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Preclinical Models of Neuroendocrine Neoplasia. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14225646. [PMID: 36428741 PMCID: PMC9688518 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14225646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2022] [Revised: 11/15/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Neuroendocrine neoplasia (NENs) are a complex and heterogeneous group of cancers that can arise from neuroendocrine tissues throughout the body and differentiate them from other tumors. Their low incidence and high diversity make many of them orphan conditions characterized by a low incidence and few dedicated clinical trials. Study of the molecular and genetic nature of these diseases is limited in comparison to more common cancers and more dependent on preclinical models, including both in vitro models (such as cell lines and 3D models) and in vivo models (such as patient derived xenografts (PDXs) and genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs)). While preclinical models do not fully recapitulate the nature of these cancers in patients, they are useful tools in investigation of the basic biology and early-stage investigation for evaluation of treatments for these cancers. We review available preclinical models for each type of NEN and discuss their history as well as their current use and translation.
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Maharjan CK, Ear PH, Tran CG, Howe JR, Chandrasekharan C, Quelle DE. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Tumors: Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Targets. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:5117. [PMID: 34680266 PMCID: PMC8533967 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13205117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/09/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are unique, slow-growing malignancies whose molecular pathogenesis is incompletely understood. With rising incidence of pNETs over the last four decades, larger and more comprehensive 'omic' analyses of patient tumors have led to a clearer picture of the pNET genomic landscape and transcriptional profiles for both primary and metastatic lesions. In pNET patients with advanced disease, those insights have guided the use of targeted therapies that inhibit activated mTOR and receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathways or stimulate somatostatin receptor signaling. Such treatments have significantly benefited patients, but intrinsic or acquired drug resistance in the tumors remains a major problem that leaves few to no effective treatment options for advanced cases. This demands a better understanding of essential molecular and biological events underlying pNET growth, metastasis, and drug resistance. This review examines the known molecular alterations associated with pNET pathogenesis, identifying which changes may be drivers of the disease and, as such, relevant therapeutic targets. We also highlight areas that warrant further investigation at the biological level and discuss available model systems for pNET research. The paucity of pNET models has hampered research efforts over the years, although recently developed cell line, animal, patient-derived xenograft, and patient-derived organoid models have significantly expanded the available platforms for pNET investigations. Advancements in pNET research and understanding are expected to guide improved patient treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chandra K. Maharjan
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Po Hien Ear
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Catherine G. Tran
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - James R. Howe
- Department of Surgery, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA; (P.H.E.); (C.G.T.); (J.R.H.)
| | - Chandrikha Chandrasekharan
- Department of Internal Medicine, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
| | - Dawn E. Quelle
- Department of Neuroscience and Pharmacology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA;
- Department of Pathology, Carver College of Medicine, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
- Holden Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA 52242, USA
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Detjen K, Hammerich L, Özdirik B, Demir M, Wiedenmann B, Tacke F, Jann H, Roderburg C. Models of Gastroenteropancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms: Current Status and Future Directions. Neuroendocrinology 2021; 111:217-236. [PMID: 32615560 DOI: 10.1159/000509864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2020] [Accepted: 06/23/2020] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) are a rare, heterogeneous group of tumors that originate from the endocrine system of the gastrointestinal tract and pancreas. GEP-NENs are subdivided according to their differentiation into well-differentiated neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) and poorly differentiated neuroendocrine carcinomas (NECs). Since GEP-NENs represent rare diseases, only limited data from large prospective, randomized clinical trials are available, and recommendations for treatment of GEP-NEN are in part based on data from retrospective analyses or case series. In this context, tractable disease models that reflect the situation in humans and that allow to recapitulate the different clinical aspects and disease stages of GEP-NET or GEP-NEC are urgently needed. In this review, we highlight available data on mouse models for GEP-NEN. We discuss how these models reflect tumor biology of human disease and whether these models could serve as a tool for understanding the pathogenesis of GEP-NEN and for disease modeling and pharmacosensitivity assays, facilitating prediction of treatment response in patients. In addition, open issues applicable for future developments will be discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Katharina Detjen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Linda Hammerich
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Burcin Özdirik
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Münevver Demir
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Bertram Wiedenmann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Frank Tacke
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Henning Jann
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany
| | - Christoph Roderburg
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Charité - University Medicine Berlin, Campus Virchow Klinikum and Charité Campus Mitte, Berlin, Germany,
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Gahete MD, Jimenez-Vacas JM, Alors-Perez E, Herrero-Aguayo V, Fuentes-Fayos AC, Pedraza-Arevalo S, Castaño JP, Luque RM. Mouse models in endocrine tumors. J Endocrinol 2018; 240:JOE-18-0571.R1. [PMID: 30475226 DOI: 10.1530/joe-18-0571] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2018] [Accepted: 11/26/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors comprise a highly heterogeneous group of neoplasms that can arise from (neuro)endocrine cells, either from endocrine glands or from the widespread diffuse neuroendocrine system, and, consequently, are widely distributed throughout the body. Due to their diversity, heterogeneity and limited incidence, studying in detail the molecular and genetic alterations that underlie their development and progression is still a highly elusive task. This, in turn, hinders the discovery of novel therapeutic options for these tumors. To circumvent these limitations, numerous mouse models of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors have been developed, characterized and used in pre-clinical, co-clinical (implemented in mouse models and patients simultaneously) and post-clinical studies, for they represent powerful and necessary tools in basic and translational tumor biology research. Indeed, different in vivo mouse models, including cell line-based xenografts (CDXs), patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMs), have been used to delineate the development, progression and behavior of human tumors. Results gained with these in vivo models have facilitated the clinical application in patients of diverse breakthrough discoveries made in this field. Herein, we review the generation, characterization and translatability of the most prominent mouse models of endocrine and neuroendocrine tumors reported to date, as well as the most relevant clinical implications obtained for each endocrine and neuroendocrine tumor type.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuel D Gahete
- M Gahete, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, 14011, Spain
| | - Juan M Jimenez-Vacas
- J Jimenez-Vacas, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Emilia Alors-Perez
- E Alors-Perez, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Inmunology, Maimonides Institute for Biomedical Research of Cordoba (IMIBIC) / University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Vicente Herrero-Aguayo
- V Herrero-Aguayo, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Antonio C Fuentes-Fayos
- A Fuentes-Fayos, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Sergio Pedraza-Arevalo
- S Pedraza-Arevalo, Department of Cell Biology, Physiology and Immunology, University of Córdoba, Cordoba, Spain
| | - Justo P Castaño
- J Castaño, Dpt. of Cell Biology-University of Córdoba, IMIBIC-Maimonides Biomedical Research Institute of Cordoba, Cordoba, E-14004, Spain
| | - Raul M Luque
- R Luque, Dept of Cell Biology, Phisiology and Inmunology, Section of Cell Biology, University of Cordoba, Cordoba, Spain, Cordoba, 14014, Spain
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Kawasaki K, Fujii M, Sato T. Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms: genes, therapies and models. Dis Model Mech 2018; 11:11/2/dmm029595. [PMID: 29590641 PMCID: PMC5894937 DOI: 10.1242/dmm.029595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine neoplasms (GEP-NENs) refer to a group of heterogeneous cancers of neuroendocrine cell phenotype that mainly fall into one of two subtypes: gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (GEP-NETs; well differentiated) or gastroenteropancreatic neuroendocrine carcinomas (GEP-NECs; poorly differentiated). Although originally defined as orphan cancers, their steadily increasing incidence highlights the need to better understand their etiology. Accumulating epidemiological and clinical data have shed light on the pathological characteristics of these diseases. However, the relatively low number of patients has hampered conducting large-scale clinical trials and hence the development of novel treatment strategies. To overcome this limitation, tractable disease models that faithfully reflect clinical features of these diseases are needed. In this Review, we summarize the current understanding of the genetics and biology of these diseases based on conventional disease models, such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) and cell lines, and discuss the phenotypic differences between the models and affected humans. We also highlight the emerging disease models derived from human clinical samples, including patient-derived xenograft models and organoids, which may provide biological and therapeutic insights into GEP-NENs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kenta Kawasaki
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
| | - Masayuki Fujii
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan.,Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Tokyo, Tokyo 113-8654, Japan
| | - Toshiro Sato
- Department of Gastroenterology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo 160-8582, Japan
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Gulubova M, Vlaykova T. Chromogranin A-, serotonin-, synaptophysin- and vascular endothelial growth factor-positive endocrine cells and the prognosis of colorectal cancer: an immunohistochemical and ultrastructural study. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2008; 23:1574-85. [PMID: 18771509 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1746.2008.05560.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIM Endocrine differentiation in colorectal adenocarcinoma has been reported but its significance as a prognostic marker remains uncertain. The aim of the present study was to analyze the prognostic significance of endocrine differentiation in colorectal cancer. METHODS The presence of endocrine cells (EC) was determined in 137 colorectal cancers using light and electron immunohistochemistry and the immunogold method with chromogranin A, serotonin and synaptophysin. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression in tumor biopsies was also analyzed applying anti-VEGF antibodies. RESULTS EC labeled with at least one of the studied markers were detected in 47 (34.3%) primary colorectal cancers (30% chromogranin A-positive, 33% synaptophysin-positive and 18% serotonin-positive). In 23% of tumor biopsies, VEGF-positive EC were also detected. The immunostaining on serial sections showed that some chromogranin A-, synaptophysin- or serotonin-positive EC also contained VEGF immune deposits. By the immunogold method, the presence of VEGF was localized to the granules of EC. Tumors with VEGF-positive EC appeared to have significantly higher vascularization, detected as systematic microvessel density (28.89 vs 15.22 vessels/mm(2), P = 0.044, Mann-Whitney U-test) compared to those without VEGF-positive EC. Ultrastructurally, EC in the tumor tissue displayed some features different from those in the normal colon. The survival analyses revealed that patients with EC in primary tumor tissues had a worse prognosis after surgical therapy than those without endocrine cell differentiation (P < 0.05, log-rank test). CONCLUSIONS Endocrine differentiation is not an uncommon event in primary colorectal cancer and it could be a useful marker for a worse prognosis after the surgical therapy. Tumors positive for VEGF and containing VEGF-positive EC have higher vascularization, which probably also contributes to the unfavorable prognosis of patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maya Gulubova
- Department of General and Clinical Pathology, Medical Faculty, Trakia University, Stara Zagora, Bulgaria.
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Koizumi M, Onda M, Tanaka N, Seya T, Yamada T, Takahashi Y. Antiangiogenic effect of octreotide inhibits the growth of human rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma. Digestion 2003; 65:200-6. [PMID: 12239460 DOI: 10.1159/000063822] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Somatostatin and its analogues have antitumor effects on foregut and midgut neuroendocrine (NE) tumors, but their effect on hindgut NE tumors is unclear. We examined the effect of the somatostatin analogue, octreotide, on human rectal NE carcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS Expression of somatostatin receptor (sst) on NE carcinoma was examined by immunohistochemical staining. Octreotide was added in cell culture medium in order to investigate antiproliferative effect toward NE carcinoma in vitro. Octreotide was administered for 6 weeks to nude mice xenografted with NE carcinoma. We investigated the effect of octreotide on the tumor histologically. The plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were measured. RESULTS The NE carcinoma and endothelial cells expressed sst. Octreotide induced NE carcinoma to apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Octreotide-treated tumors had a massive necrotic area (62.7 +/- 19.3% treated vs. 39.7 +/- 20.34% untreated, p < 0.05). Microvessels in the treated tumor were decreased (264.0 +/- 48.2/mm(2) treated vs. 341.4 +/- 56.6/mm(2) untreated, p < 0.05). The plasma levels of VEGF and bFGF were reduced by octreotide. CONCLUSIONS Octreotide induces rectal NE carcinoma to apoptosis and inhibits angiogenesis in the tumor. These result in tumor necrosis. Octreotide has an antitumor effect on rectal NE carcinoma.
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Takahashi Y, Onda M, Tanaka N, Seya T. Establishment and characterization of two new rectal neuroendocrine cell carcinoma cell lines. Digestion 2001; 62:262-70. [PMID: 11070410 DOI: 10.1159/000007825] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human colorectal neuroendocrine cell carcinoma (NEC) is a rare disease with a poor prognosis. The biological behavior of NEC remains poorly understood. MATERIALS AND METHODS We established two new NEC cell lines from a patient with rectal neuroendocrine carcinoma, NECS-P and NECS-L from the primary tumor and a liver metastasis, respectively. We investigated the biological differences between the two cell lines to study the mechanisms involved in liver metastasis. RESULTS There was no difference between NECS-P and NECS-L in the morphological, ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies. After addition of TGF-beta(1), the doubling times of NECS-P were increased in a dose-dependent manner relative to untreated cells, whereas TGF-beta(1) had no effect on NECS-L. The attachment and chemotactic response of the two cell lines were not enhanced by TGF-beta(1). The invasive capacity and the production of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) were significantly increased only in NECS-L following the addition of TGF-beta(1). When anti-MMP-2 antibody was added to the medium with TGF-beta(1), NECS-L invasion was inhibited. CONCLUSION It is considered that these differences are important to understand the mechanisms of liver metastasis of NEC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Y Takahashi
- First Department of Surgery, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo, Japan.
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