1
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Zhang H, Lee S, Muthakana RR, Lu B, Boone DN, Lee D, Wang XS. Intragenic Rearrangement Burden Associates with Immune Cell Infiltration and Response to Immune Checkpoint Blockade in Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2024; 12:287-295. [PMID: 38345376 PMCID: PMC11107381 DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-22-0637] [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: 08/28/2022] [Revised: 02/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/21/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2024]
Abstract
Immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) can induce durable cancer remission. However, only a small subset of patients gains benefits. While tumor mutation burden (TMB) differentiates responders from nonresponders in some cases, it is a weak predictor in tumor types with low mutation rates. Thus, there is an unmet need to discover a new class of genetic aberrations that predict ICB responses in these tumor types. Here, we report analyses of pan-cancer whole genomes which revealed that intragenic rearrangement (IGR) burden is significantly associated with immune infiltration in breast, ovarian, esophageal, and endometrial cancers, particularly with increased M1 macrophage and CD8+ T-cell signatures. Multivariate regression against spatially counted tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in breast, endometrial, and ovarian cancers suggested that IGR burden is a more influential covariate than other genetic aberrations in these cancers. In the MEDI4736 trial evaluating durvalumab in esophageal adenocarcinoma, IGR burden correlated with patient benefits. In the IMVigor210 trial evaluating atezolizumab in urothelial carcinoma, IGR burden increased with platinum exposure and predicted patient benefit among TMB-low, platinum-exposed tumors. Altogether, we have demonstrated that IGR burden correlates with T-cell inflammation and predicts ICB benefit in TMB-low, IGR-dominant tumors, and in platinum-exposed tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Han Zhang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Sanghoon Lee
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Renee R. Muthakana
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Biological Sciences, University of
Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Binfeng Lu
- Center for Discovery and Innovation, Hackensack Meridian
Health
| | - David N Boone
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Biomedical Informatics, University of
Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Daniel Lee
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA
| | - Xiao-Song Wang
- UPMC Hillman Cancer Center, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA, 15213, U.S.A
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh,
Pittsburgh, PA
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2
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Andreani C, Bartolacci C, Persico G, Casciaro F, Amatori S, Fanelli M, Giorgio M, Galié M, Tomassoni D, Wang J, Zhang X, Bick G, Coppari R, Marchini C, Amici A. SIRT6 promotes metastasis and relapse in HER2-positive breast cancer. Sci Rep 2023; 13:22000. [PMID: 38081972 PMCID: PMC10713583 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-49199-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/05/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The histone deacetylase sirtuin 6 (SIRT6) has been endowed with anti-cancer capabilities in many tumor types. Here, we investigate the impact of SIRT6-overexpression (SIRT6-OE) in Delta16HER2 mice, which are a bona fide model of HER2-positive breast cancer. After an initial delay in the tumor onset, SIRT6-OE induces a more aggressive phenotype of Delta16HER2 tumors promoting the formation of higher number of tumor foci and metastases than controls. This phenotype of SIRT6-OE tumors is associated with cancer stem cell (CSC)-like features and tumor dormancy, and low senescence and oxidative DNA damage. Accordingly, a sub-set of HER2-positive breast cancer patients with concurrent SIRT6-OE has a significant poorer relapse-free survival (RFS) probability than patients with low expression of SIRT6. ChIP-seq, RNA-seq and RT-PCR experiments indicate that SIRT6-OE represses the expression of the T-box transcription factor 3 (Tbx3) by deacetylation of H3K9ac. Accordingly, loss-of-function mutations of TBX3 or low TBX3 expression levels are predictive of poor prognosis in HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Our work indicates that high levels of SIRT6 are indicative of poor prognosis and high risk of metastasis in HER2-positive breast cancer and suggests further investigation of TBX3 as a downstream target of SIRT6 and co-marker of poor-prognosis. Our results point to a breast cancer subtype-specific effect of SIRT6 and warrant future studies dissecting the mechanisms of SIRT6 regulation in different breast cancer subtypes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cristina Andreani
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA.
| | - Caterina Bartolacci
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Giuseppe Persico
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS-European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
| | - Francesca Casciaro
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Stefano Amatori
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Mirco Fanelli
- Molecular Pathology Laboratory "PaoLa", Department of Biomolecular Sciences, University of Urbino Carlo Bo, 61032, Fano, Italy
| | - Marco Giorgio
- Department of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS-European Institute of Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139, Milano, Italy
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Padua, Via Ugo Bassi 58/B, 35131, Padua, Italy
| | - Mirco Galié
- Department of Neuroscience, Biomedicine and Movement, Section of Anatomy and Histology, University of Verona, 37134, Verona, Italy
| | - Daniele Tomassoni
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Junbiao Wang
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
| | - Xiaoting Zhang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Gregory Bick
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Cincinnati, 45219, Cincinnati, OH, USA
| | - Roberto Coppari
- Department of Cell Physiology and Metabolism, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
- Diabetes Center of the Faculty of Medicine, University of Geneva, 1211, Geneva, Switzerland
| | - Cristina Marchini
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy.
| | - Augusto Amici
- Department of Biosciences and Veterinary Medicine, University of Camerino, 62032, Camerino, Italy
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3
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Li WJ, Huang Y, Lin YA, Zhang BD, Li MY, Zou YQ, Hu GS, He YH, Yang JJ, Xie BL, Huang HH, Deng X, Liu W. Targeting PRMT1-mediated SRSF1 methylation to suppress oncogenic exon inclusion events and breast tumorigenesis. Cell Rep 2023; 42:113385. [PMID: 37938975 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.113385] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Revised: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/10/2023] Open
Abstract
PRMT1 plays a vital role in breast tumorigenesis; however, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain incompletely understood. Herein, we show that PRMT1 plays a critical role in RNA alternative splicing, with a preference for exon inclusion. PRMT1 methylome profiling identifies that PRMT1 methylates the splicing factor SRSF1, which is critical for SRSF1 phosphorylation, SRSF1 binding with RNA, and exon inclusion. In breast tumors, PRMT1 overexpression is associated with increased SRSF1 arginine methylation and aberrant exon inclusion, which are critical for breast cancer cell growth. In addition, we identify a selective PRMT1 inhibitor, iPRMT1, which potently inhibits PRMT1-mediated SRSF1 methylation, exon inclusion, and breast cancer cell growth. Combination treatment with iPRMT1 and inhibitors targeting SRSF1 phosphorylation exhibits an additive effect of suppressing breast cancer cell growth. In conclusion, our study dissects a mechanism underlying PRMT1-mediated RNA alternative splicing. Thus, PRMT1 has great potential as a therapeutic target in breast cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Juan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Ying Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yi-An Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Bao-Ding Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Mei-Yan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yi-Qin Zou
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Guo-Sheng Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Yao-Hui He
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China
| | - Bing-Lan Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | - Hai-Hua Huang
- Department of Pathology, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Shantou University Medical College, Shantou, Guangdong, China
| | - Xianming Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China.
| | - Wen Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Innovative Drug Target Research, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian, China; Xiang An Biomedicine Laboratory, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Life Sciences, Xiamen University, Xiang'an South Road, Xiamen, Fujian 361102, China.
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4
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Wu X, Huang S, He W, Song M. Emerging insights into mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive cancers. Int Immunopharmacol 2023; 122:110602. [PMID: 37437432 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2023.110602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2023] [Revised: 06/19/2023] [Accepted: 07/02/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
HER2 is an established therapeutic target in breast, gastric, and gastroesophageal junction carcinomas with HER2 overexpression or genomic alterations. The humanized monoclonal antibody trastuzumab targeting HER2 has substantially improved the clinical outcomes of HER2-positive patients, yet the inevitable intrinsic or acquired resistance to trastuzumab limits its clinical benefit, necessitating the elucidation of resistance mechanisms to develop alternate therapeutic strategies. This review presents an overview of trastuzumab resistance mechanisms involving signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, cell plasticity, and tumor microenvironment, particularly discussing the prospects of developing rational combinations to improve patient outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxue Wu
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Shuting Huang
- School of Public Health, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China
| | - Weiling He
- Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China; Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Xiang'an Hospital of Xiamen University, School of Medicine, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361000, China.
| | - Mei Song
- Institute of Precision Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510080, China.
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5
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Cao J, Teng Y, Li H, Zhang L, Ouyang Q, Xie W, Pan Y, Song Z, Ling X, Wu X, Xu J, Li L, Ren L, Wang H, Zhou D, Luo J, Hu X. Pyrotinib plus capecitabine for trastuzumab-resistant, HER2-positive advanced breast cancer (PICTURE): a single-arm, multicenter phase 2 trial. BMC Med 2023; 21:300. [PMID: 37559142 PMCID: PMC10410905 DOI: 10.1186/s12916-023-02999-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 07/23/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Patients with human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced breast cancer and primary resistance to trastuzumab have a poor clinical outcome and lack good evidence to inform clinical decision. This study investigated the efficacy and safety of pyrotinib plus capecitabine in this population. METHODS This phase 2 trial was conducted at 16 sites in China. Patients received oral pyrotinib 400 mg once daily and capecitabine 1000 mg/m2 twice a day on days 1-14 of each 21-day cycle until disease progression or intolerable toxicity. The primary endpoint was investigator-assessed progression-free survival (PFS). RESULTS Between June 2019 and September 2021, 100 patients were enrolled with a median age of 51 years (range, 24-69). All patients had been treated with trastuzumab and 21 (21.0%) patients had prior use of pertuzumab. As of August 31, 2022, the median follow-up duration was 20.1 months (range, 1.3-38.2). The median PFS was 11.8 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 8.4-15.1), which crossed the pre-specified efficacy boundary of 8.0 months. The objective response rate was 70.0% (70/100), with a median duration of response of 13.8 months (95% CI, 10.2-19.3). The disease control rate was 87.0% (87/100). The median overall survival was not reached. The most common grade ≥ 3 treatment-emergent adverse event was diarrhea (24 [24.0%]). No treatment-related deaths occurred. CONCLUSIONS Pyrotinib plus capecitabine can be considered to be a treatment option in HER2-positive advanced breast cancer patients who have shown primary resistance to trastuzumab. Even in the era of modern anti-HER2 treatments, this clinical setting warrants more investigations to meet unmet needs. TRIAL REGISTRATION ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04001621. Retrospectively registered on June 28, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Cao
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuee Teng
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of China Medical University, 110001, Shenyang, China
| | - Huiping Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Peking University Cancer Hospital and Institute, Beijing, 100142, China
| | - Lili Zhang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing, 210008, China
| | - Quchang Ouyang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Hunan Cancer Hospital, Changsha, 410013, China
| | - Weimin Xie
- Department of Medical Oncology, Guangxi Medical University Cancer Hospital, Nanning, 530027, China
| | - Yueyin Pan
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Hefei, 230001, China
| | - Zhenchuan Song
- Breast Center, The Fourth Hospital of Hebei Medical University, 050011, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoling Ling
- Department of Medical Oncology, The First Hospital of Lanzhou University, Lanzhou, 730013, China
| | - Xiaohong Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, Wuxi, 214122, China
| | - Jingwei Xu
- Department of Breast Surgery, The Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, 130041, China
| | - Li Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Qilu Hospital of Shandong University, Jinan, 250012, China
| | - Liping Ren
- Department of Breast Surgery, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Hong Wang
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Third Hospital of Nanchang, Nanchang, 330008, China
| | - Dongxian Zhou
- Department of Breast Surgery, Shenzhen People's Hospital, Shenzhen, 518020, China
| | - Jing Luo
- Department of Breast Surgery, Sichuan Provincial People's Hospital, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Xichun Hu
- Department of Breast and Urologic Medical Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, 270 Dong'An Road, Shanghai, 200032, China.
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6
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Bonner EA, Lee SC. Therapeutic Targeting of RNA Splicing in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2023; 14:1378. [PMID: 37510283 PMCID: PMC10379351 DOI: 10.3390/genes14071378] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 06/25/2023] [Accepted: 06/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
RNA splicing is a key regulatory step in the proper control of gene expression. It is a highly dynamic process orchestrated by the spliceosome, a macro-molecular machinery that consists of protein and RNA components. The dysregulation of RNA splicing has been observed in many human pathologies ranging from neurodegenerative diseases to cancer. The recent identification of recurrent mutations in the core components of the spliceosome in hematologic malignancies has advanced our knowledge of how splicing alterations contribute to disease pathogenesis. This review article will discuss our current understanding of how aberrant RNA splicing regulation drives tumor initiation and progression. We will also review current therapeutic modalities and highlight emerging technologies designed to target RNA splicing for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A Bonner
- Molecular and Cellular Biology Graduate Program, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
| | - Stanley C Lee
- Translational Science and Therapeutics Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA 98109, USA
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, University of Washington School of Medicine, Seattle, WA 98195, USA
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7
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Abstract
Dysregulated RNA splicing is a molecular feature that characterizes almost all tumour types. Cancer-associated splicing alterations arise from both recurrent mutations and altered expression of trans-acting factors governing splicing catalysis and regulation. Cancer-associated splicing dysregulation can promote tumorigenesis via diverse mechanisms, contributing to increased cell proliferation, decreased apoptosis, enhanced migration and metastatic potential, resistance to chemotherapy and evasion of immune surveillance. Recent studies have identified specific cancer-associated isoforms that play critical roles in cancer cell transformation and growth and demonstrated the therapeutic benefits of correcting or otherwise antagonizing such cancer-associated mRNA isoforms. Clinical-grade small molecules that modulate or inhibit RNA splicing have similarly been developed as promising anticancer therapeutics. Here, we review splicing alterations characteristic of cancer cell transcriptomes, dysregulated splicing's contributions to tumour initiation and progression, and existing and emerging approaches for targeting splicing for cancer therapy. Finally, we discuss the outstanding questions and challenges that must be addressed to translate these findings into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert K Bradley
- Computational Biology Program, Public Health Sciences Division and Basic Sciences Division, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| | - Olga Anczuków
- The Jackson Laboratory for Genomic Medicine, Farmington, CT, USA.
- Department of Genetics and Genome Sciences, UConn Health, Farmington, CT, USA.
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8
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Shang Y, Mo J, Huo R, Li X, Fang G, Wei Z, Gu G, Zhu X, Zhang C, Liu C, Yan D. Investigation of the prevalence and clinical implications of ERBB2 exon 16 skipping mutations in Chinese pan-cancer patients. Front Oncol 2023; 12:1064598. [PMID: 36686783 PMCID: PMC9859631 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.1064598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although rare, ERBB2 exon 16 skipping mutations (ERBB2ΔEx16) have been implicated in resistance to anti-HER2 and anti-EGFR targeted agents. Our study investigated the prevalence and clinical significance of ERBB2ΔEx16 in Chinese pan-cancer patients. Methods We retrospectively screened 40996 patients, spanning 19 cancer types, who had available genomic profiles acquired with DNA-based next-generation sequencing (NGS). We characterized the clinical and molecular features of the ERBB2ΔEx16-positive patients. Furthermore, we also analyzed a pan-cancer dataset from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA; n=8705). Results A total of 22 patients were detected with ERBB2ΔEx16, resulting in an overall prevalence rate of 0.054% (22/40996). Of them, 16 patients had lung cancer (LC; 0.05%, 16/30890), five patients had gastric cancer (GC; 0.35%, 5/1448), and one patient had ovarian cancer (0.12%, 1/826). Among the 16 LC patients, ERBB2ΔEx16 was detected in four treatment-naïve EGFR/ALK-negative patients and 12 EGFR-positive patients after the onset of resistance to EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). The treatment-naïve patients harbored no LC-associated oncogenic drivers except ERBB2 amplification, suggesting a potential oncogenic role for ERBB2ΔEx16. Consistently, ERBB2ΔEx16+ patients from TCGA data also carried no known drivers despite various concurrent alterations. In the 12 EGFR TKI-resistant LC patients, relative variant frequencies for ERBB2ΔEx16 were lower than in untreated patients, suggesting ERBB2ΔEx16 as secondary alterations following TKI treatment and thereby implicating ERBB2ΔEx16 in mediating therapeutic resistance. Conclusions Our study identified an overall ERBB2ΔEx16 prevalence rate of 0.054% and provided insights into the clinical implications of ERBB2ΔEx16 in Chinese pan-cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanhong Shang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Jianming Mo
- Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Ran Huo
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Guotao Fang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Affiliated Hospital of Hebei University, Hebei Key Laboratory of Cancer Radiotherapy and Chemotherapy, Baoding, China
| | - Zichun Wei
- Thoracic Surgery, Peking University Shenzhen Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | - Guomin Gu
- Second Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Xiaodan Zhu
- Second Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, China
| | - Chan Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
| | - Chunling Liu
- Department of Pulmonary Medicine, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Xinjiang Medical, Urumqi, China,*Correspondence: Dong Yan, ; Chunling Liu,
| | - Dong Yan
- Department of Oncology, Beijing Luhe Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China,*Correspondence: Dong Yan, ; Chunling Liu,
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9
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Resistance to Trastuzumab. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14205115. [PMID: 36291900 PMCID: PMC9600208 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14205115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 10/12/2022] [Accepted: 10/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Trastuzumab is a humanized antibody that has significantly improved the management and treatment outcomes of patients with cancers that overexpress HER2. Many research groups, both in academia and industry, have contributed towards understanding the various mechanisms engaged by trastuzumab to mediate its anti-tumor effects. Nevertheless, data from several clinical studies have indicated that a significant proportion of patients exhibit primary or acquired resistance to trastuzumab therapy. In this article, we discuss underlying mechanisms that contribute towards to resistance. Furthermore, we discuss the potential strategies to overcome some of the mechanisms of resistance to enhance the therapeutic efficacy of trastuzumab and other therapies based on it. Abstract One of the most impactful biologics for the treatment of breast cancer is the humanized monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab, which specifically recognizes the HER2/neu (HER2) protein encoded by the ERBB2 gene. Useful for both advanced and early breast cancers, trastuzumab has multiple mechanisms of action. Classical mechanisms attributed to trastuzumab action include cell cycle arrest, induction of apoptosis, and antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC). Recent studies have identified the role of the adaptive immune system in the clinical actions of trastuzumab. Despite the multiple mechanisms of action, many patients demonstrate resistance, primary or adaptive. Newly identified molecular and cellular mechanisms of trastuzumab resistance include induction of immune suppression, vascular mimicry, generation of breast cancer stem cells, deregulation of long non-coding RNAs, and metabolic escape. These newly identified mechanisms of resistance are discussed in detail in this review, particularly considering how they may lead to the development of well-rationalized, patient-tailored combinations that improve patient survival.
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Kedashiro S, Kameyama T, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Stimulatory role of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 in multilayered T47D cell proliferation. Genes Cells 2022; 27:451-464. [PMID: 35430770 DOI: 10.1111/gtc.12940] [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: 04/01/2022] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 04/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Multilayered proliferation in an adherent culture as well as proliferation in a suspension culture is a characteristic feature of cancer cells. We previously showed using T47D human mammary cancer cells that nectin-4, upregulated in many cancer cells, cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants, p95-ErbB2 and ErbB2ΔEx16, and enhances DNA synthesis mainly through the PI3K-AKT pathway in an adherent culture. We showed here that only the combination of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not that of nectin-4 and ErbB2 or that of nectin-4 and ErbB2ΔEx16, cooperatively enhanced multilayered T47D cell proliferation through the Hippo pathway-mediated SOX2 gene expression in an adherent culture. T47D cells expressed the components of the apical junctional complex (AJC) consisting of adherens junctions (AJs) and tight junctions and cell polarity molecules, but not the AJ component afadin. The AJC and apicobasal polarity were disorganized in T47D cells in a monolayer and T47D cells stably expressing both nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 in multilayers. These results indicate that nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 play a stimulatory role in multilayered proliferation in an adherent culture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kedashiro
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kameyama
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, Kobe, Hyogo, Japan
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11
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Díaz-Rodríguez E, Gandullo-Sánchez L, Ocaña A, Pandiella A. Novel ADCs and Strategies to Overcome Resistance to Anti-HER2 ADCs. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 14:154. [PMID: 35008318 PMCID: PMC8750930 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14010154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2021] [Revised: 12/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
During recent years, a number of new compounds against HER2 have reached clinics, improving the prognosis and quality of life of HER2-positive breast cancer patients. Nonetheless, resistance to standard-of-care drugs has motivated the development of novel agents, such as new antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). The latter are a group of drugs that benefit from the potency of cytotoxic agents whose action is specifically guided to the tumor by the target-specific antibody. Two anti-HER2 ADCs have reached the clinic: trastuzumab-emtansine and, more recently, trastuzumab-deruxtecan. In addition, several other HER2-targeted ADCs are in preclinical or clinical development, some of them with promising signs of activity. In the present review, the structure, mechanism of action, and potential resistance to all these ADCs will be described. Specific attention will be given to discussing novel strategies to circumvent resistance to ADCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elena Díaz-Rodríguez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
- Departamento de Bioquímica y Biología Molecular, University of Salamanca, 37007 Salamanca, Spain
| | - Lucía Gandullo-Sánchez
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
| | - Alberto Ocaña
- Hospital Clínico San Carlos, Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Oncología (CIBERONC), 28040 Madrid, Spain;
| | - Atanasio Pandiella
- Instituto de Biología Molecular y Celular del Cáncer, CSIC-IBSAL and CIBERONC, 37007 Salamanca, Spain; (E.D.-R.); (L.G.-S.)
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12
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Pupa SM, Ligorio F, Cancila V, Franceschini A, Tripodo C, Vernieri C, Castagnoli L. HER2 Signaling and Breast Cancer Stem Cells: The Bridge behind HER2-Positive Breast Cancer Aggressiveness and Therapy Refractoriness. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13194778. [PMID: 34638263 PMCID: PMC8507865 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13194778] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2021] [Revised: 09/15/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Breast cancer (BC) is not a single disease, but a group of different tumors, and altered HER2 expression defines a particularly aggressive subtype. Although HER2 pharmacological inhibition has dramatically improved the prognosis of HER2-positive BC patients, there is still an urgent need for improved knowledge of HER2 biology and mechanisms underlying HER2-driven aggressiveness and drug susceptibility. Emerging data suggest that the clinical efficacy of molecularly targeted therapies is related to their ability to target breast cancer stem cells (BCSCs), a population that is not only self-sustaining and able to differentiate into distinct lineages, but also contributes to tumor growth, aggressiveness, metastasis and treatment resistance. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of how the full-length HER2 receptor, the d16HER2 splice variant and the truncated p95HER2 variants are involved in the regulation and maintenance of BCSCs. Abstract HER2 overexpression/amplification occurs in 15–20% of breast cancers (BCs) and identifies a highly aggressive BC subtype. Recent clinical progress has increased the cure rates of limited-stage HER2-positive BC and significantly prolonged overall survival in patients with advanced disease; however, drug resistance and tumor recurrence remain major concerns. Therefore, there is an urgent need to increase knowledge regarding HER2 biology and implement available treatments. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) represent a subset of malignant cells capable of unlimited self-renewal and differentiation and are mainly considered to contribute to tumor onset, aggressiveness, metastasis, and treatment resistance. Seminal studies have highlighted the key role of altered HER2 signaling in the maintenance/enrichment of breast CSCs (BCSCs) and elucidated its bidirectional communication with stemness-related pathways, such as the Notch and Wingless/β-catenin cascades. d16HER2, a splice variant of full-length HER2 mRNA, has been identified as one of the most oncogenic HER2 isoform significantly implicated in tumorigenesis, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)/stemness and the response to targeted therapy. In addition, expression of a heterogeneous collection of HER2 truncated carboxy-terminal fragments (CTFs), collectively known as p95HER2, identifies a peculiar subgroup of HER2-positive BC with poor prognosis, with the p95HER2 variants being able to regulate CSC features. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current evidence regarding HER2-/d16HER2-/p95HER2-positive BCSCs in the context of the signaling pathways governing their properties and describes the future prospects for targeting these components to achieve long-lasting tumor control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Serenella M. Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +39-022-390-2573; Fax: +39-022-390-2692
| | - Francesca Ligorio
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); or (C.V.)
| | - Valeria Cancila
- Tumor Immunology Unit, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Alma Franceschini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
| | - Claudio Tripodo
- Tumor Immunology Unit, University of Palermo, Corso Tukory 211, 90134 Palermo, Italy; (V.C.); (C.T.)
| | - Claudio Vernieri
- Medical Oncology Unit, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Via Venezian 1, 20133 Milan, Italy; (F.L.); or (C.V.)
- IFOM the FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, AmadeoLab, Via Amadeo 42, 20133 Milan, Italy; (A.F.); (L.C.)
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13
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Hoppe S, Jonas C, Wenzel MC, Velazquez Camacho O, Arolt C, Zhao Y, Büttner R, Quaas A, Plum PS, Hillmer AM. Genomic and Transcriptomic Characteristics of Esophageal Adenocarcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174300. [PMID: 34503107 PMCID: PMC8428370 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Cancer of the esophagus is a deadly disease. There are two main subtypes, adenocarcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, with adenocarcinoma of the esophagus (EAC) being more common in Western countries. Barrett’s esophagus (BE) describes a change in the esophageal surface near the stomach in response to reflux of gastric acid into the esophagus. BE increases the risk of developing EAC, and the incidence of EAC has risen dramatically over recent decades. One likely reason for the poor prognosis of EAC is based on the fact that each tumor has many genes affected by mutations, and most of these genes differ across patients, hampering the efficacy of therapies that target specific cancer driver proteins. In this review, we provide an overview of the gene mutations and gene activity changes in EAC and how these features can be used to divide patients into groups that might have different clinical characteristics. Abstract Esophageal adenocarcinoma (EAC) is a deadly disease with limited options for targeted therapy. With the help of next-generation sequencing studies over the last decade, we gained an understanding of the genomic architecture of EAC. The tumor suppressor gene TP53 is mutated in 70 to 80% of tumors followed by genomic alterations in CDKN2A, KRAS, ERBB2, ARID1A, SMAD4 and a long tail of less frequently mutated genes. EAC is characterized by a high burden of point mutations and genomic rearrangements, resulting in amplifications and deletions of genomic regions. The genomic complexity is likely hampering the efficacy of targeted therapies. Barrett’s esophagus (BE), a metaplastic response of the esophagus to gastro-esophageal reflux disease, is the main risk factor for the development of EAC. Almost all EACs are derived from BE. The sequence from BE to EAC provides an opportunity to study the genomic evolution towards EAC. While the overlap of point mutations between BE and EAC within the same patient is, at times, surprisingly low, there is a correlation between the complexity of the genomic copy number profile and the development of EAC. Transcriptomic analyses separated EAC into a basal and a classical subtype, with the basal subtype showing a higher level of resistance to chemotherapy. In this review, we provide an overview of the current knowledge of the genomic and transcriptomic characteristics of EAC and their relevance for the development of the disease and patient care.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sascha Hoppe
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Christoph Jonas
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Marten Christian Wenzel
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Oscar Velazquez Camacho
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Christoph Arolt
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Yue Zhao
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Reinhard Büttner
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Alexander Quaas
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
| | - Patrick Sven Plum
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
- Department of General, Visceral, Cancer and Transplantation Surgery, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany;
| | - Axel Maximilian Hillmer
- Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and University Hospital Cologne, University of Cologne, 50937 Cologne, Germany; (S.H.); (C.J.); (M.C.W.); (O.V.C.); (C.A.); (R.B.); (A.Q.); (P.S.P.)
- Center for Molecular Medicine Cologne, University of Cologne, 50931 Cologne, Germany
- Correspondence:
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Maadi H, Soheilifar MH, Choi WS, Moshtaghian A, Wang Z. Trastuzumab Mechanism of Action; 20 Years of Research to Unravel a Dilemma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13143540. [PMID: 34298754 PMCID: PMC8303665 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13143540] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2021] [Revised: 07/10/2021] [Accepted: 07/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab as a first HER2-targeted therapy for the treatment of HER2-positive breast cancer patients was introduced in 1998. Although trastuzumab has opened a new avenue to treat patients with HER2-positive breast cancer and other types of cancer, some patients are not responsive or become resistant to this treatment. So far, several mechanisms have been suggested for the mode of action of trastuzumab; however, the findings regarding these mechanisms are controversial. In this review, we aimed to provide a detailed insight into the various mechanisms of action of trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamid Maadi
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (H.M.); (W.-S.C.)
| | - Mohammad Hasan Soheilifar
- Department of Medical Laser, Medical Laser Research Center, Yara Institute, ACECR, Tehran 1315795613, Iran;
| | - Won-Shik Choi
- Department of Oncology, Cross Cancer Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 1Z2, Canada; (H.M.); (W.-S.C.)
| | - Abdolvahab Moshtaghian
- Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Mazandaran, Babolsar 4741695447, Iran;
- Deputy of Research and Technology, Semnan University of Medical Sciences, Semnan 3514799442, Iran
| | - Zhixiang Wang
- Department of Medical Genetics and Signal, Transduction Research Group, Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2H7, Canada
- Correspondence:
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The Mammalian Ecdysoneless Protein Interacts with RNA Helicase DDX39A To Regulate Nuclear mRNA Export. Mol Cell Biol 2021; 41:e0010321. [PMID: 33941617 PMCID: PMC8224239 DOI: 10.1128/mcb.00103-21] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The mammalian orthologue of ecdysoneless (ECD) protein is required for embryogenesis, cell cycle progression, and mitigation of endoplasmic reticulum stress. Here, we identified key components of the mRNA export complexes as binding partners of ECD and characterized the functional interaction of ECD with key mRNA export-related DEAD BOX protein helicase DDX39A. We find that ECD is involved in RNA export through its interaction with DDX39A. ECD knockdown (KD) blocks mRNA export from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, which is rescued by expression of full-length ECD but not an ECD mutant that is defective in interaction with DDX39A. We have previously shown that ECD protein is overexpressed in ErbB2+ breast cancers (BC). In this study, we extended the analyses to two publicly available BC mRNA The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) data sets. In both data sets, ECD mRNA overexpression correlated with short patient survival, specifically ErbB2+ BC. In the METABRIC data set, ECD overexpression also correlated with poor patient survival in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). Furthermore, ECD KD in ErbB2+ BC cells led to a decrease in ErbB2 mRNA level due to a block in its nuclear export and was associated with impairment of oncogenic traits. These findings provide novel mechanistic insight into the physiological and pathological functions of ECD.
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Jiao XD, Liu K, Wu Y, Zhou XC, Qin BD, Ling Y, Liu J, He X, Du H, Xiang J, Zang YS. HER2 Splice Site Mutation c.1899-1G>A as the Potential Acquired Resistance to Trastuzumab in a Patient with HER2-Positive Gastric Adenocarcinoma. Oncologist 2021; 26:717-721. [PMID: 33896090 DOI: 10.1002/onco.13799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Accepted: 04/02/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy regimen is the standard of care for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive advanced gastric cancer; however, most patients eventually acquire trastuzumab resistance. Although some resistance mechanisms to trastuzumab-based regimens have been proposed, further understanding is required for developing therapeutic strategies to overcome the resistance. In the present work, we attempted to determine the possible resistance mechanism to trastuzumab in a patient with HER2-positive stage IV gastric adenocarcinoma. In this study, we first report the nucleotide change c.1899-1G>A at the intron 15 acceptor splice site promoting exon 16 deletion of HER2 as the potential mechanism of trastuzumab resistance in HER2-positive gastric adenocarcinoma. KEY POINTS: The combination of trastuzumab with chemotherapy is considered to be the standard therapy for HER2-positive advanced gastric cancer (GC), but most of the patients eventually acquire trastuzumab resistance. The mechanisms of resistance to trastuzumab in GC are poorly characterized. To the best of the authors' knowledge, this study is the first to implicate HER2 c.1899-1G>A, which results in exon 16 skpping, as the acquired resistance mechanism to trastuzumab in HER2-positive gastric adenocarcinoma. This work provides insights into the potential molecular mechanism of trastuzumab resistance, which is crucial in developing effective therapeutic strategies for HER2-positive GC patients refractory to trastuzumab.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Dong Jiao
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ke Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying Wu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin-Cheng Zhou
- Department of Internal Medicine, Qingyang People Hospital, Qingyang, Anhui, People's Republic of China
| | - Bao-Dong Qin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yan Ling
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Liu
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xi He
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Haiwei Du
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianxing Xiang
- Burning Rock Biotech, Guangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Yuan-Sheng Zang
- Department of Medical Oncology, Changzheng Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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Kedashiro S, Kameyama T, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 cooperatively regulate Hippo signaling-dependent SOX2 gene expression, enhancing anchorage-independent T47D cell proliferation. Sci Rep 2021; 11:7344. [PMID: 33795719 PMCID: PMC8016986 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-86437-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectin-4, upregulated in various cancer cells, cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants, p95-ErbB2 and ErbB2∆Ex16, enhancing DNA synthesis through the PI3K-AKT signaling in human breast cancer T47D cells in an adherent culture. We found here that nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively enhanced SOX2 gene expression and cell proliferation in a suspension culture. This enhancement of T47D cell proliferation in a suspension culture by nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 was dependent on the SOX2 gene expression. In T47D cells, nectin-4 and any one of p95-ErbB2, ErbB2, or ErbB2∆Ex16 cooperatively activated the PI3K-AKT signaling, known to induce the SOX2 gene expression, to similar extents. However, only a combination of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not that of nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively enhanced the SOX2 gene expression. Detailed studies revealed that only nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2 cooperatively activated the Hippo signaling. YAP inhibited the SOX2 gene expression in this cell line and thus the MST1/2-LATS1/2 signaling-mediated YAP inactivation increased the SOX2 gene expression. These results indicate that only the combination of nectin-4 and p95-ErbB2, but not that of nectin-4 and either ErbB2 or ErbB2∆Ex16, cooperatively regulates the Hippo signaling-dependent SOX2 gene expression, enhancing anchorage-independent T47D cell proliferation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kedashiro
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Takeshi Kameyama
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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Early stability and late random tumor progression of a HER2-positive primary breast cancer patient-derived xenograft. Sci Rep 2021; 11:1563. [PMID: 33452364 PMCID: PMC7810859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81085-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
We established patient-derived xenografts (PDX) from human primary breast cancers and studied whether stability or progressive events occurred during long-term in vivo passages (up to 4 years) in severely immunodeficient mice. While most PDX showed stable biomarker expression and growth phenotype, a HER2-positive PDX (PDX-BRB4) originated a subline (out of 6 studied in parallel) that progressively acquired a significantly increased tumor growth rate, resistance to cell senescence of in vitro cultures, increased stem cell marker expression and high lung metastatic ability, along with a strong decrease of BCL2 expression. RNAseq analysis of the progressed subline showed that BCL2 was connected to three main hub genes also down-regulated (CDKN2A, STAT5A and WT1). Gene expression of progressed subline suggested a partial epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition. PDX-BRB4 with its progressed subline is a preclinical model mirroring the clinical paradox of high level-BCL2 as a good prognostic factor in breast cancer. Sequential in vivo passages of PDX-BRB4 chronically treated with trastuzumab developed progressive loss of sensitivity to trastuzumab while HER2 expression and sensitivity to the pan-HER tyrosine kinase inhibitor neratinib were maintained. Long-term PDX studies, even though demanding, can originate new preclinical models, suitable to investigate the mechanisms of breast cancer progression and new therapeutic approaches.
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Hart V, Gautrey H, Kirby J, Tyson-Capper A. HER2 splice variants in breast cancer: investigating their impact on diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Oncotarget 2020; 11:4338-4357. [PMID: 33245725 PMCID: PMC7679030 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27789] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/10/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of the HER2 receptor occurs in approximately 20% of breast cancer patients. HER2 positivity is associated with poor prognosis and aggressive tumour phenotypes, which led to rapid progress in HER2 targeted therapeutics and diagnostic testing. Whilst these advances have greatly increased patients' chances of survival, resistance to HER2 targeted therapies, be that intrinsic or acquired, remains a problem. Different forms of the HER2 protein exist within tumours in tandem and can display altered biological activities. Interest in HER2 variants in breast cancer increased when links between resistance to anti-HER2 therapies and a particular variant, Δ16-HER2, were identified. Moreover, the P100 variant potentially reduces the efficacy of the anti-HER2 therapy trastuzumab. Another variant, Herstatin, exhibits 'auto-inhibitory' behaviour. More recently, new HER2 variants have been identified and are currently being assessed for their pro- and anti-cancer properties. It is important when directing the care of patients to consider HER2 variants collectively. This review considers HER2 variants in the context of the tumour environment where multiple variants are co-expressed at altered ratios. This study also provides an up to date account of the landscape of HER2 variants and links this to patterns of resistance against HER2 therapies and treatment plans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vic Hart
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Hannah Gautrey
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - John Kirby
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
| | - Alison Tyson-Capper
- Translational and Clinical Research Institute, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University, Newcastle upon Tyne, UK
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20
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Canonical ErbB-2 isoform and ErbB-2 variant c located in the nucleus drive triple negative breast cancer growth. Oncogene 2020; 39:6245-6262. [PMID: 32843720 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-020-01430-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2019] [Revised: 08/07/2020] [Accepted: 08/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Triple negative breast cancer (TNBC) refers to tumors that do not express clinically significant levels of estrogen and progesterone receptors, and lack membrane overexpression or gene amplification of ErbB-2/HER2, a receptor tyrosine kinase. Transcriptome and proteome heterogeneity of TNBC poses a major challenge to precision medicine. Clinical biomarkers and targeted therapies for this disease remain elusive, so chemotherapy has been the standard of care for early and metastatic TNBC. Our present findings placed ErbB-2 in an unanticipated scenario: the nucleus of TNBC (NErbB-2). Our study on ErbB-2 alternative splicing events, using a PCR-sequencing approach combined with an RNA interference strategy, revealed that TNBC cells express either the canonical (wild-type) ErbB-2, encoded by transcript variant 1, or the non-canonical ErbB-2 isoform c, encoded by alternative variant 3 (RefSeq), or both. These ErbB-2 isoforms function in the nucleus as transcription factors. Evicting both from the nucleus or silencing isoform c only, blocks TN cell and tumor growth. This reveals not only NErbB-2 canonical and alternative isoforms role as targets of therapy in TNBC, but also isoform c dominant oncogenic potential. Furthermore, we validated our findings in the clinic and observed that NErbB-2 correlates with poor prognosis in primary TN tumors, disclosing NErbB-2 as a novel biomarker for TNBC. Our discoveries challenge the present scenario of drug development for personalized BC medicine that focuses on wild-type RefSeq proteins, which conserve the canonical domains and are located in their classical cellular compartments.
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21
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Crosby EJ, Acharya CR, Haddad AF, Rabiola CA, Lei G, Wei JP, Yang XY, Wang T, Liu CX, Wagner KU, Muller WJ, Chodosh LA, Broadwater G, Hyslop T, Shepherd JH, Hollern DP, He X, Perou CM, Chai S, Ashby BK, Vincent BG, Snyder JC, Force J, Morse MA, Lyerly HK, Hartman ZC. Stimulation of Oncogene-Specific Tumor-Infiltrating T Cells through Combined Vaccine and αPD-1 Enable Sustained Antitumor Responses against Established HER2 Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2020; 26:4670-4681. [PMID: 32732224 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-20-0389] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2020] [Revised: 04/17/2020] [Accepted: 06/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Despite promising advances in breast cancer immunotherapy, augmenting T-cell infiltration has remained a significant challenge. Although neither individual vaccines nor immune checkpoint blockade (ICB) have had broad success as monotherapies, we hypothesized that targeted vaccination against an oncogenic driver in combination with ICB could direct and enable antitumor immunity in advanced cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Our models of HER2+ breast cancer exhibit molecular signatures that are reflective of advanced human HER2+ breast cancer, with a small numbers of neoepitopes and elevated immunosuppressive markers. Using these, we vaccinated against the oncogenic HER2Δ16 isoform, a nondriver tumor-associated gene (GFP), and specific neoepitopes. We further tested the effect of vaccination or anti-PD-1, alone and in combination. RESULTS We found that only vaccination targeting HER2Δ16, a driver of oncogenicity and HER2-therapeutic resistance, could elicit significant antitumor responses, while vaccines targeting a nondriver tumor-specific antigen or tumor neoepitopes did not. Vaccine-induced HER2-specific CD8+ T cells were essential for responses, which were more effective early in tumor development. Long-term tumor control of advanced cancers occurred only when HER2Δ16 vaccination was combined with αPD-1. Single-cell RNA sequencing of tumor-infiltrating T cells revealed that while vaccination expanded CD8 T cells, only the combination of vaccine with αPD-1 induced functional gene expression signatures in those CD8 T cells. Furthermore, we show that expanded clones are HER2-reactive, conclusively demonstrating the efficacy of this vaccination strategy in targeting HER2. CONCLUSIONS Combining oncogenic driver targeted vaccines with selective ICB offers a rational paradigm for precision immunotherapy, which we are clinically evaluating in a phase II trial (NCT03632941).
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika J Crosby
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Chaitanya R Acharya
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Anthony-Fayez Haddad
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Christopher A Rabiola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Gangjun Lei
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Jun-Ping Wei
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Xiao-Yi Yang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Tao Wang
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Cong-Xiao Liu
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina
| | - Kay U Wagner
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University, Barbara Ann Karmanos Cancer Institute, Detroit, Michigan
| | - William J Muller
- Departments of Biochemistry and Medicine, Goodman Cancer Center, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec
| | - Lewis A Chodosh
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
| | - Gloria Broadwater
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Terry Hyslop
- Department of Biostatistics and Bioinformatics, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jonathan H Shepherd
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Daniel P Hollern
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Xiaping He
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Charles M Perou
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Genetics, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Shengjie Chai
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Benjamin K Ashby
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Benjamin G Vincent
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Department of Medicine, Division of Hematology/Oncology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Curriculum in Bioinformatics and Computational Biology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina.,Computational Medicine Program, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, North Carolina
| | - Joshua C Snyder
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina.,Department of Cell Biology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Jeremy Force
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Michael A Morse
- Department of Medicine, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Herbert K Lyerly
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina.,Department of Immunology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina.,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Zachary C Hartman
- Department of Surgery, Division of Surgical Sciences, Duke University, Durham North Carolina. .,Department of Pathology, Duke University, Durham, North Carolina
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22
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Abstract
Lung cancer causes more deaths annually than any other malignancy. A subset of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is driven by amplification and overexpression or activating mutation of the receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) ERBB2 In some contexts, notably breast cancer, alternative splicing of ERBB2 causes skipping of exon 16, leading to the expression of an oncogenic ERBB2 isoform (ERBB2ΔEx16) that forms constitutively active homodimers. However, the broader implications of ERBB2 alternative splicing in human cancers have not been explored. Here, we have used genomic and transcriptomic analysis to identify elevated ERBB2ΔEx16 expression in a subset of NSCLC cases, as well as splicing site mutations facilitating exon 16 skipping and deletions of exon 16 in a subset of these lung tumors and in a number of other carcinomas. Supporting the potential of ERBB2ΔEx16 as a lung cancer driver, its expression transformed immortalized lung epithelial cells while a transgenic model featuring inducible ERBB2ΔEx16 specifically in the lung epithelium rapidly developed lung adenocarcinomas following transgene induction. Collectively, these observations indicate that ERBB2ΔEx16 is a lung cancer oncogene with potential clinical importance for a proportion of patients.
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23
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Volpari T, De Santis F, Bracken AP, Pupa SM, Buschbeck M, Wegner A, Di Cosimo S, Lisanti MP, Dotti G, Massaia M, Pruneri G, Anichini A, Fortunato O, De Braud F, Del Vecchio M, Di Nicola M. Anticancer innovative therapy: Highlights from the ninth annual meeting. Cytokine Growth Factor Rev 2019; 51:1-9. [PMID: 31862236 DOI: 10.1016/j.cytogfr.2019.12.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
Abstract
The Ninth Annual Conference of "Anticancer Innovative Therapy", organized by Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori di Milano (Fondazione IRCCS INT) and hosted by Hotel Michelangelo, was held in Milan on 25 January 2019. Cutting-edge science was presented in two main scientific sessions: i) pre-clinical evidences and new targets, and ii) clinical translation. The Keynote lecture entitled "Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication" presented by M. Lisanti, was one of the highlights of the conference. One key concept of the meeting was how the continuous advances in our knowledge about molecular mechanisms in various fields of research (cancer metabolism reprogramming, epigenetic regulation, transformation/invasiveness, and immunology, among others) are driving cancer research towards more effective personalized antineoplastic strategies. Specifically, recent preclinical data on the following topics were discussed: 1. Polycomb group proteins in cancer; 2. A d16HER2 splice variant is a flag of HER2 addiction across HER2-positive cancers; 3. Studying chromatin as a nexus between translational and basic research; 4. Metabolomic analysis in cancer patients; 5. CDK4-6 cyclin inhibitors: clinical activity and future perspectives as immunotherapy adjuvant; and 6. Cancer stem cells (CSCs): metabolic strategies for their identification and eradication. In terms of clinical translation, several novel approaches were presented: 1. Developing CAR-T cell therapies: an update of preclinical and clinical development at University of North Carolina; 2. Vγ9Vδ2 T-cell activation and immune suppression in multiple myeloma; 3. Predictive biomarkers for real-world immunotherapy: the cancer immunogram model in the clinical arena; and 4. Mechanisms of resistance to immune checkpoint blockade in solid tumors. Overall, the pre-clinical and clinical findings presented could pave the way to identify novel actionable therapeutic targets to significantly enhance the care of persons with cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Volpari
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - F De Santis
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A P Bracken
- Smurfit Institute of Genetics, Trinity College Dublin, Dublin 2, Ireland
| | - S M Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Buschbeck
- Josep Carreras Leukemia Research Institute (IJC), Campus ICO-Germans Trias I Pujol, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Badalona, Spain
| | - A Wegner
- Technische Universiät Braunschweig, Department of Bioinfomatics and Biochemistry and Braunschweig Integrated Center of Systems Biology (BRICS), Rebenring 56, 38106, Braunschweig, Germany
| | - S Di Cosimo
- Department of Applied Research and Technological Development, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M P Lisanti
- Translational Medicine, Biomedical Research Centre, School of Environment and Life Sciences, University of Salford, Greater Manchester, United Kingdom
| | - G Dotti
- Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center and Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC, United States
| | - M Massaia
- Laboratorio di Immunologia dei Tumori del Sangue, Centro Interdipartimentale di Ricerca in Biologia Molecolare, Università degli Studi di Torino, Turin, Italy; SC Ematologia, AO S. Croce e Carle, Cuneo, Italy
| | - G Pruneri
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS - Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Anichini
- Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - O Fortunato
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Research, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - F De Braud
- Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Del Vecchio
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Unit of Melanoma Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Di Nicola
- Immunotherapy and Innovative Therapeutics Unit, Department of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy; Medical Oncology Unit, Department of Medical Oncology and Hematology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy.
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24
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Kedashiro S, Sugiura A, Mizutani K, Takai Y. Nectin-4 cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants, enhancing their activation and DNA synthesis. Sci Rep 2019; 9:18997. [PMID: 31831814 PMCID: PMC6908695 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-55460-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Nectin-4 cell adhesion molecule and ErbB2 tyrosine kinase receptor are upregulated in many cancers, including breast cancer, and promote cancer cell proliferation and metastasis. Using human breast cancer cell lines T47D and SUM190-PT, in which both nectin-4 and ErbB2 were upregulated, we showed here that nectin-4 cis-interacted with ErB2 and enhanced its dimerization and activation, followed by the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signalling pathway for DNA synthesis. The third immunoglobulin-like domain of nectin-4 cis-interacted with domain IV of ErbB2. This region differs from the trastuzumab-interacting region but is included in the trastuzumab-resistant splice variants of ErbB2, p95-ErbB2 and ErbB2ΔEx16. Nectin-4 also cis-interacted with these trastuzumab-resistant splice variants and enhanced the activation of the phosphoinositide 3-kinase-AKT signalling pathway for DNA synthesis. In addition, nectin-4 enhanced the activation of the p95-ErbB2-induced JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway, but not the ErbB2- or ErbB2ΔEx16-induced JAK-STAT3 signalling pathway. These results indicate that nectin-4 cis-interacts with ErbB2 and its trastuzumab-resistant splice variants and enhances the activation of these receptors and downstream signalling pathways in a novel mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shin Kedashiro
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Ayumu Sugiura
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan
| | - Kiyohito Mizutani
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
| | - Yoshimi Takai
- From the Division of Pathogenetic Signaling, Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Kobe University Graduate School of Medicine, 1-5-6 Minatojima-minamimachi, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo, 650-0047, Japan.
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25
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Yang Q, Zhao J, Zhang W, Chen D, Wang Y. Aberrant alternative splicing in breast cancer. J Mol Cell Biol 2019; 11:920-929. [PMID: 31065692 PMCID: PMC6884705 DOI: 10.1093/jmcb/mjz033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2019] [Revised: 02/19/2019] [Accepted: 03/03/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is critical for human gene expression regulation, which plays a determined role in expanding the diversity of functional proteins. Importantly, alternative splicing is a hallmark of cancer and a potential target for cancer therapeutics. Based on the statistical data, breast cancer is one of the top leading causes of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide. Strikingly, alternative splicing is closely associated with breast cancer development. Here, we seek to provide a general review of the relationship between alternative splicing and breast cancer. We introduce the process of alternative splicing and its regulatory role in cancers. In addition, we highlight the functions of aberrant alternative splicing and mutations of splicing factors in breast cancer progression. Moreover, we discuss the role of alternative splicing in cancer drug resistance and the potential of being targets for cancer therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan Yang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Jinyao Zhao
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Wenjing Zhang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Dan Chen
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
| | - Yang Wang
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian 116044, China
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26
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Splicing regulatory factors in breast cancer hallmarks and disease progression. Oncotarget 2019; 10:6021-6037. [PMID: 31666932 PMCID: PMC6800274 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.27215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2019] [Accepted: 08/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
By regulating transcript isoform expression levels, alternative splicing provides an additional layer of protein control. Recent studies show evidence that cancer cells use different splicing events to fulfill their requirements in order to develop, progress and metastasize. However, there has been less attention for the role of the complex catalyzing the complicated multistep splicing reaction: the spliceosome. The spliceosome consists of multiple sub-complexes in total comprising 244 proteins or splice factors and 5 associated RNA molecules. Here we discuss the role of splice factors in the oncogenic processes tumors cells need to fulfill their oncogenic properties (the so-called the hallmarks of cancer). Despite the fact that splice factors have been investigated only recently, they seem to play a prominent role in already five hallmarks of cancer: angiogenesis, resisting cell death, sustaining proliferation, deregulating cellular energetics and invasion and metastasis formation by affecting major signaling pathways such as epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, the Warburg effect, DNA damage response and hormone receptor dependent proliferation. Moreover, we could relate expression of representative genes of four other hallmarks (enabling replicative mortality, genomic instability, avoiding immune destruction and evading growth suppression) to splice factor levels in human breast cancer tumors, suggesting that also these hallmarks could be regulated by splice factors. Since many splice factors are involved in multiple hallmarks of cancer, inhibiting splice factors might provide a new layer of oncogenic control and a powerful method to combat breast cancer progression.
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27
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Phenethyl isothiocyanate hampers growth and progression of HER2-positive breast and ovarian carcinoma by targeting their stem cell compartment. Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2019; 42:815-828. [DOI: 10.1007/s13402-019-00464-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 07/11/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
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28
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Resistance mechanisms to anti-HER2 therapies in HER2-positive breast cancer: Current knowledge, new research directions and therapeutic perspectives. Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2019; 139:53-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2019.05.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 88] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Revised: 12/19/2018] [Accepted: 05/01/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
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29
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The d16HER2 Splice Variant: A Friend or Foe of HER2-Positive Cancers? Cancers (Basel) 2019; 11:cancers11070902. [PMID: 31261614 PMCID: PMC6678616 DOI: 10.3390/cancers11070902] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2019] [Revised: 06/24/2019] [Accepted: 06/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (ERBB2 or HER2) amplification/overexpression is associated with a particularly aggressive molecular subtype of breast cancer (BC), characterized by a poor prognosis, increased metastatic potential, and disease recurrence. As only approximately 50% of HER2-positive patients respond to HER2-targeted therapies, greater knowledge of the biology of HER2 and the mechanisms that underlie drug susceptibility is needed to improve cure rates. Evidence suggests that the coexistence of full-length, wild-type HER2 (wtHER2) and altered forms of HER2—such as carboxy-terminus-truncated fragments, activating mutations, and splice variants—significantly increases the heterogeneity of HER2-positive disease, affecting its biology, clinical course, and treatment response. In particular, expression of the d16HER2 splice variant in human HER2-positive BC has a crucial pathobiological function, wherein the absence of sixteen amino acids from the extracellular domain induces the formation of stable and constitutively active HER2 homodimers on the tumor cell surface. Notably, the d16HER2 variant significantly influences the initiation and aggressiveness of tumors, cancer stem cell properties, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT), and the susceptibility of HER2-positive BC cells to trastuzumab compared with its wtHER2 counterpart, thus constituting a novel and potentially clinically useful biomarker. The aims of this review are to summarize the existing evidence regarding the pathobiological functions of the d16HER2 variant and discuss its current and future value with regard to risk assessment and treatment choices in HER2-positive disease.
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30
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Pénzváltó Z, Chen JQ, Tepper CG, Davis RR, Silvestrini MT, Umeh-Garcia M, Sweeney C, Borowsky AD. A Syngeneic ErbB2 Mammary Cancer Model for Preclinical Immunotherapy Trials. J Mammary Gland Biol Neoplasia 2019; 24:149-162. [PMID: 30810966 PMCID: PMC6612594 DOI: 10.1007/s10911-019-09425-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2018] [Accepted: 01/03/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In order to develop a practical model of breast cancer, with in vitro and syngeneic, immune-intact, in vivo growth capacity, we established a primary cell line derived from a mammary carcinoma in the transgenic FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-ErbB2*)NDL2-5Mul mouse, referred to as "NDLUCD". The cell line is adapted to standard cell culture and can be transplanted into syngeneic FVB/N mice. The line maintains a stable phenotype over multiple in vitro passages and rounds of in vivo transplantation. NDLUCD tumors in FVB/N mice exhibit high expression of ErbB2 and ErbB3 and signaling molecules downstream of ErbB2. The syngeneic transplant tumors elicit an immune reaction in the adjacent stroma, detected and characterized using histology, immunophenotyping, and gene expression. NDLUCD cells also express PD-L1 in vivo and in vitro, and in vivo transplants are reactive to anti-immune checkpoint therapy with responses conducive to immunotherapy studies. This new NDLUCD cell line model is a practical alternative to the more commonly used 4T1 cells, and our previously described FVB/N-Tg(MMTV-PyVT)634Mul derived Met-1fvb2 and FVB/NTg(MMTV-PyVTY315F/Y322F) derived DB-7fvb2 cell lines. The NDLUCD cells have, so far, remained genetically and phenotypically stable over many generations, with consistent and reproducible results in immune intact preclinical cohorts.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Agents, Immunological/therapeutic use
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/pharmacology
- Antineoplastic Combined Chemotherapy Protocols/therapeutic use
- B7-H1 Antigen/antagonists & inhibitors
- B7-H1 Antigen/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Breast Neoplasms/genetics
- Breast Neoplasms/immunology
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Carcinoma/drug therapy
- Carcinoma/genetics
- Carcinoma/immunology
- Carcinoma/pathology
- Cell Line, Tumor/transplantation
- Drug Screening Assays, Antitumor/methods
- Feasibility Studies
- Female
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/drug therapy
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/genetics
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/immunology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Experimental/pathology
- Mice
- Mice, Transgenic
- Primary Cell Culture
- Receptor, ErbB-2/antagonists & inhibitors
- Receptor, ErbB-2/genetics
- Reproducibility of Results
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Affiliation(s)
- Zsófia Pénzváltó
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Jane Qian Chen
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA
| | - Clifford G Tepper
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Ryan R Davis
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Matthew T Silvestrini
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Maxine Umeh-Garcia
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Colleen Sweeney
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA
| | - Alexander D Borowsky
- Center for Comparative Medicine, University of California at Davis, Davis, CA, USA.
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, School of Medicine, University of California at Davis, Sacramento, CA, USA.
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31
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Jeibouei S, Akbari ME, Kalbasi A, Aref AR, Ajoudanian M, Rezvani A, Zali H. Personalized medicine in breast cancer: pharmacogenomics approaches. PHARMACOGENOMICS & PERSONALIZED MEDICINE 2019; 12:59-73. [PMID: 31213877 PMCID: PMC6549747 DOI: 10.2147/pgpm.s167886] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2018] [Accepted: 03/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Abstract: Breast cancer is the fifth cause of cancer death among women worldwide and represents a global health concern due to the lack of effective therapeutic regimens that could be applied to all disease groups. Nowadays, strategies based on pharmacogenomics constitute novel approaches that minimize toxicity while maximizing drug efficacy; this being of high importance in the oncology setting. Besides, genetic profiling of malignant tumors can lead to the development of targeted therapies to be included in effective drug regimens. Advances in molecular diagnostics have revealed that breast cancer is a multifaceted disease, characterized by inter-tumoral and intra-tumoral heterogeneity and, unlike the past, molecular classifications based on the expression of individual biomarkers have led to devising novel therapeutic strategies that improve patient survival. In this review, we report and discuss the molecular classification of breast cancer subtypes, the heterogeneity resource, and the advantages and disadvantages of current drug regimens with consideration of pharmacogenomics in response and resistance to treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shabnam Jeibouei
- Department of Biotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Alireza Kalbasi
- Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Amir Reza Aref
- Belfer Center for Applied Cancer Science, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA.,Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Boston, MA, USA
| | - Mohammad Ajoudanian
- Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Alireza Rezvani
- Department of Hematology, Medical Oncology and Stem Cell Transplantation, Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hakimeh Zali
- Proteomics Research Centre, Department of Tissue Engineering and Applied Sciences, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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The landscape of d16HER2 splice variant expression across HER2-positive cancers. Sci Rep 2019; 9:3545. [PMID: 30837627 PMCID: PMC6401102 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-019-40310-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2018] [Accepted: 02/12/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
The HER2 splice variant characterized by the deletion of exon 16 and denominated as d16HER2, is associated with HER2-positive breast cancer (BC) aggressiveness, stemness, and trastuzumab susceptibility and is considered to be a “flag” of HER2 dependence. However, with the exception of quantitative real-time PCR analysis, easily reproducible assays are still lacking to clinically detect and quantify the d16HER2 expression. Further, no data on d16HER2 expression and its potential role are available in HER2-positive gastrointestinal malignancies. Here, we used a novel RNA in situ hybridization technique (BaseScope) to discriminate d16HER2 variant expression from the wild type isoform (WTHER2) and to assess their levels across different HER2-positive histological samples. Our results demonstrate the existence of outliers, with d16HER2 mRNA high scores restricted to HER2-positive gastric cancer (GC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) coupled with increased d16HER2 expression compared with BC. Consistent with previously reported data on BC, experiments performed in HER2-positive GC patient-derived xenografts suggest that increased d16HER2 expression is associated with a clinical benefit/response to single-agent trastuzumab. Therefore, d16HER2 may be considered as a “flag” of HER2 dependence in GC and can be clinically investigated as a marker of trastuzumab susceptibility in several other HER2-driven cancers, including CRC. As a clinical proof-of-concept, we indicate that high d16HER2 mRNA scores are exclusively found in patients with a long-term benefit from trastuzumab exceeding 12 months (clinical “outliers”), and that d16HER2 expression is also increased in circulating tumor-released exosomes obtained from baseline plasma samples of long-term responders.
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Bartolacci C, Andreani C, Curcio C, Occhipinti S, Massaccesi L, Giovarelli M, Galeazzi R, Iezzi M, Tilio M, Gambini V, Wang J, Marchini C, Amici A. Phage-Based Anti-HER2 Vaccination Can Circumvent Immune Tolerance against Breast Cancer. Cancer Immunol Res 2018; 6:1486-1498. [DOI: 10.1158/2326-6066.cir-18-0179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2018] [Revised: 08/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/09/2018] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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Xie Z, Chooi JY, Toh SHM, Yang D, Basri NB, Ho YS, Chng WJ. MMSET I acts as an oncoprotein and regulates GLO1 expression in t(4;14) multiple myeloma cells. Leukemia 2018; 33:739-748. [PMID: 30470837 DOI: 10.1038/s41375-018-0300-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2017] [Revised: 06/22/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Multiple myeloma (MM) is characterized by recurrent chromosomal translocations. T(4;14) MM overexpresses multiple myeloma SET domain-containing protein (MMSET). MMSET has three major isoforms: the full-length form MMSET II and the short isoforms REIIBP and MMSET I. Here we show that the short isoform MMSET I is an oncoprotein that promoted cell survival and tumorigenesis in vitro and in vivo. Gene expression array analysis indicated that MMSET I increased glyoxalase I (GLO1) expression. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) coupled with qPCR indicated that MMSET I bound upstream of the GLO1 transcription start site. Ectopic overexpression of MMSET I or its mutants showed MMSET I depended on its C terminus to regulate GLO1 expression. GLO1 knockdown (KD) induced apoptosis and reduced colony formation. MMSET I or GLO1 KD reduced the levels of anti-apoptosis factors such as MCL1 and BCL2. Ectopic overexpression of GLO1 resulted in the significant rescue of KMS11 cells from MMSET I KD-induced apoptosis and glycolysis inhibition. This suggested that GLO1 may be of functional importance target downstream of MMSET I. Cumulatively, our study suggests that MMSET I is an oncoprotein and potential therapeutic target for t(4;14) MM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhigang Xie
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Jing Yuan Chooi
- Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore
| | - Sabrina Hui Min Toh
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore
| | - Dongxiao Yang
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Nurhidayah Binte Basri
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Ying Swan Ho
- Bioprocessing Technology Institute, Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR), Singapore, 138668, Singapore
| | - Wee Joo Chng
- Cancer Science Institute of Singapore, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 117599, Singapore. .,Department of Medicine, Yong Loo Lin School of Medicine, National University of Singapore, Singapore, 119228, Singapore. .,National University Cancer Institute, National University Health System, Singapore, 119228, Singapore.
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Urbanski L, Leclair N, Anczuków O. Alternative-splicing defects in cancer: Splicing regulators and their downstream targets, guiding the way to novel cancer therapeutics. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS. RNA 2018; 9:e1476. [PMID: 29693319 PMCID: PMC6002934 DOI: 10.1002/wrna.1476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 205] [Impact Index Per Article: 34.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2018] [Revised: 02/27/2018] [Accepted: 03/01/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Defects in alternative splicing are frequently found in human tumors and result either from mutations in splicing-regulatory elements of specific cancer genes or from changes in the regulatory splicing machinery. RNA splicing regulators have emerged as a new class of oncoproteins and tumor suppressors, and contribute to disease progression by modulating RNA isoforms involved in the hallmark cancer pathways. Thus, dysregulation of alternative RNA splicing is fundamental to cancer and provides a potentially rich source of novel therapeutic targets. Here, we review the alterations in splicing regulatory factors detected in human tumors, as well as the resulting alternatively spliced isoforms that impact cancer hallmarks, and discuss how they contribute to disease pathogenesis. RNA splicing is a highly regulated process and, as such, the regulators are themselves tightly regulated. Differential transcriptional and posttranscriptional regulation of splicing factors modulates their levels and activities in tumor cells. Furthermore, the composition of the tumor microenvironment can also influence which isoforms are expressed in a given cell type and impact drug responses. Finally, we summarize current efforts in targeting alternative splicing, including global splicing inhibition using small molecules blocking the spliceosome or splicing-factor-modifying enzymes, as well as splice-switching RNA-based therapeutics to modulate cancer-specific splicing isoforms. This article is categorized under: RNA in Disease and Development > RNA in Disease RNA Processing > Splicing Regulation/Alternative Splicing.
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Huang R, Gu W, Sun B, Gao L. Identification of COL4A1 as a potential gene conferring trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer based on bioinformatics analysis. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:6387-6396. [PMID: 29512712 PMCID: PMC5928613 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8664] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Trastuzumab, the first targeted antibody against human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2), has been used to treat gastric cancer patients with HER2 overexpression. However, trastuzumab resistance often occurs following an initial period of benefits, and the underlying mechanisms remain largely unclear. The present study revealed that collagen type IV α1 chain (COL4A1), whose expression is upregulated in gastric cancer tissues and trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer cells, may potentially confer trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer. By performing bioinformatics analysis of 2 microarray datasets, the present study initially identified COL4A1, overexpressed in gastric cancer tissues and trastuzumab-resistant gastric cancer cells, as a potential candidate for inducing trastuzumab resistance. The drug resistance function of COL4A1 in gastric cancer was then validated by performing protein/gene interactions and biological process annotation analyses, and further validated by analyzing the functionality of microRNAs that target COL4A1 mRNA. Collectively, these data indicated that COL4A1 may confer trastuzumab resistance in gastric cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ru Huang
- Department of Heart Failure, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Wenchao Gu
- Department of Heart Failure, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
| | - Bin Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, No. 210 Hospital of PLA, Dalian, Liaoning 116000, P.R. China
| | - Lei Gao
- Department of Heart Failure, Research Center for Translational Medicine, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200120, P.R. China
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CD19 Isoforms Enabling Resistance to CART-19 Immunotherapy Are Expressed in B-ALL Patients at Initial Diagnosis. J Immunother 2018; 40:187-195. [PMID: 28441264 PMCID: PMC5424577 DOI: 10.1097/cji.0000000000000169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 146] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) is the commonest childhood cancer and the prognosis of children with relapsed or therapy refractory disease remains a challenge. Treatment with chimeric antigen receptor-modified T cells targeting the CD19 antigen (CART-19 therapy) has been presented as a promising approach toward improving the outcome of relapsed or refractory disease. However, 10%-20% of the patients suffer another relapse. Epitope-loss under therapy pressure has been suggested as a mechanism of tumor cells to escape the recognition from CART-19 therapy. In this work, we analyzed the expression of CD19 isoforms in a cohort of 14 children with CD19 B-ALL and 6 nonleukemia donors. We showed that an alternatively spliced CD19 mRNA isoform lacking exon 2, and therefore the CART-19 epitope, but not isoforms lacking the transmembrane and cytosolic domains are expressed in leukemic blasts at diagnosis in children and in the bone marrow of nonleukemia donors. Furthermore, we clarified the sequence of a further isoform lacking the epitope recognized by CART-19 therapy and disclosed the presence of new isoforms. In comparison with the children, we showed that alternatively spliced CD19 mRNA isoforms affecting exon 2 are also expressed in 6 adult patients with CD19 B-ALL. On top of that, one of the adults expressed an isoform lacking the CD19 transmembrane and cytosolic domains. In conclusion, we proved that some of the CD19 isoforms contributing to CART-19 escape already preexist at diagnosis and could evolve as a dominant clone during CART-19 therapy suggesting the application of combined treatment approaches.
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Palladini A, Thrane S, Janitzek CM, Pihl J, Clemmensen SB, de Jongh WA, Clausen TM, Nicoletti G, Landuzzi L, Penichet ML, Balboni T, Ianzano ML, Giusti V, Theander TG, Nielsen MA, Salanti A, Lollini PL, Nanni P, Sander AF. Virus-like particle display of HER2 induces potent anti-cancer responses. Oncoimmunology 2018; 7:e1408749. [PMID: 29399414 PMCID: PMC5790387 DOI: 10.1080/2162402x.2017.1408749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2017] [Revised: 11/16/2017] [Accepted: 11/17/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overexpression of human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2) occurs in 20–30% of invasive breast cancers. Monoclonal antibody therapy is effective in treating HER2-driven mammary carcinomas, but its utility is limited by high costs, side effects and development of resistance. Active vaccination may represent a safer, more effective and cheaper alternative, although the induction of strong and durable autoantibody responses is hampered by immune-tolerogenic mechanisms. Using a novel virus-like particle (VLP) based vaccine platform we show that directional, high-density display of human HER2 on the surface of VLPs, allows induction of therapeutically potent anti-HER2 autoantibody responses. Prophylactic vaccination reduced spontaneous development of mammary carcinomas by 50%-100% in human HER2 transgenic mice and inhibited the growth of HER2-positive tumors implanted in wild-type mice. The HER2-VLP vaccine shows promise as a new cost-effective modality for prevention and treatment of HER2-positive cancer. The VLP platform may represent an effective tool for development of vaccines against other non-communicable diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palladini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Susan Thrane
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Christoph M Janitzek
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Jessica Pihl
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Stine B Clemmensen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark.,ExpreS2ion Biotechnologies, SCION-DTU Science Park, Hørsholm, Denmark
| | | | - Thomas M Clausen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Giordano Nicoletti
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Manuel L Penichet
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery and Department of Microbiology, Immunology and Molecular Genetics, The Molecular Biology Institute, Jonsson Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of California, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Tania Balboni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna L Ianzano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Giusti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Thor G Theander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Morten A Nielsen
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Ali Salanti
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Adam F Sander
- Centre for Medical Parasitology at the Department of Immunology and Microbiology, University of Copenhagen, and Department of Infectious Diseases, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
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Janjigian YY, Sanchez-Vega F, Jonsson P, Chatila WK, Hechtman JF, Ku GY, Riches JC, Tuvy Y, Kundra R, Bouvier N, Vakiani E, Gao J, Heins ZJ, Gross BE, Kelsen DP, Zhang L, Strong VE, Schattner M, Gerdes H, Coit DG, Bains M, Stadler ZK, Rusch VW, Jones DR, Molena D, Shia J, Robson ME, Capanu M, Middha S, Zehir A, Hyman DM, Scaltriti M, Ladanyi M, Rosen N, Ilson DH, Berger MF, Tang L, Taylor BS, Solit DB, Schultz N. Genetic Predictors of Response to Systemic Therapy in Esophagogastric Cancer. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:49-58. [PMID: 29122777 PMCID: PMC5813492 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0787] [Citation(s) in RCA: 265] [Impact Index Per Article: 44.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 10/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/06/2017] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
The incidence of esophagogastric cancer is rapidly rising, but only a minority of patients derive durable benefit from current therapies. Chemotherapy as well as anti-HER2 and PD-1 antibodies are standard treatments. To identify predictive biomarkers of drug sensitivity and mechanisms of resistance, we implemented prospective tumor sequencing of patients with metastatic esophagogastric cancer. There was no association between homologous recombination deficiency defects and response to platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with microsatellite instability-high tumors were intrinsically resistant to chemotherapy but more likely to achieve durable responses to immunotherapy. The single Epstein-Barr virus-positive patient achieved a durable, complete response to immunotherapy. The level of ERBB2 amplification as determined by sequencing was predictive of trastuzumab benefit. Selection for a tumor subclone lacking ERBB2 amplification, deletion of ERBB2 exon 16, and comutations in the receptor tyrosine kinase, RAS, and PI3K pathways were associated with intrinsic and/or acquired trastuzumab resistance. Prospective genomic profiling can identify patients most likely to derive durable benefit to immunotherapy and trastuzumab and guide strategies to overcome drug resistance.Significance: Clinical application of multiplex sequencing can identify biomarkers of treatment response to contemporary systemic therapies in metastatic esophagogastric cancer. This large prospective analysis sheds light on the biological complexity and the dynamic nature of therapeutic resistance in metastatic esophagogastric cancers. Cancer Discov; 8(1); 49-58. ©2017 AACR.See related commentary by Sundar and Tan, p. 14See related article by Pectasides et al., p. 37This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yelena Y Janjigian
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York.
| | - Francisco Sanchez-Vega
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Philip Jonsson
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Walid K Chatila
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jaclyn F Hechtman
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Geoffrey Y Ku
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Jamie C Riches
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Yaelle Tuvy
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Ritika Kundra
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nancy Bouvier
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Efsevia Vakiani
- Department of Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jianjiong Gao
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Zachary J Heins
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Benjamin E Gross
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David P Kelsen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Liying Zhang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Vivian E Strong
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mark Schattner
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Hans Gerdes
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Daniel G Coit
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Manjit Bains
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Zsofia K Stadler
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Valerie W Rusch
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David R Jones
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Daniela Molena
- Department of Surgery, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Jinru Shia
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Mark E Robson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Marinela Capanu
- Department of Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Sumit Middha
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Ahmet Zehir
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David M Hyman
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Maurizio Scaltriti
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Marc Ladanyi
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Neal Rosen
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - David H Ilson
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
| | - Michael F Berger
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Laura Tang
- Department of Pathology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Barry S Taylor
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - David B Solit
- Department of Medicine, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, New York
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
| | - Nikolaus Schultz
- Marie-Josée & Henry R. Kravis Center for Molecular Oncology, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis Program, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
- Department of Epidemiology-Biostatistics, Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York
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Nixon N, Hannouf M, Verma S. A review of the value of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-targeted therapies in breast cancer. Eur J Cancer 2018; 89:72-81. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.10.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/31/2017] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Alternative Splicing in Breast Cancer and the Potential Development of Therapeutic Tools. Genes (Basel) 2017; 8:genes8100217. [PMID: 28981467 PMCID: PMC5664086 DOI: 10.3390/genes8100217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2017] [Revised: 08/22/2017] [Accepted: 08/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Alternative splicing is a key molecular mechanism now considered as a hallmark of cancer that has been associated with the expression of distinct isoforms during the onset and progression of the disease. The leading cause of cancer-related deaths in women worldwide is breast cancer, and even when the role of alternative splicing in this type of cancer has been established, the function of this mechanism in breast cancer biology is not completely decoded. In order to gain a comprehensive view of the role of alternative splicing in breast cancer biology and development, we summarize here recent findings regarding alternative splicing events that have been well documented for breast cancer evolution, considering its prognostic and therapeutic value. Moreover, we analyze how the response to endocrine and chemical therapies could be affected due to alternative splicing and differential expression of variant isoforms. With all this knowledge, it becomes clear that targeting alternative splicing represents an innovative approach for breast cancer therapeutics and the information derived from current studies could guide clinical decisions with a direct impact in the clinical advances for breast cancer patients nowadays.
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D'Huyvetter M, De Vos J, Xavier C, Pruszynski M, Sterckx YGJ, Massa S, Raes G, Caveliers V, Zalutsky MR, Lahoutte T, Devoogdt N. 131I-labeled Anti-HER2 Camelid sdAb as a Theranostic Tool in Cancer Treatment. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 23:6616-6628. [PMID: 28751451 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-0310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2017] [Revised: 05/23/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Camelid single-domain antibody-fragments (sdAb) have beneficial pharmacokinetic properties, and those targeted to HER2 can be used for imaging of HER2-overexpressing cancer. Labeled with a therapeutic radionuclide, they may be used for HER2-targeted therapy. Here, we describe the generation of a 131I-labeled sdAb as a theranostic drug to treat HER2-overexpressing cancer.Experimental Design: Anti-HER2 sdAb 2Rs15d was labeled with 131I using [131I]SGMIB and evaluated in vitro Biodistribution was evaluated in two HER2+ murine xenograft models by micro-SPECT/CT imaging and at necropsy, and under challenge with trastuzumab and pertuzumab. The therapeutic potential of [131I]SGMIB-2Rs15d was investigated in two HER2+ tumor mouse models. A single-dose toxicity study was performed in mice using unlabeled [127I]SGMIB-sdAb at 1.4 mg/kg. The structure of the 2Rs15d-HER2 complex was determined by X-ray crystallography.Results: [131I]SGMIB-2Rs15d bound specifically to HER2+ cells (Kd = 4.74 ± 0.39 nmol/L). High and specific tumor uptake was observed in both BT474/M1 and SKOV-3 tumor xenografted mice and surpassed kidney levels by 3 hours. Extremely low uptake values were observed in other normal tissues at all time points. The crystal structure revealed that 2Rs15d recognizes HER2 Domain 1, consistent with the lack of competition with trastuzumab and pertuzumab observed in vivo [131I]SGMIB-2Rs15d alone, or in combination with trastuzumab, extended median survival significantly. No toxicity was observed after injecting [127I]SGMIB-2Rs15d.Conclusions: These findings demonstrate the theranostic potential of [131I]SGMIB-2Rs15d. An initial scan using low radioactive [*I]SGMIB-2Rs15d allows patient selection and dosimetry calculations for subsequent therapeutic [131I]SGMIB-2Rs15d and could thereby impact therapy outcome on HER2+ breast cancer patients. Clin Cancer Res; 23(21); 6616-28. ©2017 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthias D'Huyvetter
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.
| | - Jens De Vos
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Camel-IDS NV/SA, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Catarina Xavier
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Yann G J Sterckx
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Sam Massa
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Gent, Belgium
| | - Geert Raes
- Cellular and Molecular Immunology, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Myeloid Cell Immunology Laboratory, VIB-UGent Center for Inflammation Research, Gent, Belgium
| | - Vicky Caveliers
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Michael R Zalutsky
- Department of Radiology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, North Carolina
| | - Tony Lahoutte
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium.,Nuclear Medicine Department, UZ Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
| | - Nick Devoogdt
- In Vivo Cellular and Molecular Imaging Laboratory, Vrije Universiteit Brussel, Brussels, Belgium
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Palladini A, Nicoletti G, Lamolinara A, Dall'Ora M, Balboni T, Ianzano ML, Laranga R, Landuzzi L, Giusti V, Ceccarelli C, Santini D, Taffurelli M, Di Oto E, Asioli S, Amici A, Pupa SM, De Giovanni C, Tagliabue E, Iezzi M, Nanni P, Lollini PL. HER2 isoforms co-expression differently tunes mammary tumor phenotypes affecting onset, vasculature and therapeutic response. Oncotarget 2017; 8:54444-54458. [PMID: 28903354 PMCID: PMC5589593 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.17088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/16/2016] [Accepted: 03/22/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Full-length HER2 oncoprotein and splice variant Delta16 are co-expressed in human breast cancer. We studied their interaction in hybrid transgenic mice bearing human full-length HER2 and Delta16 (F1 HER2/Delta16) in comparison to parental HER2 and Delta16 transgenic mice. Mammary carcinomas onset was faster in F1 HER2/Delta16 and Delta16 than in HER2 mice, however tumor growth was slower, and metastatic spread was comparable in all transgenic mice. Full-length HER2 tumors contained few large vessels or vascular lacunae, whereas Delta16 tumors presented a more regular vascularization with numerous endothelium-lined small vessels. Delta16-expressing tumors showed a higher accumulation of i.v. injected doxorubicin than tumors expressing full-length HER2. F1 HER2/Delta16 tumors with high full-length HER2 expression made few large vessels, whereas tumors with low full-length HER2 and high Delta16 contained numerous small vessels and expressed higher levels of VEGF and VEGFR2. Trastuzumab strongly inhibited tumor onset in F1 HER2/Delta16 and Delta16 mice, but not in full-length HER2 mice. Addiction of F1 tumors to Delta16 was also shown by long-term stability of Delta16 levels during serial transplants, in contrast full-length HER2 levels underwent wide fluctuations. In conclusion, full-length HER2 leads to a faster tumor growth and to an irregular vascularization, whereas Delta16 leads to a faster tumor onset, with more regular vessels, which in turn could better transport cytotoxic drugs within the tumor, and to a higher sensitivity to targeted therapeutic agents. F1 HER2/Delta16 mice are a new immunocompetent mouse model, complementary to patient-derived xenografts, for studies of mammary carcinoma onset, prevention and therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arianna Palladini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Giordano Nicoletti
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Massimiliano Dall'Ora
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Tania Balboni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Marianna L Ianzano
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Roberta Laranga
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Lorena Landuzzi
- Rizzoli Orthopedic Institute, Laboratory of Experimental Oncology, Bologna, Italy
| | - Veronica Giusti
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Ceccarelli
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.,Pathology Unit, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Donatella Santini
- Pathology Unit, Policlinico S.Orsola-Malpighi University Hospital, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mario Taffurelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Enrico Di Oto
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Sofia Asioli
- Anatomic Pathology, Department of Biomedical and Neuromotor Sciences, Bellaria Hospital, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | | | - Carla De Giovanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | | | - Manuela Iezzi
- Aging Research Centre, "Gabriele d'Annunzio" University, Chieti, Italy
| | - Patrizia Nanni
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Pier-Luigi Lollini
- Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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45
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Silipo M, Gautrey H, Satam S, Lennard T, Tyson-Capper A. How is Herstatin, a tumor suppressor splice variant of the oncogene HER2, regulated? RNA Biol 2016; 14:536-543. [PMID: 27935425 DOI: 10.1080/15476286.2016.1267074] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)/receptor tyrosine-protein kinasebB-2 (ERBB2) is overexpressed in 20-30% of breast tumors leading to faster growing and more aggressive tumors. Alternative splicing generates a functionally distinct HER2 variant called Herstatin, which is produced by the inclusion of intron 8. Herstatin acts as a tumor suppressor by effectively blocking HER2 activity and cell proliferation, while promoting apoptosis. In the present study we investigated HER2 pre-mRNA regulatory sequences and splicing factors which regulate the alternative splicing of Herstatin. A Herstatin minigene, comprising exon 8/intron 8/exon 9 of HER2 was generated and subsequent in vitro splicing assays revealed that RNA secondary structure and somatic mutations did not impact on inclusion of intron 8. However, using RNase-assisted RNA chromatography, followed by mass spectrometry, we identified six RNA-binding proteins (splicing factors) that bind to RNA sequences surrounding exon 8/intron 8 and intron 8/exon 9 boundaries; these included hnRNP I, H1, D, A2/B1 and hnRNPA1 plus the SR protein SRSF1. Specifically, overexpression of hnRNP A1 significantly increased retention of intron 8 resulting in higher levels of Herstatin in SKBR3 breast cancer cells whereas SRSF1 only had a marginal effect in decreasing Herstatin but increased exogenous HER2 levels under these experimental conditions. In conclusion, we have identified the first splicing factors and regulatory sequences that are involved in the production of Herstatin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Silipo
- a Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University , Newcastle , UK
| | - Hannah Gautrey
- a Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University , Newcastle , UK
| | - Swapna Satam
- a Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University , Newcastle , UK
| | - Thomas Lennard
- b Northern Institute for Cancer Research, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University , Newcastle , UK
| | - Alison Tyson-Capper
- a Institute of Cellular Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences, Newcastle University , Newcastle , UK
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46
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Fry EA, Taneja P, Inoue K. Clinical applications of mouse models for breast cancer engaging HER2/neu. INTEGRATIVE CANCER SCIENCE AND THERAPEUTICS 2016; 3:593-603. [PMID: 28133539 PMCID: PMC5267336 DOI: 10.15761/icst.1000210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Human c-ErbB2 (HER2) has long been used as a marker of breast cancer (BC) for sub-categorization for the prediction of prognosis, and determination of therapeutic strategies. HER2 overexpressing BCs are more invasive/metastatic; but patients respond to monoclonal antibody therapy with trastuzumab or tyrosine kinase inhibitors, at least at early stages. To date, numerous mouse models that faithfully reproduce HER2(+) BCs have been created in mice. We recently reviewed different mouse models of BC overexpressing wild type or mutant neu driven by MMTV, neu, or doxycycline-inducible promoters. These mice have been used to demonstrate the histopathology, oncogenic signaling pathways initiated by aberrant overexpression of HER2 in the mammary epithelium, and interaction between oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes at molecular levels. In this review, we focus on their clinical applications. They can be used to test the efficacy of HER(2) inhibitors before starting clinical trials, characterize the tumor-initiating cells that could be the cause of relapse after therapy as well as to analyze the molecular mechanisms of therapeutic resistance targeting HER2. MMTV-human ErbB2 (HER2) mouse models have recently been established since the monoclonal antibody to HER2 (trastuzumab; Herceptin®) does not recognize the rat neu protein. It has been reported that early intervention with HER2 monoclonal antibody would be beneficial for preventing mammary carcinogenesis. MDA-7/IL-24 as well as naturally-occurring chemicals have also been tested using MMTV-neu models. Recent studies have shown that MMTV-neu models are useful to develop vaccines to HER2 for immunotherapy. The mouse models employing HER2/neu will be essential for future antibody or drug screenings to overcome resistance to trastuzumab or HER(2)-specific tyrosine kinase inhibitors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth A. Fry
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
| | - Pankaj Taneja
- Department of Biotechnology, Sharda University, Knowledge Park III, Greater Noida 201306, India
| | - Kazushi Inoue
- The Department of Pathology, Wake Forest University Health Sciences, Medical Center Boulevard, Winston-Salem, NC 27157 USA
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47
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Wada R, Yagihashi S, Naito Z. mRNA expression of delta-HER2 and its clinicopathological correlation in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. Mol Med Rep 2016; 14:5104-5110. [PMID: 27840986 PMCID: PMC5355676 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2016.5892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2015] [Accepted: 09/29/2016] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Delta-human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) is a splice variant of HER2, which lacks 16 amino acids in the extracellular domain. The aim of the present study was to elucidate the expression of delta-HER2 and its clinicopathological correlation in Japanese patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. A total of 40 cases of HER2-overexpressing breast cancer were investigated. The mRNA expression levels of wild type (wt)-HER2 and delta-HER2 were quantitated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction using RNA extracted from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens. In addition, the activated form of phosphorylated-SRC (pSRC) and Ki-67 were detected by immunostaining. The mRNA expression levels of wt-HER2 varied largely, and the mRNA levels of delta-HER2 were correlated with those of wt-HER2. Furthermore, the enhanced immunostaining of pSRC was detected in 15 cases. Unsupervised hierarchal clustering of wt-HER2, delta-HER2 and pSRC was used to separate the cases into three clusters. In the first cluster, the levels of wt-HER2 and delta-HER2 were low, and pSRC immunostaining was low. Two other clusters were characterized by moderately and highly increased levels of wt-HER2 and delta-HER2 mRNA expression and enhanced pSRC. The delta/wt ratio was higher in the first cluster. Positive lymph node status and recurrence were more frequent in the first cluster compared with those in the two other clusters. Furthermore, the delta/wt ratio was significantly increased in lymph node-positive and recurrent cases, compared with in lymph node-negative and non-recurrent cases. The present study demonstrated that delta-HER2 was expressed in Japanese patients with HER2-overexpressing breast cancer. High mRNA expression levels of delta-HER2 were associated with pSRC and increased proliferation of tumor cells. A poor prognosis may be predicted by the increase in delta/wt ratio in HER2-overexpressing breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ryuichi Wada
- Department of Integrated Diagnostic Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
| | - Soroku Yagihashi
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, Hirosaki University Graduate School of Medicine, Hirosaki, Aomori 036‑8562, Japan
| | - Zenya Naito
- Department of Integrated Diagnostic Pathology, Nippon Medical School, Tokyo 113‑8602, Japan
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48
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Mao L, Sun AJ, Wu JZ, Tang JH. Involvement of microRNAs in HER2 signaling and trastuzumab treatment. Tumour Biol 2016; 37:10.1007/s13277-016-5405-3. [PMID: 27734339 DOI: 10.1007/s13277-016-5405-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2016] [Accepted: 09/13/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The prognostic value of HER2 has been demonstrated in many human cancer types such us breast cancer, gastric cancer and ovarian cancer. Trastuzumab is the first anti-HER2 monoclonal antibody that has remarkably improved outcomes of patients with HER2-positive breast cancer. For HER2-positive metastatic gastric cancers, the addition of trastuzumab to traditional chemotherapy also significantly prolonged overall survival. However, intrinsic and acquired resistance to trastuzumab is common and results in disease progression. HER2 signaling network and mechanisms underlying the resistance have been broadly investigated in order to develop strategy to overcome the dilemma. Increasing evidence indicates that microRNAs (miRNA), a group of small non-coding RNAs, are involved in HER2 signaling and trastuzumab treatment. This review summarizes all the miRNAs that target HER2 and describes their activity on biological processes. Moreover, miRNAs that regulate trastuzumab resistance and relevant molecular mechanisms are highlighted. MiRNA signatures associated with HER2, miRNAs that mediate trastuzumab activity, and potential miRNA biomarkers of trastuzumab sensitivity are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Mao
- Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, Xuzhou medical university, Huai'an, China
| | - Ai-Jun Sun
- Department of Thyroid and Breast Surgery, Huai'an Second People's Hospital, Xuzhou medical university, Huai'an, China
| | - Jian-Zhong Wu
- Nanjing Medical University Affiliated Cancer Hospital, Cancer Institute of Jiangsu Province, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jin-Hai Tang
- Department of General Surgery, the Affiliated Jiangsu Cancer Hospital, Nanjing Medical University, 42Bai Zi Ting Road, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210000, China.
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49
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Tilio M, Gambini V, Wang J, Garulli C, Kalogris C, Andreani C, Bartolacci C, Elexpuru Zabaleta M, Pietrella L, Hysi A, Iezzi M, Belletti B, Orlando F, Provinciali M, Galeazzi R, Marchini C, Amici A. Irreversible inhibition of Δ16HER2 is necessary to suppress Δ16HER2-positive breast carcinomas resistant to Lapatinib. Cancer Lett 2016; 381:76-84. [DOI: 10.1016/j.canlet.2016.07.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2016] [Revised: 07/21/2016] [Accepted: 07/22/2016] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
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50
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Castagnoli L, Ghedini GC, Koschorke A, Triulzi T, Dugo M, Gasparini P, Casalini P, Palladini A, Iezzi M, Lamolinara A, Lollini PL, Nanni P, Chiodoni C, Tagliabue E, Pupa SM. Pathobiological implications of the d16HER2 splice variant for stemness and aggressiveness of HER2-positive breast cancer. Oncogene 2016; 36:1721-1732. [PMID: 27641338 PMCID: PMC5447867 DOI: 10.1038/onc.2016.338] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2016] [Accepted: 08/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
We have previously shown that the d16HER2 splice variant is linked to HER2-positive
breast cancer (BC) tumorigenesis, progression and response to Trastuzumab. However,
the mechanisms by which d16HER2 contributes to HER2-driven aggressiveness and
targeted therapy susceptibility remain uncertain. Here, we report that the
d16HER2-positive mammary tumor cell lines MI6 and MI7, derived from spontaneous
lesions of d16HER2 transgenic (tg) mice and resembling the aggressive features of
primary lesions, are enriched in the expression of Wnt, Notch and
epithelial–mesenchymal transition pathways related genes compared with
full-length wild-type (WT) HER2-positive cells (WTHER2_1 and WTHER2_2) derived from
spontaneous tumors arising in WTHER2 tg mice. MI6 cells exhibited increased
resistance to anoikis and significantly higher mammosphere-forming efficiency (MFE)
and self-renewal capability than the WTHER2-positive counterpart. Furthermore,
d16HER2-positive tumor cells expressed a higher fraction of
CD29High/CD24+/SCA1Low cells and
displayed greater in vivo tumor engraftment in serial dilution conditions
than WTHER2_1 cells. Accordingly, NOTCH inhibitors impaired mammosphere formation
only in MI6 cells. A comparative analysis of stemness-related features driven by
d16HER2 and WTHER2 in ad hoc engineered human BC cells (MCF7 and T47D)
revealed a higher MFE and aldehyde dehydrogenase-positive staining in d16HER2- vs
WTHER2-infected cells, sustaining consistent BC-initiating cell enrichment in the
human setting. Moreover, marked CD44 expression was found in MCF7_d16 and T47D_d16
cells vs their WTHER2 and Mock counterparts. Clinically, BC cases from two distinct
HER2-positive cohorts characterized by high levels of expression of the
activated-d16HER2 metagene were significantly enriched in the Notch family and signal
transducer genes vs those with low levels of the metagene.
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Affiliation(s)
- L Castagnoli
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - G C Ghedini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Koschorke
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - T Triulzi
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - M Dugo
- Functional Genomics and Bioinformatics Core Facility, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - P Gasparini
- Tumor Genomics Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - P Casalini
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - A Palladini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - M Iezzi
- CESI Aging Research Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, Italy
| | - A Lamolinara
- CESI Aging Research Center, Department of Medicine and Aging Sciences, G D'Annunzio University, Via Colle dell'Ara, Chieti Scalo, Chieti, Italy
| | - P L Lollini
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - P Nanni
- Laboratory of Immunology and Biology of Metastases, Department of Experimental, Diagnostic and Specialty Medicine, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - C Chiodoni
- Molecular Immunology Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - E Tagliabue
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
| | - S M Pupa
- Molecular Targeting Unit, Department of Experimental Oncology and Molecular Medicine, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Nazionale dei Tumori, Milan, Italy
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