1
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Wu T, Wang W, Wang Y, Yao M, Du L, Zhang X, Huang Y, Wang J, Yu H, Bian X. Comprehensive analysis of alternative splicing profiling reveals novel events associated with prognosis and the infiltration of immune cells in prostate cancer. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:3056-3068. [PMID: 34430408 PMCID: PMC8350246 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-585] [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: 06/04/2021] [Accepted: 07/16/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Alternative splicing (AS) is believed to play a vital role in tumor development. Therefore, comprehensive investigation of AS and its biological function in prostate cancer (PCa) is crucial. Methods The AS profiling of 489 patients with PCa was obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) SpliceSeq database. Bioinformatics tools were used to describe splicing associations and build prognostic models. Unsupervised clustering of the determined prognostic AS events and the relationship with immune characteristics were also explored. Results In total, 20,723 AS events were detected and 2,805 were identified in PCa. In the regulatory networks, the data suggested a significant correlation between splicing factor (SF) expression and AS events. To stratify the progression risk of PCa patients, prognostic models were constructed using splicing patterns. Six AS events were screened out as independent prognostic factors for progression-free survival. Based on the gene features, we constructed the combined prognostic predictors model, and the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for this model reached a high area under the ROC curve (AUC) of 0.729793, indicating a favorable ability to predict patient outcomes. Through unsupervised clustering analysis, the correlations between AS-based clusters and prognosis as well as immune characteristics were revealed. The correlation analysis on TIMER revealed the relationship between gene expression and immune cell infiltration. Conclusions This in-depth genome-wide analysis of the AS profiling in PCa revealed unique AS events associated with cancer progression and the infiltration of immune cells, with potential for predicting outcomes and therapeutic responses.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tianqi Wu
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Radiotherapy, Renji Hospital, School of Medicine, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenfeng Wang
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanhao Wang
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Mengfei Yao
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Du
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Xingming Zhang
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongqiang Huang
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianhua Wang
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,School of Medicine, Anhui University of Science & Technology, Huainan, China
| | - Hongbo Yu
- Department of Urology, Affiliated Mingji Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaojie Bian
- Shanghai Urological Cancer Institute, Cancer Institute, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China.,Department of Urology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, China
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2
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Zhang Y, Qian J, Gu C, Yang Y. Alternative splicing and cancer: a systematic review. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2021; 6:78. [PMID: 33623018 PMCID: PMC7902610 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-021-00486-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 159] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2020] [Revised: 09/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
The abnormal regulation of alternative splicing is usually accompanied by the occurrence and development of tumors, which would produce multiple different isoforms and diversify protein expression. The aim of the present study was to conduct a systematic review in order to describe the regulatory mechanisms of alternative splicing, as well as its functions in tumor cells, from proliferation and apoptosis to invasion and metastasis, and from angiogenesis to metabolism. The abnormal splicing events contributed to tumor progression as oncogenic drivers and/or bystander factors. The alterations in splicing factors detected in tumors and other mis-splicing events (i.e., long non-coding and circular RNAs) in tumorigenesis were also included. The findings of recent therapeutic approaches targeting splicing catalysis and splicing regulatory proteins to modulate pathogenically spliced events (including tumor-specific neo-antigens for cancer immunotherapy) were introduced. The emerging RNA-based strategies for the treatment of cancer with abnormally alternative splicing isoforms were also discussed. However, further studies are still required to address the association between alternative splicing and cancer in more detail.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjiao Zhang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jinjun Qian
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunyan Gu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ye Yang
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- School of Medicine & Holistic Integrative Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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3
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Penter L, Wu CJ. Personal tumor antigens in blood malignancies: genomics-directed identification and targeting. J Clin Invest 2020; 130:1595-1607. [PMID: 31985488 PMCID: PMC7108890 DOI: 10.1172/jci129209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Hematological malignancies have long been at the forefront of the development of novel immune-based treatment strategies. The earliest successful efforts originated from the extensive body of work in the field of allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. These efforts laid the foundation for the recent exciting era of cancer immunotherapy, which includes immune checkpoint blockade, personal neoantigen vaccines, and adoptive T cell transfer. At the heart of the specificity of these novel strategies is the recognition of target antigens presented by malignant cells to T cells. Here, we review the advances in systematic identification of minor histocompatibility antigens and neoantigens arising from personal somatic alterations or recurrent driver mutations. These exciting efforts pave the path for the implementation of personalized combinatorial cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livius Penter
- Department of Hematology, Oncology, and Tumor Immunology, Charité – Universitätsmedizin Berlin (CVK), Berlin, Germany
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
| | - Catherine J. Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Broad Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Harvard University, Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA
- Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
- Department of Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts, USA
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4
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Frankiw L, Baltimore D, Li G. Alternative mRNA splicing in cancer immunotherapy. Nat Rev Immunol 2019; 19:675-687. [PMID: 31363190 DOI: 10.1038/s41577-019-0195-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 147] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Immunotherapies are yielding effective treatments for several previously untreatable cancers. Still, the identification of suitable antigens specific to the tumour that can be targets for cancer vaccines and T cell therapies is a challenge. Alternative processing of mRNA, a phenomenon that has been shown to alter the proteomic diversity of many cancers, may offer the potential of a broadened target space. Here, we discuss the promise of analysing mRNA processing events in cancer cells, with an emphasis on mRNA splicing, for the identification of potential new targets for cancer immunotherapy. Further, we highlight the challenges that must be overcome for this new avenue to have clinical applicability.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke Frankiw
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA
| | - David Baltimore
- Division of Biology and Biological Engineering, California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, CA, USA.
| | - Guideng Li
- Center of Systems Medicine, Institute of Basic Medical Sciences, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,Suzhou Institute of Systems Medicine, Suzhou, China.
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5
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Chan O, Talati C, Sweet K, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Can increased immunogenicity in chronic myeloid leukemia improve outcomes? Expert Rev Hematol 2019; 12:225-233. [PMID: 30855193 DOI: 10.1080/17474086.2019.1588105] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) has long been thought to be the model disease for immunotherapy with its characteristic BCR-ABL fusion protein. Although targeted therapy using tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) is highly effective at inducing remission, most patients require life-long TKI to decrease the risk of relapse. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to finding ways to eliminate CML stem cells (LSCs); the source of disease persistence. Areas covered: In this review, the authors present recent immunologic findings pertinent to CML, vaccinations targeting leukemia antigens, interferon combination therapies, and other emerging strategies aimed at increasing immunogenicity and improving outcomes in patients with CML. Recent publications and abstracts found in Pubmed and hematology/oncology meetings related to these topics were identified and incorporated into this review. Expert commentary: Further understanding of the immune system and antigenic composition of LSCs has allowed for novel therapeutic development. Immunotherapies are effective at the malignant stem cell level and combining these approaches with TKI is a promising option. Despite ongoing challenges, it is increasingly recognized that a cure may be achievable through immunotherapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Onyee Chan
- a Moffitt Cancer Center , University of South Florida , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Chetasi Talati
- b Division of Malignant Hematology , Moffitt Cancer Center , Tampa , FL , USA
| | - Kendra Sweet
- b Division of Malignant Hematology , Moffitt Cancer Center , Tampa , FL , USA
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6
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Robinson TJ, Freedman JA, Al Abo M, Deveaux AE, LaCroix B, Patierno BM, George DJ, Patierno SR. Alternative RNA Splicing as a Potential Major Source of Untapped Molecular Targets in Precision Oncology and Cancer Disparities. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:2963-2968. [PMID: 30755441 PMCID: PMC6653604 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-2445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 01/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Studies of alternative RNA splicing (ARS) have the potential to provide an abundance of novel targets for development of new biomarkers and therapeutics in oncology, which will be necessary to improve outcomes for patients with cancer and mitigate cancer disparities. ARS, a key step in gene expression enabling individual genes to encode multiple proteins, is emerging as a major driver of abnormal phenotypic heterogeneity. Recent studies have begun to identify RNA splicing-related genetic and genomic variation in tumors, oncogenes dysregulated by ARS, RNA splice variants driving race-related cancer aggressiveness and drug response, spliceosome-dependent transformation, and RNA splicing-related immunogenic epitopes in cancer. In addition, recent studies have begun to identify and test, preclinically and clinically, approaches to modulate and exploit ARS for therapeutic application, including splice-switching oligonucleotides, small molecules targeting RNA splicing or RNA splice variants, and combination regimens with immunotherapies. Although ARS data hold such promise for precision oncology, inclusion of studies of ARS in translational and clinical cancer research remains limited. Technologic developments in sequencing and bioinformatics are being routinely incorporated into clinical oncology that permit investigation of clinically relevant ARS events, yet ARS remains largely overlooked either because of a lack of awareness within the clinical oncology community or perceived barriers to the technical complexity of analyzing ARS. This perspective aims to increase such awareness, propose immediate opportunities to improve identification and analysis of ARS, and call for bioinformaticians and cancer researchers to work together to address the urgent need to incorporate ARS into cancer biology and precision oncology.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jennifer A Freedman
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Muthana Al Abo
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - April E Deveaux
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Bonnie LaCroix
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Brendon M Patierno
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Daniel J George
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Steven R Patierno
- Department of Medicine, Division of Medical Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina.
- Duke Cancer Institute, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
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7
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Monoclonal Antibody 5F11G11. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2017; 36:196-197. [PMID: 28806155 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2017.0034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
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8
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Casnici C, Crotta K, Volpe G, Panuzzo C, Lattuada D, Mesiano G, Saglio G, Marelli O. Specific Monoclonal Antibody Against Bcr/Abl Out-of-Frame Alternative Proteins as Diagnostic Tool in Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia Patients. Monoclon Antib Immunodiagn Immunother 2017; 36:149-156. [PMID: 28704165 DOI: 10.1089/mab.2016.0054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
More recently, alternative splicing of specific genes are investigated for their therapeutic potential. In particular, we reported the existence of BCR-ABL alternative splicing isoforms, in about 80% of Philadelphia-positive patients, which lead to the expression of aberrant proteins. These fusion proteins are characterized by an orphan initial and correct Bcr portion attached to a 112 amino acid sequence, arising from the impairment in the reading frame (reading of ABL exon 4 and 5). We demonstrated that these Abl-out-of-frame (OOF) isoforms could have an immunological role with therapeutic implications. The aim of this study was to characterize a new monoclonal antibody (MAb) specific for Abl-OOF protein portion, for diagnostic use, to detect this biomarker in Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) patients and to generate novel approaches in the immunotherapy. 5F11G11 MAb recognizes the OOF protein portion of the native full-length Bcr/Abl-OOF protein expressed in cells transiently transfected, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence. In addition, we demonstrate the MAb's ability to recognize the alternative hybrid Bcr/Abl fusion protein expressed in leukemic cells from CML patients, to support the possible use of 5F11G11 MAb as a diagnostic tool to select patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive CML that could be eligible for an immunotherapeutic approach with this new antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Casnici
- 1 Ferdinando Santarelli Foundation , Milan, Italy .,2 Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Crotta
- 2 Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
| | - Gisella Volpe
- 3 Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Cristina Panuzzo
- 3 Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Donatella Lattuada
- 2 Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
| | - Giulia Mesiano
- 4 Division of Medical Oncology-Experimental Cell Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute , FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- 3 Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin , Turin, Italy
| | - Ornella Marelli
- 2 Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan , Milan, Italy
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9
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Tian N, Li J, Shi J, Sui G. From General Aberrant Alternative Splicing in Cancers and Its Therapeutic Application to the Discovery of an Oncogenic DMTF1 Isoform. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:ijms18030191. [PMID: 28257090 PMCID: PMC5372486 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18030191] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2016] [Revised: 01/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative pre-mRNA splicing is a crucial process that allows the generation of diversified RNA and protein products from a multi-exon gene. In tumor cells, this mechanism can facilitate cancer development and progression through both creating oncogenic isoforms and reducing the expression of normal or controllable protein species. We recently demonstrated that an alternative cyclin D-binding myb-like transcription factor 1 (DMTF1) pre-mRNA splicing isoform, DMTF1β, is increasingly expressed in breast cancer and promotes mammary tumorigenesis in a transgenic mouse model. Aberrant pre-mRNA splicing is a typical event occurring for many cancer-related functional proteins. In this review, we introduce general aberrant pre-mRNA splicing in cancers and discuss its therapeutic application using our recent discovery of the oncogenic DMTF1 isoform as an example. We also summarize new insights in designing novel targeting strategies of cancer therapies based on the understanding of deregulated pre-mRNA splicing mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na Tian
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Jialiang Li
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Jinming Shi
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
| | - Guangchao Sui
- College of Life Science, Northeast Forestry University, Harbin 150040, China.
- Department of Cancer Biology and Comprehensive Cancer Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, NC 27157, USA.
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10
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BCR-ABL-specific T-cell therapy in Ph+ ALL patients on tyrosine-kinase inhibitors. Blood 2016; 129:582-586. [PMID: 27927646 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2016-07-731091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2016] [Accepted: 11/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the emergence of bone marrow (BM)-resident p190BCR-ABL-specific T lymphocytes has been correlated with hematologic and cytogenetic remissions in patients with Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL) undergoing maintenance tyrosine-kinase inhibitor treatment, little is known about the possibility of culturing these cells ex vivo and using them in T-cell therapy strategies. We investigated the feasibility of expanding/priming p190BCR-ABL-specific T cells in vitro by stimulation with dendritic cells pulsed with p190BCR-ABL peptides derived from the BCR-ABL junctional region and alternative splicing, and of adoptively administering them to patients with relapsed disease. We report on the feasibility of producing clinical-grade BCR-ABL-specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), endowed with antileukemia activity, from Ph+ ALL patients and healthy donors. We treated 3 patients with Ph+ ALL with autologous or allogeneic p190BCR-ABL-specific CTLs. No postinfusion toxicity was observed, except for a grade II skin graft-versus-host disease in the patient treated for hematologic relapse. All patients achieved a molecular or hematologic complete remission (CR) after T-cell therapy, upon emergence of p190BCR-ABL-specific T cells in the BM. Our results show that p190BCR-ABL-specific CTLs are capable of controlling treatment-refractory Ph+ ALL in vivo, and support the development of adoptive immunotherapeutic approaches with BCR-ABL CTLs in Ph+ ALL.
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11
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Panuzzo C, Volpe G, Cibrario Rocchietti E, Casnici C, Crotta K, Crivellaro S, Carrà G, Lorenzatti R, Peracino B, Torti D, Morotti A, Camacho-Leal MP, Defilippi P, Marelli O, Saglio G. New alternative splicing BCR/ABL-OOF shows an oncogenic role by lack of inhibition of BCR GTPase activity and an increased of persistence of Rac activation in chronic myeloid leukemia. Oncoscience 2015; 2:880-91. [PMID: 26682280 PMCID: PMC4671955 DOI: 10.18632/oncoscience.260] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2015] [Accepted: 11/09/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
In Chronic Myeloid Leukemia 80% of patients present alternative splice variants involving BCR exons 1, 13 or 14 and ABL exon 4, with a consequent impairment in the reading frame of the ABL gene. Therefore BCR/ABL fusion proteins (BCR/ABL-OOF) are characterized by an in-frame BCR portion followed by an amino acids sequence arising from the out of frame (OOF) reading of the ABL gene. The product of this new transcript contains the characteristic BCR domains while lacking the COOH-terminal Rho GTPase GAP domain. The present work aims to characterize the protein functionality in terms of cytoskeleton (re-)modelling, adhesion and activation of canonical oncogenic signalling pathways. Here, we show that BCR/ABL-OOF has a peculiar endosomal localization which affects EGF receptor activation and turnover. Moreover, we demonstrate that BCR/ABL-OOF expression leads to aberrant cellular adhesion due to the activation of Rac GTPase, increase in cellular proliferation, migration and survival. When overexpressed in a BCR/ABL positive cell line, BCR/ABL-OOF induces hyperactivation of Rac signaling axis offering a therapeutic window for Rac-targeted therapy. Our data support a critical role of BCR/ABL-OOF in leukemogenesis and identify a subset of patients that may benefit from Rac-targeted therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Panuzzo
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Gisella Volpe
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Claudia Casnici
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Katia Crotta
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Sabrina Crivellaro
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Giovanna Carrà
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Roberta Lorenzatti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Barbara Peracino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Davide Torti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessandro Morotti
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Paola Defilippi
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Ornella Marelli
- Department of Medical Biotechnologies and Translational Medicine, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Saglio
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, San Luigi Hospital, University of Turin, Orbassano, Turin, Italy
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12
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Vauchy C, Gamonet C, Ferrand C, Daguindau E, Galaine J, Beziaud L, Chauchet A, Henry Dunand CJ, Deschamps M, Rohrlich PS, Borg C, Adotevi O, Godet Y. CD20 alternative splicing isoform generates immunogenic CD4 helper T epitopes. Int J Cancer 2014; 137:116-26. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.29366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 11/12/2014] [Accepted: 11/18/2014] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Charline Vauchy
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Clementine Gamonet
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Christophe Ferrand
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Etienne Daguindau
- Department of Hematology; University Hospital of Besançon, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Jeanne Galaine
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Laurent Beziaud
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Adrien Chauchet
- Department of Hematology; University Hospital of Besançon, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Carole J. Henry Dunand
- The Department of Medicine; Section of Rheumatology, The Knapp Center for Lupus and Immunology Research, The University of Chicago; Chicago IL
| | - Marina Deschamps
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Pierre Simon Rohrlich
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Department of Pediatrics; University Hospital of Besançon, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Christophe Borg
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Department of Medical Oncology; University Hospital of Besançon, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Olivier Adotevi
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Department of Medical Oncology; University Hospital of Besançon, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
| | - Yann Godet
- INSERM UMR1098, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- Université de Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
- EFS Bourgogne Franche-Comté, F25020 Besançon cedex; France
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13
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Dong W, Zhang J, Shao N, Tian T, Li L, Jian J, Zang S, Ma D, Ji C. Development and immunological evaluation of HLA-specific chronic myeloid leukemia polyepitope vaccine in Chinese population. Vaccine 2014; 32:3501-8. [PMID: 24793940 DOI: 10.1016/j.vaccine.2014.04.041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2013] [Revised: 04/03/2014] [Accepted: 04/17/2014] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND BCR/ABL and Wilms' tumor 1 (WT1) are an ideal tumor associated antigens which can be used to develop a potential chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) dentritic cell (DC) vaccine. Here, we constructed a novel polyepitope vaccine which used recombinant lentiviral vector carrying BCR/ABL and WT1 genes, and determined the immunological effects of this vaccine in vitro. METHODS The DC vaccine was constructed using lentiviral vector transduced DCs. T lymphocytes were stimulated with DC vaccine and then co-cultured in vitro with peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from CML or ALL patients, respectively. The cytotoxicity of proliferous cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) was determined by the LDH assay. The IFN-γ production of CTLs was detected using ELISPOT assay. RESULTS We constructed an lentiviral vector encoding 50 different epitopes from BCR/ABL and WT1 antigens, and transferred it into DCs to prepare the DC vaccine successfully. The in vivo stimulation of CTLs with this DC vaccine were proved to show strong cytotoxicity and produce high level of IFN-γ. CONCLUSIONS The novel recombinant lentiviral polyepitope DC vaccine is a promising candidate for clinical trials and may be an effective approach for CML immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhao Dong
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jingru Zhang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Na Shao
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Tian Tian
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Jimo Jian
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Shaolei Zang
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Daoxin Ma
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China
| | - Chunyan Ji
- Department of Hematology, Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan, China.
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14
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Detection of BCR–ABL using one step reverse transcriptase- polymerase chain reaction and microchip electrophoresis. Methods 2013; 64:250-4. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ymeth.2013.05.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 05/16/2013] [Accepted: 05/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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15
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Brayer JB, Pinilla-Ibarz J. Developing strategies in the immunotherapy of leukemias. Cancer Control 2013; 20:49-59. [PMID: 23302907 DOI: 10.1177/107327481302000108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In the current treatment paradigms for leukemias, hematopoietic stem cell transplant (HSCT) is considered the best option with a curative potential although more often than not it simply delays disease progression. Advances are needed, both in current therapies and in the development of new strategies. Partly from studying the nuances of the curative potential of stem cell transplant, we have come to appreciate the relevance of the immune response and the potential of immunotherapy. METHODS This review article summarizes the recent advances in the field of immunology and immunotherapy for leukemia. RESULTS In passive immunotherapy, recent progress in chimeric T-cell antigen receptor technology has been encouraging. In active immunotherapy, a cancer vaccine may potentially enhance HSCT. An overview of various clinical studies of peptide vaccination strategies focusing on molecular targets such as the Wilms' tumor gene 1 (WT1), proteinase 3 (PR3), and receptor for hyaluronan acid-mediated motility (RHAMM) is provided. Cell-based vaccination strategies are also briefly explored. CONCLUSIONS The immune system clearly has the capacity to recognize and react to leukemic cells, and recent evidence directs our attention to the importance of mounting inflammatory and CD4 T-cell responses to complement and support the cytotoxic activity elicited by peptide vaccines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jason B Brayer
- Malignant Hematology Program, H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL 33612, USA
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16
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Tsirigotis P, Or R, Resnick IB, Shapira MY. Immunotherapeutic approaches to improve graft-versus-tumor effect and reduce graft-versus-host disease. Immunotherapy 2012; 4:407-24. [PMID: 22512635 DOI: 10.2217/imt.12.14] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic efficacy of allogeneic stem cell transplantation is mainly based on the alloreactive immune response of the graft against the host. However, the graft-versus-host process can be viewed as a double-edged sword since it is responsible for both the beneficial graft-versus-tumor effect and the deleterious graft-versus-host disease. During the last two decades, intensive research has been focused on the development of novel immunotherapeutic methods aimed to dissociate graft-versus-host disease from graft-versus-tumor effect. A brief description of these efforts is discussed in this review.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Tsirigotis
- Department of Bone Marrow Transplantation & Cancer Immunotherapy, Hadassah - Hebrew University Medical Center, Jerusalem, Israel.
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17
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Casnici C, Volpe G, Crotta K, Panuzzo C, Lattuada D, Cabras CA, Longhi R, Saglio G, Marelli O. Characterization of a monoclonal antibody specific for novel Bcr/Abl out-of-frame fusion proteins. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2011; 30:261-9. [PMID: 21707361 DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2010.0122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Abstract
The new tumor-specific antigens Bcr/Abl-OOF, identified in Philadelphia chromosome (Ph)-positive leukemia cells, are derived from an alternative splicing event involving BCR exons 1, 13, or 14 and ABL exons 4 and 5. The COOH-terminus of these transcription products contain an amino acid portion derived from an out-of-frame (OOF) reading of the ABL gene; these variants are expressed in Ph-positive chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and acute lymphocytic leukemia patients. Previously, we confirmed the presence of out-of-frame peptide-specific T cells in the peripheral blood of CML patients with the ability to lyse primary autologous CML cells. We also demonstrated that the out-of-frame Abl portion was immunogenic in HLA-A2.1 transgenic mice. Here we describe the production and characterization of monoclonal antibody 1D8G8, a new tool for localization and functional studies of the tumor antigen Bcr/Abl-OOF. This antibody recognizes the out-of-frame protein portion of the native full-length Bcr/Abl-OOF protein expressed in cells transiently transfected, as demonstrated by immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence, and binds to a specific epitope of this antigen presented in association with HLA-A2.1 molecules at the surface of these cells, as demonstrated by flow cytometry. Thus this MAb could be useful to better understand how this new protein presents in Ph-positive cells beside the canonical Bcr/Abl fusion proteins.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Casnici
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy.
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18
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Ghigna C, Valacca C, Biamonti G. Alternative splicing and tumor progression. Curr Genomics 2011; 9:556-70. [PMID: 19516963 PMCID: PMC2694562 DOI: 10.2174/138920208786847971] [Citation(s) in RCA: 133] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2008] [Revised: 08/12/2008] [Accepted: 08/18/2008] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a key molecular mechanism for increasing the functional diversity of the eukaryotic proteomes. A large body of experimental data implicates aberrant splicing in various human diseases, including cancer. Both mutations in cis-acting splicing elements and alterations in the expression and/or activity of splicing regulatory factors drastically affect the splicing profile of many cancer-associated genes. In addition, the splicing profile of several cancer-associated genes is altered in particular types of cancer arguing for a direct role of specific splicing isoforms in tumor progression. Deciphering the mechanisms underlying aberrant splicing in cancer may prove crucial to understand how splicing machinery is controlled and integrated with other cellular processes, in particular transcription and signaling pathways. Moreover, the characterization of splicing deregulation in cancer will lead to a better comprehension of malignant transformation. Cancer-associated alternative splicing variants may be new tools for the diagnosis and classification of cancers and could be the targets for innovative therapeutical interventions based on highly selective splicing correction approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudia Ghigna
- Istituto di Genetica Molecolare - Consiglio Nazionale delle Ricerche, Via Abbiategrasso 207. 27100 Pavia, Italy
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19
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Monoclonal Antibody 1D8G8 Anti-Bcr/Abl Antigen. Hybridoma (Larchmt) 2011. [DOI: 10.1089/hyb.2011.0021.mab] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
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20
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Ma W, Giles F, Zhang X, Wang X, Zhang Z, Lee TS, Yeh CH, Albitar M. Three novel alternative splicing mutations in BCR-ABL1 detected in CML patients with resistance to kinase inhibitors. Int J Lab Hematol 2011; 33:326-31. [PMID: 21266020 DOI: 10.1111/j.1751-553x.2010.01291.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Multiple types of mutations in the BCR-ABL1 kinase domain have been reported. We previously reported a common alternatively spliced BCR-ABL mRNA with a 35-nucleotide insertion (35INS). We report three novel alternative splicing mutants expressed as the dominant transcripts in patient with chronic myelogenous leukemia and resistance to kinase inhibitors. METHODS We screened RNA from more than 200 patients with resistance to more than one of the three kinase inhibitors for ABL1 kinase domain mutations by direct sequencing. RESULTS We found three not previously described splice mutants. All three showed >90% mutant transcript. The first resulted from the insertion of 79 nucleotides into the ABL1 exon 8-9 junction. The inserted sequence contained a sequence from regions of intron 8, located 120 bp apart: the 35-nucleotide sequence previously described, and an additional 44-nucleotide segment downstream from 35INS. The combined 79-nucleotide insertion splice mutant showed the same protein change as 35INS (p C475YfsX11). The second splice mutation comprised an 84-nucleotide sequence from intron 7 inserted into the ABL1 exon7-8 junction, also causing a frameshift and protein truncation (p A424EfsX18). The third splice derived from a 231-nucleotide sequence from intron 4 retained in the ABL1 exon 4-5 junction adding 40 intron-encoded amino acids and leading to a frameshift and early termination (p E275LfsX41). CONCLUSION These findings, when combined with the data on 35INS, support the concept that loss of the C-terminus of BCR-ABL1 is associated with significant resistance to kinase inhibitors; this mechanism appears to be a major source of resistance to kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- W Ma
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
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21
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BCR-ABL isoforms associated with intrinsic or acquired resistance to imatinib: more heterogeneous than just ABL kinase domain point mutations? Med Oncol 2011; 29:219-26. [PMID: 21221851 DOI: 10.1007/s12032-010-9781-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2010] [Accepted: 12/09/2010] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Imatinib, a small molecule inhibitor of ABL, PDGFR and C-KIT, has revolutionized treatment of chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML). However, resistance to treatment is of increasing importance and often is due to point mutations in the Abl kinase domain (Abl KD). Here, we analysed clinical outcome and mutation status in two independent Nordic populations (n = 77) of imatinib-resistant CML patients. We detected BCR-ABL transcripts containing point mutations of residues in the P-loop, A-loop and other kinase domain residues in 32 patients (42%). In contrast to previous data, mutations in BCR-ABL were as frequently found in patients with primary resistance (56%) as with secondary resistance (53%). No T315I mutations were found in the study cohort. BCR-ABL splice variants were identified in a significant number of our cases (19%): BCR-ABL transcripts of variable length; a variant fusion transcript joining BCR exon 14 sequences to ABL exon 4; partial, in-frame-deletion of exon 4 due to induction of a cryptic splice site by the L248V and finally, alternative splicing of ABL exon 7 sequences. Though the majority of splice variants observed in this study do not encode functional proteins, alternative splicing appears to represent a common phenomenon in the biology of CML. We conclude that Abl KD point mutations represent a major mechanism of imatinib resistance. Other sequence irregularities were also detected, but their significance in conferring resistance is unclear. Diagnostic strategies looking for imatinib-resistant clones should be designed to detect a broader profile of BCR-ABL variants than just point mutations.
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22
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Emergence of BCR-ABL–specific cytotoxic T cells in the bone marrow of patients with Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia during long-term imatinib mesylate treatment. Blood 2010; 115:1512-8. [PMID: 20007806 DOI: 10.1182/blood-2009-06-230391] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Imatinib mesylate has been demonstrated to allow the emergence of T cells directed against chronic myeloid leukemia cells. A total of 10 Philadelphia chromosome–positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia patients receiving high-dose imatinib mesylate maintenance underwent long-term immunological monitoring (range, 2-65 months) of p190BCR-ABL–specific T cells in the bone marrow and peripheral blood. p190BCR-ABL–specific T lymphocytes were detected in all patients, more frequently in bone marrow than in peripheral blood samples (67% vs 25%, P < .01) and resulted significantly associated with lower minimal residual disease values (P < .001), whereas absent at leukemia relapse. Specific T cells were mainly effector memory CD8+ and CD4+ T cells, producing interferon-γ, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-2 (median percentage of positive cells: 3.34, 3.04, and 3.58, respectively). Cytotoxic subsets able to lyse BCR-ABL–positive leukemia blasts also were detectable. Whether these autologous p190BCR-ABL–specific T cells may be detectable under other tyrosine-kinase inhibitors, expanded ex vivo, and exploited for immunotherapy remains to be addressed.
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23
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Circosta P, Granziero L, Follenzi A, Vigna E, Stella S, Vallario A, Elia AR, Gammaitoni L, Vitaggio K, Orso F, Geuna M, Sangiolo D, Todorovic M, Giachino C, Cignetti A. T Cell Receptor (TCR) Gene Transfer with Lentiviral Vectors Allows Efficient Redirection of Tumor Specificity in Naive and Memory T Cells Without Prior Stimulation of Endogenous TCR. Hum Gene Ther 2009; 20:1576-88. [DOI: 10.1089/hum.2009.117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Paola Circosta
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Luisa Granziero
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonia Follenzi
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, School of Medicine, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Elisa Vigna
- Laboratory for Gene Transfer and Therapy and IRCC, Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Stefania Stella
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Antonella Vallario
- Department of Chemical, Food, Pharmaceutical, and Pharmacological Sciences, University of Piemonte Orientale, 28100, Novara, Italy
| | - Angela Rita Elia
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Katiuscia Vitaggio
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesca Orso
- Molecular Biotechnology Center, University of Turin, 10125, Turin, Italy
| | - Massimo Geuna
- Laboratory of Immunopatologia–Anatomia Patologica, Ospedale Mauriziano Umberto I, 10128, Turin, Italy
| | - Dario Sangiolo
- Unit of Medical Oncology, IRCC, Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Maja Todorovic
- Unit of Medical Oncology, IRCC, Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
| | - Claudia Giachino
- Department of Clinical and Biological Sciences, University of Turin, 10043, Orbassano, Italy
| | - Alessandro Cignetti
- Laboratory of Cancer Immunology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), Candiolo, 10060, Turin, Italy
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Rusakiewicz S, Madrigal A, Travers P, Dodi AI. BCR/ABL-specific CD8+ T cells can be detected from CML patients, but are only expanded from healthy donors. Cancer Immunol Immunother 2009; 58:1449-57. [PMID: 19360407 PMCID: PMC11030944 DOI: 10.1007/s00262-009-0703-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2008] [Accepted: 03/17/2009] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The BCR/ABL p210 fusion protein has long been considered an ideal target antigen for the development of immunotherapeutic strategies in chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) due to its central role in malignant transformation and to its unique novel amino acid sequence solely expressed in leukaemia cells. However, the feasibility to expand BCR-ABL-specific T cells remains still controversial. Using BCR/ABL peptide/MHC tetramers, significantly higher frequencies of tetramer positive cells were detected in the peripheral blood of HLA-A*0301 (mean 0.38%) and HLA-B*0801 (mean 0.28%) CML patients than in healthy donors (P = 0.0025 and 0.0026, respectively). However, following stimulation with autologous peptide-pulsed DCs, BCR/ABL-specific T cells were only expanded from some healthy donors, suggesting that CML patients may have a specific immune deficit with respect to the BCR/ABL antigen.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvie Rusakiewicz
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, University College of London, Medical School, Fleet Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG UK
| | - Alejandro Madrigal
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, University College of London, Medical School, Fleet Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG UK
| | - Paul Travers
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, University College of London, Medical School, Fleet Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG UK
| | - Anthony I. Dodi
- The Anthony Nolan Research Institute, The Royal Free Hospital, University College of London, Medical School, Fleet Road, Hampstead, London, NW3 2QG UK
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25
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Pinilla-Ibarz J, Shah B, Dubovsky JA. The biological basis for immunotherapy in patients with chronic myelogenous leukemia. Cancer Control 2009; 16:141-52. [PMID: 19337200 DOI: 10.1177/107327480901600206] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) has long been recognized as an entity responsive to immunotherapeutic interventions. Despite the success of the tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in this disease, CML remains incurable. Only allogeneic bone marrow transplantation can provide long-term eradication of CML. METHODS This review summarizes the recent advances in the field of immunology in CML, specifically in tumor antigen discovery, that have been incorporated into the design of new clinical trials. RESULTS Multiple vaccine approaches are currently under clinical investigation. Recent laboratory and clinical data also point to a unique interaction of TKIs with the immune system. CONCLUSIONS A better understanding of these interactions combined with advances in the field of immunotherapy will likely lead to incorporation of TKIs in future therapeutic interventions to develop a cure for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Javier Pinilla-Ibarz
- Department of Malignant Hematology at the H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, Florida 33612, USA.
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26
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Fackenthal JD, Godley LA. Aberrant RNA splicing and its functional consequences in cancer cells. Dis Model Mech 2009; 1:37-42. [PMID: 19048051 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.000331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 82] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Among the myriad of alterations present in cancer cells are an abundance of aberrant mRNA transcripts. Whether abnormal gene transcription is a by-product of cellular transformation or whether it represents an inherent element that contributes to the properties of cancer cells is not yet clear. Here, we present growing evidence that in many cases, aberrant mRNA transcripts contribute to essential phenotypes associated with transformed cells, suggesting that alterations in the splicing machinery are common and functionally important for cancer development. The proteins encoded by these abnormal transcripts are often truncated or missing domains, thereby altering protein function or conferring new functions altogether. Thus, aberrant splicing regulation has genome-wide effects, potentially altering gene expression in many cancer-associated pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- James D Fackenthal
- Section of Hematology/Oncology, Department of Medicine and the Cancer Research Center, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA
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27
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Ma W, Kantarjian H, Yeh CH, Zhang ZJ, Cortes J, Albitar M. BCR-ABL truncation due to premature translation termination as a mechanism of resistance to kinase inhibitors. Acta Haematol 2009; 121:27-31. [PMID: 19332983 DOI: 10.1159/000210060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2009] [Accepted: 02/05/2009] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/drug effects
- Drug Resistance, Neoplasm/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/antagonists & inhibitors
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/metabolism
- Humans
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/enzymology
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Mutation
- Peptide Chain Termination, Translational/drug effects
- Peptide Chain Termination, Translational/genetics
- Philadelphia Chromosome
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/pharmacology
- Protein Kinase Inhibitors/therapeutic use
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanlong Ma
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675, USA
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28
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Volpe G, Panuzzo C, Ulisciani S, Cilloni D. Imatinib resistance in CML. Cancer Lett 2009; 274:1-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.06.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/20/2008] [Revised: 03/20/2008] [Accepted: 06/02/2008] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
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29
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Casnici C, Volpe G, Lattuada D, Crotta K, Kuka M, Panuzzo C, Mastrotto C, Tonon G, Fazio VM, Saglio G, Marelli O. Out of frame peptides from BCR/ABL alternative splicing are immunogenic in HLA A2.1 transgenic mice. Cancer Lett 2008; 276:61-7. [PMID: 19062160 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2008.10.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2008] [Revised: 10/23/2008] [Accepted: 10/24/2008] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
New, potentially tumor-specific antigens have been described in Bcr/Abl positive leukemias. Besides the main BCR/ABL hybrid fusion transcripts, a small number of transcripts derived from alternative splicing between BCR exons 1, 13, and 14 with ABL exons 4 and 5 have been identified. These variants are expressed in chronic myelogenous leukemia and acute lymphocytic leukemia patients. The transcriptional products were characterized at their C-terminus by a large amino acid portion derived from out of frame (OOF) reading of the ABL gene. This OOF peptide is expressed only in leukemic cells and has no homology with known human proteins. In order to study an in vivo model, three 39-amino acid peptides, each corresponding to a third of the whole human OOF peptide sequence, were tested for their capacity to elicit specific immune responses in HLA A2.1 transgenic mice. Peptides A and B, but not C, induced the production of specific antisera, while A and C induced the generation of specific cytotoxic T lymphocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Casnici
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, University of Milan, Milan, Italy
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30
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Quigley NB, Henley DC, Hubbard RA, Laudadio J, Press RD. ABL kinase domain pseudoexon insertion is not uncommon in BCR-ABL transcripts. J Mol Diagn 2008; 10:475-6; author reply 476. [PMID: 18687796 DOI: 10.2353/jmoldx.2008.080055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022] Open
MESH Headings
- Antineoplastic Agents/therapeutic use
- Benzamides
- Exons/genetics
- Fusion Proteins, bcr-abl/genetics
- Humans
- Imatinib Mesylate
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/drug therapy
- Leukemia, Myelogenous, Chronic, BCR-ABL Positive/genetics
- Mutagenesis, Insertional
- Phosphotransferases/chemistry
- Phosphotransferases/genetics
- Piperazines/therapeutic use
- Protein Structure, Tertiary/genetics
- Pyrimidines/therapeutic use
- Transcription, Genetic
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31
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Valent P. Emerging stem cell concepts for imatinib-resistant chronic myeloid leukaemia: implications for the biology, management, and therapy of the disease. Br J Haematol 2008; 142:361-78. [PMID: 18540942 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2141.2008.07197.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is a myeloid neoplasm defined by the BCR/ABL oncoprotein that is considered essential for leukaemogenesis and accumulation of neoplastic cells. The BCR/ABL kinase inhibitor imatinib is an effective agent in most patients and can now be regarded as front-line therapy. Hence, intrinsic and acquired resistance to imatinib has been described and is an emerging challenge in clinical practice. While CML stem cells display primary resistance, stem cell subclones may, in addition, acquire imatinib-resistant mutants of BCR/ABL. Other factors that are considered to contribute to stem cell resistance include the genetic background, clonal evolution, additional biological features of subclones, gene amplifications, silencing of tumour suppressor genes and specific pharmacological aspects. In this article, mechanisms of resistance of CML (stem) cells against imatinib and other BCR/ABL inhibitors are discussed, together with strategies to overcome and/or to prevent resistance with available drugs or novel anti-leukaemic approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Valent
- Division of Haematology and Haemostaseology, Department of Internal Medicine I, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.
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Characterization of BCR-ABL deletion mutants from patients with chronic myeloid leukemia. Leukemia 2008; 22:1184-90. [DOI: 10.1038/leu.2008.65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
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Laudadio J, Deininger MWN, Mauro MJ, Druker BJ, Press RD. An intron-derived insertion/truncation mutation in the BCR-ABL kinase domain in chronic myeloid leukemia patients undergoing kinase inhibitor therapy. J Mol Diagn 2008; 10:177-80. [PMID: 18276770 DOI: 10.2353/jmoldx.2008.070128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Although targeted inhibition of BCR-ABL with imatinib is an effective therapy for patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML), a minority of patients acquire mutations in the BCR-ABL kinase domain, resulting in imatinib resistance. The spectrum of kinase domain mutations discovered to date is quite heterogeneous, consisting almost exclusively of single nucleotide substitutions affecting key amino acids that regulate drug binding or BCR-ABL function. Here, we describe an alternative kinase domain insertion/truncation mutation in three CML patients undergoing kinase inhibitor therapy. In each of these patients, direct DNA sequencing of BCR-ABL RT-PCR products revealed that the same 35 nucleotides from ABL intron 8 had been inserted at the normal exon 8 to 9 splice junction. This 35-bp intronic sequence was flanked by excellent consensus splice donor and acceptor sequences, suggesting alternative splicing as the likely mutational mechanism. The insertion created a premature translational stop codon after 10 intron-encoded amino acids (amino acid 484). This resulted in truncation of 653 C-terminal amino acids, which included part of the kinase domain and the entire "last exon" region. These findings demonstrate that kinase domain insertions are an alternative (and not entirely uncommon) mutational mechanism in CML patients undergoing kinase inhibitor therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jennifer Laudadio
- Department of Pathology, Oregon Health & Science University, Portland, OR, USA
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Greiner J, Schmitt M. Leukemia-associated antigens as target structures for a specific immunotherapy in chronic myeloid leukemia. Eur J Haematol 2008; 80:461-8. [DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0609.2008.01053.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023]
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