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Xiao D, Xiong M, Wang X, Lyu M, Sun H, Cui Y, Chen C, Jiang Z, Sun F. Regulation of the Function and Expression of EpCAM. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1129. [PMID: 38791091 PMCID: PMC11117676 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12051129] [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: 04/09/2024] [Revised: 05/11/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a single transmembrane protein on the cell surface. Given its strong expression on epithelial cells and epithelial cell-derived tumors, EpCAM has been identified as a biomarker for circulating tumor cells (CTCs) and exosomes and a target for cancer therapy. As a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has a crystal structure that indicates that it forms a cis-dimer first and then probably a trans-tetramer to mediate intercellular adhesion. Through regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP), EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments are also able to regulate multiple signaling pathways, Wnt signaling in particular. Although great progress has been made, increasingly more findings have revealed the context-specific expression and function patterns of EpCAM and their regulation processes, which necessitates further studies to determine the structure, function, and expression of EpCAM under both physiological and pathological conditions, broadening its application in basic and translational cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di Xiao
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mingrui Xiong
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Xin Wang
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Mengqing Lyu
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Hanxiang Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Yeting Cui
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
| | - Chen Chen
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Ziyu Jiang
- Tumor Precision Diagnosis and Treatment Technology and Translational Medicine, Hubei Engineering Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China;
| | - Fan Sun
- College of Life Sciences and Health, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China; (D.X.); (M.X.); (X.W.); (M.L.); (H.S.); (Y.C.)
- Institute of Biology and Medicine, Wuhan University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430081, China
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Broghammer F, Korovina I, Gouda M, Celotti M, van Es J, Lange I, Brunner C, Mircetic J, Coppes RP, Gires O, Dahl A, Seifert M, Cordes N. Resistance of HNSCC cell models to pan-FGFR inhibition depends on the EMT phenotype associating with clinical outcome. Mol Cancer 2024; 23:39. [PMID: 38378518 PMCID: PMC10880239 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-024-01954-8] [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: 08/18/2023] [Accepted: 02/05/2024] [Indexed: 02/22/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Focal adhesion signaling involving receptor tyrosine kinases (RTK) and integrins co-controls cancer cell survival and therapy resistance. However, co-dependencies between these receptors and therapeutically exploitable vulnerabilities remain largely elusive in HPV-negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). METHODS The cytotoxic and radiochemosensitizing potential of targeting 10 RTK and β1 integrin was determined in up to 20 3D matrix-grown HNSCC cell models followed by drug screening and patient-derived organoid validation. RNA sequencing and protein-based biochemical assays were performed for molecular characterization. Bioinformatically identified transcriptomic signatures were applied to patient cohorts. RESULTS Fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR 1-4) targeting exhibited the strongest cytotoxic and radiosensitizing effects as monotherapy and combined with β1 integrin inhibition, exceeding the efficacy of the other RTK studied. Pharmacological pan-FGFR inhibition elicited responses ranging from cytotoxicity/radiochemosensitization to resistance/radiation protection. RNA sequence analysis revealed a mesenchymal-to-epithelial transition (MET) in sensitive cell models, whereas resistant cell models exhibited a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, inhibition of EMT-associated kinases such as EGFR caused reduced adaptive resistance and enhanced (radio)sensitization to FGFR inhibition cell model- and organoid-dependently. Transferring the EMT-associated transcriptomic profiles to HNSCC patient cohorts not only demonstrated their prognostic value but also provided a conclusive validation of the presence of EGFR-related vulnerabilities that can be strategically exploited for therapeutic interventions. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that pan-FGFR inhibition elicits a beneficial radiochemosensitizing and a detrimental radioprotective potential in HNSCC cell models. Adaptive EMT-associated resistance appears to be of clinical importance, and we provide effective molecular approaches to exploit this therapeutically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Broghammer
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Irina Korovina
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Mahesh Gouda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwigs-Maximilians-University University Hospital, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martina Celotti
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Johan van Es
- Hubrecht Institute, Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) and University Medical Center Utrecht, 3584 CT, Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | - Inga Lange
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Cornelia Brunner
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Ulm University Medical Center, 89075, Ulm, Germany
| | - Jovan Mircetic
- German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
- Mildred Scheel Early Career Center (MSNZ) P2, Medical Faculty and University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Robert P Coppes
- Department of Biomedical Sciences of Cells and Systems, Section of Molecular Cell Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713, Groningen, The Netherlands
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, 9713, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Olivier Gires
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany
| | - Andreas Dahl
- DRESDEN-Concept Genome Center, Center for Molecular and Cellular Bioengineering, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
| | - Michael Seifert
- Institute for Medical Informatics and Biometry (IMB), Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69192, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Nils Cordes
- OncoRay - National Center for Radiation Research in Oncology, Faculty of Medicine Carl Gustav Carus, Technische Universität Dresden, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
- Institute of Radiooncology - OncoRay, Helmholtz-Zentrum Dresden-Rossendorf (HZDR), 01328, Dresden, Germany.
- German Cancer Consortium, Partner Site Dresden: German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120, Heidelberg, Germany.
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT), Partner Site Dresden, German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69192, Heidelberg, Germany.
- Department of Radiotherapy and Radiation Oncology, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, 01307, Dresden, Germany.
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Shi E, Wu Z, Karaoglan BS, Schwenk-Zieger S, Kranz G, Abdul Razak N, Reichel CA, Canis M, Baumeister P, Zeidler R, Gires O. 5'-Ectonucleotidase CD73/NT5E supports EGFR-mediated invasion of HPV-negative head and neck carcinoma cells. J Biomed Sci 2023; 30:72. [PMID: 37620936 PMCID: PMC10463398 DOI: 10.1186/s12929-023-00968-6] [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: 03/23/2023] [Accepted: 08/18/2023] [Indexed: 08/26/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of malignant cells is a driving force of disease progression in human papillomavirus-negative (HPV-negative) head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC). Sustained hyper-activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) induces an invasion-promoting subtype of EMT (EGFR-EMT) characterized by a gene signature ("'EGFR-EMT_Signature'") comprising 5´-ectonucleotidase CD73. Generally, CD73 promotes immune evasion via adenosine (ADO) formation and associates with EMT and metastases. However, CD73 regulation through EGFR signaling remains under-explored and targeting options are amiss. METHODS CD73 functions in EGFR-mediated tumor cell dissemination were addressed in 2D and 3D cellular models of migration and invasion. The novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 and therapeutic antibody Cetuximab served as inhibitors of CD73 and EGFR, respectively, in combinatorial treatment. Specificity for CD73 and its role as effector or regulator of EGFR-EMT were assessed upon CD73 knock-down and over-expression. CD73 correlation to tumor budding was studied in an in-house primary HNSCC cohort. Expression correlations, and prognostic and predictive values were analyzed using machine learning-based algorithms and Kaplan-Meier survival curves in single cell and bulk RNA sequencing datasets. RESULTS CD73/NT5E is induced by the EGF/EGFR-EMT-axis and blocked by Cetuximab and MEK inhibitor. Inhibition of CD73 with the novel antagonizing antibody 22E6 specifically repressed EGFR-dependent migration and invasion of HNSCC cells in 2D. Cetuximab and 22E6 alone reduced local invasion in a 3D-model. Interestingly, combining inefficient low-dose concentrations of Cetuximab and 22E6 revealed highly potent in invasion inhibition, substantially reducing the functional IC50 of Cetuximab regarding local invasion. A role for CD73 as an effector of EGFR-EMT in local invasion was further supported by knock-down and over-expression experiments in vitro and by high expression in malignant cells budding from primary tumors. CD73 expression correlated with EGFR pathway activity, EMT, and partial EMT (p-EMT) in malignant single HNSCC cells and in large patient cohorts. Contrary to published data, CD73 was not a prognostic marker of overall survival (OS) in the TCGA-HNSCC cohort when patients were stratified for HPV-status. However, CD73 prognosticated OS of oral cavity carcinomas. Furthermore, CD73 expression levels correlated with response to Cetuximab in HPV-negative advanced, metastasized HNSCC patients. CONCLUSIONS In sum, CD73 is an effector of EGF/EGFR-mediated local invasion and a potential therapeutic target and candidate predictive marker for advanced HPV-negative HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Enxian Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhengquan Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Birnur Sinem Karaoglan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sabina Schwenk-Zieger
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Nilofer Abdul Razak
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph A Reichel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Reinhard Zeidler
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
- Institute of Structural Biology, Research Unit Therapeutic Antibodies, Helmholtz Munich, Feodor-Lynen-Str. 21, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, LMU University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.
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Lee CC, Yu CJ, Panda SS, Chen KC, Liang KH, Huang WC, Wang YS, Ho PC, Wu HC. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) regulates HGFR signaling to promote colon cancer progression and metastasis. J Transl Med 2023; 21:530. [PMID: 37543570 PMCID: PMC10404369 DOI: 10.1186/s12967-023-04390-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/14/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is known to highly expression and promotes cancer progression in many cancer types, including colorectal cancer. While metastasis is one of the main causes of cancer treatment failure, the involvement of EpCAM signaling in metastatic processes is unclear. We propose the potential crosstalk of EpCAM signaling with the HGFR signaling in order to govern metastatic activity in colorectal cancer. METHODS Immunoprecipitation (IP), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) was conducted to explore the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) and HGFR interaction. Western blotting was taken to determine the expression of proteins in colorectal cancer (CRC) cell lines. The functions of EpEX in CRC were investigated by proliferation, migration, and invasion analysis. The combined therapy was validated via a tail vein injection method for the metastasis and orthotopic colon cancer models. RESULTS This study demonstrates that the EpEX binds to HGFR and induces downstream signaling in colon cancer cells. Moreover, EpEX and HGF cooperatively mediate HGFR signaling. Furthermore, EpEX enhances the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and metastatic potential of colon cancer cells by activating ERK and FAK-AKT signaling pathways, and it further stabilizes active β-catenin and Snail proteins by decreasing GSK3β activity. Finally, we show that the combined treatment of an anti-EpCAM neutralizing antibody (EpAb2-6) and an HGFR inhibitor (crizotinib) significantly inhibits tumor progression and prolongs survival in metastatic and orthotopic animal models of colon cancer. CONCLUSION Our findings illuminate the molecular mechanisms underlying EpCAM signaling promotion of colon cancer metastasis, further suggesting that the combination of EpAb2-6 and crizotinib may be an effective strategy for treating cancer patients with high EpCAM expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi-Chiu Lee
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Chia-Jui Yu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Sushree Shankar Panda
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chi Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Hao Liang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Chen Huang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Yu-Shiuan Wang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Pei-Chin Ho
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, 128 Academia Road, Section 2, Nankang, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
- Biomedical Translation Research Center (BioTReC), Academia Sinica, Taipei, 11529, Taiwan.
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He M, Gouda M, Gires O. EpCAM and EGFR crosstalk in the development of resistance towards Cetuximab treatment in head and neck cancer. Oral Oncol 2023; 143:106465. [PMID: 37348447 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2023] [Revised: 06/12/2023] [Accepted: 06/18/2023] [Indexed: 06/24/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Min He
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Mahesh Gouda
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany.
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Umemori K, Ono K, Eguchi T, Kawai H, Nakamura T, Ogawa T, Yoshida K, Kanemoto H, Sato K, Obata K, Ryumon S, Yutori H, Katase N, Okui T, Nagatsuka H, Ibaragi S. EpEX, the soluble extracellular domain of EpCAM, resists cetuximab treatment of EGFR-high head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2023; 142:106433. [PMID: 37236125 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2023.106433] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Cetuximab (Cmab) is a molecularly targeted monoclonal antibody drug for head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSC), although cetuximab resistance is a serious challenge. Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is an established marker for many epithelial tumors, while the soluble EpCAM extracellular domain (EpEX) functions as a ligand for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). We investigated the expression of EpCAM in HNSC, its involvement in Cmab action, and the mechanism by which soluble EpEX activated EGFR and played key roles in Cmab resistance. MATERIALS AND METHODS We first examined EPCAM expression in HNSCs and its clinical significance by searching gene expression array databases. We then examined the effects of soluble EpEX and Cmab on intracellular signaling and Cmab efficacy in HNSC cell lines (HSC-3 and SAS). RESULTS EPCAM expression was found to be enhanced in HNSC tumor tissues compared to normal tissues, and the enhancement was correlated with stage progression and prognosis. Soluble EpEX activated the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and nuclear translocation of EpCAM intracellular domains (EpICDs) in HNSC cells. EpEX resisted the antitumor effect of Cmab in an EGFR expression-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Soluble EpEX activates EGFR to increase Cmab resistance in HNSC cells. The EpEX-activated Cmab resistance in HNSC is potentially mediated by the EGFR-ERK signaling pathway and the EpCAM cleavage-induced nuclear translocation of EpICD. High expression and cleavage of EpCAM are potential biomarkers for predicting the clinical efficacy and resistance to Cmab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Koki Umemori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kisho Ono
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan.
| | - Takanori Eguchi
- Department of Dental Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hotaka Kawai
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Tomoya Nakamura
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Ogawa
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kunihiro Yoshida
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hideka Kanemoto
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kohei Sato
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Kyoichi Obata
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Shoji Ryumon
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Hirokazu Yutori
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Naoki Katase
- Department of Oral Pathology, Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, Nagasaki University, Nagasaki 852-8588, Japan
| | - Tatsuo Okui
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Shimane University Faculty of Medicine, Izumo, Shimane 693-8501, Japan
| | - Hitoshi Nagatsuka
- Department of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
| | - Soichiro Ibaragi
- Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama 700-8525, Japan
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Dressler FF, Hinrichs S, Roesch MC, Perner S. EpCAM tumor specificity and proteoform patterns in urothelial cancer. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2023:10.1007/s00432-023-04809-9. [PMID: 37154925 PMCID: PMC10374485 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-023-04809-9] [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: 04/04/2023] [Accepted: 04/20/2023] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The role of the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) in cancer is still unclear. EpCAM cleavage through regulated intramembrane proteolysis results in fragments which interact with both oncogenic and tumor suppressive pathways. Additionally, the EpCAM molecule itself is used as a descriptive therapeutic target in urothelial cancer (UC), while data on its actual tumor specificity remain limited. METHODS Samples from diagnostic formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) UC tissue and fresh-frozen UC cells were immunoblotted and used for qualitative characterization of five different EpCAM fragments. These expression patterns were quantified across a cohort of 76 samples with 52 UC and 24 normal urothelial samples. Cell viability effects of the extracellular EpEX fragment were assessed in the UC cell lines T24 and HT1376. RESULTS The proteolytic EpCAM fragments could be identified in clinical FFPE tissue specimens too. Neither overall nor fragment-specific EpCAM expression showed relevant tumor specificity. EpEX and its deglycosylated variant showed an inverse relationship across healthy and tumor tissue with a decrease of deglycosylated EpEX in tumors. However, extracellular EpEX did not show a relevant effect in vitro. CONCLUSIONS EpCAM should not be regarded as tumor-specific in UC without patient-specific predictive testing. EpCAM fragment patterns indicate cancer-specific changes and could be involved in its complex tumor-biological role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Franz F Dressler
- Institute of Pathology, Charité-Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Corporate Member of Freie Universität Berlin, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin and Berlin Institute of Health, Charitéplatz 1, 10117, Berlin, Germany.
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany.
| | - Sofie Hinrichs
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Marie C Roesch
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University Medical Center Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Institute of Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
- Institute of Pathology and Hematopathology, Hamburg, Germany
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Chen L, Cai Q, Yang R, Wang H, Ling H, Li T, Liu N, Wang Z, Sun J, Tao T, Shi Y, Cao Y, Wang X, Xiao D, Liu S, Tao Y. GINS4 suppresses ferroptosis by antagonizing p53 acetylation with Snail. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2023; 120:e2219585120. [PMID: 37018198 PMCID: PMC10104543 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.2219585120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/22/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2023] [Indexed: 04/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent oxidative, nonapoptotic form of regulated cell death caused by the destruction of redox homeostasis. Recent studies have uncovered complex cellular networks that regulate ferroptosis. GINS4 is a promoter of eukaryotic G1/S-cell cycle as a regulator of initiation and elongation of DNA replication, but little is known about its impact on ferroptosis. Here, we found that GINS4 was involved in the regulation of ferroptosis in lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD). CRISPR/Cas9-mediated GINS4 KO facilitated ferroptosis. Interestingly, depletion of GINS4 could effectively induce G1, G1/S, S, and G2/M cells to ferroptosis, especially for G2/M cells. Mechanistically, GINS4 suppressed p53 stability through activating Snail that antagonized the acetylation of p53, and p53 lysine residue 351 (K351 for human p53) was the key site for GINS4-suppressed p53-mediated ferroptosis. Together, our data demonstrate that GINS4 is a potential oncogene in LUAD that functions to destabilize p53 and then inhibits ferroptosis, providing a potential therapeutic target for LUAD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Chen
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410078, China
| | - Qidong Cai
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410011, China
| | - Rui Yang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Haiyan Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Huli Ling
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Tiansheng Li
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Na Liu
- Hunan International Scientific and Technological Cooperation Base of Brain Tumor Research, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Postdoctoral Research Workstation, Department of Neurosurgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
| | - Zuli Wang
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Jingyue Sun
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Tania Tao
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410078, China
| | - Ying Shi
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410078, China
| | - Ya Cao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410078, China
| | - Xiang Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410011, China
| | - Desheng Xiao
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
| | - Shuang Liu
- Department of Oncology, Institute of Medical Sciences, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatric Disorders, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
| | - Yongguang Tao
- Hunan Key Laboratory of Cancer Metabolism, Hunan Cancer Hospital and The Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410031, China
- Department of Pathology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410008, China
- Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of Ministry of Education, National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis, Cancer Research Institute, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410078, China
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Hunan Key Laboratory of Early Diagnosis and Precision Therapy in Lung Cancer, Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410011, China
- Department of Pathology, School of Basic Medicine, Central South University, Changsha Hunan410013, China
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9
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Understanding the versatile roles and applications of EpCAM in cancers: from bench to bedside. Exp Hematol Oncol 2022; 11:97. [PMID: 36369033 PMCID: PMC9650829 DOI: 10.1186/s40164-022-00352-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) functions not only in physiological processes but also participates in the development and progression of cancer. In recent decades, extensive efforts have been made to decipher the role of EpCAM in cancers. Great advances have been achieved in elucidating its structure, molecular functions, pathophysiological mechanisms, and clinical applications. Beyond its well-recognized role as a biomarker of cancer stem cells (CSCs) or circulating tumor cells (CTCs), EpCAM exhibits novel and promising value in targeted therapy. At the same time, the roles of EpCAM in cancer progression are found to be highly context-dependent and even contradictory in some cases. The versatile functional modules of EpCAM and its communication with other signaling pathways complicate the study of this molecule. In this review, we start from the structure of EpCAM and focus on communication with other signaling pathways. The impacts on the biology of cancers and the up-to-date clinical applications of EpCAM are also introduced and summarized, aiming to shed light on the translational prospects of EpCAM.
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10
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Cho YE, Vorn R, Chimenti M, Crouch K, Shaoshuai C, Narayanaswamy J, Harken A, Schmidt R, Gill J, Lee H. Extracellular vesicle miRNAs in breast milk of obese mothers. Front Nutr 2022; 9:976886. [PMID: 36313069 PMCID: PMC9597365 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.976886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2022] [Accepted: 09/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Breast milk has abundant extracellular vesicles (EVs) containing various biological molecules (cargo), including miRNAs. EVs are not degraded in the gastrointestinal system and circulation; thus, breast milk EVs (bEVs) are expected to interact with other organs in breastfed infants and modify the gene expression of recipient cells using miRNAs. Maternal pre-pregnancy BMI is a critical factor influencing the composition of breast milk. Thus, in mothers with obesity, miRNAs in bEVs can be altered, which might be associated with adverse health outcomes in infants. In this study, we examined 798 miRNAs to determine which miRNAs are altered in the bEVs of mothers with obesity and their potential impact on breastfed infants. Methods We recruited healthy nursing mothers who were either of normal weight (BMI < 25) or with obesity (BMI ≥ 30) based on their pre-pregnancy BMI, and delivered a singleton baby in the prior 6 months. EVs were isolated from breast milk with ultracentrifugation. bEV characteristics were examined by flow cytometry and fluorescence imaging of EV markers. A total of 798 miRNAs were screened using a NanoString human miRNA panel to find differentially expressed miRNAs in bEVs of mothers with obesity compared to mothers of normal weight. Results We included 65 nursing mothers: 47 of normal weight and 18 with obesity based on pre-pregnancy BMI. After bEV isolation, we confirmed the expression of various EV markers. Out of 37 EV markers, CD326 (EpCaM) was the most highly expressed in bEVs. The most abundant miRNAs in bEVs include miR-30b-5p, miR-4454, miR-494-3p, and let-7 miRNAs. Target genes of the top 10 miRNAs were associated with cancer, prolactin pathway, EGFR, ErbB, and FoxO signaling pathway. In bEVs of mothers with obesity, 19 miRNAs were differentially expressed (adjusted p < 0.05 cut-off), which include miR-575, miR-630, miR-642a-3p, and miR-652-5p. These miRNAs and their target genes were associated with neurological diseases and psychological disorders. Conclusion In this study, we characterized bEVs and demonstrated altered miRNAs in bEVs of mothers with obesity and identified the pathways of their potential target genes. Our findings will provide insight for future studies investigating the role of bEVs in breastfed infants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Young Eun Cho
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States,*Correspondence: Young-Eun Cho,
| | - Rany Vorn
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Michael Chimenti
- College of Medicine The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Keith Crouch
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Chen Shaoshuai
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | | | - Alaria Harken
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Reegan Schmidt
- College of Nursing, The University of Iowa, Iowa City, IA, United States
| | - Jessica Gill
- School of Nursing, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, MD, United States,Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States
| | - Hyangkyu Lee
- Mo-Im Kim Nursing Research Institute, College of Nursing, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
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11
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Schinke H, Shi E, Lin Z, Quadt T, Kranz G, Zhou J, Wang H, Hess J, Heuer S, Belka C, Zitzelsberger H, Schumacher U, Genduso S, Riecken K, Gao Y, Wu Z, Reichel CA, Walz C, Canis M, Unger K, Baumeister P, Pan M, Gires O. A transcriptomic map of EGFR-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition identifies prognostic and therapeutic targets for head and neck cancer. Mol Cancer 2022; 21:178. [PMID: 36076232 PMCID: PMC9454230 DOI: 10.1186/s12943-022-01646-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is both a driver oncogene and a therapeutic target in advanced head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). However, response to EGFR treatment is inconsistent and lacks markers for treatment prediction. This study investigated EGFR-induced epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as a central parameter in tumor progression and identified novel prognostic and therapeutic targets, and a candidate predictive marker for EGFR therapy response. Methods Transcriptomic profiles were analyzed by RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) following EGFR-mediated EMT in responsive human HNSCC cell lines. Exclusive genes were extracted via differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and a risk score was determined through forward feature selection and Cox regression models in HNSCC cohorts. Functional characterization of selected prognostic genes was conducted in 2D and 3D cellular models, and findings were validated by immunohistochemistry in primary HNSCC. Results An EGFR-mediated EMT gene signature composed of n = 171 genes was identified in responsive cell lines and transferred to the TCGA-HNSCC cohort. A 5-gene risk score comprising DDIT4, FADD, ITGB4, NCEH1, and TIMP1 prognosticated overall survival (OS) in TCGA and was confirmed in independent HNSCC cohorts. The EGFR-mediated EMT signature was distinct from EMT hallmark and partial EMT (pEMT) meta-programs with a differing enrichment pattern in single malignant cells. Molecular characterization showed that ITGB4 was upregulated in primary tumors and metastases compared to normal mucosa and correlated with EGFR/MAPK activity in tumor bulk and single malignant cells. Preferential localization of ITGB4 together with its ligand laminin 5 at tumor-stroma interfaces correlated with increased tumor budding in primary HNSCC tissue sections. In vitro, ITGB4 knock-down reduced EGFR-mediated migration and invasion and ITGB4-antagonizing antibody ASC8 impaired 2D and 3D invasion. Furthermore, a logistic regression model defined ITGB4 as a predictive marker of progression-free survival in response to Cetuximab in recurrent metastatic HNSCC patients. Conclusions EGFR-mediated EMT conveyed through MAPK activation contributes to HNSCC progression upon induction of migration and invasion. A 5-gene risk score based on a novel EGFR-mediated EMT signature prognosticated survival of HNSCC patients and determined ITGB4 as potential therapeutic and predictive target in patients with strong EGFR-mediated EMT. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12943-022-01646-1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Enxian Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhongyang Lin
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Quadt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Jiefu Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, 100 Haining Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Steffen Heuer
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Zitzelsberger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Udo Schumacher
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Sandra Genduso
- Institute of Anatomy and Experimental Morphology, University Cancer Center Hamburg, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Kristoffer Riecken
- Research Department Cell and Gene Therapy, Department of Stem Cell Transplantation, University Medical Center Hamburg-Eppendorf, 20246, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Yujing Gao
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Zhengquan Wu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph A Reichel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China.
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany. .,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, German Research Center for Environmental Health GmbH, Neuherberg, Germany.
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12
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Dynamic Expression of EpCAM in Primary and Metastatic Lung Cancer Is Controlled by Both Genetic and Epigenetic Mechanisms. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14174121. [PMID: 36077658 PMCID: PMC9454530 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14174121] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2022] [Revised: 08/21/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a tumor marker widely used in both basic studies and clinics. However, our study demonstrates that EpCAM expression is strongly upregulated by gene amplification and promoter hypomethylation in primary lung tumors, but severely downregulated by epigenetic repression (including promoter hypermethylation and histone deacetylation), tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and TAMs-derived TGFβ in metastatic lung tumors. DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-dC, HDAC inhibitor MS-275, and TGFβ neutralizing antibody are able to restore EpCAM expression in highly metastatic lung cancer cells. These findings disclose that multiple mechanisms contribute to the dynamic expression patterns of EpCAM in primary and metastatic lung tumors, redefining the application of EpCAM as a biomarker in tumor cell identification and isolation in specific cancers and clinical stages. Abstract Although great progress has been achieved in cancer treatment in the past decades, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer death, which is partially caused by the fact that most lung cancers are diagnosed at advanced stages. To improve the sensitivity and specificity of lung cancer diagnosis, the underlying mechanisms of current diagnosis methods are in urgent need to be explored. Herein, we find that the expression of EpCAM, the widely used molecular marker for tumor cell characterization and isolation, is strongly upregulated in primary lung tumors, which is caused by both gene amplification and promoter hypomethylation. In contrast, EpCAM expression is severely repressed in metastatic lung tumors, which can be reversed by epigenetic drugs, DNMT inhibitor 5-aza-dC and HDAC inhibitor MS-275. Moreover, tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) impede EpCAM expression probably through TGFβ-induced EMT signaling. These findings unveil the dynamic expression patterns of EpCAM and differential roles of epigenetic modification in EpCAM expression in primary and metastatic lung tumors, providing novel insights into tumor cell isolation and lung cancer diagnosis.
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13
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Li XY, An HB, Zhang LY, Liu H, Shen YC, Yang XT. Non-negative matrix factorization model-based construction for molecular clustering and prognostic assessment of head and neck squamous carcinoma. Heliyon 2022; 8:e10100. [PMID: 35991972 PMCID: PMC9389204 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2022.e10100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2022] [Revised: 07/03/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose We aimed at exploring the efficacy of non-negative matrix factorization (NMF) model-based clustering for prognostic assessment of head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods The transcriptome microarray data of HNSCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital. R software packages were used to establish NMF clustering, from which relevant prognostic models were developed. Results Based on NMF, samples were allocated into 2 subgroups. Predictive models were constructed using differentially expressed genes between the two subgroups. The high-risk group was associated with poor prognostic outcomes. Moreover, multi-factor Cox regression analysis revealed that the predictive model was an independent prognostic predictor. Conclusion The NMF-based prognostic model has the potential for prognostic assessment of HNSCC.
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14
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Lu X, An L, Fan G, Zang L, Huang W, Li J, Liu J, Ge W, Huang Y, Xu J, Du S, Cao Y, Zhou T, Yin H, Yu L, Jiao S, Wang H. EGFR signaling promotes nuclear translocation of plasma membrane protein TSPAN8 to enhance tumor progression via STAT3-mediated transcription. Cell Res 2022; 32:359-374. [PMID: 35197608 PMCID: PMC8975831 DOI: 10.1038/s41422-022-00628-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
TSPAN family of proteins are generally considered to assemble as multimeric complexes on the plasma membrane. Our previous work uncovered that TSPAN8 can translocate into the nucleus as a membrane-free form, a process that requires TSPAN8 palmitoylation and association with cholesterol to promote its extraction from the plasma membrane and subsequent binding with 14-3-3θ and importin-β. However, what upstream signal(s) regulate(s) the nuclear translocation of TSPAN8, the potential function of TSPAN8 in the nucleus, and the underlying molecular mechanisms all remain unclear. Here, we demonstrate that, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling induces TSPAN8 nuclear translocation by activating the kinase AKT, which in turn directly phosphorylates TSPAN8 at Ser129, an event essential for its binding with 14-3-3θ and importin ß1. In the nucleus, phosphorylated TSPAN8 interacts with STAT3 to enhance its chromatin occupancy and therefore regulates transcription of downstream cancer-promoting genes, such as MYC, BCL2, MMP9, etc. The EGFR-AKT-TSPAN8-STAT3 axis was found to be hyperactivated in multiple human cancers, and associated with aggressive phenotype and dismal prognosis. We further developed a humanized monoclonal antibody hT8Ab4 that specifically recognizes the large extracellular loop of TSPAN8 (TSPAN8-LEL), thus being able to block the extraction of TSPAN8 from the plasma membrane and consequently its nuclear localization. Importantly, both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated an antitumor effect of hT8Ab4. Collectively, we discovered an unconventional function of TSPAN8 and dissected the underlying molecular mechanisms, which not only showcase a new layer of biological complexity of traditional membrane proteins, but also shed light on TSPAN8 as a novel therapeutic target for refractory cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoqing Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Department of Breast Surgery, Shanxi Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Taiyuan, Shanxi, China
| | - Liwei An
- Department of Medical Ultrasound, Shanghai Tenth People's Hospital, Tongji University Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangjian Fan
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Precision Research Center for Refractory Diseases, Institute for Clinical Research, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lijuan Zang
- Department of Pathology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyi Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Junjian Li
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiyu Ge
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuwei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Jingxuan Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shaoqian Du
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuan Cao
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tianhao Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Huijing Yin
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Membrane Biology, Tsinghua-Peking University Joint Center for Life Sciences, School of Life Science, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Shi Jiao
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hongxia Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Oncogenes and Related Genes, Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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15
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Weber P, Künstner A, Hess J, Unger K, Marschner S, Idel C, Ribbat-Idel J, Baumeister P, Gires O, Walz C, Rietzler S, Valeanu L, Herkommer T, Kreutzer L, Klymenko O, Drexler G, Kirchner T, Maihöfer C, Ganswindt U, Walch A, Sterr M, Lickert H, Canis M, Rades D, Perner S, Berriel Diaz M, Herzig S, Lauber K, Wollenberg B, Busch H, Belka C, Zitzelsberger H. Therapy-related transcriptional subtypes in matched primary and recurrent head and neck cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2021; 28:1038-1052. [PMID: 34965946 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-21-2244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 12/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The genetic relatedness between primary and recurrent head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) reflects the extent of heterogeneity and therapy-driven selection of tumor subpopulations. Yet, current treatment of recurrent HNSCC ignores the molecular characteristics of therapy-resistant tumor populations. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN From 150 tumors, 74 primary HNSCCs were RNA-sequenced and 38 matched primary/recurrent tumor pairs were both, whole-exome and RNA-sequenced. Transcriptome analysis determined the predominant classical (CL), basal (BA) and inflamed-mesenchymal (IMS) transcriptional subtypes according to an established classification. Genomic alterations and clonal compositions of tumors were evaluated from whole-exome data. RESULTS While CL and IMS subtypes were more common in primary HNSCC with low recurrence rates, the BA subtype was more prevalent and stable in recurrent tumors. The BA subtype was associated with a transcriptional signature of partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (p-emt) and early recurrence. In 44% of matched cases, the dominant subtype changed from primary to recurrent tumors, preferably from IMS to BA or CL. Gene set enrichment analysis identified upregulation of Hypoxia, p-emt and radiation resistance signatures and downregulation of tumor inflammation in recurrences compared to index tumors. A relevant subset of primary/recurrent tumor pairs presented no evidence for a common clonal origin. CONCLUSIONS Our study showed a high degree of genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity between primary/recurrent tumors, suggesting therapy-related selection of a transcriptional subtype with characteristics unfavorable for therapy. We conclude that therapy decisions should be based on genetic and transcriptional characteristics of recurrences rather than primary tumors to enable optimally tailored treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peter Weber
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Axel Künstner
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Kristian Unger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Marschner
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Christian Idel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Julika Ribbat-Idel
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Sibylle Rietzler
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Laura Valeanu
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Timm Herkommer
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Lisa Kreutzer
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olena Klymenko
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Guido Drexler
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelius Maihöfer
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Ganswindt
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Innsbruck Medical University, Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Michael Sterr
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Heiko Lickert
- Institute of Diabetes and Regeneration Research, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- German Center for Diabetes Research (DZD), Neuherberg, Germany
- Technical University of Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Dirk Rades
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Sven Perner
- Institute of Pathology, University of Luebeck and University Hospital Schleswig-Holstein, Luebeck, Germany
- Pathology, Research Center Borstel, Leibniz Lung Center, Borstel, Germany
| | - Mauricio Berriel Diaz
- Institute of Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Stefan Herzig
- Institute of Diabetes and Cancer, Helmholtz Diabetes Center, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Kirsten Lauber
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Barbara Wollenberg
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- Clinic of Otorhinolaryngology, Klinikum rechts der Isar, Technical University Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Hauke Busch
- Luebeck Institute of Experimental Dermatology and Institute for Cardiogenetics, University of Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
- University Cancer Center Schleswig-Holstein, University Hospital of Schleswig-Holstein, Campus Luebeck, Luebeck, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Zitzelsberger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer," Helmholtz Zentrum München Deutsches Forschungszentrum für Gesundheit und Umwelt (GmbH), Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, DKTK, Munich, Germany
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16
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Li L, Hu Y, Chen D, Zhu J, Bao W, Xu X, Chen H, Chen W, Feng R. CMTM5 inhibits the development of prostate cancer via the EGFR/PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Mol Med Rep 2021; 25:17. [PMID: 34791506 PMCID: PMC8628290 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12533] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2021] [Accepted: 07/21/2021] [Indexed: 11/08/2022] Open
Abstract
Prostate cancer (PCa) endangers the life and health of older men. Most PCa cases develop into castration-resistant PCa (CRPC) within 2 years. At present, the molecular mechanisms of the occurrence and development of PCa and its transformation to CRPC remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of CKLF-like Marvel transmembrane domain containing family member 5 (CMTM5) in PCa and its molecular mechanism in vitro. PCa tissues and paired adjacent normal prostate tissues from 70 patients were collected to examine the expression levels of CMTM5 and EGFR via immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting. Then, CMTM5-overexpressing DU145 cells were constructed, and CMTM5 expression in these transfected cells and vector control cells was examined via western blotting. Cell Counting Kit-8 and plate clone formation assays were used to evaluate the proliferation and colony number of CMTM5-overexpressing cells and vector control cells. Then, cell migration and invasion were assessed using wound healing assay, Transwell assay and immunofluorescence analysis with DAPI staining. The effect of CMTM5 on apoptosis and its underlying molecular mechanism were examined using western blotting and flow cytometry. The results demonstrated that CMTM5 expression in PCa tissues and cell lines was significantly downregulated, while EFGR expression was significantly upregulated. The proportion of high CMTM5 expression in PCa tissues was significantly lower compared with that in normal prostate tissues. By contrast, the proportion of high EGFR expression in PCa tissues was significantly increased compared with that in normal prostate tissues. Moreover, CMTM5 overexpression significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and promoted cell apoptosis compared with vector control cells in vitro. Furthermore, the regulation of PCa by CMTM5 was associated with the downregulation of PI3K/AKT and its downstream Bcl-2 expression, as well as the upregulation of Bax expression. In conclusion, CMTM5 may be an effective tumor suppressor gene for PCa, especially for castration-resistant PCa, by downregulating EGFR and PI3K/AKT signaling pathway components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linjin Li
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yiren Hu
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Dake Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Jianlong Zhu
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Wenshuo Bao
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Xiaomin Xu
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Heyi Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Wu Chen
- Department of Urology, The Third Clinical Institute Affiliated to Wenzhou Medical University, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Shanghai University, Wenzhou People's Hospital, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Rui Feng
- Department of Urology, Zhenjiang Hospital of Chinese Traditional and Western Medicine, Zhenjiang, Jiangsu 212002, P.R. China
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17
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Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition-Derived Heterogeneity in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13215355. [PMID: 34771518 PMCID: PMC8582421 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13215355] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2021] [Revised: 10/18/2021] [Accepted: 10/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are common malignancies with considerable morbidity and a high death toll worldwide. Resistance towards multi-modal therapy modalities composed of surgery, irradiation, chemo- and immunotherapy represents a major obstacle in the efficient treatment of HNSCC patients. Patients frequently show nodal metastases at the time of diagnosis and endure early relapses, oftentimes in the form of local recurrences. Differentiation programs such as the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) allow individual tumor cells to adopt cellular functions that are central to the development of metastases and treatment resistance. In the present review article, the molecular basis and regulation of EMT and its impact on the progression of HNSCC will be addressed. Abstract Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCC) are common tumors with a poor overall prognosis. Poor survival is resulting from limited response to multi-modal therapy, high incidence of metastasis, and local recurrence. Treatment includes surgery, radio(chemo)therapy, and targeted therapy specific for EGFR and immune checkpoint inhibition. The understanding of the molecular basis for the poor outcome of HNSCC was improved using multi-OMICs approaches, which revealed a strong degree of inter- and intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) at the level of DNA mutations, transcriptome, and (phospho)proteome. Single-cell RNA-sequencing (scRNA-seq) identified RNA-expression signatures related to cell cycle, cell stress, hypoxia, epithelial differentiation, and a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (pEMT). The latter signature was correlated to nodal involvement and adverse clinical features. Mechanistically, shifts towards a mesenchymal phenotype equips tumor cells with migratory and invasive capacities and with an enhanced resistance to standard therapy. Hence, gradual variations of EMT as observed in HNSCC represent a potent driver of tumor progression that could open new paths to improve the stratification of patients and to innovate approaches to break therapy resistance. These aspects of molecular heterogeneity will be discussed in the present review.
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18
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Pan M, Kohlbauer V, Blancke Soares A, Schinke H, Huang Y, Kranz G, Quadt T, Hachmeister M, Gires O. Interactome analysis reveals endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM during differentiation of embryonic stem cells and carcinoma cells. iScience 2021; 24:103179. [PMID: 34693227 PMCID: PMC8517208 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2021.103179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2021] [Revised: 08/16/2021] [Accepted: 09/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Transmembrane epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is expressed in epithelia, carcinoma, teratoma, and embryonic stem cells (ESCs). EpCAM displays spatiotemporal patterning during embryogenesis, tissue morphogenesis, cell differentiation, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in carcinomas. Potential interactors of EpCAM were identified in murine F9 teratoma cells using a stable isotope labeling with amino acids in cell culture-based proteomic approach (n = 77, enrichment factor >3, p value ≤ 0.05). Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes and gene ontology terms revealed interactions with regulators of endosomal trafficking and membrane recycling, which were further validated for Rab5, Rab7, and Rab11. Endocytosis and membrane recycling of EpCAM were confirmed in mF9 cells, E14TG2α ESC, and Kyse30 carcinoma cells. Reduction of EpCAM during mesodermal differentiation and TGFβ-induced EMT correlated with enhanced endocytosis and block or reduction of recycling in ESCs and esophageal carcinoma cells. Hence, endocytosis and membrane recycling are means of regulation of EpCAM protein levels during differentiation of ESC and EMT induction in carcinoma cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, China
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Quadt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Matthias Hachmeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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19
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Pavšič M. Trop2 Forms a Stable Dimer with Significant Structural Differences within the Membrane-Distal Region as Compared to EpCAM. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms221910640. [PMID: 34638982 PMCID: PMC8508679 DOI: 10.3390/ijms221910640] [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: 08/15/2021] [Revised: 09/21/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trop2 is a cell-surface transmembrane glycoprotein involved in the maintenance of epithelial tissue integrity and is an important carcinoma marker. It shares similar claudin-interaction capacity with its paralogue EpCAM, and both are implicated in signaling triggered by proteolytic cleavage within the ectodomain. However, the cell proliferation-regulating interactions with IGF-1, neuregulin-1, and α5β1 integrin appear to be Trop2-specific. To illuminate the structural differences between Trop2 and EpCAM, we report the first crystal structure of a Trop2 ectodomain dimer and compare it to the analogous part of EpCAM. While the overall fold of the two proteins is similar, the dimers differ. In Trop2, the inter-subunit contacts are more extensive than in EpCAM, and there are two major differences in the membrane-distal regions. The immunogenic N-terminal domain is in Trop2 almost colinear with the dimer interface plain and consequently more laterally exposed, and the cleft of yet unknown functionality between the two subunits is almost absent. Furthermore, the site of initial signaling-associated proteolytic cleavage in Trop2 is accessible in the dimeric state, while in EpCAM dimer destabilization is required. The structural differences highlight the divergent evolutionary path of the two proteins and pave the way for their structure-based utilization in therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Večna Pot 113, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
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20
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Schinke H, Pan M, Akyol M, Zhou J, Shi E, Kranz G, Libl D, Quadt T, Simon F, Canis M, Baumeister P, Gires O. SLUG-related partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition is a transcriptomic prognosticator of head and neck cancer survival. Mol Oncol 2021; 16:347-367. [PMID: 34382739 PMCID: PMC8763659 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/28/2021] [Revised: 07/13/2021] [Accepted: 08/10/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Partial epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (pEMT) contributes to cellular heterogeneity that is associated with nodal metastases and unfavorable clinical parameters in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs). We developed a single‐cell RNA sequencing signature‐based pEMT quantification through cell type‐dependent deconvolution of bulk RNA sequencing and microarray data combined with single‐sample scoring of molecular phenotypes (Singscoring). Clinical pEMT‐Singscores served as molecular classifiers in multivariable Cox proportional hazard models and high scores prognosticated poor overall survival and reduced response to irradiation as independent parameters in large HNSCC cohorts [The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), MD Anderson Cancer Centre (MDACC), Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center (FHCRC)]. Differentially expressed genes confirmed enhanced cell motility and reduced oxidative phosphorylation and epithelial differentiation in pEMThigh patients. In patients and cell lines, the EMT transcription factor SLUG correlated most strongly with pEMT‐Singscores and promoted pEMT, enhanced invasion, and resistance to irradiation in vitro. SLUG protein levels in HNSCC predicted disease‐free survival, and its peripheral expression at the interphase to the tumor microenvironment was significantly increased in relapsing patients. Hence, pEMT‐Singscores represent a novel risk predictor for HNSCC stratification regarding clinical outcome and therapy response that is partly controlled by SLUG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, China
| | - Merve Akyol
- School of Medicine, Koç University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Jiefu Zhou
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Enxian Shi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Tanja Quadt
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Florian Simon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer', Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer', Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group 'Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer', Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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21
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Functional Implications of the Dynamic Regulation of EpCAM during Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition. Biomolecules 2021; 11:biom11070956. [PMID: 34209658 PMCID: PMC8301972 DOI: 10.3390/biom11070956] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2021] [Revised: 06/11/2021] [Accepted: 06/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) is a transmembrane glycoprotein expressed in epithelial tissues. EpCAM forms intercellular, homophilic adhesions, modulates epithelial junctional protein complex formation, and promotes epithelial tissue homeostasis. EpCAM is a target of molecular therapies and plays a prominent role in tumor biology. In this review, we focus on the dynamic regulation of EpCAM expression during epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the functional implications of EpCAM expression on the regulation of EMT. EpCAM is frequently and highly expressed in epithelial cancers, while silenced in mesenchymal cancers. During EMT, EpCAM expression is downregulated by extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERK) and EMT transcription factors, as well as by regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). The functional impact of EpCAM expression on tumor biology is frequently dependent on the cancer type and predominant oncogenic signaling pathways, suggesting that the role of EpCAM in tumor biology and EMT is multifunctional. Membrane EpCAM is cleaved in cancers and its intracellular domain (EpICD) is transported into the nucleus and binds β-catenin, FHL2, and LEF1. This stimulates gene transcription that promotes growth, cancer stem cell properties, and EMT. EpCAM is also regulated by epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling and the EpCAM ectoderm (EpEX) is an EGFR ligand that affects EMT. EpCAM is expressed on circulating tumor and cancer stem cells undergoing EMT and modulates metastases and cancer treatment responses. Future research exploring EpCAM’s role in EMT may reveal additional therapeutic opportunities.
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22
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Žagar T, Pavšič M, Gaber A. Destabilization of EpCAM dimer is associated with increased susceptibility towards cleavage by TACE. PeerJ 2021; 9:e11484. [PMID: 34055495 PMCID: PMC8142927 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.11484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The cell-surface protein EpCAM is a carcinoma marker utilized in diagnostics and prognostics, and a promising therapeutic target. It is involved in nuclear signaling via regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP). Many aspects of this process are not fully understood, including the events at the molecular level leading to the exposure of cleavage sites, buried at the dimerization interface. To investigate the effect of dimer stability on cleavage susceptibility we prepared two mutants of human EpCAM ectodomain: a monomeric form, and a disulfide-stabilized dimeric form. We show that the disulfide-stabilized dimer is resistant to tumor necrosis factor-α-converting enzyme (TACE) cleavage, while the monomeric form is more susceptible than the predominantly dimeric wild type. This provides experimental evidence that the oligomeric state of EpCAM is a determinant in RIP and demonstrates the usefulness of the oligomeric state-specific mutants in investigations of EpCAM biological function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomaž Žagar
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
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23
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Fu X, Zhao R, Yoon G, Shim JH, Choi BY, Yin F, Xu B, Laster KV, Liu K, Dong Z, Lee MH. 3-Deoxysappanchalcone Inhibits Skin Cancer Proliferation by Regulating T-Lymphokine-Activated Killer Cell-Originated Protein Kinase in vitro and in vivo. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:638174. [PMID: 33842463 PMCID: PMC8027363 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.638174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Skin cancer is one of the most commonly diagnosed cancers worldwide. The 5-year survival rate of the most aggressive late-stage skin cancer ranges between 20 and 30%. Thus, the discovery and investigation of novel target therapeutic agents that can effectively treat skin cancer is of the utmost importance. The T-lymphokine-activated killer cell-originated protein kinase (TOPK), which belongs to the serine-threonine kinase class of the mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase (MAPKK) family, is highly expressed and activated in skin cancer. The present study investigates the role of 3-deoxysappanchalcone (3-DSC), a plant-derived functional TOPK inhibitor, in suppressing skin cancer cell growth. Purpose In the context of skin cancer prevention and therapy, we clarify the effect and mechanism of 3-DSC on different types of skin cancer and solar-simulated light (SSL)-induced skin hyperplasia. Methods In an in vitro study, western blotting and in vitro kinase assays were utilized to determine the protein expression of TOPK and its activity, respectively. Pull-down assay with 3-DSC and TOPK (wild-type and T42A/N172 mutation) was performed to confirm the direct interaction between T42A/N172 amino acid sites of TOPK and 3-DSC. Cell proliferation and anchorage-independent cell growth assays were utilized to determine the effect of 3-DSC on cell growth. In an in vivo study, the thickness of skin and tumor size were measured in the acute SSL-induced inflammation mouse model or SK-MEL-2 cell-derived xenografts mouse model treated with 3-DSC. Immunohistochemistry analysis of tumors isolated from SK-MEL-2 cell-derived xenografts was performed to determine whether cell-based results observed upon 3-DSC treatment could be recapitulated in vivo. Results 3-DSC is able to inhibit cell proliferation in skin cancer cells in an anchorage-dependent and anchorage-independent manner by regulation of TOPK and its related signaling pathway in vitro. We also found that application of 3-DSC reduced acute SSL-induced murine skin hyperplasia. Additionally, we observed that 3-DSC decreased SK-MEL-2 cell-derived xenograft tumor growth through attenuating phosphorylation of TOPK and its downstream effectors including ERK, RSK, and c-Jun. Conclusions Our results suggest that 3-DSC may function in a chemopreventive and chemotherapeutic capacity by protecting against UV-induced skin hyperplasia and inhibiting tumor cell growth by attenuating TOPK signaling, respectively.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaorong Fu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ran Zhao
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Goo Yoon
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Muan, South Korea
| | - Jung-Hyun Shim
- China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Pharmacy, College of Pharmacy, Mokpo National University, Muan, South Korea
| | - Bu Young Choi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Science and Engineering, School of Convergence Bioscience and Technology, Seowon University, Cheongju, South Korea
| | - Fanxiang Yin
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,Department of Translational Medicine Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Beibei Xu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | | | - Kangdong Liu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Zigang Dong
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Mee-Hyun Lee
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China.,China-US (Henan) Hormel Cancer Institute, Zhengzhou, China.,College of Korean Medicine, Dongshin University, Naju, South Korea
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24
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Verusingam ND, Chen YC, Lin HF, Liu CY, Lee MC, Lu KH, Cheong SK, Han-Kiat Ong A, Chiou SH, Wang ML. Generation of osimertinib-resistant cells from epidermal growth factor receptor L858R/T790M mutant non-small cell lung carcinoma cell line. J Chin Med Assoc 2021; 84:248-254. [PMID: 33009209 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lung cancer contributes to high cancer mortality worldwide with 80% of total cases diagnosed as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase (TK) domain serves as a druggable target in NSCLC patients with exon 19 deletion and L858R mutation. However, patients eventually succumbed to resistance to first- and second-generation EGFR-TK inhibitors through activation of T790M mutation. Third-generation EGFR-TKI, Osimertinib exhibits high efficacy in patients with exon 19 deletion/L858R/T790M mutation but they experienced acquired resistance thereafter. Available treatment options in NSCLC patients remains a challenge due to unknown molecular heterogeneity responsible for acquired resistance to EGFR-TKI. In this study, we aim to generate Osimertinib-resistant (OR) cells from H1975 carrying L858R/T790M double mutation which can be used as a model to elucidate mechanism of resistance. METHODS OR cells were established via stepwise-dose escalation and limiting single-cell dilution method. We then evaluated Osimertinib resistance potential via cell viability assay. Proteins expression related to EGFR-signalling, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), and autophagy were analyzed via western blot. RESULTS OR cell lines exhibited increased drug resistance potential compared to H1975. Distinguishable mesenchymal-like features were observed in OR cells. Protein expression analysis revealed EGFR-independent signaling involved in the derived OR cells as well as EMT and autophagy activity. CONCLUSION We generated OR cell lines in-vitro as evidenced by increased drug resistance potential, increased mesenchymal features, and enhanced autophagy activity. Development of Osimertinib resistance cells may serve as in-vitro model facilitating discovery of molecular aberration present during acquired mechanism of resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nalini Devi Verusingam
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- National Cancer Council (MAKNA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Yi-Chen Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Heng-Fu Lin
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chao-Yu Liu
- Division of Traumatology, Department of Surgery, Far Eastern Memorial Hospital, New Taipei City, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Cheng Lee
- Division of Infectious Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Kai-Hsi Lu
- Department of Medical Research and Education, Cheng-Hsin General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Soon-Keng Cheong
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
- National Cancer Council (MAKNA), Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
| | - Alan Han-Kiat Ong
- Centre for Stem Cell Research, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Universiti Tunku Abdul Rahman, Selangor, Malaysia
| | - Shih-Hwa Chiou
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Stem Cell & Genomic Center, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Mong-Lien Wang
- Institute of Pharmacology, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Department of Medical Research, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Institute of Food Safety and Health Risk Assessment, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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25
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Nakahara K, Hamada K, Tsuchida T, Takasugi N, Abiko Y, Shien K, Toyooka S, Kumagai Y, Uehara T. Covalent N-arylation by the pollutant 1,2-naphthoquinone activates the EGF receptor. J Biol Chem 2021; 296:100524. [PMID: 33705793 PMCID: PMC8050034 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbc.2021.100524] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2020] [Revised: 03/01/2021] [Accepted: 03/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022] Open
Abstract
The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is the most intensively investigated receptor tyrosine kinase. Several EGFR mutations and modifications have been shown to lead to abnormal self-activation, which plays a critical role in carcinogenesis. Environmental air pollutants, which are associated with cancer and respiratory diseases, can also activate EGFR. Specifically, the environmental electrophile 1,2-naphthoquinone (1,2-NQ), a component of diesel exhaust particles and particulate matter more generally, has previously been shown to impact EGFR signaling. However, the detailed mechanism of 1,2-NQ function is unknown. Here, we demonstrate that 1,2-NQ is a novel chemical activator of EGFR but not other EGFR family proteins. We found that 1,2-NQ forms a covalent bond, in a reaction referred to as N-arylation, with Lys80, which is in the ligand-binding domain. This modification activates the EGFR-Akt signaling pathway, which inhibits serum deprivation-induced cell death in a human lung adenocarcinoma cell line. Our study reveals a novel mode of EGFR pathway activation and suggests a link between abnormal EGFR activation and environmental pollutant-associated diseases such as cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kengo Nakahara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kyohei Hamada
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tomoki Tsuchida
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nobumasa Takasugi
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yumi Abiko
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Kazuhiko Shien
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shinichi Toyooka
- Department of Thoracic, Breast and Endocrinological Surgery, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yoshito Kumagai
- Environmental Biology Laboratory, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tsukuba, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Takashi Uehara
- Department of Medicinal Pharmacology, Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama University, Okayama, Japan.
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26
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Schinke H, Heider T, Herkommer T, Simon F, Blancke Soares A, Kranz G, Samaga D, Dajka L, Feuchtinger A, Walch A, Valeanu L, Walz C, Kirchner T, Canis M, Baumeister P, Belka C, Maihöfer C, Marschner S, Pflugradt U, Ganswindt U, Hess J, Zitzelsberger H, Gires O. Digital scoring of EpCAM and slug expression as prognostic markers in head and neck squamous cell carcinomas. Mol Oncol 2020; 15:1040-1053. [PMID: 33340247 PMCID: PMC8024715 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.12886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2020] [Revised: 11/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) have poor clinical outcome owing to therapy resistance and frequent recurrences that are among others attributable to tumor cells in partial epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition (pEMT). We compared side‐by‐side software‐based and visual quantification of immunohistochemistry (IHC) staining of epithelial marker EpCAM and EMT regulator Slug in n = 102 primary HNSCC to assess optimal analysis protocols. IHC scores incorporated expression levels and percentages of positive cells. Digital and visual evaluation of membrane‐associated EpCAM yielded correlating scorings, whereas visual evaluation of nuclear Slug resulted in significantly higher overall scores. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard analysis defined the median EpCAM expression levels resulting from visual quantification as an independent prognostic factor of overall survival. Slug expression levels resulting from digital quantification were an independent prognostic factor of recurrence‐free survival, locoregional recurrence‐free survival, and disease‐specific survival. Hence, we propose to use visual assessment for the membrane‐associated EpCAM protein, whereas nuclear protein Slug assessment was more accurate following digital measurement.
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Affiliation(s)
- Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Heider
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Timm Herkommer
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Florian Simon
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Alexandra Blancke Soares
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Daniel Samaga
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laura Dajka
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Annette Feuchtinger
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Axel Walch
- Research Unit Analytical Pathology, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Laura Valeanu
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph Walz
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Thomas Kirchner
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Philipp Baumeister
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Claus Belka
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelius Maihöfer
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Marschner
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Ulrike Pflugradt
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Department of Radiation Oncology, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany
| | - Ute Ganswindt
- Department of Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology, Medical University of Innsbruck, Austria
| | - Julia Hess
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Horst Zitzelsberger
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Ludwig-Maximilians-University Munich, Germany.,Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
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27
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Kang Y, He W, Ren C, Qiao J, Guo Q, Hu J, Xu H, Jiang X, Wang L. Advances in targeted therapy mainly based on signal pathways for nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2020; 5:245. [PMID: 33093441 PMCID: PMC7582884 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-020-00340-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant epithelial carcinoma of the head and neck region which mainly distributes in southern China and Southeast Asia and has a crucial association with the Epstein-Barr virus. Based on epidemiological data, both incidence and mortality of NPC have significantly declined in recent decades grounded on the improvement of living standard and medical level in an endemic region, in particular, with the clinical use of individualized chemotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) which profoundly contributes to the cure rate of NPC patients. To tackle the challenges including local recurrence and distant metastasis in the current NPC treatment, we discussed the implication of using targeted therapy against critical molecules in various signal pathways, and how they synergize with chemoradiotherapy in the NPC treatment. Combination treatment including targeted therapy and IMRT or concurrent chemoradiotherapy is presumably to be future options, which may reduce radiation or chemotherapy toxicities and open new avenues for the improvement of the expected functional outcome for patients with advanced NPC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanbo Kang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Weihan He
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Caiping Ren
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
| | - Jincheng Qiao
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Qiuyong Guo
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jingyu Hu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Hongjuan Xu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Xingjun Jiang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Cancer Research Institute, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- Cancer Research Institute, Collaborative Innovation Center for Cancer Medicine, School of Basic Medical Science, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
- The NHC Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and The Key Laboratory of Carcinogenesis and Cancer Invasion of the Chinese Ministry of Education, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, 410008, Changsha, Hunan, China.
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28
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Chen HN, Liang KH, Lai JK, Lan CH, Liao MY, Hung SH, Chuang YT, Chen KC, Tsuei WWF, Wu HC. EpCAM Signaling Promotes Tumor Progression and Protein Stability of PD-L1 through the EGFR Pathway. Cancer Res 2020; 80:5035-5050. [PMID: 32978170 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-20-1264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 07/17/2020] [Accepted: 09/22/2020] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has previously been shown to promote tumor progression, the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. Here, we report that the EGF-like domain I within the extracellular domain of EpCAM (EpEX) binds EGFR, activating both AKT and MAPK signaling to inhibit forkhead transcription factor O3a (FOXO3a) function and stabilize PD-L1 protein, respectively. Treatment with the EpCAM neutralizing antibody, EpAb2-6, inhibited AKT and FOXO3a phosphorylation, increased FOXO3a nuclear translocation, and upregulated high temperature requirement A2 (HtrA2) expression to promote apoptosis while decreasing PD-L1 protein levels to enhance the cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells. In vivo, EpAb2-6 markedly extended survival in mouse metastasis and orthotopic models of human colorectal cancer. The combination of EpAb2-6 with atezolizumab, an anti-PD-L1 antibody, almost completely eliminated tumors. Moreover, the number of CD8+ T cells in combination-treated tumors was increased compared with atezolizumab alone. Our findings suggest a new combination strategy for cancer immunotherapy in patients with EpCAM-expressing tumors. SIGNIFICANCE: This study shows that treatment with an EpCAM neutralizing antibody promotes apoptosis while decreasing PD-L1 protein to enhance cytotoxic activity of CD8+ T cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao-Nien Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kang-Hao Liang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Jun-Kai Lai
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Hsin Lan
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ying Liao
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Shao-Hsi Hung
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Ting Chuang
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Kai-Chi Chen
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - William Wei-Fu Tsuei
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology, Academia Sinica, Nankang, Taipei, Taiwan.
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29
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Fagotto F, Aslemarz A. EpCAM cellular functions in adhesion and migration, and potential impact on invasion: A critical review. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2020; 1874:188436. [PMID: 32976980 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2020.188436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2020] [Revised: 09/19/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM has long been known as a cell surface protein highly expressed in carcinomas. It has since become one of the key cancer biomarkers. Despite its high fame, its actual role in cancer development is still controversial. Beyond a flurry of correlative studies, which point either to a positive or a negative link with tumour progression, there has been surprisingly few studies on the actual cellular mechanisms of EpCAM and on their functional consequences. Clearly, EpCAM plays multiple important roles, in cell proliferation as well as in cell adhesion and migration. The two latter functions, directly relevant for metastasis, are the focus of this review. We attempt here to bring together the available experimental data to build a global coherent view of EpCAM functions. We also include in this overview EpCAM2/Trop2, the close relative of EpCAM. At the core of EpCAM (and EpCAM2/Trop2) function stands the ability to repress contractility of the actomyosin cell cortex. This activity appears to involve direct inhibition by EpCAM of members of the novel PKC family and of a specific downstream PKD-Erk cascade. We will discuss how this activity can result in a variety of adhesive and migratory phenotypes, thus potentially explaining at least part of the apparent inconsistencies between different studies. The picture remains fragmented, and we will highlight some of the conflicting evidence and the many unsolved issues, starting with the controversy around its original description as a cell-cell adhesion molecule.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France.
| | - Azam Aslemarz
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, Montpellier 34293, France; Department of Biology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H3A1B1, Canada
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30
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Fagotto F. EpCAM as Modulator of Tissue Plasticity. Cells 2020; 9:E2128. [PMID: 32961790 PMCID: PMC7563481 DOI: 10.3390/cells9092128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2020] [Revised: 08/24/2020] [Accepted: 09/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
The Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule or EpCAM is a well-known marker highly expressed in carcinomas and showing a strong correlation with poor cancer prognosis. While its name relates to its proposed function as a cell adhesion molecule, EpCAM has been shown to have various signalling functions. In particular, it has been identified as an important positive regulator of cell adhesion and migration, playing an essential role in embryonic morphogenesis as well as intestinal homeostasis. This activity is not due to its putative adhesive function, but rather to its ability to repress myosin contractility by impinging on a PKC signalling cascade. This mechanism confers EpCAM the unique property of favouring tissue plasticity. I review here the currently available data, comment on possible connections with other properties of EpCAM, and discuss the potential significance in the context of cancer invasion.
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Affiliation(s)
- François Fagotto
- CRBM, University of Montpellier and CNRS, 34293 Montpellier, France
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31
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Gires O, Pan M, Schinke H, Canis M, Baeuerle PA. Expression and function of epithelial cell adhesion molecule EpCAM: where are we after 40 years? Cancer Metastasis Rev 2020; 39:969-987. [PMID: 32507912 PMCID: PMC7497325 DOI: 10.1007/s10555-020-09898-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
EpCAM (epithelial cell adhesion molecule) was discovered four decades ago as a tumor antigen on colorectal carcinomas. Owing to its frequent and high expression on carcinomas and their metastases, EpCAM serves as a prognostic marker, a therapeutic target, and an anchor molecule on circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs), which are considered the major source for metastatic cancer cells. Today, EpCAM is reckoned as a multi-functional transmembrane protein involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, stemness, and epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of carcinoma cells. To fulfill these functions, EpCAM is instrumental in intra- and intercellular signaling as a full-length molecule and following regulated intramembrane proteolysis, generating functionally active extra- and intracellular fragments. Intact EpCAM and its proteolytic fragments interact with claudins, CD44, E-cadherin, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and intracellular signaling components of the WNT and Ras/Raf pathways, respectively. This plethora of functions contributes to shaping intratumor heterogeneity and partial EMT, which are major determinants of the clinical outcome of carcinoma patients. EpCAM represents a marker for the epithelial status of primary and systemic tumor cells and emerges as a measure for the metastatic capacity of CTCs. Consequentially, EpCAM has reclaimed potential as a prognostic marker and target on primary and systemic tumor cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany.
- Clinical Cooperation Group "Personalized Radiotherapy in Head and Neck Cancer", Helmholtz Zentrum, Neuherberg, Germany.
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, No. 1 Youyi Road, Yuzhong District, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Henrik Schinke
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Martin Canis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377, Munich, Germany
| | - Patrick A Baeuerle
- Institute for Immunology, LMU Munich, Grosshadernerstr. 9, 82152 Planegg, Martinsried, Germany
- MPM Capital, Cambridge MA, 450 Kendall Street, Cambridge, MA, 02142, USA
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Eslami-S Z, Cortés-Hernández LE, Alix-Panabières C. Epithelial Cell Adhesion Molecule: An Anchor to Isolate Clinically Relevant Circulating Tumor Cells. Cells 2020; 9:cells9081836. [PMID: 32764280 PMCID: PMC7464831 DOI: 10.3390/cells9081836] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/31/2020] [Accepted: 08/03/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
In the last few decades, the epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) has received increased attention as the main membrane marker used in many enrichment technologies to isolate circulating tumor cells (CTCs). Although there has been a great deal of progress in the implementation of EpCAM-based CTC detection technologies in medical settings, several issues continue to limit their clinical utility. The biology of EpCAM and its role are not completely understood but evidence suggests that the expression of this epithelial cell-surface protein is crucial for metastasis-competent CTCs and may not be lost completely during the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. In this review, we summarize the most significant advantages and disadvantages of using EpCAM as a marker for CTC enrichment and its potential biological role in the metastatic cascade.
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Gaber A, Lenarčič B, Pavšič M. Current View on EpCAM Structural Biology. Cells 2020; 9:cells9061361. [PMID: 32486423 PMCID: PMC7349879 DOI: 10.3390/cells9061361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/29/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
EpCAM, a carcinoma cell-surface marker protein and a therapeutic target, has been primarily addressed as a cell adhesion molecule. With regard to recent discoveries of its role in signaling with implications in cell proliferation and differentiation, and findings contradicting a direct role in mediating adhesion contacts, we provide a comprehensive and updated overview on the available structural data on EpCAM and interpret it in the light of recent reports on its function. First, we describe the structure of extracellular part of EpCAM, both as a subunit and part of a cis-dimer which, according to several experimental observations, represents a biologically relevant oligomeric state. Next, we provide a thorough evaluation of reports on EpCAM as a homophilic cell adhesion molecule with a structure-based explanation why direct EpCAM participation in cell–cell contacts is highly unlikely. Finally, we review the signaling aspect of EpCAM with focus on accessibility of signaling-associated cleavage sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aljaž Gaber
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
| | - Brigita Lenarčič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Department of Biochemistry, Molecular and Structural Biology, Jožef Stefan Institute, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Miha Pavšič
- Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, Faculty of Chemistry and Chemical Technology, University of Ljubljana, SI-1000 Ljubljana, Slovenia; (A.G.); (B.L.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +386-1-479-8550
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Lin C, Ren Z, Yang X, Yang R, Chen Y, Liu Z, Dai Z, Zhang Y, He Y, Zhang C, Wang X, Cao W, Ji T. Nerve growth factor (NGF)-TrkA axis in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma triggers EMT and confers resistance to the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib. Cancer Lett 2020; 472:81-96. [PMID: 31838083 DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2019.12.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/30/2019] [Revised: 12/09/2019] [Accepted: 12/10/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Understanding the molecular mechanisms regulating tumor dissemination and therapeutic resistance is of central importance for effective cancer therapies. Here, we report that nerve growth factor (NGF) and its receptor TrkA facilitate epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and EGFR inhibitor resistance via STAT3 activation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Both NGF and TrkA expression were elevated in HNSCC, indicating poor clinical outcomes. NGF was highly expressed in cancer cells and nerves in perineural niche, whereas TrkA expression was higher in cancer cells with perineural invasion. The NGF/TrkA axis could promote HNSCC cell dissemination and trigger EMT via STAT3 activation. Moreover, we discovered that the NGF/TrkA axis conferred resistance to the EGFR inhibitor erlotinib via EMT processes in HNSCC cells. Blocking TrkA signaling markedly reversed EMT and sensitized HNSCC cells to erlotinib in both in vitro and in vivo models. Overall, our results demonstrate novel evidence that the paracrine NGF/TrkA axis favors EMT and confers EGFR-targeted therapeutic resistance in HNSCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengzhong Lin
- The 2nd Dental Center, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China; National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhenhu Ren
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xi Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Rong Yang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yiming Chen
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zheqi Liu
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Zhenlin Dai
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Yu Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Youya He
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Chunye Zhang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral Pathology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China
| | - Xu Wang
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Wei Cao
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
| | - Tong Ji
- National Clinical Research Center for Oral Disease, Shanghai, 200011, China; Shanghai Key Laboratory of Stomatology & Shanghai Research Institute of Stomatology, Shanghai, 200011, China; Department of Oral and Maxillofacial-Head and Neck Oncology, Ninth People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200011, China.
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35
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Zhang L, Lin W, Chen X, Wei G, Zhu H, Xing S. Tanshinone IIA reverses EGF- and TGF-β1-mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition in HepG2 cells via the PI3K/Akt/ERK signaling pathway. Oncol Lett 2019; 18:6554-6562. [PMID: 31807174 PMCID: PMC6876303 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2019.11032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2019] [Accepted: 07/12/2019] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is an essential phenotypic conversion involved in cancer progression. Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 are potent inducers of the EMT. Tanshinone IIA (Tan IIA) is a phenanthrenequinone extracted from the root of Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, and its anticancer activity has been demonstrated in numerous studies. However, the mechanisms of action underlying Tan IIA in EGF- and TGF-β1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells remain unknown. Multiple assays were utilized in the present study, including colony formation, wound healing, Transwell invasion, immunofluorescence staining and western blotting, in order to assess the influence of Tan IIA on HepG2 cells induced by 20 ng/ml EGF and 10 ng/ml TGF-β1. The present study reported that Tan IIA treatment decreased EGF- and TGF-β1-enhanced cell colony numbers, migration and invasion, and inhibited EGF- and TGF-β1-induced decreases in the expression levels of E-cadherin, and increases in the expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2, N-cadherin, vimentin and Snail. In addition, it was observed that Tan IIA decreased the expression levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-ERK1/2 induced by EGF and TGF-β1. Furthermore, western blot analysis confirmed that blocking the function of PI3K/Akt and ERK with LY294002 and U0126 resulted in upregulation of E-cadherin expression, and downregulation of vimentin and Snail expression in EGF- and TGF-β1-treated HepG2 cells. In conclusion, to the best of our knowledge, the results of the present study are the first to indicate that Tan IIA may suppress EGF- and TGF-β1-induced EMT in HepG2 cells by deactivating the PI3K/Akt/ERK pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Longkai Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Evaluation and Testing Center, Hong Zheng Dao (China) Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Company Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Weibin Lin
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Evaluation and Testing Center, Hong Zheng Dao (China) Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Company Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Xiaodan Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Evaluation and Testing Center, Hong Zheng Dao (China) Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Company Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Gang Wei
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Hailong Zhu
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Quality Evaluation and Testing Center, Hong Zheng Dao (China) Traditional Chinese Medicine Research Company Ltd., Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
| | - Shangping Xing
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510006, P.R. China
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Liu X, Li J, Cadilha BL, Markota A, Voigt C, Huang Z, Lin PP, Wang DD, Dai J, Kranz G, Krandick A, Libl D, Zitzelsberger H, Zagorski I, Braselmann H, Pan M, Zhu S, Huang Y, Niedermeyer S, Reichel CA, Uhl B, Briukhovetska D, Suárez J, Kobold S, Gires O, Wang H. Epithelial-type systemic breast carcinoma cells with a restricted mesenchymal transition are a major source of metastasis. SCIENCE ADVANCES 2019; 5:eaav4275. [PMID: 31223646 PMCID: PMC6584608 DOI: 10.1126/sciadv.aav4275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 22.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Carcinoma cells undergo epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); however, contributions of EMT heterogeneity to disease progression remain a matter of debate. Here, we addressed the EMT status of ex vivo cultured circulating and disseminated tumor cells (CTCs/DTCs) in a syngeneic mouse model of metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Epithelial-type CTCs with a restricted mesenchymal transition had the strongest lung metastases formation ability, whereas mesenchymal-type CTCs showed limited metastatic ability. EpCAM expression served as a surrogate marker to evaluate the EMT heterogeneity of clinical samples from MBC, including metastases, CTCs, and DTCs. The proportion of epithelial-type CTCs, and especially DTCs, correlated with distant metastases and poorer outcome of patients with MBC. This study fosters our understanding of EMT in metastasis and underpins heterogeneous EMT phenotypes as important parameters for tumor prognosis and treatment. We further suggest that EpCAM-dependent CTC isolation systems will underestimate CTC numbers but will quantify clinically relevant metastatic cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Liu
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Junjian Li
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
| | - Bruno Loureiro Cadilha
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Anamarija Markota
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Cornelia Voigt
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Zhe Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | | | | | - Juncheng Dai
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing 211166, China
| | - Gisela Kranz
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Anna Krandick
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Darko Libl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Horst Zitzelsberger
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Department of Radiation Oncology, University Hospital, LMU Munich, Munich, Germany
| | - Isabella Zagorski
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Herbert Braselmann
- Research Unit Radiation Cytogenetics, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
| | - Min Pan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sibo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Genetic Engineering, School of Life Sciences, Fudan University, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yuanchi Huang
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Niedermeyer
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Christoph A. Reichel
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Bernd Uhl
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Daria Briukhovetska
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Javier Suárez
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Sebastian Kobold
- Center of Integrated Protein Science Munich and Division of Clinical Pharmacology, Department of Medicine IV, Klinikum der Ludwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Member of the German Center for Lung Research, Lindwurmstrasse 2a, 80337 Munich, Germany
| | - Olivier Gires
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, University Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilians University of Munich, Marchioninistr. 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
- Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, Neuherberg, Germany
- Corresponding author. (O.G.); (H.W.)
| | - Hongxia Wang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai General Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200080, China
- Corresponding author. (O.G.); (H.W.)
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37
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Canning M, Guo G, Yu M, Myint C, Groves MW, Byrd JK, Cui Y. Heterogeneity of the Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Immune Landscape and Its Impact on Immunotherapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:52. [PMID: 31024913 PMCID: PMC6465325 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 177] [Impact Index Per Article: 35.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 03/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinomas (HNSCCs) are highly aggressive, multi-factorial tumors in the upper aerodigestive tract affecting more than half a million patients worldwide each year. Alcohol, tobacco, and human papillomavirus (HPV) infection are well known causative factors for HNSCCs. Current treatment options for HNSCCs are surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, or combinatorial remedies. Over the past decade, despite the marked improvement in clinical outcome of many tumor types, the overall 5-year survival rate of HNSCCs remained ∼40–50% largely due to poor availability of effective therapeutic options for HNSCC patients with recurrent disease. Therefore, there is an urgent and unmet need for the identification of specific molecular signatures that better predict the clinical outcomes and markers that serve as better therapeutic targets. With recent technological advances in genomic and epigenetic analyses, our knowledge of HNSCC molecular characteristics and classification has been greatly enriched. Clinical and genomic meta-analysis of multicohort HNSCC gene expression profile has clearly demonstrated that HPV+ and HPV- HNSCCs are not only derived from tissues of different anatomical regions, but also present with different mutation profiles, molecular characteristics, immune landscapes, and clinical prognosis. Here, we briefly review our current understanding of the biology, molecular profile, and immunological landscape of the HPV+ and HPV- HNSCCs with an emphasis on the diversity and heterogeneity of HNSCC clinicopathology and therapeutic responses. After a review of recent advances and specific challenges for effective immunotherapy of HNSCCs, we then conclude with a discussion on the need to further enhance our understanding of the unique characteristics of HNSCC heterogeneity and the plasticity of immune landscape. Increased knowledge regarding the immunological characteristics of HPV+ and HPV- HNSCCs would improve therapeutic targeting and immunotherapy strategies for different subtypes of HNSCCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madison Canning
- Medical College of Georgia, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Gang Guo
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Miao Yu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Calvin Myint
- Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Michael W Groves
- Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - James Kenneth Byrd
- Department of Otolaryngology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
| | - Yan Cui
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Georgia Cancer Center, School of Medicine, Augusta University, Augusta, GA, United States
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38
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Kuan II, Lee CC, Chen CH, Lu J, Kuo YS, Wu HC. The extracellular domain of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) enhances multipotency of mesenchymal stem cells through EGFR-LIN28-LET7 signaling. J Biol Chem 2019; 294:7769-7786. [PMID: 30926604 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra119.007386] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2019] [Revised: 03/19/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are widely considered to be an attractive cell source for regenerative therapies, but maintaining multipotency and self-renewal in cultured MSCs is especially challenging. Hence, the development and mechanistic description of strategies that help promote multipotency in MSCs will be vital to future clinical use. Here, using an array of techniques and approaches, including cell biology, RT-quantitative PCR, immunoblotting, immunofluorescence, flow cytometry, and ChIP assays, we show that the extracellular domain of epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) (EpEX) significantly increases the levels of pluripotency factors through a signaling cascade that includes epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), and Lin-28 homolog A (LIN28) and enhances the proliferation of human bone marrow MSCs. Moreover, we found that EpEX-induced LIN28 expression reduces the expression of the microRNA LET7 and up-regulates that of the transcription factor high-mobility group AT-hook 2 (HMGA2), which activates the transcription of pluripotency factors. Surprisingly, we found that EpEX treatment also enhances osteogenesis of MSCs under differentiation conditions, as evidenced by increases in osteogenic markers, including Runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2). Taken together, our results indicate that EpEX stimulates EGFR signaling and thereby context-dependently controls MSC states and activities, promoting cell proliferation and multipotency under maintenance conditions and osteogenesis under differentiation conditions.
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Affiliation(s)
- I-I Kuan
- From the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology and
| | - Chi-Chiu Lee
- From the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology and
| | - Chien-Hsu Chen
- From the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology and
| | - Jean Lu
- Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115 and
| | - Yuan-Sung Kuo
- the Department of Surgery, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan
| | - Han-Chung Wu
- From the Institute of Cellular and Organismic Biology and .,Genomic Research Center, Academia Sinica, Taipei 115 and
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39
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Huang Y, Chanou A, Kranz G, Pan M, Kohlbauer V, Ettinger A, Gires O. Membrane-associated epithelial cell adhesion molecule is slowly cleaved by γ-secretase prior to efficient proteasomal degradation of its intracellular domain. J Biol Chem 2018; 294:3051-3064. [PMID: 30598504 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.ra118.005874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2018] [Revised: 12/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Regulated intramembrane proteolysis (RIP) is a key mechanism for activating transmembrane proteins such as epithelial cell adhesion molecule (EpCAM) for cellular signaling and degradation. EpCAM is highly expressed in carcinomas and progenitor and embryonic stem cells and is involved in the regulation of cell adhesion, proliferation, and differentiation. Strictly sequential cleavage of EpCAM through RIP involves initial shedding of the extracellular domain by α-secretase (ADAM) and β-secretase (BACE) sheddases, generating a membrane-tethered C-terminal fragment EpCTF. Subsequently, the rate-limiting γ-secretase complex catalyzes intramembrane cleavage of EpCTF, generating an extracellular EpCAM-Aβ-like fragment and an intracellular EpICD fragment involved in nuclear signaling. Here, we have combined biochemical approaches with live-cell imaging of fluorescent protein tags to investigate the kinetics of γ-secretase-mediated intramembrane cleavage of EpCTF. We demonstrate that γ-secretase-mediated proteolysis of exogenously and endogenously expressed EpCTF is a slow process with a 50% protein turnover in cells ranging from 45 min to 5.5 h. The slow cleavage was dictated by γ-secretase activity and not by EpCTF species, as indicated by cross-species swapping experiments. Furthermore, both human and murine EpICDs generated from EpCTF by γ-secretase were degraded efficiently (94-99%) by the proteasome. Hence, proteolytic cleavage of EpCTF is a comparably slow process, and EpICD generation does not appear to be suited for rapidly transducing extracellular cues into nuclear signaling, but appears to provide steady signals that can be further controlled through efficient proteasomal degradation. Our approach provides an unbiased bioassay to investigate proteolytic processing of EpCTF in single living cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanchi Huang
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany, .,the Department of Spinal Surgery, Honghui Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710054, China
| | - Anna Chanou
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Gisela Kranz
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Min Pan
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Vera Kohlbauer
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany
| | - Andreas Ettinger
- the Institute of Epigenetics and Stem Cells, Marchioninistrasse 25, 81377 München, Germany, and
| | - Olivier Gires
- From the Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Grosshadern Medical Center, Ludwig-Maximilians-University, Munich, Marchioninistrasse 15, 81377 Munich, Germany, .,the Clinical Cooperation Group Personalized Radiotherapy of Head and Neck Tumors, Helmholtz Zentrum München, 85764 Neuherberg, Germany
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40
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Pathak SJ, Mueller JL, Okamoto K, Das B, Hertecant J, Greenhalgh L, Cole T, Pinsk V, Yerushalmi B, Gurkan OE, Yourshaw M, Hernandez E, Oesterreicher S, Naik S, Sanderson IR, Axelsson I, Agardh D, Boland CR, Martin MG, Putnam CD, Sivagnanam M. EPCAM mutation update: Variants associated with congenital tufting enteropathy and Lynch syndrome. Hum Mutat 2018; 40:142-161. [PMID: 30461124 PMCID: PMC6328345 DOI: 10.1002/humu.23688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2018] [Revised: 10/24/2018] [Accepted: 11/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
The epithelial cell adhesion molecule gene (EPCAM, previously known as TACSTD1 or TROP1) encodes a membrane‐bound protein that is localized to the basolateral membrane of epithelial cells and is overexpressed in some tumors. Biallelic mutations in EPCAM cause congenital tufting enteropathy (CTE), which is a rare chronic diarrheal disorder presenting in infancy. Monoallelic deletions of the 3′ end of EPCAM that silence the downstream gene, MSH2, cause a form of Lynch syndrome, which is a cancer predisposition syndrome associated with loss of DNA mismatch repair. Here, we report 13 novel EPCAM mutations from 17 CTE patients from two separate centers, review EPCAM mutations associated with CTE and Lynch syndrome, and structurally model pathogenic missense mutations. Statistical analyses indicate that the c.499dupC (previously reported as c.498insC) frameshift mutation was associated with more severe treatment regimens and greater mortality in CTE, whereas the c.556‐14A>G and c.491+1G>A splice site mutations were not correlated with treatments or outcomes significantly different than random simulation. These findings suggest that genotype–phenotype correlations may be useful in contributing to management decisions of CTE patients. Depending on the type and nature of EPCAM mutation, one of two unrelated diseases may occur, CTE or Lynch syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sagar J Pathak
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
| | - James L Mueller
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Kevin Okamoto
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Barun Das
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Jozef Hertecant
- Genetics/Metabolics Service, Tawam Hospital, Al Ain, United Arab Emirates
| | | | - Trevor Cole
- West Midlands Regional Genetics Service and Birmingham Health Partners, Birmingham Women's Hospital, Birmingham, UK
| | - Vered Pinsk
- Division of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Baruch Yerushalmi
- Division of Pediatrics, Pediatric Gastroenterology Unit, Soroka University Medical Center and Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva, Israel
| | - Odul E Gurkan
- Department of Pediatrics, Gazi University School of Medicine, Ankara, Turkey
| | - Michael Yourshaw
- Department of Human Genetics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Erick Hernandez
- Pediatric Gastroenterology, Miami Children's Health System, Miami, Florida
| | | | - Sandhia Naik
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Ian R Sanderson
- Paediatric Gastroenterology, Barts and the London School of Medicine, London, UK
| | - Irene Axelsson
- Department of Pediatrics, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - Daniel Agardh
- Department of Clinical Sciences, Lund University, Skane University Hospital, Malmo, Sweden
| | - C Richard Boland
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California
| | - Martin G Martin
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, California
| | - Christopher D Putnam
- Department of Medicine, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,San Diego Branch, Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, La Jolla, California
| | - Mamata Sivagnanam
- Department of Pediatrics, University of California, San Diego, La Jolla, California.,Rady Children's Hospital, San Diego, California
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