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Kwon MJ, Park HY, Lee JS, Kim ES, Kim NY, Nam ES, Cho SJ, Kang HS. Dysregulated microRNA Expression Relevant to TERT Promoter Mutations in Tonsil Cancer-A Pilot Study. Life (Basel) 2023; 13:2090. [PMID: 37895471 PMCID: PMC10608590 DOI: 10.3390/life13102090] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2023] [Revised: 10/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) exhibit high rates of human papillomavirus (HPV) positivity. The expression profiles of microRNA (miRNA), which are small RNA molecules that play pivotal roles in biological processes, in TSCC in relation to the HPV status and cancer-related genetic mutations are not well investigated. Herein, we expanded our previous research, which was focused on established clinicopathological and genetic mutational data, to profile miRNA expression in TSCC, aiming to identify clinically relevant targets for early diagnosis and therapeutic intervention. The miRNA profiles were analyzed using the nCounter Nanostring miRNA Expression assay in 22 surgically resected TSCC tissues and their contralateral normal tonsil tissues. The TERT promoter (TERTp) gene was the only relevant candidate gene associated with differentially expressed miRNAs in TSCC. Hierarchical clustering analysis revealed high expression levels of hsa-miR-1285-5p, hsa-miR-1203, hsa-miR-663a, hsa-miR-1303, hsa-miR-33a-5p, and hsa-miR-3615 coupled with low expression levels of hsa-miR-3182, hsa-miR-219a-2-3p, and hsa-miR-767-3p, which were associated with HPV-positive TSCC (p = 0.009). Functional enrichment analysis revealed that these dysregulated miRNAs tended to be involved in protein binding (molecular function) and cellular components (biological processes). Therefore, hsa-miR-1285-5p and hsa-miR-663a may be associated with HPV-positive TERTp-mutated tumors and may serve as potential treatment targets and biomarkers for early detection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Ha Young Park
- Department of Pathology, Busan Paik Hospital, Inje University College of Medicine, Busan 47392, Republic of Korea;
| | - Joong Seob Lee
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head & Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Nan Young Kim
- Hallym Institute of Translational Genomics and Bioinformatics, Hallym University Medical Center, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea;
| | - Eun Sook Nam
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (E.S.N.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul 05355, Republic of Korea; (E.S.N.); (S.J.C.)
| | - Ho Suk Kang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang 14068, Republic of Korea
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Yeh TJ, Luo CW, Du JS, Huang CT, Wang MH, Chuang TM, Gau YC, Cho SF, Liu YC, Hsiao HH, Chen LT, Pan MR, Wang HC, Moi SH. Deciphering the Functions of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase in Head and Neck Cancer. Biomedicines 2023; 11:691. [PMID: 36979671 PMCID: PMC10044978 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11030691] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/09/2023] [Revised: 02/19/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Head and neck cancers (HNCs) are among the ten leading malignancies worldwide. Despite significant progress in all therapeutic modalities, predictive biomarkers, and targeted therapies for HNCs are limited and the survival rate is unsatisfactory. The importance of telomere maintenance via telomerase reactivation in carcinogenesis has been demonstrated in recent decades. Several mechanisms could activate telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT), the most common of which is promoter alternation. Two major hotspot TERT promoter mutations (C228T and C250T) have been reported in different malignancies such as melanoma, genitourinary cancers, CNS tumors, hepatocellular carcinoma, thyroid cancers, sarcomas, and HNCs. The frequencies of TERT promoter mutations vary widely across tumors and is quite high in HNCs (11.9-64.7%). These mutations have been reported to be more enriched in oral cavity SCCs and HPV-negative tumors. The association between TERT promoter mutations and poor survival has also been demonstrated. Till now, several therapeutic strategies targeting telomerase have been developed although only a few drugs have been used in clinical trials. Here, we briefly review and summarize our current understanding and evidence of TERT promoter mutations in HNC patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tsung-Jang Yeh
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chi-Wen Luo
- Department of Surgery, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Cosmetic Science and Institute of Cosmetic Science, Chia Nan University of Pharmacy and Science, Tainan 717, Taiwan
| | - Jeng-Shiun Du
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Chien-Tzu Huang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Min-Hung Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Tzer-Ming Chuang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yuh-Ching Gau
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Feng Cho
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Yi-Chang Liu
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Hua Hsiao
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Li-Tzong Chen
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Division of Gastroenterology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- National Institute of Cancer Research, National Health Research Institutes, Tainan 704, Taiwan
| | - Mei-Ren Pan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Drug Development and Value Creation Research Center, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Department of Medical Research, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Hui-Ching Wang
- Division of Hematology & Oncology, Department of Internal Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
- Center for Cancer Research, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
| | - Sin-Hua Moi
- Graduate Institute of Clinical Medicine, College of Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 807, Taiwan
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Judasz E, Lisiak N, Kopczyński P, Taube M, Rubiś B. The Role of Telomerase in Breast Cancer's Response to Therapy. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:12844. [PMID: 36361634 PMCID: PMC9654063 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232112844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2022] [Revised: 10/13/2022] [Accepted: 10/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Currently, breast cancer appears to be the most widespread cancer in the world and the most common cause of cancer deaths. This specific type of cancer affects women in both developed and developing countries. Prevention and early diagnosis are very important factors for good prognosis. A characteristic feature of cancer cells is the ability of unlimited cell division, which makes them immortal. Telomeres, which are shortened with each cell division in normal cells, are rebuilt in cancer cells by the enzyme telomerase, which is expressed in more than 85% of cancers (up to 100% of adenocarcinomas, including breast cancer). Telomerase may have different functions that are related to telomeres or unrelated. It has been shown that high activity of the enzyme in cancer cells is associated with poor cell sensitivity to therapies. Therefore, telomerase has become a potential target for cancer therapies. The low efficacy of therapies has resulted in the search for new combined and more effective therapeutic methods, including the involvement of telomerase inhibitors and telomerase-targeted immunotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eliza Judasz
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Natalia Lisiak
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Przemysław Kopczyński
- Centre for Orthodontic Mini-Implants at the Department and Clinic of Maxillofacial Orthopedics and Orthodontics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-812 Poznan, Poland
| | - Magdalena Taube
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
| | - Błażej Rubiś
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, 60-806 Poznan, Poland
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Sharma S, Chowdhury S. Emerging mechanisms of telomerase reactivation in cancer. Trends Cancer 2022:S2405-8033(22)00071-1. [PMID: 35568649 DOI: 10.1016/j.trecan.2022.03.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2022] [Revised: 03/24/2022] [Accepted: 03/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) result in hyperactivation of hTERT. Notably, all mutations are G>A transitions, frequently found in a wide range of cancer types, and causally associated with cancer progression. Initially, the mutations were understood to reactivate hTERT by generating novel E26 transformation-specific (ETS) binding sites. Recent work reveals the role of DNA secondary structure G-quadruplexes, telomere binding factor(s), and chromatin looping in hTERT regulation. Here, we discuss these emerging findings in relation to the clinically significant promoter mutations to provide a broader understanding of the context-dependent outcomes that result in hTERT activation in normal and pathogenic conditions.
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van der Kamp MF, Halmos GB, Guryev V, Horvatovich PL, Schuuring E, van der Laan BFAM, van der Vegt B, Plaat BEC, Verhoeven CJ. Age-specific oncogenic pathways in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma - are elderly a different subcategory? Cell Oncol (Dordr) 2022; 45:1-18. [PMID: 35015241 DOI: 10.1007/s13402-021-00655-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND In recent clinical practice, an increasing number of elderly patients suffering from head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) of unknown pathophysiology is observed. The majority of HNSCC patients can roughly be divided into three subcategories. First, a small group of young patients who present with variants of genomic aberrations and inheritable diseases like Fanconi anaemia. Second, an increasing population of HPV-related HNSCCs that are regarded as genomic stable tumours with a more favourable prognosis. Though HPV-related tumours used to be more common among younger males, a notable rise in the elderly population is observed. The third subcategory, that of HPV-negative tumours, has been shown to be more heterogeneous with involvement of a variety of oncogenic pathways related to lifestyle factors like smoking and alcohol consumption, often seen in middle-aged males. Some of these pathways could be related to age, such as TP53 alterations, EGFR activation, apoptotic pathway alterations and field cancerization. CONCLUSIONS In this narrative review, we provide an overview of established and newly discovered age-specific pathophysiological mechanisms underlying HNSCC. We propose a fourth subcategory of patients with a suspected different pathophysiology: elderly (HPV-negative) HNSCC patients without a history of tobacco and alcohol consumption. In this subcategory, carcinogenesis seems to be a multi-step process based on genomic instability, immunosenescence, cell cycle disruption and telomere shortening. To conclude, we discuss suggestions for future research to fill the knowledge gap about age-dependent HNSCC carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Martine Froukje van der Kamp
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands.
| | - Gyorgy Bela Halmos
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Victor Guryev
- European Research Institute for the Biology of Ageing, University of Groningen, University Medical Center Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Peter Laszlo Horvatovich
- Department of Pharmacy, Analytical Biochemistry, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ed Schuuring
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | | | - Bert van der Vegt
- Department of Pathology & Medical Biology, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Boudewijn Evert Christiaan Plaat
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
| | - Cornelia Johanna Verhoeven
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology and Head and Neck Surgery, University Medical Center Groningen, University of Groningen, P.O. Box 30.001, 9700RB, Groningen, The Netherlands
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Jumatovaite Z, Kriauciunas A, Vilkeviciute A, Gedvilaite G, Liutkevicius V, Uloza V, Smalinskiene A, Liutkeviciene R. Association of Leukocyte Telomere Length and Genes Involved in its Regulation With Oral Carcinoma. In Vivo 2021; 34:1739-1747. [PMID: 32606142 DOI: 10.21873/invivo.11967] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2020] [Revised: 03/29/2020] [Accepted: 03/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM This study aimed to determine the relationship between the relative leukocyte telomere length (RLTL) and gene polymorphisms involved in its regulation with the occurrence of oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with OSCC and healthy subjects were examined. Genotyping and RLTL measurement were carried out using rPCR. RESULTS The OSCC group had longer telomeres than controls (p=0.001). Minor allele T at TERF1rs1545827 may increase RLTL shortening (p=0.047). TNKS2rs10509639 A/G and A/G+G/G genotypes were associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.012) and a 2.4-fold increased odd (p=0.019) of RLTL elongation compared to A/A genotype. The A/G genotype was associated with a 2.6-fold increased odd (p=0.011) compared to the A/A+G/G genotypes. Each G allele was associated with a 2.1-fold increased odd of longer RLTL (p=0.036). CONCLUSION Longer telomeres were found in patients with OSCC than in controls. The TERF1 rs1545827 and the TNKS2 rs10509639 polymorphisms were associated with an increase in RLTL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zaneta Jumatovaite
- Medical Faculty, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Albertas Kriauciunas
- Department of Prosthodontics, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alvita Vilkeviciute
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Greta Gedvilaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vykintas Liutkevicius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Virgilijus Uloza
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alina Smalinskiene
- Institute of Biological Systems and Genetics Research, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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Pańczyszyn A, Boniewska-Bernacka E, Głąb G. Telomere length in leukocytes and cervical smears of women with high-risk human papillomavirus (HR HPV) infection. Taiwan J Obstet Gynecol 2020; 59:51-55. [PMID: 32039800 DOI: 10.1016/j.tjog.2019.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/16/2019] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Persistent high-risk HPV (HR HPV) infection leads to the development of squamous intraepithelial lesions, which in turn may progress to cervical cancer. Telomere elongation or shortening may indicate a carcinogenesis process. In the present study, we analyzed telomere length from blood and cervical smears of women without and with high-risk HPV infection. MATERIALS AND METHODS Telomere length was quantified by real-time PCR in blood and cervical smears from 48 women with high-risk HPV infection and HGSIL or LGSIL, 29 women HR-HPV positive without SIL, and 11 HPV-negative women. RESULTS No correlation was found between age and telomere length in blood and cervical smears. Women with high-risk HPV infection had shorter telomeres in cervical smears, but not in blood compared to the control group. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that telomere shortening occurs in cervical cells of women with HR HPV infection both with LGSIL and HGSIL and may indicate the onset of carcinogenesis. In turn, there is no correlation between leukocyte telomere length and cervical cancer risk in women with HR HPV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Grzegorz Głąb
- Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Poland
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Erkul E, Yilmaz I. TERT promoter mutation in patients with second primary of tongue squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Oncol 2020; 114:105089. [PMID: 33189577 DOI: 10.1016/j.oraloncology.2020.105089] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2020] [Accepted: 11/01/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
It is well known that head and neck squamous cell carcinomas are characterized by genetic alterations, genomic instability and different immune defects and Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations have been found with high rates in patients with tongue squamous cell carcinomas. We presented a non-smoker, no alcohol consuming woman who had a second primary tongue SCC after four and a half years later of her first tongue SCC with TERT promoter mutation. The primary tumor and its recurrences in woman with tongue SCC who have never smoked and had no alcohol consumption may need to be differing from other tongue carcinomas. TERT promoter mutations may have a relation in etiopathogenesis of tumor and mutations need to be on mind in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Evren Erkul
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Hamidiye Medical School, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Sultan II. Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
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Kim H, Kwon MJ, Park B, Choi HG, Nam ES, Cho SJ, Min KW, Kim ES, Hwang HS, Hong M, Koo T, Kim HJ. Negative Prognostic Implication of TERT Promoter Mutations in Human Papillomavirus-Negative Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma Under the New 8th AJCC Staging System. Indian J Surg Oncol 2020; 12:134-143. [PMID: 33994739 PMCID: PMC8119516 DOI: 10.1007/s13193-020-01200-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Accepted: 08/19/2020] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase gene promoter (TERTp) mutation is a potential candidate for pathogenesis and therapeutic target of tonsillar squamous cell carcinomas (TSCCs) in association with human papillomavirus (HPV). Their clinical relevance has not been validated under the new 8th American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) staging system. We analyzed real-time peptide nucleic acid–mediated PCR and sequencing methods (TERTp mutation) and real-time PCR-based assay (HPV) in 80 surgically resected TSCCs. The 8th edition staging system improved the stratification of the early and advanced stages and between T or N categories for overall survival over the 7th edition. TERTp mutation was found in 7.5%, and HPV in 80.0% of the patients. The majority (83.3%) of TERTp mutation cases were HPV-positive TSCCs. Applying the 8th edition staging system, TERTp mutation was an independent factor of poor prognosis for disease-free survival (DFS) in TSCC patients, supporting the clinical significance of TERTp mutation in tonsil cancer. TERTp mutations were also negatively correlated with overall survival and DFS in HPV-negative TSCCs. Conclusively, TERTp mutation provides negative prognostic impact on survival of surgically managed tonsil cancers staged with the AJCC 8th edition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hyunchul Kim
- Department of Pathology, Dongtan Sacred Heart Hospital, 7, Keunjaebong-gil, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do 18450 Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Jung Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University, 22, Gwanpyeong-ro 170beon-gil, Dongan-gu, Anyang-si, Gyeonggi-do 14068 Republic of Korea
| | - Bumjung Park
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Geun Choi
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Sook Nam
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, 134-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Seong Jin Cho
- Department of Pathology, Kangdong Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Seoul, 134-701 Republic of Korea
| | - Kyueng-Whan Min
- Department of Pathology, Hanyang University Guri Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Kyoungchun-ro 153, Guri-si, Gyeonggi-do 11923 Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Soo Kim
- Department of Radiology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hee Sung Hwang
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Mineui Hong
- Department of Pathology, Kangnam Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Daerim 1-Dong, Yeongdeungpo-gu, Seoul, 150-950 Republic of Korea
| | - Taeryool Koo
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyo Jung Kim
- Department of Hematological Oncology, Hallym University Sacred Heart Hospital, Hallym University College of Medicine, Anyang, Republic of Korea
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Arantes LMRB, Cruvinel-Carloni A, de Carvalho AC, Sorroche BP, Carvalho AL, Scapulatempo-Neto C, Reis RM. TERT Promoter Mutation C228T Increases Risk for Tumor Recurrence and Death in Head and Neck Cancer Patients. Front Oncol 2020; 10:1275. [PMID: 32850388 PMCID: PMC7399085 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.01275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 06/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is usually associated to tobacco and alcohol consumption. Increased telomerase activity has been consistently detected in 80–90% of malignant tumors, including HNSCC. Mutations within the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) that confer enhanced TERT promoter activity have been reported in two major hotspots, designated C228T and C250T. Objectives: To evaluate TERT promoter mutations C228T and C250T in HNSCC patients from Brazil and correlate with patients' outcome. Materials and Methods: Formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues were obtained from 88 HNSCC patients and analyzed for TERT promoter mutations C228T and C250T by pyrosequencing. Results: The overall prevalence of hotspot TERT mutations in HNSCC samples was of 27.3%, with 6.8% at locus C228T and 20.5% at C250T. The majority (92%) of mutated cases were located in oral cavity, mainly at the tongue. We observed that 94.4% of the patients harboring TERT promoter mutation C250T were alcohol consumers (p = 0.032) and 66.7% of the patients harboring TERT promoter mutation C228T were not alcohol consumers (p = 0.035). The presence of C228T mutation impacted patient outcome, with a significant decrease in disease-free survival (20.0 vs. 63.0%, p =0.017) and in overall survival (16.7 vs. 45.1%, p = 0.017). Conclusion: This is the first report of a TERT promoter mutations in HNSCC patients from South America. The high prevalence of TERT mutation, as well as its association with poor disease-free survival and overall survival, particular at C228T locus might serve as a prognostic biomarker in HNSCC to help clinicians in the management of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - André Lopes Carvalho
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Department of Head and Neck Surgery, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil
| | - Cristovam Scapulatempo-Neto
- Department of Pathology, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Pathology and Molecular Diagnostics Service, Diagnosticos da América-DASA, Barueri, Brazil
| | - Rui Manuel Reis
- Molecular Oncology Research Center, Barretos Cancer Hospital, Barretos, Brazil.,Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), Medical School, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal.,ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga, Guimarães, Portugal
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11
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Vaiciulis P, Liutkeviciene R, Liutkevicius V, Vilkeviciute A, Gedvilaite G, Uloza V. Association of Relative Leucocyte Telomere Length and Gene Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms ( TERT, TRF1, TNKS2) in Laryngeal Squamous Cell Carcinoma. Cancer Genomics Proteomics 2020; 17:431-439. [PMID: 32576588 PMCID: PMC7367600 DOI: 10.21873/cgp.20202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/30/2020] [Revised: 05/09/2020] [Accepted: 05/14/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIM The study aimed to evaluate associations of relative leukocyte telomere length (LTL) and polymorphisms of telomere length-associated genes TERT (rs2736098), TERT-CLPTM1L (rs401681), TRF1 (rs1545827, rs10107605) and TNKS2 (rs10509637, rs10509639) in patients with laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS The study consisted of 300 patients with LSCC and 369 healthy control subjects. Genotyping and relative LTL measuring were carried out using qPCR. RESULTS Relative LTL was statistically significantly shorter in the G3 (tumor differentiation grade) subgroup of patients with LSCC compared to the G1 and G2 subgroups. Significant differences were found in genotype distributions of TERT rs401681 and TNKS2 rs10509639 between the study groups. TERT rs401681 C/T and T/T genotypes were associated with approximately 30% decreased odds of LSCC development. CONCLUSION LTL was shorter in the G3 subgroup compared to the G2 and G1 subgroups of LSCC patients. TERT rs401681 and its C/T and T/T genotypes were associated with decreased odds of overall LSCC development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paulius Vaiciulis
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Rasa Liutkeviciene
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Vykintas Liutkevicius
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Alvita Vilkeviciute
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Greta Gedvilaite
- Neuroscience Institute, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
| | - Virgilijus Uloza
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Lithuanian University of Health Sciences, Kaunas, Lithuania
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12
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Yilmaz I, Erkul BE, Ozturk Sari S, Issin G, Tural E, Terzi Kaya Terzi N, Karatay H, Celik M, Ulusan M, Bilgic B. Promoter region mutations of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. Oral Surg Oral Med Oral Pathol Oral Radiol 2020; 130:63-70. [PMID: 32404253 DOI: 10.1016/j.oooo.2020.02.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2019] [Revised: 01/07/2020] [Accepted: 02/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The aim of the present study was to assess the prevalence of TERT promoter region mutations in tumor samples of patients with squamous cell carcinoma at different sites of the head and neck region and correlate it with patients' clinicopathologic data. STUDY DESIGN Mutations in promoter region of the TERT gene were analyzed with polymerase chain reaction-based direct sequencing method using formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tumor samples of 189 HNSCCs. TERT promoter region mutations were assessed in terms of age, gender, location, smoking, alcohol consumption, and overall survival. RESULTS TERT promoter region mutations were detected in the oral cavity (75%); larynx (8.4%), hypopharynx (16.6%), and oropharynx (0%). TERT promoter region mutations are associated with younger age and female gender and have a reverse relationship with smoking and alcohol consumption. CONCLUSIONS We found statistically significant higher rates of TERT promoter region mutations in tumor samples of patients with squamous cell carcinoma in the oral cavity compared with other locations in the head and neck region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismail Yilmaz
- Department of Pathology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey.
| | - Bulent Evren Erkul
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Gulhane Medical School, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Sule Ozturk Sari
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Gizem Issin
- Department of Pathology, Mengucek Gazi Education and Research Hospital, Erzincan University, Erzincan, Turkey
| | - Ersin Tural
- Department of Pediatrics, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Neslihan Terzi Kaya Terzi
- Department of Pathology, Sultan Abdulhamid Han Training and Research Hospital, University of Health Sciences, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Huseyin Karatay
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Mehmet Celik
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Murat Ulusan
- Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
| | - Bilge Bilgic
- Department of Pathology, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey
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13
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Majounie E, Wee K, Williamson LM, Jones MR, Pleasance E, Lim HJ, Ho C, Renouf DJ, Yip S, Jones SJM, Marra MA, Laskin J. Fluorouracil sensitivity in a head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with a somatic DPYD structural variant. Cold Spring Harb Mol Case Stud 2020; 6:mcs.a004713. [PMID: 31871216 PMCID: PMC6996515 DOI: 10.1101/mcs.a004713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is one of the most common cancers worldwide and represents a heterogeneous group of tumors, the majority of which are treated with a combination of surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. Fluoropyrimidine (5-FU) and its oral prodrug, capecitabine, are commonly prescribed treatments for several solid tumor types including HNSCC. 5-FU-associated toxicity is observed in ∼30% of treated patients and is largely caused by germline polymorphisms in DPYD, which encodes dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase, a key enzyme of 5-FU catabolism and deactivation. Although the association of germline DPYD alterations with toxicity is well-described, the potential contribution of somatic DPYD alterations to 5-FU sensitivity has not been explored. In a patient with metastatic HNSCC, in-depth genomic and transcriptomic integrative analysis on a biopsy from a metastatic neck lesion revealed alterations in genes that are associated with 5-FU uptake and metabolism. These included a novel somatic structural variant resulting in a partial deletion affecting DPYD, a variant of unknown significance affecting SLC29A1, and homozygous deletion of MTAP. There was no evidence of deleterious germline polymorphisms that have been associated with 5-FU toxicity, indicating a potential vulnerability of the tumor to 5-FU therapy. The discovery of the novel DPYD variant led to the initiation of 5-FU treatment that resulted in a rapid response lasting 17 wk, with subsequent relapse due to unknown resistance mechanisms. This suggests that somatic alterations present in this tumor may serve as markers for tumor sensitivity to 5-FU, aiding in the selection of personalized treatment strategies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Elisa Majounie
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Kathleen Wee
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Laura M Williamson
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Martin R Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Erin Pleasance
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada
| | - Howard J Lim
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Cheryl Ho
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
| | - Daniel J Renouf
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada.,Pancreas Centre BC, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 1L8, Canada
| | - Stephen Yip
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6T 2B5, Canada
| | - Steven J M Jones
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada.,Department of Molecular Biology and Biochemistry, Simon Fraser University, Vancouver, British Columbia V5A 1S6, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Marco A Marra
- Canada's Michael Smith Genome Sciences Centre, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4S6, Canada.,Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia V6H 3N1, Canada
| | - Janessa Laskin
- Department of Medical Oncology, BC Cancer, Vancouver, British Columbia V5Z 4E6, Canada
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14
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Sobecka A, Blaszczak W, Barczak W, Golusinski P, Rubis B, Masternak MM, Suchorska WM, Golusinski W. hTERT promoter methylation status in peripheral blood leukocytes as a molecular marker of head and neck cancer progression. J Appl Genet 2018; 59:453-461. [PMID: 30088231 DOI: 10.1007/s13353-018-0458-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Accepted: 07/18/2018] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Cancer cells, including head and neck cancer cell carcinoma (HNSCC), are characterized by an increased telomerase activity. This enzymatic complex is active in approximately 80-90% of all malignancies, and is regulated by various factors, including methylation status of hTERT gene promoter. hTERT methylation pattern has been thoroughly studied so far. It was proved that hTERT is aberrantly methylated in tumor tissue versus healthy counterparts. However, such effect has not yet been investigated in PBLs (peripheral blood leukocytes) of cancer patients. The aim of this study was to analyze the hTERT gene promoter methylation status in blood leukocytes. DNA was extracted from PBL of 92 patients with histologically diagnosed HNSCC and 53 healthy controls. Methylation status of whole hTERT promoter fragment with independent analysis of each 19 CpG sites was performed using bisulfide conversion technique followed by sequencing of PCR products. Not significant (p = 0.0532) differences in the general frequency of hTERT CpG sites methylation were detected between patients and healthy controls. However, it was discovered that some of analyzed positions (CpG islands: 1 [p = 0.0235], 5 [p = 0.0462], 8 [p = 0.0343]) are significantly more often methylated in HNSCC patients than in controls. The opposite finding was observed in case of CpG position 2 (p = 0.0210). Furthermore, closer analysis of single CpG positions revealed differences in methylation status dependent on anatomical site and TNM classification. To conclude, hTERT promoter methylation status (general or single CpG sites) would be considered as a molecular markers of HNSCC diagnostics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Agnieszka Sobecka
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wiktoria Blaszczak
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Barczak
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland.
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland.
| | - Pawel Golusinski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
- Head and Neck Cancer Biology Laboratory, Department of Biology and Environmental Studies, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Poznan, Poland
| | - Blazej Rubis
- Department of Clinical Chemistry and Molecular Diagnostics, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Przybyszewskiego 49 Str, 60-355, Poznan, Poland
| | - Michal M Masternak
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
- Burnett School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Medicine, University of Central Florida, 6900 Lake Nona Blvd, Orlando, FL, 32827, USA
| | - Wiktoria M Suchorska
- Radiobiology Laboratory, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
- Department of Electroradiology, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
| | - Wojciech Golusinski
- Department of Head and Neck Surgery, The Greater Poland Cancer Centre, Poznan University of Medical Sciences, Garbary 15 Str, 61-866, Poznan, Poland
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15
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Abstract
Human papillomaviruses (HPVs) belong to a small spherical virus family and are transmitted through direct contact, most often through sexual behavior. More than 200 types of HPV are known, a dozen or so of which are classified as high-risk viruses (HR HPV) and may contribute to the development of cervical cancer. HPV is a small virus with a capsid composed of L1 and L2 proteins, which are crucial for entry to the cell. The infection begins at the basal cell layer and progresses to involve cells from higher layers of the cervical epithelium. E6 and E7 viral proteins are involved in the process of carcinogenesis. They interact with suppressors of oncogenesis, including p53 and Rb proteins. This leads to DNA replication and intensive cell divisions. The persistent HR HPV infection leads to the development of dysplasia and these changes may progress to invasive cancer. During the initial stage of carcinogenesis, telomeres shorten until telomerase activates. The activation of telomerase, the enzyme necessary to extend chromosome ends (telomeres) is the key step in cell immortalization. Analyzing the expression level of hTERT and hTERC genes encoding telomerase and telomere length measurement may constitute new markers of the early carcinogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Pańczyszyn
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, University of Opole, ul. Kominka 6, 45-035, Opole, Poland.
| | - Ewa Boniewska-Bernacka
- Department of Biotechnology and Molecular Biology, University of Opole, ul. Kominka 6, 45-035, Opole, Poland
| | - Grzegorz Głąb
- Public Higher Medical Professional School in Opole, Opole, Poland
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