1
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Dong X, Yang Q, Du Z, Zhang G, Shi C, Qin X, Song Y. Identification of optimal reference genes for gene expression normalization in human osteosarcoma cell lines under proliferative conditions. Front Genet 2022; 13:989990. [PMID: 36568365 PMCID: PMC9780483 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2022.989990] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The molecular pathogenesis and therapeutic target research studies on osteosarcoma (OS) have developed well during the last few years using various OS cell lines with reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). However, the identification of suitable reference genes of RT-qPCR for OS cell lines has not been reported. Here, we conducted the normalization research of 12 reference genes (GAPDH, ACTB, 18S, B2M, ALAS1, GUSB, HPRT1, HMBS, PPIA, PUM1, RPL29, and TBP) for gene expression analysis in four kinds of human OS cell lines (U2OS, Saos-2, HOS, and MG-63) to improve the investigation of molecular mechanisms and the accuracy of diagnosis and prognostic molecular targets of OS. The gene expression stability and applicability of the 12 reference gene candidates were determined using geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper software. The results indicated that PUM1 and the combination of PPIA + ALAS1 were recommended as the optimal reference gene in these four different sources of human OS cell lines under proliferative conditions. The present study identified the most suitable reference genes and reference gene combinations for OS cell lines under proliferative conditions in order to use in gene expression profile analysis. A reliable standardized method has the potential to improve the understanding of the biological mechanisms underlying OS in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoming Dong
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Zhenwu Du
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Guizhen Zhang
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
- Gene Testing Center of Changchun Tumor Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Chuankai Shi
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xuyuan Qin
- Gene Testing Center of Changchun Tumor Hospital, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Song
- Medical Center of Orthopaedics, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
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2
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Bleijs M, Pleijte C, Engels S, Ringnalda F, Meyer-Wentrup F, van de Wetering M, Clevers H. EWSR1-WT1 Target Genes and Therapeutic Options Identified in a Novel DSRCT In Vitro Model. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13236072. [PMID: 34885181 PMCID: PMC8657306 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13236072] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/24/2021] [Revised: 11/24/2021] [Accepted: 11/28/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is an extremely rare soft tissue sarcoma arising in the abdomen of adolescents and young adults. This sarcoma is driven by a single genomic rearrangement, resulting in the expression of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion gene. No effective treatment exists for DSRCT patients, which highlights the need for preclinical models to study disease progression and drug sensitivity. The aim of this study is to develop a pre-clinical DSRCT in vitro model, which enables investigating the molecular target genes of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion gene and allows for medium-throughput drug screening to discover new therapeutic options. Abstract Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare and aggressive soft tissue sarcoma with a lack of effective treatment options and a poor prognosis. DSRCT is characterized by a chromosomal translocation, resulting in the EWSR1-WT1 gene fusion. The molecular mechanisms driving DSRCT are poorly understood, and a paucity of preclinical models hampers DSRCT research. Here, we establish a novel primary patient-derived DSRCT in vitro model, recapitulating the original tumor. We find that EWSR1-WT1 expression affects cell shape and cell survival, and we identify downstream target genes of the EWSR1-WT1 fusion. Additionally, this preclinical in vitro model allows for medium-throughput drug screening. We discover sensitivity to several drugs, including compounds targeting RTKs. MERTK, which has been described as a therapeutic target for several malignancies, correlates with EWSR1-WT1 expression. Inhibition of MERTK with the small-molecule inhibitor UNC2025 results in reduced proliferation of DSRCT cells in vitro, suggesting MERTK as a therapeutic target in DSRCT. This study underscores the usefulness of preclinical in vitro models for studying molecular mechanisms and potential therapeutic options.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margit Bleijs
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Corine Pleijte
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Sem Engels
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Femke Ringnalda
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
| | - Friederike Meyer-Wentrup
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
| | - Marc van de Wetering
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
| | - Hans Clevers
- Princess Máxima Center for Pediatric Oncology, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands; (M.B.); (C.P.); (S.E.); (F.R.); (F.M.-W.); (M.v.d.W.)
- Oncode Institute, 3521 AL Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences and University Medical Center, 3584 CT Utrecht, The Netherlands
- Correspondence:
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3
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Smith RS, Odintsov I, Liu Z, Lui AJW, Hayashi T, Vojnic M, Suehara Y, Delasos L, Mattar MS, Hmeljak J, Ramirez HA, Shaw M, Bui G, Hartono AB, Gladstone E, Kunte S, Magnan H, Khodos I, De Stanchina E, La Quaglia MP, Yao J, Laé M, Lee SB, Spraggon L, Pratilas CA, Ladanyi M, Somwar R. Novel patient-derived models of DSRCT enable validation of ERBB signaling as a potential therapeutic vulnerability. Dis Model Mech 2021; 15:273569. [PMID: 34841430 PMCID: PMC8807576 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.047621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2020] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is characterized by the t(11;22)(p13;q12) translocation, which fuses the transcriptional regulatory domain of EWSR1 with the DNA-binding domain of WT1, resulting in the oncogenic EWSR1-WT1 fusion protein. The paucity of DSRCT disease models has hampered preclinical therapeutic studies on this aggressive cancer. Here, we developed preclinical disease models and mined DSRCT expression profiles to identify genetic vulnerabilities that could be leveraged for new therapies. We describe four DSRCT cell lines and one patient-derived xenograft model. Transcriptomic, proteomic and biochemical profiling showed evidence of activation of the ERBB pathway. Ectopic expression of EWSR1-WT1 resulted in upregulation of ERRB family ligands. Treatment of DSRCT cell lines with ERBB ligands resulted in activation of EGFR, ERBB2, ERK1/2 and AKT, and stimulation of cell growth. Antagonizing EGFR function with shRNAs, small-molecule inhibitors (afatinib, neratinib) or an anti-EGFR antibody (cetuximab) inhibited proliferation of DSRCT cells. Finally, treatment of mice bearing DSRCT xenografts with a combination of cetuximab and afatinib significantly reduced tumor growth. These data provide a rationale for evaluating EGFR antagonists in patients with DSRCT. This article has an associated First Person interview with the joint first authors of the paper. Summary: Novel models of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) reveal a role for the ERBB pathway in regulating growth of this sarcoma and provide a rationale for evaluating EGFR antagonists in patients with DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Roger S Smith
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Igor Odintsov
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Zebing Liu
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Allan Jo-Weng Lui
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Takuo Hayashi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Morana Vojnic
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Yoshiyuki Suehara
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Lukas Delasos
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marissa S Mattar
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Hillary A Ramirez
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Melissa Shaw
- Gerstner School of Graduate Studies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Gabrielle Bui
- Gerstner School of Graduate Studies, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | | | - Eric Gladstone
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Siddharth Kunte
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Heather Magnan
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Inna Khodos
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa De Stanchina
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Michael P La Quaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Jinjuan Yao
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marick Laé
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Sean B Lee
- Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA, USA
| | - Lee Spraggon
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, MD, USA
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Romel Somwar
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
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4
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Unraveling the IGF System Interactome in Sarcomas Exploits Novel Therapeutic Options. Cells 2021; 10:cells10082075. [PMID: 34440844 PMCID: PMC8392407 DOI: 10.3390/cells10082075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2021] [Revised: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant bioactivity of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system results in the development and progression of several pathologic conditions including cancer. Preclinical studies have shown promising anti-cancer therapeutic potentials for anti-IGF targeted therapies. However, a clear but limited clinical benefit was observed only in a minority of patients with sarcomas. The molecular complexity of the IGF system, which comprises multiple regulators and interactions with other cancer-related pathways, poses a major limitation in the use of anti-IGF agents and supports the need of combinatorial therapeutic strategies to better tackle this axis. In this review, we will initially highlight multiple mechanisms underlying IGF dysregulation in cancer and then focus on the impact of the IGF system and its complexity in sarcoma development and progression as well as response to anti-IGF therapies. We will also discuss the role of Ephrin receptors, Hippo pathway, BET proteins and CXCR4 signaling, as mediators of sarcoma malignancy and relevant interactors with the IGF system in tumor cells. A deeper understanding of these molecular interactions might provide the rationale for novel and more effective therapeutic combinations to treat sarcomas.
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5
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Clanchy FIL. Rationale for Early Detection of EWSR1 Translocation-Associated Sarcoma Biomarkers in Liquid Biopsy. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:824. [PMID: 33669307 PMCID: PMC7920076 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13040824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2021] [Revised: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 02/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are mesenchymal tumours that often arise and develop as a result of chromosomal translocations, and for several forms of sarcoma the EWSR1 gene is a frequent translocation partner. Sarcomas are a rare form of malignancy, which arguably have a proportionally greater societal burden that their prevalence would suggest, as they are more common in young people, with survivors prone to lifelong disability. For most forms of sarcoma, histological diagnosis is confirmed by molecular techniques such as FISH or RT-PCR. Surveillance after surgical excision, or ablation by radiation or chemotherapy, has remained relatively unchanged for decades, but recent developments in molecular biology have accelerated the progress towards routine analysis of liquid biopsies of peripheral blood. The potential to detect evidence of residual disease or metastasis in the blood has been demonstrated by several groups but remains unrealized as a routine diagnostic for relapse during remission, for disease monitoring during treatment, and for the detection of occult, residual disease at the end of therapy. An update is provided on research relevant to the improvement of the early detection of relapse in sarcomas with EWSR1-associated translocations, in the contexts of biology, diagnosis, and liquid biopsy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix I. L. Clanchy
- Kennedy Institute of Rheumatology, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7FY, UK;
- Botnar Research Centre, Nuffield Department of Orthopaedics, Rheumatology and Musculoskeletal Sciences, University of Oxford, Roosevelt Drive, Oxford OX3 7LD, UK
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6
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Ogura K, Somwar R, Hmeljak J, Magnan H, Benayed R, Momeni Boroujeni A, Bowman AS, Mattar MS, Khodos I, de Stanchina E, Jungbluth A, Asher M, Odintsov I, Hartono AB, LaQuaglia MP, Slotkin E, Pratilas CA, Lee SB, Spraggon L, Ladanyi M. Therapeutic Potential of NTRK3 Inhibition in Desmoplastic Small Round Cell Tumor. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 27:1184-1194. [PMID: 33229458 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-2585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Revised: 08/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a highly lethal intra-abdominal sarcoma of adolescents and young adults. DSRCT harbors a t(11;22)(p13:q12) that generates the EWSR1-WT1 chimeric transcription factor, the key oncogenic driver of DSRCT. EWSR1-WT1 rewires global gene expression networks and activates aberrant expression of targets that together mediate oncogenesis. EWSR1-WT1 also activates a neural gene expression program. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Among these neural markers, we found prominent expression of neurotrophic tyrosine kinase receptor 3 (NTRK3), a druggable receptor tyrosine kinase. We investigated the regulation of NTRK3 by EWSR1-WT1 and its potential as a therapeutic target in vitro and in vivo, the latter using novel patient-derived models of DSRCT. RESULTS We found that EWSR1-WT1 binds upstream of NTRK3 and activates its transcription. NTRK3 mRNA is highly expressed in DSRCT compared with other major chimeric transcription factor-driven sarcomas and most DSRCTs are strongly immunoreactive for NTRK3 protein. Remarkably, expression of NTRK3 kinase domain mRNA in DSRCT is also higher than in cancers with NTRK3 fusions. Abrogation of NTRK3 expression by RNAi silencing reduces growth of DSRCT cells and pharmacologic targeting of NTRK3 with entrectinib is effective in both in vitro and in vivo models of DSRCT. CONCLUSIONS Our results indicate that EWSR1-WT1 directly activates NTRK3 expression in DSRCT cells, which are dependent on its expression and activity for growth. Pharmacologic inhibition of NTRK3 by entrectinib significantly reduces growth of DSRCT cells both in vitro and in vivo, providing a rationale for clinical evaluation of NTRK3 as a therapeutic target in DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koichi Ogura
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Romel Somwar
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Julija Hmeljak
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Heather Magnan
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ryma Benayed
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | | | - Anita S Bowman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marissa S Mattar
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Inna Khodos
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Anti-tumor Assessment Core Facility, Molecular Pharmacology Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Achim Jungbluth
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marina Asher
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Igor Odintsov
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Alifiani B Hartono
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Michael P LaQuaglia
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Emily Slotkin
- Department of Pediatrics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Christine A Pratilas
- Division of Pediatric Oncology, Sidney Kimmel Comprehensive Cancer Center at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore, Maryland
| | - Sean Bong Lee
- Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, Louisiana
| | - Lee Spraggon
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York.,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York. .,Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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7
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Hingorani P, Dinu V, Zhang X, Lei H, Shern JF, Park J, Steel J, Rauf F, Parham D, Gastier-Foster J, Hall D, Hawkins DS, Skapek SX, Labaer J, McEachron TA. Transcriptome analysis of desmoplastic small round cell tumors identifies actionable therapeutic targets: a report from the Children's Oncology Group. Sci Rep 2020; 10:12318. [PMID: 32703985 PMCID: PMC7378211 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-69015-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To further understand the molecular pathogenesis of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), a fatal malignancy occurring primarily in adolescent/young adult males, we used next-generation RNA sequencing to investigate the gene expression profiles intrinsic to this disease. RNA from DSRCT specimens obtained from the Children's Oncology Group was sequenced using the Illumina HiSeq 2000 system and subjected to bioinformatic analyses. Validation and functional studies included WT1 ChIP-seq, EWS-WT1 knockdown using JN-DSRCT-1 cells and immunohistochemistry. A panel of immune signature genes was also evaluated to identify possible immune therapeutic targets. Twelve of 14 tumor samples demonstrated presence of the diagnostic EWSR1-WT1 translocation and these 12 samples were used for the remainder of the analysis. RNA sequencing confirmed the lack of full-length WT1 in all fusion positive samples as well as the JN-DSRCT-1 cell line. ChIP-seq for WT1 showed significant overlap with genes found to be highly expressed, including IGF2 and FGFR4, which were both highly expressed and targets of the EWS-WT1 fusion protein. In addition, we identified CD200 and CD276 as potentially targetable immune checkpoints whose expression is independent of the EWS-WT1 fusion gene in cultured DSCRT cells. In conclusion, we identified IGF2, FGFR4, CD200, and CD276 as potential therapeutic targets with clinical relevance for patients with DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pooja Hingorani
- UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, 1515 Holcombe Blvd, Houston, TX, 77030, USA.
| | - Valentin Dinu
- The Biodesign Institute, OKED Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Xiyuan Zhang
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Haiyan Lei
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jack F Shern
- Pediatric Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Jin Park
- The Biodesign Institute, OKED Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Jason Steel
- The Biodesign Institute, OKED Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Femina Rauf
- The Biodesign Institute, OKED Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - David Parham
- Department of Pathology, Children's Hospital of Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Julie Gastier-Foster
- Institute for Genomic Medicine, Nationwide Children's Hospital, Columbus, OH, USA
- Departments of Pathology and Pediatrics, Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - David Hall
- Division of Biostatistics, Children's Oncology Group, Monrovia, CA, USA
| | - Douglas S Hawkins
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, Seattle Children's Hospital, Seattle, WA, USA
- University of Washington, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Stephen X Skapek
- Division of Pediatric Hematology Oncology, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Joshua Labaer
- The Biodesign Institute, OKED Genomics Core, Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ, USA
| | - Troy A McEachron
- Department of Translational Genomics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
- Department of Pediatrics, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
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8
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Jin W. The Role of Tyrosine Kinases as a Critical Prognostic Parameter and Its Targeted Therapies in Ewing Sarcoma. Front Cell Dev Biol 2020; 8:613. [PMID: 32754598 PMCID: PMC7381324 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2020.00613] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2020] [Accepted: 06/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is a rare, highly aggressive, bone, or soft tissue-associated tumor. Although this sarcoma often responds well to initial chemotherapy, 40% of the patients develop a lethal recurrence of the disease, with death recorded in 75-80% of patients with metastatic ES within 5 years, despite receiving high-dose chemotherapy. ES is genetically well-characterized, as indicated by the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein encoded as a result of chromosomal translocation in 80-90% of patients with ES, as well as in ES-related cancer cell lines. Recently, tyrosine kinases have been identified in the pathogenesis of ES. These tyrosine kinases, acting as oncoproteins, are associated with the clinical pathogenesis, metastasis, acquisition of self-renewal traits, and chemoresistance of ES, through the activation of various intracellular signaling pathways. This review describes the recent progress related to cellular and molecular functional roles of tyrosine kinases in the progression of ES.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wook Jin
- Laboratory of Molecular Disease and Cell Regulation, Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Gachon University, Incheon, South Korea
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9
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Andersson MK, Åman P, Stenman G. IGF2/IGF1R Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in MYB-Positive Adenoid Cystic Carcinomas and Other Fusion Gene-Driven Tumors. Cells 2019; 8:cells8080913. [PMID: 31426421 PMCID: PMC6721700 DOI: 10.3390/cells8080913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2019] [Revised: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 08/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Chromosome rearrangements resulting in pathogenetically important gene fusions are a common feature of many cancers. They are often potent oncogenic drivers and have key functions in central cellular processes and pathways and encode transcription factors, transcriptional co-regulators, growth factor receptors, tyrosine kinases, and chromatin modifiers. In addition to being useful diagnostic biomarkers, they are also targets for development of new molecularly targeted therapies. Studies in recent decades have shown that several oncogenic gene fusions interact with the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signaling pathway. For example, the MYB-NFIB fusion in adenoid cystic carcinoma is regulated by IGF1R through an autocrine loop, and IGF1R is a downstream target of the EWSR1-WT1 and PAX3-FKHR fusions in desmoplastic small round cell tumors and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, respectively. Here, we will discuss the mechanisms behind the interactions between oncogenic gene fusions and the IGF signaling pathway. We will also discuss the role of therapeutic inhibition of IGF1R in fusion gene driven malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mattias K Andersson
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden.
| | - Pierre Åman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Göran Stenman
- Sahlgrenska Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, University of Gothenburg, 405 30 Gothenburg, Sweden
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10
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Colletti M, Paolini A, Galardi A, Di Paolo V, Pascucci L, Russo I, De Angelis B, Peinado H, De Vito R, Milano GM, Locatelli F, Masotti A, Di Giannatale A. Expression profiles of exosomal miRNAs isolated from plasma of patients with desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Epigenomics 2018; 11:489-500. [PMID: 30569756 DOI: 10.2217/epi-2018-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIM Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare, aggressive mesenchymal tumor, lacking biomarkers for diagnosis, treatment stratification and prognosis. We investigated the exosomal miRNA profile in plasma samples collected from DSRCT patients, evaluating their potential as circulating biomarkers for this tumor. PATIENTS & METHODS We isolated exosomes from plasma of three DSRCT adolescents and four age-matched healthy controls; expression of circulating miRNAs was quantified by qPCR. RESULTS We identified 55 miRNAs significantly modulated compared with healthy controls. Among these miRNAs, 14 were highly dysregulated in at least one patient and 5 were expressed in all patients. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, this is the first report describing exosomal miRNAs as promising biomarkers to characterize disease status in DSRCT patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marta Colletti
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Paolini
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Galardi
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Virginia Di Paolo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Luisa Pascucci
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, University of Perugia, Via San Costanzo 4, 06126 Perugia, Italy
| | - Ida Russo
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Biagio De Angelis
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Hector Peinado
- Microenvironment & Metastasis Group, Molecular Oncology Program, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), C/Melchor Fernández Almagro, 3, 28029 Madrid, Spain
| | - Rita De Vito
- Department of Pathology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Giuseppe M Milano
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
| | - Franco Locatelli
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy.,Department of Ginecology/Obstetrics & Pediatrics, Sapienza University of Rome, Italy
| | - Andrea Masotti
- Research Laboratories, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Angela Di Giannatale
- Department of Pediatric Hematology/Oncology, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Piazza di Sant' Onofrio, 4, 00165 Rome, Italy
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11
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Cevenini A, Orrù S, Mancini A, Alfieri A, Buono P, Imperlini E. Molecular Signatures of the Insulin-like Growth Factor 1-mediated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Breast, Lung and Gastric Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:ijms19082411. [PMID: 30111747 PMCID: PMC6122069 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19082411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system, which is constituted by the IGF-1 and IGF-2 peptide hormones, their corresponding receptors and several IGF binding proteins, is involved in physiological and pathophysiological processes. The IGF system promotes cancer proliferation/survival and its signaling induces the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) phenotype, which contributes to the migration, invasiveness, and metastasis of epithelial tumors. These cancers share two major IGF-1R signaling transduction pathways, PI3K/AKT and RAS/MEK/ERK. However, as far as we could review at this time, each type of cancer cell undergoes EMT through tumor-specific routes. Here, we review the tumor-specific molecular signatures of IGF-1-mediated EMT in breast, lung, and gastric cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armando Cevenini
- Dipartimento di Medicina Molecolare e Biotecnologie Mediche, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Federico II", Via S. Pansini 5, 80131 Napoli, Italy.
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a r.l., Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Stefania Orrù
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
- IRCCS SDN, Via Francesco Crispi 8, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Annamaria Mancini
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a r.l., Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Andreina Alfieri
- CEINGE-Biotecnologie Avanzate S.c.a r.l., Via G. Salvatore 486, 80145 Napoli, Italy.
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
| | - Pasqualina Buono
- Dipartimento di Scienze Motorie e del Benessere, Università degli Studi di Napoli "Parthenope", Via Medina 40, 80133 Napoli, Italy.
- IRCCS SDN, Via Francesco Crispi 8, 80121 Napoli, Italy.
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12
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Mancarella C, Scotlandi K. IGF system in sarcomas: a crucial pathway with many unknowns to exploit for therapy. J Mol Endocrinol 2018; 61:T45-T60. [PMID: 29273680 DOI: 10.1530/jme-17-0250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF) system has gained substantial interest due to its involvement in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation and survival during anoikis and after conventional and targeted therapies. However, results from clinical trials have been largely disappointing, with only a few but notable exceptions, such as trials targeting sarcomas, especially Ewing sarcoma. This review highlights key studies focusing on IGF signaling in sarcomas, specifically studies underscoring the properties that make this system an attractive therapeutic target and identifies new relationships that may be exploited. This review discusses the potential roles of IGF2 mRNA-binding proteins (IGF2BPs), discoidin domain receptors (DDRs) and metalloproteinase pregnancy-associated plasma protein-A (PAPP-A) in regulating the IGF system. Deeper investigation of these novel regulators of the IGF system may help us to further elucidate the spatial and temporal control of the IGF axis, as understanding the control of this axis is essential for future clinical studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caterina Mancarella
- Experimental Oncology Lab, CRS Development of Biomolecular Therapies, Orthopaedic Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy
| | - Katia Scotlandi
- Experimental Oncology Lab, CRS Development of Biomolecular Therapies, Orthopaedic Rizzoli Institute, Bologna, Italy
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13
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Werner H, Meisel-Sharon S, Bruchim I. Oncogenic fusion proteins adopt the insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway. Mol Cancer 2018; 17:28. [PMID: 29455671 PMCID: PMC5817802 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-018-0807-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2017] [Accepted: 02/05/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF1R) has been identified as a potent anti-apoptotic, pro-survival tyrosine kinase-containing receptor. Overexpression of the IGF1R gene constitutes a typical feature of most human cancers. Consistent with these biological roles, cells expressing high levels of IGF1R are expected not to die, a quintessential feature of cancer cells. Tumor specific chromosomal translocations that disrupt the architecture of transcription factors are a common theme in carcinogenesis. Increasing evidence gathered over the past fifteen years demonstrate that this type of genomic rearrangements is common not only among pediatric and hematological malignancies, as classically thought, but may also provide a molecular and cytogenetic foundation for an ever-increasing portion of adult epithelial tumors. In this review article we provide evidence that the mechanism of action of oncogenic fusion proteins associated with both pediatric and adult malignancies involves transactivation of the IGF1R gene, with ensuing increases in IGF1R levels and ligand-mediated receptor phosphorylation. Disrupted transcription factors adopt the IGF1R signaling pathway and elicit their oncogenic activities via activation of this critical regulatory network. Combined targeting of oncogenic fusion proteins along with the IGF1R may constitute a promising therapeutic approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Werner
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel. .,Yoran Institute for Human Genome Research, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel.
| | - Shilhav Meisel-Sharon
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, 69978, Tel Aviv, Israel
| | - Ilan Bruchim
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hillel Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera 38100, affiliated with the Technion Institute of Technology, Haifa, Israel
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14
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Kenny C, McDonagh N, Lazaro A, O'Meara E, Klinger R, O'Connor D, Roche F, Hokamp K, O'Sullivan MJ. Dysregulated mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling as an oncogenic basis for clear cell sarcoma of the kidney. J Pathol 2018; 244:334-345. [PMID: 29243812 DOI: 10.1002/path.5020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 11/30/2017] [Accepted: 12/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
The oncogenic mechanisms and tumour biology underpinning clear cell sarcoma of the kidney (CCSK), the second commonest paediatric renal malignancy, are poorly understood and currently, therapy depends heavily on doxorubicin with cardiotoxic side-effects. Previously, we characterized the balanced t(10;17)(q22;p13) chromosomal translocation, identified at that time as the only recurrent genetic aberration in CCSK. This translocation results in an in-frame fusion of the genes YWHAE (encoding 14-3-3ϵ) and NUTM2, with a somatic incidence of 12%. Clinico-pathological features of that cohort suggested that this aberration might be associated with higher stage and grade disease. Since no primary CCSK cell line exists, we generated various stably transfected cell lines containing doxycycline-inducible HA-tagged YWHAE-NUTM2, in order to study the effect of expressing this transcript. 14-3-3ϵ-NUTM2-expressing cells exhibited significantly greater cell migration compared to isogenic controls. Gene and protein expression studies were indicative of dysregulated MAPK/PI3K-AKT signalling, and by blocking these pathways using neutralizing antibodies, the migratory advantage conferred by the transcript was abrogated. Importantly, CCSK tumour samples similarly show up-regulation/activation of these pathways. These results support the oncogenic role of 14-3-3ϵ-NUTM2 in CCSK and provide avenues for the exploration of novel therapeutic approaches. Copyright © 2017 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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MESH Headings
- 14-3-3 Proteins/genetics
- 14-3-3 Proteins/metabolism
- Animals
- Cell Movement
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Gene Fusion
- HEK293 Cells
- Humans
- Kidney Neoplasms/enzymology
- Kidney Neoplasms/genetics
- Kidney Neoplasms/pathology
- Mice
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/genetics
- Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases/metabolism
- NIH 3T3 Cells
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Clear Cell/enzymology
- Sarcoma, Clear Cell/genetics
- Sarcoma, Clear Cell/pathology
- Signal Transduction
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Affiliation(s)
- Colin Kenny
- School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Naomi McDonagh
- School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Antonio Lazaro
- School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Elaine O'Meara
- School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Rut Klinger
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Darran O'Connor
- Conway Institute, University College Dublin, Belfield, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Fiona Roche
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Karsten Hokamp
- School of Genetics and Microbiology, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Maureen J O'Sullivan
- School of Medicine, University of Dublin, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland
- Our Lady's Children's Hospital, Crumlin, Dublin, Ireland
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15
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Bétrian S, Bergeron C, Blay JY, Bompas E, Cassier PA, Chevallier L, Fayette J, Girodet M, Guillemet C, Le Cesne A, Marec-Berard P, Ray-Coquard I, Chevreau C. Antiangiogenic effects in patients with progressive desmoplastic small round cell tumor: data from the French national registry dedicated to the use of off-labeled targeted therapy in sarcoma (OUTC's). Clin Sarcoma Res 2017; 7:10. [PMID: 28491276 PMCID: PMC5424317 DOI: 10.1186/s13569-017-0076-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/26/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a very rare mesenchymal tumor that mainly affects teenagers and young adults with a mean age at diagnosis around 20-25 years. Although initial management still needs standardization, many centers will use multimodal treatment including intensive chemotherapy, extensive surgical resection followed by radiotherapy. Despite this, prognosis remains very poor and the median overall survival is 25 months. Recurrent disease is mainly treated by chemotherapy. Recently, due to the unmet medical need for recurrent disease, targeted therapies were explored for DSRCT. METHODS In this study, we assessed the response rate and progression free survival in nine cases of progressive DSRCT included in the OUTC's registry and treated with antiangiogenics targeted agents (sunitinib, sorafenib and bevacizumab). OUTC's, a French national registry, collects data about the use of off-label targeted therapy in sarcoma. RESULTS Eight males and one woman were included, with median age at diagnosis of 27.3 years (range from 9 to 48 years). They received a mean 3 lines (2-5) of treatment before antiangiogenic agent initiation. Six patients received sunitinib, two received sorafenib and one bevacizumab. Median progression free survival was 3.1 months (range 2-5.5 months) and best response observed was 5.5 months stable disease. Most patients had manageable low-grade toxicities, mainly fatigue, abdominal pain and skin toxicity. CONCLUSIONS Despite very limited activity of antiangiogenics in our study, prospective collection of cases of these rare tumors together with molecular data should guide therapeutic decision and enhance outcome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Bétrian
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer, Toulouse Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France
| | - Christophe Bergeron
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard and Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Lyon, France
| | - Jean-Yves Blay
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Emmanuelle Bompas
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Institut de Cancérologie de l'Ouest, Rene Gauducheau, St Herblain, France
| | - Philippe A Cassier
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Laure Chevallier
- Clinical Research Department, CRA, Centre Léon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Jérome Fayette
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Magali Girodet
- Clinical Research Department, CRA, Centre Léon Berard, Lyon, France
| | - Cécile Guillemet
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Henri Becquerel, Rouen, France
| | - Axel Le Cesne
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Institut Gustave Roussy, Paris, France
| | - Perrine Marec-Berard
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Centre Léon Berard and Institut d'Hématologie et d'Oncologie Pédiatrique, Lyon, France
| | | | - Christine Chevreau
- Departments of Oncology and Clinical Research, Institut Claudius Regaud, Institut Universitaire du Cancer, Toulouse Oncopole, 1 avenue Irène Joliot-Curie, 31059 Toulouse Cedex, France
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16
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Ferreira EN, Barros BDF, de Souza JE, Almeida RV, Torrezan GT, Garcia S, Krepischi ACV, Mello CALD, Cunha IWD, Pinto CAL, Soares FA, Dias-Neto E, Lopes A, de Souza SJ, Carraro DM. A genomic case study of desmoplastic small round cell tumor: comprehensive analysis reveals insights into potential therapeutic targets and development of a monitoring tool for a rare and aggressive disease. Hum Genomics 2016; 10:36. [PMID: 27863505 PMCID: PMC5116179 DOI: 10.1186/s40246-016-0092-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2016] [Accepted: 10/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Genome-wide profiling of rare tumors is crucial for improvement of diagnosis, treatment, and, consequently, achieving better outcomes. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare type of sarcoma arising from mesenchymal cells of abdominal peritoneum that usually develops in male adolescents and young adults. A specific translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12), resulting in EWS and WT1 gene fusion is the only recurrent molecular hallmark and no other genetic factor has been associated to this aggressive tumor. Here, we present a comprehensive genomic profiling of one DSRCT affecting a 26-year-old male, who achieved an excellent outcome. METHODS We investigated somatic and germline variants through whole-exome sequencing using a family based approach and, by array CGH, we explored the occurrence of genomic imbalances. Additionally, we performed mate-paired whole-genome sequencing for defining the specific breakpoint of the EWS-WT1 translocation, allowing us to develop a personalized tumor marker for monitoring the patient by liquid biopsy. RESULTS We identified genetic variants leading to protein alterations including 12 somatic and 14 germline events (11 germline compound heterozygous mutations and 3 rare homozygous polymorphisms) affecting genes predominantly involved in mesenchymal cell differentiation pathways. Regarding copy number alterations (CNA) few events were detected, mainly restricted to gains in chromosomes 5 and 18 and losses at 11p, 13q, and 22q. The deletions at 11p and 22q indicated the presence of the classic translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12). In addition, the mapping of the specific genomic breakpoint of the EWS-WT1 gene fusion allowed the design of a personalized biomarker for assessing circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in plasma during patient follow-up. This biomarker has been used in four post-treatment blood samples, 3 years after surgery, and no trace of EWS-WT1 gene fusion was detected, in accordance with imaging tests showing no evidence of disease and with the good general health status of the patient. CONCLUSIONS Overall, our findings revealed genes with potential to be associated with risk assessment and tumorigenesis of this rare type of sarcoma. Additionally, we established a liquid biopsy approach for monitoring patient follow-up based on genomic information that can be similarly adopted for patients diagnosed with a rare tumor.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Sheila Garcia
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Emmanuel Dias-Neto
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | - Ademar Lopes
- Departament of Abdominal Surgery, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil
| | | | - Dirce Maria Carraro
- International Research Center/CIPE, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, SP, Brazil.
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17
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Mora J, Modak S, Cheung NK, Meyers P, de Alava E, Kushner B, Magnan H, Tirado OM, Laquaglia M, Ladanyi M, Rosai J. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor 20 years after its discovery. Future Oncol 2016; 11:1071-81. [PMID: 25804122 DOI: 10.2217/fon.15.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) was proposed as a distinct disease entity by William L Gerald and Juan Rosai in 1991. Over 850 patients have been reported in the medical literature. A specific translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12), is seen in almost all cases, juxtaposing the EWS gene to the WT1 tumor suppressor gene. DSRCT is composed of nests of small round cells with polyphenotypic differentiation, typically a mixture of epithelial, mesenchymal and neural features, surrounded by a prominent desmoplastic stroma. DSRCT has a predilection for adolescent and young adult males, and primarily involves the abdominal cavity and pelvis. Survival is low despite their initial response to multimodal treatment. Most patients relapse with disseminated disease that is unresponsive to further therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jaume Mora
- Department of Pediatric Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, Barcelona, Spain
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18
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Myeloablative chemotherapy with autologous stem cell transplant for desmoplastic small round cell tumor. Sarcoma 2015; 2015:269197. [PMID: 25945075 PMCID: PMC4405024 DOI: 10.1155/2015/269197] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2014] [Accepted: 03/09/2015] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT), a rare, aggressive neoplasm, has a poor prognosis. In this prospective study, we evaluated the role of myeloablative chemotherapy, followed by autologous stem cell transplant in improving survival in DSRCT. After high-dose induction chemotherapy and surgery, 19 patients with chemoresponsive DSRCT underwent autologous stem cell transplant. Myeloablative chemotherapy consisted of carboplatin (400–700 mg/m2/day for 3 days) + thiotepa (300 mg/m2/day for 3 days) ± topotecan (2 mg/m2/day for 5 days). All patients were engrafted and there was no treatment-related mortality. Seventeen patients received radiotherapy to sites of prior or residual disease at a median of 12 weeks after transplant. Five-year event-free and overall survival were 11 ± 7% and 16 ± 8%, respectively. Two patients survive disease-free 16 and 19 years after transplant (both in complete remission before transplant). 14 patients had progression and died of disease at a median of 18 months following autologous transplant. These data do not justify the use of myeloablative chemotherapy with carboplatin plus thiotepa in patients with DSRCT. Alternative therapies should be considered for this aggressive neoplasm.
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19
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Mariño-Enríquez A, Fletcher CD. Round cell sarcomas – Biologically important refinements in subclassification. Int J Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 53:493-504. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biocel.2014.04.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2014] [Revised: 04/23/2014] [Accepted: 04/26/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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20
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Huo X, Liu S, Shao T, Hua H, Kong Q, Wang J, Luo T, Jiang Y. GSK3 protein positively regulates type I insulin-like growth factor receptor through forkhead transcription factors FOXO1/3/4. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:24759-70. [PMID: 25053419 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.580738] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK3) has either tumor-suppressive roles or pro-tumor roles in different types of human tumors. A number of GSK3 targets in diverse signaling pathways have been uncovered, such as tuberous sclerosis complex subunit 2 and β-catenin. The O subfamily of forkhead/winged helix transcription factors (FOXO) is known as tumor suppressors that induce apoptosis. In this study, we find that FOXO binds to type I insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-IR) promoter and stimulates its transcription. GSK3 positively regulates the transactivation activity of FOXO and stimulates IGF-IR expression. Although kinase-dead GSK3β cannot up-regulate IGF-IR, the constitutively active GSK3β induces IGF-IR expression in a FOXO-dependent manner. Serum starvation or Akt inhibition leads to an increase in IGF-IR expression, which could be blunted by GSK3 inhibition. GSK3β knockdown or GSK3 inhibitor suppresses IGF-I-induced IGF-IR, Akt, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Moreover, knockdown of GSK3β or FOXO1/3/4 leads to a decrease in cellular proliferation and abrogates IGF-I-induced hepatoma cell proliferation. These results suggest that GSK3 and FOXO may positively regulate IGF-I signaling and hepatoma cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaodong Huo
- From the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041
| | - Shu Liu
- From the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041
| | - Ting Shao
- From the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041
| | - Hui Hua
- the Laboratory of Stem Cell Biology, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041
| | - Qingbin Kong
- From the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041
| | - Jiao Wang
- the School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610075, and
| | - Ting Luo
- the Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yangfu Jiang
- From the State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, Section of Oncogene, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041,
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21
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Cerrone M, Cantile M, Collina F, Marra L, Liguori G, Franco R, De Chiara A, Botti G. Molecular strategies for detecting chromosomal translocations in soft tissue tumors (review). Int J Mol Med 2014; 33:1379-91. [PMID: 24714847 PMCID: PMC4055444 DOI: 10.3892/ijmm.2014.1726] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2013] [Accepted: 01/29/2014] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Approximately one third of soft tissue tumors are characterized by chromosomal aberrations, in particular, translocations and amplifications, which appear to be highly specific. The identification of fusion transcripts not only supports the diagnosis, but provides the basis for the development of novel therapeutic strategies aimed at blocking the aberrant activity of chimeric proteins. Molecular biology, and in particular, cytogenetic and qualitative and quantitative polymerase chain reaction technologies, allow with high efficiency and specificity, the determination of specific fusion transcripts resulting from chromosomal translocations, as well as the analysis of gene amplifications. In this review, various molecular techniques that allow the identification of translocations and consequent fusion transcripts generated are discussed in the broad spectrum of soft tissue tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Monica Cantile
- Pathology Unit, INT Pascale Foundation, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Laura Marra
- Pathology Unit, INT Pascale Foundation, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Renato Franco
- Pathology Unit, INT Pascale Foundation, I-80131 Naples, Italy
| | | | - Gerardo Botti
- Pathology Unit, INT Pascale Foundation, I-80131 Naples, Italy
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Wong HH, Hatcher HM, Benson C, Al-Muderis O, Horan G, Fisher C, Earl HM, Judson I. Desmoplastic small round cell tumour: characteristics and prognostic factors of 41 patients and review of the literature. Clin Sarcoma Res 2013; 3:14. [PMID: 24280007 PMCID: PMC4176496 DOI: 10.1186/2045-3329-3-14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2013] [Accepted: 11/22/2013] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) is a rare but frequently fatal sarcoma, and many of its characteristics still require further clarification. Methods We retrospectively analysed 41 patients treated at or referred to two regional referral centres in the UK between 1991 and 2012. A review of the current literature was also performed. Results The median age of presentation was 27 years (range 16 to 45 years), with a male-to-female ratio of 3:1. Ninety percent of patients had disease in the abdomen. The median size of the presenting tumour was 13 cm (range 3.5 to 23 cm), and 80% had metastatic disease at diagnosis, mainly in the liver (33%) and lungs (21%). Time-to-progression (TTP) was 3.9, 2.3 and 1.1 months after first-, second- and third-line chemotherapy, respectively. First-line treatment with VIDE chemotherapy appeared to confer the longest TTP (median 14.6 months). Ifosfamide and doxorubicin resulted in TTP of >3.8 months when used in any-line setting. Eleven patients received targeted agents as part of a clinical trial. After a median follow-up of 14 months, the overall median survival (MS) was 16 months. There was no difference in MS with regards to age, gender, or size of the presenting tumour. Patients with extra-abdominal disease survived longer compared to those with tumours in the abdomen (all still alive vs MS of 15 months; P = 0.0246). Patients with non-metastatic intra-abdominal disease who underwent surgery had an MS of 47 months (16 months for those who did not have surgery; P = 0.0235). Radiotherapy for locoregional control in patients with metastatic intra-abdominal DSRCT was associated with longer survival (MS of 47 vs 14 months; P = 0.0147). Conclusions DSRCT is a rare but often fatal disease that mainly affects younger male patients. Those with intra-abdominal DSRCT have a poorer prognosis, although surgical resection for localised disease and radiotherapy in the metastatic setting are associated with improved survival. A patient’s age, gender and size of presenting tumour do not have prognostic significance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Hsi Wong
- Addenbrooke's Hospital, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0QQ, UK.
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23
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Lost miRNA surveillance of Notch, IGFR pathway—road to sarcomagenesis. Tumour Biol 2013; 35:483-92. [DOI: 10.1007/s13277-013-1068-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2013] [Accepted: 07/29/2013] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
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Martín Liberal J, Lagares-Tena L, Sáinz-Jaspeado M, Mateo-Lozano S, García del Muro X, Tirado OM. Targeted therapies in sarcomas: challenging the challenge. Sarcoma 2012; 2012:626094. [PMID: 22701332 PMCID: PMC3372278 DOI: 10.1155/2012/626094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2012] [Accepted: 03/27/2012] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Sarcomas are a heterogeneous group of mesenchymal malignancies that very often lead to death. Nowadays, chemotherapy is the only available treatment for most sarcomas but there are few active drugs and clinical results still remain very poor. Thus, there is an imperious need to find new therapeutic alternatives in order to improve sarcoma patient's outcome. During the last years, there have been described a number of new molecular pathways that have allowed us to know more about cancer biology and tumorigenesis. Sarcomas are one of the tumors in which more advances have been made. Identification of specific chromosomal translocations, some important pathways characterization such as mTOR pathway or the insulin-like growth factor pathway, the stunning development in angiogenesis knowledge, and brand new agents like viruses have lead to the development of new therapeutic options with promising results. This paper makes an exhaustive review of preclinical and clinical evidence of the most recent targeted therapies in sarcomas and provides a future view of treatments that may lead to improve prognosis of patients affected with this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Martín Liberal
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Laura Lagares-Tena
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Miguel Sáinz-Jaspeado
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Silvia Mateo-Lozano
- Nanomedicine Research Program, Molecular Biology and Biochemistry Research Center, CIBBIM-Nanomedicine, Vall d'Hebron Hospital Research Institute, 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Xavier García del Muro
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar M. Tirado
- Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908 Barcelona, Spain
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25
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Tap WD, Demetri G, Barnette P, Desai J, Kavan P, Tozer R, Benedetto PW, Friberg G, Deng H, McCaffery I, Leitch I, Badola S, Chang S, Zhu M, Tolcher A. Phase II study of ganitumab, a fully human anti-type-1 insulin-like growth factor receptor antibody, in patients with metastatic Ewing family tumors or desmoplastic small round cell tumors. J Clin Oncol 2012; 30:1849-56. [PMID: 22508822 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2011.37.2359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Ganitumab is a fully human monoclonal antibody against type-1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R). An open-label phase II study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy and safety of ganitumab monotherapy in patients with metastatic Ewing family tumors (EFT) or desmoplastic small round cell tumors (DSRCT). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients ≥16 years of age with relapsed or refractory EFT or DSRCT received 12 mg/kg of ganitumab every 2 weeks. Objective response rate (ORR) was the primary end point. Secondary end points included clinical benefit rate (CBR = complete + partial responses + stable disease [SD] ≥ 24 weeks) and safety and pharmacokinetic profiles of ganitumab. The relationship between tumor response and EWS gene translocation status and IGF-1 levels was evaluated. RESULTS Thirty-eight patients (22 with EFT; 16 with DSRCT) received one or more doses of ganitumab. Twenty-four patients (63%) experienced ganitumab-related adverse events. Grade 3 related events included hyperglycemia (n = 2), thrombocytopenia (n = 5), neutropenia (n = 2), leukopenia (n = 1), and transient ischemic attack (n = 1). There were no grade 4 or 5 treatment-related events. Of 35 patients assessed for response, two had partial responses (ORR, 6%) and 17 (49%) had SD. Four patients had SD ≥ 24 weeks, contributing to a CBR of 17%. The pharmacokinetic profile of ganitumab was similar to that observed in the first-in-human trial. Elevation of IGF-1 levels was observed postdose. EWS-Fli1 translocations were analyzed by RNA sequencing and fluorescent in situ hybridization, and novel translocations were observed in EFT and DSCRT. No apparent relationship between tumor response and IGF-1 levels or EWS gene translocations was observed. CONCLUSION Ganitumab was well tolerated and demonstrated antitumor activity in patients with advanced recurrent EFT or DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- William D Tap
- University of California, Los Angeles Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA.
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Tognon CE, Sorensen PHB. Targeting the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling pathway for cancer therapy. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2012; 16:33-48. [PMID: 22239439 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2011.638626] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The IGF system controls growth, differentiation, and development at the cellular, organ and organismal levels. IGF1 receptor (IGF1R) signaling is dysregulated in many cancers. Numerous clinical trials are currently assessing therapies that inhibit either growth factor binding or IGF1R itself. Therapeutic benefit, often in the form of stable disease, has been reported for many different cancer types. AREAS COVERED Canonical IGF signaling and non-canonical pathways involved in carcinogenesis. Three recent insights into IGF1R signaling, namely hybrid receptor formation with insulin receptor (INSR), insulin receptor substrate 1 nuclear translocation, and evidence for IGF1R/INSR as dependence receptors. Different approaches to targeting IGF1R and mechanisms of acquired resistance. Possible mechanisms by which IGF1R signaling supports carcinogenesis and specific examples in different human tumors. EXPERT OPINION Pre-clinical data justifies IGF1R as a target and early clinical trials have shown modest efficacy in selected tumor types. Future work will focus upon assessing the usefulness or disadvantages of simultaneously targeting the IGF1R and INSR, biomarker development to identify potentially responsive patients, and the use of IGF1R inhibitors in combination therapies or as an adjunct to conventional chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina E Tognon
- British Columbia Cancer Research Centre , Department of Molecular Oncology, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
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27
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Kallianpur AA, Shukla NK, Deo SV, Yadav P, Mudaly D, Yadav R, Palaniappan RM. Updates on the multimodality management of desmoplastic small round cell tumor. J Surg Oncol 2012; 105:617-21. [DOI: 10.1002/jso.22130] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2011] [Accepted: 10/04/2011] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
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28
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Tsokos M, Alaggio RD, Dehner LP, Dickman PS. Ewing sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor and related tumors. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2012; 15:108-26. [PMID: 22420726 PMCID: PMC6993191 DOI: 10.2350/11-08-1078-pb.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor (EWS/pPNET) and other tumors with EWS gene rearrangements encompass a malignant and intermediate neoplasm with a broad anatomic distribution and a wide age range but a predilection for soft tissue in children, adolescents, and young adults. The overlapping histologic, immunohistochemical and cytogenetic and molecular genetic features create diagnostic challenges despite significant clinical and prognostic differences. Ewing sarcoma is the 3rd most common sarcoma in children and adolescents, and desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a rare neoplasm that occurs more often in older children, adolescents, and young adults. Pathologic examination is complemented by immunohistochemistry, cytogenetics, and molecular genetics. This article reviews the clinicopathologic features of EWS/pPNET and desmoplastic small round cell tumor in the spectrum of tumors with EWS gene rearrangements. Other tumors with different histopathologic features and an EWS gene rearrangement are discussed elsewhere in this volume.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Tsokos
- Department of Pathology, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, USA
| | - Rita D. Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, University Hospital of Padova, Padova, Italy
| | - Louis P. Dehner
- Department of Pathology, Lauren V. Ackerman Division of Surgical Pathology, Barnes-Jewish Hospital and St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Washington University Medical Center, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Paul S. Dickman
- Department of Pathology, Phoenix Children’s Hospital and University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, AZ, USA
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29
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Ozkan EE. Plasma and tissue insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) as a prognostic marker for prostate cancer and anti-IGF-IR agents as novel therapeutic strategy for refractory cases: a review. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2011; 344:1-24. [PMID: 21782884 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2011.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2011] [Accepted: 07/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Cancer database analysis indicates that prostate cancer is one of the most seen cancers in men meanwhile composing the leading cause of morbidity and mortality among developed countries. Current available therapies are surgery, radiotherapy and androgene ablation for prostate carcinoma. The response rate is as high nearly 90% however, most of these recur or become refractory and androgene independent (AI). Therefore recent studies intensified on molecular factors playing role on development of prostate carcinoma and novel treatment strategies targetting these factors and their receptors. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) and its primary receptor insulin-like growth factor receptor-I (IGF-IR) are among these factors. Biologic functions and role in malign progression are primarily achieved via IGF-IR which is a type 2 tyrosine kinase receptor. IGF-IR plays an important role in mitogenesis, angiogenesis, transformation, apoptosis and cell motility. It also generates intensive proliferative signals leading to carcinogenesis in prostate tissue. So IGF-IR and its associated signalling system have provoked considerable interest over recent years as a novel therapeutic target in cancer. In this paper it is aimed to sum up the lately published literature searching the relation of IGF-IR and prostate cancer in terms of incidence, pathologic features, and prognosis. This is followed by a discussion of the different possible targets within the IGF-1R system, and drugs developed to interact at each target. A systems-based approach is then used to review the in vitro and in vivo data in the published literature of the following compounds targeting IGF-1R components using specific examples: growth hormone releasing hormone antagonists (e.g. JV-1-38), growth hormone receptor antagonists (e.g. pegvisomant), IGF-1R antibodies (e.g. CP-751,871, AVE1642/EM164, IMC-A12, SCH-717454, BIIB022, AMG 479, MK-0646/h7C10), and IGF-1R tyrosine kinase inhibitors (e.g. BMS-536942, BMS-554417, NVP-AEW541, NVP-ADW742, AG1024, potent quinolinyl-derived imidazo (1,5-a)pyrazine PQIP, picropodophyllin PPP, nordihydroguaiaretic acid Insm-18/NDGA). And the other end point is to yield an overview on the recent progress about usage of this receptor as a novel anticancer agent of targeted therapies in treatment of prostate carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emine Elif Ozkan
- OSM Middle East Health Center, Department of Radiation Oncology, Sanliurfa 63000, Turkey.
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30
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Cassier PA, Labidi-Galy SI, Heudel P, Dutour A, Méeus P, Chelghoum M, Alberti L, Ray-Coquard I, Blay JY. Therapeutic pipeline for soft-tissue sarcoma. Expert Opin Pharmacother 2011; 12:2479-91. [PMID: 21913865 DOI: 10.1517/14656566.2011.604633] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Soft-tissue sarcomas (STS) represent a heterogeneous group of malignant tumors originating from connective tissues. Over recent years, this heterogeneity has led to a molecular breakdown of STS and subsequent use of targeted agents in several molecularly defined subgroups. After the initial success of imatinib in gastrointestinal stromal tumors, several other compounds have shown promising activity in some but not all subgroups of sarcoma. AREAS COVERED This review discusses the rational and clinical results, when available, that support this subtype-directed approach. In the vast majority of cases, these agents have been tested only in patients with advanced disease; as chemotherapeutic agents are developed as non-histotype-specific therapies, they are not discussed here. The PubMed literature was searched using the terms 'sarcoma', 'angiogenesis', 'mTOR' and 'targeted agents'. Proceedings of the annual meeting of the American Society of Clinical Oncology as well as those of the Connective Tissue Oncology Society were also searched for relevant information. EXPERT OPINION Many agents are currently developed in a subtype-specific manner in STS and this represents a significant leap forward. However, much remains to be done to improve our understanding of the molecular biology of this heterogeneous group of diseases.
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31
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Zumkeller W. The role of insulin-like growth factor system in soft tissue sarcomas: from physiopathology to targeted therapeutic approaches. Sarcoma 2011; 2:69-76. [PMID: 18521237 PMCID: PMC2395388 DOI: 10.1080/13577149878028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose/Results. Although surgical, chemo- and radiotherapeutic treatment regimens in patients with soft tissue sarcomas have constantly been refined over the past two decades, the survival rate for these patients is rather low. Discussion. There is a great need to investigate the mechanisms for oncogenesis and to identify the factors involved in malignant transformation in sarcomas. Among these factors, IGFs are thought to play a pivotal role as progression factors in various types of sarcomas. The dysregulation of the IGF-II synthesis, e.g. by loss of imprinting which occurs in most
types of sarcomas, is a permissive effect through the suppression of cell death. In addition, cells that overexpress the type I IGF receptors are more susceptible to transformation by oncogenes. As TP53 suppresses the activity of IGF-II P3 and P4, as well as the type I IGF receptor promoter, mutations of TP53 in sarcomas may alternatively lead to the activation of these factors. Finally, the phenomenon of non-islet cell tumour hypoglycaemia that occurs in patients with sarcomas, and which is related to the secretion of IGF-II prohormones, is discussed. Future therapeutic strategies may be based upon the application of antibodies or antisense oligonucleotides directed against the type I IGF receptors, with the common goal of inducing apoptosis in sarcoma cells. Ultimately, these and other therapeutic approaches may lead to a better outcome in patients suffering from sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Zumkeller
- Department of Hematology/Oncology Children's University Hospital Heidelberg Germany
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32
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Maki RG. Small is beautiful: insulin-like growth factors and their role in growth, development, and cancer. J Clin Oncol 2010; 28:4985-95. [PMID: 20975071 PMCID: PMC3039924 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2009.27.5040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2009] [Accepted: 08/23/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Insulin-like growth factors were discovered more than 50 years ago as mediators of growth hormone that effect growth and differentiation of bone and skeletal muscle. Interest of the role of insulin-like growth factors in cancer reached a peak in the 1990s, and then waned until the availability in the past 5 years of monoclonal antibodies and small molecules that block the insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor. In this article, we review the history of insulin-like growth factors and their role in growth, development, organism survival, and in cancer, both epithelial cancers and sarcomas. Recent developments regarding phase I to II clinical trials of such agents are discussed, as well as potential studies to consider in the future, given the lack of efficacy of one such monoclonal antibody in combination with cytotoxic chemotherapy in a first-line study in metastatic non-small-cell lung adenocarcinoma. Greater success with these agents clinically is expected when combining the agents with inhibitors of other cell signaling pathways in which cross-resistance has been observed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert G Maki
- Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY 10065-6007, USA.
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33
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Olmos D, Tan DSW, Jones RL, Judson IR. Biological rationale and current clinical experience with anti-insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor monoclonal antibodies in treating sarcoma: twenty years from the bench to the bedside. Cancer J 2010; 16:183-94. [PMID: 20526094 DOI: 10.1097/ppo.0b013e3181dbebf9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Two decades have elapsed since insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling was initially implicated in sarcoma biology to the first clinical experience of IGF-1R blockade in sarcoma. During these 21 years, the IGF pathway and its key mediator IGF-1R have been implicated in the genesis, growth, proliferation, metastasis, and resistance to conventional treatment in several sarcoma subtypes. In addition, IGF-1R has been validated, both in vitro and in vivo, as a target for the treatment of sarcoma. Several radiologic and clinical responses to IGF-1R monoclonal antibodies have been reported in Ewing sarcoma patients enrolled in early clinical studies. Furthermore, these therapies were well tolerated, and thus far severe toxicity has been rare. The early clinical evidence of antitumor activity has supported the initiation of various phase II clinical trials in Ewing and other sarcoma subtypes, the results of which are eagerly awaited, as well as studies assessing IGF-1R monoclonal antibodies in combination with traditional cytotoxics or other targeted therapies. Despite these encouraging results, not all patients benefit from IGF-1R inhibition and consequently there is an urgent need for the identification of predictive markers of response.
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Affiliation(s)
- David Olmos
- Sarcoma Unit, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, United Kingdom.
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Wells J, Rivera MN, Kim WJ, Starbuck K, Haber DA. The predominant WT1 isoform (+KTS) encodes a DNA-binding protein targeting the planar cell polarity gene Scribble in renal podocytes. Mol Cancer Res 2010; 8:975-85. [PMID: 20571064 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-10-0033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
WT1 encodes a tumor suppressor first identified by its inactivation in Wilms' Tumor. Although one WT1 splicing variant encodes a well-characterized zinc finger transcription factor, little is known about the function of the most prevalent WT1 isoform, whose DNA binding domain is disrupted by a three-amino acid (KTS) insertion. Using cells that conditionally express WT1(+KTS), we undertook a genome-wide chromatin immunoprecipitation and cloning analysis to identify candidate WT1(+KTS)-regulated promoters. We identified the planar cell polarity gene Scribble (SCRB) as the first WT1(+KTS) target gene in podocytes of the kidney. WT1 and SCRB expression patterns overlap precisely in developing renal glomeruli of mice, and WT1(+KTS) binds to a 33-nucleotide region within the Scribble promoter in mouse and human cell lines and kidneys. Together, our results support a role for the predominant WT1(+KTS) isoform in transcriptional regulation and suggest a link between the WT1-dependent tumor suppressor pathway and a key component of the planar cell polarity pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julie Wells
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, Massachusetts, USA
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Sarfstein R, Belfiore A, Werner H. Identification of Insulin-Like Growth Factor-I Receptor (IGF-IR) Gene Promoter-Binding Proteins in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-Positive and ER-Depleted Breast Cancer Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2010; 2:233-61. [PMID: 24281069 PMCID: PMC3835077 DOI: 10.3390/cancers2020233] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2010] [Accepted: 03/19/2010] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor I receptor (IGF-IR) has been implicated in the etiology of breast cancer. Overexpression of the IGF-IR gene is a typical feature of most primary breast cancers, whereas low IGF-IR levels are seen at advanced stages. Hence, evaluation of IGF-IR levels might be important for assessing prognosis. In the present study, we employed a proteomic approach based on DNA affinity chromatography followed either by mass spectroscopy (MS) or Western blot analysis to identify transcription factors that may associate with the IGF-IR promoter in estrogen receptor (ER)-positive and ER-depleted breast cancer cells. A biotinylated IGF-IR promoter fragment was bound to streptavidin magnetic beads and incubated with nuclear extracts of breast cancer cells. IGF-IR promoter-binding proteins were eluted with high salt and analyzed by MS and Western blots. Among the proteins that were found to bind to the IGF-IR promoter we identified zinc finger transcription factors Sp1 and KLF6, ER-α, p53, c-jun, and poly (ADP-ribosylation) polymerase. Furthermore, chromatin immune-precipitation (ChIP) analysis confirmed the direct in vivo binding of some of these transcription factors to IGF-IR promoter DNA. The functional relevance of binding data was assessed by cotransfection experiments with specific expression vectors along with an IGF-IR promoter reporter. In summary, we identified nuclear proteins that are potentially responsible for the differential expression of the IGF-IR gene in ER-positive and ER-depleted breast cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rive Sarfstein
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; E-Mail:
| | - Antonino Belfiore
- Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, University Magna Graecia of Catanzaro, Catanzaro 88100, Italy; E-Mail:
| | - Haim Werner
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel; E-Mail:
- Author to whom correspondence should be addressed: E-Mail: ; Tel.: +972-3-6408542; Fax: +972-3-6406087
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Abstract
For approximately two decades, the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) has been implicated in the pathogenesis of numerous pediatric malignancies, including osteosarcoma, Ewing sarcoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. In the past, major toxicities have limited the clinical development of IGF-targeted therapies. However, recent interest has been heightened by the availability of increasingly specific small molecules and antibodies directed at IGF-I receptor. Preclinical data using these inhibitors against xenograft models of pediatric sarcomas, coupled with responses in adults with Ewing sarcoma, have generated significant excitement about the clinical potential of this class of drugs and have driven the rapid development of numerous clinical trials now under way. This article reviews the preclinical data and the ongoing clinical trials, as well as issues regarding the further development of these drugs specifically for pediatric malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- E Anders Kolb
- Alfred I. duPont Hospital for Children, Nemours Center for Childhood Cancer Research, 1600 Rockland Road, Wilmington, DE 19803, USA.
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37
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Doern A, Cao X, Sereno A, Reyes CL, Altshuler A, Huang F, Hession C, Flavier A, Favis M, Tran H, Ailor E, Levesque M, Murphy T, Berquist L, Tamraz S, Snipas T, Garber E, Shestowsky WS, Rennard R, Graff CP, Wu X, Snyder W, Cole L, Gregson D, Shields M, Ho SN, Reff ME, Glaser SM, Dong J, Demarest SJ, Hariharan K. Characterization of inhibitory anti-insulin-like growth factor receptor antibodies with different epitope specificity and ligand-blocking properties: implications for mechanism of action in vivo. J Biol Chem 2009; 284:10254-67. [PMID: 19211557 PMCID: PMC2665079 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m809709200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/24/2008] [Revised: 01/30/2009] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Therapeutic antibodies directed against the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF-1R) have recently gained significant momentum in the clinic because of preliminary data generated in human patients with cancer. These antibodies inhibit ligand-mediated activation of IGF-1R and the resulting down-stream signaling cascade. Here we generated a panel of antibodies against IGF-1R and screened them for their ability to block the binding of both IGF-1 and IGF-2 at escalating ligand concentrations (>1 microm) to investigate allosteric versus competitive blocking mechanisms. Four distinct inhibitory classes were found as follows: 1) allosteric IGF-1 blockers, 2) allosteric IGF-2 blockers, 3) allosteric IGF-1 and IGF-2 blockers, and 4) competitive IGF-1 and IGF-2 blockers. The epitopes of representative antibodies from each of these classes were mapped using a purified IGF-1R library containing 64 mutations. Most of these antibodies bound overlapping surfaces on the cysteine-rich repeat and L2 domains. One class of allosteric IGF-1 and IGF-2 blocker was identified that bound a separate epitope on the outer surface of the FnIII-1 domain. Using various biophysical techniques, we show that the dual IGF blockers inhibit ligand binding using a spectrum of mechanisms ranging from highly allosteric to purely competitive. Binding of IGF-1 or the inhibitory antibodies was associated with conformational changes in IGF-1R, linked to the ordering of dynamic or unstructured regions of the receptor. These results suggest IGF-1R uses disorder/order within its polypeptide sequence to regulate its activity. Interestingly, the activity of representative allosteric and competitive inhibitors on H322M tumor cell growth in vitro was reflective of their individual ligand-blocking properties. Many of the antibodies in the clinic likely adopt one of the inhibitory mechanisms described here, and the outcome of future clinical studies may reveal whether a particular inhibitory mechanism leads to optimal clinical efficacy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adam Doern
- Biogen Idec, San Diego, California 92130 and Applied Photophysics Limited, Leatherhead, Surrey KT22 7PB, United Kingdom
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Rikhof B, de Jong S, Suurmeijer AJH, Meijer C, van der Graaf WTA. The insulin-like growth factor system and sarcomas. J Pathol 2009; 217:469-82. [PMID: 19148905 DOI: 10.1002/path.2499] [Citation(s) in RCA: 113] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Sarcomas are a diverse group of malignant mesenchymal tumours arising from bone and soft tissues. The identification of critical cellular signalling pathways in sarcomas is an important issue for the development of new targeted therapies. This review highlights the experimental and clinical evidence supporting the role of the insulin-like growth factor (IGF) signalling system in the cellular transformation and progression of several types of sarcoma, including rhabdomyosarcoma, synovial sarcoma, leiomyosarcoma, Ewing's sarcoma and osteosarcoma. Preclinical data suggest that the IGF system could be a promising target for therapy in these sarcomas. Currently, therapies interrupting IGF signalling have been or are being developed. In recent phase 1 clinical studies with humanized monoclonal antibodies directed against IGF receptor type 1 (IGF-1R), objective tumour responses were observed in several patients with Ewing's sarcoma, encouraging further clinical testing in Ewing's sarcoma and other sarcoma (sub)types. Moreover, the occasional occurrence of paraneoplastic hypoglycaemia as a result of the secretion of incompletely processed forms of pro-IGF-II by sarcomas is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bart Rikhof
- Department of Medical Oncology, University Medical Centre Groningen, University of Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The present review examines the rationale for targeting insulin-like growth factor-I receptor in sarcoma therapy and highlights some key issues that need to be addressed as clinical trials targeting insulin-like growth factor-I receptor proceed. RECENT FINDINGS Preclinical evidence supports proof of principle for targeting insulin-like growth factor-I receptor signaling in sarcomas. The insulin-like growth factor system is activated by or associated with most of the fusion oncoproteins that genetically characterize a group of sarcomas, but alterations in this pathway appear as a common feature. Correlation of cancer risk with insulin-like growth factor-I receptor signaling expression and polymorphisms has also been described. Blockade of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor functions results in an inhibition of tumor growth and metastasis, both when the targeted drugs were used as single agents and in combined therapies. Antibodies against insulin-like growth factor-I receptor and small kinase inhibitors represent, at this point, the most probable clinical options. SUMMARY Sarcomas are good candidates for the design of a clinical study targeting insulin-like growth factor-I receptor. An attention to schedule with chemotherapy agents and new drugs, measurement of relevant indicators of response and better molecular understanding of the metabolic functions of insulin-like growth factor-I receptor and its functional relationship with insulin receptor are necessary to proceed safely with the design of anti-insulin-like growth factor strategies.
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Lee YS, Hsiao CH. Desmoplastic small round cell tumor: a clinicopathologic, immunohistochemical and molecular study of four patients. J Formos Med Assoc 2007; 106:854-60. [PMID: 17964965 DOI: 10.1016/s0929-6646(08)60051-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a rare but highly aggressive tumor that usually occurs in the abdominal cavity of young males. Immunohistochemical staining plays an important role in the differentiation of DSRCT from other small round cell neoplasms. Recently, a novel translocation of chromosome 11 and 22 [t(11;22)(p13+q12)] was identified in DSRCTs, which could result in the formation of the chimeric EWS-WT1 fusion gene. Reverse transcriptasepolymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) has been applied to detect the fusion gene in fresh tissue and confirm the diagnosis. Only a few studies using RT-PCR with formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue sections to detect the specific transcript have been reported. METHODS We collected four patients who had been diagnosed with DSRCT from the archives of the Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, between 1996 and 2006. The clinical information and histologic sections of the patients were reviewed. Panel of primary antibodies including cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin and WT-1 were used for immunohistochemical staining. RNA extracted from the FFPE tissue sections was used for RT-PCR to identify the transcript of EWS-WT1. RESULTS All four patients were male, with a mean age of 24 years. All of the tumors originated in the abdominal cavity and liver metastases were found in two patients. Two patients died of disease within 2 years, and the other two remained alive with disease. Histologically, the tumors were composed of nests of primitive small round cells within a desmoplastic stroma. Immunohistochemically, all the tumor cells were reactive to cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin and WT-1. The characteristic EWS-WT1 fusion gene could be identified in the FFPE specimens of all three patients who had tissue sections available for RT-PCR analysis. CONCLUSION DSRCT is an aggressive tumor that usually occurs in the peritoneum of young males. The tumor is characterized by the expression of cytokeratin, vimentin, desmin and WT-1. RT-PCR, using paraffin-embedded tissue sections, can effectively detect the characteristic EWS-WT1 fusion gene transcript.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi-Shuan Lee
- Department of Pathology, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan
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41
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Werner H, Idelman G, Rubinstein M, Pattee P, Nagalla SR, Roberts CT. A novel EWS-WT1 gene fusion product in desmoplastic small round cell tumor is a potent transactivator of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) gene. Cancer Lett 2007; 247:84-90. [PMID: 16730884 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2006.03.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2006] [Revised: 03/19/2006] [Accepted: 03/24/2006] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is a primitive sarcoma characterized by a recurrent chromosomal translocation, t(11;22)(p13;q12), which fuses the 5' exons of the EWS gene to the 3' exons of the WT1 gene. EWS-WT1 chimeras are heterogeneous as a result of fusions of different regions of the EWS gene to the WT1 gene. We report here a rare and novel EWS-WT1 variant, EWS-WT1 5/10, in a 6-year-old boy diagnosed with DSRCT and analyze the potential transactivation effect of the fusion oncoprotein. The predicted product is comprised of the N-terminal transactivation domain of EWS and lacks any sequence derived from the WT1 gene product. Nonetheless, the truncated protein was able to stimulate expression of the insulin-like growth factor-I receptor gene, a potent antiapoptotic receptor tyrosine kinase with potentially important roles in DSRCT etiology. These findings raise the possibility that the oncogenic potential of EWS-WT1 fusions is not necessarily a consequence of the fusion protein product per se.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Werner
- Department of Human Molecular Genetics and Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Ramat Aviv, 69978 Tel Aviv, Israel.
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Nakanishi Y, Oinuma T, Sano M, Fuchinoue F, Komatsu K, Seki T, Obana Y, Tabata M, Kikuchi K, Shimamura M, Ohmori K, Nemoto N. Coexpression of an unusual form of the EWS-WT1 fusion transcript and interleukin 2/15 receptor betamRNA in a desmoplastic small round cell tumour. J Clin Pathol 2006; 59:1108-10. [PMID: 17021139 PMCID: PMC1861750 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.026245] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The beta chain of the interleukin 2/15 receptor (IL-2/15Rbeta) is induced by the expression of the EWS-WT1. A case of desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) expressing only an unusual EWS-WT1 treated by us is reported here. AIM To characterise an unusual form of EWS-WT1. METHODS Frozen tissue sections of the axillary tumour were examined using a laser-assisted microdissection technique and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS The novel fusion of exon 8 of EWS and the defective exon 10 of WT1 (-KTS) was detected. Although it was an unusual form, the coexpression of the present EWS-WT1, IL-2/15Rbeta and Janus kinase (JAK1) mRNA was detected in the tumour cells. IL-2 and signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT5) mRNA were detected in both tumour and stromal cells. CONCLUSION The induction of the IL-2/15 receptor signalling pathway may contribute to tumorigenesis in DSRCT through a paracrine or an autocrine system, even though the EWS-WT1 was an unusual form.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Nakanishi
- Department of Pathology, Nihon University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
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Larsson O, Girnita A, Girnita L. Role of insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor signalling in cancer. Br J Cancer 2005; 92:2097-101. [PMID: 15956962 PMCID: PMC2361813 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6602627] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The insulin-like growth factor (IGF-1) signalling is highly implicated in cancer. In this signalling the IGF-1 receptor (IGF-1R) is unquestionable, the predominating single factor. IGF-1R is crucial for tumour transformation and survival of malignant cell, but is only partially involved in normal cell growth. This is in part due to the interactions with oncogenes. Recent findings suggest a close interplay with the p53/MDM2 pathway. Disturbances in components in the p53/MDM2/IGF-1R network may cause IGF-1R upregulation and growth advantage for the cancer cell. Targeting of IGF-1R is more and more seen as a promising option for future cancer therapy. Single chain antibodies and small molecules with selective effects on IGF-1R dependent malignant growth are of particular interest. Forthcoming clinical trials are welcome and will indeed be the only way to evaluate the impact of IGF-1R targeting in human cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- O Larsson
- Department of Oncology and Pathology, CCK R8:04, Karolinska Hospital, S-171 76 Stockholm, Sweden.
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44
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Filion C, Labelle Y. The oncogenic fusion protein EWS/NOR-1 induces transformation of CFK2 chondrogenic cells. Exp Cell Res 2004; 297:585-92. [PMID: 15212958 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2004.03.040] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2003] [Revised: 02/19/2004] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
The EWS/NOR-1 fusion protein is encoded by the t(9;22) chromosomal translocation found in approximately 75% of extraskeletal myxoid chondrosarcoma (EMC) tumors. The lack of cellular models in which the oncogenic properties of this fusion protein are expressed has seriously hampered the study of its role in the development of EMC. To generate such a cellular model, we have used the chondrogenic cell line CFK2. We show in this study that although stable expression of EWS/NOR-1 does not alter the population doubling time and the cell cycle distribution of CFK2 cells in subconfluent cultures, it induces their transformation as measured by growth beyond confluency and anchorage-independent growth in soft agarose medium. Glycosaminoglycan accumulation in CFK2(EWS/NOR-1) cell lines indicate that the fusion protein does not appear to interfere with the ability of CFK2 cells to differentiate into chondrocyte-like cells in vitro. These results support the hypothesis that the role of EWS/NOR-1 in EMC may be to disrupt the proliferation properties of cells involved in chondrogenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Amino Acid Sequence
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Cell Differentiation
- Cell Line
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic
- Chondrocytes/cytology
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 22
- Chromosomes, Human, Pair 9
- DNA-Binding Proteins/chemistry
- DNA-Binding Proteins/genetics
- DNA-Binding Proteins/metabolism
- Glycosaminoglycans/biosynthesis
- Humans
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/chemistry
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/genetics
- Nerve Tissue Proteins/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Protein Structure, Tertiary
- Rats
- Receptors, Steroid
- Receptors, Thyroid Hormone
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Ewing/chemistry
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Christine Filion
- Human and Molecular Genetic Research Unit, Pavillon Saint-François d'Assise, CHUQ, Quebec, Qc, Canada G1L 3L5
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45
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Rachfal AW, Luquette MH, Brigstock DR. Expression of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) in desmoplastic small round cell tumour. J Clin Pathol 2004; 57:422-5. [PMID: 15047749 PMCID: PMC1770275 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2003.012344] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Desmoplastic small round cell tumour (DSRCT) is a rare and often fatal abdominal tumour that is distinguished by well defined islands of cells, surrounded by prominent desmoplastic stroma. As in certain other tumours, the function of the Wilms's tumour protein (WT1) in repressing gene transcription is lost in DSRCT. AIMS To assess the expression and localisation of connective tissue growth factor (CCN2) in DSRCT because this protein is transcriptionally repressed by WT1 and is associated with the production of abundant extracellular matrix. METHODS CCN2 was assessed by in situ hybridisation and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS CCN2 mRNA and protein were colocalised to the tumour cells themselves, in addition to stromal fibroblasts and vascular endothelial cells. CONCLUSIONS These data show that CCN2 is produced in high amounts by several cell types in DSRCT, and highlight a potential role for this factor in the autocrine and paracrine regulation of tumour cell growth, matrigenesis, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- A W Rachfal
- Center for Cell and Vascular Biology, Children's Research Institute, Columbus Ohio 43205, USA
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Lee HJ, Kim S, Pelletier J, Kim J. Stimulation of hTAFII68 (NTD)-mediated transactivation by v-Src. FEBS Lett 2004; 564:188-98. [PMID: 15094065 DOI: 10.1016/s0014-5793(04)00314-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2004] [Revised: 03/05/2004] [Accepted: 03/11/2004] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
The three genes hTAF(II)68, EWS, and TLS (called the TET family) encode related RNA binding proteins containing an RNA recognition motif and three glycine-, arginine-, and proline-rich regions in the C-terminus and a degenerated repeat containing the consensus sequence Ser-Tyr-Gly-Gln-Ser in the N-terminus. In many human cancers, the N-terminal portion of hTAF(II)68, EWS, or TLS is fused to the DNA binding domain of one of several transcription factors including Fli-1, ERG, ETV1, E1AF, WT1, ATF-1, CHOP, or TEC. We have recognized the presence of several potential tyrosine phosphorylation sites within the amino-terminal domain of hTAF(II)68 and have investigated the potential effects of cytoplasmic signaling on hTAF(II)68 function. Herein, we find that hTAF(II)68 is phosphorylated on tyrosine residue(s) by ectopic expression of v-Src protein tyrosine kinase in vitro and in vivo. The hTAF(II)68 protein can associated with the SH3 domains of several cell signaling proteins, including v-Src protein tyrosine kinase. We also document that full-length v-Src can stimulate hTAF(II)68-mediated transcriptional activation, whereas deletion mutants of v-Src are unable to exert this effect. In addition, cellular Src activity appears important for hTAF(II)68 function since hTAF(II)68-mediated transactivation is reduced in a dose-dependent fashion by ectopic overexpression of a dominant-negative mutant of Src. Taken together, our results suggest that the biological activities of hTAF(II)68 are linked to the cytoplasmic Src signal transduction pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hye Jin Lee
- Laboratory of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Department of Life Science, Sogang University, Seoul 121-743, South Korea
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47
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Ito E, Honma R, Imai JI, Azuma S, Kanno T, Mori S, Yoshie O, Nishio J, Iwasaki H, Yoshida K, Gohda J, Inoue JI, Watanabe S, Semba K. A tetraspanin-family protein, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigen 1, is induced by the Ewing's sarcoma-Wilms' tumor 1 fusion protein of desmoplastic small round-cell tumor. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2004; 163:2165-72. [PMID: 14633590 PMCID: PMC1892365 DOI: 10.1016/s0002-9440(10)63573-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Recurrent chromosomal translocations in neoplasms often generate hybrid genes that play critical roles in tumorigenesis. Desmoplastic small round-cell tumor (DSRCT) is an aggressive malignancy associated with the chromosomal translocation t(11;22)(p13;q12). This translocation generates a chimeric transcription factor, EWS-WT1, which consists of the transcriptional activation domain of the Ewing's sarcoma (EWS) protein and the DNA binding domain of the Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) protein. One of the splice variants, EWS-WT1(-KTS) lacks three amino acid residues (Lys-Thr-Ser) in the DNA binding domain and transforms NIH3T3 cells. Therefore, it is likely that aberrant gene expression caused by EWS-WT1(-KTS) is involved in the malignant phenotype of DSRCT. Microarray analysis of 9600 human genes revealed that a gene encoding a tetraspanin-family protein, T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia-associated antigen 1 (TALLA-1), was induced in EWS-WT1(-KTS)-expressing cell clones. This induction was EWS-WT1(-KTS)-specific, and more importantly, TALLA-1 protein was expressed in the three independent cases of DSRCT. Tetraspanin-family genes encode transmembrane proteins that regulate various cell processes such as cell adhesion, migration and metastasis. Our findings provide a novel insight into the malignant phenotype of DSRCT, suggesting that TALLA-1 is a useful marker for diagnosis and a potential target for the therapy of DSRCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emi Ito
- Division of Cancer Genomics, Department of Cancer Biology, The Institute of Medical Science, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo
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Bentov I, LeRoith D, Werner H. The WT1 Wilms' tumor suppressor gene: a novel target for insulin-like growth factor-I action. Endocrinology 2003; 144:4276-9. [PMID: 12960088 DOI: 10.1210/en.2003-0400] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
IGF-I stimulates cell division in numerous cell types after activation of the IGF-I receptor, a transmembrane heterotetramer linked to the ras-raf-MAPK and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase signaling pathways. The WT1 Wilms' tumor suppressor is a zinc finger-containing transcription factor that is involved in a number of developmental processes, as well as in the etiology of certain neoplasias. In the present study, we demonstrated that IGF-I reduced WT1 expression in osteosarcoma-derived Saos-2 cells in a time- and dose-dependent manner. This effect was mediated through the MAPK signaling pathway, as shown by the ability of the specific inhibitor UO126 to abrogate IGF-I action. Furthermore, the effect of IGF-I involved repression of transcription from the WT1 gene promoter, as demonstrated using transient transfection assays. Taken together, our results suggest that the WT1 gene is a novel downstream target for IGF-I action. Reduced levels of WT1 may facilitate IGF-I-stimulated cell cycle progression. Most importantly, inhibition of WT1 gene expression by IGF-I may have significant implications in terms of cancer initiation and/or progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Itay Bentov
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv 69978, Israel
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Reynolds PA, Smolen GA, Palmer RE, Sgroi D, Yajnik V, Gerald WL, Haber DA. Identification of a DNA-binding site and transcriptional target for the EWS-WT1(+KTS) oncoprotein. Genes Dev 2003; 17:2094-107. [PMID: 12923058 PMCID: PMC196452 DOI: 10.1101/gad.1110703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) is defined by a chimeric transcription factor, resulting from fusion of the N-terminal domain of the Ewing's sarcoma gene EWS to the three C-terminal zinc fingers of the Wilms' tumor suppressor WT1. Although DNA-binding sites have been defined for the uninterrupted WT1 zinc finger domains, the most prevalent isoforms of both WT1 and EWS-WT1 have an insertion of three amino acids [lysine, threonine, and serine (KTS)], which abrogates binding to known consensus sequences and transactivation of known target genes. Here, we used cDNA subtractive hybridization to identify an endogenous gene, LRRC15, which is specifically up-regulated after inducible expression of EWS-WT1(+KTS) in cancer cell lines, and is expressed within primary DSRCT cells. The chimeric protein binds in vitro and in vivo to a specific element upstream of LRRC15, leading to dramatic transcriptional activation. Mutagenesis studies define the optimal binding site of the (+KTS) isoform of EWS-WT1 as 5'-GGAGG(A/G)-3'. LRRC15 encodes a leucine-rich transmembrane protein, present at the leading edge of migrating cells, the expression of which in normal tissues is restricted to the invasive cytotrophoblast layer of the placenta; small interfering (siRNA)-mediated suppression of LRRC15 expression in breast cancer cells leads to abrogation of invasiveness in vitro. Together, these observations define the consequence of (KTS) insertion within WT1-derived zinc fingers, and identify a novel EWS-WT1 transcriptional target implicated in tumor invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paul A Reynolds
- Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center and Harvard Medical School, Charlestown, MA 02129, USA
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50
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Werner H, Roberts CT. The IGFI receptor gene: a molecular target for disrupted transcription factors. Genes Chromosomes Cancer 2003; 36:113-20. [PMID: 12508239 DOI: 10.1002/gcc.10157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
The biological actions of the insulin-like growth factors, IGFI and IGFII, are mediated by their activation of the IGFI receptor (IGFIR), a transmembrane heterotetramer linked to the RAS-RAF-MAPK and PI3K-PKB/AKT signal transduction cascades. The IGFIR displays potent mitogenic, antiapoptotic, and transforming activities, and is a prerequisite for oncogenic transformation. A number of transcription factors have been identified that control the expression of this gene and therefore determine, to a significant extent, the proliferative status of the cell. The purpose of this review is to summarize data showing that, under normal physiological conditions, expression of the IGFIR is under inhibitory control by a family of negative growth regulators or tumor suppressors. Cells with a reduced number of cell-surface receptors are unable to progress through the cell cycle and remain in a postmitotic state. Loss-of-function mutation of tumor suppressors in certain cancers results in transcriptional derepression of the IGFIR gene, with ensuing increases in the levels of IGFIR and increased proliferative capacity. Understanding the molecular mechanisms responsible for transcriptional regulation of the IGFIR gene will prove important in designing novel therapies aimed at targeting the IGF axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haim Werner
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Sackler School of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
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