1
|
Li Y, Chen L, Huang L, Li X, Huang Q, Tang L, Huang Z, Zhu L, Li T. A radiomics-based nomogram may be useful for predicting telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation status in adult glioblastoma. Brain Behav 2024; 14:e3528. [PMID: 38798094 PMCID: PMC11128771 DOI: 10.1002/brb3.3528] [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: 08/29/2023] [Revised: 04/07/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE As a crucial diagnostic and prognostic biomarker, telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation holds immense significance for personalized treatment of patients with glioblastoma (GBM). In this study, we developed a radiomics nomogram to determine the TERT promoter mutation status and assessed its prognostic efficacy in GBM patients. METHODS The study retrospectively included 145 GBM patients. A comprehensive set of 3736 radiomics features was extracted from preoperative magnetic resonance imaging, including T2-weighted imaging, T1-weighted imaging (T1WI), contrast-enhanced T1WI, and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery. The construction of the radiomics model was based on integrating the radiomics signature (rad-score)with clinical features. Receiver-operating characteristic curve analysis was employed to evaluate the discriminative ability of the prediction model, and the risk score was used to stratify patient outcomes. RESULTS The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator classifier identified 10 robust features for constructing the prediction model, and the radiomics nomogram exhibited excellent performance in predicting TERT promoter mutation status, with area under the curve values of.906 (95% confidence interval [CI]:.850-.963) and.899 (95% CI:.708-.966) in the training and validation sets, respectively. The clinical utility of the radiomics nomogram is further supported by calibration curve and decision curve analyses. Additionally, the radiomics nomogram effectively stratified GBM patients with significantly different prognoses (HR = 1.767, p = .019). CONCLUSION The radiomics nomogram holds promise as a modality for evaluating TERT promoter mutations and prognostic outcomes in patients with GBM.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Ling Chen
- Department of RadiologyLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Lizhao Huang
- Department of RadiologyLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Xuedong Li
- Department of NeurosurgeryLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Qidan Huang
- Department of NeurosurgeryLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Lifang Tang
- Department of RadiologyLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Zhiwei Huang
- Department of NeurosurgeryLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Li Zhu
- Department of RadiologyLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| | - Tao Li
- Department of RadiologyLiuzhou Worker's HospitalGuangxiChina
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Rosso I, Jones-Weinert C, Rossiello F, Cabrini M, Brambillasca S, Munoz-Sagredo L, Lavagnino Z, Martini E, Tedone E, Garre' M, Aguado J, Parazzoli D, Mione M, Shay JW, Mercurio C, d'Adda di Fagagna F. Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) cells viability is dependent on C-rich telomeric RNAs. Nat Commun 2023; 14:7086. [PMID: 37925537 PMCID: PMC10625592 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-023-42831-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 10/23/2023] [Indexed: 11/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) is a telomere maintenance mechanism activated in ~10-15% of cancers, characterized by telomeric damage. Telomeric damage-induced long non-coding RNAs (dilncRNAs) are transcribed at dysfunctional telomeres and contribute to telomeric DNA damage response (DDR) activation and repair. Here we observed that telomeric dilncRNAs are preferentially elevated in ALT cells. Inhibition of C-rich (teloC) dilncRNAs with antisense oligonucleotides leads to DNA replication stress responses, increased genomic instability, and apoptosis induction selectively in ALT cells. Cell death is dependent on DNA replication and is increased by DNA replication stress. Mechanistically, teloC dilncRNA inhibition reduces RAD51 and 53BP1 recruitment to telomeres, boosts the engagement of BIR machinery, and increases C-circles and telomeric sister chromatid exchanges, without increasing telomeric non-S phase synthesis. These results indicate that teloC dilncRNA is necessary for a coordinated recruitment of DDR factors to ALT telomeres and it is essential for ALT cancer cells survival.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ilaria Rosso
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Corey Jones-Weinert
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, La Jolla, CA, USA
| | | | - Matteo Cabrini
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Silvia Brambillasca
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (Experimental Therapeutics Program), Milan, Italy
| | - Leonel Munoz-Sagredo
- Institute of Biological and Chemical Systems - Functional Molecular Systems (IBCS-FMS), Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT), Karlsruhe, Germany
- School of Medicine, Universidad de Valparaiso, Valparaiso, Chile
| | - Zeno Lavagnino
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Emanuele Martini
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Dipartimento di Oncologia ed Emato-Oncologia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Milan, Italy
| | - Enzo Tedone
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Massimiliano Garre'
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- RCSI, Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland, Department of Chemistry, Dublin, Ireland
| | - Julio Aguado
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
- Australian Institute for Bioengineering and Nanotechnology, The University of Queensland, St Lucia, QLD, Australia
| | - Dario Parazzoli
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy
| | - Marina Mione
- Department of Cellular, Computational and Integrative Biology - CIBIO, University of Trento, Trento, Italy
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX, USA
| | - Ciro Mercurio
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology (Experimental Therapeutics Program), Milan, Italy
| | - Fabrizio d'Adda di Fagagna
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milan, Italy.
- Institute of Molecular Genetics IGM-CNR "Luigi Luca Cavalli-Sforza", Pavia, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Loe TK, Lazzerini Denchi E, Tricola GM, Azeroglu B. ALTercations at telomeres: stress, recombination and extrachromosomal affairs. Biochem Soc Trans 2023; 51:1935-1946. [PMID: 37767563 DOI: 10.1042/bst20230265] [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: 08/11/2023] [Revised: 09/21/2023] [Accepted: 09/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023]
Abstract
Approximately 15% of human cancers depend on the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) pathway to maintain telomeres and proliferate. Telomeres that are elongated using ALT display unique features raising the exciting prospect of tailored cancer therapies. ALT-mediated telomere elongation shares several features with recombination-based DNA repair. Strikingly, cells that use the ALT pathway display abnormal levels of replication stress at telomeres and accumulate abundant extrachromosomal telomeric DNA. In this review, we examine recent findings that shed light on the ALT mechanisms and the strategies currently available to suppress this telomere elongation mechanism.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Taylor K Loe
- Department of Molecular Medicine, The Scripps Research Institute, La Jolla, CA 92037, U.S.A
| | - Eros Lazzerini Denchi
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Gianna M Tricola
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| | - Benura Azeroglu
- Laboratory of Genome Integrity, National Cancer Institute, NIH, Bethesda, MD 20892, U.S.A
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Sohn EJ, Goralsky JA, Shay JW, Min J. The Molecular Mechanisms and Therapeutic Prospects of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT). Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15071945. [PMID: 37046606 PMCID: PMC10093677 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15071945] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
As detailed by the end replication problem, the linear ends of a cell's chromosomes, known as telomeres, shorten with each successive round of replication until a cell enters into a state of growth arrest referred to as senescence. To maintain their immortal proliferation capacity, cancer cells must employ a telomere maintenance mechanism, such as telomerase activation or the Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres pathway (ALT). With only 10-15% of cancers utilizing the ALT mechanism, progress towards understanding its molecular components and associated hallmarks has only recently been made. This review analyzes the advances towards understanding the ALT pathway by: (1) detailing the mechanisms associated with engaging the ALT pathway as well as (2) identifying potential therapeutic targets of ALT that may lead to novel cancer therapeutic treatments. Collectively, these studies indicate that the ALT molecular mechanisms involve at least two distinct pathways induced by replication stress and damage at telomeres. We suggest exploiting tumor dependency on ALT is a promising field of study because it suggests new approaches to ALT-specific therapies for cancers with poorer prognosis. While substantial progress has been made in the ALT research field, additional progress will be required to realize these advances into clinical practices to treat ALT cancers and improve patient prognoses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eric J Sohn
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Julia A Goralsky
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| | - Jerry W Shay
- Department of Cell Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390-9039, USA
| | - Jaewon Min
- Institute for Cancer Genetics, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
- Department of Pathology and Cell Biology, Columbia University Irving Medical Center, New York, NY 10032, USA
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Alzoubi H, Minasi S, Gianno F, Antonelli M, Belardinilli F, Giangaspero F, Jaffrain-Rea ML, Buttarelli FR. Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) and Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Methylation in Recurrent Adult and Primary Pediatric Pituitary Neuroendocrine Tumors. Endocr Pathol 2022; 33:494-505. [PMID: 34993885 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-021-09702-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Neoplastic cells acquire the ability to proliferate endlessly by maintaining telomeres via telomerase, or alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). The role of telomere maintenance in pituitary neuroendocrine tumors (PitNETs) has yet to be thoroughly investigated. We analyzed surgical samples of 24 adult recurrent PitNETs (including onset and relapses for 14 of them) and 12 pediatric primary PitNETs. The presence of ALT was assessed using telomere-specific fluorescence in situ hybridization, methylation of telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) by methylation-specific PCR, and ATRX expression by immunohistochemistry. Among the adult recurrent PitNETs, we identified 3/24 (12.5%) ALT-positive cases. ALT was present from the onset and maintained in subsequent relapses, suggesting that this mechanism occurs early in tumorigenesis and is stable during progression. ATRX loss was only seen in one ALT-positive case. Noteworthy, ALT was observed in 3 out of 5 aggressive PitNETs, including two aggressive corticotroph tumors, eventually leading to patient's death. ALT-negative tumors (87.5%) were classified according to their low (29.2%), medium (50%), and high (8.3%) telomere fluorescence intensity, with no significant differences emerging in their molecular, clinical, or pathological characteristics. TERTp methylation was found in 6/24 cases (25%), with a total concordance in methylation status between onset and recurrences, suggesting that this mechanism remains stable throughout disease progression. TERTp methylation did not influence telomere length. In the pediatric cohort of PitNETs, TERTp methylation was also observed in 4/12 cases (33.3%), but no case of ALT activation was observed. In conclusion, ALT is triggered at onset and maintained during tumor progression in a subset of adult PitNETs, suggesting that it could be used for clinical purposes, as a potential predictor of aggressive behavior.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hiba Alzoubi
- Department of Basic Medical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Yarmouk University, Irbid, Jordan
| | - Simone Minasi
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | - Francesca Gianno
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Manila Antonelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
| | | | - Felice Giangaspero
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Marie-Lise Jaffrain-Rea
- Department of Biotechnological and Applied Clinical Sciences, University of L'Aquila, L'Aquila, Italy
- IRCCS Neuromed, Pozzilli, Italy
| | - Francesca Romana Buttarelli
- Department of Radiological, Oncological and Anatomo-Pathological Sciences, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
de Nonneville A, Salas S, Bertucci F, Sobinoff AP, Adélaïde J, Guille A, Finetti P, Noble JR, Churikov D, Chaffanet M, Lavit E, Pickett HA, Bouvier C, Birnbaum D, Reddel RR, Géli V. TOP3A amplification and ATRX inactivation are mutually exclusive events in pediatric osteosarcomas using ALT. EMBO Mol Med 2022; 14:e15859. [PMID: 35920001 PMCID: PMC9549729 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202215859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 07/13/2022] [Accepted: 07/14/2022] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In some types of cancer, telomere length is maintained by the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. In many ALT cancers, the α-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene is mutated leading to the conclusion that the ATRX complex represses ALT. Here, we report that most high-grade pediatric osteosarcomas maintain their telomeres by ALT, and that the majority of these ALT tumors are ATRX wild-type (wt) and instead carry an amplified 17p11.2 chromosomal region containing TOP3A. We found that TOP3A was overexpressed in the ALT-positive ATRX-wt tumors consistent with its amplification. We demonstrated the functional significance of these results by showing that TOP3A overexpression in ALT cancer cells countered ATRX-mediated ALT inhibition and that TOP3A knockdown disrupted the ALT phenotype in ATRX-wt cells. Moreover, we report that TOP3A is required for proper BLM localization and promotes ALT DNA synthesis in ALT cell lines. Collectively, our results identify TOP3A as a major ALT player and potential therapeutic target.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Alexandre de Nonneville
- Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Team « Telomere and Chromatin ». Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le CancerAix‐Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance,Cancer Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNSWAustralia,Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance,Department of Medical Oncology, CRCM, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Sébastien Salas
- Department of Medical OncologyAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille ‐ Timone HospitalMarseilleFrance
| | - François Bertucci
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance,Department of Medical Oncology, CRCM, CNRS, INSERM, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Alexander P Sobinoff
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNSWAustralia
| | - José Adélaïde
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Arnaud Guille
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Pascal Finetti
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Jane R Noble
- Cancer Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNSWAustralia
| | - Dimitri Churikov
- Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Team « Telomere and Chromatin ». Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le CancerAix‐Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| | - Max Chaffanet
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Elise Lavit
- Department of Medical OncologyAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille ‐ Timone HospitalMarseilleFrance
| | - Hilda A Pickett
- Telomere Length Regulation Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNSWAustralia
| | - Corinne Bouvier
- Department of PathologyAssistance Publique Hôpitaux de Marseille ‐ Timone HospitalMarseilleFrance
| | - Daniel Birnbaum
- Predictive Oncology Laboratory, Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐CalmettesAix‐Marseille UniversityMarseilleFrance
| | - Roger R Reddel
- Cancer Research Unit, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Children's Medical Research InstituteUniversity of SydneyWestmeadNSWAustralia
| | - Vincent Géli
- Marseille Cancer Research Centre (CRCM), Inserm U1068, CNRS UMR7258, Institut Paoli‐Calmettes, Team « Telomere and Chromatin ». Equipe labellisée Ligue Nationale Contre Le CancerAix‐Marseille UnivMarseilleFrance
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
A radiomics feature-based nomogram to predict telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutation status and the prognosis of lower-grade gliomas. Clin Radiol 2022; 77:e560-e567. [PMID: 35595562 DOI: 10.1016/j.crad.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
AIM To explore the predictive value of the radiomics feature-based nomogram for predicting telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation status and prognosis of lower-grade gliomas (LGGs) non-invasively. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred and seventy-six LGG patients (123 in the training cohort and 53 in the validation cohort) were enrolled retrospectively. A total of 851 radiomics features were extracted from contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) images. The radiomics features were selected using the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) method and a rad-score was calculated. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to build a radiomics signature based on rad-score, participant's age, and gender, and a radiomics nomogram was used to represent this signature. The performance of the signature was evaluated by receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis, and the patient prognosis was stratified based on the TERT promoter mutation status and the radiomics signature. RESULTS Seven robust radiomics features were selected by LASSO and the radiomics signature showed good performance for predicting the TERT promoter mutation status, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.900 (0.832-0.946) and 0.873 (0.753-0.948) in the training and validation datasets. With a median overall survival time of 28.5 months, the radiomics signature stratified the LGG patients into two risk groups with significantly different prognosis (log-rank = 47.531, p<0.001). CONCLUSION The radiomics feature-based nomogram is a promising approach for predicting the TERT promoter mutation status preoperatively and evaluating the prognosis of lower-grade glioma patients non-invasively.
Collapse
|
8
|
Pauleck S, Gigic B, Cawthon RM, Ose J, Peoples AR, Warby CA, Sinnott JA, Lin T, Boehm J, Schrotz-King P, Li CI, Shibata D, Siegel EM, Figueiredo JC, Toriola AT, Schneider M, Ulrich AB, Hoffmeister A, Ulrich CM, Hardikar S. Association of circulating leukocyte telomere length with survival in patients with colorectal cancer. J Geriatr Oncol 2022; 13:480-485. [PMID: 34998722 PMCID: PMC9197691 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgo.2021.12.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2021] [Revised: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/07/2021] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Telomere shortening, as seen with aging, can cause chromosomal instability and promote cancer progression. We investigated the association between circulating telomere length and overall and disease-free survival in a sub-cohort of patients with colorectal cancer. METHODS Baseline genomic DNA from blood leukocytes was extracted from N = 92 newly diagnosed stage I-IV patients with colorectal cancer enrolled at the ColoCare Study site in Heidelberg, Germany. Detailed information on clinicodemographic (including age) and lifestyle risk factors, and clinical outcomes (including recurrence and survival) was collected. Telomere length was measured in DNA using multiplex quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Kaplan Meier survival curves were generated comparing shorter to longer telomere lengths with log-rank testing. RESULTS The mean T/S ratio for study patients was 0.5 (range: 0.3-0.9). Shorter telomeres were associated with older age at baseline. Patients with shorter telomeres experienced a worse overall and disease-free survival, although this association did not reach statistical significance. Kaplan-Meier survival curves for those with circulating telomere length below vs. above the median showed poorer overall (log-rank p = 0.31) and disease-free survival (long-rank p = 0.23). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that individuals with shorter telomeres, as seen with aging, may experience a worse overall and disease-free survival after colorectal cancer diagnosis. Larger sample sizes with longer follow-up are needed to further evaluate telomere length as a prognostic biomarker in colorectal cancer progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Svenja Pauleck
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; University of Leipzig Medical Center, Medical Faculty, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Biljana Gigic
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Richard M Cawthon
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jennifer Ose
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Anita R Peoples
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Christy A Warby
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Jennifer A Sinnott
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Statistics, The Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Tengda Lin
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Juergen Boehm
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Petra Schrotz-King
- National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - David Shibata
- University of Tennessee Health Science Center, Memphis, TN, USA
| | - Erin M Siegel
- H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center & Research Institute, Tampa, FL, USA
| | | | - Adetunji T Toriola
- Department of Surgery, Division of Public Health Sciences, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - Martin Schneider
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Alexis B Ulrich
- Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany; National Center for Tumor Diseases (NCT) and German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Albrecht Hoffmeister
- Medical Department II, Division of Gastroenterology, University of Leipzig Medical Center, Leipzig, Germany
| | - Cornelia M Ulrich
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Sheetal Hardikar
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
ATRX proximal protein associations boast roles beyond histone deposition. PLoS Genet 2021; 17:e1009909. [PMID: 34780483 PMCID: PMC8629390 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 10/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The ATRX ATP-dependent chromatin remodelling/helicase protein associates with the DAXX histone chaperone to deposit histone H3.3 over repetitive DNA regions. Because ATRX-protein interactions impart functions, such as histone deposition, we used proximity-dependent biotinylation (BioID) to identify proximal associations for ATRX. The proteomic screen captured known interactors, such as DAXX, NBS1, and PML, but also identified a range of new associating proteins. To gauge the scope of their roles, we examined three novel ATRX-associating proteins that likely differed in function, and for which little data were available. We found CCDC71 to associate with ATRX, but also HP1 and NAP1, suggesting a role in chromatin maintenance. Contrastingly, FAM207A associated with proteins involved in ribosome biosynthesis and localized to the nucleolus. ATRX proximal associations with the SLF2 DNA damage response factor help inhibit telomere exchanges. We further screened for the proteomic changes at telomeres when ATRX, SLF2, or both proteins were deleted. The loss caused important changes in the abundance of chromatin remodelling, DNA replication, and DNA repair factors at telomeres. Interestingly, several of these have previously been implicated in alternative lengthening of telomeres. Altogether, this study expands the repertoire of ATRX-associating proteins and functions. ATRX is a protein that is needed to keep repetitive DNA regions organized. It does so in part by binding the DAXX histone chaperone to deposit histone proteins on DNA and assemble structures known as nucleosomes. While important, ATRX has additional functions that remain understudied. To better understand its various biological roles, we first identified the other proteins that are found in its proximity. ATRX-associating proteins were implicated in a range of functions, in addition to histone deposition. Our results suggest that ATRX-associating proteins likely help compact DNA after it is assembled into nucleosomes, and also promote its stability. We then examined the effect of ATRX on telomeres (repetitive DNA regions at the end of chromosomes). ATRX and at least one of its associating proteins suppressed spurious DNA exchanges at telomeres. To understand why, we then identified proteomic changes that occur at telomeres when ATRX was deleted. Loss of ATRX altered the enrichment of a surprising number of proteins at telomeres, including several DNA damage response and chromatin remodelling proteins.
Collapse
|
10
|
Impact of Chromatin Dynamics and DNA Repair on Genomic Stability and Treatment Resistance in Pediatric High-Grade Gliomas. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225678. [PMID: 34830833 PMCID: PMC8616465 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2021] [Revised: 11/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs) are the leading cause of mortality in pediatric neuro-oncology, due in great part to treatment resistance driven by complex DNA repair mechanisms. pHGGs have recently been divided into molecular subtypes based on mutations affecting the N-terminal tail of the histone variant H3.3 and the ATRX/DAXX histone chaperone that deposits H3.3 at repetitive heterochromatin loci that are of paramount importance to the stability of our genome. This review addresses the functions of H3.3 and ATRX/DAXX in chromatin dynamics and DNA repair, as well as the impact of mutations affecting H3.3/ATRX/DAXX on treatment resistance and how the vulnerabilities they expose could foster novel therapeutic strategies. Abstract Despite their low incidence, pediatric high-grade gliomas (pHGGs), including diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs), are the leading cause of mortality in pediatric neuro-oncology. Recurrent, mutually exclusive mutations affecting K27 (K27M) and G34 (G34R/V) in the N-terminal tail of histones H3.3 and H3.1 act as key biological drivers of pHGGs. Notably, mutations in H3.3 are frequently associated with mutations affecting ATRX and DAXX, which encode a chaperone complex that deposits H3.3 into heterochromatic regions, including telomeres. The K27M and G34R/V mutations lead to distinct epigenetic reprogramming, telomere maintenance mechanisms, and oncogenesis scenarios, resulting in distinct subgroups of patients characterized by differences in tumor localization, clinical outcome, as well as concurrent epigenetic and genetic alterations. Contrasting with our understanding of the molecular biology of pHGGs, there has been little improvement in the treatment of pHGGs, with the current mainstays of therapy—genotoxic chemotherapy and ionizing radiation (IR)—facing the development of tumor resistance driven by complex DNA repair pathways. Chromatin and nucleosome dynamics constitute important modulators of the DNA damage response (DDR). Here, we summarize the major DNA repair pathways that contribute to resistance to current DNA damaging agent-based therapeutic strategies and describe the telomere maintenance mechanisms encountered in pHGGs. We then review the functions of H3.3 and its chaperones in chromatin dynamics and DNA repair, as well as examining the impact of their mutation/alteration on these processes. Finally, we discuss potential strategies targeting DNA repair and epigenetic mechanisms as well as telomere maintenance mechanisms, to improve the treatment of pHGGs.
Collapse
|
11
|
Marini F, Giusti F, Tonelli F, Brandi ML. Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Neoplasms in Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:4041. [PMID: 33919851 PMCID: PMC8070788 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22084041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2021] [Revised: 04/12/2021] [Accepted: 04/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNETs) are a rare group of cancers accounting for about 1-2% of all pancreatic neoplasms. About 10% of pNETs arise within endocrine tumor syndromes, such as Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1). pNETs affect 30-80% of MEN1 patients, manifesting prevalently as multiple microadenomas. pNETs in patients with MEN1 are particularly difficult to treat due to differences in their growth potential, their multiplicity, the frequent requirement of extensive surgery, the high rate of post-operative recurrences, and the concomitant development of other tumors. MEN1 syndrome is caused by germinal heterozygote inactivating mutation of the MEN1 gene, encoding the menin tumor suppressor protein. MEN1-related pNETs develop following the complete loss of function of wild-type menin. Menin is a key regulator of endocrine cell plasticity and its loss in these cells is sufficient for tumor initiation. Somatic biallelic loss of wild-type menin in the neuroendocrine pancreas presumably alters the epigenetic control of gene expression, mediated by histone modifications and DNA hypermethylation, as a driver of MEN1-associated pNET tumorigenesis. In this light, epigenetic-based therapies aimed to correct the altered DNA methylation, and/or histone modifications might be a possible therapeutic strategy for MEN1 pNETs, for whom standard treatments fail.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Marini
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (F.G.)
- F.I.R.M.O. Italian Foundation for the Research on Bone Diseases, Via Reginaldo Giuliani 195/A, 50141 Florence, Italy;
| | - Francesca Giusti
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences, University of Florence, Viale Pieraccini 6, 50139 Florence, Italy; (F.M.); (F.G.)
| | - Francesco Tonelli
- F.I.R.M.O. Italian Foundation for the Research on Bone Diseases, Via Reginaldo Giuliani 195/A, 50141 Florence, Italy;
| | - Maria Luisa Brandi
- F.I.R.M.O. Italian Foundation for the Research on Bone Diseases, Via Reginaldo Giuliani 195/A, 50141 Florence, Italy;
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Casar-Borota O, Boldt H, Engström B, Andersen MS, Baussart B, Bengtsson D, Berinder K, Ekman B, Feldt-Rasmussen U, Höybye C, Jørgensen JOL, Kolnes AJ, Korbonits M, Rasmussen ÅK, Lindsay JR, Loughrey PB, Maiter D, Manojlovic-Gacic E, Pahnke J, Poliani PL, Popovic V, Ragnarsson O, Schalin-Jäntti C, Scheie D, Tóth M, Villa C, Wirenfeldt M, Kunicki J, Burman P. Corticotroph Aggressive Pituitary Tumors and Carcinomas Frequently Harbor ATRX Mutations. J Clin Endocrinol Metab 2021; 106:1183-1194. [PMID: 33106857 PMCID: PMC7993578 DOI: 10.1210/clinem/dgaa749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Aggressive pituitary tumors (APTs) are characterized by unusually rapid growth and lack of response to standard treatment. About 1% to 2% develop metastases being classified as pituitary carcinomas (PCs). For unknown reasons, the corticotroph tumors are overrepresented among APTs and PCs. Mutations in the alpha thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) gene, regulating chromatin remodeling and telomere maintenance, have been implicated in the development of several cancer types, including neuroendocrine tumors. OBJECTIVE To study ATRX protein expression and mutational status of the ATRX gene in APTs and PCs. DESIGN We investigated ATRX protein expression by using immunohistochemistry in 30 APTs and 18 PCs, mostly of Pit-1 and T-Pit cell lineage. In tumors lacking ATRX immunolabeling, mutational status of the ATRX gene was explored. RESULTS Nine of the 48 tumors (19%) demonstrated lack of ATRX immunolabelling with a higher proportion in patients with PCs (5/18; 28%) than in those with APTs (4/30;13%). Lack of ATRX was most common in the corticotroph tumors, 7/22 (32%), versus tumors of the Pit-1 lineage, 2/24 (8%). Loss-of-function ATRX mutations were found in all 9 ATRX immunonegative cases: nonsense mutations (n = 4), frameshift deletions (n = 4), and large deletions affecting 22-28 of the 36 exons (n = 3). More than 1 ATRX gene defect was identified in 2 PCs. CONCLUSION ATRX mutations occur in a subset of APTs and are more common in corticotroph tumors. The findings provide a rationale for performing ATRX immunohistochemistry to identify patients at risk of developing aggressive and potentially metastatic pituitary tumors.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Olivera Casar-Borota
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
- Correspondence and Reprint Requests: Olivera Casar-Borota, MD, PhD, Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, Uppsala University and Department of Clinical Pathology, Uppsala University Hospital, Dag Hammarskjölds väg 20, 75851 Uppsala, Sweden. E-mail:
| | - Henning Bünsow Boldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Britt Edén Engström
- Department of Medical Sciences, Endocrinology and Mineral Metabolism, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology and Diabetology, Uppsala University Hospital, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - Marianne Skovsager Andersen
- Department of Endocrinology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Clinical Institute, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | | | - Daniel Bengtsson
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kalmar, Region of Kalmar County, Sweden
- Department of Biomedical and Clinical Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Katarina Berinder
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Bertil Ekman
- Department of Endocrinology, University Hospital, Linköping, Sweden
- Department of Health, Medicine and Caring Sciences, Linköping University, Linköping, Sweden
| | - Ulla Feldt-Rasmussen
- Department of Medical Endocrinology and Metabolism, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen, Denmark
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Health Research Sciences, Copenhagen University, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Charlotte Höybye
- Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Jens Otto L Jørgensen
- Department of Endocrinology and Internal Medicine, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus, Denmark
| | - Anders Jensen Kolnes
- Section of Specialized Endocrinology, Department of Endocrinology, Oslo University Hospital, Oslo, Norway
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Oslo, Oslo, Norway
| | - Márta Korbonits
- Centre for Endocrinology, William Harvey Research Institute, Barts, UK
- The London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London, UK
| | - Åse Krogh Rasmussen
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - John R Lindsay
- Mater Infirmorum Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust (BHSCT), UK
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
| | - Paul Benjamin Loughrey
- Regional Centre for Endocrinology and Diabetes, Royal Victoria Hospital, Belfast Health & Social Care Trust, UK
- Patrick G Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University, Belfast, UK
| | - Dominique Maiter
- Department of Endocrinology and Nutrition, UCL Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc, 1200 Brussels, Belgium
| | | | - Jens Pahnke
- University of Oslo (UiO) and Oslo University Hospital (OUS), Department of Pathology, Translational Neurodegeneration Research and Neuropathology Lab, Oslo, Norway
- LIED, University of Lübeck, Lübeck, Germany
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical Faculty, University of Latvia, Riga, Latvia
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia Medical School, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Oskar Ragnarsson
- Department of Internal Medicine and Clinical Nutrition, Institute of Medicine at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden
- Department of Endocrinology, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, Gothenburg, Sweden
| | - Camilla Schalin-Jäntti
- Endocrinology, Abdominal Center, Helsinki University Hospital and University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
| | - David Scheie
- Department of Pathology, Rigshospitalet, Copenhagen University Hospital, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Miklós Tóth
- Department of Internal Medicine and Oncology, Faculty of Medicine, Semmelweis University, Budapest, Hungary
| | - Chiara Villa
- Department of Pathological Cytology and Anatomy, Foch Hospital, Suresnes, France
- INSERM U1016, Institut Cochin, Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes-Université de Paris, Paris, France
- Department of Endocrinology, Sart Tilman B35, 4000 Liège, Belgium
| | - Martin Wirenfeldt
- Department of Pathology, Odense University Hospital, Odense, Denmark
- Department of Clinical Research, University of Southern Denmark, Odense, Denmark
| | - Jacek Kunicki
- Department of Neurosurgery, Maria Sklodowska-Curie National Research Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
| | - Pia Burman
- Department of Endocrinology, Skåne University Hospital, Malmö, Lund University, Sweden
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Brandi ML, Agarwal SK, Perrier ND, Lines KE, Valk GD, Thakker RV. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: Latest Insights. Endocr Rev 2021; 42:133-170. [PMID: 33249439 PMCID: PMC7958143 DOI: 10.1210/endrev/bnaa031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), a rare tumor syndrome that is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern, is continuing to raise great interest for endocrinology, gastroenterology, surgery, radiology, genetics, and molecular biology specialists. There have been 2 major clinical practice guidance papers published in the past 2 decades, with the most recent published 8 years ago. Since then, several new insights on the basic biology and clinical features of MEN1 have appeared in the literature, and those data are discussed in this review. The genetic and molecular interactions of the MEN1-encoded protein menin with transcription factors and chromatin-modifying proteins in cell signaling pathways mediated by transforming growth factor β/bone morphogenetic protein, a few nuclear receptors, Wnt/β-catenin, and Hedgehog, and preclinical studies in mouse models have facilitated the understanding of the pathogenesis of MEN1-associated tumors and potential pharmacological interventions. The advancements in genetic diagnosis have offered a chance to recognize MEN1-related conditions in germline MEN1 mutation-negative patients. There is rapidly accumulating knowledge about clinical presentation in children, adolescents, and pregnancy that is translatable into the management of these very fragile patients. The discoveries about the genetic and molecular signatures of sporadic neuroendocrine tumors support the development of clinical trials with novel targeted therapies, along with advancements in diagnostic tools and surgical approaches. Finally, quality of life studies in patients affected by MEN1 and related conditions represent an effort necessary to develop a pharmacoeconomic interpretation of the problem. Because advances are being made both broadly and in focused areas, this timely review presents and discusses those studies collectively.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Nancy D Perrier
- The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | | | - Gerlof D Valk
- University Medical Center Utrecht, CX Utrecht, the Netherlands
| | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
[Are telomeres and telomerase still relevant targets in oncology?]. Bull Cancer 2020; 108:30-38. [PMID: 33256968 DOI: 10.1016/j.bulcan.2020.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2020] [Accepted: 10/18/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
15
|
Zhai G, Li J, Zheng J, An P, Chen X, Wang X, Li C. hTERT promoter methylation promotes small cell lung cancer progression and radiotherapy resistance. JOURNAL OF RADIATION RESEARCH 2020; 61:674-683. [PMID: 32761059 PMCID: PMC7482169 DOI: 10.1093/jrr/rraa052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 05/03/2023]
Abstract
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) has been a devastating actuality in clinic and the molecular mechanisms underlying this disease remain unclear. The epigenetic alterations located in the promoter region of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) have been demonstrated as one of the most prevalent non-coding genomic modifications in multiple cancers. However, alteration of hTERT promoter methylation in SCLC and the subsequently induced change in tumor cell behavior remains unclear. In this research, we hypothesized that abnormal methylation of hTERT promotor enhanced the progression of SCLC and the outcome of radiotherapy resistance. Quantitative real-time PCR and western blot assays were performed to evaluate the RNA and protein levels of hTERT and enhancer of zeste homolog 2 (EZH2), respectively. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was used to estimate the viability and X-ray sensitivity of H20 and H446 cell lines. Functionally, upregulation of hTERT promoted the proliferation and migration of H20 and H446 cells, and the high-level of methylation in the promoter region of hTERT induced by radiation caused radio-resistance in SCLC. Mechanically, methylation of hTERT promoter enhanced the progression and radio-resistance of SCLC through upregulating the expression of its downstream effector EZH2.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Guangsheng Zhai
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Tumor Hospital of Shandong Province, No. 440 of Jiyan Road, Ji’nan 255000, Shandong, China
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Jianbin Li
- Department of Radiotherapy, the Tumor Hospital of Shandong Province, No. 440 of Jiyan Road, Ji’nan 255000, Shandong, China
| | - Jianbo Zheng
- Department of Urology Surgery, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Peng An
- Department of Emergency and Critical Care Medicine, Shanghai Sixth People’s Hospital East, No. 222 West Third Road Around Lake, Nanhui New City Town, Pudong District, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Xiaohui Chen
- Department of Oncology, Maternal and Child Health Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 11 of Xingyuan East Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaodong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Fourth People’s Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 119 of Shanquan Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
| | - Chuanzhao Li
- Department of General Medicine, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China
- Corresponding author. Department of General Medicine, the Central Hospital of Zibo of Shandong Province, No. 54 of Gongqingtuan West Road, Zhangdian District, Zibo 255022, Shandong, China. Tel: 86-18678186986;
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
TCGA Pan-Cancer Genomic Analysis of Alternative Lengthening of Telomeres (ALT) Related Genes. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:genes11070834. [PMID: 32708340 PMCID: PMC7397314 DOI: 10.3390/genes11070834] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2020] [Revised: 07/15/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMM) are used by cancer cells to avoid apoptosis, 85–90% reactivate telomerase, while 10–15% use the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT). Due to anti-telomerase-based treatments, some tumors switch from a telomerase-dependent mechanism to ALT; in fact, the co-existence between both mechanisms has been observed in some cancers. Although different elements in the ALT pathway are uncovered, some molecular mechanisms are still poorly understood. Therefore, with the aim to identify potential molecular markers for the study of ALT, we combined in silico approaches in a 411 telomere maintenance gene set. As a consequence, we conducted a genomic analysis of these genes in 31 Pan-Cancer Atlas studies from The Cancer Genome Atlas and found 325,936 genomic alterations; from which, we identified 20 genes highly mutated in the cancer studies. Finally, we made a protein-protein interaction network and enrichment analysis to observe the main pathways of these genes and discuss their role in ALT-related processes, like homologous recombination and homology directed repair. Overall, due to the lack of understanding of the molecular mechanisms of ALT cancers, we proposed a group of genes, which after ex vivo validations, could represent new potential therapeutic markers in the study of ALT.
Collapse
|
17
|
Correlation between IDH, ATRX, and TERT promoter mutations in glioma. Brain Tumor Pathol 2020; 37:33-40. [PMID: 32227259 DOI: 10.1007/s10014-020-00360-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
According to the 2016 World Health Organization (WHO) classification of central nervous system tumors, diffuse astrocytic and oligodendroglial tumors are differentiated by the presence of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 or 2 (IDH1/2) mutation and the combined loss of the short arm of chromosome 1 and the long arm of chromosome 19 (1p/19q co-deletion). IDH-mutant astrocytoma often has p53 and alpha-thalassemia/mental retardation syndrome X-linked (ATRX) mutation, showing the alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) phenotype, while IDH-mutant and 1p/19q-co-deleted oligodendroglioma often have wild-type p53 and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation, showing telomerase activation. This study analyzed IDH, ATRX, and TERT promoter mutations, and the correlation between them. Immortalized cells overcome the telomere-related crisis by activating telomerase or ALT. In glioma, telomerase is mainly activated by TERT promoter mutation, while ALT is usually associated with ATRX mutation. Although the mechanism of how ATRX mutation induces ALT remains unclear, ATRX loss alone is believed to be insufficient to induce ALT. Treatments targeting telomere maintenance are promising.
Collapse
|