Deween Piyasena
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Minomi Subapanditha
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Neil Savage
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Dillon McKenna
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nicholas Mikolajewicz
- Department of Molecular Genetics - Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Hong Han
- Department of Molecular Genetics - Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chirayu Chokshi
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Laura Kuhlmann
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Amanda Khoo
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sabra Khalid Salim
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | | | - William Gwynne
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Kevin Brown
- Department of Molecular Genetics - Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Nadeem Murtaza
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - David Bakhshinyan
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Parvez Vora
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Chitra Venugopal
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
| | - Jason Moffat
- Department of Molecular Genetics - Donnelly Centre, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Thomas Kislinger
- Department of Medical Biophysics, Princess Margaret Hospital Cancer Centre, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - Sheila Singh
- Department of Surgery, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Biochemistry and Biomedical Sciences, McMaster University, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
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Huang F, Santinon F, Flores González RE, del Rincón SV. Melanoma Plasticity: Promoter of Metastasis and Resistance to Therapy. Front Oncol 2021; 11:756001. [PMID: 34604096 PMCID: PMC8481945 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.756001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Although targeted therapies and immunotherapies have revolutionized the treatment of metastatic melanoma, most patients are not cured. Therapy resistance remains a significant clinical challenge. Melanoma comprises phenotypically distinct subpopulations of cells, exhibiting distinct gene signatures leading to tumor heterogeneity and favoring therapeutic resistance. Cellular plasticity in melanoma is referred to as phenotype switching. Regardless of their genomic classification, melanomas switch from a proliferative and differentiated phenotype to an invasive, dedifferentiated and often therapy-resistant state. In this review we discuss potential mechanisms underpinning melanoma phenotype switching, how this cellular plasticity contributes to resistance to both targeted therapies and immunotherapies. Finally, we highlight novel strategies to target plasticity and their potential clinical impact in melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fan Huang
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - François Santinon
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Raúl Ernesto Flores González
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
| | - Sonia V. del Rincón
- Lady Davis Institute, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Experimental Medicine, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC, Canada
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21
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Epigenetic Regulation in Melanoma: Facts and Hopes. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082048. [PMID: 34440824 PMCID: PMC8392422 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 07/31/2021] [Accepted: 08/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma is a lethal disease, even when diagnosed in advanced stages. Although recent progress in biology and treatment has dramatically improved survival rates, new therapeutic approaches are still needed. Deregulation of epigenetics, which mainly controls DNA methylation status and chromatin remodeling, is implied not only in cancer initiation and progression, but also in resistance to antitumor drugs. Epigenetics in melanoma has been studied recently in both melanoma preclinical models and patient samples, highlighting its potential role in different phases of melanomagenesis, as well as in resistance to approved drugs such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and MAPK inhibitors. This review summarizes what is currently known about epigenetics in melanoma and dwells on the recognized and potential new targets for testing epigenetic drugs, alone or together with other agents, in advanced melanoma patients.
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22
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White JR, Thompson DT, Koch KE, Kiriazov BS, Beck AC, van der Heide DM, Grimm BG, Kulak MV, Weigel RJ. AP-2α-Mediated Activation of E2F and EZH2 Drives Melanoma Metastasis. Cancer Res 2021; 81:4455-4470. [PMID: 34210752 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-21-0772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 06/09/2021] [Accepted: 06/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
In melanoma metastasis, the role of the AP-2α transcription factor, which is encoded by TFAP2A, is controversial as some findings have suggested tumor suppressor activity while other studies have shown high TFAP2A expression in node-positive melanoma associated with poor prognosis. Here we demonstrate that AP-2α facilitates melanoma metastasis through transcriptional activation of genes within the E2F pathway including EZH2. A BioID screen found that AP-2α interacts with members of the nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase (NuRD) complex. Loss of AP-2α removed activating chromatin marks in the promoters of EZH2 and other E2F target genes through activation of the NuRD repression complex. In melanoma cells, treatment with tazemetostat, an FDA-approved and highly specific EZH2 inhibitor, substantially reduced anchorage-independent colony formation and demonstrated heritable antimetastatic effects, which were dependent on AP-2α. Single-cell RNA sequencing analysis of a metastatic melanoma mouse model revealed hyperexpansion of Tfap2a High/E2F-activated cell populations in transformed melanoma relative to progenitor melanocyte stem cells. These findings demonstrate that melanoma metastasis is driven by the AP-2α/EZH2 pathway and suggest that AP-2α expression can be used as a biomarker to predict responsiveness to EZH2 inhibitors for the treatment of advanced melanomas. SIGNIFICANCE: AP-2α drives melanoma metastasis by upregulating E2F pathway genes including EZH2 through inhibition of the NuRD repression complex, serving as a biomarker to predict responsiveness to EZH2 inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Kelsey E Koch
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
| | | | - Anna C Beck
- Department of Surgery, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
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23
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Papanikolaou S, Vourda A, Syggelos S, Gyftopoulos K. Cell Plasticity and Prostate Cancer: The Role of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Tumor Progression, Invasion, Metastasis and Cancer Therapy Resistance. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13112795. [PMID: 34199763 PMCID: PMC8199975 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13112795] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 05/28/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Although epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well-known cellular process involved during normal embryogenesis and wound healing, it also has a dark side; it is a complex process that provides tumor cells with a more aggressive phenotype, facilitating tumor metastasis and even resistance to therapy. This review focuses on the key pathways of EMT in the pathogenesis of prostate cancer and the development of metastases and evasion of currently available treatments. Abstract Prostate cancer, the second most common malignancy in men, is characterized by high heterogeneity that poses several therapeutic challenges. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic, reversible cellular process which is essential in normal embryonic morphogenesis and wound healing. However, the cellular changes that are induced by EMT suggest that it may also play a central role in tumor progression, invasion, metastasis, and resistance to current therapeutic options. These changes include enhanced motility and loss of cell–cell adhesion that form a more aggressive cellular phenotype. Moreover, the reverse process (MET) is a necessary element of the metastatic tumor process. It is highly probable that this cell plasticity reflects a hybrid state between epithelial and mesenchymal status. In this review, we describe the underlying key mechanisms of the EMT-induced phenotype modulation that contribute to prostate tumor aggressiveness and cancer therapy resistance, in an effort to provide a framework of this complex cellular process.
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24
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Proietti I, Skroza N, Bernardini N, Tolino E, Balduzzi V, Marchesiello A, Michelini S, Volpe S, Mambrin A, Mangino G, Romeo G, Maddalena P, Rees C, Potenza C. Mechanisms of Acquired BRAF Inhibitor Resistance in Melanoma: A Systematic Review. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2801. [PMID: 33003483 PMCID: PMC7600801 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 65] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2020] [Revised: 09/21/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This systematic review investigated the literature on acquired v-raf murine sarcoma viral oncogene homolog B1 (BRAF) inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma. We searched MEDLINE for articles on BRAF inhibitor resistance in patients with melanoma published since January 2010 in the following areas: (1) genetic basis of resistance; (2) epigenetic and transcriptomic mechanisms; (3) influence of the immune system on resistance development; and (4) combination therapy to overcome resistance. Common resistance mutations in melanoma are BRAF splice variants, BRAF amplification, neuroblastoma RAS viral oncogene homolog (NRAS) mutations and mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1/2 (MEK1/2) mutations. Genetic and epigenetic changes reactivate previously blocked mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathways, activate alternative signaling pathways, and cause epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. Once BRAF inhibitor resistance develops, the tumor microenvironment reverts to a low immunogenic state secondary to the induction of programmed cell death ligand-1. Combining a BRAF inhibitor with a MEK inhibitor delays resistance development and increases duration of response. Multiple other combinations based on known mechanisms of resistance are being investigated. BRAF inhibitor-resistant cells develop a range of 'escape routes', so multiple different treatment targets will probably be required to overcome resistance. In the future, it may be possible to personalize combination therapy towards the specific resistance pathway in individual patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Proietti
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nevena Skroza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Nicoletta Bernardini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Ersilia Tolino
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Veronica Balduzzi
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Anna Marchesiello
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Simone Michelini
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Salvatore Volpe
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Alessandra Mambrin
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | - Giorgio Mangino
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
| | - Giovanna Romeo
- Department of Medico-Surgical Sciences and Biotechnologies, Sapienza University of Rome, 00185 Rome, Italy; (G.M.); (G.R.)
- Department of Infectious, Parasitic and Immune-Mediated Diseases, Istituto Superiore di Sanità, 00185 Rome, Italy
- Institute of Molecular Biology and Pathology, Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, 00185 Rome, Italy
| | - Patrizia Maddalena
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
| | | | - Concetta Potenza
- Dermatology Unit “Daniele Innocenzi”, Department of Medical-Surgical Sciences and Bio-Technologies, Sapienza University of Rome, Fiorini Hospital, Polo Pontino, 04019 Terracina, Italy; (N.S.); (N.B.); (E.T.); (V.B.); (A.M.); (S.M.); (S.V.); (A.M.); (P.M.); (C.P.)
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25
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Bristot IJ, Kehl Dias C, Chapola H, Parsons RB, Klamt F. Metabolic rewiring in melanoma drug-resistant cells. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 153:102995. [PMID: 32569852 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2020] [Revised: 05/15/2020] [Accepted: 05/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Several evidences indicate that melanoma, one of the deadliest types of cancer, presents the ability to transiently shift its phenotype under treatment or microenvironmental pressure to an invasive and treatment-resistant phenotype, which is characterized by cells with slow division cycle (also called slow-cycling cells) and high-OXPHOS metabolism. Many cellular marks have been proposed to track this phenotype, such as the expression levels of the master regulator of melanocyte differentiation (MITF) and the epigenetic factor JARID1B. It seems that the slow-cycling phenotype does not necessarily present a single gene expression signature. However, many lines of evidence lead to a common metabolic rewiring process in resistant cells that activates mitochondrial metabolism and changes the mitochondrial network morphology. Here, we propose that mitochondria-targeted drugs could increase not only the efficiency of target therapy, bypassing the dynamics between fast-cycling and slow-cycling, but also the sensitivity to immunotherapy by modulation of the melanoma microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ivi Juliana Bristot
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
| | - Camila Kehl Dias
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Henrique Chapola
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Richard B Parsons
- Institute of Pharmaceutical Science, King's College London, 150 Stamford Street, London SE1 9NH, UK
| | - Fábio Klamt
- Laboratório de Bioquímica Celular, Departamento de Bioquímica, Instituto de Ciências Básicas da Saúde, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; National Institutes of Science & Technology - Translational Medicine (INCT- TM), 90035-903, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
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26
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Tiffen J, Gallagher SJ, Filipp F, Gunatilake D, Emran AA, Cullinane C, Dutton-Register K, Aoude L, Hayward N, Chatterjee A, Rodger EJ, Eccles MR, Hersey P. EZH2 Cooperates with DNA Methylation to Downregulate Key Tumor Suppressors and IFN Gene Signatures in Melanoma. J Invest Dermatol 2020; 140:2442-2454.e5. [PMID: 32360600 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2020.02.042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2019] [Revised: 02/04/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The histone methylase EZH2 is frequently dysregulated in melanoma and is associated with DNA methylation and silencing of genes involved in tumor suppression. In this study, we used chromatin immunoprecipitation and sequencing to identify key suppressor genes that are silenced by histone methylation in constitutively active EZH2(Y641) mutant melanoma and assessed whether these regions were also sites of DNA methylation. The genes identified were validated by their re-expression after treatment with EZH2 and DNA methyltransferase inhibitors. The expression of putative EZH2 target genes was shown to be highly relevant to the survival of patients with melanoma in clinical datasets. To determine correlates of response to EZH2 inhibitors, we screened a panel of 53 melanoma cell lines for drug sensitivity. We compared RNA sequencing profiles of sensitive to resistant melanoma cells and performed pathway analysis. Sensitivity was associated with strong downregulation of IFN-γ and IFN-α gene signatures that were reversed by treatment with EZH2 inhibitors. This is consistent with EZH2-driven dedifferentiated invasive states associated with treatment resistance and defects in antigen presentation. These results suggest that EZH2 inhibitors may be most effectively targeted to immunologically cold melanoma to both induce direct cytotoxicity and increase immune responses in the context of checkpoint inhibitor immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessamy Tiffen
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Stuart J Gallagher
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Fabian Filipp
- Systems Biology and Cancer Metabolism, Program for Quantitative Systems Biology, University of California Merced, Merced, California, USA
| | - Dilini Gunatilake
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Abdullah Al Emran
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Carleen Cullinane
- Translational Research Laboratory, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - Lauren Aoude
- The University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Nick Hayward
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
| | - Aniruddha Chatterjee
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Euan J Rodger
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Michael R Eccles
- Department of Pathology, Dunedin School of Medicine, University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand; Maurice Wilkins Centre for Molecular Biodiscovery, Auckland, New Zealand
| | - Peter Hersey
- Melanoma Immunology and Oncology Group, The Centenary Institute, University of Sydney, Camperdown, New South Wales, Australia; Melanoma Institute Australia, The University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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27
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Rebecca VW, Herlyn M. Nongenetic Mechanisms of Drug Resistance in Melanoma. ANNUAL REVIEW OF CANCER BIOLOGY 2020. [DOI: 10.1146/annurev-cancerbio-030419-033533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Resistance to targeted and immune-based therapies limits cures in patients with metastatic melanoma. A growing number of reports have identified nongenetic primary resistance mechanisms including intrinsic microenvironment- and lineage plasticity–mediated processes serving critical functions in the persistence of disease throughout therapy. There is a temporally shifting spectrum of cellular identities fluidly occupied by therapy-persisting melanoma cells responsible for driving therapeutic resistance and metastasis. The key epigenetic, metabolic, and phenotypic reprogramming events requisite for the manifestation and maintenance of so-called persister melanoma populations remain poorly understood and underscore the need to comprehensively investigate actionable vulnerabilities. Here we attempt to integrate the field's observations on nongenetic mechanisms of drug resistance in melanoma. We postulate that the future design of therapeutic strategies specifically addressing therapy-persisting subpopulations of melanoma will improve the curative potential of therapy for patients with metastatic disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vito W. Rebecca
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
| | - Meenhard Herlyn
- Molecular and Cellular Oncogenesis Program and Melanoma Research Center, The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104, USA
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28
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Janssen SM, Moscona R, Elchebly M, Papadakis AI, Redpath M, Wang H, Rubin E, van Kempen LC, Spatz A. BORIS/CTCFL promotes a switch from a proliferative towards an invasive phenotype in melanoma cells. Cell Death Discov 2020; 6:1. [PMID: 32123577 PMCID: PMC7026120 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-019-0235-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2019] [Revised: 11/27/2019] [Accepted: 12/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Melanoma is among the most aggressive cancers due to its tendency to metastasize early. Phenotype switching between a proliferative and an invasive state has been suggested as a critical process for metastasis, though the mechanisms that regulate state transitions are complex and remain poorly understood. Brother of Regulator of Imprinted Sites (BORIS), also known as CCCTC binding factor-Like (CTCFL), is a transcriptional modulator that becomes aberrantly expressed in melanoma. Yet, the role of BORIS in melanoma remains elusive. Here, we show that BORIS is involved in melanoma phenotype switching. Genetic modification of BORIS expression in melanoma cells combined with whole-transcriptome analysis indicated that BORIS expression contributes to an invasion-associated transcriptome. In line with these findings, inducible BORIS overexpression in melanoma cells reduced proliferation and increased migration and invasion, demonstrating that the transcriptional switch is accompanied by a phenotypic switch. Mechanistically, we reveal that BORIS binds near the promoter of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TFGB1), a well-recognized factor involved in the transition towards an invasive state, which coincided with increased expression of TGFB1. Overall, our study indicates a pro-invasive role for BORIS in melanoma via transcriptional reprogramming.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanne Marlijn Janssen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
| | - Roy Moscona
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Mounib Elchebly
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
| | | | - Margaret Redpath
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Hangjun Wang
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC Canada
| | - Eitan Rubin
- The Shraga Segal Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Genetics, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer Sheva, Israel
| | - Léon Cornelis van Kempen
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, Laboratory for Molecular Pathology, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Alan Spatz
- Lady Davis Institute for Medical Research, Montréal, QC Canada
- Department of Pathology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
- Division of Pathology, Department of Laboratory medicine, McGill University Health Center, Montreal, QC Canada
- Department of Oncology, McGill University, Montréal, QC Canada
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29
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Xu Y, Wang H, Li F, Heindl LM, He X, Yu J, Yang J, Ge S, Ruan J, Jia R, Fan X. Long Non-coding RNA LINC-PINT Suppresses Cell Proliferation and Migration of Melanoma via Recruiting EZH2. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:350. [PMID: 31921860 PMCID: PMC6934058 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 12/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) have been identified as crucial regulators in many human cancers. Many lncRNAs show aberrant expression in cancer, and some of them play critical roles in tumor proliferation, invasion, and metastasis. However, the regulatory functions of lncRNAs in melanoma progression remain to be elucidated. We utilized the Real-time PCR methodology to determine the expression of LINC-PINT in melanoma cell lines. To evaluate the effect of LINC-PINT on tumorigenesis of melanoma, we used Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK8) and colony formation assay. Flow cytometry assay was used to detect the function of LINC-PINT on cell cycle status. PINT-interacting proteins were identified by chromatin isolation using RNA purification (ChIRP). Microarray assay and bioinformatics analysis were used to find the potential target genes of LINC-PINT and the status of LINC-PINT target gene candidate was verified using chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (ChIP). LINC-PINT plays a role in suppressing the tumorigenicity of melanoma, which was further determined by xenograft model assay. LINC-PINT was significantly downregulated in melanoma tissues and cell lines. The overexpression of LINC-PINT in tumor cells resulted in significant tumor growth reduction and migration inhibition in A375, Mum2B and CRMM1 cells. Results based on the in vivo xenograft model were further consistent with the in vitro findings that LINC-PINT impeded growth and metastasis of melanoma cells. Microarray assay and bioinformatics analysis indicated that CDK1, CCNA2, AURKA, and PCNA were potential targets of LINC-PINT. In conclusion, LINC-PINT inhibits the tumorigenicity of melanoma through recruiting EZH2 to the promoter of its target genes, leading to H3K27 trimethylation and epigenetic silencing of target genes. LINC-PINT may serve as a novel diagnostic and therapeutic target for melanoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yangfan Xu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Huixue Wang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Fang Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Ludwig M Heindl
- Zentrum für Augenheilkunde, Universität zu Köln, Köln, Germany
| | - Xiaoyu He
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yu
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jie Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Shengfang Ge
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Ruan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Renbing Jia
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
| | - Xianqun Fan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Orbital Diseases and Ocular Oncology, Shanghai, China
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30
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Khaliq M, Fallahi-Sichani M. Epigenetic Mechanisms of Escape from BRAF Oncogene Dependency. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101480. [PMID: 31581557 PMCID: PMC6826668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Revised: 09/28/2019] [Accepted: 09/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
About eight percent of all human tumors (including 50% of melanomas) carry gain-of-function mutations in the BRAF oncogene. Mutated BRAF and subsequent hyperactivation of the MAPK signaling pathway has motivated the use of MAPK-targeted therapies for these tumors. Despite great promise, however, MAPK-targeted therapies in BRAF-mutant tumors are limited by the emergence of drug resistance. Mechanisms of resistance include genetic, non-genetic and epigenetic alterations. Epigenetic plasticity, often modulated by histone-modifying enzymes and gene regulation, can influence a tumor cell's BRAF dependency and therefore, response to therapy. In this review, focusing primarily on class 1 BRAF-mutant cells, we will highlight recent work on the contribution of epigenetic mechanisms to inter- and intratumor cell heterogeneity in MAPK-targeted therapy response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehwish Khaliq
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
| | - Mohammad Fallahi-Sichani
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Program in Cancer Biology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
- Department of Dermatology, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, USA.
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31
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Zhang L, Song Y, Ling Z, Li Y, Ren X, Yang J, Wang Z, Xia J, Zhang W, Cheng B. R-spondin 2-LGR4 system regulates growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition and stem-like properties of tongue squamous cell carcinoma via Wnt/β-catenin signaling. EBioMedicine 2019; 44:275-288. [PMID: 31097406 PMCID: PMC6603804 DOI: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2019.03.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2019] [Revised: 03/13/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Background R-spondins (Rspo) and leucine-rich repeat-containing G-protein-coupled receptors (LGR) play important roles in development, stem cells survival, and tumorigenicity by activating Wnt signaling pathway. Whether R-spondins-LGR signaling affects the progression of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) remain unknown. This study aims to uncover the role of R-spodin2/LGR4 in tongue SCC (TSCC). Methods The expression of Rspo2 in TSCC specimens and its correlation with TSCC clinical outcome were evaluated. Levels of Rspo2 or LGR4 were altered by pharmacological and genetic approaches, and the effects on TSCC progression were assessed. Findings Aberrantly high levels of Rspo2 were detected in TSCC specimens. Its levels were closely related with lymph node metastasis, clinical stage and survival rate in patients with tongue SCC. Exogenous Rspo2 or overexpression of Rspo2 promoted growth, migration and invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and stem-like properties in SCC both in vivo and in vitro. Silence of Rspo2 abolished these phenotypes. LGR4 was functionally upregulated by Rspo2 in TSCC. Overexpression of Rspo2 increased, whereas Rspo2 silencing decreased the expression of LGR4, leading to subsequent phosphorylation of LRP6 and nuclear translocation of β-catenin in TSCC cell lines. This nuclear translocation of β-catenin was associated with a significant alteration in TCF-1, a downstream nuclear transcription factor of β-catenin, as well as its target genes: CD44, CyclinD1 and c-Myc. Interpretation Rspo2-LGR4 system regulates growth, migration and invasion, EMT and stem-like properties of TSCC via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. Rspo2 and LGR4 are aberrantly expressed in TSCC. Rspo2-LGR4 up-regulates growth, migration and invasion, EMT and stem-like properties of TSCC. Rspo2-LGR4 regulates TSCC progression via Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liping Zhang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yan Song
- First Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zihang Ling
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Xianyue Ren
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Jing Yang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Zhi Wang
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Juan Xia
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China
| | - Weizhen Zhang
- School of Basic Medical Science, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China.
| | - Bin Cheng
- Hospital of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510060, China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Stomatology, Guanghua School of Stomatology, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
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32
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Diaz-Perez JA, Nielsen GP, Antonescu C, Taylor MS, Lozano-Calderon SA, Rosenberg AE. EWSR1/FUS-NFATc2 rearranged round cell sarcoma: clinicopathological series of 4 cases and literature review. Hum Pathol 2019; 90:45-53. [PMID: 31078563 DOI: 10.1016/j.humpath.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2019] [Accepted: 05/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
The classification of bone neoplasms composed of small round cells is experiencing a transformation after the discovery of various gene fusion rearrangements that determine diagnosis, behavior, and response to therapy. We present herein 4 new cases of small round cell tumor of the bone that harbor NFATc2 rearrangements involving either EWSR1 or FUS genes. We studied the clinical presentation, pathologic features, genetics (FISH, targeted RNA sequencing) and outcome in these 4 patients. We also reviewed the literature describing similar cases. All our patients were male. The median age at diagnosis was 33.5 years. All tumors presented in long bones of the extremities as a large destructive mass with a mean size of 12.5 cm. All cases were hypercellular with prominent collagenous stroma and consisted of small to medium size round cells arranged in cords, thin trabeculae, and pseudoacinar structures. Most cases showed focal or diffuse membrane staining for CD99; whereas S100, synaptophysin and chromogranin were negative. EMA showed cytoplasmic staining in one case. Genetic studies identified EWSR1-NFATc2 fusion in 3 cases, and FUS-NFATc2 fusion in one case. Two patients were treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy using Ewing sarcoma regimens, and surgical excision was performed on 3 patients; necrosis was minimal. Follow-up is limited; after a median follow-up of 8.7 months, one patient developed local recurrence and metastases to the lungs. Poorly differentiated round cell sarcoma with EWSR1/FUS-NFATc2 fusions are uncommon. The tumors have consistent clinical findings, morphology, and immunoprofile that in combination are distinctive and differ from that of Ewing sarcoma. Importantly, these tumors do not respond to Ewing sarcoma chemotherapy regimens.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julio A Diaz-Perez
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL
| | - G Petur Nielsen
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | - Cristina Antonescu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY
| | - Martin S Taylor
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard University, Boston, MA
| | | | - Andrew E Rosenberg
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, FL.
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