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Dupuy M, Lamoureux F, Mullard M, Postec A, Regnier L, Baud’huin M, Georges S, Brounais-Le Royer B, Ory B, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. Ewing sarcoma from molecular biology to the clinic. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1248753. [PMID: 37752913 PMCID: PMC10518617 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1248753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 09/28/2023] Open
Abstract
In Europe, with an incidence of 7.5 cases per million, Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor in children, adolescents and young adults, after osteosarcoma. Since the 1980s, conventional treatment has been based on the use of neoadjuvant and adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents combined with surgical resection of the tumor when possible. These treatments have increased the patient survival rate to 70% for localized forms, which drops drastically to less than 30% when patients are resistant to chemotherapy or when pulmonary metastases are present at diagnosis. However, the lack of improvement in these survival rates over the last decades points to the urgent need for new therapies. Genetically, ES is characterized by a chromosomal translocation between a member of the FET family and a member of the ETS family. In 85% of cases, the chromosomal translocation found is (11; 22) (q24; q12), between the EWS RNA-binding protein and the FLI1 transcription factor, leading to the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein. This chimeric protein acts as an oncogenic factor playing a crucial role in the development of ES. This review provides a non-exhaustive overview of ES from a clinical and biological point of view, describing its main clinical, cellular and molecular aspects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maryne Dupuy
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, Université d'Angers, Nantes, France
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Franck Verrecchia
- Nantes Université, Inserm UMR 1307, CNRS UMR 6075, CRCI2NA, Université d'Angers, Nantes, France
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2
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Koshevarova V, Kim A, Wilhelm AB, Eyzaguirre EJ, Bhargava P. Paratesticular Ewing's sarcoma. Radiol Case Rep 2023; 18:3260-3263. [PMID: 37456614 PMCID: PMC10339124 DOI: 10.1016/j.radcr.2023.06.059] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2023] [Accepted: 06/23/2023] [Indexed: 07/18/2023] Open
Abstract
This case report follows a 23-year-old man who presented with a painful right scrotal mass which was found to be a paratesticular vascular solid mass on ultrasound, and after uncomplicated orchiectomy, was revealed to be a high-grade extraskeletal Ewing's sarcoma. Diagnosis leading up to the orchiectomy was primarily clinical with only ultrasound used in identification and characterization of the paratesticular mass. Paratesticular masses are more commonly benign, and ultrasound is the first modality, with computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging providing more definitive findings. We discuss imaging findings and histopathology of this rare tumor with an uncommon presentation.
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3
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Mullard M, Lavaud M, Regnier L, Tesfaye R, Ory B, Rédini F, Verrecchia F. Ubiquitin-specific proteases as therapeutic targets in paediatric primary bone tumours? Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 194:114797. [PMID: 34678225 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
In children and young adults, primary malignant bone tumours are mainly composed of osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma. Despite advances in treatments, nearly 40% of patients succumb to these diseases. In particular, the clinical outcome of metastatic osteosarcoma or Ewing's sarcoma remains poor, with less than 30% of patients who develop metastases surviving five years after initial diagnosis. Over the last decade, the cancer research community has shown considerable interest in the processes of protein ubiquitination and deubiquitination. In particular, a growing number of studies show the relevance to target the ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) family in various cancers. This review provides an update on the current knowledge regarding the implication of these USPs in the progression of bone sarcoma: osteosarcoma and Ewing's sarcoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mathilde Mullard
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Mélanie Lavaud
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Laura Regnier
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Robel Tesfaye
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Benjamin Ory
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Françoise Rédini
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France
| | - Franck Verrecchia
- INSERM, Université de Nantes, UMR1238, "Bone Sarcoma and Remodelling of Calcified Tissues", 44000 Nantes, France.
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4
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Abbas A, Alaa MN. Ewing Sarcoma Family Tumors: Past, Present and Future Prospects. CURRENT CANCER THERAPY REVIEWS 2021. [DOI: 10.2174/1573394716999201125204643] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Ewing’s sarcoma (ES), also known as mesenchymal primitive neuroectodermal tumor
(PNET), is a malignant round blue cell tumor (MRBCT) with a varying degree of neuronal differentiation.
PNET arises from the primitive nerve cells of the central nervous system (CNS) but may
also occur in the bones of the extremities, pelvis, vertebral column, and chest wall. Extraskeletal
ES/PNET may affect the various soft tissues, including those of the pelvis, paraspinal region, and
thoracopulmonary region.
Histopathological differentiation between ES, PNET, and other related sarcomas is often difficult.
On light microscopy, the same histopathological appearance of ES has been termed PNET, Askin-
Rosay (A-R) tumor, and malignant neuroepithelioma by various other authors. The immunohistochemical
distinction is also difficult due to poor tissue differentiation and low intake of the various
specific immunohistochemical markers. The most frequent translocation is t (11; 22) (q24; q12), resulting
in the EWSR1-FLI1 fusion gene detected in nearly 90% of cases and is considered the hallmark
of the diagnosis of ES, PNET, atypical ES, and A-R tumor. Therefore, ES, atypical ES,
PNET, and A-R tumor are currently regarded as one entity grouped together under the Ewing Family
Tumor (EFT) and are treated in an identical way. EFT represents only about 3% of all pediatric
malignancies. The annual incidence is between 2 and 5 cases per million children per year. The
peak prevalence of the tumor is between the ages of 10 and 15 years. The incidence is higher in
males than in females, with a ratio of 1.3:1.
Newer groups of MRBCT that have great similarities to EFT are being recently described. These tumors,
atypical EFT and Ewing’s like Sarcomas (ELS), bear similarities to EFT but have basic morphological
and molecular differences. Optimal treatment requires the use of adjuvant and new-adjuvant
chemotherapy (CTR), radical surgical resection and/or involves field radiotherapy (RT). The
reported disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS) range between 45-80% and 36-71%,
respectively. The overall prognosis for the metastatic and recurrent disease remains poor. The use
of newer conventional and targeted medications, improved RT delivery, and surgical techniques
may further improve the outcomes. The past few years have seen advances in genomics-based sarcoma
diagnosis and targeted therapies. In this comprehensive review article, we provide a detailed
report of EFT and discuss the various clinical aspects and the recent advances used in the diagnosis
and treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adil Abbas
- College of Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, The Pediatric Hematology/Oncology Setion, Princess Nourah Oncology Centre, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed N.S. Alaa
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, King Abdulaziz Medical City, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
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5
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Hernandez-Muñoz I, Figuerola E, Sanchez-Molina S, Rodriguez E, Fernández-Mariño AI, Pardo-Pastor C, Bahamonde MI, Fernández-Fernández JM, García-Domínguez DJ, Hontecillas-Prieto L, Lavarino C, Carcaboso AM, de Torres C, Tirado OM, de Alava E, Mora J. RING1B contributes to Ewing sarcoma development by repressing the NaV1.6 sodium channel and the NF-κB pathway, independently of the fusion oncoprotein. Oncotarget 2018; 7:46283-46300. [PMID: 27317769 PMCID: PMC5216798 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.10092] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2015] [Accepted: 05/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) is an aggressive tumor defined by EWSR1 gene fusions that behave as an oncogene. Here we demonstrate that RING1B is highly expressed in primary ES tumors, and its expression is independent of the fusion oncogene. RING1B-depleted ES cells display an expression profile enriched in genes functionally involved in hematological development but RING1B depletion does not induce cellular differentiation. In ES cells, RING1B directly binds the SCN8A sodium channel promoter and its depletion results in enhanced Nav1.6 expression and function. The signaling pathway most significantly modulated by RING1B is NF-κB. RING1B depletion results in enhanced p105/p50 expression, which sensitizes ES cells to apoptosis by FGFR/SHP2/STAT3 blockade. Reduced NaV1.6 function protects ES cells from apoptotic cell death by maintaining low NF-κB levels. Our findings identify RING1B as a trait of the cell-of-origin and provide a potential targetable vulnerability.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elisabeth Figuerola
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Sara Sanchez-Molina
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Eva Rodriguez
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Ana Isabel Fernández-Mariño
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain.,Present Affiliation: Department of Neuroscience and Biomolecular Chemistry, School of Medicine and Public Health, University of Wisconsin, Madison-53705, USA
| | - Carlos Pardo-Pastor
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - María Isabel Bahamonde
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - José M Fernández-Fernández
- Laboratori de Fisiologia Molecular, Departament de Ciències Experimentals i de la Salut, Universitat Pompeu Fabra, 08003-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Daniel J García-Domínguez
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Lourdes Hontecillas-Prieto
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Cinzia Lavarino
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Angel M Carcaboso
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Carmen de Torres
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Oscar M Tirado
- Sarcoma Research Group, Laboratori d'Oncología Molecular, Institut d'Investigació Biomèdica de Bellvitge (IDIBELL), L'Hospitalet de Llobregat, 08908-Barcelona, Spain
| | - Enrique de Alava
- Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Instituto de Biomedicina de Sevilla (IBiS), Hospital Universitario Virgen del Rocio/CSIC/Universidad de Sevilla, 41013-Seville, Spain
| | - Jaume Mora
- Developmental Tumor Biology Laboratory, Department of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Hospital Sant Joan de Déu, 08950-Barcelona, Spain
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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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7
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Abstract
Ewing sarcoma (ES) and primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) are round-cell sarcomas with varying degrees of neuroectodermal differentiation; they are considered members of the same family of tumors based on their common genetic profile. ES/PNET are very infrequent in the female genital tract, the vagina being the rarest gynecological location, with 7 cases reported to date. The authors present a case of vaginal ES/PNET with typical morphological and immunohistochemical features. EWS gene rearrangement was demonstrated by fluorescent in situ hybridization analysis. Of the 7 previously reported cases, only 2 have molecular confirmation. The age at presentation for vaginal ES/PNET is slightly higher than that for these neoplasms in bone and soft tissues, with only 1 reported patient younger than 30 years. The outcome seems to be similar to that of other superficially sited ES/PNET and more favorable than for those observed in the more typical locations. However, the currently available data are limited, and therefore, a larger number of cases is necessary to draw any firm conclusions.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Enrique de Álava
- University of Salamanca and Hospital Universitario de Salamanca, Salamanca, Spain
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8
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Copy Number Alterations and Methylation in Ewing's Sarcoma. Sarcoma 2011; 2011:362173. [PMID: 21437220 PMCID: PMC3061291 DOI: 10.1155/2011/362173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2010] [Accepted: 01/03/2011] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Ewing's sarcoma is the second most common bone malignancy affecting children and young adults. The prognosis is especially poor in metastatic or relapsed disease. The cell of origin remains elusive, but the EWS-FLI1 fusion oncoprotein is present in the majority of cases. The understanding of the molecular basis of Ewing's sarcoma continues to progress slowly. EWS-FLI1 affects gene expression, but other factors must also be at work such as mutations, gene copy number alterations, and promoter methylation. This paper explores in depth two molecular aspects of Ewing's sarcoma: copy number alterations (CNAs) and methylation. While CNAs consistently have been reported in Ewing's sarcoma, their clinical significance has been variable, most likely due to small sample size and tumor heterogeneity. Methylation is thought to be important in oncogenesis and balanced karyotype cancers such as Ewing's, yet it has received only minimal attention in prior studies. Future CNA and methylation studies will help to understand the molecular basis of this disease.
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9
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Mesenchymal Stem Cells and the Origin of Ewing's Sarcoma. Sarcoma 2010; 2011. [PMID: 20953407 PMCID: PMC2952797 DOI: 10.1155/2011/276463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2010] [Accepted: 09/06/2010] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The origin of Ewing's sarcoma is a subject of much debate. Once thought to be derived from primitive neuroectodermal cells, many now believe it to arise from a mesenchymal stem cell (MSC). Expression of the EWS-FLI1 fusion gene in MSCs changes cell morphology to resemble Ewing's sarcoma and induces expression of neuroectodermal markers. In murine cells, transformation to sarcomas can occur. In knockdown experiments, Ewing's sarcoma cells develop characteristics of MSCs and the ability to differentiate into mesodermal lineages. However, it cannot be concluded that MSCs are the cell of origin. The concept of an MSC still needs to be rigorously defined, and there may be different subpopulations of mesenchymal pluripotential cells. Furthermore, EWS-FLI1 by itself does not transform human cells, and cooperating mutations appear to be necessary. Therefore, while it is possible that Ewing's sarcoma may originate from a primitive mesenchymal cell, the idea needs to be refined further.
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Gupta P, Dhingra KK, Singhal S, Khurana N, Mandal S, Mohta A. Primary primitive neuroectodermal tumour (PNET) of the testis: an unsuspected diagnosis. Pathology 2010; 42:179-81. [DOI: 10.3109/00313020903494029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
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Abstract
Bone tumors are fortunately rare, but small cell tumors of bone are a relatively common subset of these lesions. They comprise of a diverse group of primary and metastatic neoplasms in both children and adults. The most common small cell tumors of bone include Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor, small cell osteosarcoma, multiple myeloma, lymphoma, leukemia, neuroblastoma, rhabdomyosarcoma, and Langerhans cell histiocytosis. Although each entity has its distinctive features, the differential diagnosis of this group of tumors is still challenging because they are all "small, blue, and round cell tumors", histologically. The correct diagnosis of small cell tumors of bone depends on an evaluation of clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and genetic features. Patients' age and sex are very important, as are the signs and symptoms at presentation. Radiologically, which bone is involved, the specific portion of the bone (epiphysis, metaphysis, or diaphysis; cortex vs. medulla) involved, and the radiographic manifestations (lytic, blastic, or mixed lytic and blastic) are also often critical parameters for the diagnosis. In recent years, with a better understanding of the molecular and cytogenetic background of several small cell tumors, more accurate diagnoses have been supported by the clinicopathologic criteria and by a panel of immunohistochemical studies. In this review we will provide an overview of the clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and genetic characteristics of these tumors.
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Kano T, Sasaki A, Tomizawa S, Shibasaki T, Tamura M, Ohye C. Primary Ewing’s sarcoma of the orbit: case report. Brain Tumor Pathol 2009; 26:95-100. [DOI: 10.1007/s10014-009-0256-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2009] [Accepted: 05/22/2009] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
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13
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Uterine primitive neuroectodermal tumor: a case report. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2008; 279:259-61. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-008-0699-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2008] [Accepted: 05/20/2008] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
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Bahrami A, Truong LD, Ro JY. Undifferentiated tumor: true identity by immunohistochemistry. Arch Pathol Lab Med 2008; 132:326-48. [PMID: 18318577 DOI: 10.5858/2008-132-326-uttibi] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 06/04/2007] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT "Undifferentiated tumor" refers to a heterogeneous group of neoplasms with little or no evidence of differentiation on routine light microscopic morphology. OBJECTIVE To identify the true identity of undifferentiated tumors by immunohistochemical analysis. DATA SOURCES Review of the pertinent literature and the authors' experience. CONCLUSIONS For treatment and prognostic evaluation, it is crucial to delineate whether an undifferentiated neoplasm is epithelial, mesenchymal, melanocytic, or hematopoietic in nature. Application of a screening panel to demonstrate the expression of markers of major lineages is fundamental for determination of the broad category of neoplasia. Because poorly differentiated carcinomas and in particular sarcomatoid carcinomas are known to be heterogeneous in their antigen expression, several epithelial markers in combination may be required to establish the carcinomatous nature of tumor. A diagnostic misinterpretation as a consequence of occasional aberrant or unexpected antigen expression is best avoided by using a broad panel that includes both antibodies that are anticipated to be positive and those that are expected to be negative. In this treatise, the immunohistochemical dissection of undifferentiated tumors on the basis of their morphologic features is outlined, supplemented with algorithmic immunohistochemical analysis for each morphologic category of small round cell tumors, carcinomatous tumors, sarcomatous (or sarcoma-like) tumors, and tumors with histologically overlapping features, including hematolymphoid malignancies, melanoma, and sarcomas with epithelioid appearance. The utility of several organ- or tissue-specific markers in the context of undifferentiated tumors is reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Armita Bahrami
- Department of Pathology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, USA
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15
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Jayakumar S, Jatavalabulla S, Miller IM. Peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the hand in an adult. J Hand Surg Eur Vol 2007; 32:460-1. [PMID: 17950200 DOI: 10.1016/j.jhse.2007.04.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2006] [Revised: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 04/02/2007] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
We present a case of a 28 year-old woman who presented with a peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumour of the right hand involving the fifth metacarpal and little finger. She underwent excision biopsy, then ray amputation of her right little finger. Initial radiological staging did not reveal metastasis but, after recurrence locally at two years and in spite of adjuvant chemotherapy and radiotherapy, the patient died of progressive metastatic disease 4 years later. The current concepts and difficulties in diagnosing these tumours are discussed.
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16
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Baliko F, Bright T, Poon R, Cohen B, Egan SE, Alman BA. Inhibition of notch signaling induces neural differentiation in Ewing sarcoma. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF PATHOLOGY 2007; 170:1686-94. [PMID: 17456774 PMCID: PMC1854963 DOI: 10.2353/ajpath.2007.060971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
Cells from Ewing sarcoma exhibit cellular features and express markers, suggesting that the tumor is of neuroectodermal origin. Because Notch signaling regulates the differentiation of neuroectodermal cells during development, we examined the role of Notch signaling in Ewing sarcomas. We found that Ewing sarcomas express Notch receptors, ligands, and the Notch target gene HES1. To determine the functional implications of Notch signaling, we expressed tetracycline-regulated constitutively active, dominant-negative (DN), or wild-type Notch-1 receptors in two Ewing sarcoma cell lines, or we treated the cell lines with a gamma-secretase inhibitor. Expression of the constitutively active Notch-1 reduced proliferation and expression of the DN Notch-1 reduced apoptosis in vitro. However, there was only a small difference in the volume of tumors that formed when the cell lines expressing these constructs were implanted in nude mice. Xenograft tumors derived from the cell lines expressing DN Notch-1 exhibited a neural phenotype. Treatment with a gamma-secretase inhibitor caused similar changes as expression of the DN construct. Notch signaling plays a role in cell differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis in Ewing sarcoma, but its inhibition is only associated with a small change in tumor growth potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Frank Baliko
- Program in Developmental and Stem Cell Biology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada
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17
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González I, Vicent S, de Alava E, Lecanda F. EWS/FLI-1 oncoprotein subtypes impose different requirements for transformation and metastatic activity in a murine model. J Mol Med (Berl) 2007; 85:1015-29. [PMID: 17453169 DOI: 10.1007/s00109-007-0202-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2006] [Revised: 03/15/2007] [Accepted: 03/26/2007] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumors (EWS/PNET) are characterized by specific chromosomal translocations most often generating a chimeric EWS/FLI-1 gene. Depending on the number of juxtaposed exons assembled, several fusion types have been described with different incidences and prognoses. To assess the impact of each fusion type on the specific phenotypic, tumorigenic, and metastatic features of EWS/PNET, we developed an amenable system using a murine mesenchymal multipotent C3H10T1/2 cell line. Upon transduction of EWS/FLI-1, cells acquired dramatic morphological changes in vitro, including a smaller size and "neurite-like" membrane elongations. Chimeric fusion proteins conferred oncogenic properties in vitro, including anchorage-independent growth and an increased rate of proliferation. Furthermore, EWS/FLI-1 expression blocked mineralization, with concomitant repression of osteoblastic genes, and induced a dramatic repression of the adipocytic differentiation program. Moreover, EWS/FLI-1 promoted an aberrant neural phenotype by the de novo expression of specific neural genes. The intramuscular injection of transduced cells led to tumor development and the induction of overt osteolytic lesions. Analogously, to what was observed in human tumors, type 2 EWS/FLI-1 cells formed primary tumors in immunodeficient mice with a higher incidence and a lower latency than cells bearing types 1 and 3 fusions. By contrast, cells expressing types 2 and 3 fusions showed specific metastatic activity with a higher number of macroscopic metastases in soft tissues and osteolytic lesions in the limbs as compared to type-1-expressing cells. Therefore, the structure of each oncoprotein strongly influenced its tumorigenicity and metastagenicity. Thus, this model provides a basis for understanding the genetic determinants involved in Ewing tumor development and metastatic activity and represents a cellular system to analyze other oncoproteins involved in human sarcomagenesis.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Blotting, Western
- Cell Line
- Cell Line, Tumor
- Cell Proliferation
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Female
- Flow Cytometry
- Fluorescent Antibody Technique
- Humans
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Mice, Nude
- Microscopy, Electron, Scanning
- Neoplasm Metastasis
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1/metabolism
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS
- Radiography
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnostic imaging
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Sarcoma, Experimental/diagnostic imaging
- Sarcoma, Experimental/genetics
- Sarcoma, Experimental/pathology
- Transplantation, Heterologous
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Affiliation(s)
- Iranzu González
- Division of Oncology, Adhesion and Metastasis Laboratory, Center for Applied Medical Research (CIMA), University of Navarra, Pamplona, 31080, Navarra, Spain
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18
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Abstract
Abstract
Context.—Primary small round cell tumors of the bone are a heterogeneous group of malignant neoplasms presenting predominantly in children and adolescents. They include Ewing sarcoma/peripheral neuroectodermal tumor or Ewing family tumors, lymphoma, mesenchymal chondrosarcoma, and small cell osteosarcoma. Even though they share many morphological similarities, their unique biological and genetic characteristics have provided substantial insights into the pathology of these diverse neoplasms.
Objective.—To provide an overview of the clinical, radiologic, pathologic, and genetic characteristics of these tumors along with a pertinent review of the literature.
Data Sources.—A literature search using PubMed and Ovid MEDLINE was performed, and data were obtained from various articles pertaining to clinicopathologic, biological, and genetic findings in these tumors. Additionally, findings from rare cases have been included from author's subspecialty experience.
Conclusion.—The diagnosis of small round cell tumors can be made accurately by applying clinicopathologic criteria, as well as a panel of immunohistochemical and genetic studies in appropriate cases. Molecular genetic studies may provide further insight into the biology, histogenesis, and prognosis of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meera Hameed
- Surgical Pathology, UMDNJ-New Jersey Medical School, Newark, NJ 07103, USA.
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19
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Olsen SH, Thomas DG, Lucas DR. Cluster analysis of immunohistochemical profiles in synovial sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and Ewing sarcoma. Mod Pathol 2006; 19:659-68. [PMID: 16528378 DOI: 10.1038/modpathol.3800569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 139] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
As a result of overlapping morphologic and immunohistochemical features, it can be difficult to distinguish synovial sarcoma, malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor in core biopsies. To analyze and compare immunohistochemical profiles, we stained tissue microarrays of 23 synovial sarcomas, 23 malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors, and 27 Ewing sarcomas with 22 antibodies potentially useful in the differential diagnosis, and analyzed the data with cluster analysis. Stain intensity was scored as none, weak, or strong. For CD99, tumors with membranous accentuation were independently categorized. Cluster analysis sorted five groups, with like tumors clustering together. Synovial sarcoma clustered into two groups: one cytokeratin and EMA positive (n = 11), the other mostly cytokeratin negative, EMA positive, bcl-2 positive and mostly CD56 positive (n = 9). Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor clustered into two groups: one S100 positive, with nestin and NGFR positivity in most (n = 10), the other mostly S100 negative, and variably but mostly weakly positive for nestin and NGFR (n = 11). Ewing sarcomas clustered into a single group driven by membranous CD99 staining. Thirteen cases failed to cluster (outliers), while three Ewing sarcomas clustered into groups of other tumor types. Paired antibodies for each tumor type determined by visual assessment of cluster analysis data and statistical calculations of specificity, sensitivity, and predictive values showed that EMA/CK7 for synovial sarcoma, nestin/S100 for malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor, and membranous CD99/Fli-1 for Ewing sarcoma yielded high specificity and positive predictive values. Cluster analysis also highlighted aberrant staining reactions and diagnostic pitfalls in these tumors. Hierarchical cluster analysis is an effective method for analyzing high-volume immunohistochemical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephen H Olsen
- Department of Pathology, The University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-0054, USA
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20
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Borowski A, Dirksen U, Lixin L, Shi RL, Göbel U, Schneider EM. Structure and function of ETAA16: a novel cell surface antigen in Ewing's tumours. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2006; 55:363-74. [PMID: 16003559 PMCID: PMC11030836 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-005-0017-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2004] [Accepted: 03/25/2005] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
Immunoscreening of an Ewing's family of tumour (EFT)-derived cDNA library using formerly described EFT-specific antibodies led to the isolation of a 3.5 kb cDNA, named Ewing's tumour-associated antigen 16 (ETAA16). The ETAA16 cDNA shows no homology to any functionally characterised human gene. Only a bovine cDNA expressed in bovine testis and hepatocytes is functionally characterised as it encodes for a junction plaque associated protein and showed a homology of 69.9% at amino acid level to ETAA16. The human cDNA encodes for a 926 amino acid tumour antigen with a calculated molecular weight of 103 kDa. The epitope of the ETAA16-specific antibody, Ak16, covers the central region of the protein which is part of an extra cellular domain. The human ETAA16 gene locus has been assigned to chromosome 2p13-15 by FISH analyses and is confirmed by the human genome sequencing project. As demonstrated by flow cytometry, the cell surface expression of ETAA16 antigen is restricted to ET cell lines and not expressed on other small blue round cell tumours or other kind of tumour. RT-PCR analysis revealed a high expression of ETAA16 in brain, liver and kidney while lung and heart were negative. Immunohistochemistry showed an intracellular expression of ETAA16 in different kind of non-Ewing tumour tissues. These results suggest that ETAA16 may function as a tumour-specific cell surface antigen in EFTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Borowski
- Department of Anatomy, University of Bonn, Nussallee 10, 53115, Bonn, Germany.
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21
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Mazur MA, Gururangan S, Bridge JA, Cummings TJ, Mukundan S, Fuchs H, Larrier N, Halperin EC. Intracranial Ewing sarcoma. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2005; 45:850-6. [PMID: 15929128 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.20430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
Abstract
The occurrence of primary extraosseous Ewing sarcoma (EES) of the central nervous system (CNS) has only rarely been reported in the literature. It is important to distinguish this entity from the more common central primitive neuroectodermal tumor (PNET) of brain, since the management of these tumors is different from that of EES. We present the clinical, radiologic, and pathologic features of two cases of EES occurring in the brain. The diagnosis was further confirmed by detection of a rearrangement of the FLI1 and/or EWS gene loci in tumors from both patients using fluorescent in situ hybridization (FISH). Although rare, the possibility of EES should be considered particularly when tumors that arise near the meningeal surface of the brain and have the pathologic appearance of a PNET. Demonstration of t(11;22)(q24;q12) by molecular analysis essentially confirms the diagnosis and enables the oncologist to choose appropriate therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa A Mazur
- Department of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA
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22
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Abstract
The Ewing sarcoma family of tumors (ESFT) comprises morphologically heterogeneous tumors that are characterized by nonrandom chromosomal translocations involving the EWS gene and one of several members of the ETS family of transcription factors. The translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12) is the most common and leads to the formation of the EWS-FLI1 fusion protein, which contributes to ESFT pathogenesis by modulating the expression of target genes. Tumors may be composed of small uniform cells with minimal morphologic evidence of differentiation, or they may be composed of larger, less uniform cells with varying degrees of neuroectodermal differentiation. CD99 expression is identified in nearly all ESFT and constitutes a useful positive marker when used as part of a panel of immunostains that can help rule out other differential diagnostic considerations. Molecular diagnostic tests commonly used to detect the presence of ESFT-specific translocations include RT-PCR and fluorescence in situ hybridization. Current therapy for patients with ESFT includes chemotherapy and surgery with or without radiation therapy. At present, the most significant prognostic factor for patients with ESFT is whether the disease is localized or metastatic.
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MESH Headings
- 12E7 Antigen
- Adolescent
- Animals
- Antigens, CD/analysis
- Biomarkers, Tumor/analysis
- Bone Neoplasms/genetics
- Bone Neoplasms/metabolism
- Bone Neoplasms/pathology
- Bone Neoplasms/therapy
- Cell Adhesion Molecules/analysis
- Child
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Gelsolin/analysis
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Humans
- Immunohistochemistry
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Incidence
- Microfilament Proteins
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS
- Receptors, Cytoplasmic and Nuclear/analysis
- Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain Reaction
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/metabolism
- Sarcoma, Ewing/pathology
- Sarcoma, Ewing/therapy
- Survival Analysis
- Trans-Activators
- Transcription Factors/genetics
- Translocation, Genetic
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Affiliation(s)
- Joseph D Khoury
- Department of Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee 38105, USA.
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23
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Gardner LJ, Ayala AG, Monforte HL, Dunphy CH. Ewing sarcoma/peripheral primitive neuroectodermal tumor: adult abdominal tumors with an Ewing sarcoma gene rearrangement demonstrated by fluorescence in situ hybridization in paraffin sections. Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol 2004; 12:160-5. [PMID: 15354743 DOI: 10.1097/00129039-200406000-00011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/28/2023]
Abstract
The differential diagnosis of small round cell tumors is exhaustive and requires ancillary studies. Relatively recently, fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using probes for specific gene rearrangements has gained wide acceptance. This technique is particularly useful in the differential diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma/primitive neuroectodermal tumor (ES/PNET) and desmoplastic small round-cell tumor (DSRCT). In ES/PNET, the EWS gene is juxtaposed to the FLI-1 gene in 85% of cases and to the ERG gene in another 7% of cases; the EWS gene is juxtaposed to the WTI gene in DSRCT. Documentation of the EWS gene rearrangements in EWS/PNET has previously been demonstrated in frozen tissue. We report 2 unusual cases of EWS/PNET diagnosed in abdominal tumors in adults. Although the immunohistochemical results supported a diagnosis of ES/PNET, 1 case morphologically resembled DSRCT. The diagnosis in these 2 cases was confirmed by the FISH demonstration of EWS/FLI-1 gene fusion in paraffin-embedded tissue. Thus, the usefulness of FISH demonstration of an EWS gene rearrangement with these specific probes in such unusual cases is supported and is demonstrated in paraffin-embedded tissue.
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MESH Headings
- Abdominal Neoplasms/diagnosis
- Abdominal Neoplasms/genetics
- Carcinoma, Small Cell/pathology
- Diagnosis, Differential
- Female
- Gene Rearrangement
- Humans
- In Situ Hybridization, Fluorescence
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral/diagnosis
- Neuroectodermal Tumors, Primitive, Peripheral/genetics
- Oncogene Proteins, Fusion/genetics
- Paraffin Embedding
- Proto-Oncogene Protein c-fli-1
- RNA-Binding Protein EWS/genetics
- Sarcoma, Ewing/diagnosis
- Sarcoma, Ewing/genetics
- Transcription Factors/genetics
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura J Gardner
- Division of Hematopathology, Department of Pathology, St. Louis University Health Sciences Center, St. Louis, Missouri, USA
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24
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Zhang J, Hu S, Schofield DE, Sorensen PHB, Triche TJ. Selective Usage of D-Type Cyclins by Ewing’s Tumors and Rhabdomyosarcomas. Cancer Res 2004; 64:6026-34. [PMID: 15342383 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-2594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
The genetic mechanisms that control proliferation of childhood musculoskeletal malignancies, notably Ewing's tumor (ET) and rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), remain largely unknown. Most human cancers appear to overexpress at least one of the G1 cyclins (cyclins D1, D2, D3, E1, and E2) to bypass normal regulation of cell cycle G1 progression. We compared the gene expression profiles of 7 ET and 13 RMS primary tumor samples and found overexpression of cyclin D1 in all 7 ET samples. In contrast, RMS samples expressed higher levels of cyclin D2, cyclin D3, and cyclin E1. This was confirmed by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. The relative roles of RAS-extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 and phosphatidylinositol 3'-kinase (PI3K)-AKT pathways in the regulation of D-type cyclin expression in these tumors were then assessed. Inhibition of either pathway reduced expression of cyclins D1, D2, and D3 in RMS lines, whereas only PI3K inhibitors blocked cyclin D1, D2, and D3 expression in ET lines. Furthermore, PI3K-AKT appeared to regulate D-type cyclin transcription in RMS lines through FKHR and FKHRL1. Finally, the role of the ET-associated EWS-FLI1 fusion gene in regulating D cyclin expression was studied. Inhibition of EWS-FLI1 expression in the TC71 ET line decreased cyclin D1 levels but increased cyclin D3 levels. In contrast, induction of EWS-FLI1 expression in the RD RMS cell line increased cyclin D1 expression but decreased cyclin D3 expression. Our results demonstrate distinct regulation of D-type cyclins in ET and RMS and indicate that EWS-FLI1 can modulate the expression of D-type cyclins independent of cellular backgrounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingsong Zhang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Children's Hospital Los Angeles, Keck School of Medicine, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, California 90027, USA
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25
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Ahmed A, Gilbert-Barness E, Lacson A. Expression of c-kit in Ewing family of tumors: a comparison of different immunohistochemical protocols. Pediatr Dev Pathol 2004; 7:342-7. [PMID: 15383930 DOI: 10.1007/s10024-002-0077-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2002] [Accepted: 02/11/2004] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a small round blue cell tumor with a high incidence of metastasis and poor survival. The tyrosine kinase receptor, c-kit, is a growth factor receptor that is expressed in a variety of tumors including Ewing sarcoma. Blockade of c-kit by imatinib mesylate (Gleevec; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corp, East Hanover, NJ) has been successfully used in the treatment of chronic myelogenous leukemia and gastrointestinal tumors. Detection of c-kit expression in Ewing sarcoma indicates a possible role of c-kit in tumor progression and a potential use of anti-c-kit therapy in Ewing sarcoma. Ki-67 is a proliferation marker found at all stages of the cell cycle. Expression of c-kit and Ki-67 was studied in 17 patients with Ewing sarcoma. Sections from paraffin-embedded tumor samples were immunostained, using standard immunohistochemical protocols, with c-kit and Ki-67 monoclonal antibodies, polyclonal c-kit antibody without antigen retrieval, and c-kit polyclonal antibody with antigen retrieval. Eleven out of 17 cases (65%) stained with c-kit monoclonal antibody; the staining was diffuse in 6/17 (35%) cases. C-kit expression did not correlate with Ki-67 proliferation rates. Using the polyclonal c-kit-antibody without antigen retrieval methods, c-kit expression was demonstrated in 1/11 (9%) cases. Incorporating antigen retrieval methods, c-kit expression increased to 53%. Concordance between monoclonal antibodies in detecting c-kit expression was observed in 12/17 cases (71%). We conclude that c-kit is variably expressed in Ewing sarcoma, using either monoclonal or polyclonal antibodies. Detection of c-kit expression in Ewing sarcoma improves with the use of antigen retrieval methods.
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Affiliation(s)
- Atif Ahmed
- Section of Pediatric Tumor Biology and Ultrastructural Pathology, National Cancer Institute, NIH Building 10, Rm 2A10, 10 Center Drive, 20892, Bethesda, MD, USA.
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26
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Abstract
Normal development appears to involve a progressive restriction in developmental potential. However, recent evidence suggests that this progressive restriction is not irreversible and can be altered to reveal novel phenotypic potentials of stem, progenitor, and even differentiated cells. While some of these results can be explained by the presence of contaminating cell populations, persistence of pluripotent stem cells, cell fusion, etc., several examples exist that are difficult to explain as anything other than "true transdifferentiation" and/or dedifferentiation. These examples of transdifferentiation are best explained by understanding how the normal process of progressive cell fate restriction occurs during development. We suggest that subversion of epigenetic controls regulating cell type specific gene expression likely underlies the process of transdifferentiation and it may be possible to identify specific factors to control the transdifferentiation process. We predict, however, that transdifferentiation will not be reliable or reproducible and will probably require complex manipulations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Liu
- Laboratory of Neurosciences, National Institute on Aging, 5600 Nathan Shock Drive, Baltimore, Maryland 21224, USA
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27
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Eliazer S, Spencer J, Ye D, Olson E, Ilaria RL. Alteration of mesodermal cell differentiation by EWS/FLI-1, the oncogene implicated in Ewing's sarcoma. Mol Cell Biol 2003; 23:482-92. [PMID: 12509448 PMCID: PMC151529 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.23.2.482-492.2003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
Abstract
The chimeric fusion gene EWS/FLI-1 is detected in most cases of Ewing's sarcoma (ES), the second most common malignant bone tumor of childhood. Although 80% of ES tumors develop in skeletal sites, the remainder can arise in almost any soft tissue location. The lineage of the cell developing the EWS/FLI-1 gene fusion has not been fully characterized but is generally considered to be of either mesenchymal or neural crest origin. To study this oncogene in a conceptually relevant target cell, EWS/FLI-1 was introduced into the murine cell line C2C12, a myoblast cell line capable of differentiation into muscle, bone, or fat. In this cellular context, EWS/FLI-1 profoundly inhibited the myogenic differentiation program. The block in C2C12 myogenic differentiation required the nuclear localization and DNA-binding functions of EWS/FLI-1 and was mediated by transcriptional and posttranscriptional suppression of the myogenic transcription factors MyoD and myogenin. Interestingly, C2C12-EWS/FLI-1 cells constitutively expressed alkaline phosphatase, a bone lineage marker, and were alkaline phosphatase positive by histochemistry but showed no other evidence of bone lineage commitment. Consistent with recent findings in human ES tumor cell lines, C2C12-EWS/FLI-1 cells constitutively expressed cyclin D1 and demonstrated decreased expression of the cell cycle regulator p21(cip1), even under differentiation conditions and at confluent density. This C2C12-EWS/FLI-1 cell model may assist in the identification of novel differentially expressed genes relevant to ES and provide further insight into the cell(s) of origin developing ES-associated genetic fusions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Susan Eliazer
- Division of Hematology-Oncology, Department of Medicine, Simmons Cancer Center and Hamon Center for Therapeutic Oncology Research, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas 75390-8593, USA
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