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Cuevas-Estrada B, Montalvo-Casimiro M, Munguia-Garza P, Ríos-Rodríguez JA, González-Barrios R, Herrera LA. Breaking the Mold: Epigenetics and Genomics Approaches Addressing Novel Treatments and Chemoresponse in TGCT Patients. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24097873. [PMID: 37175579 PMCID: PMC10178517 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24097873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2023] [Revised: 04/19/2023] [Accepted: 04/19/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ-cell tumors (TGCT) have been widely recognized for their outstanding survival rates, commonly attributed to their high sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapies. Despite this, a subset of patients develops cisplatin resistance, for whom additional therapeutic options are unsuccessful, and ~20% of them will die from disease progression at an early age. Several efforts have been made trying to find the molecular bases of cisplatin resistance. However, this phenomenon is still not fully understood, which has limited the development of efficient biomarkers and precision medicine approaches as an alternative that could improve the clinical outcomes of these patients. With the aim of providing an integrative landscape, we review the most recent genomic and epigenomic features attributed to chemoresponse in TGCT patients, highlighting how we can seek to combat cisplatin resistance through the same mechanisms by which TGCTs are particularly hypersensitive to therapy. In this regard, we explore ongoing treatment directions for resistant TGCT and novel targets to guide future clinical trials. Through our exploration of recent findings, we conclude that epidrugs are promising treatments that could help to restore cisplatin sensitivity in resistant tumors, shedding light on potential avenues for better prognosis for the benefit of the patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Berenice Cuevas-Estrada
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Michel Montalvo-Casimiro
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Paulina Munguia-Garza
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Juan Alberto Ríos-Rodríguez
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Rodrigo González-Barrios
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
| | - Luis A Herrera
- Unidad de Investigación Biomédica en Cáncer, Instituto Nacional de Cancerología-Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas, UNAM, Mexico City 14080, Mexico
- Tecnológico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Monterrey 64710, Mexico
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2
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Fang Y, Wang Y, Spector BM, Xiao X, Yang C, Li P, Yuan Y, Ding P, Xiao ZX, Zhang P, Qiu T, Zhu X, Price DH, Li Q. Dynamic regulation of P-TEFb by 7SK snRNP is integral to the DNA damage response to regulate chemotherapy sensitivity. iScience 2022; 25:104844. [PMID: 36034227 PMCID: PMC9399290 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2022.104844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2021] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/21/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors and closely related embryonal stem cells are exquisitely sensitive to cisplatin, a feature thought to be linked to their pluripotent state and p53 status. It remains unclear whether and how cellular state is coordinated with p53 to confer cisplatin sensitivity. Here, we report that positive transcription elongation factor b (P-TEFb) determines cell fate upon DNA damage. We find that cisplatin rapidly activates P-TEFb by releasing it from inhibitory 7SK small nuclear ribonucleoprotein complex. P-TEFb directly phosphorylates pluripotency factor estrogen-related receptor beta (ESRRB), and induces its proteasomal degradation to enhance pro-survival glycolysis. On the other hand, P-TEFb is required for the transcription of a substantial portion of p53 target genes, triggering cell death during prolonged cisplatin treatment. These results reveal previously underappreciated roles of P-TEFb to coordinate the DNA damage response. We discuss the implications for using P-TEFb inhibitors to treat cancer and ameliorate cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. P-TEFb regulates pro-survival and pro-death pathways during DNA damage response P-TEFb promotes ESRRB proteasomal degradation to enhance pro-survival glycolysis P-TEFb induces a substantial portion of p53 target genes to trigger cell death Chemical inhibitors of P-TEFb blocks cisplatin- or UV-induced cell death
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Affiliation(s)
- Yin Fang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yan Wang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | | | - Xue Xiao
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Chao Yang
- Division of Bioinformatics, Sichuan Cunde Therapeutics, Chengdu 610093, China
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ping Li
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Yuan Yuan
- Division of Bioinformatics, Sichuan Cunde Therapeutics, Chengdu 610093, China
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ping Ding
- Division of Bioinformatics, Sichuan Cunde Therapeutics, Chengdu 610093, China
- Non-coding RNA and Drug Discovery Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Zhi-Xiong Xiao
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Peixuan Zhang
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Tong Qiu
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhu
- Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, Key Laboratory of Bio-Resource and Eco-Environment of Ministry of Education, College of Life Sciences, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Corresponding author
| | - David H. Price
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Corresponding author
| | - Qintong Li
- Departments of Pediatrics and Obstetrics & Gynecology, West China Second University Hospital, Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children, Ministry of Education, Development and Related Diseases of Women and Children Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Center of Growth, Metabolism and Aging, College of Life Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610041, China
- Corresponding author
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3
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Országhová Z, Kalavska K, Mego M, Chovanec M. Overcoming Chemotherapy Resistance in Germ Cell Tumors. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10050972. [PMID: 35625709 PMCID: PMC9139090 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10050972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/20/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (GCTs) are highly curable malignancies. Excellent survival rates in patients with metastatic disease can be attributed to the exceptional sensitivity of GCTs to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This hypersensitivity is probably related to alterations in the DNA repair of cisplatin-induced DNA damage, and an excessive apoptotic response. However, chemotherapy fails due to the development of cisplatin resistance in a proportion of patients. The molecular basis of this resistance appears to be multifactorial. Tracking the mechanisms of cisplatin resistance in GCTs, multiple molecules have been identified as potential therapeutic targets. A variety of therapeutic agents have been evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies. These include different chemotherapeutics, targeted therapies, such as tyrosine kinase inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, PARP inhibitors, CDK inhibitors, and anti-CD30 therapy, as well as immune-checkpoint inhibitors, epigenetic therapy, and others. These therapeutics have been used as single agents or in combination with cisplatin. Some of them have shown promising in vitro activity in overcoming cisplatin resistance, but have not been effective in clinical trials in refractory GCT patients. This review provides a summary of current knowledge about the molecular mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in GCTs and outlines possible therapeutic approaches that seek to overcome this chemoresistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zuzana Országhová
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy Sciences, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia;
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia; (Z.O.); (M.M.)
- Correspondence:
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Routila J, Qiao X, Weltner J, Rantala JK, Carpén T, Hagström J, Mäkitie A, Leivo I, Ruuskanen M, Söderlund J, Rintala M, Hietanen S, Irjala H, Minn H, Westermarck J, Ventelä S. Cisplatin overcomes radiotherapy resistance in OCT4-expressing head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2022; 127:105772. [PMID: 35245886 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2022.105772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2021] [Revised: 02/11/2022] [Accepted: 02/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cisplatin is combined with radiotherapy for advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). While providing a beneficial effect on survival, it also causes side effects and thus is an important target when considering treatment de-escalation. Currently, there are no biomarkers to predict its patient-selective therapeutic utility. In this study, we examined the role of the stem cell factor OCT4 as a potential biomarker to help clinicians stratify HNSCC patients between radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS OCT4 immunohistochemical staining of a population-validated tissue microarray (PV-TMA) (n = 166) representative of a standard HNSCC patients was carried out, and 5-year survival was analyzed. The results were validated using ex vivo drug sensitivity analysis of HNSCC tumor samples, and further cross-validated in independent oropharyngeal (n = 118), nasopharyngeal (n = 170), and vulvar carcinoma (n = 95) clinical datasets. In vitro, genetically modified, patient-derived HNSCC cells were used. RESULTS OCT4 expression in HNSCC tumors was associated with radioresistance. However, combination therapy with cisplatin was found to overcome thisradioresistance in OCT4-expressing HNSCC tumors. The results were validated by using several independent patient cohorts. Furthermore, CRISPRa-based OCT4 overexpression in the HNSCC cell line resulted in apoptosis resistance, and cisplatin was found to downregulate OCT4 protein expression in vitro. Ex vivo drug sensitivity analysis of HNSCC tumors confirmed the association between OCT4 expression and cisplatin sensitivity. CONCLUSION This study introduces OCT4 immunohistochemistry as a simple and cost-effective diagnostic approach for clinical practice to identify HNSCC patients benefitting from radiosensitization by cisplatin using either full or reduced dosing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Johannes Routila
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Xi Qiao
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland
| | - Jere Weltner
- Department of Clinical Science, Intervention and Technology, Karolinska Institutet, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden and Division of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Karolinska Universitetssjukhuset, SE-14186 Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Juha K Rantala
- MISVIK Biology Ltd, Karjakatu 35 B, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Timo Carpén
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, P.O.Box 263, FI-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Jaana Hagström
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Antti Mäkitie
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, P.O.Box 263, FI-00029 HUS Helsinki, Finland
| | - Ilmo Leivo
- Department of Oral Pathology and Radiology, University of Turku, Turku, Finland; Institute of Biomedicine, Pathology, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10 D, 20520 Turku, Finland
| | - Miia Ruuskanen
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Jenni Söderlund
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Marjut Rintala
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland
| | - Sakari Hietanen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Turku University Hospital and University of Turku, Turku, Finland; FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku, Finland
| | - Heikki Irjala
- Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland
| | - Heikki Minn
- FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku, Finland; Department of Oncology and Radiotherapy, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Turku, Finland
| | - Jukka Westermarck
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Biomedical Institute, University of Turku, Kiinamyllynkatu 10, 20520 Turku, Finland; FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku, Finland
| | - Sami Ventelä
- Turku Bioscience Centre, University of Turku and Åbo Akademi University, Turku, Finland; Department for Otorhinolaryngology - Head and Neck Surgery, University of Turku and Turku University Hospital, Kiinamyllynkatu 4-8, 20521 Turku, Finland; FICAN West Cancer Centre, Turku, Finland.
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Pluripotency Stemness and Cancer: More Questions than Answers. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1376:77-100. [PMID: 34725790 DOI: 10.1007/5584_2021_663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells provided us with fascinating new knowledge in recent years. Mechanistic insight into intricate regulatory circuitry governing pluripotency stemness and disclosing parallels between pluripotency stemness and cancer instigated numerous studies focusing on roles of pluripotency transcription factors, including Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, Nanog, Sall4 and Tfcp2L1, in cancer. Although generally well substantiated as tumour-promoting factors, oncogenic roles of pluripotency transcription factors and their clinical impacts are revealing themselves as increasingly complex. In certain tumours, both Oct4 and Sox2 behave as genuine oncogenes, and reporter genes driven by composite regulatory elements jointly recognized by both the factors can identify stem-like cells in a proportion of tumours. On the other hand, cancer stem cells seem to be biologically very heterogeneous both among different tumour types and among and even within individual tumours. Pluripotency transcription factors are certainly implicated in cancer stemness, but do not seem to encompass its entire spectrum. Certain cancer stem cells maintain their stemness by biological mechanisms completely different from pluripotency stemness, sometimes even by engaging signalling pathways that promote differentiation of pluripotent stem cells. Moreover, while these signalling pathways may well be antithetical to stemness in pluripotent stem cells, they may cooperate with pluripotency factors in cancer stem cells - a paradigmatic example is provided by the MAPK-AP-1 pathway. Unexpectedly, forced expression of pluripotency transcription factors in cancer cells frequently results in loss of their tumour-initiating ability, their phenotypic reversion and partial epigenetic normalization. Besides the very different signalling contexts operating in pluripotent and cancer stem cells, respectively, the pronounced dose dependency of reprogramming pluripotency factors may also contribute to the frequent loss of tumorigenicity observed in induced pluripotent cancer cells. Finally, contradictory cell-autonomous and non-cell-autonomous effects of various signalling molecules operate during pluripotency (cancer) reprogramming. The effects of pluripotency transcription factors in cancer are thus best explained within the concept of cancer stem cell heterogeneity.
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Timmerman DM, Eleveld TF, Gillis AJM, Friedrichs CC, Hillenius S, Remmers TL, Sriram S, Looijenga LHJ. The Role of TP53 in Cisplatin Resistance in Mediastinal and Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms222111774. [PMID: 34769213 PMCID: PMC8583723 DOI: 10.3390/ijms222111774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/29/2021] [Revised: 10/19/2021] [Accepted: 10/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are considered to be highly curable; however, there are major differences in the outcomes related to histology and anatomical localization. GCTs originating from the testis are, overall, sensitive to platinum-based chemotherapy, whereas GCTs originating from the mediastinum show a worse response, which remains largely unexplained. Here, we address the differences among GCTs from two different anatomical locations (testicular versus mediastinal/extragonadal), with a specific focus on the role of the P53 pathway. It was recently shown that GCTs with TP53 mutations most often localize to the mediastinum. To elucidate the underlying mechanism, TP53 knock-out lines were generated in cisplatin-sensitive and -resistant clones of the representative 2102Ep cell line (wild-type TP53 testicular GCT) and NCCIT cell line (hemizygously mutated TP53, mutant TP53 mediastinal GCT). The full knock-out of TP53 in 2102Ep and resistant NCCIT resulted in an increase in cisplatin resistance, suggesting a contributing role for P53, even in NCCIT, in which P53 had been reported to be non-functional. In conclusion, these results suggest that TP53 mutations contribute to the cisplatin-resistant phenotype of mediastinal GCTs and, therefore, are a potential candidate for targeted treatment. This knowledge provides a novel model system to elucidate the underlying mechanism of clinical behavior and possible alternative treatment of the TP53 mutant and mediastinal GCTs.
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Ottaviano M, Giunta EF, Rescigno P, Pereira Mestre R, Marandino L, Tortora M, Riccio V, Parola S, Casula M, Paliogiannis P, Cossu A, Vogl UM, Bosso D, Rosanova M, Mazzola B, Daniele B, Palmieri G, Palmieri G. The Enigmatic Role of TP53 in Germ Cell Tumours: Are We Missing Something? Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:7160. [PMID: 34281219 PMCID: PMC8267694 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137160] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2021] [Revised: 06/27/2021] [Accepted: 06/28/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
The cure rate of germ cell tumours (GCTs) has significantly increased from the late 1970s since the introduction of cisplatin-based therapy, which to date remains the milestone for GCTs treatment. The exquisite cisplatin sensitivity has been mainly explained by the over-expression in GCTs of wild-type TP53 protein and the lack of TP53 somatic mutations; however, several other mechanisms seem to be involved, many of which remain still elusive. The findings about the role of TP53 in platinum-sensitivity and resistance, as well as the reported evidence of second cancers (SCs) in GCT patients treated only with surgery, suggesting a spectrum of cancer predisposing syndromes, highlight the need for a deepened understanding of the role of TP53 in GCTs. In the following report we explore the complex role of TP53 in GCTs cisplatin-sensitivity and resistance mechanisms, passing through several recent genomic studies, as well as its role in GCT patients with SCs, going through our experience of Center of reference for both GCTs and cancer predisposing syndromes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Ottaviano
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (M.R.); (B.D.)
- CRCTR Coordinating Rare Tumors Reference Center of Campania Region, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.)
- IOSI (Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; (R.P.M.); (L.M.); (U.M.V.)
| | - Emilio Francesco Giunta
- Oncology Unit, Department of Precision Medicine, Università Degli Studi Della Campania Luigi Vanvitelli, 80131 Naples, Italy;
| | - Pasquale Rescigno
- Interdisciplinary Group for Translational Research and Clinical Trials, Urological Cancers (GIRT-Uro), Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, 10160 Turin, Italy;
| | - Ricardo Pereira Mestre
- IOSI (Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; (R.P.M.); (L.M.); (U.M.V.)
| | - Laura Marandino
- IOSI (Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; (R.P.M.); (L.M.); (U.M.V.)
| | - Marianna Tortora
- CRCTR Coordinating Rare Tumors Reference Center of Campania Region, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.)
| | - Vittorio Riccio
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Sara Parola
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, Università degli studi di Napoli Federico II, 80131 Naples, Italy; (V.R.); (S.P.)
| | - Milena Casula
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.)
| | - Panagiotis Paliogiannis
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Medical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Cossu
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Medical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Ursula Maria Vogl
- IOSI (Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland), Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6500 Bellinzona, Switzerland; (R.P.M.); (L.M.); (U.M.V.)
| | - Davide Bosso
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (M.R.); (B.D.)
| | - Mario Rosanova
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (M.R.); (B.D.)
| | - Brunello Mazzola
- Department of Urology, Ente Ospedaliero Cantonale (EOC), 6600 Locarno, Switzerland;
| | - Bruno Daniele
- Oncology Unit, Ospedale del Mare, 80147 Naples, Italy; (D.B.); (M.R.); (B.D.)
| | - Giuseppe Palmieri
- Institute of Genetics and Biomedical Research (IRGB), National Research Council (CNR), 07100 Sassari, Italy; (M.C.); (G.P.)
- Departments of Biomedical Sciences and Medical, Surgical, Experimental Sciences, University of Sassari, 07100 Sassari, Italy; (P.P.); (A.C.)
| | - Giovannella Palmieri
- CRCTR Coordinating Rare Tumors Reference Center of Campania Region, 80131 Naples, Italy; (M.T.); (G.P.)
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Analysis of the genomic landscape of yolk sac tumors reveals mechanisms of evolution and chemoresistance. Nat Commun 2021; 12:3579. [PMID: 34117242 PMCID: PMC8196104 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-23681-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Yolk sac tumors (YSTs) are a major histological subtype of malignant ovarian germ cell tumors with a relatively poor prognosis. The molecular basis of this disease has not been thoroughly characterized at the genomic level. Here we perform whole-exome and RNA sequencing on 41 clinical tumor samples from 30 YST patients, with distinct responses to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. We show that microsatellite instability status and mutational signatures are informative of chemoresistance. We identify somatic driver candidates, including significantly mutated genes KRAS and KIT and copy-number alteration drivers, including deleted ARID1A and PARK2, and amplified ZNF217, CDKN1B, and KRAS. YSTs have very infrequent TP53 mutations, whereas the tumors from patients with abnormal gonadal development contain both KRAS and TP53 mutations. We further reveal a role of OVOL2 overexpression in YST resistance to cisplatin. This study lays a critical foundation for understanding key molecular aberrations in YSTs and developing related therapeutic strategies.
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Timmerman DM, Remmers TL, Hillenius S, Looijenga LHJ. Mechanisms of TP53 Pathway Inactivation in Embryonic and Somatic Cells-Relevance for Understanding (Germ Cell) Tumorigenesis. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22105377. [PMID: 34065345 PMCID: PMC8161298 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22105377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2021] [Revised: 05/14/2021] [Accepted: 05/15/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
The P53 pathway is the most important cellular pathway to maintain genomic and cellular integrity, both in embryonic and non-embryonic cells. Stress signals induce its activation, initiating autophagy or cell cycle arrest to enable DNA repair. The persistence of these signals causes either senescence or apoptosis. Over 50% of all solid tumors harbor mutations in TP53 that inactivate the pathway. The remaining cancers are suggested to harbor mutations in genes that regulate the P53 pathway such as its inhibitors Mouse Double Minute 2 and 4 (MDM2 and MDM4, respectively). Many reviews have already been dedicated to P53, MDM2, and MDM4, while this review additionally focuses on the other factors that can deregulate P53 signaling. We discuss that P14ARF (ARF) functions as a negative regulator of MDM2, explaining the frequent loss of ARF detected in cancers. The long non-coding RNA Antisense Non-coding RNA in the INK4 Locus (ANRIL) is encoded on the same locus as ARF, inhibiting ARF expression, thus contributing to the process of tumorigenesis. Mutations in tripartite motif (TRIM) proteins deregulate P53 signaling through their ubiquitin ligase activity. Several microRNAs (miRNAs) inactivate the P53 pathway through inhibition of translation. CCCTC-binding factor (CTCF) maintains an open chromatin structure at the TP53 locus, explaining its inactivation of CTCF during tumorigenesis. P21, a downstream effector of P53, has been found to be deregulated in different tumor types. This review provides a comprehensive overview of these factors that are known to deregulate the P53 pathway in both somatic and embryonic cells, as well as their malignant counterparts (i.e., somatic and germ cell tumors). It provides insights into which aspects still need to be unraveled to grasp their contribution to tumorigenesis, putatively leading to novel targets for effective cancer therapies.
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10
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Nicholls PK, Page DC. Germ cell determination and the developmental origin of germ cell tumors. Development 2021; 148:239824. [PMID: 33913479 DOI: 10.1242/dev.198150] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
In each generation, the germline is tasked with producing somatic lineages that form the body, and segregating a population of cells for gametogenesis. During animal development, when do cells of the germline irreversibly commit to producing gametes? Integrating findings from diverse species, we conclude that the final commitment of the germline to gametogenesis - the process of germ cell determination - occurs after primordial germ cells (PGCs) colonize the gonads. Combining this understanding with medical findings, we present a model whereby germ cell tumors arise from cells that failed to undertake germ cell determination, regardless of their having colonized the gonads. We propose that the diversity of cell types present in these tumors reflects the broad developmental potential of migratory PGCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter K Nicholls
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Faculty of Life Sciences, University of Bradford, Bradford BD7 1DP, UK
| | - David C Page
- Whitehead Institute, 455 Main Street, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA.,Department of Biology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.,Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Whitehead Institute, Cambridge, MA 02142, USA
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11
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Between a Rock and a Hard Place: An Epigenetic-Centric View of Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13071506. [PMID: 33805941 PMCID: PMC8036638 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13071506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2021] [Revised: 03/16/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary This minireview focuses on the role of epigenetics in testicular cancer. A working model is developed that postulates that epigenetic features that drive testicular cancer malignancy also enable these tumors to be cured at a high rate with chemotherapy. Chemoresistance may occur by epigenetic uncoupling of malignancy and chemosensitivity, a scenario that may be amenable to epigenetic-based therapies. Abstract Compared to many common solid tumors, the main genetic drivers of most testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are unknown. Decades of focus on genomic alterations in TGCTs including awareness of a near universal increase in copies of chromosome 12p have failed to uncover exceptional driver genes, especially in genes that can be targeted therapeutically. Thus far, TGCT patients have missed out on the benefits of targeted therapies available to treat most other malignancies. In the past decade there has been a greater appreciation that epigenetics may play an especially prominent role in TGCT etiology, progression, and hypersensitivity to conventional chemotherapy. While genetics undoubtedly plays a role in TGCT biology, this mini-review will focus on the epigenetic “states” or features of testicular cancer, with an emphasis on DNA methylation, histone modifications, and miRNAs associated with TGCT susceptibility, initiation, progression, and response to chemotherapy. In addition, we comment on the current status of epigenetic-based therapy and epigenetic biomarker development for TGCTs. Finally, we suggest a unifying “rock and a hard place” or “differentiate or die” model where the tumorigenicity and curability of TGCTs are both dependent on common but still ill-defined epigenetic states.
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12
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Bharti D, Tikka M, Lee SY, Bok EY, Lee HJ, Rho GJ. Female Germ Cell Development, Functioning and Associated Adversities under Unfavorable Circumstances. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22041979. [PMID: 33671303 PMCID: PMC7922109 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22041979] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/09/2021] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
In the present era, infertility is one of the major issues which restricts many couples to have their own children. Infertility is the inability to achieve a clinical pregnancy after regular unprotected sexual intercourse for the period of one year or more. Various factors including defective male or female germ cell development, unhealthy and improper lifestyles, diseases like cancer and associated chemo-or-radiation therapies, congenital disorders, etc., may be responsible for infertility. Therefore, it is highly important to understand the basic concepts of germ cell development including primordial germ cell (PGC) formation, specification, migration, entry to genital ridges and their molecular mechanisms, activated pathways, paracrine and autocrine signaling, along with possible alteration which can hamper germ cell development and can cause adversities like cancer progression and infertility. Knowing all these aspects in a proper way can be very much helpful in improving our understanding about gametogenesis and finding possible ways to cure related disorders. Here in this review, various aspects of gametogenesis especially female gametes and relevant factors causing functional impairment have been thoroughly discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dinesh Bharti
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Manisha Tikka
- Department of Zoology and Environmental Sciences, Punjabi University, Patiala 147002, India;
| | - Sang-Yun Lee
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Eun-Yeong Bok
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
| | - Hyeon-Jeong Lee
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, CA 92093-0021, USA;
| | - Gyu-Jin Rho
- Department of Theriogenology and Biotechnology, College of Veterinary Medicine and Research Institute of Life Sciences, Gyeongsang National University, Jinju 52828, Korea; (D.B.); (S.-Y.L.); (E.-Y.B.)
- Correspondence:
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13
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Zhou L, Zhu J, Chen W, Jiang Y, Hu T, Wang Y, Ye X, Zhan M, Ji C, Xu Z, Wang X, Gu Y, Jia L. Induction of NEDD8-conjugating enzyme E2 UBE2F by platinum protects lung cancer cells from apoptosis and confers to platinum-insensitivity. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:975. [PMID: 33184273 PMCID: PMC7665193 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-03184-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 06/09/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Platinum is a widely used first-line chemotherapy in treating non-small cell lung cancer of adenocarcinoma. Unfortunately, platinum resistance leads to relapse and therapeutic failure, enabling the development of platinum-sensitization strategies to be of great clinical significance. Here, we report that the upregulation of the NEDD8-conjugating enzyme UBE2F is an important way for lung cancer cells to escape platinum-induced cell apoptosis, which confers to insensitivity to platinum-based chemotherapy. Mechanistically, platinum treatment impairs the complex formation for proteasome-mediated UBE2F degradation, evidenced by the weaker association between UBE2F and Ring-box protein 1 (RBX1), an essential component of Cullin-Ring E3 ligases (CRLs), thus leading to the accumulation of UBE2F. The accumulated UBE2F promotes the neddylation levels and activity of Cullin5, in accord with the lower expression of pro-apoptotic protein NOXA, a well-known substrate of Cullin-Ring E3 ligase 5 (CRL5). Additionally, knockout of UBE2F significantly sensitizes lung cancer cells to platinum treatment by enhancing the protein levels of NOXA and subsequently promoting cell apoptosis. Our observations uncover a previously unknown regulatory mechanism of UBE2F stability upon platinum chemotherapy and suggest that UBE2F might be a novel therapy target for sensitizing lung cancer cells to platinum-based chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lisha Zhou
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Jin Zhu
- Department of Surgical Oncology, Jiangxi Cancer Hospital, 330029, Nanchang, Jiangxi, China
| | - Wangyang Chen
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanyu Jiang
- Cancer Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Hu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yinxia Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaoling Ye
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Mengxi Zhan
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Chenghao Ji
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhuoming Xu
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xinran Wang
- Department of Basic Medical Science, Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuanlong Gu
- Taizhou Municipal Hospital, Clinical Medical College, Taizhou University, 318000, Taizhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijun Jia
- Cancer Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 200032, Shanghai, China.
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14
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Kozakova K, Mego M, Cheng L, Chovanec M. Promising novel therapies for relapsed and refractory testicular germ cell tumors. Expert Rev Anticancer Ther 2020; 21:53-69. [PMID: 33138660 DOI: 10.1080/14737140.2021.1838279] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common solid malignancies in young men. The overall cure rate of GCT patients in metastatic stage is excellent, however; patients with relapsed or refractory disease have poor prognosis. Attempts to treat refractory disease with novel effective treatment to improve prognosis have been historically dismal and the ability to predict prognosis and treatment response in GCTs did not sufficiently improve in the last three decades. AREAS COVERED We performed a comprehensive literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE to identify original and review articles (years 1964-2020) reporting on current improvement salvage treatment in GCTs and novel treatment options including molecularly targeted therapy and epigenetic approach. Review articles were further searched for additional original articles. EXPERT OPINION Despite multimodal treatment approaches the treatment of relapsed or platinum-refractory GCTs remains a challenge. High-dose chemotherapy (HDCT) regimens with autologous stem-cell transplant (ASCT) from peripheral blood showed promising results in larger retrospective studies. Promising results from in vitro studies raised high expectations in molecular targets. So far, the lacking efficacy in small and unselected trials do not shed a light on targeted therapy. Currently, wide inclusion of patients into clinical trials is highly advised.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kristyna Kozakova
- Department of Anesthesiology and Intensive Care Medicine, National Cancer Institute , Bratislava, Slovakia.,2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute , Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute , Bratislava, Slovakia.,Division of Hematology Oncology, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center , Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Liang Cheng
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, IN, USA.,Department of Urology, Indiana University School of Medicine , Indianapolis, IN, USA
| | - Michal Chovanec
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute , Bratislava, Slovakia.,Division of Hematology Oncology, Indiana University Simon Cancer Center , Indianapolis, IN, USA
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15
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Efficacy of HDAC Inhibitors Belinostat and Panobinostat against Cisplatin-Sensitive and Cisplatin-Resistant Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12102903. [PMID: 33050470 PMCID: PMC7601457 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12102903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2020] [Revised: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary There is a need for novel treatment options for patients with testicular germ cell tumors, especially for those that are resistant to standard chemotherapy, who show poor prognosis. In this work, we test two compounds that inhibit epigenetic enzymes called histone deacetylases—belinostat and panobinostat. We show that these enzymes are expressed at different levels in different germ cell tumor subtypes (seminomas and non-seminomas) and that both drugs are effective in reducing tumor cell viability, by decreasing cell proliferation and increasing cell death. These results are promising and should prompt further works with these compounds, envisioning the improvement of care of germ cell tumor patients. Abstract Novel treatment options are needed for testicular germ cell tumor (TGCT) patients, particularly important for those showing or developing cisplatin resistance, the major cause of cancer-related deaths. As TGCTs pathobiology is highly related to epigenetic (de)regulation, epidrugs are potentially effective therapies. Hence, we sought to explore, for the first time, the effect of the two most recently FDA-approved HDAC inhibitors (HDACis), belinostat and panobinostat, in (T)GCT cell lines including those resistant to cisplatin. In silico results were validated in 261 patient samples and differential expression of HDACs was also observed across cell lines. Belinostat and panobinostat reduced cell viability in both cisplatin-sensitive cells (NCCIT-P, 2102Ep-P, and NT2-P) and, importantly, also in matched cisplatin-resistant subclones (NCCIT-R, 2102Ep-R, and NT2-R), with IC50s in the low nanomolar range for all cell lines. Treatment of NCCIT-R with both drugs increased acetylation, induced cell cycle arrest, reduced proliferation, decreased Ki67 index, and increased p21, while increasing cell death by apoptosis, with upregulation of cleaved caspase 3. These findings support the effectiveness of HDACis for treating TGCT patients in general, including those developing cisplatin resistance. Future studies should explore them as single or combination agents.
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16
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The BCL-2 selective inhibitor ABT-199 sensitizes soft tissue sarcomas to proteasome inhibition by a concerted mechanism requiring BAX and NOXA. Cell Death Dis 2020; 11:701. [PMID: 32839432 PMCID: PMC7445285 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-020-02910-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2020] [Revised: 07/09/2020] [Accepted: 07/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are a heterogeneous group of malignancies predominantly affecting children and young adults. Despite improvements in multimodal therapies, 5-year survival rates are only 50% and new treatment options in STS are urgently needed. To develop a rational combination therapy for the treatment of STS we focused on ABT-199 (Venetoclax), a BCL-2 specific BH3-mimetic, in combination with the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib (BZB). Simultaneous inhibition of BCL-2 and the proteasome resulted in strongly synergistic apoptosis induction. Mechanistically, ABT-199 mainly affected the multidomain effector BAX by liberating it from BCL-2 inhibition. The combination with BZB additionally resulted in the accumulation of BOK, a BAX/BAK homologue, and of the BH3-only protein NOXA, which inhibits the anti-apoptotic protein MCL-1. Thus, the combination of ABT-199 and BZB sensitizes STS cells to apoptosis by simultaneously releasing several defined apoptotic restraints. This synergistic mechanism of action was verified by CRISPR/Cas9 knock-out, showing that both BAX and NOXA are crucial for ABT-199/BZB-induced apoptosis. Noteworthy, efficient induction of apoptosis by ABT-199/BZB was not affected by the p53 status and invariably detected in cell lines and patient-derived tumor cells of several sarcoma types, including rhabdomyo-, leiomyo-, lipo-, chondro-, osteo-, or synovial sarcomas. Hence, we propose the combination of ABT-199 and BZB as a promising strategy for the treatment of STS, which should warrant further clinical investigation.
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17
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Ihry RJ, Salick MR, Ho DJ, Sondey M, Kommineni S, Paula S, Raymond J, Henry B, Frias E, Wang Q, Worringer KA, Ye C, Russ C, Reece-Hoyes JS, Altshuler RC, Randhawa R, Yang Z, McAllister G, Hoffman GR, Dolmetsch R, Kaykas A. Genome-Scale CRISPR Screens Identify Human Pluripotency-Specific Genes. Cell Rep 2020; 27:616-630.e6. [PMID: 30970262 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2019.03.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Accepted: 03/13/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) generate a variety of disease-relevant cells that can be used to improve the translation of preclinical research. Despite the potential of hPSCs, their use for genetic screening has been limited by technical challenges. We developed a scalable and renewable Cas9 and sgRNA-hPSC library in which loss-of-function mutations can be induced at will. Our inducible mutant hPSC library can be used for multiple genome-wide CRISPR screens in a variety of hPSC-induced cell types. As proof of concept, we performed three screens for regulators of properties fundamental to hPSCs: their ability to self-renew and/or survive (fitness), their inability to survive as single-cell clones, and their capacity to differentiate. We identified the majority of known genes and pathways involved in these processes, as well as a plethora of genes with unidentified roles. This resource will increase the understanding of human development and genetics. This approach will be a powerful tool to identify disease-modifying genes and pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert J Ihry
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA.
| | - Max R Salick
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Insitro, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA
| | - Daniel J Ho
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Marie Sondey
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Abbvie, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Sravya Kommineni
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Casma Therapeutics, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Steven Paula
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Joe Raymond
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Beata Henry
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Elizabeth Frias
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Qiong Wang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Kathleen A Worringer
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Chaoyang Ye
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Blueprint Medicines, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Carsten Russ
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - John S Reece-Hoyes
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Robert C Altshuler
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ranjit Randhawa
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Axcella Health, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Zinger Yang
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; University of Massachusetts Medical School, Worcester, MA 01655, USA
| | - Gregory McAllister
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Gregory R Hoffman
- Department of Chemical Biology and Therapeutics, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Sana Biotechnology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ricardo Dolmetsch
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Ajamete Kaykas
- Department of Neuroscience, Novartis Institutes for Biomedical Research, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Insitro, South San Francisco, CA 94080, USA.
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18
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Cisplatin Resistance in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors: Current Challenges from Various Perspectives. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061601. [PMID: 32560427 PMCID: PMC7352163 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061601] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2020] [Revised: 06/13/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors share a marked sensitivity to cisplatin, contributing to their overall good prognosis. However, a subset of patients develop resistance to platinum-based treatments, by still-elusive mechanisms, experiencing poor quality of life due to multiple (often ineffective) interventions and, eventually, dying from disease. Currently, there is a lack of defined treatment opportunities for these patients that tackle the mechanism(s) underlying the emergence of resistance. Herein, we aim to provide a multifaceted overview of cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors, from the clinical perspective, to the pathobiology (including mechanisms contributing to induction of the resistant phenotype), to experimental models available for studying this occurrence. We provide a systematic summary of pre-target, on-target, post-target, and off-target mechanisms putatively involved in cisplatin resistance, providing data from preclinical studies and from those attempting validation in clinical samples, including those exploring specific alterations as therapeutic targets, some of them included in ongoing clinical trials. We briefly discuss the specificities of resistance related to teratoma (differentiated) phenotype, including the phenomena of growing teratoma syndrome and development of somatic-type malignancy. Cisplatin resistance is most likely multifactorial, and a combination of therapeutic strategies will most likely produce the best clinical benefit.
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de Vries G, Rosas-Plaza X, van Vugt MATM, Gietema JA, de Jong S. Testicular cancer: Determinants of cisplatin sensitivity and novel therapeutic opportunities. Cancer Treat Rev 2020; 88:102054. [PMID: 32593915 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2020.102054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 06/03/2020] [Accepted: 06/04/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Testicular cancer (TC) is the most common solid tumor among men aged between 15 and 40 years. TCs are highly aneuploid and the 12p isochromosome is the most frequent chromosomal abnormality. The mutation rate is of TC is low, with recurrent mutations in KIT and KRAS observed only at low frequency in seminomas. Overall cure rates are high, even in a metastatic setting, resulting from excellent cisplatin sensitivity of TCs. Factors contributing to the observed cisplatin sensitivity include defective DNA damage repair and a hypersensitive apoptotic response to DNA damage. Nonetheless, around 10-20% of TC patients with metastatic disease cannot be cured by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Resistance mechanisms include downregulation of OCT4 and failure to induce PUMA and NOXA, elevated levels of MDM2, and hyperactivity of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Several pre-clinical approaches have proven successful in overcoming cisplatin resistance, including specific targeting of PARP, MDM2 or AKT/mTOR combined with cisplatin. Finally, patient-derived xenograft models hold potential for mechanistic studies and pre-clinical validation of novel therapeutic strategies in TC. While clinical trials investigating targeted drugs have been disappointing, pre-clinical successes with chemotherapy and targeted drug combinations fuel the need for further investigation in clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gerda de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ximena Rosas-Plaza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Jourik A Gietema
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands.
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Rosas-Plaza X, de Vries G, Meersma GJ, Suurmeijer AJH, Gietema JA, van Vugt MATM, de Jong S. Dual mTORC1/2 Inhibition Sensitizes Testicular Cancer Models to Cisplatin Treatment. Mol Cancer Ther 2019; 19:590-601. [PMID: 31744897 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-19-0449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2019] [Revised: 09/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most common cancer type among young men. Despite highly effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy, around 20% of patients with metastatic disease will still die from the disease. The aim of this study was to explore the use of kinase inhibitors to sensitize testicular cancer cells to cisplatin treatment. Activation of kinases, including receptor tyrosine kinases and downstream substrates, was studied in five cisplatin-sensitive or -resistant testicular cancer cell lines using phospho-kinase arrays and Western blotting. The phospho-kinase array showed AKT and S6 to be among the top phosphorylated proteins in testicular cancer cells, which are part of the PI3K/AKT/mTORC pathway. Inhibitors of most active kinases in the PI3K/AKT/mTORC pathway were tested using apoptosis assays and survival assays. Two mTORC1/2 inhibitors, AZD8055 and MLN0128, strongly enhanced cisplatin-induced apoptosis in all tested testicular cancer cell lines. Inhibition of mTORC1/2 blocked phosphorylation of the mTORC downstream proteins S6 and 4E-BP1. Combined treatment with AZD8055 and cisplatin led to reduced clonogenic survival of testicular cancer cells. Two testicular cancer patient-derived xenografts (PDX), either from a chemosensitive or -resistant patient, were treated with cisplatin in the absence or presence of kinase inhibitor. Combined AZD8055 and cisplatin treatment resulted in effective mTORC1/2 inhibition, increased caspase-3 activity, and enhanced tumor growth inhibition. In conclusion, we identified mTORC1/2 inhibition as an effective strategy to sensitize testicular cancer cell lines and PDX models to cisplatin treatment. Our results warrant further investigation of this combination therapy in the treatment of patients with testicular cancer with high-risk relapsed or refractory disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ximena Rosas-Plaza
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gerda de Vries
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Gert Jan Meersma
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Albert J H Suurmeijer
- Department of Pathology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Jourik A Gietema
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Marcel A T M van Vugt
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands
| | - Steven de Jong
- Department of Medical Oncology, Cancer Research Center Groningen, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, the Netherlands.
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21
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De Giorgi U, Casadei C, Bergamini A, Attademo L, Cormio G, Lorusso D, Pignata S, Mangili G. Therapeutic Challenges for Cisplatin-Resistant Ovarian Germ Cell Tumors. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11101584. [PMID: 31627378 PMCID: PMC6826947 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11101584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2019] [Revised: 10/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of patients with advanced ovarian germ cell cancer are treated by cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Despite adequate first-line treatment, nearly one third of patients relapse and almost half develop cisplatin-resistant disease, which is often fatal. The treatment of cisplatin-resistant disease is challenging and prognosis remains poor. There are limited data on the efficacy of specific chemotherapeutic regimens, high-dose chemotherapy with autologous progenitor cell support and targeted therapies. The inclusion of patients in clinical trials is strongly recommended, especially in clinical trials on the most frequent male germ cell tumors, to offer wider therapeutic opportunities. Here, we provide an overview of current and potential new treatment options including combination chemotherapy, high-dose chemotherapy and molecular targeted therapies, for patients with cisplatin-resistant ovarian germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ugo De Giorgi
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Chiara Casadei
- Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Istituto Scientifico Romagnolo per lo Studio e la Cura dei Tumori (IRST) IRCCS, 47014 Meldola, Italy.
| | - Alice Bergamini
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
| | - Laura Attademo
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Gennaro Cormio
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, IRCCS Istituto Oncologico Giovanni Paolo II, 70124 Bari, Italy.
| | - Domenica Lorusso
- Gynecologic Oncology Unit, Department of Woman, Child Health and Public Health, Fondazione Policlinico Universitario Agostino Gemelli, IRCCS, 00168 Rome, Italy.
| | - Sandro Pignata
- Department of Urology and Gynecology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS Fondazione G. Pascale, 80138 Naples, Italy.
| | - Giorgia Mangili
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, 20132 Milan, Italy.
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22
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Singh R, Fazal Z, Freemantle SJ, Spinella MJ. Mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in testicular germ cell tumors. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:580-594. [PMID: 31538140 PMCID: PMC6752046 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.19] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a cancer pharmacology success story with a majority of patients cured even in the highly advanced and metastatic setting. Successful treatment of TGCTs is primarily due to the exquisite responsiveness of this solid tumor to cisplatin-based therapy. However, a significant percentage of patients are, or become, refractory to cisplatin and die from progressive disease. Mechanisms for both clinical hypersensitivity and resistance have largely remained a mystery despite the promise of applying lessons to the majority of solid tumors that are not curable in the metastatic setting. Recently, this promise has been heightened by the realization that distinct (and perhaps pharmacologically replicable) epigenetic states, rather than fixed genetic alterations, may play dominant roles in not only TGCT etiology and progression but also their curability with conventional chemotherapies. In this review, it discusses potential mechanisms of TGCT cisplatin sensitivity and resistance to conventional chemotherapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ratnakar Singh
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Zeeshan Fazal
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Sarah J Freemantle
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
| | - Michael J Spinella
- Department of Comparative Biosciences, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,The Carle Illinois College of Medicine , University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA.,The Cancer Center of Illinois, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Urbana, IL 61801, USA
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23
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Gercakova K, Cierna Z, Miklikova S, Smolkova B, Buocikova V, Miskovska V, Durinikova E, Burikova M, Chovanec M, Matuskova M, Mego M, Kucerova L. Disulfiram Overcomes Cisplatin Resistance in Human Embryonal Carcinoma Cells. Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:E1224. [PMID: 31443351 PMCID: PMC6769487 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11091224] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/20/2019] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cisplatin resistance in testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) is a clinical challenge. We investigated the underlying mechanisms associated with cancer stem cell (CSC) markers and modalities circumventing the chemoresistance. Chemoresistant models (designated as CisR) of human embryonal carcinoma cell lines NTERA-2 and NCCIT were derived and characterized using flow cytometry, gene expression, functional and protein arrays. Tumorigenicity was determined on immunodeficient mouse model. Disulfiram was used to examine chemosensitization of resistant cells. ALDH1A3 isoform expression was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 216 patients' tissue samples. Chemoresistant cells were significantly more resistant to cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin compared to parental cells. NTERA-2 CisR cells exhibited altered morphology and increased tumorigenicity. High ALDH1A3 expression and increased ALDH activity were detected in both refractory cell lines. Disulfiram in combination with cisplatin showed synergy for NTERA-2 CisR and NCCIT CisR cells and inhibited growth of NTERA-2 CisR xenografts. Significantly higher ALDH1A3 expression was detected in TGCTs patients' tissue samples compared to normal testicular tissue. We characterized novel clinically relevant model of chemoresistant TGCTs, for the first time identified the ALDH1A3 as a therapeutic target in TGCTs and more importantly, showed that disulfiram represents a viable treatment option for refractory TGCTs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia.
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Gercakova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Zuzana Cierna
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Sasinkova 4, 811 08 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Svetlana Miklikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Bozena Smolkova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Verona Buocikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Viera Miskovska
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and St. Elisabeth Cancer Institute, Kolarska 12, 812 50 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Erika Durinikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Monika Burikova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Chovanec
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Miroslava Matuskova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Michal Mego
- Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenova 1, 833 10 Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, University Science Park for Biomedicine, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dubravska cesta 9, 845 05 Bratislava, Slovakia
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24
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Bloom JC, Loehr AR, Schimenti JC, Weiss RS. Germline genome protection: implications for gamete quality and germ cell tumorigenesis. Andrology 2019; 7:516-526. [PMID: 31119900 DOI: 10.1111/andr.12651] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2019] [Revised: 04/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Germ cells have a unique and critical role as the conduit for hereditary information and therefore employ multiple strategies to protect genomic integrity and avoid mutations. Unlike somatic cells, which often respond to DNA damage by arresting the cell cycle and conducting DNA repair, germ cells as well as long-lived pluripotent stem cells typically avoid the use of error-prone repair mechanisms and favor apoptosis, reducing the risk of genetic alterations. Testicular germ cell tumors, the most common cancers of young men, arise from pre-natal germ cells. OBJECTIVES To summarize the current understanding of DNA damage response mechanisms in pre-meiotic germ cells and to discuss how they impact both the origins of testicular germ cell tumors and their remarkable responsiveness to genotoxic chemotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We conducted a review of literature gathered from PubMed regarding the DNA damage response properties of testicular germ cell tumors and the germ cells from which they arise, as well as the influence of these mechanisms on therapeutic responses by testicular germ cell tumors. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION This review provides a comprehensive evaluation of how the developmental origins of male germ cells and their inherent germ cell-like DNA damage response directly impact the development and therapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. CONCLUSIONS The DNA damage response of germ cells directly impacts the development and therapeutic sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumors. Recent advances in the study of primordial germ cells, post-natal mitotically dividing germ cells, and pluripotent stem cells will allow for new investigations into the initiation, progression, and treatment of testicular germ cell tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- J C Bloom
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - A R Loehr
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - J C Schimenti
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
| | - R S Weiss
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, USA
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25
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Schmidtova S, Kalavska K, Kucerova L. Molecular Mechanisms of Cisplatin Chemoresistance and Its Circumventing in Testicular Germ Cell Tumors. Curr Oncol Rep 2018; 20:88. [PMID: 30259297 DOI: 10.1007/s11912-018-0730-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) represent the most common solid tumors affecting young men. Majority of TGCTs respond well to cisplatin-based chemotherapy. However, patients with refractory disease have limited treatment modalities associated with poor prognosis. Here, we discuss the main molecular mechanisms associated with acquired cisplatin resistance in TGCTs and how their understanding might help in the development of new approaches to tackle this clinically relevant problem. We also discuss recent data on the strategies of circumventing the cisplatin resistance from different tumor types potentially efficient also in TGCTs. RECENT FINDINGS Recent data regarding deregulation of various signaling pathways as well as genetic and epigenetic mechanisms in cisplatin-resistant TGCTs have contributed to understanding of the mechanisms related to the resistance to cisplatin-based chemotherapy in these tumors. Understanding of these mechanisms enabled explaining why majority but not all TGCTs patients are curable with cisplatin-based chemotherapy. Moreover, it could lead to the development of more effective treatment of refractory TGCTs and potentially other solid tumors resistant to platinum-based chemotherapy. This review provides additional insights into mechanisms associated with cisplatin resistance in TGCTs, which is a complex phenomenon, and there is a need for novel modalities to overcome it.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Schmidtova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
| | - Katarina Kalavska
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia
- 2nd Department of Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University and National Cancer Institute, Klenová 1, 833 10, Bratislava, Slovakia
- Translational Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine, Comenius University, Klenová 1, Bratislava, 833 10, Slovakia
| | - Lucia Kucerova
- Cancer Research Institute, Biomedical Research Center, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Dúbravská cesta 9, 845 05, Bratislava, Slovakia.
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26
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Wang Y, Wang Y, Fan X, Song J, Wu H, Han J, Lu L, Weng X, Nie G. ABT-199-mediated inhibition of Bcl-2 as a potential therapeutic strategy for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2018; 503:1214-1220. [PMID: 30017199 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2018.07.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Accepted: 07/06/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Aberrant overexpression of Bcl-2 protein has been detected in 80% of nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), and Bcl-2 family proteins are implicated in both NPC oncogenesis and chemotherapy resistance. Previous studies have shown that while treatment of NPC cells with Bcl-2 family inhibitors alone is rarely effective, concomitant treatment with a cytotoxic reagent such as cisplatin can increase efficacy through a synergistic effect. The aim of the current work was to determine how we might increase the efficacy of Bcl-2 family inhibitors in the absence of cytotoxic reagents, which are associated with negative side effect profiles. METHODS We assessed cell proliferation in Bcl-2 high-expressing NPC cells by CCK-8 assay after treatment with the Bcl-2 inhibitor ABT-199 and/or the Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845. Apoptotic induction by ABT-199 was evaluated by Annexin V-FITC and PI double staining. We also evaluated Bcl-2 family protein expression (Bim, Mcl-1, Bcl-xL, Noxa) after treatment with ABT-199 by western blotting. Finally, xenografted Balb/c nude mice were used to test ABT-199 efficacy in vivo, H&E and immunohistochemistry assay were used to analyze tumor samples. RESULTS ABT-199 effectively induced NPC cell apoptosis in vitro and in the xenograft model. Following ABT-199 treatment in NPC cells, upregulation of Mcl-1 and Bcl-xL can lead to drug resistance, while concomitant Noxa overexpression partially neutralized the Mcl-1-caused resistance. Given that ABT-199 induces apoptosis in NPC cells through the Bcl-2/Noxa/Mcl-1 axis, treatment avenues further targeting this pathway should be promising. Indeed, the newly developed Mcl-1 inhibitor S63845 in combination with ABT-199 had a synergistic effect on NPC cell apoptosis. CONCLUSION Bcl-2 inhibition in NPC cells with ABT-199 triggers apoptosis through the Bcl-2/Noxa/Mcl-1 axis, and dual inhibition of the anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 family proteins Bcl-2 and Mcl-1 provided a strong synergistic effect without the need for adjunctive cytotoxic agent treatment with cisplatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yujie Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Yuyang Wang
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Xiaoqin Fan
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Jian Song
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Hanwei Wu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Jinghong Han
- Department of Otolaryngology, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, 518036, PR China
| | - Lu Lu
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Xin Weng
- Department of Pathology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China
| | - Guohui Nie
- Department of Otolaryngology, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China; Institute of Translational Medicine, Shenzhen Second People's Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of Shenzhen University, Health Science Center, Shenzhen, 518035, PR China.
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27
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Sharma K, Vu TT, Cook W, Naseri M, Zhan K, Nakajima W, Harada H. p53-independent Noxa induction by cisplatin is regulated by ATF3/ATF4 in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma cells. Mol Oncol 2018; 12:788-798. [PMID: 29352505 PMCID: PMC5983129 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12172] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2017] [Revised: 12/13/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The platinum‐based DNA damaging agent cisplatin is used as a standard therapy for locally advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, the mechanisms underpinning the cytotoxic effects of this compound are not entirely elucidated. Cisplatin produces anticancer effects primarily via activation of the DNA damage response, followed by inducing BCL‐2 family dependent mitochondrial apoptosis. We have previously demonstrated that cisplatin induces the expression of proapoptotic BCL‐2 family protein, Noxa, that can bind to the prosurvival BCL‐2 family protein, MCL‐1, to inactivate its function and induce cell death. Here, we show that the upregulation of Noxa is critical for cisplatin‐induced apoptosis in p53‐null HNSCC cells. This induction is regulated at the transcriptional level. With a series of Noxa promoter‐luciferase reporter assays, we find that the CRE (cAMP response element) in the promoter is critical for the Noxa induction by cisplatin treatment. Among the CREB/ATF transcription factors, ATF3 and ATF4 are induced by cisplatin, and downregulation of ATF3 or ATF4 reduced cisplatin‐induced Noxa. ATF3 and ATF4 bind to and cooperatively activate the Noxa promoter. Furthermore, ERK1 is involved in cisplatin‐induced ATF4 and Noxa induction. In conclusion, ATF3 and ATF4 are important regulators that induce Noxa by cisplatin treatment in a p53‐independent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kanika Sharma
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Thien-Trang Vu
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Wade Cook
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Mitra Naseri
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Kevin Zhan
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
| | - Wataru Nakajima
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Advanced Medical Sciences, Nippon Medical School, Kawasaki, Japan
| | - Hisashi Harada
- Philips Institute for Oral Health Research, School of Dentistry, Massey Cancer Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA, USA
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28
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Jung J, Kim Y, Song J, Yoon YJ, Kim DE, Kim JA, Jin Y, Lee YJ, Kim S, Kwon BM, Han DC. KRIBB53 binds to OCT4 and enhances its degradation through the proteasome, causing apoptotic cell death of OCT4-positive testicular germ cell tumors. Carcinogenesis 2018; 39:838-849. [DOI: 10.1093/carcin/bgy054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2018] [Accepted: 04/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Jiyae Jung
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Youngmi Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Jinhoi Song
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Aging Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yae Jin Yoon
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Da-Eun Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Joo Ae Kim
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yena Jin
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Aging Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Yu-Jin Lee
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Seokho Kim
- Aging Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Byoung-Mog Kwon
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- Genome Editing Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
| | - Dong Cho Han
- Personalized Genomic Medicine Research Center, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
- University of Science and Technology in Korea, Korea Research Institute of Bioscience and Biotechnology, Yuseong-gu, Daejeon, Korea
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29
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Fukawa T, Kanayama HO. Current knowledge of risk factors for testicular germ cell tumors. Int J Urol 2018; 25:337-344. [PMID: 29345008 DOI: 10.1111/iju.13519] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/26/2017] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of the human gonads is tightly regulated by the correct sequential expression of many genes and hormonal activity. Disturbance of this regulation does not only prevent proper development of the gonads, but it also contributes to the development of testicular germ cell tumors. Recent genetic studies, especially genome-wide association studies, have made great progress in understanding genetic susceptibility. Although there is strong evidence of inherited risks, many environmental factors also contribute to the development of testicular germ cell tumors. Histopathological studies have shown that most testicular germ cell tumors arise from germ cell neoplasia in situ, which is thought to be arrested and transformed primordial germ cells. Seminoma has features identical to germ cell neoplasia in situ or primordial germ cells, whereas non-seminoma shows varied differentiation. Seminomas and embryonic cell carcinomas have the feature of pluripotency, which is thought to be the cause of histological heterogeneity and mixed pathology in testicular germ cell tumors. Testicular germ cell tumors show high sensitivity to chemotherapies, but 20-30% of patients show resistance to standard chemotherapy. In the present review, the current knowledge of the epidemiological and genomic factors for the development of testicular germ cell tumors is reviewed, and the mechanisms of resistance to chemotherapies are briefly mentioned.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomoya Fukawa
- Department of Urology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
| | - Hiro-Omi Kanayama
- Department of Urology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Tokushima University, Graduate School, Tokushima, Japan
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Rudolph C, Melau C, Nielsen JE, Vile Jensen K, Liu D, Pena-Diaz J, Rajpert-De Meyts E, Rasmussen LJ, Jørgensen A. Involvement of the DNA mismatch repair system in cisplatin sensitivity of testicular germ cell tumours. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2017; 40:341-355. [PMID: 28536927 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-017-0326-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Testicular germ cell tumours (TGCT) are highly sensitive to cisplatin-based chemotherapy, but patients with tumours containing differentiated teratoma components are less responsive to this treatment. The cisplatin sensitivity in TGCT has previously been linked to the embryonic phenotype in the majority of tumours, although the underlying mechanism largely remains to be elucidated. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the DNA mismatch repair (MMR) system in the cisplatin sensitivity of TGCT. METHODS The expression pattern of key MMR proteins, including MSH2, MSH6, MLH1 and PMS2, were investigated during testis development and in the pathogenesis of TGCT, including germ cell neoplasia in situ (GCNIS). The TGCT-derived cell line NTera2 was differentiated using retinoic acid (10 μM, 6 days) after which MMR protein expression and activity, as well as cisplatin sensitivity, were investigated in both undifferentiated and differentiated cells. Finally, the expression of MSH2 was knocked down by siRNA in NTera2 cells after which the effect on cisplatin sensitivity was examined. RESULTS MMR proteins were expressed in proliferating cells in the testes, while in malignant germ cells MMR protein expression was found to coincide with the expression of the pluripotency factor OCT4, with no or low expression in the more differentiated yolk sac tumours, choriocarcinomas and teratomas. In differentiated NTera2 cells we found a significantly (p < 0.05) lower expression of the MMR and pluripotency factors, as well as a reduced MMR activity and cisplatin sensitivity, compared to undifferentiated NTera2 cells. Also, we found that partial knockdown of MSH2 expression in undifferentiated NTera2 cells resulted in a significantly (p < 0.001) reduced cisplatin sensitivity. CONCLUSION This study reports, for the first time, expression of the MMR system in fetal gonocytes, from which GCNIS cells are derived. Our findings in primary TGCT specimens and TGCT-derived cells suggest that a reduced sensitivity to cisplatin in differentiated TGCT components could result from a reduced expression of MMR proteins, in particular MSH2 and MLH1, which are involved in the recognition of cisplatin adducts and in activation of the DNA damage response pathway to initiate apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Christiane Rudolph
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Cecilie Melau
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John E Nielsen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Kristina Vile Jensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.,Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Dekang Liu
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Javier Pena-Diaz
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ewa Rajpert-De Meyts
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Lene Juel Rasmussen
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Center for Healthy Aging, University of Copenhagen, Blegdamsvej 3B, 2200, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Anne Jørgensen
- University Department of Growth and Reproduction (Rigshospitalet), Blegdamsvej 9, 2100, Copenhagen, Denmark.
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Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW Testicular germ cell tumors (TGCTs) are a model for curable cancer because of exquisite chemosensitivity and incorporation of multimodal therapy. Nevertheless, our ability to predict metastases in early-stage disease and responders to chemotherapy in advanced disease is limited. Treatment options for cisplatin-resistant disease are sparse. A further understanding of TGCT biology may allow for more precise patient counseling and identify novel therapies in patients with cisplatin-resistant disease. RECENT FINDINGS Adult TGCTs are characterized by frequent chromosomal anomalies and low rates of somatic mutations. Large-scale integrated molecular analysis of early-stage TGCT patients is actively underway. In addition to ubiquitous gain of isochromosome 12p, current molecular studies have confirmed mutations of previously described genes (i.e., KIT and KRAS) and described novel mutations. Analysis of cisplatin-resistant cases has identified high rates of alterations within the TP53-MDM2 axis and a high proportion of patients with potentially actionable targets, including TP53-MDM2, PI3 kinase, and MAPK signaling pathway alterations. The role of epigenetics in TGCT development and prognosis is also being further characterized. SUMMARY Further molecular characterization of TGCT may allow for avoidance of unnecessary treatment in patients with early-stage disease and also provide new treatment options in patients with cisplatin-resistant disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Solomon L Woldu
- University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas, Dallas, Texas, USA
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Taylor-Weiner A, Zack T, O'Donnell E, Guerriero JL, Bernard B, Reddy A, Han GC, AlDubayan S, Amin-Mansour A, Schumacher SE, Litchfield K, Turnbull C, Gabriel S, Beroukhim R, Getz G, Carter SL, Hirsch MS, Letai A, Sweeney C, Van Allen EM. Genomic evolution and chemoresistance in germ-cell tumours. Nature 2016; 540:114-118. [PMID: 27905446 PMCID: PMC5553306 DOI: 10.1038/nature20596] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2016] [Accepted: 11/02/2016] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Abstract
Germ-cell tumours (GCTs) are derived from germ cells and occur most frequently in the testes. GCTs are histologically heterogeneous and distinctly curable with chemotherapy. Gains of chromosome arm 12p and aneuploidy are nearly universal in GCTs, but specific somatic genomic features driving tumour initiation, chemosensitivity and progression are incompletely characterized. Here, using clinical whole-exome and transcriptome sequencing of precursor, primary (testicular and mediastinal) and chemoresistant metastatic human GCTs, we show that the primary somatic feature of GCTs is highly recurrent chromosome arm level amplifications and reciprocal deletions (reciprocal loss of heterozygosity), variations that are significantly enriched in GCTs compared to 19 other cancer types. These tumours also acquire KRAS mutations during the development from precursor to primary disease, and primary testicular GCTs (TGCTs) are uniformly wild type for TP53. In addition, by functional measurement of apoptotic signalling (BH3 profiling) of fresh tumour and adjacent tissue, we find that primary TGCTs have high mitochondrial priming that facilitates chemotherapy-induced apoptosis. Finally, by phylogenetic analysis of serial TGCTs that emerge with chemotherapy resistance, we show how TGCTs gain additional reciprocal loss of heterozygosity and that this is associated with loss of pluripotency markers (NANOG and POU5F1) in chemoresistant teratomas or transformed carcinomas. Our results demonstrate the distinct genomic features underlying the origins of this disease and associated with the chemosensitivity phenotype, as well as the rare progression to chemoresistance. These results identify the convergence of cancer genomics, mitochondrial priming and GCT evolution, and may provide insights into chemosensitivity and resistance in other cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amaro Taylor-Weiner
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Travis Zack
- Division of Medical Sciences, Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Health Sciences and Technology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Elizabeth O'Donnell
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Jennifer L Guerriero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Brandon Bernard
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Anita Reddy
- Department of Cell Biology, Harvard Medical School, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - G Celine Han
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Saud AlDubayan
- Division of Genetics and Genomics, Department of Medicine, Boston Children's Hospital, Massachusetts 02115, USA
- Department of Medicine, King Saud bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Amin-Mansour
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Steven E Schumacher
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Kevin Litchfield
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Clare Turnbull
- Division of Genetics and Epidemiology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Fulham Road, London SW3 6JB, UK
- William Harvey Research Institute, Queen Mary University London, Charterhouse Square, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Stacey Gabriel
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
| | - Rameen Beroukhim
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Gad Getz
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Cancer Center and Department of Pathology, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02114, USA
| | - Scott L Carter
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Department of Biostatistics and Computational Biology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215 , USA
- Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Michelle S Hirsch
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Boston, Massachusetts 02115, USA
| | - Anthony Letai
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Christopher Sweeney
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
| | - Eliezer M Van Allen
- Cancer Program, Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, Cambridge, Massachusetts 02142, USA
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
- Center for Cancer Precision Medicine, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, Massachusetts 02215, USA
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Bremmer F, Schallenberg S, Jarry H, Küffer S, Kaulfuss S, Burfeind P, Strauß A, Thelen P, Radzun HJ, Ströbel P, Honecker F, Behnes CL. Role of N-cadherin in proliferation, migration, and invasion of germ cell tumours. Oncotarget 2016; 6:33426-37. [PMID: 26451610 PMCID: PMC4741776 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5288] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2015] [Accepted: 09/22/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) are the most common malignancies in young men. Most patients with GCT can be cured with cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy, even in metastatic disease. In case of therapy resistance, prognosis is usually poor. We investigated the potential of N-cadherin inhibition as a therapeutic strategy. We analyzed the GCT cell lines NCCIT, NTERA-2, TCam-2, and the cisplatin-resistant sublines NCCIT-R and NTERA-2R. Effects of a blocking antibody or siRNA against N-cadherin on proliferation, migration, and invasion were investigated. Mouse xenografts of GCT cell lines were analyzed by immunohistochemistry for N-cadherin expression. All investigated GCT cell lines were found to express N-cadherin protein in vitro and in vivo. Downregulation of N-cadherin in vitro leads to a significant inhibition of proliferation, migration, and invasion. N-cadherin-downregulation leads to a significantly higher level of pERK. N-cadherin-inhibition resulted in significantly higher rates of apoptotic cells in caspase-3 staining. Expression of N-cadherin is preserved in cisplatin-resistant GCT cells, pointing to an important physiological role in cell survival. N-cadherin-downregulation results in a significant decrease of proliferation, migration, and invasion and stimulates apoptosis in cisplatin-naive and resistant GCT cell lines. Therefore, targeting N-cadherin may be a promising therapeutic approach, particularly in cisplatin-resistant, therapy refractory and metastatic GCT.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Bremmer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Hubertus Jarry
- Department of Endocrinology, University Medical Center Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Stefan Küffer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Silke Kaulfuss
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Peter Burfeind
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Arne Strauß
- Department of Urology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Paul Thelen
- Department of Urology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | | | - Philipp Ströbel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Göttingen, Göttingen, Germany
| | - Friedemann Honecker
- Department of Oncology, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany.,Tumour and Breast Center ZeTuP, St. Gallen, Switzerland
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Zhu H, Yun F, Shi X, Wang D. VEGF-C inhibition reverses resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin via upregulating maspin. Mol Med Rep 2015; 12:3163-9. [PMID: 25936422 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2015.3684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2014] [Accepted: 03/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The aim of the current study was to elucidate the association between vascular endothelial growth factor C (VEGF-C) and resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin and the underlying mechanism involving maspin. A total of 32 bladder cancer tissue samples from patients (18 males and 14 females with an average age of 65.9 years) were collected from the Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University (Zhengzhou, China). All patients had undergone cisplatin-based combination chemotherapy. In addition, the BIU87 human bladder cancer cell line was cultured and a cisplatin-resistant subline (BIU87-CisR) was established by continuous exposure to cisplatin. The mRNA expression levels of VEGF-C and maspin in tissue samples, BIU87 cells and BIU87-CisR cells were analyzed by reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Targeted inhibition of VEGF-C in BIU87-CisR cells was performed using small interfering (si)RNA technology and the alteration in levels of maspin was confirmed by RT-qPCR and western blot analysis. siRNA-treated and -untreated BIU87-CisR cells were divided into the following four groups: Control group (no drug treatment), 3 μM cisplatin treated group, 3 μM cisplatin + siRNA treated group and the siRNA treated group. Cell viability following treatment in each group was evaluated by the cell counting kit 8 assay. The cell cycle and apoptotic rate of BIU87-CisR cells was analyzed by propidium iodide (PI) staining and Annexin V-PI double staining with flow cytometry. Furthermore, pcDNA-maspin transfected BIU78-CisR cells were used to establish the effect of maspin on the sensitivity to cisplatin. VEGF-C expression in chemoresistant patients and BIU87-CisR cells was significantly increased compared with chemosensitive patients and normal BIU87 cells, respectively. By contrast, maspin levels were lower in chemoresistant patients and BIU87-CisR cells. Subsequent to VEGF-C inhibition, maspin expression was markedly increased. Cisplatin (3 μM) resulted in moderate proliferation inhibition of BIU87-CisR cells without siRNA pretreatment; however, significant inhibition was observed in the VEGF-C siRNA treated group. In addition, the cell cycle arrest and apoptosis induced by cisplatin was enhanced by VEGF-C inhibition. Overexpression of maspin was able to improve the sensitivity of BIU87-CisR cells to cisplatin. In conclusion, the resistance of bladder cancer cells to cisplatin may be induced by upregulation of VEGF-C, and inhibition of VEGF-C reverses resistance by elevating maspin expression levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haipeng Zhu
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Feng Yun
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoxue Shi
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Urinary Surgery, The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, Henan 450000, P.R. China
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Novel combination of mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) and platinum agents produces synergistic pro-apoptotic effect in drug resistant tumor cells. Oncotarget 2015; 5:4180-94. [PMID: 24952704 PMCID: PMC4147315 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1944] [Citation(s) in RCA: 75] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Overcoming platinum drug resistance represents a major clinical challenge in cancer treatment. We discovered a novel drug combination using cisplatin and a class of thioquinazolinone derivatives including mdivi-1 (mitochondrial division inhibitor-1), that induces synergistic apoptosis in platinum resistant tumor cells, including those from cisplatin-refractory endstage ovarian cancer patients. However, through study of the combination effect on Drp1 (the reported target of mdivi-1) knockout MEF cells and the functional analysis of mdivi-1 analogs, we revealed that the synergism between mdivi-1 and cisplatin is Drp1-independent. Mdivi-1 impairs DNA replication and its combination with cisplatin induces a synergistic increase of replication stress and DNA damage, causing a preferential upregulation of a BH3-only protein Noxa. Mdivi-1 also represses mitochondrial respiration independent of Drp1, and the combination of mdivi-1 and cisplatin triggers substantial mitochondrial uncoupling and swelling. Upregulation of Noxa and simultaneous mitochondrial swelling causes synergistic induction of mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP), proceeding robust mitochondrial apoptotic signaling independent of Bax/Bak. Thus, the novel mode of MOMP induction by the combination through the “dual-targeting” potential of mdivi-1 on DNA replication and mitochondrial respiration suggests a novel class of compounds for platinum-based combination option in the treatment of platinum as well as multidrug resistant tumors.
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Abstract
The transcription factor OCT4 is an established diagnostic marker for central nervous system (CNS) germinoma. However, no data are available to date concerning the expression of its downstream target undifferentiated embryonic cell transcription factor 1 (UTF1) in CNS germ cell tumours. We examined 21 CNS germinomas and two mixed CNS germ cell tumours for UTF1 and the post-transcriptional regulator LIN28 immunohistochemical expression. We compared the profile to established diagnostic germinoma markers and to the expression in six testicular and four metastatic germ cell tumours as well as 150 CNS tumours of various backgrounds. We found UTF1 expression in 23 of 23 and LIN28 in 20 of 23 CNS germ cell tumours. The established germinoma markers cKIT (23/23), OCT4 (21/23) and placental alkaline phosphatase (PLAP) (19/21) were also frequently expressed in our cohort. In terms of signal intensity and frequency, UTF1 showed similar results as cKIT but staining was superior to OCT4, PLAP and LIN28. OCT4 was absent in all CNS metastases and haemangioblastomas, while UTF1 was weakly observed in two metastases.With a sensitivity of 100% and a specificity of 97% in the detection of CNS germinomas, UTF1 serves as a new reliable alternative in the diagnostic setting of CNS germ cell tumours.
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Laurent A, Blasi F. Differential DNA damage signalling and apoptotic threshold correlate with mouse epiblast-specific hypersensitivity to radiation. Development 2015; 142:3675-85. [DOI: 10.1242/dev.125708] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2015] [Accepted: 09/08/2015] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Between implantation and gastrulation, the mouse pluripotent epiblast cells expand enormously and exhibit a remarkable hypersensitivity to DNA damage. Upon low dose irradiation, they undergo mitotic arrest followed by p53-dependent apoptosis, while the other cell types simply arrest. This protective mechanism, active exclusively after e5.5 and lost during gastrulation, ensures the elimination of every mutated cell before its clonal expansion, and is therefore expected to greatly increase individuals' fitness.
We show that the insurgence of apoptosis relies on the epiblast-specific convergence of both increased DNA damage signalling and stronger pro-apoptotic balance. Although upstream Atm/Atr global activity and specific γH2AX phosphorylation are similar in all cell types of the embryo, 53BP1 recruitment at DNA breaks is immediately amplified only in epiblast cells after ionizing radiation. This correlates with a rapid epiblast-specific activation of p53 and its transcriptional properties. Moreover, between e5.5 and e6.5, epiblast cells lower their apoptotic threshold by overexpressing pro-apoptotic Bak and Bim and repressing the anti-apoptotic Bcl-xL. Thus even after low dose irradiation, the cytoplasmic priming of epiblast cells allows p53 to rapidly induce apoptosis via a partially transcription-independent mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Audrey Laurent
- IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), IFOM-IEO-Campus, Via Adamello 16, Milan, Italy
| | - Francesco Blasi
- IFOM (FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology), IFOM-IEO-Campus, Via Adamello 16, Milan, Italy
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Jacobsen C, Honecker F. Cisplatin resistance in germ cell tumours: models and mechanisms. Andrology 2014; 3:111-21. [PMID: 25546083 DOI: 10.1111/andr.299] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/25/2014] [Revised: 09/22/2014] [Accepted: 09/24/2014] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Recent years have led to a better understanding of the mechanisms underlying cisplatin response and resistance in germ cell tumours (GCT), and several promising targets have been identified. Two main mechanisms of the responsiveness to DNA damaging agents have been postulated. Firstly, GCT readily activate a DNA damage response, but show deficits in several damage repair pathways. In particular, they have been found to have defects in interstrand crosslink repair and in homologous recombination (HR). Secondly, GCT, especially embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells, show a hypersensitive apoptotic response to DNA damage, which activates p53, and leads to up-regulation of the pro-apoptotic factors Noxa, Puma and Fas in non-resistant EC. These cells fail to activate p21 which induces a G1/S arrest, but accumulate in G2/M phase. In the absence of functional p53, family members like p73 and GTAp63 might be important in initiating this response. Mechanisms involved in cisplatin resistance are as follows: down-regulation of Oct4 (e.g. as a result of hypoxia, treatment with retinoic acid or exposure to cisplatin) and failure to induce Puma and Noxa; changes in the expression levels of micro-RNAs such as miR-17/-106b, miR-302a, or miR-371 to -373; elevated levels of MDM2 and cytoplasmic translocation of p21 by phosphorylation; and activation of the PDGFRβ/PI3K/pAKT pathway. Several approaches to overcome resistance have been successfully examined in vitro and in vivo, including PARP inhibitors, especially in cells showing deficient HR-repair; stabilization of p53 using nutlin-3; inhibition of several components of the PI3K/pAKT pathway using small molecules; and DNA demethylation by 5-azacytidine or 5-aza-deoxy-cytidine, among others. Many of these substances deserve further exploration, alone or in combination with DNA damaging agents, and the most promising approaches should be taken forward to clinical testing. Targeted therapy based on mechanistic insights holds the promise to turn cisplatin-resistant GCT into a curable disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Jacobsen
- Department of Oncology, Haematology, Bone Marrow Transplantation with Section Pulmology, Hubertus Wald Tumor Center, Hamburg University Medical Center, University of Hamburg, Hamburg, Germany
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Rijlaarsdam MA, Looijenga LHJ. An oncofetal and developmental perspective on testicular germ cell cancer. Semin Cancer Biol 2014; 29:59-74. [PMID: 25066859 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2014.07.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2014] [Accepted: 07/17/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Germ cell tumors (GCTs) represent a diverse group of tumors presumably originating from (early fetal) developing germ cells. Most frequent are the testicular germ cell cancers (TGCC). Overall, TGCC is the most frequent malignancy in Caucasian males (20-40 years) and remains an important cause of (treatment related) mortality in these young men. The strong association between the phenotype of TGCC stem cell components and their totipotent ancestor (fetal primordial germ cell or gonocyte) makes these tumors highly relevant from an onco-fetal point of view. This review subsequently discusses the evidence for the early embryonic origin of TGCCs, followed by an overview of the crucial association between TGCC pathogenesis, genetics, environmental exposure and the (fetal) testicular micro-environment (genvironment). This culminates in an evaluation of three genvironmentally modulated hallmarks of TGCC directly related to the oncofetal pathogenesis of TGCC: (1) maintenance of pluripotency, (2) cell cycle control/cisplatin sensitivity and (3) regulation of proliferation/migration/apoptosis by KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Briefly, TGCC exhibit identifiable stem cell components (seminoma and embryonal carcinoma) and progenitors that show large and consistent similarities to primordial/embryonic germ cells, their presumed totipotent cells of origin. TGCC pathogenesis depends crucially on a complex interaction of genetic and (micro-)environmental, i.e. genvironmental risk factors that have only been partly elucidated despite significant effort. TGCC stem cell components also show a high degree of similarity with embryonic stem/germ cells (ES) in the regulation of pluripotency and cell cycle control, directly related to their exquisite sensitivity to DNA damaging agents (e.g. cisplatin). Of note, (ES specific) micro-RNAs play a pivotal role in the crossover between cell cycle control, pluripotency and chemosensitivity. Moreover, multiple consistent observations reported TGCC to be associated with KIT-KITL mediated receptor tyrosine kinase signaling, a pathway crucially implicated in proliferation, migration and survival during embryogenesis including germ cell development. In conclusion, TGCCs are a fascinating model for onco-fetal developmental processes especially with regard to studying cell cycle control, pluripotency maintenance and KIT-KITL signaling. The knowledge presented here contributes to better understanding of the molecular characteristics of TGCC pathogenesis, translating to identification of at risk individuals and enhanced quality of care for TGCC patients (diagnosis, treatment and follow-up).
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Affiliation(s)
- Martin A Rijlaarsdam
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Leendert H J Looijenga
- Department of Pathology, Erasmus MC - University Medical Center Rotterdam, Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
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40
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Khoo KH, Hoe KK, Verma CS, Lane DP. Drugging the p53 pathway: understanding the route to clinical efficacy. Nat Rev Drug Discov 2014; 13:217-36. [PMID: 24577402 DOI: 10.1038/nrd4236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 554] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The tumour suppressor p53 is the most frequently mutated gene in human cancer, with more than half of all human tumours carrying mutations in this particular gene. Intense efforts to develop drugs that could activate or restore the p53 pathway have now reached clinical trials. The first clinical results with inhibitors of MDM2, a negative regulator of p53, have shown efficacy but hint at on-target toxicities. Here, we describe the current state of the development of p53 pathway modulators and new pathway targets that have emerged. The challenge of targeting protein-protein interactions and a fragile mutant transcription factor has stimulated many exciting new approaches to drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Khoo Kian Hoe
- p53 Laboratory (p53Lab), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06, Immunos, 138648 Singapore
| | - Chandra S Verma
- 1] Bioinformatics Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 30 Biopolis Street #07-01, Matrix, 138671 Singapore. [2] School of Biological Sciences, Nanyang Technological University, 60 Nanyang Drive, 637551 Singapore. [3] Department of Biological Sciences, National University of Singapore, 14 Science Drive 4, 117543 Singapore
| | - David P Lane
- p53 Laboratory (p53Lab), Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), 8A Biomedical Grove, #06-06, Immunos, 138648 Singapore
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Boublikova L, Buchler T, Stary J, Abrahamova J, Trka J. Molecular biology of testicular germ cell tumors: Unique features awaiting clinical application. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2014; 89:366-85. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2013.10.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2013] [Revised: 08/30/2013] [Accepted: 10/01/2013] [Indexed: 01/29/2023] Open
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Abada PB, Howell SB. Cisplatin induces resistance by triggering differentiation of testicular embryonal carcinoma cells. PLoS One 2014; 9:e87444. [PMID: 24475288 PMCID: PMC3903721 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0087444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2013] [Accepted: 12/27/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Although testicular germ cell tumors are generally quite responsive to treatment with cisplatin, a small fraction of them acquire resistance during therapy. Even when cisplatin treatment is successful the patient is often left with a residual teratoma at the site of the primary tumor suggesting that cisplatin may trigger differentiation in some tumors. Using the human embryonal carcinoma cell line NTera2/D1, we confirmed that exposure to the differentiating agent retinoic acid produced a reduction in pluripotency markers NANOG and POU5F1 (Oct3/4) and an acute concentration-dependent increase in resistance to both cisplatin and paclitaxel that reached as high as 18-fold for cisplatin and 61-fold for paclitaxel within four days. A two day exposure to cisplatin also produced a concentration-dependent decrease in the expression of the NANOG and POU5F1 and increased expression of three markers whose levels increase with differentiation including Nestin, SCG10 and Fibronectin. In parallel, exposure to cisplatin induced up to 6.2-fold resistance to itself and 104-fold resistance to paclitaxel. Paclitaxel did not induce differentiation or resistance to either itself or cisplatin. Neither retinoic acid nor cisplatin induced resistance in cervical or prostate cancer cell lines or other germ cell tumor lines in which they failed to alter the expression of NANOG and POU5F1. Forced expression of NANOG prevented the induction of resistance to cisplatin by retinoic acid. We conclude that cisplatin can acutely induce resistance to itself and paclitaxel by triggering a differentiation response in pluripotent germ cell tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo B. Abada
- Department of Medicine and the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
| | - Stephen B. Howell
- Department of Medicine and the Moores UCSD Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, California, United States of America
- * E-mail:
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Dengler MA, Weilbacher A, Gutekunst M, Staiger AM, Vöhringer MC, Horn H, Ott G, Aulitzky WE, van der Kuip H. Discrepant NOXA (PMAIP1) transcript and NOXA protein levels: a potential Achilles' heel in mantle cell lymphoma. Cell Death Dis 2014; 5:e1013. [PMID: 24457957 PMCID: PMC4040662 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2013.552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2013] [Revised: 12/12/2013] [Accepted: 12/13/2013] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is an aggressive lymphoid neoplasm with transient response to conventional chemotherapy. We here investigated the role of the Bcl-2 homology domain 3-only protein NOXA for life–death decision in MCL. Surprisingly, NOXA (PMAIP1) mRNA and NOXA protein levels were extremely discrepant in MCL cells: NOXA mRNA was found to be highly expressed whereas NOXA protein levels were low. Chronic active B-cell receptor signaling and to a minor degree cyclin D1 overexpression contributed to high NOXA mRNA expression levels in MCL cells. The phoshatidyl-inositol-3 kinase/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin pathway was identified as the major downstream signaling pathway involved in the maintenance of NOXA gene expression. Interestingly, MCL cells adapt to this constitutive pro-apoptotic signal by extensive ubiquitination and rapid proteasomal degradation of NOXA protein (T½∼15–30 min). In addition to the proteasome inhibitor Bortezomib, we identified the neddylation inhibitor MLN4924 and the fatty acid synthase inhibitor Orlistat as potent inducers of NOXA protein expression leading to apoptosis in MCL. All inhibitors targeted NOXA protein turnover. In contrast to Bortezomib, MLN4924 and Orlistat interfered with the ubiquitination process of NOXA protein thereby offering new strategies to kill Bortezomib-resistant MCL cells. Our data, therefore, highlight a critical role of NOXA in the balance between life and death in MCL. The discrepancy between NOXA transcript and protein levels is essential for sensitivity of MCL to ubiquitin-proteasome system inhibitors and could therefore provide a druggable Achilles' heel of MCL cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- M A Dengler
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - A Weilbacher
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - M Gutekunst
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - A M Staiger
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - M C Vöhringer
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology and Hematology, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - H Horn
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - G Ott
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - W E Aulitzky
- Second Department of Internal Medicine, Oncology and Hematology, Robert-Bosch-Hospital, Auerbachstr. 110, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
| | - H van der Kuip
- Dr. Margarete Fischer-Bosch Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Stuttgart, and University of Tübingen, Auerbachstr. 112, Stuttgart 70376, Germany
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Unravelling mechanisms of cisplatin sensitivity and resistance in testicular cancer. Expert Rev Mol Med 2013; 15:e12. [PMID: 24074238 DOI: 10.1017/erm.2013.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Testicular cancer is the most frequent solid malignant tumour type in men 20-40 years of age. At the time of diagnosis up to 50% of the patients suffer from metastatic disease. In contrast to most other metastatic solid tumours, the majority of metastatic testicular cancer patients can be cured with highly effective cisplatin-based chemotherapy. This review aims to summarise the current knowledge on response to chemotherapy and the biological basis of cisplatin-induced apoptosis in testicular cancer. The frequent presence of wild-type TP53 and the low levels of p53 in complex with the p53 negative feed-back regulator MDM2 contribute to cisplatin sensitivity. Moreover, the high levels of the pluripotency regulator Oct4 and as a consequence of Oct4 expression high levels of miR-17/106b seed family and pro-apoptotic Noxa and the low levels of cytoplasmic p21 (WAF1/Cip1) appear to be causative for the exquisite sensitivity to cisplatin-based therapy of testicular cancer. However, resistance of testicular cancer to cisplatin-based therapy does occur and can be mediated through aberrant levels of the above mentioned key players. Drugs targeting these key players showed, at least pre-clinically, a sensitising effect to cisplatin treatment. Further clinical development of such treatment strategies will lead to new treatment options for platinum-resistant testicular cancers.
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