1
|
Han Y, Rovella V, Smirnov A, Buonomo OC, Mauriello A, Perretta T, Shi Y, Woodmsith J, Bischof J, Melino G, Candi E, Bernassola F. A BRCA2 germline mutation and high expression of immune checkpoints in a TNBC patient. Cell Death Discov 2023; 9:370. [PMID: 37813891 PMCID: PMC10562433 DOI: 10.1038/s41420-023-01651-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2023] [Revised: 08/23/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is the most aggressive subtype of mammary carcinoma. Here, we describe a case of an 81-year-old female diagnosed with ductal triple negative breast cancer with a germline pathogenic variant in BReast CAncer gene2 (BRCA2). Genetic testing also revealed the presence of four somatic mutations in the ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EphA3), TP53, BRCA1-associated protein (BAP1), and MYB genes. The BRCA2, TP53, and BAP1 gene mutations are highly predictive of a defective homologous recombination repair system and subsequent chromosomal instability in this patient. Coherently, the patient displayed a strong homologous recombination deficiency signature and high tumor mutational burden status, which are generally associated with increased probability of immune neoantigens formation and presentation, and with tumor immunogenicity. Analysis of immune checkpoint revealed high expression of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1), programmed cell death ligand 2 (PD-L2), programmed death 1 (PD1), and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4 (CTLA 4), suggesting that the patient might likely benefit from immunotherapies. Altogether, these findings support an unveiled link between BRCA2 inactivation, HR deficiency and increased expression of immune checkpoints in TNBC. This clinical case highlights the importance of screening TNBC patients for genetic mutations and TMB biomarkers in order to predict the potential efficacy of immunotherapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuyi Han
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Department of Ophthalmology, The Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 214000, Wuxi, China
| | - Valentina Rovella
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Artem Smirnov
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy
| | - Oreste Claudio Buonomo
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Alessandro Mauriello
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy
| | - Tommaso Perretta
- Department of Diagnostic Imaging and Interventional Radiology, Policlinico Tor Vergata University, Rome, 00133, Italy
| | - Yufang Shi
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University, Institutes for Translational Medicine, Soochow University, Suzhou, 215000, China
| | | | - Julia Bischof
- Indivumed GmbH, Falkenried, 88 Building D, 20251, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Gerry Melino
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| | - Eleonora Candi
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
- Biochemistry Laboratory, Istituto Dermopatico Immacolata (IDI-IRCCS), 00100, Rome, Italy.
| | - Francesca Bernassola
- Department of Experimental Medicine, TOR, University of Rome Tor Vergata, 00133, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Guo JT, Malik F. Single-Stranded DNA Binding Proteins and Their Identification Using Machine Learning-Based Approaches. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12091187. [PMID: 36139026 PMCID: PMC9496475 DOI: 10.3390/biom12091187] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Single-stranded DNA (ssDNA) binding proteins (SSBs) are critical in maintaining genome stability by protecting the transient existence of ssDNA from damage during essential biological processes, such as DNA replication and gene transcription. The single-stranded region of telomeres also requires protection by ssDNA binding proteins from being attacked in case it is wrongly recognized as an anomaly. In addition to their critical roles in genome stability and integrity, it has been demonstrated that ssDNA and SSB-ssDNA interactions play critical roles in transcriptional regulation in all three domains of life and viruses. In this review, we present our current knowledge of the structure and function of SSBs and the structural features for SSB binding specificity. We then discuss the machine learning-based approaches that have been developed for the prediction of SSBs from double-stranded DNA (dsDNA) binding proteins (DSBs).
Collapse
|
3
|
Shan L, Zhu XL, Zhang Y, Gu GJ, Cheng X. Expression and clinical significance of NUF2 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma. Transl Androl Urol 2021; 10:3628-3637. [PMID: 34733658 PMCID: PMC8511540 DOI: 10.21037/tau-21-620] [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: 06/25/2021] [Accepted: 08/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Background To explore the expression and clinical significance of the cytokinesis-related gene NUF2 in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC). Methods Gene expression profiles of KIRC patients were extracted from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. The differences in NUF2 mRNA expression between patients and controls, as well as the relationship between the clinical characteristics and overall survival of the patients, were analyzed. The expression of NUF2 protein in 83 cancer tissues and para-cancerous tissues was detected to analyze the relationship with clinical characteristics. Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA) was used to investigate the possible regulatory pathways of the NUF2 in the development of KIRC. Results NUF2 mRNA was significantly higher in patients with KIRC, and the prognosis of patients with high expression of NUF2 mRNA was significantly worse than those with low expression, and was related to the AJCC stage, T stage, lymph node metastases, and distant metastases. NUF2 mRNA was an independent prognostic risk factor for KIRC patients. The expression of NUF2 protein was significantly higher in KIRC patients than in paraneoplastic tissues and was markedly associated with the pathological grade. In addition, the high expression of NUF2 was associated with the upregulation of pathways such as homologous recombination and DNA replication. Conclusions NUF2 may act as an independent prognostic biomarker for predicting the survival of KIRC patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li Shan
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Soochow University Affiliated Taicang Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Taicang), Suzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Li Zhu
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Soochow University Affiliated Taicang Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Taicang), Suzhou, China
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Soochow University Affiliated Taicang Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Taicang), Suzhou, China
| | - Guo-Jian Gu
- Department of Pathology, Soochow University Affiliated Taicang Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Taicang), Suzhou, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Department of Hematology and Oncology, Soochow University Affiliated Taicang Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Taicang), Suzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Willaume S, Rass E, Fontanilla-Ramirez P, Moussa A, Wanschoor P, Bertrand P. A Link between Replicative Stress, Lamin Proteins, and Inflammation. Genes (Basel) 2021; 12:genes12040552. [PMID: 33918867 PMCID: PMC8070205 DOI: 10.3390/genes12040552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2021] [Revised: 03/23/2021] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Double-stranded breaks (DSB), the most toxic DNA lesions, are either a consequence of cellular metabolism, programmed as in during V(D)J recombination, or induced by anti-tumoral therapies or accidental genotoxic exposure. One origin of DSB sources is replicative stress, a major source of genome instability, especially when the integrity of the replication forks is not properly guaranteed. To complete stalled replication, restarting the fork requires complex molecular mechanisms, such as protection, remodeling, and processing. Recently, a link has been made between DNA damage accumulation and inflammation. Indeed, defects in DNA repair or in replication can lead to the release of DNA fragments in the cytosol. The recognition of this self-DNA by DNA sensors leads to the production of inflammatory factors. This beneficial response activating an innate immune response and destruction of cells bearing DNA damage may be considered as a novel part of DNA damage response. However, upon accumulation of DNA damage, a chronic inflammatory cellular microenvironment may lead to inflammatory pathologies, aging, and progression of tumor cells. Progress in understanding the molecular mechanisms of DNA damage repair, replication stress, and cytosolic DNA production would allow to propose new therapeutical strategies against cancer or inflammatory diseases associated with aging. In this review, we describe the mechanisms involved in DSB repair, the replicative stress management, and its consequences. We also focus on new emerging links between key components of the nuclear envelope, the lamins, and DNA repair, management of replicative stress, and inflammation.
Collapse
|
5
|
Scott DE, Francis-Newton NJ, Marsh ME, Coyne AG, Fischer G, Moschetti T, Bayly AR, Sharpe TD, Haas KT, Barber L, Valenzano CR, Srinivasan R, Huggins DJ, Lee M, Emery A, Hardwick B, Ehebauer M, Dagostin C, Esposito A, Pellegrini L, Perrior T, McKenzie G, Blundell TL, Hyvönen M, Skidmore J, Venkitaraman AR, Abell C. A small-molecule inhibitor of the BRCA2-RAD51 interaction modulates RAD51 assembly and potentiates DNA damage-induced cell death. Cell Chem Biol 2021; 28:835-847.e5. [PMID: 33662256 PMCID: PMC8219027 DOI: 10.1016/j.chembiol.2021.02.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2020] [Revised: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BRCA2 controls RAD51 recombinase during homologous DNA recombination (HDR) through eight evolutionarily conserved BRC repeats, which individually engage RAD51 via the motif Phe-x-x-Ala. Using structure-guided molecular design, templated on a monomeric thermostable chimera between human RAD51 and archaeal RadA, we identify CAM833, a 529 Da orthosteric inhibitor of RAD51:BRC with a Kd of 366 nM. The quinoline of CAM833 occupies a hotspot, the Phe-binding pocket on RAD51 and the methyl of the substituted α-methylbenzyl group occupies the Ala-binding pocket. In cells, CAM833 diminishes formation of damage-induced RAD51 nuclear foci; inhibits RAD51 molecular clustering, suppressing extended RAD51 filament assembly; potentiates cytotoxicity by ionizing radiation, augmenting 4N cell-cycle arrest and apoptotic cell death and works with poly-ADP ribose polymerase (PARP)1 inhibitors to suppress growth in BRCA2-wildtype cells. Thus, chemical inhibition of the protein-protein interaction between BRCA2 and RAD51 disrupts HDR and potentiates DNA damage-induced cell death, with implications for cancer therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Duncan E Scott
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Nicola J Francis-Newton
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - May E Marsh
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Anthony G Coyne
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Gerhard Fischer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Tommaso Moschetti
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Andrew R Bayly
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Timothy D Sharpe
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Kalina T Haas
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Lorraine Barber
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Chiara R Valenzano
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Rajavel Srinivasan
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - David J Huggins
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK; Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Miyoung Lee
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Amy Emery
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Bryn Hardwick
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Matthias Ehebauer
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Claudio Dagostin
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| | - Alessandro Esposito
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Luca Pellegrini
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Trevor Perrior
- Excellium Consulting, Brook Farm Barn, Lackford, Bury St Edmunds IP28 6HL, UK
| | - Grahame McKenzie
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK
| | - Tom L Blundell
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK
| | - Marko Hyvönen
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Cambridge, 80 Tennis Court Road, Cambridge CB2 1GA, UK.
| | - John Skidmore
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK.
| | - Ashok R Venkitaraman
- Medical Research Council Cancer Unit, University of Cambridge, Hutchison/MRC Research Centre, Hills Road, Cambridge CB2 0XZ, UK.
| | - Chris Abell
- Yusuf Hamied Department of Chemistry, University of Cambridge, Lensfield Road, Cambridge CB2 1EW, UK
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
García IA, Pansa MF, Pacciaroni ADV, García ME, Gonzalez ML, Oberti JC, Bocco JL, Carpinella MC, Barboza GE, Nicotra VE, Soria G. Synthetic Lethal Activity of Benzophenanthridine Alkaloids From Zanthoxylum coco Against BRCA1-Deficient Cancer Cells. Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:593845. [PMID: 33424604 PMCID: PMC7793782 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.593845] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Accepted: 10/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Several plants from South America show strong antitumoral properties based on anti-proliferative and/or pro-apoptotic activities. In this work we aimed to identify selective cytotoxic compounds that target BRCA1-deficient cancer cells by Synthetic Lethality (SL) induction. Using a high-throughput screening technology developed in our laboratory, we analyzed a collection of extracts from 46 native plant species from Argentina using a wide dose-response scheme. A highly selective SL-induction capacity was found in an alkaloidal extract from Zanthoxylum coco (Fam. Rutaceae). Bio-guided fractionation coupled to HPLC led to the identification of active benzophenanthridine alkaloids. The most potent SL activity was found with the compound oxynitidine, which showed a remarkably low relative abundance in the active fractions. Further validation experiments were performed using the commercially available and closely related analog nitidine, which showed SL-induction activity against various BRCA1-deficient cell lines with different genetic backgrounds, even in the nanomolar range. Exploration of the underlying mechanism of action using BRCA1-KO cells revealed AKT and topoisomerases as the potential targets responsible of nitidine-triggered SL-induction. Taken together, our findings expose an unforeseen therapeutic activity of alkaloids from Zanthoxylum-spp. that position them as novel lead molecules for drug discovery.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Iris A García
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Florencia Pansa
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Adriana Del Valle Pacciaroni
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, IMBIV-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Manuela E García
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, IMBIV-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Laura Gonzalez
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad Jose Sanchez Labrador S.J., IRNASUS-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Juan Carlos Oberti
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, IMBIV-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - José Luís Bocco
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Maria Cecilia Carpinella
- Instituto de Investigaciones en Recursos Naturales y Sustentabilidad Jose Sanchez Labrador S.J., IRNASUS-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gloria E Barboza
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, IMBIV-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Viviana E Nicotra
- Instituto Multidisciplinario de Biología Vegetal, IMBIV-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Química Orgánica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| | - Gastón Soria
- Centro de Investigaciones en Bioquímica Clínica e Inmunología, CIBICI-CONICET, Córdoba, Argentina.,Departamento de Bioquímica Clínica, Facultad de Ciencias Químicas, Universidad Nacional de Córdoba, Córdoba, Argentina
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Santana dos Santos E, Lallemand F, Petitalot A, Caputo SM, Rouleau E. HRness in Breast and Ovarian Cancers. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:E3850. [PMID: 32481735 PMCID: PMC7312125 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21113850] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2020] [Revised: 04/25/2020] [Accepted: 04/28/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian and breast cancers are currently defined by the main pathways involved in the tumorigenesis. The majority are carcinomas, originating from epithelial cells that are in constant division and subjected to cyclical variations of the estrogen stimulus during the female hormonal cycle, therefore being vulnerable to DNA damage. A portion of breast and ovarian carcinomas arises in the context of DNA repair defects, in which genetic instability is the backdrop for cancer initiation and progression. For these tumors, DNA repair deficiency is now increasingly recognized as a target for therapeutics. In hereditary breast/ovarian cancers (HBOC), tumors with BRCA1/2 mutations present an impairment of DNA repair by homologous recombination (HR). For many years, BRCA1/2 mutations were only screened on germline DNA, but now they are also searched at the tumor level to personalize treatment. The reason of the inactivation of this pathway remains uncertain for most cases, even in the presence of a HR-deficient signature. Evidence indicates that identifying the mechanism of HR inactivation should improve both genetic counseling and therapeutic response, since they can be useful as new biomarkers of response.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Santana dos Santos
- Department of Medical Biology and Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France;
- Department of Clinical Oncology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo 01509-010, Brazil
| | - François Lallemand
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France; (F.L.); (A.P.); (S.M.C.)
- PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Ambre Petitalot
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France; (F.L.); (A.P.); (S.M.C.)
- PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Sandrine M. Caputo
- Department of Genetics, Institut Curie, 75005 Paris, France; (F.L.); (A.P.); (S.M.C.)
- PSL Research University, 75005 Paris, France
| | - Etienne Rouleau
- Department of Medical Biology and Pathology, Gustave Roussy, Cancer Genetics Laboratory, Gustave Roussy, 94800 Villejuif, France;
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Hawsawi YM, Al-Numair NS, Sobahy TM, Al-Ajmi AM, Al-Harbi RM, Baghdadi MA, Oyouni AA, Alamer OM. The role of BRCA1/2 in hereditary and familial breast and ovarian cancers. Mol Genet Genomic Med 2019; 7:e879. [PMID: 31317679 PMCID: PMC6732305 DOI: 10.1002/mgg3.879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2019] [Revised: 05/25/2019] [Accepted: 07/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants have become associated with familial breast and ovarian cancers, and hereditary cancer‐predisposition syndrome. With advances in molecular biology, BRCA profiling facilitates early diagnosis and the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies. The genes exhibit variable prevalence among different individuals and moderate interpretation complexity. BRCA deficiency is instrumental in cancer development, affects therapeutic options and is instrumental in drug resistance. In addition, BRCA1/2 profile is diverse across different groups and has been associated with the “founder effect” in certain populations. Methods In this review, we aim to detail the spectrum of BRCA1/2 variants and their associated risk estimates. Results The relationship between BRCA1/2 and hereditary and familial cancers is indisputable, yet BRCA screening methods are beset with limitations and lack clinical confidence. Conclusion This review emphasizes the importance of screening BRCA genetics, in addition to their clinical utility. Furthermore, founder variants are anticipated in the Saudi population. BRCA1/2 pathogenic variants have become associated with familial breast and ovarian cancers, and hereditary cancer‐predisposition syndrome. With advances in molecular biology, BRCA profiling facilitates early diagnosis and the implementation of preventive and therapeutic strategies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yousef M Hawsawi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouf S Al-Numair
- College of Medicine, Al-Faisal University, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.,Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Turki M Sobahy
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Areej M Al-Ajmi
- Department of Genetics, Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Raneem M Al-Harbi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed A Baghdadi
- Research Center, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Jeddah, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Atif A Oyouni
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Osama M Alamer
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Sciences, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ali M, Shahin SM, Sabri NA, Al-Hendy A, Yang Q. Hypovitaminosis D exacerbates the DNA damage load in human uterine fibroids, which is ameliorated by vitamin D3 treatment. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2019; 40:957-970. [PMID: 30478352 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-018-0184-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2018] [Accepted: 10/10/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common benign neoplastic threat to women's health and associated with DNA damage and genomic instability. Hypovitaminosis D is a known risk factor for UFs, especially among African Americans. Vitamin D3 has been shown to effectively inhibit UF phenotype, but its mechanisms remain unclear. We hypothesize that Vitamin D3 ameliorates UFs by recovering the damaged DNA repair system, thus inhibits tumor progression. We compared the DNA damage status and Vitamin D receptor (VDR) expression between normal myometrial and UF primary cells. Unrepaired DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) accumulated but VDR expression decreased in UFs. The RNA and protein levels of key DNA repair members belonging to DNA DSB sensors (MRE11, NBS1, RAD50), mediators and effectors (CHECK2, BRCA1, RAD51) were downregulated in UFs compared with myometrial cells. VDR KD induced DSB accumulation and DNA damage response (DDR) defects in myometrial cells. Using the DNA damage PCR array, the expression of many additional DNA repair genes was downregulated in VDR KD cells. Treatment of UF cells with Vitamin D3 (100 nM) significantly decreased DNA damage and restored DDR concomitant with VDR induction. Notably, the PCR array demonstrated that among 75 downregulated genes after VDR KD, 67 (89.3%) were upregulated after vitamin D3 treatment. These studies demonstrate a novel link between DNA damage and the vitamin D3/VDR axis in UFs. Vitamin D3 suppresses the UF phenotype through orchestrated targeting at multiple molecules in DNA repair pathways, thus offering novel mechanistic insights into the clinical effectiveness of vitamin D3 on UFs.
Collapse
|
10
|
Sun J, Chen J, Wang Z, Deng Y, Liu L, Liu X. [Expression of NUF2 in breast cancer and its clinical significance]. NAN FANG YI KE DA XUE XUE BAO = JOURNAL OF SOUTHERN MEDICAL UNIVERSITY 2019; 39:591-597. [PMID: 31140425 DOI: 10.12122/j.issn.1673-4254.2019.05.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of the cell division- associated gene NUF2 in breast cancer and its clinical significance. METHODS The expression of NUF2 in breast cancer tissues was analyzed using Oncomine database. The relationship between the expression of NUF2 and the prognosis of breast cancer was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier Plotter database. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and GEO database were used to investigate the effect of NUF2 on gene enrichment. The String database was utilized to analyze the proteins associated with NUF2. The TIMER database was analyzed to assess the correlations of NUF2 with BUB1, MAD2L1 and MYC. The expressions of NUF2 mRNA in 8 pairs of breast cancer tissues and adjacent tissues were verified by q-PCR. RESULTS Compared with that in normal breast tissue, NUF2 was significantly overexpressed in breast cancer (P < 0.001). The overall survival time (HR = 1.52, P = 0.015) and the recurrence-free survival time (HR = 1.85, P = 3.2e-14) of the patients with high NUF2 expression were significantly shorter than those of patients with low NUF2 expression. In patients with high NUF2 expression, the enriched genes were involved mainly in cell cycle, P53, G2/M, DNA repair, MYC, and PI3K-AKT-MTOR signaling pathways, which were associated with tumor proliferation, invasion, metastasis and stemness. Combination of the results of String database, gene enrichment and TIMER database analyses suggested that NUF2 interacted directly with BUB1, MAD2L1, and MYC, which could promote the progression of breast cancer. The results of q-PCR showed that NUF2 expression was up-regulated in 6 cancer tissues and down-regulated in 2 cancer tissues. CONCLUSIONS NUF2 gene is overexpressed in breast cancer, and its expression level is important in predicting the prognosis of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jingbo Sun
- Department of General Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Jiawei Chen
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Zhizhi Wang
- Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510515, China
| | - Yunyao Deng
- Department of General Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Lixin Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| | - Xiaolong Liu
- Department of General Surgery, Third Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510630, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Genotypic and Phenotypic Variables Affect Meiotic Cell Cycle Progression, Tumor Ploidy, and Cancer-Associated Mortality in a brca2-Mutant Zebrafish Model. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2019; 2019:9218251. [PMID: 30930946 PMCID: PMC6413366 DOI: 10.1155/2019/9218251] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/26/2018] [Revised: 01/10/2019] [Accepted: 01/28/2019] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Successful cell replication requires both cell cycle completion and accurate chromosomal segregation. The tumor suppressor BRCA2 is positioned to influence both of these outcomes, and thereby influence genomic integrity, during meiotic and mitotic cell cycles. Accordingly, mutations in BRCA2 induce chromosomal abnormalities and disrupt cell cycle progression in both germ cells and somatic cells. Despite these findings, aneuploidy is not more prevalent in BRCA2-associated versus non-BRCA2-associated human cancers. More puzzlingly, diploidy in BRCA2-associated cancers is a negative prognostic factor, unlike non-BRCA2-associated cancers and many other human cancers. We used a brca2-mutant/tp53-mutant cancer-prone zebrafish model to explore the impact of BRCA2 mutation on cell cycle progression, ploidy, and cancer-associated mortality by performing DNA content/cell cycle analysis on zebrafish germ cells, somatic cells, and cancer cells. First, we determined that combined brca2/tp53 mutations uniquely disrupt meiotic progression. Second, we determined that sex significantly influences ploidy outcome in zebrafish cancers. Third, we determined that brca2 mutation and female sex each significantly reduce survival time in cancer-bearing zebrafish. Finally, we provide evidence to support a link between BRCA2 mutation, tumor diploidy, and poor survival outcome. These outcomes underscore the utility of this model for studying BRCA2-associated genomic aberrations in normal and cancer cells.
Collapse
|
12
|
Khan RT, Siddique A, Shahid N, Khokher S, Fatima W. Breast cancer risk associated with genes encoding DNA repair MRN complex: a study from Punjab, Pakistan. Breast Cancer 2018; 25:350-355. [PMID: 29368209 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-018-0837-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2017] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Variants of DNA repair genes are extensively reported to cause genetic instability and increase the risk of breast cancer. In combination with NBS1, MRE11 and RAD50 constitute an MRN (MRE11-RAD50-NBS1) complex that repairs DNA damage. However, certain genetic alterations in MRE11 and RAD50 produce abnormal protein that affects the repairing process and may result in malignancy. We aimed to investigate the association of MRE11 and RAD50 polymorphisms with breast risk in the female population of Punjab, Pakistan. METHODS We collected blood samples of 100 breast cancer patients and 100 tumor-free females selected as controls. Extracted DNA was genotyped by tetra ARMS-PCR followed by gel electrophoresis. Results were analyzed by SPSS and SNPstats to analyze the association of different clinical factors and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) with the risk of breast cancer. RESULTS We found that the increased risk of breast cancer is associated with MRE11 variant rs684507 (odds ratio-OR 3.71, 95% confidence interval-CI 1.68-8.18, p value < 0.0001), whereas, RAD50 variant rs28903089 appeared to have protective effect (OR 0.55, CI 0.29-1.02, p value = 0.003). Additionally, clinical factors such as positive family history, life style, and marital status also play significant roles in breast cancer development. CONCLUSION In the present study, strong risk of breast cancer was associated with MRE11 gene. However, RAD50 showed protective effect. Additionally, clinical factors are also pivotal in risk assessment. We anticipate that targeting specific genetic variations confined to ethnic groups would be more effective in future therapeutic approaches for prevention and treatment of breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rabbia Tariq Khan
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ayesha Siddique
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan.
| | - Naeem Shahid
- Department of Environmental Sciences, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Vehari, Pakistan
| | - Samina Khokher
- Services Institute of Medical Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Warda Fatima
- Department of Microbiology and Molecular Genetics, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Abstract
Mutations in BRCA1 or BRCA2 define a subset of prostate cancer patients. Herein, we address the question whether BRCA1/2 mutations have a predictive impact on chemotherapy with docetaxel, a widely used drug in patients with metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). Fifty-three men treated with docetaxel for mCRPC were tested for somatic BRCA1/2 mutations of the primary tumor. In a subgroup of patients, BRCA1/2 protein expression was tested as a potential surrogate marker for BRCA1/2 inactivation. Eight of 53 patients (15.1%) harbored a deleterious BRCA2 mutation. No BRCA1 mutation was found. Patients with a BRCA2 mutation showed a response rate of 25% to docetaxel in comparison to 71.1% in men with wildtype BRCA2 (p = 0.019). While the time to develop castration resistance was similar in both subgroups, the overall survival was significantly shorter in patients harboring a BRCA2 mutation. No correlation between the BRCA1/2 protein expression and the response to docetaxel was found. While the presence of a BRCA2 mutation does not preclude a response to docetaxel, there is overall a significant correlation between BRCA2 inactivation and a poor response rate. Our results suggest that a close oncological monitoring of patients with BRCA2 mutations for taxane resistance is warranted.
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu C, Srihari S, Lal S, Gautier B, Simpson PT, Khanna KK, Ragan MA, Lê Cao KA. Personalised pathway analysis reveals association between DNA repair pathway dysregulation and chromosomal instability in sporadic breast cancer. Mol Oncol 2016; 10:179-93. [PMID: 26456802 PMCID: PMC5528935 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2015.09.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 09/04/2015] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The Homologous Recombination (HR) pathway is crucial for the repair of DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) generated during DNA replication. Defects in HR repair have been linked to the initiation and development of a wide variety of human malignancies, and exploited in chemical, radiological and targeted therapies. In this study, we performed a personalised pathway analysis independently for four large sporadic breast cancer cohorts to investigate the status of HR pathway dysregulation in individual sporadic breast tumours, its association with HR repair deficiency and its impact on tumour characteristics. Specifically, we first manually curated a list of HR genes according to our recent review on this pathway (Liu et al., 2014), and then applied a personalised pathway analysis method named Pathifier (Drier et al., 2013) on the expression levels of the curated genes to obtain an HR score quantifying HR pathway dysregulation in individual tumours. Based on the score, we observed a great diversity in HR dysregulation between and within gene expression-based breast cancer subtypes, and by using two published HR-defect signatures, we found HR pathway dysregulation reflects HR repair deficiency. Furthermore, we identified a novel association between HR pathway dysregulation and chromosomal instability (CIN) in sporadic breast cancer. Although CIN has long been considered as a hallmark of most solid tumours, with recent extensive studies highlighting its importance in tumour evolution and drug resistance, the molecular basis of CIN in sporadic cancers remains poorly understood. Our results imply that HR pathway dysregulation might contribute to CIN in sporadic breast cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chao Liu
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Sriganesh Srihari
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia
| | - Samir Lal
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Benoît Gautier
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia
| | - Peter T Simpson
- The University of Queensland, UQ Centre for Clinical Research, Herston, QLD 4029, Australia; School of Medicine, The University of Queensland, Herston, QLD 4006, Australia
| | - Kum Kum Khanna
- QIMR-Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Herston, Brisbane, QLD 4029, Australia
| | - Mark A Ragan
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, QLD 4067, Australia.
| | - Kim-Anh Lê Cao
- University of Queensland Diamantina Institute, Translational Research Institute, Woolloongabba, QLD 4102, Australia.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Design, synthesis, and characterization of BRC4 mutants based on the crystal structure of BRC4-RAD51(191–220). J Mol Model 2015; 21:299. [DOI: 10.1007/s00894-015-2831-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
|
16
|
Vreeland AC, Levi L, Zhang W, Berry DC, Noy N. Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 inhibits tumor growth by two distinct mechanisms. J Biol Chem 2014; 289:34065-73. [PMID: 25320093 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m114.604041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular retinoic acid-binding protein 2 (CRABP2) potently suppresses the growth of various carcinomas, but the mechanism(s) that underlies this activity remains incompletely understood. CRABP2 displays two distinct functions. The classical function of this protein is to directly deliver retinoic acid (RA) to RA receptor (RAR), a nuclear receptor activated by this hormone, in turn inducing the expression of multiple antiproliferative genes. The other function of the protein is exerted in the absence of RA and mediated by the RNA-binding and stabilizing protein HuR. CRABP2 directly binds to HuR, markedly strengthens its interactions with target mRNAs, and thus increases their stability and up-regulates their expression. Here we show that the anticarcinogenic activities of CRABP2 are mediated by both of its functions. Transcriptome analyses revealed that, in the absence of RA, a large cohort of transcripts is regulated in common by CRABP2 and HuR, and many of these are involved in regulation of oncogenic properties. Furthermore, both in cultured cells and in vivo, CRABP2 or a CRABP2 mutant defective in its ability to cooperate with RAR but competent in interactions with HuR suppressed carcinoma growth and did so in the absence of RA. Hence, transcript stabilization by the CRABP2-HuR complex significantly contributes to the ability of CRABP2 to inhibit tumorigenesis. Surprisingly, the observations also revealed that HuR regulates the expression of multiple genes involved in nuclear pore formation and is required for nuclear import of CRABP2 and for transcriptional activation by RAR. The data thus point at a novel function for this important protein.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Amanda C Vreeland
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Liraz Levi
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | - Wei Zhang
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195
| | | | - Noa Noy
- From the Departments of Pharmacology and Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, Lerner Research Institute, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio 44195 Nutrition, Case Western Reserve University School of Medicine and
| |
Collapse
|