1
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Bordini J, Lenzi C, Frenquelli M, Morabito A, Pseftogas A, Belloni D, Mansouri L, Tsiolas G, Perotta E, Ranghetti P, Gandini F, Genova F, Hägerstrand D, Gavriilidis G, Keisaris S, Pechlivanis N, Davi F, Kay NE, Langerak AW, Pospisilova S, Scarfò L, Makris A, Psomopoulos FE, Stamatopoulos K, Rosenquist R, Campanella A, Ghia P. IκBε deficiency accelerates disease development in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Leukemia 2024; 38:1287-1298. [PMID: 38575671 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-024-02236-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2023] [Revised: 03/11/2024] [Accepted: 03/20/2024] [Indexed: 04/06/2024]
Abstract
The NFKBIE gene, which encodes the NF-κB inhibitor IκBε, is mutated in 3-7% of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The most recurrent alteration is a 4-bp frameshift deletion associated with NF-κB activation in leukemic B cells and poor clinical outcome. To study the functional consequences of NFKBIE gene inactivation, both in vitro and in vivo, we engineered CLL B cells and CLL-prone mice to stably down-regulate NFKBIE expression and investigated its role in controlling NF-κB activity and disease expansion. We found that IκBε loss leads to NF-κB pathway activation and promotes both migration and proliferation of CLL cells in a dose-dependent manner. Importantly, NFKBIE inactivation was sufficient to induce a more rapid expansion of the CLL clone in lymphoid organs and contributed to the development of an aggressive disease with a shortened survival in both xenografts and genetically modified mice. IκBε deficiency was associated with an alteration of the MAPK pathway, also confirmed by RNA-sequencing in NFKBIE-mutated patient samples, and resistance to the BTK inhibitor ibrutinib. In summary, our work underscores the multimodal relevance of the NF-κB pathway in CLL and paves the way to translate these findings into novel therapeutic options.
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MESH Headings
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Animals
- Mice
- Humans
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenine/pharmacology
- Cell Movement
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Chiara Lenzi
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Alessia Morabito
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Athanasios Pseftogas
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Daniela Belloni
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Larry Mansouri
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - George Tsiolas
- Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - Francesca Gandini
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Daniel Hägerstrand
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - Sofoklis Keisaris
- Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | - Frederic Davi
- Institution Université Pierre et Marie Curie & Hôpital Pitié-Salpêtrière, Paris, France
| | | | | | - Sarka Pospisilova
- University Hospital Brno, Brno, Czech Republic
- Masaryk University, Brno, Czech Republic
| | - Lydia Scarfò
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
| | - Antonios Makris
- Centre for Research & Technology, Hellas (CERTH), Thessaloniki, Greece
| | | | | | - Richard Rosenquist
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Clinical Genetics and Genomics, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Alessandro Campanella
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy.
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy.
| | - Paolo Ghia
- IRCSS Ospedale San Raffaele, Milan, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milan, Italy
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2
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Eiken AP, Smith AL, Skupa SA, Schmitz E, Rana S, Singh S, Kumar S, Mallareddy JR, de Cubas AA, Krishna A, Kalluchi A, Rowley MJ, D'Angelo CR, Lunning MA, Bociek RG, Vose JM, Natarajan A, El-Gamal D. Novel Spirocyclic Dimer, SpiD3, Targets Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Survival Pathways with Potent Preclinical Effects. CANCER RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 2024; 4:1328-1343. [PMID: 38687198 PMCID: PMC11110724 DOI: 10.1158/2767-9764.crc-24-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2024] [Revised: 04/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/02/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cell survival and growth is fueled by the induction of B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling within the tumor microenvironment (TME) driving activation of NFκB signaling and the unfolded protein response (UPR). Malignant cells have higher basal levels of UPR posing a unique therapeutic window to combat CLL cell growth using pharmacologic agents that induce accumulation of misfolded proteins. Frontline CLL therapeutics that directly target BCR signaling such as Bruton tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors (e.g., ibrutinib) have enhanced patient survival. However, resistance mechanisms wherein tumor cells bypass BTK inhibition through acquired BTK mutations, and/or activation of alternative survival mechanisms have rendered ibrutinib ineffective, imposing the need for novel therapeutics. We evaluated SpiD3, a novel spirocyclic dimer, in CLL cell lines, patient-derived CLL samples, ibrutinib-resistant CLL cells, and in the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model. Our integrated multi-omics and functional analyses revealed BCR signaling, NFκB signaling, and endoplasmic reticulum stress among the top pathways modulated by SpiD3. This was accompanied by marked upregulation of the UPR and inhibition of global protein synthesis in CLL cell lines and patient-derived CLL cells. In ibrutinib-resistant CLL cells, SpiD3 retained its antileukemic effects, mirrored in reduced activation of key proliferative pathways (e.g., PRAS, ERK, MYC). Translationally, we observed reduced tumor burden in SpiD3-treated Eµ-TCL1 mice. Our findings reveal that SpiD3 exploits critical vulnerabilities in CLL cells including NFκB signaling and the UPR, culminating in profound antitumor properties independent of TME stimuli. SIGNIFICANCE SpiD3 demonstrates cytotoxicity in CLL partially through inhibition of NFκB signaling independent of tumor-supportive stimuli. By inducing the accumulation of unfolded proteins, SpiD3 activates the UPR and hinders protein synthesis in CLL cells. Overall, SpiD3 exploits critical CLL vulnerabilities (i.e., the NFκB pathway and UPR) highlighting its use in drug-resistant CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Signal Transduction/drug effects
- Piperidines/pharmacology
- Piperidines/therapeutic use
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Unfolded Protein Response/drug effects
- Adenine/analogs & derivatives
- Adenine/pharmacology
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- NF-kappa B/metabolism
- Spiro Compounds/pharmacology
- Spiro Compounds/therapeutic use
- Cell Survival/drug effects
- Tumor Microenvironment/drug effects
- Receptors, Antigen, B-Cell/metabolism
- Cell Proliferation/drug effects
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexandria P. Eiken
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Audrey L. Smith
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sydney A. Skupa
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Elizabeth Schmitz
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sandeep Rana
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Sarbjit Singh
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Siddhartha Kumar
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Jayapal Reddy Mallareddy
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Aguirre A de Cubas
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, College of Medicine, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina
| | - Akshay Krishna
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Achyuth Kalluchi
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - M. Jordan Rowley
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Christopher R. D'Angelo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Matthew A. Lunning
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - R. Gregory Bociek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Julie M. Vose
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Amarnath Natarajan
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Department of Genetics, Cell Biology, and Anatomy, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
| | - Dalia El-Gamal
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska
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3
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Smith AL, Skupa SA, Eiken AP, Reznicek TE, Schmitz E, Williams N, Moore DY, D’Angelo CR, Kallam A, Lunning MA, Bociek RG, Vose JM, Mohamed E, Mahr AR, Denton PW, Powell B, Bollag G, Rowley MJ, El-Gamal D. BET inhibition reforms the immune microenvironment and alleviates T cell dysfunction in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. JCI Insight 2024; 9:e177054. [PMID: 38775157 PMCID: PMC11141939 DOI: 10.1172/jci.insight.177054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2024] [Indexed: 06/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Redundant tumor microenvironment (TME) immunosuppressive mechanisms and epigenetic maintenance of terminal T cell exhaustion greatly hinder functional antitumor immune responses in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Bromodomain and extraterminal (BET) proteins regulate key pathways contributing to CLL pathogenesis and TME interactions, including T cell function and differentiation. Herein, we report that blocking BET protein function alleviates immunosuppressive networks in the CLL TME and repairs inherent CLL T cell defects. The pan-BET inhibitor OPN-51107 reduced exhaustion-associated cell signatures resulting in improved T cell proliferation and effector function in the Eμ-TCL1 splenic TME. Following BET inhibition (BET-i), TME T cells coexpressed significantly fewer inhibitory receptors (IRs) (e.g., PD-1, CD160, CD244, LAG3, VISTA). Complementary results were witnessed in primary CLL cultures, wherein OPN-51107 exerted proinflammatory effects on T cells, regardless of leukemic cell burden. BET-i additionally promotes a progenitor T cell phenotype through reduced expression of transcription factors that maintain terminal differentiation and increased expression of TCF-1, at least in part through altered chromatin accessibility. Moreover, direct T cell effects of BET-i were unmatched by common targeted therapies in CLL. This study demonstrates the immunomodulatory action of BET-i on CLL T cells and supports the inclusion of BET inhibitors in the management of CLL to alleviate terminal T cell dysfunction and potentially enhance tumoricidal T cell activity.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Nolan Williams
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
| | - Dalia Y. Moore
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
| | - Christopher R. D’Angelo
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Avyakta Kallam
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Matthew A. Lunning
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - R. Gregory Bociek
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Julie M. Vose
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, and
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Eslam Mohamed
- College of Medicine and College of Graduate Studies, California Northstate University, Elk Grove, California, USA
| | - Anna R. Mahr
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Paul W. Denton
- Department of Biology, University of Nebraska at Omaha, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ben Powell
- Plexxikon Inc., South San Francisco, California, USA
| | | | | | - Dalia El-Gamal
- Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases
- Fred & Pamela Buffett Cancer Center (FPBCC), University of Nebraska Medical Center (UNMC), Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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4
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Rossi S, Tatangelo V, Dichiara M, Butini S, Gemma S, Brogi S, Pasquini S, Cappello M, Vincenzi F, Varani K, Lopresti L, Malchiodi M, Carrara C, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Marotta G, Patrussi L, Carullo G, Baldari CT, Campiani G. A novel potent class I HDAC inhibitor reverses the STAT4/p66Shc apoptotic defect in B cells from chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Biomed Pharmacother 2024; 174:116537. [PMID: 38579402 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2024.116537] [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: 01/12/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 04/07/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) patients have a defective expression of the proapoptotic protein p66Shc and of its transcriptional factor STAT4, which evoke molecular abnormalities, impairing apoptosis and worsening disease prognosis and severity. p66Shc expression is epigenetically controlled and transcriptionally modulated by STAT4; epigenetic modifiers are deregulated in CLL cells and specific histone deacetylases (HDACs) like HDAC1, are overexpressed. Reactivation of STAT4/p66Shc expression may represent an attractive and challenging strategy to reverse CLL apoptosis defects. New selective class I HDAC inhibitors (HDACis, 6a-g) were developed with increased potency over existing agents and preferentially interfering with the CLL-relevant isoform HDAC1, to unveil the role of class I HDACs in the upregulation of STAT4 expression, which upregulates p66Shc expression and hence normalizes CLL cell apoptosis. 6c (chlopynostat) was identified as a potent HDAC1i with a superior profile over entinostat. 6c induces marked apoptosis of CLL cells compared with SAHA, which was associated with an upregulation of STAT4/p66Shc protein expression. The role of HDAC1, but not HDAC3, in the epigenetic upregulation of STAT4/p66Shc was demonstrated for the first time in CLL cells and was validated in siRNA-induced HDAC1/HDAC3 knock-down EBV-B cells. To sum up, HDAC1 inhibition is necessary to reactivate STAT4/p66Shc expression in patients with CLL. 6c is one of the most potent HDAC1is known to date and represents a novel pharmacological tool for reversing the impairment of the STAT4/p66Shc apoptotic machinery.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Apoptosis/drug effects
- Histone Deacetylase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing, Transforming Protein 1/metabolism
- Src Homology 2 Domain-Containing, Transforming Protein 1/genetics
- STAT4 Transcription Factor/metabolism
- B-Lymphocytes/drug effects
- B-Lymphocytes/metabolism
- Histone Deacetylase 1/metabolism
- Histone Deacetylase 1/antagonists & inhibitors
- Benzamides/pharmacology
- Male
- Aged
- Female
- Middle Aged
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara Rossi
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Vanessa Tatangelo
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Maria Dichiara
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Stefania Butini
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Sandra Gemma
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Simone Brogi
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Pisa, Via Bonanno, Pisa 56126, Italy
| | - Silvia Pasquini
- Department of Chemical, Pharmaceutical and Agricultural Sciences, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Martina Cappello
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Fabrizio Vincenzi
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Katia Varani
- Department of Translational Medicine, University of Ferrara, Via Borsari 46, Ferrara 44121, Italy
| | - Ludovica Lopresti
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Margherita Malchiodi
- Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Chiara Carrara
- Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Haematology Unit, Department of Medical Sciences, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Policlinico "Santa Maria alle Scotte", Viale Bracci, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Gabriele Carullo
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy.
| | - Cosima T Baldari
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Campiani
- Department of Biotechnology, Chemistry and Pharmacy, University of Siena, Via Aldo Moro 2, Siena 53100, Italy; Bioinformatics Research Center, School of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan 81746-7346, Iran
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5
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Sciaccotta R, Gangemi S, Penna G, Giordano L, Pioggia G, Allegra A. Potential New Therapies "ROS-Based" in CLL: An Innovative Paradigm in the Induction of Tumor Cell Apoptosis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:475. [PMID: 38671922 PMCID: PMC11047475 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13040475] [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: 03/18/2024] [Revised: 04/09/2024] [Accepted: 04/13/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia, in spite of recent advancements, is still an incurable disease; the majority of patients eventually acquire resistance to treatment through relapses. In all subtypes of chronic lymphocytic leukemia, the disruption of normal B-cell homeostasis is thought to be mostly caused by the absence of apoptosis. Consequently, apoptosis induction is crucial to the management of this illness. Damaged biological components can accumulate as a result of the oxidation of intracellular lipids, proteins, and DNA by reactive oxygen species. It is possible that cancer cells are more susceptible to apoptosis because of their increased production of reactive oxygen species. An excess of reactive oxygen species can lead to oxidative stress, which can harm biological elements like DNA and trigger apoptotic pathways that cause planned cell death. In order to upset the balance of oxidative stress in cells, recent therapeutic treatments in chronic lymphocytic leukemia have focused on either producing reactive oxygen species or inhibiting it. Examples include targets created in the field of nanomedicine, natural extracts and nutraceuticals, tailored therapy using biomarkers, and metabolic targets. Current developments in the complex connection between apoptosis, particularly ferroptosis and its involvement in epigenomics and alterations, have created a new paradigm.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raffaele Sciaccotta
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Sebastiano Gangemi
- Allergy and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy;
| | - Giuseppa Penna
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Laura Giordano
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
| | - Giovanni Pioggia
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation (IRIB), National Research Council of Italy (CNR), 98164 Messina, Italy;
| | - Alessandro Allegra
- Hematology Unit, Department of Human Pathology in Adulthood and Childhood “Gaetano Barresi”, University of Messina, Via Consolare Valeria, 98125 Messina, Italy; (R.S.); (G.P.); (L.G.)
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6
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Chen SS. Mouse models of CLL: In vivo modeling of disease initiation, progression, and transformation to Richter transformation. Semin Hematol 2024:S0037-1963(24)00056-8. [PMID: 38755077 DOI: 10.1053/j.seminhematol.2024.03.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2023] [Revised: 03/25/2024] [Accepted: 03/26/2024] [Indexed: 05/18/2024]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a highly complex disease characterized by the proliferation of CD5+ B cells in lymphoid tissues. Current modern treatments have brought significant clinical benefits to CLL patients. However, there are still unmet needs. Patients relapse on Bruton's tyrosine kinase inhibitors and BCL2 inhibitors and often develop more aggressive diseases including Richter transformation (RT), an incurable complication of up to ∼10% patients. This evidence underscores the need for improved immunotherapies, combination treatment strategies, and predictive biomarkers. A mouse model that can recapitulate human CLL disease and certain components of the tumor immune microenvironment represents a promising preclinical tool for such purposes. In this review, we provide an overview of CRISPR-engineered and xenograft mouse models utilizing either cell lines, or primary CLL cells suitable for studies of key events driving the disease onset, progression and transformation of CLL. We also review how CRISPR/Cas9 established mouse models carrying loss-of-function lesions allow one to study key mutations driving disease progression. Finally, we discuss how next generation humanized mice might improve to generation of faithful xenograft mouse models of human CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shih-Shih Chen
- Institute of Molecular Medicine, Feinstein Institutes for Medical Research, Manhasset, New York.
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7
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Benzarti M, Neises L, Oudin A, Krötz C, Viry E, Gargiulo E, Pulido C, Schmoetten M, Pozdeev V, Lorenz NI, Ronellenfitsch MW, Sumpton D, Warmoes M, Jaeger C, Lesur A, Becker B, Moussay E, Paggetti J, Niclou SP, Letellier E, Meiser J. PKM2 diverts glycolytic flux in dependence on mitochondrial one-carbon cycle. Cell Rep 2024; 43:113868. [PMID: 38421868 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2024.113868] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/09/2024] [Indexed: 03/02/2024] Open
Abstract
Modeling tumor metabolism in vitro remains challenging. Here, we used galactose as an in vitro tool compound to mimic glycolytic limitation. In contrast to the established idea that high glycolytic flux reduces pyruvate kinase isozyme M2 (PKM2) activity to support anabolic processes, we have discovered that glycolytic limitation also affects PKM2 activity. Surprisingly, despite limited carbon availability and energetic stress, cells induce a near-complete block of PKM2 to divert carbons toward serine metabolism. Simultaneously, TCA cycle flux is sustained, and oxygen consumption is increased, supported by glutamine. Glutamine not only supports TCA cycle flux but also serine synthesis via distinct mechanisms that are directed through PKM2 inhibition. Finally, deleting mitochondrial one-carbon (1C) cycle reversed the PKM2 block, suggesting a potential formate-dependent crosstalk that coordinates mitochondrial 1C flux and cytosolic glycolysis to support cell survival and proliferation during nutrient-scarce conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohaned Benzarti
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg; Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Laura Neises
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Anais Oudin
- NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Christina Krötz
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ernesto Gargiulo
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Coralie Pulido
- Animal Facility, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Maryse Schmoetten
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Vitaly Pozdeev
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Nadia I Lorenz
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - Michael W Ronellenfitsch
- Dr. Senckenberg Institute of Neurooncology, University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Frankfurt/Mainz, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; Frankfurt Cancer Institute (FCI), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany; University Cancer Center Frankfurt (UCT), University Hospital Frankfurt, Goethe University, Frankfurt am Main, Germany
| | - David Sumpton
- Cancer Research U.K. Scotland Institute, Switchback Road, Bearsden, Glasgow G61 1BD, UK
| | - Marc Warmoes
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Christian Jaeger
- Metabolomics Platform, Luxembourg Centre for Systems Biomedicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Antoine Lesur
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Björn Becker
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Jerome Paggetti
- Tumor Stroma Interactions, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Simone P Niclou
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg; NORLUX Neuro-Oncology Laboratory, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Elisabeth Letellier
- Molecular Disease Mechanisms Group, Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Cancer Metabolism Group, Department of Cancer Research, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg.
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8
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Playa-Albinyana H, Arenas F, Royo R, Giró A, López-Oreja I, Aymerich M, López-Guerra M, Frigola G, Beà S, Delgado J, Garcia-Roves PM, Campo E, Nadeu F, Colomer D. Chronic lymphocytic leukemia patient-derived xenografts recapitulate clonal evolution to Richter transformation. Leukemia 2024; 38:557-569. [PMID: 38017105 PMCID: PMC10912031 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-02095-5] [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: 06/13/2023] [Revised: 11/08/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/30/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a B-cell neoplasm with a heterogeneous clinical behavior. In 5-10% of patients the disease transforms into a diffuse large-B cell lymphoma known as Richter transformation (RT), which is associated with dismal prognosis. Here, we aimed to establish patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models to study the molecular features and evolution of CLL and RT. We generated two PDXs by injecting CLL (PDX12) and RT (PDX19) cells into immunocompromised NSG mice. Both PDXs were morphologically and phenotypically similar to RT. Whole-genome sequencing analysis at different time points of the PDX evolution revealed a genomic landscape similar to RT tumors from both patients and uncovered an unprecedented RT subclonal heterogeneity and clonal evolution during PDX generation. In PDX12, the transformed cells expanded from a very small subclone already present at the CLL stage. Transcriptomic analysis of PDXs showed a high oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and low B-cell receptor (BCR) signaling similar to the RT in the patients. IACS-010759, an OXPHOS inhibitor, reduced proliferation, and circumvented resistance to venetoclax. In summary, we have generated new RT-PDX models, one of them from CLL cells that mimicked the evolution of CLL to RT uncovering intrinsic features of RT cells of therapeutical value.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Animals
- Mice
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Heterografts
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/genetics
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Clonal Evolution/genetics
- Prognosis
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
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Affiliation(s)
- Heribert Playa-Albinyana
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Fabian Arenas
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Romina Royo
- Barcelona Supercomputing Center (BSC), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ariadna Giró
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Irene López-Oreja
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Aymerich
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Mònica López-Guerra
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Gerard Frigola
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sílvia Beà
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Julio Delgado
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Pablo M Garcia-Roves
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet del Llobregat, Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elías Campo
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ferran Nadeu
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain
- Molecular Pathology of Lymphoid Neoplasms Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Experimental Therapeutics in Lymphoid Malignancies Group, Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Barcelona, Spain.
- University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain.
- Hematopathology Section, Pathology Department, Hospital Clínic, Barcelona, Spain.
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9
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Ullah MA, Garcillán B, Whitlock E, Figgett WA, Infantino S, Eslami M, Yang S, Rahman MA, Sheng YH, Weber N, Schneider P, Tam CS, Mackay F. An unappreciated cell survival-independent role for BAFF initiating chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Front Immunol 2024; 15:1345515. [PMID: 38469292 PMCID: PMC10927009 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2024.1345515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/25/2024] [Indexed: 03/13/2024] Open
Abstract
Background Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the expansion of CD19+ CD5+ B cells but its origin remains debated. Mutated CLL may originate from post-germinal center B cells and unmutated CLL from CD5+ mature B cell precursors. Irrespective of precursor types, events initiating CLL remain unknown. The cytokines BAFF and APRIL each play a significant role in CLL cell survival and accumulation, but their involvement in disease initiation remains unclear. Methods We generated novel CLL models lacking BAFF or APRIL. In vivo experiments were conducted to explore the impact of BAFF or APRIL loss on leukemia initiation, progression, and dissemination. Additionally, RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR were performed to unveil the transcriptomic signature influenced by BAFF in CLL. The direct role of BAFF in controlling the expression of tumor-promoting genes was further assessed in patient-derived primary CLL cells ex-vivo. Results Our findings demonstrate a crucial role for BAFF, but not APRIL, in the initiation and dissemination of CLL cells. In the absence of BAFF or its receptor BAFF-R, the TCL1 transgene only increases CLL cell numbers in the peritoneal cavity, without dissemination into the periphery. While BAFF binding to BAFF-R is dispensable for peritoneal CLL cell survival, it is necessary to activate a tumor-promoting gene program, potentially linked to CLL initiation and progression. This direct role of BAFF in controlling the expression of tumor-promoting genes was confirmed in patient-derived primary CLL cells ex-vivo. Conclusions Our study, involving both mouse and human CLL cells, suggests that BAFF might initiate CLL through mechanisms independent of cell survival. Combining current CLL therapies with BAFF inhibition could offer a dual benefit by reducing peripheral tumor burden and suppressing transformed CLL cell output.
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Affiliation(s)
- Md Ashik Ullah
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Beatriz Garcillán
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eden Whitlock
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - William A. Figgett
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Kinghorn Centre for Clinical Genomics, Darlinghurst, NSW, Australia
| | - Simona Infantino
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Mahya Eslami
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
- Department of Oncology and Children’s Research Centre, University Children’s Hospital Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
| | - SiLing Yang
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - M. Arifur Rahman
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Yong H. Sheng
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Nicholas Weber
- Cancer Care Services, Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital, Herston, QLD, Australia
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Immunobiology, University of Lausanne, Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Constantine S. Tam
- Department of Haematology, Alfred Hospital, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Department of Haematology, Monash University, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | - Fabienne Mackay
- Queensland Institute of Medical Research (QIMR) Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Cancer Program, Herston, QLD, Australia
- The Department of Microbiology and Immunology, School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Health Sciences, University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
- The Department of Immunology and Pathology, Monash University, VIC, Australia
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Queensland, Brisbane, QLD, Australia
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10
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Boncompagni G, Tatangelo V, Lopresti L, Ulivieri C, Capitani N, Tangredi C, Finetti F, Marotta G, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Ciofini S, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Calzada-Fraile D, Martin Cofreces NB, Trentin L, Patrussi L, Baldari CT. Leukemic cell-secreted interleukin-9 suppresses cytotoxic T cell-mediated killing in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Cell Death Dis 2024; 15:144. [PMID: 38360867 PMCID: PMC10869739 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-024-06528-6] [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: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 12/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a central role in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), contributing to disease progression and chemoresistance. Leukemic cells shape the TME into a pro-survival and immunosuppressive niche through contact-dependent and contact-independent interactions with the cellular components of the TME. Immune synapse (IS) formation is defective in CLL. Here we asked whether soluble factors released by CLL cells contribute to their protection from cytotoxic T cell (CTL)-mediated killing by interfering with this process. We found that healthy CTLs cultured in media conditioned by leukemic cells from CLL patients or Eμ-TCL1 mice upregulate the exhaustion marker PD-1 and become unable to form functional ISs and kill target cells. These defects were more pronounced when media were conditioned by leukemic cells lacking p66Shc, a proapoptotic adapter whose deficiency has been implicated in disease aggressiveness both in CLL and in the Eμ-TCL1 mouse model. Multiplex ELISA assays showed that leukemic cells from Eμ-TCL1 mice secrete abnormally elevated amounts of CCL22, CCL24, IL-9 and IL-10, which are further upregulated in the absence of p66Shc. Among these, IL-9 and IL-10 were also overexpressed in leukemic cells from CLL patients, where they inversely correlated with residual p66Shc. Using neutralizing antibodies or the recombinant cytokines we show that IL-9, but not IL-10, mediates both the enhancement in PD-1 expression and the suppression of effector functions in healthy CTLs. Our results demonstrate that IL-9 secreted by leukemic cells negatively modulates the anti-tumor immune abilities of CTLs, highlighting a new suppressive mechanism and a novel potential therapeutical target in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Frezzato
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Diego Calzada-Fraile
- Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Instituto de investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
| | - Noa B Martin Cofreces
- Immunology Unit from Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid and Instituto de investigación Sanitaria La Princesa (IIS-IP), Madrid, Spain
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Cardiovasculares (CNIC), 28029, Madrid, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red Enfermedades Cardiovasculares (CIBERCV), Madrid, Spain
| | - Livio Trentin
- Department of Medicine, Hematology and Clinical Immunology Branch, Padua University School of Medicine, Padua, Italy
- Venetian Institute of Molecular Medicine, Padua, Italy
| | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy.
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11
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Lopresti L, Capitani N, Tatangelo V, Tangredi C, Boncompagni G, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Marotta G, Ciofini S, Gozzetti A, Bocchia M, Trentin L, Baldari CT, Patrussi L. p66Shc deficiency in CLL cells enhances PD-L1 expression and suppresses immune synapse formation. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1297116. [PMID: 38389706 PMCID: PMC10883382 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1297116] [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: 09/19/2023] [Accepted: 01/08/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Escape from immunosurveillance is a hallmark of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells. In the protective niche of lymphoid organs, leukemic cells suppress the ability of T lymphocytes to form the immune synapse (IS), thereby hampering T-cell mediated anti-tumoral activities. By binding its cognate receptor PD-1 at the surface of T lymphocytes, the inhibitory ligand PD-L1, which is overexpressed in CLL cells, mediates the T-cell suppressive activities of CLL cells. However, the molecular mechanism underlying PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells remains unknown. We have previously reported a defective expression of the pro-apoptotic and pro-oxidant adaptor p66Shc in CLL cells, which is causally related to an impairment in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and to the activation of the ROS-sensitive transcription factor NF-κB. The fact that PD-L1 expression is regulated by NF-κB suggests a mechanistic relationship between p66Shc deficiency and PD-L1 overexpression in CLL cells. Methods: 62 treatment-naive CLL patients and 43 healthy donors were included in this study. PD-L1 and p66Shc expression was quantified in B cells by flow cytometry and qRT-PCR. IS architecture and local signaling was assessed by flow cytometry and confocal microscopy. CD8+ cell killing activity was assessed by flow cytometry. Results: Here we show that residual p66Shc expression in leukemic cells isolated both from CLL patients and from the CLL mouse model Eμ-TCL1 inversely correlated with PD-L1 expression. We also show that the PD-L1 increase prevented leukemic cells from forming ISs with T lymphocytes. Reconstitution of p66Shc, but not of a ROS-defective mutant, in both CLL cells and the CLL-derived cell line MEC-1, enhanced intracellular ROS and decreased PD-L1 expression. Similar results were obtained following treatment of CLL cells with H2O2 as exogenous source of ROS, that normalized PD-L1 expression and recovered IS formation. Discussion: Our data provide direct evidence that the p66Shc-deficiency-related ROS depletion in CLL cells concurs to enhance PD-L1 expression and provides a mechanistic basis for the suppression of T cell-mediated anti-tumoral functions in the immunosuppressive lymphoid niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Federica Frezzato
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Marotta
- Stem Cell Transplant and Cellular Therapy Unit, University Hospital, Siena, Italy
| | - Sara Ciofini
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Alessandro Gozzetti
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Monica Bocchia
- Department of Medical Science, Surgery and Neuroscience, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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12
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Merchand-Reyes G, Santhanam R, Valencia-Pena ML, Kumar K, Mo X, Belay T, Woyach JA, Mundy-Bosse B, Tridandapani S, Butchar JP. Active Hexose-Correlated Compound Shows Direct and Indirect Effects against Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Nutrients 2023; 15:5138. [PMID: 38140397 PMCID: PMC10747249 DOI: 10.3390/nu15245138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a disease characterized by the accumulation of mature CD19+CD5+CD23+ B cells in the bloodstream and in lymphoid organs. It usually affects people over 70 years of age, which limits the options for treatments. The disease is typically well-managed, but to date is still incurable. Hence, the need for novel therapeutic strategies remains. Nurse-like cells (NLCs) are major components of the microenvironment for CLL, supporting tumor cell survival, proliferation, and even drug resistance. They are of myeloid lineage, guided toward differentiating into their tumor-supportive role by the CLL cells themselves. As such, they are analogous to tumor-associated macrophages and represent a major therapeutic target. Previously, it was found that a mushroom extract, Active Hexose-Correlated Compound (AHCC), promoted the death of acute myeloid leukemia cells while preserving normal monocytes. Given these findings, it was asked whether AHCC might have a similar effect on the abnormally differentiated myeloid-lineage NLCs in CLL. CLL-patient PBMCs were treated with AHCC, and it was found that AHCC treatment showed a direct toxic effect against isolated CLL cells. In addition, it significantly reduced the number of tumor-supportive NLCs and altered their phenotype. The effects of AHCC were then tested in the Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL and the MllPTD/WT Flt3ITD/WT model of AML. Results showed that AHCC not only reduced tumor load and increased survival in the CLL and AML models, but it also enhanced antitumor antibody treatment in the CLL model. These results suggest that AHCC has direct and indirect effects against CLL and that it may be of benefit when combined with existing treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giovanna Merchand-Reyes
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
| | - Ramasamy Santhanam
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
| | - Maria L. Valencia-Pena
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
| | - Krishan Kumar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
| | - Xiaokui Mo
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Tesfaye Belay
- Department of Applied Sciences and Mathematics, Bluefield State University, Bluefield, WV 24701, USA
| | - Jennifer A. Woyach
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Bethany Mundy-Bosse
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Susheela Tridandapani
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
| | - Jonathan P. Butchar
- Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA; (G.M.-R.)
- Pelotonia Institute for Immuno-Oncology, The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH 43210, USA
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13
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Hortal AM, Villanueva A, Arellano I, Prieto C, Mendoza P, Bustelo XR, Alarcón B. Mice Overexpressing Wild-Type RRAS2 Are a Novel Model for Preclinical Testing of Anti-Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Therapies. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:5817. [PMID: 38136362 PMCID: PMC10742337 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15245817] [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: 09/19/2023] [Revised: 12/04/2023] [Accepted: 12/07/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) is the most common type of leukemia in the Western world. Mutation in different genes, such as TP53 and ATM, and deletions at specific chromosomic regions, among which are 11q or 17p, have been described to be associated to worse disease prognosis. Recent research from our group has demonstrated that, contrary to what is the usual cancer development process through missense mutations, B-CLL is driven by the overexpression of the small GTPase RRAS2 in its wild-type form without activating mutations. Some mouse models of this disease have been developed to date and are commonly used in B-CLL research, but they present different disadvantages such as the long waiting period until the leukemia fully develops, the need to do cell engraftment or, in some cases, the fact that the model does not recapitulate the alterations found in human patients. We have recently described Rosa26-RRAS2fl/flxmb1-Cre as a new mouse model of B-CLL with a full penetrance of the disease. In this work, we have validated this mouse model as a novel tool for the development of new therapies for B-CLL, by testing two of the most broadly applied targeted agents: ibrutinib and venetoclax. This also opens the door to new targeted agents against R-RAS2 itself, an approach not yet explored in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alejandro M. Hortal
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Ana Villanueva
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Irene Arellano
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Cristina Prieto
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Pilar Mendoza
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
| | - Xosé R. Bustelo
- Centro de Investigación del Cáncer, Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer and Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad de Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain;
| | - Balbino Alarcón
- Immune System Development and Function Program, Centro Biología Molecular Severo Ochoa, Consejo Superior de Investigaciones Científicas (CSIC), Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, 28049 Madrid, Spain; (A.V.); (I.A.); (C.P.); (P.M.)
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14
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Salman A, Abdel Mageed SS, Fathi D, Elrebehy MA, Abulsoud AI, Elshaer SS, Khidr EG, Al-Noshokaty TM, Khaled R, Rizk NI, Elballal MS, Sayed GA, Abd-Elmawla MA, El Tabaa MM, Mohammed OA, Ashraf A, El-Husseiny AA, Midan HM, El-Dakroury WA, Abdel-Reheim MA, Doghish AS. Deciphering signaling pathway interplay via miRNAs in malignant pleural mesothelioma. Pathol Res Pract 2023; 252:154947. [PMID: 37977032 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2023.154947] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/12/2023] [Revised: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 11/10/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Malignant pleural mesothelioma (MPM) is a highly invasive form of lung cancer that adversely affects the pleural and other linings of the lungs. MPM is a very aggressive tumor that often has an advanced stage at diagnosis and a bad prognosis (between 7 and 12 months). When people who have been exposed to asbestos experience pleural effusion and pain that is not explained, MPM should be suspected. After being diagnosed, most MPM patients have a one- to four-year life expectancy. The life expectancy is approximately six months without treatment. Despite the plethora of current molecular investigations, a definitive universal molecular signature has yet to be discovered as the causative factor for the pathogenesis of MPM. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are known to play a crucial role in the regulation of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. The association between the expression of these short, non-coding RNAs and several neoplasms, including MPM, has been observed. Although the incidence of MPM is very low, there has been a significant increase in research focused on miRNAs in the past few years. In addition, miRNAs have been found to have a role in various regulatory signaling pathways associated with MPM, such as the Notch signaling network, Wnt/β-catenin, mutation of KRAS, JAK/STAT signaling circuit, protein kinase B (AKT), and Hedgehog signaling pathway. This study provides a comprehensive overview of the existing understanding of the roles of miRNAs in the underlying mechanisms of pathogenic symptoms in MPM, highlighting their potential as viable targets for therapeutic interventions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aya Salman
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, 11829 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif S Abdel Mageed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Doaa Fathi
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Elrebehy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed I Abulsoud
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Shereen Saeid Elshaer
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, Cairo 11823, Egypt
| | - Emad Gamil Khidr
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Tohada M Al-Noshokaty
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Reem Khaled
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Nehal I Rizk
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Heliopolis University, Cairo 11785, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Elballal
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ghadir A Sayed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, 11829 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mai A Abd-Elmawla
- Biochemistry, Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Manar Mohammed El Tabaa
- Pharmacology & Environmental Toxicology, Environmental Studies & Research Institute (ESRI), University of Sadat City, Sadat City, 32897 Menoufia, Egypt
| | - Osama A Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Medicine, University of Bisha, Bisha 61922, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alaa Ashraf
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A El-Husseiny
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, 11829 Cairo, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba M Midan
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Walaa A El-Dakroury
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Industrial Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt
| | - Mustafa Ahmed Abdel-Reheim
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Shaqra University, Shaqra 11961, Saudi Arabia; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef 62521, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Doghish
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo (BUC), Badr City, Cairo 11829, Egypt; Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Nasr City, 11231 Cairo, Egypt.
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15
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Ecker V, Brandmeier L, Stumpf M, Giansanti P, Moreira AV, Pfeuffer L, Fens MHAM, Lu J, Kuster B, Engleitner T, Heidegger S, Rad R, Ringshausen I, Zenz T, Wendtner CM, Müschen M, Jellusova J, Ruland J, Buchner M. Negative feedback regulation of MAPK signaling is an important driver of chronic lymphocytic leukemia progression. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113017. [PMID: 37792532 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 06/08/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 10/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite available targeted treatments for the disease, drug-resistant chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) poses a clinical challenge. The objective of this study is to examine whether the dual-specific phosphatases DUSP1 and DUSP6 are required to negatively regulate mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and thus counterbalance excessive MAPK activity. We show that high expression of DUSP6 in CLL correlates with poor clinical prognosis. Importantly, genetic deletion of the inhibitory phosphatase DUSP1 or DUSP6 and blocking DUSP1/6 function using a small-molecule inhibitor reduces CLL cell survival in vitro and in vivo. Using global phospho-proteome approaches, we observe acute activation of MAPK signaling by DUSP1/6 inhibition. This promotes accumulation of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and, thereby, DNA damage and apoptotic cell death in CLL cells. Finally, we observe that DUSP1/6 inhibition is particularly effective against treatment-resistant CLL and therefore suggest transient DUSP1/6 inhibition as a promising treatment concept to eliminate drug-resistant CLL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Veronika Ecker
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Lisa Brandmeier
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Stumpf
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Piero Giansanti
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Bavaria, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at the University hospital rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Aida Varela Moreira
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Lisa Pfeuffer
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Marcel H A M Fens
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Haematology, University Medical Center Utrecht, Utrecht, the Netherlands; Department of Pharmaceutics, Utrecht Institute for Pharmaceutical Sciences, Utrecht University, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Junyan Lu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Bernhard Kuster
- Chair of Proteomics and Bioanalytics, Technical University of Munich (TUM), Freising, Bavaria, Germany; Bavarian Center for Biomolecular Mass Spectrometry at the University hospital rechts der Isar (BayBioMS@MRI), Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Thomas Engleitner
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Simon Heidegger
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; Department of Medicine III, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Wellcome Trust/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute and Department of Haematology, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, 8091 Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Clemens-Martin Wendtner
- Munich Clinic Schwabing, Academic Teaching Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University (LMU), Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Müschen
- Center of Molecular and Cellular Oncology, Yale School of Medicine, 300 George Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Julia Jellusova
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany; German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Munich Partner Site, Munich, Germany; German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany; German Center for Infection Research (DZIF), Partner Site Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Maike Buchner
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany; TranslaTUM - Central Institute for Translational Cancer Research, Technische Universität München, 81675 Munich, Germany.
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16
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Goral A, Sledz M, Manda-Handzlik A, Cieloch A, Wojciechowska A, Lachota M, Mroczek A, Demkow U, Zagozdzon R, Matusik K, Wachowska M, Muchowicz A. Regulatory T cells contribute to the immunosuppressive phenotype of neutrophils in a mouse model of chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Exp Hematol Oncol 2023; 12:89. [PMID: 37817276 PMCID: PMC10563345 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-023-00452-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Impaired neutrophil activity is an important issue in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), as it contributes to a dysfunctional immune response leading to life-threatening infections in patients. Some features typical of CLL neutrophils, e.g., the B-cell-supportive secretion profile, have already been described. However, most of these studies were performed on cells isolated from peripheral blood. It is still unclear which molecular factors and cell types are involved in shaping neutrophil function and phenotype in the CLL microenvironment. Since regulatory T cells (Treg) play an important role in CLL progression and influence the activity of neutrophils, we investigated the crosstalk between Treg and neutrophils in the spleen using a murine model of CLL. METHODS In this work, we used an Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of human CLL. For our in vivo and ex vivo experiments, we inoculated wild-type mice with TCL1 leukemic cells isolated from Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mice and then monitored disease progression by detecting leukemic cells in peripheral blood. We analyzed both the phenotype and activity of neutrophils isolated from the spleens of TCL1 leukemia-bearing mice. To investigate the interrelation between Treg and neutrophils in the leukemia microenvironment, we performed experiments using TCL1-injected DEREG mice with Treg depletion or RAG2KO mice with adoptively transferred TCL1 cells alone or together with Treg. RESULTS The obtained results underline the plasticity of the neutrophil phenotype, observed under the influence of leukemic cells alone and depending on the presence of Treg. In particular, Treg affect the expression of CD62L and IL-4 receptor in neutrophils, both of which are crucial for the function of these cells. Additionally, we show that Treg depletion and IL-10 neutralization induce changes in the leukemia microenvironment, partially restoring the "healthy" phenotype of neutrophils. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, the results indicate that the crosstalk between Treg and neutrophils in CLL may play an important role in CLL progression by interfering with the immune response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Goral
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Marta Sledz
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Aneta Manda-Handzlik
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Adrianna Cieloch
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Alicja Wojciechowska
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Mieszko Lachota
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
- Department of Ophthalmology, Children's Memorial Health Institute, Warsaw, 04-730, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Mroczek
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Urszula Demkow
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Radoslaw Zagozdzon
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland
| | - Katarzyna Matusik
- Doctoral School, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Malgorzata Wachowska
- Department of Laboratory Diagnostics and Clinical Immunology of Developmental Age, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-091, Poland
| | - Angelika Muchowicz
- Department of Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland.
- Department of Clinical Immunology, Medical University of Warsaw, Warsaw, 02-097, Poland.
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17
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Sana I, Mantione ME, Meloni M, Riba M, Ranghetti P, Scarfò L, Ghia P, Muzio M. Dimethyl itaconate selectively targets inflammatory and metabolic pathways in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Eur J Immunol 2023; 53:e2350418. [PMID: 37561992 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202350418] [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: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 08/07/2023] [Indexed: 08/12/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) co-evolves with its own microenvironment where inflammatory stimuli including toll-like receptors (TLR) signaling can protect CLL cells from spontaneous and drug-induced apoptosis by upregulating IκBζ, an atypical co-transcription factor. To dissect IκBζ-centered signaling pathways, we performed a gene expression profile of primary leukemic cells expressing either high or low levels of IκBζ after stimulation, highlighting that IκBζ is not only an inflammatory gene but it may control metabolic rewiring of malignant cells thus pointing to a novel potential opportunity for therapy. We exploited the capacity of the dimethyl itaconate (DI), an anti-inflammatory electrophilic synthetic derivative of the metabolite Itaconate, to target IκBζ. CLL cells, murine leukemic splenocytes, and leukocytes from healthy donors were treated in vitro with DI that abolished metabolic activation and reduced cell viability of leukemic cells only, even in the presence of robust TLR prestimulation. RNA sequencing highlighted that in addition to the expected electrophilic stress signature observed after DI treatment, novel pathways emerged including the downregulation of distinct MHC class II complex genes. In conclusion, DI not only abrogated the proinflammatory effects of TLR stimulation but also targeted a specific metabolic vulnerability in CLL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ilenia Sana
- Cell signaling Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Maria Elena Mantione
- Cell signaling Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Miriam Meloni
- Cell signaling Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Michela Riba
- Center for Omics Sciences, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Pamela Ranghetti
- B-cell neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
| | - Lydia Scarfò
- B-cell neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Ghia
- B-cell neoplasia Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
- Vita-Salute San Raffaele University, Milano, Italy
| | - Marta Muzio
- Cell signaling Unit, Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milano, Italy
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18
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Silva Barcelos EC, Rompietti C, Adamo FM, Dorillo E, De Falco F, Del Papa B, Baldoni S, Nogarotto M, Esposito A, Capoccia S, Geraci C, Sorcini D, Stella A, Arcaleni R, Tini V, Imbroisi Valle Errera F, Rosati E, Sportoletti P. NOTCH1-mutated chronic lymphocytic leukemia displays high endoplasmic reticulum stress response with druggable potential. Front Oncol 2023; 13:1218989. [PMID: 37817771 PMCID: PMC10561002 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2023.1218989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/31/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction Constitutive activation of NOTCH1-wild-type (NT1-WT) signaling is associated with poor outcomes in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), and NOTCH1 mutation (c.7541_7542delCT), which potentiates NOTCH1 signaling, worsens the prognosis. However, the specific mechanisms of NOTCH1 deregulation are still poorly understood. Accumulative evidence mentioned endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) as a key targetable pathway in CLL. In this study, we investigated the impact of NOTCH1 deregulation on CLL cell response to ER stress induction, with the aim of identifying new therapeutic opportunities for CLL. Methods We performed a bioinformatics analysis of NOTCH1-mutated (NT1-M) and NT1-WT CLL to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) using the rank product test. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR), Western blotting, cytosolic Ca2+, and annexin V/propidium iodide (PI) assay were used to detect curcumin ER stress induction effects. A median-effect equation was used for drug combination tests. The experimental mouse model Eμ-TCL1 was used to evaluate the impact of ER stress exacerbation by curcumin treatment on the progression of leukemic cells and NOTCH1 signaling. Results and discussion Bioinformatics analysis revealed gene enrichment of the components of the ER stress/UPR pathway in NT1-M compared to those in NT1-WT CLL. Ectopic expression of NOTCH1 mutation upregulated the levels of ER stress response markers in the PGA1 CLL cell line. Primary NT1-M CLL was more sensitive to curcumin as documented by a significant perturbation in Ca2+ homeostasis and higher expression of ER stress/UPR markers compared to NT1-WT cells. It was also accompanied by a significantly higher apoptotic response mediated by C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) expression, caspase 4 cleavage, and downregulation of NOTCH1 signaling in NT1-M CLL cells. Curcumin potentiated the apoptotic effect of venetoclax in NT1-M CLL cells. In Eμ-TCL1 leukemic mice, the administration of curcumin activated ER stress in splenic B cells ex vivo and significantly reduced the percentage of CD19+/CD5+ cells infiltrating the spleen, liver, and bone marrow (BM). These cellular effects were associated with reduced NOTCH1 activity in leukemic cells and resulted in prolonged survival of curcumin-treated mice. Overall, our results indicate that ER stress induction in NT1-M CLL might represent a new therapeutic opportunity for these high-risk CLL patients and improve the therapeutic effect of drugs currently used in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Estevão Carlos Silva Barcelos
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Postgraduate Program in Biotechnology, Federal University of Espírito Santo, Vitória, Brazil
| | - Chiara Rompietti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Francesco Maria Adamo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Erica Dorillo
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Filomena De Falco
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Beatrice Del Papa
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Stefano Baldoni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
- Department of Medicine and Sciences of Aging, “G. d’Annunzio” University of Chieti-Pescara, Chieti, Italy
| | - Manuel Nogarotto
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Angela Esposito
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Silvia Capoccia
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Clelia Geraci
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Daniele Sorcini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Arianna Stella
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Roberta Arcaleni
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Valentina Tini
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | | | - Emanuela Rosati
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Biosciences and Medical Embryology Section, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Paolo Sportoletti
- Department of Medicine and Surgery, Institute of Hematology, Centro di Ricerca Emato-Oncologica (CREO), University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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19
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Autore F, Ramassone A, Stirparo L, Pagotto S, Fresa A, Innocenti I, Visone R, Laurenti L. Role of microRNAs in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12471. [PMID: 37569845 PMCID: PMC10419063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241512471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2023] [Revised: 07/29/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) is the most common form of leukemia in adults, with a highly variable clinical course. Improvement in the knowledge of the molecular pathways behind this disease has led to the development of increasingly specific therapies, such as BCR signaling inhibitors and BCL-2 inhibitors. In this context, the emerging role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in CLL pathophysiology and their possible application in therapy is worth noting. MiRNAs are one of the most important regulatory molecules of gene expression. In CLL, they can act both as oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes, and the deregulation of specific miRNAs has been associated with prognosis, progression, and drug resistance. In this review, we describe the role of the miRNAs that primarily impact the disease, and how these miRNAs could be used as therapeutic tools. Certainly, the use of miRNAs in clinical practice is still limited in CLL. Many issues still need to be solved, particularly regarding their biological and safety profile, even if several studies have suggested their efficacy on the disease, alone or in combination with other drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Autore
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy (A.F.); (I.I.); (L.L.)
| | - Alice Ramassone
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.R.); (S.P.); (R.V.)
| | - Luca Stirparo
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy (A.F.); (I.I.); (L.L.)
| | - Sara Pagotto
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.R.); (S.P.); (R.V.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Alberto Fresa
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy (A.F.); (I.I.); (L.L.)
| | - Idanna Innocenti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy (A.F.); (I.I.); (L.L.)
| | - Rosa Visone
- Center for Advanced Studies and Technology (CAST), G. d’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy; (A.R.); (S.P.); (R.V.)
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, G. d’Annunzio University, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Luca Laurenti
- Dipartimento di Diagnostica per Immagini, Radioterapia Oncologica ed Ematologia, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario A. Gemelli IRCCS, 00168 Roma, Italy (A.F.); (I.I.); (L.L.)
- Sezione di Ematologia, Dipartimento di Scienze Radiologiche ed Ematologiche, Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, 00168 Roma, Italy
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20
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Gribben JG. Targeting the methylome to improve CLL outcome. Blood 2023; 142:4-6. [PMID: 37410508 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2023020393] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 07/07/2023] Open
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21
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Parry EM, ten Hacken E, Wu CJ. Richter syndrome: novel insights into the biology of transformation. Blood 2023; 142:11-22. [PMID: 36758208 PMCID: PMC10356575 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022016502] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2023] [Indexed: 02/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Although the genetic landscape of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) has been broadly profiled by large-scale sequencing studies performed over the past decade, the molecular basis of the transformation of CLL into aggressive lymphoma, or Richter syndrome (RS), has remained incompletely characterized. Recent advances in computational methods of clonal deconvolution, as well as extensive sample collection efforts in this rapidly progressive malignancy, have now enabled comprehensive analysis of paired CLL and RS samples and have led to multiple new studies investigating the genetic, transcriptomic, and epigenetic origins of RS. In parallel, new genetically engineered and xenograft mouse models have provided the opportunity for gleaning fresh biological and mechanistic insights into RS development and stepwise evolution from antecedent CLL. Altogether, these studies have defined RS driver lesions and CLL risk lesions and identified pathways dysregulated in transformation. Moreover, unique molecular subtypes of RS have been revealed, including a disease marked by profound genomic instability with chromothripsis/chromoplexy and whole genome duplication. Novel profiling approaches, including single-cell DNA and transcriptome sequencing of RS biopsy specimens and cell-free DNA profiling of patient plasma, demonstrate promise for the timely identification of RS clones and may translate to noninvasive identification and early diagnosis of RS. This review summarizes the recent scientific advances in RS and supports the integrated study of human genomics with mouse modeling to provide an advanced understanding of the biological underpinnings of transformation. These recent studies have major implications for much-needed novel therapeutic strategies for this still largely incurable malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erin M. Parry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
| | - Elisa ten Hacken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, MA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, MA
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22
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Largeot A, Klapp V, Viry E, Gonder S, Fernandez Botana I, Blomme A, Benzarti M, Pierson S, Duculty C, Marttila P, Wierz M, Gargiulo E, Pagano G, An N, El Hachem N, Perez Hernandez D, Chakraborty S, Ysebaert L, François JH, Cortez Clemente S, Berchem G, Efremov DG, Dittmar G, Szpakowska M, Chevigné A, Nazarov PV, Helleday T, Close P, Meiser J, Stamatopoulos B, Désaubry L, Paggetti J, Moussay E. Inhibition of MYC translation through targeting of the newly identified PHB-eIF4F complex as a therapeutic strategy in CLL. Blood 2023; 141:3166-3183. [PMID: 37084385 PMCID: PMC10646824 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2022017839] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 02/08/2023] [Accepted: 03/05/2023] [Indexed: 04/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Dysregulation of messenger RNA (mRNA) translation, including preferential translation of mRNA with complex 5' untranslated regions such as the MYC oncogene, is recognized as an important mechanism in cancer. Here, we show that both human and murine chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells display a high translation rate, which is inhibited by the synthetic flavagline FL3, a prohibitin (PHB)-binding drug. A multiomics analysis performed in samples from patients with CLL and cell lines treated with FL3 revealed the decreased translation of the MYC oncogene and of proteins involved in cell cycle and metabolism. Furthermore, inhibiting translation induced a proliferation arrest and a rewiring of MYC-driven metabolism. Interestingly, contrary to other models, the RAS-RAF-(PHBs)-MAPK pathway is neither impaired by FL3 nor implicated in translation regulation in CLL cells. Here, we rather show that PHBs are directly associated with the eukaryotic initiation factor (eIF)4F translation complex and are targeted by FL3. Knockdown of PHBs resembled FL3 treatment. Importantly, inhibition of translation controlled CLL development in vivo, either alone or combined with immunotherapy. Finally, high expression of translation initiation-related genes and PHBs genes correlated with poor survival and unfavorable clinical parameters in patients with CLL. Overall, we demonstrated that translation inhibition is a valuable strategy to control CLL development by blocking the translation of several oncogenic pathways including MYC. We also unraveled a new and direct role of PHBs in translation initiation, thus creating new therapeutic opportunities for patients with CLL.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Mice
- Animals
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/metabolism
- Eukaryotic Initiation Factor-4F/genetics
- Prohibitins
- Genes, myc
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Largeot
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Vanessa Klapp
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Elodie Viry
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Susanne Gonder
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Iria Fernandez Botana
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Arnaud Blomme
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Stem Cells, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Mohaned Benzarti
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Cancer Research, Cancer Metabolism Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Sandrine Pierson
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Chloé Duculty
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Petra Marttila
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
| | - Marina Wierz
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Ernesto Gargiulo
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Giulia Pagano
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Faculty of Science, Technology and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Ning An
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Stem Cells, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Najla El Hachem
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Stem Cells, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
| | - Daniel Perez Hernandez
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Proteomics of Cellular Signaling, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Supriya Chakraborty
- Molecular Hematology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Loïc Ysebaert
- Haematology Department, Institut Universitaire du Cancer Toulouse Oncopole, Toulouse, France
| | - Jean-Hugues François
- Laboratoire d’hématologie, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Susan Cortez Clemente
- Département d’hémato-oncologie, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Guy Berchem
- Département d’hémato-oncologie, Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
- Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Dimitar G. Efremov
- Molecular Hematology, International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Trieste, Italy
| | - Gunnar Dittmar
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Proteomics of Cellular Signaling, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
- Department of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Luxembourg, Belvaux, Luxembourg
| | - Martyna Szpakowska
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Andy Chevigné
- Department of Infection and Immunity, Immuno-Pharmacology and Interactomics, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Esch-sur-Alzette, Luxembourg
| | - Petr V. Nazarov
- Department of Cancer Research, Multiomics Data Science, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Thomas Helleday
- Department of Oncology-Pathology, Science for Life Laboratory, Karolinska Institutet, Solna, Sweden
- Department of Oncology and Metabolism, Weston Park Cancer Centre, The Medical School, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom
| | - Pierre Close
- Laboratory of Cancer Signaling, GIGA Stem Cells, University of Liège, Liège, Belgium
- WELBIO Department, WEL Research Institute, Wavre, Belgium
| | - Johannes Meiser
- Department of Cancer Research, Cancer Metabolism Group, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Basile Stamatopoulos
- Laboratory of Clinical Cell Therapy, ULB-Research Cancer Center, Jules Bordet Institute, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Laurent Désaubry
- Regenerative Nanomedicine Laboratory (UMR1260), Faculty of Medicine, Fédération de Médecine Translationnelle de Strasbourg, INSERM-University of Strasbourg, Strasbourg, France
| | - Jérôme Paggetti
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
| | - Etienne Moussay
- Department of Cancer Research, Tumor Stroma Interactions, Luxembourg Institute of Health, Luxembourg, Luxembourg
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23
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Gharib E, Veilleux V, Boudreau LH, Pichaud N, Robichaud GA. Platelet-derived microparticles provoke chronic lymphocytic leukemia malignancy through metabolic reprogramming. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1207631. [PMID: 37441073 PMCID: PMC10333545 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1207631] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Background It is well established that inflammation and platelets promote multiple processes of cancer malignancy. Recently, platelets have received attention for their role in carcinogenesis through the production of microvesicles or platelet-derived microparticles (PMPs), which transfer their biological content to cancer cells. We have previously characterized a new subpopulation of these microparticles (termed mito-microparticles), which package functional mitochondria. The potential of mitochondria transfer to cancer cells is particularly impactful as many aspects of mitochondrial biology (i.e., cell growth, apoptosis inhibition, and drug resistance) coincide with cancer hallmarks and disease progression. These metabolic aspects are particularly notable in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), which is characterized by a relentless accumulation of proliferating, immunologically dysfunctional, mature B-lymphocytes that fail to undergo apoptosis. The present study aimed to investigate the role of PMPs on CLL metabolic plasticity leading to cancer cell phenotypic changes. Methods CLL cell lines were co-incubated with different concentrations of human PMPs, and their impact on cell proliferation, mitochondrial DNA copy number, OCR level, ATP production, and ROS content was evaluated. Essential genes involved in metabolic-reprogramming were identified using the bioinformatics tools, examined between patients with early and advanced CLL stages, and then validated in PMP-recipient CLLs. Finally, the impact of the induced metabolic reprogramming on CLLs' growth, survival, mobility, and invasiveness was tested against anti-cancer drugs Cytarabine, Venetoclax, and Plumbagin. Results The data demonstrated the potency of PMPs in inducing tumoral growth and invasiveness in CLLs through mitochondrial internalization and OXPHOS stimulation which was in line with metabolic shift reported in CLL patients from early to advanced stages. This metabolic rewiring also improved CLL cells' resistance to Cytarabine, Venetoclax, and Plumbagin chemo drugs. Conclusion Altogether, these findings depict a new platelet-mediated pathway of cancer pathogenesis. We also highlight the impact of PMPs in CLL metabolic reprogramming and disease progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehsan Gharib
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB, Canada
- New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Vanessa Veilleux
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB, Canada
- New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Luc H Boudreau
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Nicolas Pichaud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, Moncton, NB, Canada
| | - Gilles A Robichaud
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Université de Moncton, Moncton, NB, Canada
- Atlantic Cancer Research Institute, Moncton, NB, Canada
- New Brunswick Center for Precision Medicine, Moncton, NB, Canada
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24
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Mateos-Jaimez J, Mangolini M, Vidal A, Kulis M, Colomer D, Campo E, Ringshausen I, Martin-Subero JI, Maiques-Diaz A. Robust CRISPR-Cas9 Genetic Editing of Primary Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia and Mantle Cell Lymphoma Cells. Hemasphere 2023; 7:e909. [PMID: 37304935 PMCID: PMC10249715 DOI: 10.1097/hs9.0000000000000909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/13/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Judith Mateos-Jaimez
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Maurizio Mangolini
- Department of Hematology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Anna Vidal
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Marta Kulis
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Dolors Colomer
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Hematopathology Unit, Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Elias Campo
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Hematopathology Unit, Pathology Department, Hospital Clinic, Barcelona, Spain
- University of Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Department of Hematology and Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, University of Cambridge, United Kingdom
| | - Jose I. Martin-Subero
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Cáncer (CIBERONC), Madrid, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Alba Maiques-Diaz
- Institut d’Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Coyne V, Mead HL, Mongini PKA, Barker BM. B Cell Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Development in Mice with Chronic Lung Exposure to Coccidioides Fungal Arthroconidia. Immunohorizons 2023; 7:333-352. [PMID: 37195872 PMCID: PMC10579974 DOI: 10.4049/immunohorizons.2300013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 04/24/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Links between repeated microbial infections and B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (B-CLL) have been proposed but not tested directly. This study examines how prolonged exposure to a human fungal pathogen impacts B-CLL development in Eµ-hTCL1-transgenic mice. Monthly lung exposure to inactivated Coccidioides arthroconidia, agents of Valley fever, altered leukemia development in a species-specific manner, with Coccidioides posadasii hastening B-CLL diagnosis/progression in a fraction of mice and Coccidioides immitis delaying aggressive B-CLL development, despite fostering more rapid monoclonal B cell lymphocytosis. Overall survival did not differ significantly between control and C. posadasii-treated cohorts but was significantly extended in C. immitis-exposed mice. In vivo doubling time analyses of pooled B-CLL showed no difference in growth rates of early and late leukemias. However, within C. immitis-treated mice, B-CLL manifests longer doubling times, as compared with B-CLL in control or C. posadasii-treated mice, and/or evidence of clonal contraction over time. Through linear regression, positive relationships were noted between circulating levels of CD5+/B220low B cells and hematopoietic cells previously linked to B-CLL growth, albeit in a cohort-specific manner. Neutrophils were positively linked to accelerated growth in mice exposed to either Coccidioides species, but not in control mice. Conversely, only C. posadasii-exposed and control cohorts displayed positive links between CD5+/B220low B cell frequency and abundance of M2 anti-inflammatory monocytes and T cells. The current study provides evidence that chronic lung exposure to fungal arthroconidia affects B-CLL development in a manner dependent on fungal genotype. Correlative studies suggest that fungal species differences in the modulation of nonleukemic hematopoietic cells are involved.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vanessa Coyne
- Pathogen Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
| | - Heather L. Mead
- Pathogen Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
| | | | - Bridget M. Barker
- Pathogen Microbiome Institute, Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, AZ
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26
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Vaisband M, Schubert M, Gassner FJ, Geisberger R, Greil R, Zaborsky N, Hasenauer J. Validation of genetic variants from NGS data using deep convolutional neural networks. BMC Bioinformatics 2023; 24:158. [PMID: 37081386 PMCID: PMC10116675 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-023-05255-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/27/2023] [Indexed: 04/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Accurate somatic variant calling from next-generation sequencing data is one most important tasks in personalised cancer therapy. The sophistication of the available technologies is ever-increasing, yet, manual candidate refinement is still a necessary step in state-of-the-art processing pipelines. This limits reproducibility and introduces a bottleneck with respect to scalability. We demonstrate that the validation of genetic variants can be improved using a machine learning approach resting on a Convolutional Neural Network, trained using existing human annotation. In contrast to existing approaches, we introduce a way in which contextual data from sequencing tracks can be included into the automated assessment. A rigorous evaluation shows that the resulting model is robust and performs on par with trained researchers following published standard operating procedure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marc Vaisband
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria.
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany.
| | - Maria Schubert
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Franz Josef Gassner
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Roland Geisberger
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Richard Greil
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Nadja Zaborsky
- Department of Internal Medicine III with Haematology, Medical Oncology, Haemostaseology, Infectiology and Rheumatology, Oncologic Center; Salzburg Cancer Research Institute - Laboratory for Immunological and Molecular Cancer Research (SCRI-LIMCR); Cancer Cluster Salzburg, Paracelsus Medical University, Salzburg, Austria
| | - Jan Hasenauer
- Life and Medical Sciences Institute, University of Bonn, Bonn, Germany
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27
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The BAFF-APRIL System in Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15061791. [PMID: 36980677 PMCID: PMC10046288 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15061791] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/13/2023] [Indexed: 03/17/2023] Open
Abstract
B cell-activating factor (BAFF; also known as CD257, TNFSF13B, BLyS) and a proliferation-inducing ligand (APRIL; also known as CD256, TNFSF13) belong to the tumor necrosis factor (TNF) family. BAFF was initially discovered as a B-cell survival factor, whereas APRIL was first identified as a protein highly expressed in various cancers. These discoveries were followed by over two decades of extensive research effort, which identified overlapping signaling cascades between BAFF and APRIL, controlling immune homeostasis in health and driving pathogenesis in autoimmunity and cancer, the latter being the focus of this review. High levels of BAFF, APRIL, and their receptors have been detected in different cancers and found to be associated with disease severity and treatment response. Here, we have summarized the role of the BAFF-APRIL system in immune cell differentiation and immune tolerance and detailed its pathogenic functions in hematological and solid cancers. We also highlight the emerging therapeutics targeting the BAFF-APRIL system in different cancer types.
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28
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Vom Stein AF, Rebollido-Rios R, Lukas A, Koch M, von Lom A, Reinartz S, Bachurski D, Rose F, Bozek K, Abdallah AT, Kohlhas V, Saggau J, Zölzer R, Zhao Y, Bruns C, Bröckelmann PJ, Lohneis P, Büttner R, Häupl B, Oellerich T, Nguyen PH, Hallek M. LYN kinase programs stromal fibroblasts to facilitate leukemic survival via regulation of c-JUN and THBS1. Nat Commun 2023; 14:1330. [PMID: 36899005 PMCID: PMC10006233 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-36824-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2023] [Indexed: 03/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Microenvironmental bystander cells are essential for the progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). We have discovered previously that LYN kinase promotes the formation of a microenvironmental niche for CLL. Here we provide mechanistic evidence that LYN regulates the polarization of stromal fibroblasts to support leukemic progression. LYN is overexpressed in fibroblasts of lymph nodes of CLL patients. LYN-deficient stromal cells reduce CLL growth in vivo. LYN-deficient fibroblasts show markedly reduced leukemia feeding capacity in vitro. Multi-omics profiling reveals that LYN regulates the polarization of fibroblasts towards an inflammatory cancer-associated phenotype through modulation of cytokine secretion and extracellular matrix composition. Mechanistically, LYN deletion reduces inflammatory signaling including reduction of c-JUN expression, which in turn augments the expression of Thrombospondin-1, which binds to CD47 thereby impairing CLL viability. Together, our findings suggest that LYN is essential for rewiring fibroblasts towards a leukemia-supportive phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander F Vom Stein
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rocio Rebollido-Rios
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anna Lukas
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Maximilian Koch
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Anton von Lom
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Sebastian Reinartz
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Daniel Bachurski
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - France Rose
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Katarzyna Bozek
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- University of Cologne, Institute for Biomedical Informatics, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Ali T Abdallah
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Viktoria Kohlhas
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Julia Saggau
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Rebekka Zölzer
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Yue Zhao
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Christiane Bruns
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of General, Visceral and Cancer Surgery, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Paul J Bröckelmann
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Düsseldorf, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Max-Planck Institute for the Biology of Ageing, Cologne, Germany
| | - Philipp Lohneis
- Reference Centre for Lymph Node Pathology and Hematopathology, Hämatopathologie Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - Björn Häupl
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Thomas Oellerich
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Johann Wolfgang Goethe University, Frankfurt, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Heidelberg, Germany
- German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
- Frankfurt Cancer Institute, Goethe University Frankfurt, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - Phuong-Hien Nguyen
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
| | - Michael Hallek
- University of Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, Cologne, Germany.
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
- CECAD Center of Excellence on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany.
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29
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ten Hacken E, Sewastianik T, Yin S, Hoffmann GB, Gruber M, Clement K, Penter L, Redd RA, Ruthen N, Hergalant S, Sholokhova A, Fell G, Parry EM, Broséus J, Guieze R, Lucas F, Hernández-Sánchez M, Baranowski K, Southard J, Joyal H, Billington L, Regis FFD, Witten E, Uduman M, Knisbacher BA, Li S, Lyu H, Vaisitti T, Deaglio S, Inghirami G, Feugier P, Stilgenbauer S, Tausch E, Davids MS, Getz G, Livak KJ, Bozic I, Neuberg DS, Carrasco RD, Wu CJ. In Vivo Modeling of CLL Transformation to Richter Syndrome Reveals Convergent Evolutionary Paths and Therapeutic Vulnerabilities. Blood Cancer Discov 2023; 4:150-169. [PMID: 36468984 PMCID: PMC9975769 DOI: 10.1158/2643-3230.bcd-22-0082] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2022] [Revised: 09/16/2022] [Accepted: 12/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Transformation to aggressive disease histologies generates formidable clinical challenges across cancers, but biological insights remain few. We modeled the genetic heterogeneity of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) through multiplexed in vivo CRISPR-Cas9 B-cell editing of recurrent CLL loss-of-function drivers in mice and recapitulated the process of transformation from indolent CLL into large cell lymphoma [i.e., Richter syndrome (RS)]. Evolutionary trajectories of 64 mice carrying diverse combinatorial gene assortments revealed coselection of mutations in Trp53, Mga, and Chd2 and the dual impact of clonal Mga/Chd2 mutations on E2F/MYC and interferon signaling dysregulation. Comparative human and murine RS analyses demonstrated tonic PI3K signaling as a key feature of transformed disease, with constitutive activation of the AKT and S6 kinases, downmodulation of the PTEN phosphatase, and convergent activation of MYC/PI3K transcriptional programs underlying enhanced sensitivity to MYC/mTOR/PI3K inhibition. This robust experimental system presents a unique framework to study lymphoid biology and therapy. SIGNIFICANCE Mouse models reflective of the genetic complexity and heterogeneity of human tumors remain few, including those able to recapitulate transformation to aggressive disease histologies. Herein, we model CLL transformation into RS through multiplexed in vivo gene editing, providing key insight into the pathophysiology and therapeutic vulnerabilities of transformed disease. This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 101.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa ten Hacken
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tomasz Sewastianik
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Experimental Hematology, Institute of Hematology and Transfusion Medicine, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Shanye Yin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | | | - Michaela Gruber
- CEMM Research Center for Molecular Medicine of the Austrian Academy of Sciences, Vienna, Austria
| | - Kendell Clement
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Molecular Pathology Unit, Center for Cancer Research and Center for Computational and Integrative Biology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Charlestown, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Livius Penter
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumorimmunology, Campus Virchow Klinikum, Berlin, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (corporate member of Freie Universität Berlin and Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin), Berlin, Germany
| | - Robert A. Redd
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Neil Ruthen
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Sébastien Hergalant
- Inserm UMRS1256 Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux (N-GERE), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
| | - Alanna Sholokhova
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Geoffrey Fell
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Erin M. Parry
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Julien Broséus
- Inserm UMRS1256 Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux (N-GERE), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Pôle Laboratoires, Nancy, France
| | | | - Fabienne Lucas
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - María Hernández-Sánchez
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Pharmacy School, Universidad Complutense de Madrid, Madrid, Spain
| | - Kaitlyn Baranowski
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Jackson Southard
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Heather Joyal
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Leah Billington
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Fara Faye D. Regis
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Elizabeth Witten
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Mohamed Uduman
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Binyamin A. Knisbacher
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Cancer Research Center, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer, Israel
| | - Shuqiang Li
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Haoxiang Lyu
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Tiziana Vaisitti
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino, Turin, Italy
| | - Giorgio Inghirami
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, New York
| | - Pierre Feugier
- Inserm UMRS1256 Nutrition-Génétique et Exposition aux Risques Environnementaux (N-GERE), Université de Lorraine, Nancy, France
- Université de Lorraine, CHRU-Nancy, Service d'Hématologie Biologique, Pôle Laboratoires, Nancy, France
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Department III of Internal Medicine III, Division of CLL, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Eugen Tausch
- Department III of Internal Medicine III, Division of CLL, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Matthew S. Davids
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Gad Getz
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Kenneth J. Livak
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Translational Immunogenomics Lab, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ivana Bozic
- Department of Applied Mathematics, University of Washington, Seattle, Washington
| | - Donna S. Neuberg
- Department of Data Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Ruben D. Carrasco
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Oncologic Pathology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts
- Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts
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30
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Chronic lymphocytic leukemia presence impairs antigen-specific CD8 + T-cell responses through epigenetic reprogramming towards short-lived effectors. Leukemia 2023; 37:606-616. [PMID: 36658390 PMCID: PMC9851097 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-023-01817-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2022] [Revised: 12/22/2022] [Accepted: 01/10/2023] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
T-cell dysregulation in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) associates with low response rates to autologous T cell-based therapies. How CLL affects antigen-specific T-cell responses remains largely unknown. We investigated (epi)genetic and functional consequences of antigen-specific T-cell responses in presence of CLL in vitro and in an adoptive-transfer murine model. Already at steady-state, antigen-experienced patient-derived T cells were skewed towards short-lived effector cells (SLEC) at the expense of memory-precursor effector cells (MPEC). Stimulation of these T cells in vitro showed rapid induction of effector genes and suppression of key memory transcription factors only in presence of CLL cells, indicating epigenetic regulation. This was investigated in vivo by following antigen-specific responses of naïve OT-I CD8+ cells to mCMV-OVA in presence/absence of TCL1 B-cell leukemia. Presence of leukemia resulted in increased SLEC formation, with disturbed inflammatory cytokine production. Chromatin and transcriptome profiling revealed strong epigenetic modifications, leading to activation of an effector and silencing of a memory profile through presence of CLL cells. Secondary challenge in vivo confirmed dysfunctional memory responses by antigen-experienced OT-I cells generated in presence of CLL. Altogether, we show that presence of CLL induces a short-lived effector phenotype and impaired memory responses by epigenetic reprogramming during primary responses.
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31
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Hing ZA, Walker JS, Whipp EC, Brinton L, Cannon M, Zhang P, Sher S, Cempre CB, Brown F, Smith PL, Agostinelli C, Pileri SA, Skinner JN, Williams K, Phillips H, Shaffer J, Beaver LP, Pan A, Shin K, Gregory CT, Ozer GH, Yilmaz SA, Harrington BK, Lehman AM, Yu L, Coppola V, Yan P, Scherle P, Wang M, Pitis P, Xu C, Vaddi K, Chen-Kiang S, Woyach J, Blachly JS, Alinari L, Yang Y, Byrd JC, Baiocchi RA, Blaser BW, Lapalombella R. Dysregulation of PRMT5 in chronic lymphocytic leukemia promotes progression with high risk of Richter's transformation. Nat Commun 2023; 14:97. [PMID: 36609611 PMCID: PMC9823097 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-35778-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2022] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Richter's Transformation (RT) is a poorly understood and fatal progression of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) manifesting histologically as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Protein arginine methyltransferase 5 (PRMT5) is implicated in lymphomagenesis, but its role in CLL or RT progression is unknown. We demonstrate herein that tumors uniformly overexpress PRMT5 in patients with progression to RT. Furthermore, mice with B-specific overexpression of hPRMT5 develop a B-lymphoid expansion with increased risk of death, and Eµ-PRMT5/TCL1 double transgenic mice develop a highly aggressive disease with transformation that histologically resembles RT; where large-scale transcriptional profiling identifies oncogenic pathways mediating PRMT5-driven disease progression. Lastly, we report the development of a SAM-competitive PRMT5 inhibitor, PRT382, with exclusive selectivity and optimal in vitro and in vivo activity compared to available PRMT5 inhibitors. Taken together, the discovery that PRMT5 drives oncogenic pathways promoting RT provides a compelling rationale for clinical investigation of PRMT5 inhibitors such as PRT382 in aggressive CLL/RT cases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zachary A Hing
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janek S Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Ethan C Whipp
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lindsey Brinton
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Matthew Cannon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pu Zhang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Steven Sher
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Casey B Cempre
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Fiona Brown
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Porsha L Smith
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Claudio Agostinelli
- Haematopathology Unit, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano A Pileri
- European Institute of Oncology, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (IRCCS), Milan, Italy
- Department of Specialized, Experimental and Diagnostic Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jordan N Skinner
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Katie Williams
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Hannah Phillips
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Jami Shaffer
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Larry P Beaver
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Alexander Pan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Kyle Shin
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Charles T Gregory
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Gulcin H Ozer
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Selen A Yilmaz
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bonnie K Harrington
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Veterinary Biosciences, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Pathobiology and Diagnostic Investigation, College of Veterinary Medicine, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Amy M Lehman
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Vincenzo Coppola
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Pearlly Yan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | | | - Min Wang
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | | | - Chaoyi Xu
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Kris Vaddi
- Prelude Therapeutics, Wilmington, DE, USA
| | - Selina Chen-Kiang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jennifer Woyach
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - James S Blachly
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Lapo Alinari
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Yiping Yang
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - John C Byrd
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Robert A Baiocchi
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Bradley W Blaser
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Rosa Lapalombella
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
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32
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Thomalla D, Beckmann L, Grimm C, Oliverio M, Meder L, Herling C, Nieper P, Feldmann T, Merkel O, Lorsy E, da Palma Guerreiro A, von Jan J, Kisis I, Wasserburger E, Claasen J, Faitschuk-Meyer E, Altmüller J, Nürnberg P, Yang TP, Lienhard M, Herwig R, Kreuzer KA, Pallasch C, Büttner R, Schäfer S, Hartley J, Abken H, Peifer M, Kashkar H, Knittel G, Eichhorst B, Ullrich R, Herling M, Reinhardt H, Hallek M, Schweiger M, Frenzel L. Deregulation and epigenetic modification of BCL2-family genes cause resistance to venetoclax in hematologic malignancies. Blood 2022; 140:2113-2126. [PMID: 35704690 PMCID: PMC10653032 DOI: 10.1182/blood.2021014304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax has been approved to treat different hematological malignancies. Because there is no common genetic alteration causing resistance to venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and B-cell lymphoma, we asked if epigenetic events might be involved in venetoclax resistance. Therefore, we employed whole-exome sequencing, methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing, and genome-wide clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 screening to investigate venetoclax resistance in aggressive lymphoma and high-risk CLL patients. We identified a regulatory CpG island within the PUMA promoter that is methylated upon venetoclax treatment, mediating PUMA downregulation on transcript and protein level. PUMA expression and sensitivity toward venetoclax can be restored by inhibition of methyltransferases. We can demonstrate that loss of PUMA results in metabolic reprogramming with higher oxidative phosphorylation and adenosine triphosphate production, resembling the metabolic phenotype that is seen upon venetoclax resistance. Although PUMA loss is specific for acquired venetoclax resistance but not for acquired MCL1 resistance and is not seen in CLL patients after chemotherapy-resistance, BAX is essential for sensitivity toward both venetoclax and MCL1 inhibition. As we found loss of BAX in Richter's syndrome patients after venetoclax failure, we defined BAX-mediated apoptosis to be critical for drug resistance but not for disease progression of CLL into aggressive diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in vivo. A compound screen revealed TRAIL-mediated apoptosis as a target to overcome BAX deficiency. Furthermore, antibody or CAR T cells eliminated venetoclax resistant lymphoma cells, paving a clinically applicable way to overcome venetoclax resistance.
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MESH Headings
- Humans
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/genetics
- Leukemia, Lymphocytic, Chronic, B-Cell/pathology
- Myeloid Cell Leukemia Sequence 1 Protein/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-bcl-2/metabolism
- bcl-2-Associated X Protein/metabolism
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins/genetics
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/pharmacology
- Bridged Bicyclo Compounds, Heterocyclic/therapeutic use
- Lymphoma, Large B-Cell, Diffuse/pathology
- Hematologic Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Hematologic Neoplasms/genetics
- Epigenesis, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- D. Thomalla
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L. Beckmann
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C. Grimm
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Oliverio
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L. Meder
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Mildred Scheel School of Oncology Cologne, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C.D. Herling
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - P. Nieper
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T. Feldmann
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - O. Merkel
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - E. Lorsy
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - A. da Palma Guerreiro
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. von Jan
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - I. Kisis
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - E. Wasserburger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - J. Claasen
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | | | - J. Altmüller
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - P. Nürnberg
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - T.-P. Yang
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Lienhard
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - R. Herwig
- Department of Computational Molecular Biology, Max-Planck-Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
| | - K.-A. Kreuzer
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - C.P. Pallasch
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R. Büttner
- Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - S.C. Schäfer
- Department of Pathology, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institut für Pathologie im Medizin Campus Bodensee, Friedrichshafen, Germany
| | - J. Hartley
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - H. Abken
- RCI, Regensburg Center for Interventional Immunology, University Hospital of Regensburg, Regensburg, Germany
| | - M. Peifer
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center of Integrated Oncology Cologne-Bonn, Medical Faculty, Department of Translational Genomics, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - H. Kashkar
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Institute for Molecular Immunologie, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - G. Knittel
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - B. Eichhorst
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - R.T. Ullrich
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M. Herling
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Clinic of Hematology, Cellular Therapy and Hemostaseology, University of Leipzig, Leipzig, Germany
| | - H.C. Reinhardt
- Department of Hematology and Stem Cell Transplantation, University Hospital Essen, University Duisburg-Essen, German Cancer Consortium (DKTK Partner Site Essen), Essen, Germany
| | - M. Hallek
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - M.R. Schweiger
- Institute for Translational Epigenetics, Medical Faculty, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Center for Genomics (CCG), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne (CMMC), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
| | - L.P. Frenzel
- Faculty of Medicine and Cologne University Hospital, Department I of Internal Medicine, Center for Integrated Oncology Aachen Bonn Cologne Duesseldorf, University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
- Cologne Excellence Cluster on Cellular Stress Responses in Aging-Associated Diseases (CECAD), University of Cologne, Cologne, Germany
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Old and New Facts and Speculations on the Role of the B Cell Receptor in the Origin of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232214249. [PMID: 36430731 PMCID: PMC9693457 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232214249] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2022] [Revised: 11/09/2022] [Accepted: 11/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The engagement of the B cell receptor (BcR) on the surface of leukemic cells represents a key event in chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) since it can lead to the maintenance and expansion of the neoplastic clone. This notion was initially suggested by observations of the CLL BcR repertoire and of correlations existing between certain BcR features and the clinical outcomes of single patients. Based on these observations, tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs), which block BcR signaling, have been introduced in therapy with the aim of inhibiting CLL cell clonal expansion and of controlling the disease. Indeed, the impressive results obtained with these compounds provided further proof of the role of BcR in CLL. In this article, the key steps that led to the determination of the role of BcR are reviewed, including the features of the CLL cell repertoire and the fine mechanisms causing BcR engagement and cell signaling. Furthermore, we discuss the biological effects of the engagement, which can lead to cell survival/proliferation or apoptosis depending on certain intrinsic cell characteristics and on signals that the micro-environment can deliver to the leukemic cells. In addition, consideration is given to alternative mechanisms promoting cell proliferation in the absence of BcR signaling, which can explain in part the incomplete effectiveness of TKI therapies. The role of the BcR in determining clonal evolution and disease progression is also described. Finally, we discuss possible models to explain the selection of a special BcR set during leukemogenesis. The BcR may deliver activation signals to the cells, which lead to their uncontrolled growth, with the possible collaboration of other still-undefined events which are capable of deregulating the normal physiological response of B cells to BcR-delivered stimuli.
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Muhowski EM, Ravikrishnan J, Gordon B, Yu L, Misra S, Walker B, Eathiraj S, Sampath D, Rogers KA, Byrd JC, Woyach JA. Preclinical evaluation of combination nemtabrutinib and venetoclax in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. J Hematol Oncol 2022; 15:166. [PMID: 36380319 PMCID: PMC9664697 DOI: 10.1186/s13045-022-01386-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Inhibitors of B cell receptor (BCR) signaling such as the Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitors are effective therapeutics for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). The first-in-class covalent BTK inhibitor, ibrutinib, produces durable responses in most CLL patients; however, complete responses are only observed in a minority of patients. B cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2), an anti-apoptotic protein that contributes to CLL cell survival, has also been investigated as a therapeutic target. The BCL2 inhibitor venetoclax is effective in patients with CLL and can produce undetectable minimal residual disease, allowing discontinuation of therapy. In combination, ibrutinib and venetoclax have shown preclinical synergy and clinical efficacy. Nemtabrutinib is a next generation, reversible inhibitor of BTK that potently inhibits BCR signaling in treatment-naïve and ibrutinib-refractory CLL cells ex vivo. The clinical efficacy of combining BTK inhibitors with BCL2 inhibitors motivated us to evaluate the novel combination of nemtabrutinib and venetoclax. In vitro studies show that nemtabrutinib and venetoclax are not antagonistic to each other. In an adoptive transfer CLL mouse model, mice treated with nemtabrutinib and venetoclax had prolonged survival compared to mice treated with ibrutinib and venetoclax. Our preclinical studies further validate the combination of BTK inhibitors with venetoclax and justify further investigation of combining nemtabrutinib with venetoclax in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth M Muhowski
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Janani Ravikrishnan
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Britten Gordon
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Lianbo Yu
- Center for Biostatistics, Department of Biomedical Informatics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Shrilekha Misra
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - Brandi Walker
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | | | - Deepa Sampath
- Division of Hematopoietic Biology and Malignancy, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Kerry A Rogers
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA
| | - John C Byrd
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Pharmaceutics and Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA.
- Division of Hematology, Department of Internal Medicine, The Ohio State University, 410 W 12Th Avenue, Columbus, OH, 43210, USA.
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David K, Friedlander G, Pellegrino B, Radomir L, Lewinsky H, Leng L, Bucala R, Becker-Herman S, Shachar I. CD74 as a regulator of transcription in normal B cells. Cell Rep 2022; 41:111572. [DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111572] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Revised: 09/07/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
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Mangolini M, Maiques-Diaz A, Charalampopoulou S, Gerhard-Hartmann E, Bloehdorn J, Moore A, Giachetti G, Lu J, Roamio Franklin VN, Chilamakuri CSR, Moutsopoulos I, Rosenwald A, Stilgenbauer S, Zenz T, Mohorianu I, D'Santos C, Deaglio S, Hodson DJ, Martin-Subero JI, Ringshausen I. Viral transduction of primary human lymphoma B cells reveals mechanisms of NOTCH-mediated immune escape. Nat Commun 2022; 13:6220. [PMID: 36266281 PMCID: PMC9585083 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-022-33739-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2022] [Accepted: 09/30/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hotspot mutations in the PEST-domain of NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 are recurrently identified in B cell malignancies. To address how NOTCH-mutations contribute to a dismal prognosis, we have generated isogenic primary human tumor cells from patients with Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia (CLL) and Mantle Cell Lymphoma (MCL), differing only in their expression of the intracellular domain (ICD) of NOTCH1 or NOTCH2. Our data demonstrate that both NOTCH-paralogs facilitate immune-escape of malignant B cells by up-regulating PD-L1, partly dependent on autocrine interferon-γ signaling. In addition, NOTCH-activation causes silencing of the entire HLA-class II locus via epigenetic regulation of the transcriptional co-activator CIITA. Notably, while NOTCH1 and NOTCH2 govern similar transcriptional programs, disease-specific differences in their expression levels can favor paralog-specific selection. Importantly, NOTCH-ICD also strongly down-regulates the expression of CD19, possibly limiting the effectiveness of immune-therapies. These NOTCH-mediated immune escape mechanisms are associated with the expansion of exhausted CD8+ T cells in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maurizio Mangolini
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Alba Maiques-Diaz
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Johannes Bloehdorn
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of CLL, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Andrew Moore
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Giorgia Giachetti
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Junyan Lu
- European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL), Heidelberg, Germany
- Molecular Medicine Partnership Unit (MMPU), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | | | - Ilias Moutsopoulos
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Andreas Rosenwald
- Pathologisches Institut Universität Würzburg, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | - Stephan Stilgenbauer
- Department of Internal Medicine III, Division of CLL, Ulm University, Ulm, Germany
| | - Thorsten Zenz
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital Zürich and University of Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland
- Molecular Therapy in Hematology and Oncology, National Center for Tumor Diseases and German Cancer, Research Centre, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Irina Mohorianu
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
| | - Clive D'Santos
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Silvia Deaglio
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Daniel J Hodson
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK
| | - Jose I Martin-Subero
- Institut d'Investigacions Biomèdiques August Pi i Sunyer (IDIBAPS), Barcelona, Spain
- Institució Catalana de Recerca i Estudis Avançats (ICREA), Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ingo Ringshausen
- Wellcome/MRC Cambridge Stem Cell Institute, Jeffrey Cheah Biomedical Centre, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AW, UK.
- Department of Haematology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0AH, UK.
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Lee AC, Pingali SR, Pinilla-Ibarz JA, Atchison ML, Koumenis C, Argon Y, Thomas-Tikhonenko A, De Trez C, Hu CCA, Tang CHA. Loss of AID exacerbates the malignant progression of CLL. Leukemia 2022; 36:2430-2442. [PMID: 36042317 PMCID: PMC9522595 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-022-01663-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Revised: 07/17/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) has been implicated as both a positive and a negative factor in the progression of B cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), but the role that it plays in the development and progression of this disease is still unclear. We generated an AID knockout CLL mouse model, AID-/-/Eμ-TCL1, and found that these mice die significantly earlier than their AID-proficient counterparts. AID-deficient CLL cells exhibit a higher ER stress response compared to Eμ-TCL1 controls, particularly through activation of the IRE1/XBP1s pathway. The increased production of secretory IgM in AID-deficient CLL cells contributes to their elevated expression levels of XBP1s, while secretory IgM-deficient CLL cells express less XBP1s. This increase in XBP1s in turn leads AID-deficient CLL cells to exhibit higher levels of B cell receptor signaling, supporting leukemic growth and survival. Further, AID-/-/Eμ-TCL1 CLL cells downregulate the tumor suppressive SMAD1/S1PR2 pathway and have altered homing to non-lymphoid organs. Notably, CLL cells from patients with IgHV-unmutated disease express higher levels of XBP1s mRNA compared to those from patients with IgHV-mutated CLL. Our studies thus reveal novel mechanisms by which the loss of AID leads to worsened CLL and may explain why unmutated CLL is more aggressive than mutated CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Avery C Lee
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
- Cell & Molecular Biology Graduate Group, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Sai Ravi Pingali
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Javier A Pinilla-Ibarz
- Department of Malignant Hematology, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | - Michael L Atchison
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Veterinary Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Constantinos Koumenis
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Yair Argon
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cell Pathology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Andrei Thomas-Tikhonenko
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA, USA
- Division of Cancer Pathobiology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Carl De Trez
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Chih-Chi Andrew Hu
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
| | - Chih-Hang Anthony Tang
- Center for Translational Research in Hematologic Malignancies, Houston Methodist Cancer Center, Houston Methodist Research Institute, Houston, TX, USA.
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38
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Merchand-Reyes G, Santhanam R, Robledo-Avila FH, Weigel C, Ruiz-Rosado JDD, Mo X, Partida-Sánchez S, Woyach JA, Oakes CC, Tridandapani S, Butchar JP. Disruption of Nurse-like Cell Differentiation as a Therapeutic Strategy for Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. JOURNAL OF IMMUNOLOGY (BALTIMORE, MD. : 1950) 2022; 209:1212-1223. [PMID: 35995507 PMCID: PMC9492647 DOI: 10.4049/jimmunol.2100931] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/11/2022] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is the most common adult leukemia, but, despite advances in treatment, many patients still experience relapse. CLL cells depend on interactions with supportive cells, and nurse-like cells (NLCs) are the major such cell type. However, little is known about how NLCs develop. Here, we performed DNA methylation analysis of CLL patient-derived NLCs using the 850K Illumina array, comparing CD14+ cells at day 1 (monocytes) versus day 14 (NLCs). We found a strong loss of methylation in AP-1 transcription factor binding sites, which may be driven by MAPK signaling. Testing of individual MAPK pathways (MEK, p38, and JNK) revealed a strong dependence on MEK/ERK for NLC development, because treatment of patient samples with the MEK inhibitor trametinib dramatically reduced NLC development in vitro. Using the adoptive transfer Eµ-TCL1 mouse model of CLL, we found that MEK inhibition slowed CLL progression, leading to lower WBC counts and to significantly longer survival time. There were also lower numbers of mouse macrophages, particularly within the M2-like population. In summary, NLC development depends on MEK signaling, and inhibition of MEK leads to increased survival time in vivo. Hence, targeting the MEK/ERK pathway may be an effective treatment strategy for CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ramasamy Santhanam
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Christoph Weigel
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Xiaokui Mo
- Center for Biostatistics, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Jennifer A Woyach
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | - Christopher C Oakes
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH
| | | | - Jonathan P Butchar
- Division of Hematology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH;
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Liang X, Meng Y, Li C, Liu L, Wang Y, Pu L, Hu L, Li Q, Zhai Z. Super-Enhancer–Associated nine-gene prognostic score model for prediction of survival in chronic lymphocytic leukemia patients. Front Genet 2022; 13:1001364. [PMID: 36186463 PMCID: PMC9521409 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.1001364] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/23/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is a type of highly heterogeneous mature B-cell malignancy with various disease courses. Although a multitude of prognostic markers in CLL have been reported, insights into the role of super-enhancer (SE)–related risk indicators in the occurrence and development of CLL are still lacking. A super-enhancer (SE) is a cluster of enhancers involved in cell differentiation and tumorigenesis, and is one of the promising therapeutic targets for cancer therapy in recent years. In our study, the CLL-related super-enhancers in the training database were processed by LASSO-penalized Cox regression analysis to screen a nine-gene prognostic model including TCF7, VEGFA, MNT, GMIP, SLAMF1, TNFRSF25, GRWD1, SLC6AC, and LAG3. The SE-related risk score was further constructed and it was found that the predictive performance with overall survival and time-to-treatment (TTT) was satisfactory. Moreover, a high correlation was found between the risk score and already known prognostic markers of CLL. In the meantime, we noticed that the expressions of TCF7, GMIP, SLAMF1, TNFRSF25, and LAG3 in CLL were different from those of healthy donors (p < 0.01). Moreover, the risk score and LAG3 level of matched pairs before and after treatment samples varied significantly. Finally, an interactive nomogram consisting of the nine-gene risk group and four clinical traits was established. The inhibitors of mTOR and cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) were considered effective in patients in the high-risk group according to the pRRophetic algorithm. Collectively, the SE-associated nine-gene prognostic model developed here may be used to predict the prognosis and assist in the risk stratification and treatment of CLL patients in the future.
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40
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Thavayogarajah T, Sinitski D, Bounkari OE, Torres-Garcia L, Lewinsky H, Harjung A, Chen HR, Panse J, Vankann L, Shachar I, Bernhagen J, Koschmieder S. CXCR4 and CD74 together enhance cell survival in response to macrophage migration-inhibitory factor in chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Exp Hematol 2022; 115:30-43. [PMID: 36096455 DOI: 10.1016/j.exphem.2022.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) is characterized by the accumulation of small, mature CD5+ B lymphocytes in the blood, marrow, and lymphoid organs. Cell survival depends on interaction with the leukemic microenvironment. However, the mechanisms controlling CLL cell survival are still incompletely understood. Macrophage migration-inhibitory factor (MIF), a pro-inflammatory and immunoregulatory chemokine-like cytokine, interacts with CXCR4, a major chemokine receptor, as well as with CD74/invariant chain, a single-pass type II receptor. In this study, we analyzed the roles of CXCR4, CD74, and MIF in CLL. Mononuclear cells from patients with hematological malignancies were analyzed for coexpression of CXCR4 and CD74 by flow cytometry. Strong co- and overexpression of CXCR4 and CD74 were observed on B cells of CLL patients (n = 10). Survival and chemotaxis assays indicated that CXCR4 and CD74 work together to enhance the survival and migration of malignant cells in CLL. Blockade of the receptors, either individually or in combination, promoted cell death and led to an abrogation of MIF-driven migration responses in murine and human CLL cells, suggesting that joint activation of both receptors is crucial for CLL cell survival and mobility. These findings indicate that the MIF/CXCR4/CD74 axis represents a novel therapeutic target in CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tharshika Thavayogarajah
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany; Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany; Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, University Hospital and University of Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Dzmitry Sinitski
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Omar El Bounkari
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Torres-Garcia
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hadas Lewinsky
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Alexander Harjung
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hong-Ru Chen
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Jens Panse
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Lucia Vankann
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany
| | - Idit Shachar
- Department of Immunology, Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Jürgen Bernhagen
- Department of Vascular Biology, Institute for Stroke and Dementia Research (ISD), Klinikum der Universität München, Ludwig-Maximilians University Munich, Munich, Germany; German Center for Cardiovascular Research (DZHK), Partner Site Munich Heart Alliance, Munich, Germany; SyNergy Excellence Cluster, Munich, Germany.
| | - Steffen Koschmieder
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, Hemostaseology, and Stem Cell Transplantation, Faculty of Medicine, Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische (RWTH) Aachen University, Aachen, Germany.
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41
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Ogran A, Havkin-Solomon T, Becker-Herman S, David K, Shachar I, Dikstein R. Polysome-CAGE of TCL1-driven chronic lymphocytic leukemia revealed multiple N-terminally altered epigenetic regulators and a translation stress signature. eLife 2022; 11:77714. [PMID: 35939046 PMCID: PMC9359700 DOI: 10.7554/elife.77714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The transformation of normal to malignant cells is accompanied by substantial changes in gene expression programs through diverse mechanisms. Here, we examined the changes in the landscape of transcription start sites and alternative promoter (AP) usage and their impact on the translatome in TCL1-driven chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Our findings revealed a marked elevation of APs in CLL B cells from Eµ-Tcl1 transgenic mice, which are particularly enriched with intra-genic promoters that generate N-terminally truncated or modified proteins. Intra-genic promoter activation is mediated by (1) loss of function of ‘closed chromatin’ epigenetic regulators due to the generation of inactive N-terminally modified isoforms or reduced expression; (2) upregulation of transcription factors, including c-Myc, targeting the intra-genic promoters and their associated enhancers. Exogenous expression of Tcl1 in MEFs is sufficient to induce intra-genic promoters of epigenetic regulators and promote c-Myc expression. We further found a dramatic translation downregulation of transcripts bearing CNY cap-proximal trinucleotides, reminiscent of cells undergoing metabolic stress. These findings uncovered the role of Tcl1 oncogenic function in altering promoter usage and mRNA translation in leukemogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ariel Ogran
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Tal Havkin-Solomon
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | | | - Keren David
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Idit Shachar
- Department of Immunology, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
| | - Rivka Dikstein
- Department of Biomolecular Sciences, The Weizmann Institute of Science, Rehovot, Israel
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42
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Yang Y, Liu L, Tucker HO. Induction of chronic lymphocytic leukemia-like disease in STYK1/NOK transgenic mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 626:51-57. [PMID: 35970044 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.08.017] [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: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 08/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
STYK1/NOK functions in a ligand independent and constitutive fashion to provoke tumor formation and to be up-regulated in many types of cancer cells. However, how STYK1/NOK functions at the whole animal level is completely unknown. Here, we found that STYK1/NOK-transgenic (tg) mice spontaneously developed immunosuppressive B-CLL-like disease with generally shorter life spans. The phenotype of STYK1/NOK-induced B-CLL was typically heterogeneous, and most often, presented lymphadenectasis accompanied with hepatomegaly and/or splenomegaly. STYK1/NOK-tg mice also suffered reduced immune responses. The expanded CD5+CD19+ (B1) lymphocyte pool was detected within peripheral lymphoid organs. Analysis on GEO profile revealed that expression of STYK1/NOK were significantly up-regulated in primary human B-CLL. Inoculation of blood cells from sick STYK1/NOK-tg mice into immune-deficient recipients recaptured the B1 malignant phenotype. Our study demonstrated that STYK1/NOK transgenic mouse may serve as a useful model system for the developments of novel diagnosis and treatment of B-CLL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Yang
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Pathogen Biology, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & School of Basic Medicine, Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, 100005, China.
| | - Haley O Tucker
- Molecular Biosciences, Institute for Cellular and Molecular Biology, University of Texas at Austin, 1 University Station A5000, Austin TX, 78712, USA.
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43
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Simpson AP, Roghanian A, Oldham RJ, Chan HTC, Penfold CA, Kim HJ, Inzhelevskaya T, Mockridge CI, Cox KL, Bogdanov YD, James S, Tutt AL, Rycroft D, Morley P, Dahal LN, Teige I, Frendeus B, Beers SA, Cragg MS. FcγRIIB controls antibody-mediated target cell depletion by ITIM-independent mechanisms. Cell Rep 2022; 40:111099. [PMID: 35858562 PMCID: PMC9638011 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111099] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 05/10/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Many therapeutic antibodies deplete target cells and elicit immunotherapy by engaging activating Fc gamma receptors (FcγRs) on host effector cells. These antibodies are negatively regulated by the inhibitory FcγRIIB (CD32B). Dogma suggests inhibition is mediated through the FcγRIIB immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motif (ITIM), negatively regulating immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif (ITAM)-mediated signaling from activating FcγR. To assess this, we generated experimental models expressing human (h)FcγRIIB on targets or effectors, lacking or retaining ITIM signaling capacity. We demonstrate that signaling through the hFcγRIIB ITIM is dispensable for impairing monoclonal antibody (mAb)-mediated depletion of normal and malignant murine target cells through three therapeutically relevant surface receptors (CD20, CD25, and OX40) affecting immunotherapy. We demonstrate that hFcγRIIB competition with activating FcγRs for antibody Fc, rather than ITIM signaling, is sufficient to impair activating FcγR engagement, inhibiting effector function and immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander P Simpson
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ali Roghanian
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Robert J Oldham
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - H T Claude Chan
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Christine A Penfold
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Hyung J Kim
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Tatyana Inzhelevskaya
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - C Ian Mockridge
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Kerry L Cox
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Yury D Bogdanov
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Sonya James
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Alison L Tutt
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Daniel Rycroft
- Biopharm Discovery, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Peter Morley
- Biopharm Discovery, GSK, Gunnels Wood Road, Stevenage SG1 2NY, UK
| | - Lekh N Dahal
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK
| | - Ingrid Teige
- BioInvent International AB, Sölvegatan 41, 22370 Lund, Sweden
| | - Björn Frendeus
- BioInvent International AB, Sölvegatan 41, 22370 Lund, Sweden.
| | - Stephen A Beers
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK.
| | - Mark S Cragg
- Antibody and Vaccine Group, Centre for Cancer Immunology, School of Cancer Sciences, University of Southampton Faculty of Medicine, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK; Institute for Life Sciences, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK.
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44
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Integrin Signaling Shaping BTK-Inhibitor Resistance. Cells 2022; 11:cells11142235. [PMID: 35883678 PMCID: PMC9322986 DOI: 10.3390/cells11142235] [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: 06/08/2022] [Revised: 07/12/2022] [Accepted: 07/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Integrins are adhesion molecules that function as anchors in retaining tumor cells in supportive tissues and facilitating metastasis. Beta1 integrins are known to contribute to cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance in cancer. Very late antigen-4 (VLA-4), a CD49d/CD29 heterodimer, is a beta1 integrin implicated in therapy resistance in both solid tumors and haematological malignancies such as chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). A complex inside-out signaling mechanism activates VLA-4, which might include several therapeutic targets for CLL. Treatment regimens for this disease have recently shifted towards novel agents targeting BCR signaling. Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) is a component of B cell receptor signaling and BTK inhibitors such as ibrutinib are highly successful; however, their limitations include indefinite drug administration, the development of therapy resistance, and toxicities. VLA-4 might be activated independently of BTK, resulting in an ongoing interaction of CD49d-expressing leukemic cells with their surrounding tissue, which may reduce the success of therapy with BTK inhibitors and increases the need for alternative therapies. In this context, we discuss the inside-out signaling cascade culminating in VLA-4 activation, consider the advantages and disadvantages of BTK inhibitors in CLL and elucidate the mechanisms behind cell adhesion-mediated drug resistance.
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45
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Collard JP, McKenna MK, Noothi SK, Alhakeem SS, Rivas JR, Rangnekar VM, Muthusamy N, Bondada S. Role of the splenic microenvironment in chronic lymphocytic leukemia development in Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mice. Leuk Lymphoma 2022; 63:1810-1822. [DOI: 10.1080/10428194.2022.2045596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- James P. Collard
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Mary K. McKenna
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sunil K. Noothi
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Sara S. Alhakeem
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Jacqueline R. Rivas
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Vivek M. Rangnekar
- Department of Radiation Medicine and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
| | - Natarajan Muthusamy
- Division of Hematology, James Cancer Center, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Subbarao Bondada
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics and Markey Cancer Center, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY, USA
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46
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In Vitro and In Vivo Modeling of Normal and Leukemic Bone Marrow Niches: Cellular Senescence Contribution to Leukemia Induction and Progression. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23137350. [PMID: 35806354 PMCID: PMC9266537 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23137350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is recognized as a dynamic process in which cells evolve and adapt in a context dependent manner; consequently, senescent cells can exert both beneficial and deleterious effects on their surroundings. Specifically, senescent mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC) in the bone marrow (BM) have been linked to the generation of a supporting microenvironment that enhances malignant cell survival. However, the study of MSC’s senescence role in leukemia development has been straitened not only by the availability of suitable models that faithfully reflect the structural complexity and biological diversity of the events triggered in the BM, but also by the lack of a universal, standardized method to measure senescence. Despite these constraints, two- and three dimensional in vitro models have been continuously improved in terms of cell culture techniques, support materials and analysis methods; in addition, research on animal models tends to focus on the development of techniques that allow tracking leukemic and senescent cells in the living organism, as well as to modify the available mice strains to generate individuals that mimic human BM characteristics. Here, we present the main advances in leukemic niche modeling, discussing advantages and limitations of the different systems, focusing on the contribution of senescent MSC to leukemia progression.
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47
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Tatangelo V, Boncompagni G, Capitani N, Lopresti L, Manganaro N, Frezzato F, Visentin A, Trentin L, Baldari CT, Patrussi L. p66Shc Deficiency in Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia Promotes Chemokine Receptor Expression Through the ROS-Dependent Inhibition of NF-κB. Front Oncol 2022; 12:877495. [PMID: 35847884 PMCID: PMC9278989 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.877495] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
The microenvironment of lymphoid organs is central to the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL). Within it, tumor cells find a favourable niche to escape immunosurveillance and acquire pro-survival signals. We have previously reported that a CLL-associated defect in the expression of the pro-apoptotic and pro-oxidant adaptor p66Shc leads to enhanced homing to and accumulation of leukemic cells in the lymphoid microenvironment. The p66Shc deficiency-related impairment in intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in CLL cells is causally associated to the enhanced expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2, CXCR3 and CCR7, that promote leukemic cell homing to both lymphoid and non-lymphoid organs, suggesting the implication of a ROS-modulated transcription factor(s). Here we show that the activity of the ROS-responsive p65 subunit of the transcription factor NF-κB was hampered in the CLL-derived cell line MEC-1 expressing a NF-κB-luciferase reporter following treatment with H2O2. Similar results were obtained when intracellular ROS were generated by expression of p66Shc, but not of a ROS-defective mutant, in MEC-1 cells. NF-κB activation was associated with increased expression of the chemokine receptors CCR2, CXCR3 and CCR7. Reconstitution of p66Shc in CLL cells normalized intracellular ROS and hampered NF-κB activation, which led to a decrease in the expression of these homing receptors. Our data provide direct evidence that the p66Shc-deficiency-related ROS depletion in CLL cells concurs to NF-κB hyperactivation and homing receptor overexpression, providing a mechanistic basis for the enhanced ability of these cells to accumulate in the pro-survival lymphoid niche.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nagaja Capitani
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | | | - Noemi Manganaro
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
| | - Federica Frezzato
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Andrea Visentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Livio Trentin
- Hematology and Clinical Immunology Unit, Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Laura Patrussi
- Department of Life Sciences, University of Siena, Siena, Italy
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48
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Sevdali E, Block V, Lataretu M, Li H, Smulski CR, Briem JS, Heitz Y, Fischer B, Ramirez NJ, Grimbacher B, Jäck HM, Voll RE, Hölzer M, Schneider P, Eibel H. BAFFR activates PI3K/AKT signaling in human naive but not in switched memory B cells through direct interactions with B cell antigen receptors. Cell Rep 2022; 39:111019. [PMID: 35767961 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2022.111019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/03/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Binding of BAFF to BAFFR activates in mature B cells PI3K/AKT signaling regulating protein synthesis, metabolic fitness, and survival. In humans, naive and memory B cells express the same levels of BAFFR, but only memory B cells seem to survive without BAFF. Here, we show that BAFF activates PI3K/AKT only in naive B cells and changes the expression of genes regulating migration, proliferation, growth, and survival. BAFF-induced PI3K/AKT activation requires direct interactions between BAFFR and the B cell antigen receptor (BCR) components CD79A and CD79B and is enhanced by the AKT coactivator TCL1A. Compared to memory B cells, naive B cells express more surface BCRs, which interact better with BAFFR than IgG or IgA, thus allowing stronger responses to BAFF. As ablation of BAFFR in naive and memory B cells causes cell death independent of BAFF-induced signaling, BAFFR seems to act also as an intrinsic factor for B cell survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eirini Sevdali
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Violeta Block
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Marie Lataretu
- RNA Bioinformatics and High-Throughput Analysis, Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science, University of Jena, Leutragraben 1, 07743 Jena, Germany
| | - Huiying Li
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Cristian R Smulski
- Medical Physics Department, Centro Atómico Bariloche, Comisión Nacional de Energía Atómica (CNEA), Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas (CONICET), Avenida E-Bustillo 9500, R8402AGP Río Negro, San Carlos de Bariloche, Argentina
| | - Jana-Susann Briem
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Yannic Heitz
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Beate Fischer
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Neftali-Jose Ramirez
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Bodo Grimbacher
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Institute for Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Martin Jäck
- Department of Medicine, Division of Immunology, University of Erlangen, Glückstraße 6, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Reinhard E Voll
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Martin Hölzer
- Methodology and Research Infrastructure, MF1 Bioinformatics, Robert Koch Institute, Nordufer 20, 13353 Berlin, Germany
| | - Pascal Schneider
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Lausanne, Ch. des Boveresses 155, 1066 Epalinges, Switzerland
| | - Hermann Eibel
- Department of Rheumatology and Clinical Immunology, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Hugstetterstr. 55, 79106 Freiburg, Germany; Faculty of Medicine, University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 153, 79110 Freiburg, Germany; Center for Chronic Immunodeficiency, Medical Center - University of Freiburg, Breisacherstr. 115, 79106 Freiburg, Germany.
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49
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Allard D, Chrobak P, Bareche Y, Allard B, Tessier P, Bergeron MA, Johnson NA, Stagg J. CD73 Promotes Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133130. [PMID: 35804900 PMCID: PMC9264813 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133130] [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: 05/16/2022] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/23/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Many patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) still fail current therapies. CD73 is a novel therapeutic target for solid tumors, but its role in CLL remains unclear. The aim of our study was to investigate the therapeutic potential of targeting CD73 in CLL. Using genetically engineered mice, our study reports a pro-leukemic role for CD73 in an autochthonous mouse model of CLL. Furthermore, we observed an association between PD-L1 expression on CLL cells and adenosine signaling according to sex. Our findings provide a rationale for targeting CD73 in CLL in combination with anti-PD-1/PD-L1 immunotherapies and suggest that sex may contribute to responses to adenosine-targeting agents. Abstract The ecto-nucleotidase CD73 is an important immune checkpoint in tumor immunity that cooperates with CD39 to hydrolyze pro-inflammatory extracellular ATP into immunosuppressive adenosine. While the role of CD73 in immune evasion of solid cancers is well established, its role in leukemia remains unclear. To investigate the role of CD73 in the pathogenesis of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mice that spontaneously develop CLL were crossed with CD73−/− mice. Disease progression in peripheral blood and spleen, and CLL markers were evaluated by flow cytometry and survival was compared to CD73-proficient Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mice. We observed that CD73 deficiency significantly delayed CLL progression and prolonged survival in Eµ-TCL1 transgenic mice, and was associated with increased accumulation of IFN-γ+ T cells and effector-memory CD8+ T cells. Neutralizing IFN-γ abrogated the survival advantage of CD73-deficient Eµ-TCL1 mice. Intriguingly, the beneficial effects of CD73 deletion were restricted to male mice. In females, CD73 deficiency was uniquely associated with the upregulation of CD39 in normal lymphocytes and sustained high PD-L1 expression on CLL cells. In vitro studies revealed that adenosine signaling via the A2a receptor enhanced PD-L1 expression on Eµ-TCL1-derived CLL cells, and a genomic analysis of human CLL samples found that PD-L1 correlated with adenosine signaling. Our study, thus, identified CD73 as a pro-leukemic immune checkpoint in CLL and uncovered a previously unknown sex bias for the CD73-adenosine pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Allard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Pavel Chrobak
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Yacine Bareche
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Bertrand Allard
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Priscilla Tessier
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
| | - Marjorie A. Bergeron
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
| | - Nathalie A. Johnson
- Department of Medicine, Jewish General Hospital, Montréal, QC H3T 1E2, Canada;
| | - John Stagg
- Centre de Recherche du Centre Hospitalier de l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada; (D.A.); (P.C.); (Y.B.); (B.A.); (P.T.); (M.A.B.)
- Institut du Cancer de Montréal, Montréal, QC H2X 0A9, Canada
- Faculté de Pharmacie, l’Université de Montréal, Montréal, QC H3T 1J4, Canada
- Correspondence:
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In Vitro and In Vivo Models of CLL–T Cell Interactions: Implications for Drug Testing. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14133087. [PMID: 35804862 PMCID: PMC9264798 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14133087] [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: 06/05/2022] [Revised: 06/17/2022] [Accepted: 06/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) cells in the peripheral blood and lymphoid microenvironment display substantially different gene expression profiles and proliferative capaci-ty. It has been suggested that CLL–T-cell interactions are key pro-proliferative stimuli in immune niches. We review in vitro and in vivo model systems that mimic CLL-T-cell interactions to trigger CLL proliferation and study therapy resistance. We focus on studies describing the co-culture of leukemic cells with T cells, or supportive cell lines expressing T-cell factors, and simplified models of CLL cells’ stimulation with recombinant factors. In the second part, we summarize mouse models revealing the role of T cells in CLL biology and implications for generating patient-derived xenografts by co-transplanting leukemic cells with T cells. Abstract T cells are key components in environments that support chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), activating CLL-cell proliferation and survival. Here, we review in vitro and in vivo model systems that mimic CLL–T-cell interactions, since these are critical for CLL-cell division and resistance to some types of therapy (such as DNA-damaging drugs or BH3-mimetic venetoclax). We discuss approaches for direct CLL-cell co-culture with autologous T cells, models utilizing supportive cell lines engineered to express T-cell factors (such as CD40L) or stimulating CLL cells with combinations of recombinant factors (CD40L, interleukins IL4 or IL21, INFγ) and additional B-cell receptor (BCR) activation with anti-IgM antibody. We also summarize strategies for CLL co-transplantation with autologous T cells into immunodeficient mice (NOD/SCID, NSG, NOG) to generate patient-derived xenografts (PDX) and the role of T cells in transgenic CLL mouse models based on TCL1 overexpression (Eµ-TCL1). We further discuss how these in vitro and in vivo models could be used to test drugs to uncover the effects of targeted therapies (such as inhibitors of BTK, PI3K, SYK, AKT, MEK, CDKs, BCL2, and proteasome) or chemotherapy (fludarabine and bendamustine) on CLL–T-cell interactions and CLL proliferation.
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