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Makk E, Bohonyi N, Oszter A, Éles K, Tornóczky T, Tóth A, Kálmán E, Kovács K. Comparative analysis of EZH2, p16 and p53 expression in uterine carcinosarcomas. Pathol Oncol Res 2023; 29:1611547. [PMID: 38146588 PMCID: PMC10749357 DOI: 10.3389/pore.2023.1611547] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 11/28/2023] [Indexed: 12/27/2023]
Abstract
Introduction: The role of p16 and p53 immunohistochemistry in the diagnosis of rare and aggressive uterine carcinosarcoma (UCS) has been well established. However, enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), a histone methyltransferase and a member of the polycomb group family is a relatively new biomarker, with limited published data on its significance in this tumor type. The goal of this study was to examine EZH2 expression in UCS and its components, in correlation with morphological features, and p16 and p53 staining patterns. Methods: Twenty-eight UCSs were included in the study. EZH2, p16 and p53 immunoreactivity were assessed independently by two pathologists in both tumor components (epithelial and mesenchymal). EZH2 and p16 immunostains were scored semiquantitatively: based on the percentage and intensity of tumor cell staining a binary staining index ("high- or low-expressing") was calculated. The p53 staining pattern was evaluated as wild-type or aberrant (diffuse nuclear, null, or cytoplasmic expression). Statistical tests were used to evaluate the correlation between staining patterns for all three markers and the different tumor components and histotypes. Results: High EZH2 and p16 expression and aberrant p53 patterns were present in 89.3% 78.6% and 85.7% of the epithelial component and in 78.6%, 62.5% and 82.1% of the mesenchymal component, respectively. Differences among these expression rates were not found to be significant (p > 0.05). Regarding the epithelial component, aberrant p53 pattern was found to be significantly (p = 0.0474) more frequent in the serous (100%) than in endometrioid (66.6%) histotypes. Within the mesenchymal component, p53 null expression pattern occurred significantly (p = 0.0257) more frequently in heterologous sarcoma components (71.4%) compared to the homologous histotype (18.8%). Conclusion: In conclusion, EZH2, p16 and p53 seem to play a universal role in the pathogenesis of UCS; however, a distinctive pattern of p53 expression appears to exist between the serous and endometrioid carcinoma components and also between the homologous and heterologous sarcoma components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evelin Makk
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Noémi Bohonyi
- Department of Obstretrics and Gynaecology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Angéla Oszter
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Klára Éles
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Tamás Tornóczky
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Arnold Tóth
- Department of Medical Imaging, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Endre Kálmán
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
| | - Krisztina Kovács
- Department of Pathology, University of Pécs Medical School, Pécs, Hungary
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2
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O'Brien E, Tse C, Tracy I, Reddin I, Selfe J, Gibson J, Tapper W, Pengelly RJ, Gao J, Aladowicz E, Petts G, Thway K, Popov S, Kelsey A, Underwood TJ, Shipley J, Walters ZS. Pharmacological EZH2 inhibition combined with retinoic acid treatment promotes differentiation and apoptosis in rhabdomyosarcoma cells. Clin Epigenetics 2023; 15:167. [PMID: 37858275 PMCID: PMC10588044 DOI: 10.1186/s13148-023-01583-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Accepted: 10/09/2023] [Indexed: 10/21/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Rhabdomyosarcomas (RMS) are predominantly paediatric sarcomas thought to originate from muscle precursor cells due to impaired myogenic differentiation. Despite intensive treatment, 5-year survival for patients with advanced disease remains low (< 30%), highlighting a need for novel therapies to improve outcomes. Differentiation therapeutics are agents that induce differentiation of cancer cells from malignant to benign. The histone methyltransferase, Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2) suppresses normal skeletal muscle differentiation and is highly expressed in RMS tumours. RESULTS We demonstrate combining inhibition of the epigenetic modulator EZH2 with the differentiating agent retinoic acid (RA) is more effective at reducing cell proliferation in RMS cell lines than single agents alone. In PAX3-FOXO1 positive RMS cells this is due to an RA-driven induction of the interferon pathway resulting in apoptosis. In fusion negative RMS, combination therapy led to an EZH2i-driven upregulation of myogenic signalling resulting in differentiation. In both subtypes, EZH2 is significantly associated with enrichment of trimethylated lysine 27 on histone 3 (H3K27me3) in genes that are downregulated in untreated RMS cells and upregulated with EZH2 inhibitor treatment. These results provide insight into the mechanism that drives the anti-cancer effect of the EZH2/RA single agent and combination treatment and indicate that the reduction of EZH2 activity combined with the induction of RA signalling represents a potential novel therapeutic strategy to treat both subtypes of RMS. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study demonstrate the potential utility of combining EZH2 inhibitors with differentiation agents for the treatment of paediatric rhabdomyosarcomas. As EZH2 inhibitors are currently undergoing clinical trials for adult and paediatric solid tumours and retinoic acid differentiation agents are already in clinical use this presents a readily translatable potential therapeutic strategy. Moreover, as inhibition of EZH2 in the poor prognosis FPRMS subtype results in an inflammatory response, it is conceivable that this strategy may also synergise with immunotherapies for a more effective treatment in these patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eleanor O'Brien
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Carmen Tse
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Tracy
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ian Reddin
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jane Gibson
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - William Tapper
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Reuben J Pengelly
- Human Development and Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Jinhui Gao
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Ewa Aladowicz
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Gemma Petts
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Khin Thway
- Pathology Department, Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Sergey Popov
- Cellular Pathology Department, Cardiff and Vale UHB, Cardiff, UK
| | - Anna Kelsey
- Department of Paediatric Pathology, University of Manchester Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Timothy J Underwood
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK
| | - Janet Shipley
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Zoë S Walters
- Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton, UK.
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3
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Pomella S, Danielli SG, Alaggio R, Breunis WB, Hamed E, Selfe J, Wachtel M, Walters ZS, Schäfer BW, Rota R, Shipley JM, Hettmer S. Genomic and Epigenetic Changes Drive Aberrant Skeletal Muscle Differentiation in Rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2823. [PMID: 37345159 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15102823] [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: 03/19/2023] [Revised: 05/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), the most common soft-tissue sarcoma in children and adolescents, represents an aberrant form of skeletal muscle differentiation. Both skeletal muscle development, as well as regeneration of adult skeletal muscle are governed by members of the myogenic family of regulatory transcription factors (MRFs), which are deployed in a highly controlled, multi-step, bidirectional process. Many aspects of this complex process are deregulated in RMS and contribute to tumorigenesis. Interconnected loops of super-enhancers, called core regulatory circuitries (CRCs), define aberrant muscle differentiation in RMS cells. The transcriptional regulation of MRF expression/activity takes a central role in the CRCs active in skeletal muscle and RMS. In PAX3::FOXO1 fusion-positive (PF+) RMS, CRCs maintain expression of the disease-driving fusion oncogene. Recent single-cell studies have revealed hierarchically organized subsets of cells within the RMS cell pool, which recapitulate developmental myogenesis and appear to drive malignancy. There is a large interest in exploiting the causes of aberrant muscle development in RMS to allow for terminal differentiation as a therapeutic strategy, for example, by interrupting MEK/ERK signaling or by interfering with the epigenetic machinery controlling CRCs. In this review, we provide an overview of the genetic and epigenetic framework of abnormal muscle differentiation in RMS, as it provides insights into fundamental mechanisms of RMS malignancy, its remarkable phenotypic diversity and, ultimately, opportunities for therapeutic intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Pomella
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
- Department of Clinical Sciences and Translational Medicine, University of Rome Tor Vergata, Via Montpellier 1, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Sara G Danielli
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rita Alaggio
- Department of Pathology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Willemijn B Breunis
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Ebrahem Hamed
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
| | - Joanna Selfe
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Marco Wachtel
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Zoe S Walters
- Translational Epigenomics Team, Cancer Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, UK
| | - Beat W Schäfer
- Department of Oncology and Children's Research Center, University Children's Hospital of Zurich, 8032 Zürich, Switzerland
| | - Rossella Rota
- Department of Hematology/Oncology, Cell and Gene Therapy, Bambino Gesù Children's Hospital, IRCCS Istituto Ospedale Pediatrico Bambino Gesu, Viale San Paolo 15, 00146 Rome, Italy
| | - Janet M Shipley
- Sarcoma Molecular Pathology Team, Divisions of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM2 FNG, UK
| | - Simone Hettmer
- Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Department of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, University Medical Center Freiburg, University of Freiburg, 79106 Freiburg, Germany
- Spemann Graduate School of Biology and Medicine (SGBM), 79104 Freiburg, Germany
- Comprehensive Cancer Centre Freiburg (CCCF), University Medical Center Freiburg, 790106 Freiburg, Germany
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4
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Wen J, Wan L, Dong X. The prognostic value of autophagy related genes with potential protective function in Ewing sarcoma. BMC Bioinformatics 2022; 23:306. [PMID: 35902797 PMCID: PMC9335970 DOI: 10.1186/s12859-022-04849-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 07/19/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Ewing sarcoma (ES) is the second most common primary malignant bone tumor mainly occurring in children, adolescents and young adults with high metastasis and mortality. Autophagy has been reported to be involved in the survival of ES, but the role remains unclear. Therefore, it’s necessary to investigate the prognostic value of autophagy related genes using bioinformatics methods. Results ATG2B, ATG10 and DAPK1 were final screened genes for a prognostic model. KM and risk score plots showed patients in high score group had better prognoses both in training and validation sets. C-indexes of the model for training and validation sets were 0.68 and 0.71, respectively. Calibration analyses indicated the model had high prediction accuracy in training and validation sets. The AUC values of ROC for 1-, 3-, 5-year prediction were 0.65, 0.73 and 0.84 in training set, 0.88, 0.73 and 0.79 in validation set, which suggested high prediction accuracy of the model. Decision curve analyses showed that patients could benefit much from the model. Differential and functional analyses suggested that autophagy and apoptosis were upregulated in high risk score group. Conclusions ATG2B, ATG10 and DAPK1 were autophagy related genes with potential protective function in ES. The prognostic model established by them exhibited excellent prediction accuracy and discriminatory capacities. They might be used as potential prognostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets in ES. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12859-022-04849-x.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jian Wen
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,Department of Orthopedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.,JXHC Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics (Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital), 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China
| | - Lijia Wan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Xieping Dong
- Medical College of Nanchang University, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China. .,Department of Orthopedics, Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital, 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China. .,JXHC Key Laboratory of Digital Orthopedics (Jiangxi Provincial People's Hospital), 152 Aiguo Road, Nanchang, 330006, Jiangxi, China.
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5
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The Effect of Direct and Indirect EZH2 Inhibition in Rhabdomyosarcoma Cell Lines. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:cancers14010041. [PMID: 35008205 PMCID: PMC8750739 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Revised: 12/12/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Rhabdomyosarcoma is the most common soft tissue tumor in children. Its two major subtypes show epigenetic alterations that are associated with poor prognosis. Therefore, targeting these epigenetic alterations by pharmacological intervention could be a therapeutic approach. We investigated two different types of substances that interfere with the epigenetic process of histone methylation. We performed studies in two cell lines that carry characteristics of the major rhabdomyosarcoma subtypes. The aim of this study was to find out if the substances differ in their effect on tumor-related cellular functions and to find out if the tumor subtypes differ in their response to the substances. These findings may contribute to a better assessment of the feasibility of pharmacological intervention directed against histone methylation in subtypes of rhabdomyosarcoma. Abstract Enhancer of Zeste homolog 2 (EZH2) is involved in epigenetic regulation of gene transcription by catalyzing trimethylation of histone 3 at lysine 27. In rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS), increased EZH2 protein levels are associated with poor prognosis and increased metastatic potential, suggesting EZH2 as a therapeutic target. The inhibition of EZH2 can be achieved by direct inhibition which targets only the enzyme activity or by indirect inhibition which also affects activities of other methyltransferases and reduces EZH2 protein abundance. We assessed the direct inhibition of EZH2 by EPZ005687 and the indirect inhibition by 3-deazaneplanocin (DZNep) and adenosine dialdehyde (AdOx) in the embryonal RD and the alveolar RH30 RMS cell line. EPZ005687 was more effective in reducing the cell viability and colony formation, in promoting apoptosis induction, and in arresting cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle than the indirect inhibitors. DZNep was more effective in decreasing spheroid viability and size in both cell lines than EPZ005687 and AdOx. Both types of inhibitors reduced cell migration of RH30 cells but not of RD cells. The results show that direct and indirect inhibition of EZH2 affect cellular functions differently. The alveolar cell line RH30 is more sensitive to epigenetic intervention than the embryonal cell line RD.
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6
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Zhang S, Liao W, Wu Q, Huang X, Pan Z, Chen W, Gu S, Huang Z, Wang Y, Tang X, Liang S, Zhang X, Chen Y, Chen S, Chen W, Jiang Y, Chen C, Qiu G. LINC00152 upregulates ZEB1 expression and enhances epithelial-mesenchymal transition and oxaliplatin resistance in esophageal cancer by interacting with EZH2. Cancer Cell Int 2020; 20:569. [PMID: 33292221 PMCID: PMC7690072 DOI: 10.1186/s12935-020-01620-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/26/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Expression of the long non-coding mRNA LINC00152 has been reported to correlate with cancer cell resistance to oxaliplatin (L-OHP). However, little is known regarding the molecular mechanism of LINC00152 in esophageal cancer (EC). Hence, we intended to characterize the role of LINC00152 in EC, with a special focus on epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and L-OHP resistance. METHODS We collected EC tissues and identified EC cell lines with higher L-OHP resistance, and then characterized expression patterns of LINC00152, Zeste Homologue 2 (EZH2), Zinc finger e-box binding homeobox (ZEB1) and EMT-related genes using RT-qPCR and Western blot analysis. Furthermore, their functional significance was identified by gain and loss-of-function experiments. The relationship among LINC00152, EZH2 and ZEB1 was examined using RIP, RNA pull-down and ChIP assays. Additionally, resistance of EC cells to L-OHP was reflected by CCK-8 assay to detect cell viability. Animal experiments were also conducted to detect the effects of the LINC00152/EZH2/ZEB1 on EMT and L-OHP resistance. RESULTS LINC00152, EZH2 and ZEB1 were highly expressed in EC tissues and Kyse-150/TE-1 cells. As revealed by assays in vitro and in vivo, LINC00152 positively regulated ZEB1 expression through interaction with EZH2 to enhance EMT and L-OHP resistance in EC cells. In contrast, silencing of LINC00152 contributed to attenuated EMT and drug resistance of EC cells to L-OHP. CONCLUSIONS Our study demonstrates that LINC00152/EZH2/ZEB1 axis can regulate EMT and resistance of EC cells to L-OHP, thus presenting a potential therapeutic target for EC treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuyao Zhang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China
| | - Wei Liao
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Qinshui Wu
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoshan Huang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Zhen Pan
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Wang Chen
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Shuyi Gu
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Zuojun Huang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Yiwen Wang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Xu Tang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Shanshan Liang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhang
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Yun Chen
- Guangzhou Red Cross Hospital Affiliated of Ji-Nan University, Guangzhou, 510220, P.R. China
| | - Shuang Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China
| | - Wanying Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China
| | - Yi Jiang
- Digestive Oncology, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China
| | - Chen Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China.
| | - Guodong Qiu
- Department of Pharmacology, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China.
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, 515000, P.R. China.
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Precision medicine in Ewing sarcoma: a translational point of view. Clin Transl Oncol 2020; 22:1440-1454. [PMID: 32026343 DOI: 10.1007/s12094-020-02298-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2019] [Accepted: 01/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ewing sarcoma is a rare tumor that arises in bones of children and teenagers but, in 15% of the patients it is presented as a primary soft tissue tumor. Balanced reciprocal chimeric translocation t(11;22)(q24;q12), which encodes an oncogenic protein fusion (EWSR1/FLI1), is the most generalized and characteristic molecular event. Using conventional treatments, (chemotherapy, surgery and radiotherapy) long-term overall survival rate is 30% for patients with disseminated disease and 65-75% for patients with localized tumors. Urgent new effective drug development is a challenge. This review summarizes the preclinical and clinical investigational knowledge about prognostic and targetable biomarkers in Ewing sarcoma, finally suggesting a workflow for precision medicine committees.
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Kouznetsova VL, Tchekanov A, Li X, Yan X, Tsigelny IF. Polycomb repressive 2 complex-Molecular mechanisms of function. Protein Sci 2019; 28:1387-1399. [PMID: 31095801 DOI: 10.1002/pro.3647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2019] [Revised: 05/13/2019] [Accepted: 05/14/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Numerous molecular processes conduct epigenetic regulation of protein transcription to maintain cell specification. In this review, we discuss molecular mechanisms of the Polycomb group of proteins and its enzymatic role in epigenetics. More specifically, we focus on the Polycomb repressive complex 2 (PRC2) and the effects of its repressive marker. We have compiled information regarding the biological structure and how that impacts the stability of the complex. In addition, we examined functions of the individual core proteins of PRC2 in relation to the accessory proteins that interact with the complex. Lastly, we discuss the implications of unregulated and downregulated PRC2 activity in Alzheimer's disease and cancer and possible methods of treatment related to PRC2 regulation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina L Kouznetsova
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093
| | - Alex Tchekanov
- REHS Program SDSC, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093
| | - Xiaoming Li
- Saviour Bioscience, Inc., San Diego, California, 92121
| | - Xiaowen Yan
- New Infinity, Inc., Norcross, Georgia, 30092
| | - Igor F Tsigelny
- Moores Cancer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,San Diego Supercomputer Center, UC San Diego, La Jolla, California, 92093.,CureMatch, Inc., San Diego, CA 92121
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9
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Ghayad SE, Rammal G, Sarkis O, Basma H, Ghamloush F, Fahs A, Karam M, Harajli M, Rabeh W, Mouawad JE, Zalzali H, Saab R. The histone deacetylase inhibitor Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA) as a therapeutic agent in rhabdomyosarcoma. Cancer Biol Ther 2018; 20:272-283. [PMID: 30307360 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2018.1529093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) is an aggressive childhood sarcoma with two distinct subtypes, embryonal (ERMS) and alveolar (ARMS) histologies. More effective treatment is needed to improve outcomes, beyond conventional cytotoxic chemotherapy. The pan-histone deacetylase inhibitor, Suberoylanilide Hydroxamic Acid (SAHA), has shown promising efficacy in limited preclinical studies. We used a panel of human ERMS and ARMS cell lines and xenografts to evaluate the effects of SAHA as a therapeutic agent in both RMS subtypes. SAHA decreased cell viability by inhibiting S-phase progression in all cell lines tested, and induced apoptosis in all but one cell line. Molecularly, SAHA-treated cells showed activation of a DNA damage response, induction of the cell cycle inhibitors p21Cip1 and p27Kip1 and downregulation of Cyclin D1. In a subset of RMS cell lines, SAHA promoted features of cellular senescence and myogenic differentiation. Interestingly, SAHA treatment profoundly decreased protein levels of the driver fusion oncoprotein PAX3-FOXO1 in ARMS cells at a post-translational level. In vivo, SAHA-treated xenografts showed increased histone acetylation and induction of a DNA damage response, along with variable upregulation of p21Cip1 and p27Kip1. However, while the ARMS Rh41 xenograft tumor growth was significantly inhibited, there was no significant inhibition of the ERMS tumor xenograft RD. Thus, our work shows that, while SAHA is effective against ERMS and ARMS tumor cells in vitro, it has divergent in vivo effects . Together with the observed effects on the PAX3-FOXO1 fusion protein, these data suggest SAHA as a possible therapeutic agent for clinical testing in patients with fusion protein-positive RMS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sandra E Ghayad
- a Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II , Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon
| | - Ghina Rammal
- a Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II , Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon.,b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Omar Sarkis
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Hussein Basma
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Farah Ghamloush
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Assil Fahs
- a Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II , Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon
| | - Mia Karam
- a Department of Biology, Faculty of Science II , Lebanese University , Fanar , Lebanon
| | - Mohamad Harajli
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Wissam Rabeh
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Joe E Mouawad
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Hassan Zalzali
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
| | - Raya Saab
- b Department of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon.,c Department of Anatomy, Cell Biology and Physiology , American University of Beirut , Beirut , Lebanon
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High expression of EZH2 as a marker for the differential diagnosis of malignant and benign myogenic tumors. Sci Rep 2018; 8:12331. [PMID: 30120321 PMCID: PMC6098067 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-30648-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 08/03/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Overlap in morphologic features between malignant and benign myogenic tumors, such as leiomyosarcoma (LMS) vs. leiomyoma as well as rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) vs. rhabdomyoma, often makes differential diagnosis difficult and challenging. Here the expressions of Enhancer of Zeste Homolog 2 (EZH2), Suppressor of Zeste 12 (SUZ12), retinoblastoma protein associated protein 46 (RbAp46), Embryonic Ectoderm Development (EED) and ki-67 protein were detected by immunohistochemistry to evaluate their values in differential diagnosis. The expression of EZH2 mRNA was investigated by analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus Datasets. The results demonstrated that EZH2 protein was detected in 81.25% (26/32) of LMS and 70.58% (36/51) of RMS, whereas none of leiomyoma (n = 16), rhabdomyoma (n = 15) and normal tissues (n = 31) showed positive immunostaining (p < 0.05). EZH2 protein was found to have a sensitivity of 91.30% and specificity of 100% in distinguishing well-differentiated LMS from cellular leiomyoma, and a sensitivity of 92.86% and specificity of 100% in distinguishing well-differentiated embryonal rhabdomyosarcoma (ERMS) from fetal rhabdomyoma. Besides, the expression of EZH2 mRNA was higher in LMS and RMS than in benign tumors (p < 0.05). The expressions of SUZ12 and RbAp46 protein were higher in RMS than in rhabdomyoma (p < 0.05). Conclusively, the high expression of EZH2 is a promising marker in distinguishing well–differentiated LMS from cellular leiomyoma, or well–differentiated ERMS from fetal rhabdomyoma, and the upregulation of EZH2 protein expression may occur at transcriptional level.
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11
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Kim DW, Kim KC, Kim KB, Dunn CT, Park KS. Transcriptional deregulation underlying the pathogenesis of small cell lung cancer. Transl Lung Cancer Res 2018. [PMID: 29535909 DOI: 10.21037/tlcr.2017.10.07] [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] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The discovery of recurrent alterations in genes encoding transcription regulators and chromatin modifiers is one of the most important recent developments in the study of the small cell lung cancer (SCLC) genome. With advances in models and analytical methods, the field of SCLC biology has seen remarkable progress in understanding the deregulated transcription networks linked to the tumor development and malignant progression. This review will discuss recent discoveries on the roles of RB and P53 family of tumor suppressors and MYC family of oncogenes in tumor initiation and development. It will also describe the roles of lineage-specific factors in neuroendocrine (NE) cell differentiation and homeostasis and the roles of epigenetic alterations driven by changes in NFIB and chromatin modifiers in malignant progression and chemoresistance. These recent findings have led to a model of transcriptional network in which multiple pathways converge on regulatory regions of crucial genes linked to tumor development. Validation of this model and characterization of target genes will provide critical insights into the biology of SCLC and novel strategies for tumor intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Wook Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Keun-Cheol Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA.,Department of Biological Sciences, Kangwon National University, Chuncheon, Korea
| | - Kee-Beom Kim
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Colin T Dunn
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
| | - Kwon-Sik Park
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology, and Cancer Biology, The University of Virginia Cancer Center, University of Virginia, Charlottesville, VA, USA
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Abstract
Rhabdomyosarcoma is a mesenchymal malignancy associated with the skeletal muscle lineage and is also the most common pediatric soft tissue cancer. Between the two pediatric subtypes, embryonal and alveolar rhabdomyosarcoma, the alveolar subtype is generally more aggressive and high-risk. Despite intensive multimodal therapy, patients with high-risk rhabdomyosarcoma continue to have poor prognosis. In this chapter we address the mechanisms underlying the dysregulation of myogenesis in rhabdomyosarcoma. We specifically focus on recently identified signaling pathways that function to inhibit myogenesis and how similar functions have been shown to overlap in rhabdomyosarcoma, potentially contributing to the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Y Yu
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; College of Medicine, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States
| | - Denis C Guttridge
- Arthur G. James Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States; The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, United States.
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Shahabipour F, Caraglia M, Majeed M, Derosa G, Maffioli P, Sahebkar A. Naturally occurring anti-cancer agents targeting EZH2. Cancer Lett 2017; 400:325-335. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2017.03.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2017] [Revised: 03/09/2017] [Accepted: 03/10/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
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14
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de Necochea-Campion R, Zuckerman LM, Mirshahidi HR, Khosrowpour S, Chen CS, Mirshahidi S. Metastatic biomarkers in synovial sarcoma. Biomark Res 2017; 5:4. [PMID: 28191313 PMCID: PMC5297148 DOI: 10.1186/s40364-017-0083-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2016] [Accepted: 01/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Synovial sarcoma (SS) is an aggressive soft tissue sarcoma (STS) that typically occurs in the extremities near a joint. Metastatic disease is common and usually occurs in the lungs and lymph nodes. Surgical management is the mainstay of treatment with chemotherapy and radiation typically used as adjuvant treatment. Although chemotherapy has a positive impact on survival, the prognosis is poor if metastatic disease occurs. The biology of sarcoma invasion and metastasis remain poorly understood. Chromosomal translocation with fusion of the SYT and SSX genes has been described and is currently used as a diagnostic marker, although the full impact of the fusion is unknown. Multiple biomarkers have been found to be associated with SS and are currently under investigation regarding their pathways and mechanisms of action. Further research is needed in order to develop better diagnostic screening tools and understanding of tumor behavior. Development of targeted therapies that reduce metastatic events in SS, would dramatically improve patient prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rosalia de Necochea-Campion
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Chan Shun Pavilion 11017, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA
| | - Lee M Zuckerman
- Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Loma Linda University Medical Center, 11406 Loma Linda Drive, Suite 218, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA
| | - Hamid R Mirshahidi
- Division of Hematology/Oncology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Chan Shun Pavilion 11015, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA
| | | | - Chien-Shing Chen
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Chan Shun Pavilion 11017, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA.,Division of Hematology/Oncology, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Chan Shun Pavilion 11015, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA
| | - Saied Mirshahidi
- Biospecimen Laboratory, Loma Linda University Cancer Center, Loma Linda University School of Medicine, 11175 Campus Street, Chan Shun Pavilion 11017, Loma Linda, CA 92354 USA
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