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Liu F, Chen J, Li K, Li H, Zhu Y, Zhai Y, Lu B, Fan Y, Liu Z, Chen X, Jia X, Dong Z, Liu K. Ubiquitination and deubiquitination in cancer: from mechanisms to novel therapeutic approaches. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:148. [PMID: 39048965 PMCID: PMC11270804 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-02046-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2024] [Accepted: 06/15/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, a pivotal posttranslational modification of proteins, plays a fundamental role in regulating protein stability. The dysregulation of ubiquitinating and deubiquitinating enzymes is a common feature in various cancers, underscoring the imperative to investigate ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases (DUBs) for insights into oncogenic processes and the development of therapeutic interventions. In this review, we discuss the contributions of the ubiquitin-proteasome system (UPS) in all hallmarks of cancer and progress in drug discovery. We delve into the multiple functions of the UPS in oncology, including its regulation of multiple cancer-associated pathways, its role in metabolic reprogramming, its engagement with tumor immune responses, its function in phenotypic plasticity and polymorphic microbiomes, and other essential cellular functions. Furthermore, we provide a comprehensive overview of novel anticancer strategies that leverage the UPS, including the development and application of proteolysis targeting chimeras (PROTACs) and molecular glues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fangfang Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Jingyu Chen
- Department of Pediatric Medicine, School of Third Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Kai Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Haochen Li
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yiyi Zhu
- Department of Clinical Medicine, School of First Clinical Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yubo Zhai
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Bingbing Lu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Yanle Fan
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China
| | - Ziyue Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China
| | - Xiaojie Chen
- School of Basic Medicine, Henan University of Science and Technology, Luoyang, China
| | - Xuechao Jia
- Henan International Joint Laboratory of TCM Syndrome and Prescription in Signaling, Traditional Chinese Medicine (Zhong Jing) School, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, Henan, China.
| | - Zigang Dong
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450000, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
| | - Kangdong Liu
- Tianjian Laboratory of Advanced Biomedical Sciences, Academy of Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan, 450001, China.
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450000, China.
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Kinnunen M, Liu X, Niemelä E, Öhman T, Gawriyski L, Salokas K, Keskitalo S, Varjosalo M. The Impact of ETV6-NTRK3 Oncogenic Gene Fusions on Molecular and Signaling Pathway Alterations. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:4246. [PMID: 37686522 PMCID: PMC10486691 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15174246] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 08/17/2023] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Chromosomal translocations creating fusion genes are common cancer drivers. The oncogenic ETV6-NTRK3 (EN) gene fusion joins the sterile alpha domain of the ETV6 transcription factor with the tyrosine kinase domain of the neurotrophin-3 receptor NTRK3. Four EN variants with alternating break points have since been detected in a wide range of human cancers. To provide molecular level insight into EN oncogenesis, we employed a proximity labeling mass spectrometry approach to define the molecular context of the fusions. We identify in total 237 high-confidence interactors, which link EN fusions to several key signaling pathways, including ERBB, insulin and JAK/STAT. We then assessed the effects of EN variants on these pathways, and showed that the pan NTRK inhibitor Selitrectinib (LOXO-195) inhibits the oncogenic activity of EN2, the most common variant. This systems-level analysis defines the molecular framework in which EN oncofusions operate to promote cancer and provides some mechanisms for therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matias Kinnunen
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Elina Niemelä
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Tiina Öhman
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Lisa Gawriyski
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Kari Salokas
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Salla Keskitalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
| | - Markku Varjosalo
- Institute of Biotechnology, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
- Helsinki Institute of Life Science, University of Helsinki, 00014 Helsinki, Finland
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3
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Chen X, Zhu X, Yan W, Wang L, Xue D, Zhu S, Pan J, Li Y, Zhao Q, Han D. Serum lncRNA THRIL predicts benign and malignant pulmonary nodules and promotes the progression of pulmonary malignancies. BMC Cancer 2023; 23:755. [PMID: 37582734 PMCID: PMC10426220 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-023-11264-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 08/06/2023] [Indexed: 08/17/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND This project aimed to research the significance of THRIL in the diagnosis of benign and malignant solitary pulmonary nodules (SPNs) and to investigate the role of THRIL/miR-99a in malignant SPNs. METHODS The study groups consisted of 169 patients with SPN and 74 healthy subjects. The differences in THRIL levels were compared between the two groups and the healthy group. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was utilized to analyze the THRIL's significance in detecting benign and malignant SPN. Pearson correlation and binary regression coefficients represented the association between THRIL and SPN. CCK-8 assay, Transwell assay, and flow cytometry were utilized to detect the regulatory effect of THRIL silencing. The interaction between THRIL, miR-99a, and IGF1R was confirmed by the double luciferase reporter gene. RESULTS There were differences in THRIL expression in the healthy group, benign SPN group, and malignant SPN group. High accuracy of THRIL in the diagnosis of benign SPN and malignant SPN was observed. THRIL was associated with the development of SPN. The expression of THRIL was upregulated and miR-99a was downregulated in lung cancer cells. The double luciferase report experiment confirmed the connections between THRIL/miR-99a/IGF1R. Silencing THRIL could suppress cell proliferation, migration, and invasion and promote cell apoptosis by binding miR-99a. CONCLUSION The detection of THRIL in serum is useful for the assessment of malignant SPN. THRIL can regulate the expression of IGF1R through miR-99a, thereby promoting the growth of lung cancer cells and inhibiting apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinyu Chen
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Xianji Zhu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Shanghai Pudong Hospital, Fudan University Pudong Medical Center, Shanghai, 201399, China
| | - Wenjun Yan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Luan Wang
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Dongming Xue
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Shouying Zhu
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Jiajun Pan
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Yufeng Li
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Qixiang Zhao
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China
| | - Dong Han
- Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Xuzhou No.1 People's Hospital, Xuzhou Municipal Hospital Affiliated with Xuzhou Medical College, 269 Daxue Road, Xuzhou, 221000, China.
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Generating in vitro models of NTRK-fusion mesenchymal neoplasia as tools for investigating kinase oncogenic activation and response to targeted therapy. Oncogenesis 2023; 12:8. [PMID: 36801905 PMCID: PMC9938185 DOI: 10.1038/s41389-023-00454-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2022] [Revised: 02/03/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The discovery of neurotrophic tyrosine receptor kinase (NTRK) gene fusions as pan-tumor oncogenic drivers has led to new personalized therapies in oncology. Recent studies investigating NTRK fusions among mesenchymal neoplasms have identified several emerging soft tissue tumor entities displaying various phenotypes and clinical behaviors. Among them, tumors resembling lipofibromatosis or malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors often harbor intra-chromosomal NTRK1 rearrangements, while most infantile fibrosarcomas are characterized by canonical ETV6::NTRK3 fusions. However, appropriate cellular models to investigate mechanisms of how kinase oncogenic activation through gene fusions drives such a wide spectrum of morphology and malignancy are lacking. Progress in genome editing has facilitated the efficient generation of chromosomal translocations in isogenic cell lines. In this study we employ various strategies to model NTRK fusions, including LMNA::NTRK1 (interstitial deletion) and ETV6::NTRK3 (reciprocal translocation) in human embryonic stem (hES) cells and mesenchymal progenitors (hES-MP). Here, we undertake various methods to model non-reciprocal, intrachromosomal deletions/translocations by induction of DNA double strand breaks (DSBs) exploiting either the repair mechanisms of homology directed repair (HDR) or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ). Expression of LMNA::NTRK1 or ETV6::NTRK3 fusions in either hES cells or hES-MP did not affect cell proliferation. However, the level of mRNA expression of the fusion transcripts was significantly upregulated in hES-MP, and phosphorylation of the LMNA::NTRK1 fusion oncoprotein was noted only in hES-MP but not in hES cells. Similarly, an NTRK1-driven transcriptional profile related to neuronal and neuroectodermal lineage was upregulated mainly in hES-MP, supporting the importance of appropriate cellular context in modeling cancer relevant aberrations. As proof of concept of the validity of our in vitro models, phosphorylation was depleted by two TRK inhibitors, Entrectinib and Larotrectinib, currently used as targeted therapy for tumors with NTRK fusions.
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The Next Frontier: Translational Development of Ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation in Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23073480. [PMID: 35408841 PMCID: PMC8999128 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23073480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/14/2022] [Revised: 03/17/2022] [Accepted: 03/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Post-translational modifications of proteins ensure optimized cellular processes, including proteostasis, regulated signaling, cell survival, and stress adaptation to maintain a balanced homeostatic state. Abnormal post-translational modifications are associated with cellular dysfunction and the occurrence of life-threatening diseases, such as cancer and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, some of the frequently seen protein modifications have been used as disease markers, while others are targeted for developing specific therapies. The ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like post-translational modifiers, namely, small ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) and neuronal precursor cell-expressed developmentally down-regulated protein 8 (NEDD8), share several features, such as protein structures, enzymatic cascades mediating the conjugation process, and targeted amino acid residues. Alterations in the regulatory mechanisms lead to aberrations in biological processes during tumorigenesis, including the regulation of tumor metabolism, immunological modulation of the tumor microenvironment, and cancer stem cell stemness, besides many more. Novel insights into ubiquitin and ubiquitin-like pathways involved in cancer biology reveal a potential interplay between ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation. This review outlines the current understandings of the regulatory mechanisms and assay capabilities of ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation. It will further highlight the role of ubiquitination, SUMOylation, and NEDDylation in tumorigenesis.
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Ducker C, Shaw PE. Ubiquitin-Mediated Control of ETS Transcription Factors: Roles in Cancer and Development. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:5119. [PMID: 34066106 PMCID: PMC8151852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Genome expansion, whole genome and gene duplication events during metazoan evolution produced an extensive family of ETS genes whose members express transcription factors with a conserved winged helix-turn-helix DNA-binding domain. Unravelling their biological roles has proved challenging with functional redundancy manifest in overlapping expression patterns, a common consensus DNA-binding motif and responsiveness to mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling. Key determinants of the cellular repertoire of ETS proteins are their stability and turnover, controlled largely by the actions of selective E3 ubiquitin ligases and deubiquitinases. Here we discuss the known relationships between ETS proteins and enzymes that determine their ubiquitin status, their integration with other developmental signal transduction pathways and how suppression of ETS protein ubiquitination contributes to the malignant cell phenotype in multiple cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles Ducker
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
| | - Peter E. Shaw
- Queen’s Medical Centre, School of Life Sciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham NG7 2UH, UK
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7
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Somwar R, Hofmann NE, Smith B, Odintsov I, Vojnic M, Linkov I, Tam A, Khodos I, Mattar MS, de Stanchina E, Flynn D, Ladanyi M, Drilon A, Shinde U, Davare MA. NTRK kinase domain mutations in cancer variably impact sensitivity to type I and type II inhibitors. Commun Biol 2020; 3:776. [PMID: 33328556 PMCID: PMC7745027 DOI: 10.1038/s42003-020-01508-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 11/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Tyrosine kinase domains dynamically fluctuate between two main structural forms that are referred to as type I (DFG-in) or type II (DFG-out) conformations. Comprehensive data comparing type I and type II inhibitors are currently lacking for NTRK fusion-driven cancers. Here we used a type II NTRK inhibitor, altiratinib, as a model compound to investigate its inhibitory potential for larotrectinib (type I inhibitor)-resistant mutations in NTRK. Our study shows that a subset of larotrectinib-resistant NTRK1 mutations (V573M, F589L and G667C) retains sensitivity to altiratinib, while the NTRK1V573M and xDFG motif NTRK1G667C mutations are highly sensitive to type II inhibitors, including altiratinib, cabozantinib and foretinib. Moreover, molecular modeling suggests that the introduction of a sulfur moiety in the binding pocket, via methionine or cysteine substitutions, specifically renders the mutant kinase hypersensitive to type II inhibitors. Future precision treatment strategies may benefit from selective targeting of these kinase mutants based on our findings.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Disease Models, Animal
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Humans
- Mice
- Models, Molecular
- Molecular Conformation
- Mutation
- Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Neoplasms/genetics
- Neoplasms/metabolism
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion
- Protein Interaction Domains and Motifs/genetics
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/chemistry
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
- Receptor, trkA/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, trkA/chemistry
- Receptor, trkA/genetics
- Receptor, trkA/metabolism
- Receptor, trkC/chemistry
- Receptor, trkC/genetics
- Receptor, trkC/metabolism
- Structure-Activity Relationship
- Xenograft Model Antitumor Assays
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Affiliation(s)
- 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
| | - Nicolle E Hofmann
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Bryan Smith
- Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, 200 Smith Street, Waltham, MA, 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
| | - 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
| | - Irina Linkov
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ashley Tam
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Inna Khodos
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Marissa S Mattar
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Elisa de Stanchina
- Antitumor Assessment Core Facility, Department of Pharmacology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Daniel Flynn
- Deciphera Pharmaceuticals, 200 Smith Street, Waltham, MA, 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
| | - Alexander Drilon
- Thoracic Oncology Service, Division of Solid Tumor Oncology, Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, NY, USA
| | - Ujwal Shinde
- Department of Chemical Physiology and Biochemistry, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
| | - Monika A Davare
- Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA.
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Biswas A, Rajesh Y, Mitra P, Mandal M. ETV6 gene aberrations in non-haematological malignancies: A review highlighting ETV6 associated fusion genes in solid tumors. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188389. [PMID: 32659251 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2020] [Revised: 06/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/01/2020] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ETV6 (translocation-Ets-leukemia virus) gene is a transcriptional repressor mainly involved in haematopoiesis and maintenance of vascular networks and has developed to be a major oncogene with the potential ability of forming fusion partners with many other genes with carcinogenic consequences. ETV6 fusions function primarily by constitutive activation of kinase activity of the fusion partners, modifications in the normal functions of ETV6 transcription factor, loss of function of ETV6 or the partner gene and activation of a proto-oncogene near the site of translocation. The role of ETV6 fusion gene in tumorigenesis has been well-documented and more variedly found in haematological malignancies. However, the role of the ETV6 oncogene in solid tumors has also risen to prominence due to an increasing number of cases being reported with this malignancy. Since, solid tumors can be well-targeted, the diagnosis of this genre of tumors based on ETV6 malignancy is of crucial importance for treatment. This review highlights the important ETV6 associated fusions in solid tumors along with critical insights as to existing and novel means of targeting it. A consolidation of novel therapies such as immune, gene, RNAi, stem cell therapy and protein degradation hitherto unused in the case of ETV6 solid tumor malignancies may open further therapeutic avenues.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angana Biswas
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India
| | - Yetirajam Rajesh
- Department of Human and Molecular Genetics, School of Medicine, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, United States of America
| | - Pralay Mitra
- Department of Computer Science and Engineering, Indian institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
| | - Mahitosh Mandal
- School of Medical Science and Technology, Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur, Kharagpur 721302, India.
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Deng L, Meng T, Chen L, Wei W, Wang P. The role of ubiquitination in tumorigenesis and targeted drug discovery. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:11. [PMID: 32296023 PMCID: PMC7048745 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-0107-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 370] [Impact Index Per Article: 92.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2019] [Revised: 12/12/2019] [Accepted: 12/17/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Ubiquitination, an important type of protein posttranslational modification (PTM), plays a crucial role in controlling substrate degradation and subsequently mediates the "quantity" and "quality" of various proteins, serving to ensure cell homeostasis and guarantee life activities. The regulation of ubiquitination is multifaceted and works not only at the transcriptional and posttranslational levels (phosphorylation, acetylation, methylation, etc.) but also at the protein level (activators or repressors). When regulatory mechanisms are aberrant, the altered biological processes may subsequently induce serious human diseases, especially various types of cancer. In tumorigenesis, the altered biological processes involve tumor metabolism, the immunological tumor microenvironment (TME), cancer stem cell (CSC) stemness and so on. With regard to tumor metabolism, the ubiquitination of some key proteins such as RagA, mTOR, PTEN, AKT, c-Myc and P53 significantly regulates the activity of the mTORC1, AMPK and PTEN-AKT signaling pathways. In addition, ubiquitination in the TLR, RLR and STING-dependent signaling pathways also modulates the TME. Moreover, the ubiquitination of core stem cell regulator triplets (Nanog, Oct4 and Sox2) and members of the Wnt and Hippo-YAP signaling pathways participates in the maintenance of CSC stemness. Based on the altered components, including the proteasome, E3 ligases, E1, E2 and deubiquitinases (DUBs), many molecular targeted drugs have been developed to combat cancer. Among them, small molecule inhibitors targeting the proteasome, such as bortezomib, carfilzomib, oprozomib and ixazomib, have achieved tangible success. In addition, MLN7243 and MLN4924 (targeting the E1 enzyme), Leucettamol A and CC0651 (targeting the E2 enzyme), nutlin and MI-219 (targeting the E3 enzyme), and compounds G5 and F6 (targeting DUB activity) have also shown potential in preclinical cancer treatment. In this review, we summarize the latest progress in understanding the substrates for ubiquitination and their special functions in tumor metabolism regulation, TME modulation and CSC stemness maintenance. Moreover, potential therapeutic targets for cancer are reviewed, as are the therapeutic effects of targeted drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Deng
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China.
| | - Tong Meng
- Division of Spine, Department of Orthopedics, Tongji Hospital Affiliated to Tongji University School of Medicine, 389 Xincun Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Chen
- Division of Laboratory Safety and Services, Northwest A&F University, Yangling Shaanxi, 712100, China
| | - Wenyi Wei
- Department of Pathology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, 02215, USA
| | - Ping Wang
- Tongji University Cancer Center, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital of Tongji University, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, 200092, China.
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10
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Joshi SK, Davare MA, Druker BJ, Tognon CE. Revisiting NTRKs as an emerging oncogene in hematological malignancies. Leukemia 2019; 33:2563-2574. [PMID: 31551508 PMCID: PMC7410820 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-019-0576-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
NTRK fusions are dominant oncogenic drivers found in rare solid tumors. These fusions have also been identified in more common cancers, such as lung and colorectal carcinomas, albeit at low frequencies. Patients harboring these fusions demonstrate significant clinical response to inhibitors such as entrectinib and larotrectinib. Although current trials have focused entirely on solid tumors, there is evidence supporting the use of these drugs for patients with leukemia. To assess the broader applicability for Trk inhibitors in hematological malignancies, this review describes the current state of knowledge about alterations in the NTRK family in these disorders. We present these findings in relation to the discovery and therapeutic targeting of BCR–ABL1 in chronic myeloid leukemia. The advent of deep sequencing technologies has shown that NTRK fusions and somatic mutations are present in a variety of hematologic malignancies. Efficacy of Trk inhibitors has been demonstrated in NTRK-fusion positive human leukemia cell lines and patient-derived xenograft studies, highlighting the potential clinical utility of these inhibitors for a subset of leukemia patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sunil K Joshi
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Department of Physiology & Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Monika A Davare
- Papé Pediatric Research Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.,Division of Pediatric Hematology & Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States
| | - Brian J Druker
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States. .,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
| | - Cristina E Tognon
- Knight Cancer Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States. .,Division of Hematology & Medical Oncology, Department of Medicine, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States. .,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, United States.
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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: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [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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Methods for Identifying Patients with Tropomyosin Receptor Kinase (TRK) Fusion Cancer. Pathol Oncol Res 2019; 26:1385-1399. [PMID: 31256325 PMCID: PMC7297824 DOI: 10.1007/s12253-019-00685-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2019] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
NTRK gene fusions affecting the tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) protein family have been found to be oncogenic drivers in a broad range of cancers. Small molecule inhibitors targeting TRK activity, such as the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved agent larotrectinib (Vitrakvi®), have shown promising efficacy and safety data in the treatment of patients with TRK fusion cancers. NTRK gene fusions can be detected using several different approaches, including fluorescent in situ hybridization, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, immunohistochemistry, next-generation sequencing, and ribonucleic acid-based multiplexed assays. Identifying patients with cancers that harbor NTRK gene fusions will optimize treatment outcomes by providing targeted precision therapy.
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