1
|
Hedayat S, Cascione L, Cunningham D, Schirripa M, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Tunariu N, Hong SP, Marchetti S, Khan K, Fontana E, Angerilli V, Delrieux M, Nava Rodrigues D, Procaccio L, Rao S, Watkins D, Starling N, Chau I, Braconi C, Fotiadis N, Begum R, Guppy N, Howell L, Valenti M, Cribbes S, Kolozsvari B, Kirkin V, Lonardi S, Ghidini M, Passalacqua R, Elghadi R, Magnani L, Pinato DJ, Di Maggio F, Ghelardi F, Sottotetti E, Vetere G, Ciraci P, Vlachogiannis G, Pietrantonio F, Cremolini C, Cortellini A, Loupakis F, Fassan M, Valeri N. Circulating microRNA analysis in a prospective co-clinical trial identifies MIR652-3p as a response biomarker and driver of regorafenib resistance mechanisms in colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2024:734699. [PMID: 38376926 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-23-2748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/15/2024] [Accepted: 02/16/2024] [Indexed: 02/21/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The multi-kinase inhibitor regorafenib has demonstrated efficacy in chemo-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. However, lack of predictive biomarkers and concerns over significant toxicities hamper the use of regorafenib in clinical practice. METHODS Serial liquid biopsies were obtained at baseline and monthly until disease progression in chemo-refractory mCRC patients treated with regorafenib in a phase II clinical trial (PROSPECT-R n=40; NCT03010722) and in a multicentric validation cohort (n=241). Tissue biopsies collected at baseline, after 2 months and at progression in the PROSPECT-R trial were used to establish Patient-Derived Organoids (PDOs) and for molecular analyses. MicroRNA profiling was performed on baseline bloods using the NanoString nCounter platform and results were validated by digital droplet PCR and/or In Situ Hybridization in paired liquid and tissue biopsies. PDOs co-cultures and PDO-xenotransplants were generated for functional analyses. RESULTS Large-scale microRNA expression analysis in longitudinal matched liquid and tissue biopsies from the PROSPECT-R trial identified MIR652-3p as a biomarker of clinical benefit to regorafenib. These findings were confirmed in an independent validation cohort and in a "control" group of 100 patients treated with lonsurf. Using ex vivo co-culture assays paired with single-cell RNA-sequencing of PDO established pre- and post-treatment, we modelled regorafenib response observed in vivo and in patients, and showed that MIR652-3p controls resistance to regorafenib by impairing regorafenib-induced lethal autophagy and by orchestrating the switch from neo-angiogenesis to vessel co-option. CONCLUSIONS Our results identify MIR652-3p as potential biomarker and as a driver of cell and non-cell autonomous mechanisms of resistance to regorafenib.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Luciano Cascione
- IOR - Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Ticino, Switzerland
| | | | - Marta Schirripa
- Norris Comprehensive Cancer Center, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sung Pil Hong
- Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea (South), Republic of
| | | | - Khurum Khan
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Elisa Fontana
- Sarah Cannon Research Institute, London, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Mia Delrieux
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Sheela Rao
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ian Chau
- Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Ruwaida Begum
- Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Naomi Guppy
- Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Louise Howell
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | - Sara Lonardi
- Veneto Institute of Oncology, IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Luca Magnani
- Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Paolo Ciraci
- Azienda Ospedaliera Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Nicola Valeri
- Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Carotenuto P, Amato F, Lampis A, Rae C, Hedayat S, Previdi MC, Zito D, Raj M, Guzzardo V, Sclafani F, Lanese A, Parisi C, Vicentini C, Said-Huntingford I, Hahne JC, Hallsworth A, Kirkin V, Young K, Begum R, Wotherspoon A, Kouvelakis K, Azevedo SX, Michalarea V, Upstill-Goddard R, Rao S, Watkins D, Starling N, Sadanandam A, Chang DK, Biankin AV, Jamieson NB, Scarpa A, Cunningham D, Chau I, Workman P, Fassan M, Valeri N, Braconi C. Modulation of pancreatic cancer cell sensitivity to FOLFIRINOX through microRNA-mediated regulation of DNA damage. Nat Commun 2021; 12:6738. [PMID: 34795259 PMCID: PMC8602334 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-021-27099-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2020] [Accepted: 10/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
FOLFIRINOX, a combination of chemotherapy drugs (Fluorouracil, Oxaliplatin, Irinotecan -FOI), provides the best clinical benefit in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. In this study we explore the role of miRNAs (MIR) as modulators of chemosensitivity to identify potential biomarkers of response. We find that 41 and 84 microRNA inhibitors enhance the sensitivity of Capan1 and MiaPaCa2 PDAC cells respectively. These include a MIR1307-inhibitor that we validate in further PDAC cell lines. Chemotherapy-induced apoptosis and DNA damage accumulation are higher in MIR1307 knock-out (MIR1307KO) versus control PDAC cells, while re-expression of MIR1307 in MIR1307KO cells rescues these effects. We identify binding of MIR1307 to CLIC5 mRNA through covalent ligation of endogenous Argonaute-bound RNAs cross-linking immunoprecipitation assay. We validate these findings in an in vivo model with MIR1307 disruption. In a pilot cohort of PDAC patients undergoing FOLFIRONX chemotherapy, circulating MIR1307 correlates with clinical outcome.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pietro Carotenuto
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- TIGEM - Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine, Naples, Italy
| | - Francesco Amato
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Colin Rae
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Maria C Previdi
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Domenico Zito
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Maya Raj
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | | | - Andrea Lanese
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - Claudia Parisi
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - Caterina Vicentini
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, , University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Albert Hallsworth
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Vladimir Kirkin
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Kate Young
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Sheela Rao
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - David Watkins
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | | | - Anguraj Sadanandam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - David K Chang
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Andrew V Biankin
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
- South Western Sydney Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Nigel B Jamieson
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
- West of Scotland Pancreatic Unit, Glasgow Royal Infirmary, Glasgow, UK
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Diagnostics and Public Health, Section of Pathology, , University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | | | - Ian Chau
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - Paul Workman
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Veneto Institute of Oncology (IOV-IRCCS), Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK.
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, London, UK.
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Lampis A, Hahne JC, Gasparini P, Cascione L, Hedayat S, Vlachogiannis G, Murgia C, Fontana E, Edwards J, Horgan PG, Terracciano L, Sansom OJ, Martins CD, Kramer-Marek G, Croce CM, Braconi C, Fassan M, Valeri N. MIR21-induced loss of junctional adhesion molecule A promotes activation of oncogenic pathways, progression and metastasis in colorectal cancer. Cell Death Differ 2021; 28:2970-2982. [PMID: 34226680 PMCID: PMC8481293 DOI: 10.1038/s41418-021-00820-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2020] [Revised: 06/07/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
Junctional adhesion molecules (JAMs) play a critical role in cell permeability, polarity and migration. JAM-A, a key protein of the JAM family, is altered in a number of conditions including cancer; however, consequences of JAM-A dysregulation on carcinogenesis appear to be tissue dependent and organ dependent with significant implications for the use of JAM-A as a biomarker or therapeutic target. Here, we test the expression and prognostic role of JAM-A downregulation in primary and metastatic colorectal cancer (CRC) (n = 947). We show that JAM-A downregulation is observed in ~60% of CRC and correlates with poor outcome in four cohorts of stages II and III CRC (n = 1098). Using JAM-A knockdown, re-expression and rescue experiments in cell line monolayers, 3D spheroids, patient-derived organoids and xenotransplants, we demonstrate that JAM-A silencing promotes proliferation and migration in 2D and 3D cell models and increases tumour volume and metastases in vivo. Using gene-expression and proteomic analyses, we show that JAM-A downregulation results in the activation of ERK, AKT and ROCK pathways and leads to decreased bone morphogenetic protein 7 expression. We identify MIR21 upregulation as the cause of JAM-A downregulation and show that JAM-A rescue mitigates the effects of MIR21 overexpression on cancer phenotype. Our results identify a novel molecular loop involving MIR21 dysregulation, JAM-A silencing and activation of multiple oncogenic pathways in promoting invasiveness and metastasis in CRC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Pierluigi Gasparini
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
- School of Biomedical Sciences and Pharmacy, College of Health, Medicine and Wellbeing, University of Newcastle, Newcastle, NSW, Australia
- Hunter Medical Research Institute, New Lambton Heights, NSW, Australia
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Faculty of Biomedical Sciences, Università della Svizzera italiana, Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Georgios Vlachogiannis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Elisa Fontana
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Joanne Edwards
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Paul G Horgan
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Luigi Terracciano
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
| | - Owen J Sansom
- Cancer Research UK Beatson Institute, Glasgow, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Carlos D Martins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Carlo M Croce
- Department of Cancer Biology and Genetics, Comprehensive Cancer Center, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, OH, USA
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
- Department of Medicine, Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
- Istituto Oncologico Veneto, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
- Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Smyth EC, Vlachogiannis G, Hedayat S, Harbery A, Hulkki-Wilson S, Salati M, Kouvelakis K, Fernandez-Mateos J, Cresswell GD, Fontana E, Seidlitz T, Peckitt C, Hahne JC, Lampis A, Begum R, Watkins D, Rao S, Starling N, Waddell T, Okines A, Crosby T, Mansoor W, Wadsley J, Middleton G, Fassan M, Wotherspoon A, Braconi C, Chau I, Vivanco I, Sottoriva A, Stange DE, Cunningham D, Valeri N. EGFR amplification and outcome in a randomised phase III trial of chemotherapy alone or chemotherapy plus panitumumab for advanced gastro-oesophageal cancers. Gut 2021; 70:1632-1641. [PMID: 33199443 PMCID: PMC8355876 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2020-322658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/28/2020] [Revised: 10/14/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/17/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibition may be effective in biomarker-selected populations of advanced gastro-oesophageal adenocarcinoma (aGEA) patients. Here, we tested the association between outcome and EGFR copy number (CN) in pretreatment tissue and plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) of patients enrolled in a randomised first-line phase III clinical trial of chemotherapy or chemotherapy plus the anti-EGFR monoclonal antibody panitumumab in aGEA (NCT00824785). DESIGN EGFR CN by either fluorescence in situ hybridisation (n=114) or digital-droplet PCR in tissues (n=250) and plasma cfDNAs (n=354) was available for 474 (86%) patients in the intention-to-treat (ITT) population. Tissue and plasma low-pass whole-genome sequencing was used to screen for coamplifications in receptor tyrosine kinases. Interaction between chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors was modelled in patient-derived organoids (PDOs) from aGEA patients. RESULTS EGFR amplification in cfDNA correlated with poor survival in the ITT population and similar trends were observed when the analysis was conducted in tissue and plasma by treatment arm. EGFR inhibition in combination with chemotherapy did not correlate with improved survival, even in patients with significant EGFR CN gains. Addition of anti-EGFR inhibitors to the chemotherapy agent epirubicin in PDOs, resulted in a paradoxical increase in viability and accelerated progression through the cell cycle, associated with p21 and cyclin B1 downregulation and cyclin E1 upregulation, selectively in organoids from EGFR-amplified aGEA. CONCLUSION EGFR CN can be accurately measured in tissue and liquid biopsies and may be used for the selection of aGEA patients. EGFR inhibitors may antagonise the antitumour effect of anthracyclines with important implications for the design of future combinatorial trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Smyth
- Department of Oncology, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, Cambridge, UK
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Georgios Vlachogiannis
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Alice Harbery
- Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | | | - Massimiliano Salati
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Kyriakos Kouvelakis
- Clinical Research & Development, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - George D Cresswell
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Elisa Fontana
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Therese Seidlitz
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
| | - Clare Peckitt
- Clinical Research & Development, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Waddell
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Alicia Okines
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Tom Crosby
- Department of Clinical Oncology, Velindre Cancer Centre, Cardiff, UK
| | - Was Mansoor
- Department of Medical Oncology, Christie Hospital, Manchester, UK
| | - Jonathan Wadsley
- Cancer Clinical Trials Centre, Weston Park Cancer Centre, Sheffield, UK
| | - Gary Middleton
- Institute of Immunology and Immunotherapy, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), University of Padua, Padova, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Igor Vivanco
- Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Andrea Sottoriva
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| | - Daniel E Stange
- Department of Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University Hospital Carl Gustav Carus, Dresden, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), Partner Site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
- National Center for Tumor Diseases, Partner Site Dresden, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Department of Medicine, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
- Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Angerilli V, Fontana E, Lonardi S, Sbaraglia M, Borelli B, Munari G, Salmaso R, Guzzardo V, Spolverato G, Pucciarelli S, Pilati P, Hahne JC, Bergamo F, Zagonel V, Dei Tos AP, Sadanandam A, Loupakis F, Valeri N, Fassan M. Intratumor morphologic and transcriptomic heterogeneity in V600EBRAF-mutated metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas. ESMO Open 2021; 6:100211. [PMID: 34271310 PMCID: PMC8282957 DOI: 10.1016/j.esmoop.2021.100211] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/25/2021] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Intratumor heterogeneity (ITH) is described as the presence of various clones within one tumor, each with their own unique features in terms of morphology, inflammation, genetics or transcriptomics. Heterogeneity provides the fuel for drug resistance; therefore, an accurate assessment of tumor heterogeneity is essential for the development of effective therapies. The purpose of this study was to dissect morphologic and molecular ITH in colorectal adenocarcinoma. MATERIALS AND METHODS A series of 120 V600EBRAF-mutated (V600EBRAFmt) consecutive metastatic colorectal adenocarcinomas was assessed for morphologic heterogeneity. The two heterogeneous components of each specimen underwent a histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular characterization to evaluate: histologic variant, grading, tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs), mismatch repair proteins' expression, KRAS/BRAF/NRAS mutations, microsatellite instability (MSI) status and consensus molecular subtype (CMS). RESULTS Thirty-one out of 120 (25.8%) V600EBRAFmt primary colorectal adenocarcinomas presented a heterogeneous morphology. Among these, eight cases had adequate material for molecular profiling. Five out of the eight (62.5%) cases resulted instable at MSI testing. The majority (62.5%) of the samples showed a CMS4 phenotype based on gene expression profiling. Heterogeneity in CMS classification was observed in four out of eight cases. One out of eight cases presented significant heterogeneity in the number of TILs between the two components of the tumor. CONCLUSIONS Although the distribution of the immune infiltrate appears relatively conserved among heterogeneous areas of the same tumor, changes in gene expression profile and CMS occur in 50% of V600EBRAFmt adenocarcinoma cases in our small series and might contribute to variability in response to anticancer therapy and clinical outcomes. Assessment of morphological and molecular ITH is needed to improve colorectal cancer classification and to tailor anticancer treatments and should be included in the pathology report.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- V Angerilli
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - E Fontana
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - S Lonardi
- Medical Oncology Unit 3, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy
| | - M Sbaraglia
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - B Borelli
- Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, Unit of Medical Oncology, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - G Munari
- Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - R Salmaso
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - V Guzzardo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - G Spolverato
- Department of Surgery, Oncology & Gastroenterology, 1st Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - S Pucciarelli
- Department of Surgery, Oncology & Gastroenterology, 1st Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - P Pilati
- Surgery Unit, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Castelfranco Veneto, Italy
| | - J C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - F Bergamo
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - V Zagonel
- Medical Oncology Unit 1, Department of Oncology, Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - A P Dei Tos
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - A Sadanandam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - F Loupakis
- Department of Surgery, Oncology & Gastroenterology, 1st Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - N Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Division of Surgery and Cancer, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - M Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Veneto Institute of Oncology IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Hahne JC, Lampis A, Ghidini M, Ratti M, Senti C, Passalacqua R, Cascione L, Braconi C, Sansom O, Fassan M, Valeri N. Abstract 2373: Expression of exosomal let-7g in biofluids and outcome in colon cancer patient treated with anti-EGFR therapy. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Monoclonal antibodies against the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) such as cetuximab or panitumumab are used for the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. Unfortunately, most patients develop resistance against these therapies within months. Several studies have shown that aberrations in the RAS pathway are responsible for resistance. However, even in metastases that are refractory to anti-EGFR treatment a significant fraction of RAS wild-type (wt) cells remain. These findings suggest a cross-talk between RAS mutant and wt cells in mediating resistance in the wt compartment.
Methods: Mouse and patient-derived organoids from mCRC as well as CRC cell lines were used to test the contribution of extracellular vesicles in mediating resistance in RAS wt cells. Using conditioned media, transfection experiments and liquid biopsies (plasma and urine) from patients differential expression of the let-7g microRNA was demonstrated in microvesicles from cetuximab sensitive and resistant cells. Changes in expression of let-7g were further analyzed by in-situ hybridization in tissues.
Results: Conditioned media from RAS mutant organoids rendered RAS wt organoids resistant against cetuximab treatment. Basal let-7g expression from pre-treatment plasma and urine samples of RAS wt patients correlated with clinical outcome and changes in let-7g circulating levels mirrored clinical behavior. In-situ hybridization in tissues confirmed changes in expression of the let-7g microRNA observed in plasma and urine samples.
Conclusions: Our data suggest that let-7g microRNA might function as a paracrine mediator of anti-EGFR resistance and might be exploited as a non-invasive biomarker of resistance to cetuximab treatment. Further work is ongoing to characterize the molecular mechanisms underpinning let-7g mediated effect on anti-EGFR sensitivity in RAS wt CRC cells.
Citation Format: Jens C. Hahne, Andrea Lampis, Michele Ghidini, Margherita Ratti, Chiara Senti, Rodolfo Passalacqua, Luciano Cascione, Chiara Braconi, Owen Sansom, Matteo Fassan, Nicola Valeri. Expression of exosomal let-7g in biofluids and outcome in colon cancer patient treated with anti-EGFR therapy [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2373.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens C. Hahne
- 1The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lampis
- 1The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Michele Ghidini
- 2Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Chiara Senti
- 3ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Owen Sansom
- 6The Beatson Institute for Cancer Research, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | | | - Nicola Valeri
- 1The Institute of Cancer Research, Sutton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Ghidini M, Lampis A, Mirchev MB, Okuducu AF, Ratti M, Valeri N, Hahne JC. Immune-Based Therapies and the Role of Microsatellite Instability in Pancreatic Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2020; 12:33. [PMID: 33383713 PMCID: PMC7823781 DOI: 10.3390/genes12010033] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/24/2020] [Revised: 12/11/2020] [Accepted: 12/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies with limited treatment options thus resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Among all cancers, with a five-year survival rates of only 2-9%, pancreatic cancer holds the worst prognostic outcome for patients. To improve the overall survival, an earlier diagnosis and stratification of cancer patients for personalized treatment options are urgent needs. A minority of pancreatic cancers belong to the spectrum of Lynch syndrome-associated cancers and are characterized by microsatellite instability (MSI). MSI is a consequence of defective mismatch repair protein functions and it has been well characterized in other gastrointestinal tumors such as colorectal and gastric cancer. In the latter, high levels of MSI are linked to a better prognosis and to an increased benefit to immune-based therapies. Therefore, the same therapies could offer an opportunity of treatment for pancreatic cancer patients with MSI. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge about immune-based therapies and MSI in pancreatic cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ghidini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca’ Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK; (A.L.); (M.R.); (N.V.)
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK
| | - Milko B. Mirchev
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University, 9002 Varna, Bulgaria;
| | | | - Margherita Ratti
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK; (A.L.); (M.R.); (N.V.)
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, 26100 Cremona, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK; (A.L.); (M.R.); (N.V.)
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London SM25NG, UK
| | - Jens C. Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK; (A.L.); (M.R.); (N.V.)
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London SM25NG, UK
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Lampis A, Hahne JC, Hedayat S, Valeri N. MicroRNAs as mediators of drug resistance mechanisms. Curr Opin Pharmacol 2020; 54:44-50. [PMID: 32898724 DOI: 10.1016/j.coph.2020.08.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2020] [Revised: 07/24/2020] [Accepted: 08/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
MicroRNAs are small RNA transcripts involved in fine-tuning of several cellular mechanisms and pathways crucial for maintaining cells' homeostasis like apoptosis, differentiation, inflammation and cell-cycle regulation. They act by regulation of gene expression at post-transcriptional level through fine-tuning of target proteins expression. Expression of microRNAs is cell-type specific and since their discovery they have been proven to be deregulated in various disorders including cancer. Several lines of evidence are emerging that link microRNAs to drug resistance mechanisms in tumours given their important role in modulating oncogenic and tumour suppressive mechanisms. This review will focus on latest knowledge of the roles and mechanisms of microRNAs as mediators to drug resistance and the implications for future therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, London and Sutton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Carotenuto P, Hedayat S, Fassan M, Cardinale V, Lampis A, Guzzardo V, Vicentini C, Scarpa A, Cascione L, Costantini D, Carpino G, Alvaro D, Ghidini M, Trevisani F, Te Poele R, Salati M, Ventura S, Vlachogiannis G, Hahne JC, Boulter L, Forbes SJ, Guest RV, Cillo U, Said‐Huntingford I, Begum R, Smyth E, Michalarea V, Cunningham D, Rimassa L, Santoro A, Roncalli M, Kirkin V, Clarke P, Workman P, Valeri N, Braconi C. Modulation of Biliary Cancer Chemo-Resistance Through MicroRNA-Mediated Rewiring of the Expansion of CD133+ Cells. Hepatology 2020; 72:982-996. [PMID: 31879968 PMCID: PMC7590111 DOI: 10.1002/hep.31094] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Changes in single microRNA (miRNA) expression have been associated with chemo-resistance in biliary tract cancers (BTCs). However, a global assessment of the dynamic role of the microRNome has never been performed to identify potential therapeutic targets that are functionally relevant in the BTC cell response to chemotherapy. APPROACH AND RESULTS High-throughput screening (HTS) of 997 locked nucleic acid miRNA inhibitors was performed in six cholangiocarcinoma cell lines treated with cisplatin and gemcitabine (CG) seeking changes in cell viability. Validation experiments were performed with mirVana probes. MicroRNA and gene expression was assessed by TaqMan assay, RNA-sequencing, and in situ hybridization in four independent cohorts of human BTCs. Knockout of microRNA was achieved by CRISPR-CAS9 in CCLP cells (MIR1249KO) and tested for effects on chemotherapy sensitivity in vitro and in vivo. HTS revealed that MIR1249 inhibition enhanced chemotherapy sensitivity across all cell lines. MIR1249 expression was increased in 41% of cases in human BTCs. In validation experiments, MIR1249 inhibition did not alter cell viability in untreated or dimethyl sulfoxide-treated cells; however, it did increase the CG effect. MIR1249 expression was increased in CD133+ biliary cancer cells freshly isolated from the stem cell niche of human BTCs as well as in CD133+ chemo-resistant CCLP cells. MIR1249 modulated the chemotherapy-induced enrichment of CD133+ cells by controlling their clonal expansion through the Wnt-regulator FZD8. MIR1249KO cells had impaired expansion of the CD133+ subclone and its enrichment after chemotherapy, reduced expression of cancer stem cell markers, and increased chemosensitivity. MIR1249KO xenograft BTC models showed tumor shrinkage after exposure to weekly CG, whereas wild-type models showed only stable disease over treatment. CONCLUSIONS MIR1249 mediates resistance to CG in BTCs and may be tested as a target for therapeutics.
Collapse
|
10
|
Ratti M, Lampis A, Ghidini M, Salati M, Mirchev MB, Valeri N, Hahne JC. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) and Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as New Tools for Cancer Therapy: First Steps from Bench to Bedside. Target Oncol 2020; 15:261-278. [PMID: 32451752 PMCID: PMC7283209 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-020-00717-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 162] [Impact Index Per Article: 40.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs represent a significant proportion of the human genome. After having been considered as 'junk' for a long time, non-coding RNAs are now well established as playing important roles in maintaining cellular homeostasis and functions. Some non-coding RNAs show cell- and tissue-specific expression patterns and are specifically deregulated under pathological conditions (e.g. cancer). Therefore, non-coding RNAs have been extensively studied as potential biomarkers in the context of different diseases with a focus on microRNAs (miRNAs) and long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) for several years. Since their discovery, miRNAs have attracted more attention than lncRNAs in research studies; however, both families of non-coding RNAs have been established to play an important role in gene expression control, either as transcriptional or post-transcriptional regulators. Both miRNAs and lncRNAs can regulate key genes involved in the development of cancer, thus influencing tumour growth, invasion, and metastasis by increasing the activation of oncogenic pathways and limiting the expression of tumour suppressors. Furthermore, miRNAs and lncRNAs are also emerging as important mediators in drug-sensitivity and drug-resistance mechanisms. In the light of these premises, a number of pre-clinical and early clinical studies are exploring the potential of non-coding RNAs as new therapeutics. The aim of this review is to summarise the latest knowledge of the use of miRNAs and lncRNAs as therapeutic tools for cancer treatment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ratti
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Division of Medical Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Ca' Granda Ospedale Maggiore Policlinico, Milan, Italy
| | - Massimiliano Salati
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Milko B Mirchev
- Clinic of Gastroenterology, Medical University, Varna, Bulgaria
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Fassan M, Realdon S, Cascione L, Hahne JC, Munari G, Guzzardo V, Arcidiacono D, Lampis A, Brignola S, Dal Santo L, Agostini M, Bracon C, Maddalo G, Scarpa M, Farinati F, Zaninotto G, Valeri N, Rugge M. Circulating microRNA expression profiling revealed miR-92a-3p as a novel biomarker of Barrett's carcinogenesis. Pathol Res Pract 2020; 216:152907. [PMID: 32131978 DOI: 10.1016/j.prp.2020.152907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 02/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
The main intent of secondary prevention strategies for Barrett's esophagus (BE) patients relies in the prompt identification of patients with dysplasia (or intra-epithelial neoplasia; IEN) and early-stage adenocarcinoma (Barrett's adenocarcinoma; BAc). Despite the adequate characterization of the molecular landscape characterizing Barrett's carcinogenesis, no tissue and/or circulating biomarker has been approved for clinical use. A series of 25 serum samples (12 BE, 5 HG-IEN and 8 BAc) were analyzed for comprehensive miRNA profiling and ten miRNAs were found to be significantly dysregulated. In particular seven were upregulated (i.e. miR-92a-3p, miR-151a-5p, miR-362-3p, miR-345-3p, miR-619-3p, miR-1260b, and miR-1276) and three downregulated (i.e. miR-381-3p, miR-502-3p, and miR-3615) in HG-IEN/BAc samples in comparison to non-dysplastic BE. All the identified miRNAs showed significant ROC curves in discriminating among groups with AUC values range of 0.75-0.83. Validation of the results were performed by droplet digital PCR in two out of three tested miRNAs. To understand the cellular source of circulating miR-92a-3p, we analyzed its expression in endoscopy biopsy samples by both qRT-PCR and ISH analyses. As observed in serum samples, miR-92a-3p was over-expressed in HG-IEN/BAc samples in comparison to naïve esophageal squamous mucosa and BE and was mainly localized within the epithelial cells, supporting neoplastic cells as the main source of the circulating miRNA. Our data further demonstrated that circulating miRNAs are a promising mini-invasive diagnostic tool in the secondary follow-up and management of BE patients. Larger multi-Institutional studies should validate and investigate the most adequate miRNAs profile in discriminating BE patients in specific risk classes.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy.
| | | | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Bellinzona, Switzerland; SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics, Lausanne, Switzerland
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Giada Munari
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Istituto Oncologico Veneto - IOV-IRCCS, Padua, Italy
| | - Vincenza Guzzardo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Stefano Brignola
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Luca Dal Santo
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Agostini
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Surgery Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Chiara Bracon
- Beatson West of Scotland Cancer Centre, Glasgow, UK; University of Glasgow, Glasgow, UK
| | - Gemma Maddalo
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Marco Scarpa
- General Surgery Unit, University Hospital of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Fabio Farinati
- Department of Surgical Oncology and Gastroenterology Sciences (DiSCOG), Gastroenterology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Department of Medicine (DIMED), Surgical Pathology & Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; Veneto Cancer Registry, Padua, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Anandappa G, Lampis A, Cunningham D, Khan KH, Kouvelakis K, Vlachogiannis G, Hedayat S, Tunariu N, Rao S, Watkins D, Starling N, Braconi C, Darvish-Damavandi M, Lote H, Thomas J, Peckitt C, Kalaitzaki R, Khan N, Fotiadis N, Rugge M, Begum R, Rana I, Bryant A, Hahne JC, Chau I, Fassan M, Valeri N. miR-31-3p Expression and Benefit from Anti-EGFR Inhibitors in Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Patients Enrolled in the Prospective Phase II PROSPECT-C Trial. Clin Cancer Res 2019; 25:3830-3838. [PMID: 30952636 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-18-3769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2019] [Accepted: 03/26/2019] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE Anti-EGFR mAbs are effective in the treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients. RAS status and tumor location (sidedness) are predictive markers of patients' response to anti-EGFR mAbs. Recently, low miR-31-3p expression levels have been correlated with clinical benefit from the anti-EGFR mAb cetuximab. Here, we aimed to validate the predictive power of miR-31-3p in a prospective cohort of chemorefractory mCRC patients treated with single-agent anti-EGFR mAbs. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN miR-31-3p was tested by in situ hybridization (ISH) in 91 pretreatment core biopsies from metastatic deposits of 45 patients with mCRC. Sequential tissue biopsies obtained before treatment, at the time of partial response, and at disease progression were tested to monitor changes in miR-31-3p expression overtreatment. miR-31-3p expression, sidedness, and RAS status in pretreatment cell-free DNA were combined in multivariable regression models to assess the predictive value of each variable alone or in combination. RESULTS Patients with low miR-31-3p expression in pretreatment biopsies showed better overall response rate, as well as better progression-free survival and overall survival, compared to those with high miR-31-3p expression. The prognostic effect of miR-31-3p was independent from age, gender, and sidedness. No significant changes in the expression of miR-31-3p were observed when sequential tissue biopsies were tested in long-term or poor responders to anti-EGFR mAbs. miR-31-3p scores were similar when pretreatment biopsies were compared with treatment-naïve archival tissues (often primary colorectal cancer). CONCLUSIONS Our study validates the role of miR-31-3p as potential predictive biomarker of selection for anti-EGFR mAbs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Gayathri Anandappa
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Khurum H Khan
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Kyriakos Kouvelakis
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Vlachogiannis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Tunariu
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Mahnaz Darvish-Damavandi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Lote
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Thomas
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Peckitt
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Ria Kalaitzaki
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Nasir Khan
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Nicos Fotiadis
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Department of Medicine and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Isma Rana
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Annette Bryant
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom.
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Smyth EC, Nyamundanda G, Cunningham D, Fontana E, Ragulan C, Tan IB, Lin SJ, Wotherspoon A, Nankivell M, Fassan M, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Davies AR, Lagergren J, Gossage JA, Maisey N, Green M, Zylstra JL, Allum WH, Langley RE, Tan P, Valeri N, Sadanandam A. A seven-Gene Signature assay improves prognostic risk stratification of perioperative chemotherapy treated gastroesophageal cancer patients from the MAGIC trial. Ann Oncol 2018; 29:2356-2362. [PMID: 30481267 PMCID: PMC6311954 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdy407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Following neoadjuvant chemotherapy for operable gastroesophageal cancer, lymph node metastasis is the only validated prognostic variable; however, within lymph node groups there is still heterogeneity with risk of relapse. We hypothesized that gene profiles from neoadjuvant chemotherapy treated resection specimens from gastroesophageal cancer patients can be used to define prognostic risk groups to identify patients at risk for relapse. Patients and methods The Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy (MAGIC) trial (n = 202 with high quality RNA) samples treated with perioperative chemotherapy were profiled for a custom gastric cancer gene panel using the NanoString platform. Genes associated with overall survival (OS) were identified using penalized and standard Cox regression, followed by generation of risk scores and development of a NanoString biomarker assay to stratify patients into risk groups associated with OS. An independent dataset served as a validation cohort. Results Regression and clustering analysis of MAGIC patients defined a seven-Gene Signature and two risk groups with different OS [hazard ratio (HR) 5.1; P < 0.0001]. The median OS of high- and low-risk groups were 10.2 [95% confidence interval (CI) of 6.5 and 13.2 months] and 80.9 months (CI: 43.0 months and not assessable), respectively. Risk groups were independently prognostic of lymph node metastasis by multivariate analysis (HR 3.6 in node positive group, P = 0.02; HR 3.6 in high-risk group, P = 0.0002), and not prognostic in surgery only patients (n = 118; log rank P = 0.2). A validation cohort independently confirmed these findings. Conclusions These results suggest that gene-based risk groups can independently predict prognosis in gastroesophageal cancer patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy. This signature and associated assay may help risk stratify these patients for post-surgery chemotherapy in future perioperative chemotherapy-based clinical trials.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - G Nyamundanda
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - D Cunningham
- Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - E Fontana
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - C Ragulan
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - I B Tan
- Medical Oncology, National Cancer Centre Singapore, Singapore
| | - S J Lin
- Bioinformatics Division, The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Victoria, Australia; Division of Research, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, University of Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | | | - M Nankivell
- Clinical Trials Unit, Medical Research Council, University College London, London, UK
| | - M Fassan
- Department of Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - A Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - J C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - J Lagergren
- Guys & St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK; Upper Gastrointestinal Surgery, Department of Molecular Medicine and Surgery, Karolinska Institutet, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | | | - N Maisey
- Guys & St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - M Green
- Guys & St Thomas' Hospital, London, UK
| | - J L Zylstra
- Department of Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - R E Langley
- Clinical Trials Unit, Medical Research Council, University College London, London, UK
| | - P Tan
- Cancer and Stem Cell Biology, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore
| | - N Valeri
- Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK; Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - A Sadanandam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; Centre for Molecular Pathology, Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Mensah AA, Cascione L, Gaudio E, Tarantelli C, Bomben R, Bernasconi E, Zito D, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Rinaldi A, Stathis A, Zucca E, Kwee I, Gattei V, Valeri N, Riveiro ME, Bertoni F. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibition modulates the expression of pathologically relevant microRNAs in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Haematologica 2018; 103:2049-2058. [PMID: 30076183 PMCID: PMC6269312 DOI: 10.3324/haematol.2018.191684] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2018] [Accepted: 07/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant changes in microRNA expression contribute to lymphomagenesis. Bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors such as OTX015 (MK-8628, birabresib) have demonstrated preclinical and clinical activity in hematologic tumors. MicroRNA profiling of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells treated with OTX015 revealed changes in the expression levels of a limited number of microRNAs, including miR-92a-1-5p, miR-21-3p, miR-155-5p and miR-96-5p. Analysis of publicly available chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data of diffuse large B-cell lymphoma cells treated with bromodomain and extra-terminal domain (BET) inhibitors showed that the BET family member BRD4 bound to the upstream regulatory regions of multiple microRNA genes and that this binding decreased following BET inhibition. Alignment of our microRNA profiling data with the BRD4 chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing data revealed that microRNAs downregulated by OTX015 also exhibited reduced BRD4 binding in their promoter regions following treatment with another bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitor, JQ1, indicating that BRD4 contributes directly to microRNA expression in lymphoma. Treatment with bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors also decreased the expression of the arginine methyltransferase PRMT5, which plays a crucial role in B-cell transformation and negatively modulates the transcription of miR-96-5p. The data presented here indicate that in addition to previously observed effects on the expression of coding genes, bromodomain and extra-terminal domain inhibitors also modulate the expression of microRNAs involved in lymphomagenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Afua A Mensah
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Eugenio Gaudio
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Chiara Tarantelli
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Riccardo Bomben
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Elena Bernasconi
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Domenico Zito
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | - Andrea Rinaldi
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | - Emanuele Zucca
- Oncology Institute of Southern Switzerland, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | - Ivo Kwee
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
- Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics (SIB), Lausanne, Switzerland
- Dalle Molle Institute for Artificial Intelligence (IDSIA), Manno, Switzerland
| | - Valter Gattei
- Clinical and Experimental Onco-Hematology Unit, Centro di Riferimento Oncologico, Aviano, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | | | - Francesco Bertoni
- Università della Svizzera italiana (USI), Institute of Oncology Research (IOR), Bellinzona, Switzerland
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Ratti M, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Passalacqua R, Valeri N. Microsatellite instability in gastric cancer: molecular bases, clinical perspectives, and new treatment approaches. Cell Mol Life Sci 2018; 75:4151-4162. [PMID: 30173350 PMCID: PMC6182336 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-018-2906-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 138] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2018] [Revised: 08/13/2018] [Accepted: 08/14/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Gastric cancer is one of the most aggressive malignancies, with limited treatment options in both locally advanced and metastatic setting, resulting in poor prognosis. Based on genomic characterization, stomach tumour has recently been described as a heterogeneous disease composed by different subtypes, each of them with peculiar molecular aspects and specific clinical behaviour. With an incidence of 22% among all western gastric tumour cases, stomach cancer with microsatellite instability was identified as one of these subgroups. Retrospective studies and limited prospective trials reported differences between gastric cancers with microsatellite stability and those with instability, mainly concerning clinical and pathological features, but also in regard to immunological microenvironment, correlation with prognostic value, and responses to treatment. In particular, gastric cancer with microsatellite instability constitutes a small but relevant subgroup associated with older age, female sex, distal stomach location, and lower number of lymph-node metastases. Emerging data attribute to microsatellite instability status a favourable prognostic meaning, whereas the poor outcomes reported after perioperative chemotherapy administration suggest a detrimental role of cytotoxic drugs in this gastric cancer subgroup. The strong immunogenicity and the widespread expression of immune-checkpoint ligands make microsatellite instability subtype more vulnerable to immunotherapeutic approach, e.g., with anti-PD-L1 and anti-CTLA4 antibodies. Since gastric cancer with microsatellite instability shows specific features and clinical behaviour not overlapping with microsatellite stable disease, microsatellite instability test might be suitable for inclusion in a diagnostic setting for all tumour stages to guarantee the most targeted and effective treatment to every patient.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Margherita Ratti
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Division of Oncology, Medical Department, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
| | - Rodolfo Passalacqua
- Division of Oncology, Medical Department, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Khan KH, Cunningham D, Werner B, Vlachogiannis G, Spiteri I, Heide T, Mateos JF, Vatsiou A, Lampis A, Damavandi MD, Lote H, Huntingford IS, Hedayat S, Chau I, Tunariu N, Mentrasti G, Trevisani F, Rao S, Anandappa G, Watkins D, Starling N, Thomas J, Peckitt C, Khan N, Rugge M, Begum R, Hezelova B, Bryant A, Jones T, Proszek P, Fassan M, Hahne JC, Hubank M, Braconi C, Sottoriva A, Valeri N. Longitudinal Liquid Biopsy and Mathematical Modeling of Clonal Evolution Forecast Time to Treatment Failure in the PROSPECT-C Phase II Colorectal Cancer Clinical Trial. Cancer Discov 2018; 8:1270-1285. [PMID: 30166348 PMCID: PMC6380469 DOI: 10.1158/2159-8290.cd-17-0891] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Revised: 05/01/2018] [Accepted: 07/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sequential profiling of plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) holds immense promise for early detection of patient progression. However, how to exploit the predictive power of cfDNA as a liquid biopsy in the clinic remains unclear. RAS pathway aberrations can be tracked in cfDNA to monitor resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer. In this prospective phase II clinical trial of single-agent cetuximab in RAS wild-type patients, we combine genomic profiling of serial cfDNA and matched sequential tissue biopsies with imaging and mathematical modeling of cancer evolution. We show that a significant proportion of patients defined as RAS wild-type based on diagnostic tissue analysis harbor aberrations in the RAS pathway in pretreatment cfDNA and, in fact, do not benefit from EGFR inhibition. We demonstrate that primary and acquired resistance to cetuximab are often of polyclonal nature, and these dynamics can be observed in tissue and plasma. Furthermore, evolutionary modeling combined with frequent serial sampling of cfDNA allows prediction of the expected time to treatment failure in individual patients. This study demonstrates how integrating frequently sampled longitudinal liquid biopsies with a mathematical framework of tumor evolution allows individualized quantitative forecasting of progression, providing novel opportunities for adaptive personalized therapies.Significance: Liquid biopsies capture spatial and temporal heterogeneity underpinning resistance to anti-EGFR monoclonal antibodies in colorectal cancer. Dense serial sampling is needed to predict the time to treatment failure and generate a window of opportunity for intervention. Cancer Discov; 8(10); 1270-85. ©2018 AACR. See related commentary by Siravegna and Corcoran, p. 1213 This article is highlighted in the In This Issue feature, p. 1195.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khurum H Khan
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Benjamin Werner
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Georgios Vlachogiannis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Inmaculada Spiteri
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Timon Heide
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Javier Fernandez Mateos
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Alexandra Vatsiou
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Mahnaz Darvish Damavandi
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Lote
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Said Huntingford
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Nina Tunariu
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Londonand Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Giulia Mentrasti
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Francesco Trevisani
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Gayathri Anandappa
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Janet Thomas
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Clare Peckitt
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Nasir Khan
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, Londonand Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Department of Medicine and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Blanka Hezelova
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Annette Bryant
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Thomas Jones
- Clinical Genomics, The Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Paula Proszek
- Clinical Genomics, The Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Michael Hubank
- Clinical Genomics, The Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Sottoriva
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, United Kingdom.
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Ghidini M, Hahne JC, Frizziero M, Tomasello G, Trevisani F, Lampis A, Passalacqua R, Valeri N. MicroRNAs as Mediators of Resistance Mechanisms to Small-Molecule Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Solid Tumours. Target Oncol 2018; 13:423-436. [PMID: 30006826 DOI: 10.1007/s11523-018-0580-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) are widely expressed transmembrane proteins that act as receptors for growth factors and other extracellular signalling molecules. Upon ligand binding, RTKs activate intracellular signalling cascades, and as such are involved in a broad variety of cellular functions including differentiation, proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and survival under physiological as well as pathological conditions. Aberrant RTK activation can lead to benign proliferative conditions as well as to various forms of cancer. Indeed, more than 70% of the known oncogene and proto-oncogene transcripts involved in cancer code for RTKs. Consequently, these receptors are broadly studied as targets in the treatment of different tumours, and a large variety of small-molecule tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are approved for therapy. In most cases, patients develop resistance to the TKIs within a short time. MicroRNAs are short (18-22 nucleotides) non-protein-coding RNAs that fine-tune cell homeostasis by controlling gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Deregulation of microRNAs is common in many cancers, and increasing evidence exists for an important role of microRNAs in the development of resistance to therapies, including TKIs. In this review we focus on the role of microRNAs in mediating resistance to small-molecule TKIs in solid tumours.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ghidini
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK.
| | - Melissa Frizziero
- Department of Medical Oncology, The Christie NHS Foundation Trust, Manchester, UK
| | - Gianluca Tomasello
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Francesco Trevisani
- Division of Experimental Oncology, IRCCS San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Milan, Italy
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Rodolfo Passalacqua
- Medical Department, Division of Oncology, ASST di Cremona, Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Centre for Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, 15 Cotswold Road, Sutton, Surrey, SM2 5NG, UK
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Khan K, Rata M, Cunningham D, Koh DM, Tunariu N, Hahne JC, Vlachogiannis G, Hedayat S, Marchetti S, Lampis A, Damavandi MD, Lote H, Rana I, Williams A, Eccles SA, Fontana E, Collins D, Eltahir Z, Rao S, Watkins D, Starling N, Thomas J, Kalaitzaki E, Fotiadis N, Begum R, Bali M, Rugge M, Temple E, Fassan M, Chau I, Braconi C, Valeri N. Functional imaging and circulating biomarkers of response to regorafenib in treatment-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer patients in a prospective phase II study. Gut 2018; 67:1484-1492. [PMID: 28790159 PMCID: PMC6204951 DOI: 10.1136/gutjnl-2017-314178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2017] [Revised: 05/16/2017] [Accepted: 05/23/2017] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Regorafenib demonstrated efficacy in patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Lack of predictive biomarkers, potential toxicities and cost-effectiveness concerns highlight the unmet need for better patient selection. DESIGN Patients with RAS mutant mCRC with biopsiable metastases were enrolled in this phase II trial. Dynamic contrast-enhanced (DCE) MRI was acquired pretreatment and at day 15 post-treatment. Median values of volume transfer constant (Ktrans), enhancing fraction (EF) and their product KEF (summarised median values of Ktrans× EF) were generated. Circulating tumour (ct) DNA was collected monthly until progressive disease and tested for clonal RAS mutations by digital-droplet PCR. Tumour vasculature (CD-31) was scored by immunohistochemistry on 70 sequential tissue biopsies. RESULTS Twenty-seven patients with paired DCE-MRI scans were analysed. Median KEF decrease was 58.2%. Of the 23 patients with outcome data, >70% drop in KEF (6/23) was associated with higher disease control rate (p=0.048) measured by RECIST V. 1.1 at 2 months, improved progression-free survival (PFS) (HR 0.16 (95% CI 0.04 to 0.72), p=0.02), 4-month PFS (66.7% vs 23.5%) and overall survival (OS) (HR 0.08 (95% CI 0.01 to 0.63), p=0.02). KEF drop correlated with CD-31 reduction in sequential tissue biopsies (p=0.04). RAS mutant clones decay in ctDNA after 8 weeks of treatment was associated with better PFS (HR 0.21 (95% CI 0.06 to 0.71), p=0.01) and OS (HR 0.28 (95% CI 0.07-1.04), p=0.06). CONCLUSIONS Combining DCE-MRI and ctDNA predicts duration of anti-angiogenic response to regorafenib and may improve patient management with potential health/economic implications.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Khurum Khan
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Mihaela Rata
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - David Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Dow-Mu Koh
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Nina Tunariu
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - George Vlachogiannis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Silvia Marchetti
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | | | - Hazel Lote
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Isma Rana
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Anja Williams
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Suzanne A Eccles
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Elisa Fontana
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - David Collins
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Zakaria Eltahir
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Naureen Starling
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Jan Thomas
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Eleftheria Kalaitzaki
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Department of Statistics, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Nicos Fotiadis
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Maria Bali
- Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, Cancer Research UK Imaging Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Department of Medicine (DIMED) and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Eleanor Temple
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine (DIMED) and Surgical Pathology, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Sutton, UK
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Abstract
Non-coding RNAs are important regulators of gene expression and transcription. It is well established that impaired non-coding RNA expression especially the one of long non-coding RNAs and microRNAs is involved in a number of pathological conditions including cancer. Non-coding RNAs are responsible for the development of resistance to anticancer treatments as they regulate drug resistance-related genes, affect intracellular drug concentrations, induce alternative signaling pathways, alter drug efficiency via blocking cell cycle regulation, and DNA damage response. Furthermore, they can prevent therapeutic-induced cell death and promote epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and elicit non-cell autonomous mechanisms of resistance. In this review, we summarize the role of non-coding RNAs for different mechanisms resulting in drug resistance (e.g., drug transport, drug metabolism, cell cycle regulation, regulation of apoptotic pathways, cancer stem cells, and EMT) in the context of gastrointestinal cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens C. Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, United Kingdom
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Lampis A, Carotenuto P, Vlachogiannis G, Cascione L, Hedayat S, Burke R, Clarke P, Bosma E, Simbolo M, Scarpa A, Yu S, Cole R, Smyth E, Mateos JF, Begum R, Hezelova B, Eltahir Z, Wotherspoon A, Fotiadis N, Bali MA, Nepal C, Khan K, Stubbs M, Hahne JC, Gasparini P, Guzzardo V, Croce CM, Eccles S, Fassan M, Cunningham D, Andersen JB, Workman P, Valeri N, Braconi C. MIR21 Drives Resistance to Heat Shock Protein 90 Inhibition in Cholangiocarcinoma. Gastroenterology 2018; 154:1066-1079.e5. [PMID: 29113809 PMCID: PMC5863695 DOI: 10.1053/j.gastro.2017.10.043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2017] [Revised: 10/12/2017] [Accepted: 10/27/2017] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND & AIMS Cholangiocarcinomas (CCA) are resistant to chemotherapy, so new therapeutic agents are needed. We performed a screen to identify small-molecule compounds that are active against CCAs. Levels of microRNA 21 (MIR21 or miRNA21) are increased in CCAs. We investigated whether miRNA21 mediates resistance of CCA cells and organoids to HSP90 inhibitors. METHODS We performed a high-throughput screen of 484 small-molecule compounds to identify those that reduced viability of 6 human CCA cell lines. We tested the effects of HSP90 inhibitors on cells with disruption of the MIR21 gene, cells incubated with MIR21 inhibitors, and stable cell lines with inducible expression of MIR21. We obtained CCA biopsies from patients, cultured them as organoids (patient-derived organoids). We assessed their architecture, mutation and gene expression patterns, response to compounds in culture, and when grown as subcutaneous xenograft tumors in mice. RESULTS Cells with IDH1 and PBRM1 mutations had the highest level of sensitivity to histone deacetylase inhibitors. HSP90 inhibitors were effective in all cell lines, irrespective of mutations. Sensitivity of cells to HSP90 inhibitors correlated inversely with baseline level of MIR21. Disruption of MIR21 increased cell sensitivity to HSP90 inhibitors. CCA cells that expressed transgenic MIR21 were more resistant to HSP90 inhibitors than cells transfected with control vectors; inactivation of MIR21 in these cells restored sensitivity to these agents. MIR21 was shown to target the DnaJ heat shock protein family (Hsp40) member B5 (DNAJB5). Transgenic expression of DNAJB5 in CCA cells that overexpressed MIR21 re-sensitized them to HSP90 inhibitors. Sensitivity of patient-derived organoids to HSP90 inhibitors, in culture and when grown as xenograft tumors in mice, depended on expression of miRNA21. CONCLUSIONS miRNA21 appears to mediate resistance of CCA cells to HSP90 inhibitors by reducing levels of DNAJB5. HSP90 inhibitors might be developed for the treatment of CCA and miRNA21 might be a marker of sensitivity to these agents.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Luciano Cascione
- Bioinformatics Core Unit, Institute of Oncology Research, Bellinzona, Switzerland
| | | | | | - Paul Clarke
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Else Bosma
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Michele Simbolo
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Aldo Scarpa
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy
| | - Sijia Yu
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Chirag Nepal
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | - Khurum Khan
- The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | - Mark Stubbs
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Fassan
- ARC-Net Research Centre and Department of Pathology and Diagnostics, University of Verona, Verona, Italy; Department of Medicine, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Jesper B Andersen
- Biotech Research and Innovation Centre, Department of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Copenhagen, Denmark
| | | | - Nicola Valeri
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, UK
| | - Chiara Braconi
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK; The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London and Surrey, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Vlachogiannis G, Hedayat S, Vatsiou A, Jamin Y, Fernández-Mateos J, Khan K, Lampis A, Eason K, Huntingford I, Burke R, Rata M, Koh DM, Tunariu N, Collins D, Hulkki-Wilson S, Ragulan C, Spiteri I, Moorcraft SY, Chau I, Rao S, Watkins D, Fotiadis N, Bali M, Darvish-Damavandi M, Lote H, Eltahir Z, Smyth EC, Begum R, Clarke PA, Hahne JC, Dowsett M, de Bono J, Workman P, Sadanandam A, Fassan M, Sansom OJ, Eccles S, Starling N, Braconi C, Sottoriva A, Robinson SP, Cunningham D, Valeri N. Patient-derived organoids model treatment response of metastatic gastrointestinal cancers. Science 2018; 359:920-926. [PMID: 29472484 PMCID: PMC6112415 DOI: 10.1126/science.aao2774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1041] [Impact Index Per Article: 173.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/04/2017] [Revised: 10/26/2017] [Accepted: 01/11/2018] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Patient-derived organoids (PDOs) have recently emerged as robust preclinical models; however, their potential to predict clinical outcomes in patients has remained unclear. We report on a living biobank of PDOs from metastatic, heavily pretreated colorectal and gastroesophageal cancer patients recruited in phase 1/2 clinical trials. Phenotypic and genotypic profiling of PDOs showed a high degree of similarity to the original patient tumors. Molecular profiling of tumor organoids was matched to drug-screening results, suggesting that PDOs could complement existing approaches in defining cancer vulnerabilities and improving treatment responses. We compared responses to anticancer agents ex vivo in organoids and PDO-based orthotopic mouse tumor xenograft models with the responses of the patients in clinical trials. Our data suggest that PDOs can recapitulate patient responses in the clinic and could be implemented in personalized medicine programs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Somaieh Hedayat
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Alexandra Vatsiou
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Yann Jamin
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Javier Fernández-Mateos
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Khurum Khan
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Katherine Eason
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Ian Huntingford
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Rosemary Burke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Mihaela Rata
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Dow-Mu Koh
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nina Tunariu
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - David Collins
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | - Sanna Hulkki-Wilson
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Chanthirika Ragulan
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Inmaculada Spiteri
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Ian Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Sheela Rao
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - David Watkins
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Nicos Fotiadis
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Maria Bali
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
- Department of Radiology, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Hazel Lote
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Zakaria Eltahir
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Ruwaida Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Paul A Clarke
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Mitchell Dowsett
- Ralph Lauren Centre for Breast Cancer Research, Royal Marsden Hospital NHS Trust, London, UK
| | - Johann de Bono
- Division of Clinical Studies, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Paul Workman
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Anguraj Sadanandam
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Department of Medicine, Surgical Pathology and Cytopathology Unit, University of Padua, Padua, Italy
| | | | - Suzanne Eccles
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | | | - Chiara Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Therapeutics Unit, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Andrea Sottoriva
- Centre for Evolution and Cancer, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK
| | - Simon P Robinson
- Cancer Research UK Cancer Imaging Centre, Division of Radiotherapy and Imaging, The Institute of Cancer Research and Royal Marsden Hospital, London, UK
| | | | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, UK.
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Trust, London, UK
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sclafani F, Chau I, Cunningham D, Hahne JC, Vlachogiannis G, Eltahir Z, Lampis A, Braconi C, Kalaitzaki E, De Castro DG, Wotherspoon A, Capdevila J, Glimelius B, Tarazona N, Begum R, Lote H, Hulkki Wilson S, Mentrasti G, Brown G, Tait D, Oates J, Valeri N. KRAS and BRAF mutations in circulating tumour DNA from locally advanced rectal cancer. Sci Rep 2018; 8:1445. [PMID: 29362371 PMCID: PMC5780472 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-19212-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2017] [Accepted: 12/27/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
There are limited data on circulating, cell-free, tumour (ct)DNA analysis in locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC). Digital droplet (dd)PCR was used to investigate KRAS/BRAF mutations in ctDNA from baseline blood samples of 97 LARC patients who were treated with CAPOX followed by chemoradiotherapy, surgery and adjuvant CAPOX ± cetuximab in a randomised phase II trial. KRAS mutation in G12D, G12V or G13D was detected in the ctDNA of 43% and 35% of patients with tumours that were mutant and wild-type for these hotspot mutations, respectively, according to standard PCR-based analyses on tissue. The detection rate in the ctDNA of 10 patients with less common mutations was 50%. In 26 cases ctDNA analysis revealed KRAS mutations that were not previously found in tissue. Twenty-two of these (84.6%) were detected following repeat tissue testing by ddPCR. Overall, the ctDNA detection rate in the KRAS mutant population was 66%. Detection of KRAS mutation in ctDNA failed to predict prognosis or refine patient selection for cetuximab. While this study confirms the feasibility of ctDNA analysis in LARC and the high sensitivity of ddPCR, larger series are needed to better address the role of ctDNA as a prognostic or predictive tool in this setting.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesco Sclafani
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Ian Chau
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - David Cunningham
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jens C Hahne
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Zakaria Eltahir
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Andrea Lampis
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Chiara Braconi
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Andrew Wotherspoon
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jaume Capdevila
- Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | | | - Noelia Tarazona
- Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ruwaida Begum
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Hazel Lote
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Giulia Mentrasti
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Gina Brown
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Diana Tait
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Jacqueline Oates
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Valeri
- The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, United Kingdom.
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Surrey, United Kingdom.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Tomasello G, Valeri N, Ghidini M, Smyth EC, Liguigli W, Toppo L, Mattioli R, Curti A, Hahne JC, Negri FM, Panni S, Ratti M, Lazzarelli S, Gerevini F, Colombi C, Panni A, Rovatti M, Treccani L, Martinotti M, Passalacqua R. First-line dose-dense chemotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, folinic acid and 5-fluorouracil (DCF) plus panitumumab in patients with locally advanced or metastatic cancer of the stomach or gastroesophageal junction: final results and biomarker analysis from an Italian oncology group for clinical research (GOIRC) phase II study. Oncotarget 2017; 8:111795-111806. [PMID: 29340092 PMCID: PMC5762360 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 11/15/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Survival for patients with advanced gastroesophageal cancer (AGC) using standard treatment regimens is poor. EGFR overexpression is common in AGC and associated with poor prognosis. We hypothesized that increasing the dose intensity of chemotherapy and adding panitumumab could improve efficacy. METHODS HER2 negative, PS 0-1 patients, received up to 4 cycles of panitumumab 6 mg/kg d 1, docetaxel 60 mg/m2 d 1, cisplatin 50 mg/m2 d 1, l-folinic acid 100 mg/m2 d 1-2, followed by 5-FU 400 mg/m2 bolus d 1-2, and then 600 mg/m2 as a 22 h c.i. on d 1-2, q15 d, plus pegfilgrastim 6 mg on d 3. Patients with disease control after 4 cycles received panitumumab until progression. RESULTS From 05/2010 to 01/2014, 52 patients (75% male; median age 64.5 y; metastatic 90%, locally advanced 10%; 96% adenocarcinoma; 25% GEJ) were recruited. Three CR, 29 PR, 10 SD and 8 PD were observed, for an ORR by ITT (primary endpoint) of 62% (95% CI, 48%-75%) and a DCR of 81%. Median TTP was 4.9 months (95% CI, 4.2-7.0) and mOS 10 months (95% CI, 8.2- 13.5). Most frequent G3-4 toxicities: leucopenia (29%), asthenia (27%), skin rash (25%), neutropenia (19%), anorexia (17%), febrile neutropenia (13%), and diarrhea (15%). EGFR expression tested both with dd-PCR and FISH was not associated with any significant clinical benefit from treatment. CONCLUSIONS Dose-dense DCF plus panitumumab is an active regimen. However, the toxicity profile of this limits further development. Further research on predictive biomarkers for treatment efficacy in AGC is required.Clinical trial information: 2009-016962-10.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Cancer Research, Sutton, London, UK
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden Hospital, Sutton, London, UK
| | | | | | - Wanda Liguigli
- Oncology Division, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Laura Toppo
- Oncology Division, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | | | | | - Jens C. Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute for Cancer Research, Sutton, London, UK
| | | | - Stefano Panni
- Oncology Division, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Chiara Colombi
- Oncology Division, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | - Andrea Panni
- Pathology Division, ASST Ospedale di Cremona, Cremona, Italy
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
24
|
Ghidini M, Cascione L, Carotenuto P, Lampis A, Trevisani F, Previdi MC, Hahne JC, Said-Huntingford I, Raj M, Zerbi A, Mescoli C, Cillo U, Rugge M, Roncalli M, Torzilli G, Rimassa L, Santoro A, Valeri N, Fassan M, Braconi C. Characterisation of the immune-related transcriptome in resected biliary tract cancers. Eur J Cancer 2017; 86:158-165. [PMID: 28988016 PMCID: PMC5699791 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejca.2017.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2017] [Revised: 08/08/2017] [Accepted: 09/04/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Although biliary tract cancers (BTCs) are known to have an inflammatory component, a detailed characterisation of immune-related transcripts has never been performed. In these studies, nCounter PanCancer Immune Profiling Panel was used to assess the expression of 770 immune-related transcripts in the tumour tissues (TTs) and matched adjacent tissues (ATs) of resected BTCs. Cox regression analysis and Kaplan-Meier methods were used to correlate findings with relapse-free survival (RFS). The first analysis in the TT and AT of an exploratory set (n = 22) showed deregulation of 39 transcripts associated with T-cell activation. Risk of recurrence was associated with a greater number of genes deregulated in AT in comparison to TT. Analysis in the whole set (n = 53) showed a correlation between AT cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 (CTLA4) expression and RFS, which maintained statistical significance at multivariate analysis. CTLA4 expression correlated with forkhead box P3 (FOXP3) expression, suggesting enrichment in T regulatory cells. CTLA4 is known to act by binding to the cluster of differentiation 80 (CD80). No association was seen between AT CD80 expression and RFS. However, CD80 expression differentiated prognosis in patients who received adjuvant chemotherapy. We showed that the immunomodulatory transcriptome is deregulated in resected BTCs. Our study includes a small number of patients and does not enable to draw definitive conclusions; however, it provides useful insights into potential transcripts that may deserve further investigation in larger cohorts of patients. TRANSCRIPT PROFILING Nanostring data have been submitted to GEO repository: GSE90698 and GSE90699.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Michele Ghidini
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK; Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy; ASST Hospital of Cremona, Viale Concordia, 1, Cremona, 26100, Italy
| | - Luciano Cascione
- Institute of Oncology Research, Via Vela 6, Bellinzona, 6500, Switzerland
| | - Pietro Carotenuto
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Andrea Lampis
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Francesco Trevisani
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK; San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Via Olgettina, Milan, 20132, Italy
| | | | - Jens C Hahne
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | | | - Maya Raj
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK
| | - Alessandro Zerbi
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy; Humanitas University, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | | | - Umberto Cillo
- University of Padua, Via Gabelli 61, Padova, 35100, Italy
| | - Massimo Rugge
- University of Padua, Via Gabelli 61, Padova, 35100, Italy
| | - Massimo Roncalli
- Humanitas University, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Guido Torzilli
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy; Humanitas University, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Lorenza Rimassa
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy; Humanitas University, Via Manzoni, 113, Rozzano, Milan, 20089, Italy
| | - Nicola Valeri
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK; The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, Downs Road, SM2 5PT, UK
| | - Matteo Fassan
- University of Padua, Via Gabelli 61, Padova, 35100, Italy
| | - Chiara Braconi
- The Institute of Cancer Research, Cotswold Road, London, SM2 5NG, UK; The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey, Downs Road, SM2 5PT, UK.
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
Hedayat S, Vlachogiannis G, Jamin Y, Khan K, Fernandez-mateos J, Hahne JC, Rata M, Koh DK, Tunariu N, Collins D, Bali M, Chau I, Rao S, Watkins D, Sterling N, Fotoadis N, Huntingford I, Gegum R, Rana I, Rugge M, Braconi C, Fassan M, Eccles S, Robinson SP, Cunningham D, Valeri N. Metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patient derived organoids (PDOs) as a preclinical tool to understand mechanisms of resistance to anti-angiogenic drugs. Eur J Surg Oncol 2017. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ejso.2017.10.157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
|
26
|
Hahne JC, Engel JB, Honig A, Meyer SR, Zito D, Lampis A, Valeri N. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR-Signal Transduction Pathway as Drug Target in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2017. [DOI: 10.2174/2212697x04666170321112629] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
|
27
|
Smyth EC, Fassan M, Cunningham D, Allum WH, Okines AFC, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Rugge M, Peckitt C, Nankivell M, Langley R, Ghidini M, Braconi C, Wotherspoon A, Grabsch HI, Valeri N. Effect of Pathologic Tumor Response and Nodal Status on Survival in the Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy Trial. J Clin Oncol 2016; 34:2721-7. [PMID: 27298411 PMCID: PMC5019747 DOI: 10.1200/jco.2015.65.7692] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE The Medical Research Council Adjuvant Gastric Infusional Chemotherapy (MAGIC) trial established perioperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil chemotherapy as a standard of care for patients with resectable esophagogastric cancer. However, identification of patients at risk for relapse remains challenging. We evaluated whether pathologic response and lymph node status after neoadjuvant chemotherapy are prognostic in patients treated in the MAGIC trial. MATERIALS AND METHODS Pathologic regression was assessed in resection specimens by two independent pathologists using the Mandard tumor regression grading system (TRG). Differences in overall survival (OS) according to TRG were assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test. Univariate and multivariate analyses using the Cox proportional hazards method established the relationships among TRG, clinical-pathologic variables, and OS. RESULTS Three hundred thirty resection specimens were analyzed. In chemotherapy-treated patients with a TRG of 1 or 2, median OS was not reached, whereas for patients with a TRG of 3, 4, or 5, median OS was 20.47 months. On univariate analysis, high TRG and lymph node metastases were negatively related to survival (Mandard TRG 3, 4, or 5: hazard ratio [HR], 1.94; 95% CI, 1.11 to 3.39; P = .0209; lymph node metastases: HR, 3.63; 95% CI, 1.88 to 7.0; P < .001). On multivariate analysis, only lymph node status was independently predictive of OS (HR, 3.36; 95% CI, 1.70 to 6.63; P < .001). CONCLUSION Lymph node metastases and not pathologic response to chemotherapy was the only independent predictor of survival after chemotherapy plus resection in the MAGIC trial. Prospective evaluation of whether omitting postoperative chemotherapy and/or switching to a noncross-resistant regimen in patients with lymph node-positive disease whose tumor did not respond to preoperative epirubicin, cisplatin, and fluorouracil may be appropriate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth C Smyth
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Matteo Fassan
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - David Cunningham
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - William H Allum
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Alicia F C Okines
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrea Lampis
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Jens C Hahne
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Massimo Rugge
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Clare Peckitt
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Matthew Nankivell
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Ruth Langley
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Michele Ghidini
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Chiara Braconi
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Andrew Wotherspoon
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Heike I Grabsch
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands
| | - Nicola Valeri
- Elizabeth C. Smyth, David Cunningham, William H. Allum, Alicia F.C. Okines, Clare Peckitt, Chiara Braconi, Andrew Wotherspoon, and Nicola Valeri, Royal Marsden Hospital; Andrea Lampis, Jens C. Hahne, Michele Ghidini, Chiara Braconi, and Nicola Valeri, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton; Matthew Nankivell and Ruth Langley, Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Unit at UCL, London; Heike I. Grabsch, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom; Matteo Fassan and Massimo Rugge, University of Padua, Padua, Italy; and Heike I. Grabsch, Maastricht University Medical Center, Maastricht, the Netherlands.
| |
Collapse
|
28
|
Lampis A, Cascione L, Burke R, Clarke P, Simbolo M, Scarpa A, Bosma E, Yu S, Cole R, Stubbs M, Sharp S, Van Montfort R, Hahne JC, Fassan M, Workman P, Valeri N, Braconi C. Abstract 1069: MiR-21 may serve as a predictive biomarker of response in the assessment of efficacy of HSP-90 inhibition in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-1069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background and Aims: MicroRNAs mediate drug resistance and are often deregulated in cancer with miR-21 upregulation being shared across different gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. In this study we aim to identify small drugs for which miR-21 may be considered a biomarker of sensitivity.
Methods: High throughput screening technologies (HST) was applied in RKO colorectal cancer (CRC) cells engineered to knock out miR-21 locus (miR-21KO) and parental isogenic wild type (WT) cells, as well as 6 Biliary Tract Cancer (BTC) cell lines that were NGSed for a panel of 64 genes. Library included 484 small molecules that were screened at 3 doses against each cell line in triplicate. Transient miR-21 inhibition was achieved by reverse transfection. Stable doxycycline-activated miR-21 expressing clones of BTC and CRC cells were generated with doxycycline-inducible TRIPZ lentiviral vectors.
Results: Twenty four drugs reduced cell viability compared to DMSO at a greater extent in miR-21KO RKO in comparison to WT cells. Enrichment in HSP-90 inhibitors (including 17-DMAG, 17-AAG and AUY-922) was noticed, suggesting that miR-21 may be involved in resistance to HSP-90 inhibition. HST in BTC cells showed enrichment of HSP-90 inhibitors independently on mutational status. However IC50 to AUY-922 was correlated to baseline miR-21 expression in BTC cells. Transient inhibition of miR-21 enhanced sensitivity to AUY-922 in BTC cells. AUY-922 IC50 was 35nM for WT and 17nM for miR-21KO RKO cells. Knock-out of miR-21 in DLD-1 cells did not change sensitivity to AUY-922 in line with the lower baseline levels of miR-21 in DLD-1 wild type cells. However, the reduced levels of baseline miR-21 made them more sensitive to AUY-922 than RKO. Doxycycline-activated overexpression of miR-21 in miR-21KO DLD-1 cells conferred resistance to AUY-922. When co-cultured with non-infected miR-21KO DLD-1 cells, miR-21 overexpressing miR-21KO DLD-1 cells were able to drive cell growth in presence of AUY-922. To similar extent CCLP with enforced expression of miR-21 were more resistant compared to control cells; inactivation of the induction of miR-21 overexpression recovered sensitivity to the drug. HSP Array blot of AUY-922-treated cells with induced expression of miR-21 showed reduction of the co-chaperone HSP-40 protein expression compared to control cells.
Conclusions: Our data suggest the development of studies looking at the biomarker potential of miR-21 to guide treatment with HSP-90 inhibitors in GI cancers, as well as pursuing the combination with miR-21 inhibitors that may enhance the effect of the drug and avoid toxicity by enabling dose reduction.
Citation Format: Andrea Lampis, Luciano Cascione, Rosemary Burke, Paul Clarke, Michele Simbolo, Aldo Scarpa, Else Bosma, Sijia Yu, Rebecca Cole, Mark Stubbs, Swee Sharp, Rob Van Montfort, Jens C. Hahne, Matteo Fassan, Paul Workman, Nicola Valeri, Chiara Braconi. MiR-21 may serve as a predictive biomarker of response in the assessment of efficacy of HSP-90 inhibition in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1069.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Andrea Lampis
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Paul Clarke
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | | | - Else Bosma
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Sijia Yu
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Rebecca Cole
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Mark Stubbs
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Swee Sharp
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Jens C. Hahne
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | | - Paul Workman
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | - Nicola Valeri
- 1Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
| | | |
Collapse
|
29
|
Sclafani F, Chau I, Cunningham D, Peckitt C, Lampis A, Hahne JC, Braconi C, Tabernero J, Glimelius B, Cervantes A, Begum R, Gonzalez De Castro D, Hulkki Wilson S, Eltahir Z, Wotherspoon A, Tait D, Brown G, Oates J, Valeri N. Prognostic role of the LCS6 KRAS variant in locally advanced rectal cancer: results of the EXPERT-C trial. Ann Oncol 2015; 26:1936-1941. [PMID: 26162609 PMCID: PMC4551162 DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdv285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2015] [Revised: 05/29/2015] [Accepted: 06/26/2015] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lethal-7 (let-7) is a tumour suppressor miRNA which acts by down-regulating several oncogenes including KRAS. A single-nucleotide polymorphism (rs61764370, T > G base substitution) in the let-7 complementary site 6 (LCS-6) of KRAS mRNA has been shown to predict prognosis in early-stage colorectal cancer (CRC) and benefit from anti-epidermal growth factor receptor monoclonal antibodies in metastatic CRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS We analysed rs61764370 in EXPERT-C, a randomised phase II trial of neoadjuvant CAPOX followed by chemoradiotherapy, surgery and adjuvant CAPOX plus or minus cetuximab in locally advanced rectal cancer. DNA was isolated from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tumour tissue and genotyped using a PCR-based commercially available assay. Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression analysis were used to calculate survival estimates and compare treatment arms. RESULTS A total of 155/164 (94.5%) patients were successfully analysed, of whom 123 (79.4%) and 32 (20.6%) had the LCS-6 TT and LCS-6 TG genotype, respectively. Carriers of the G allele were found to have a statistically significantly higher rate of complete response (CR) after neoadjuvant therapy (28.1% versus 10.6%; P = 0.020) and a trend for better 5-year progression-free survival (PFS) [77.4% versus 64.5%: hazard ratio (HR) 0.56; P = 0.152] and overall survival (OS) rates (80.3% versus 71.9%: HR 0.59; P = 0.234). Both CR and survival outcomes were independent of the use of cetuximab. The negative prognostic effect associated with KRAS mutation appeared to be stronger in patients with the LCS-6 TT genotype (HR PFS 1.70, P = 0.078; HR OS 1.79, P = 0.082) compared with those with the LCS-6 TG genotype (HR PFS 1.33, P = 0.713; HR OS 1.01, P = 0.995). CONCLUSION This analysis suggests that rs61764370 may be a biomarker of response to neoadjuvant treatment and an indicator of favourable outcome in locally advanced rectal cancer possibly by mitigating the poor prognosis of KRAS mutation. In this setting, however, this polymorphism does not appear to predict cetuximab benefit.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- F Sclafani
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - I Chau
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - D Cunningham
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - C Peckitt
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - A Lampis
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton
| | - J C Hahne
- Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton
| | - C Braconi
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey; Division of Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton, UK
| | - J Tabernero
- Department of Medical Oncology, Vall d'Hebron University Hospital, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
| | - B Glimelius
- Department of Immunology, Genetics and Pathology, University of Uppsala, Uppsala, Sweden
| | - A Cervantes
- Department of Hematology and Medical Oncology, Biomedical Research Institute INCLIVA, University of Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - R Begum
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - D Gonzalez De Castro
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - S Hulkki Wilson
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - Z Eltahir
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - A Wotherspoon
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - D Tait
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - G Brown
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - J Oates
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey
| | - N Valeri
- Department of Medicine, The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust, London and Surrey; Division of Molecular Pathology, The Institute of Cancer Research, London and Sutton.
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Hahne JC, Meyer SR, Dietl J, Honig A. The effect of Cordyceps extract and a mixture of Ganoderma lucidum/Agaricus Blazi Murill extract on human endometrial cancer cell lines in vitro. Int J Oncol 2014; 45:373-82. [PMID: 24805296 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2014.2414] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2013] [Accepted: 02/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Endometrial carcinoma is the most common gynaecological malignancy. Nevertheless there is a lack of curative therapies, especially for patients diagnosed with late stage, recurrent or aggressive disease, who have a poor prognosis. Cordyceps Sinensis, Ganoderma lucidum and Agaricus Blazi Murill are three fungi widely used in traditional Chinese medicine, and effects as adjuvants in tumour therapy have been demonstrated. However, the function and effects of these fungi in regard to endometrial cancer are not known. Three endometrial cancer cell lines, Ishikawa, Hec-1A and AN3-CA (derived from endometrial cancers grade I, II and III, respectively), were used to determine the effect of the fungi extracts on endometrial cancer cell function and to analyze the molecular mechanism. All fungi extracts had an inhibitory effect on cell viability and proliferation most probably exerted through induction of autophagy. Our data suggest that these fungi extracts may be used as adjuvants in endometrial tumour therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens C Hahne
- Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Susanne R Meyer
- Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Johannes Dietl
- Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | - Arnd Honig
- Department of Gynecology, Medical University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Hahne JC, Meyer SR, Kranke P, Dietl J, Guckenberger M, Polat B, Hönig A. Studies on the role of osteopontin-1 in endometrial cancer cell lines. Strahlenther Onkol 2013; 189:1040-8. [PMID: 24126938 DOI: 10.1007/s00066-013-0434-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2012] [Accepted: 07/18/2013] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Osteopontin-1 is a well characterized protein in many tumour entities. Multiple roles in the processes invasion, metastasis and angiogenesis of tumours are attributed to osteopontin-1. The putative role of osteopontin-1 has not been characterized for endometrial cancer. MATERIAL AND METHODS We investigated multiple endometrial cancer cell lines for osteopontin-1 mRNA- and protein-expression. Osteopontin-1 dependent effects were analysed in vitro by siRNA inhibition. RESULTS All endometrial cell lines expressed osteopontin-1. Expression of osteopontin-1 was successfully inhibited by specific siRNA. Cells with reduced osteopontin-1 expression showed decreased migration in the Boyden chamber assay and invasion was reduced in the wound-healing assay. Osteopontin-1 seems to play a role in apoptotic processes of endometrial cancer cells. Inhibition of osteopontin-1 expression was associated with an increased susceptibility for radiation therapy. CONCLUSION Osteopontin-1 seems to play a role in endometrial cancer. Inhibition of osteopontin-1 expression leads to a higher susceptibility for radiation therapy. Our results suggest that a reduced expression of osteopontin-1 in endometrial cancer could inhibit the development of invasion and metastasis in these cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Hahne
- Department of Gynecology, Frauenklinik und Poliklinik, University of Wuerzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 4, 97080, Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
32
|
Engel JB, Honig A, Kapp M, Hahne JC, Meyer SR, Dietl J, Segerer SE. Mechanisms of tumor immune escape in triple-negative breast cancers (TNBC) with and without mutated BRCA 1. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2013; 289:141-7. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-013-2922-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2011] [Accepted: 06/09/2013] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
|
33
|
Hönig A, Meyer SR, Stüber T, Dietl J, Engel JB, Hahne JC. pAKT überexprimierende Ovarialkarzinomzellen entwischen den Angriffen des Immunsystems. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2013. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0033-1347859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022] Open
|
34
|
Hahne JC, Meyer SR, Gambaryan S, Walter U, Dietl J, Engel JB, Honig A. Immune escape of AKT overexpressing ovarian cancer cells. Int J Oncol 2013; 42:1630-5. [PMID: 23467686 DOI: 10.3892/ijo.2013.1846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum-resistance is the most crucial problem for treatment of ovarian cancer. There is a clinical need for new treatment strategies which overcome platinum resistance. As survival is strongly influenced by immunological parameters, immunotherapeutic strategies appear promising. Therefore a better understanding of the interaction between ovarian tumour cells and cells of the immune system is a necessary prerequisite. In the present study we aimed to enlighten the interactions between platinum resistant and platinum sensitive ovarian cancer cells and natural-killer (NK)-cells. Modified FATAL assay was used for determining the killing efficiency of NK-cells for the parental A2780 cells and the cis-platinum resistant A2780cis human ovarian cancer cells. Expression of pro- and anti-apoptotic genes as well as ligands involved in NK-cell receptor recognition were analysed by RT-PCR and flow cytometric analysis. The efficiency of NK mediated cell lysis differs between A2780 cells and the cis-platinum-resistant A2780cis cells. A2780cis cells are less accessible for NK-cell mediated killing. Based on this observation we characterized the molecular basis for resistance mechanisms. Besides an increase in anti-apoptotic genes (especially CIAP-1 and -2) that probably render A2780cis cells more resistant against apoptosis an increased amount of soluble MICA/B seems to be responsible for the lower killing rate of platinum-resistant A2780cis cells compared to their parental A2780 cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jens C Hahne
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
35
|
Hahne JC, Honig A, Meyer SR, Gambaryan S, Walter U, Wischhusen J, Häussler SFM, Segerer SE, Fujita N, Dietl J, Engel JB. Downregulation of AKT reverses platinum resistance of human ovarian cancers in vitro. Oncol Rep 2012; 28:2023-8. [PMID: 22992944 DOI: 10.3892/or.2012.2041] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2012] [Accepted: 05/24/2012] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Platinum resistance is the most crucial problem for treatment of ovarian cancer. Increasing evidence points towards AKT overexpression as a mechanistic reason for this clinical condition. The present study evaluates the effect of overexpression and downregulation of AKT on the sensitivity to cisplatin in a platinum-resistant human ovarian cancer cell line and the corresponding platinum-sensitive parental cell line. A2780 and A2780cis ovarian cancer cell lines were stably transfected with an AKT-sense and AKT-antisense plasmid. Successful transfection was evaluated by western blot analysis. Cytotoxic effects of cisplatin were evaluated by metabolic (MTT) and clonogenicity assays as well as by FACS analysis. AKT overexpression (confirmed by western blotting) converted platinum-sensitive A2780 into platinum-resistant cells as shown by MTT assay. Importantly, platinum resistance of A2780cis cells could be reversed by downregulation of AKT, as demonstrated by MTT and clonogenicity assays and FACS analysis. Our data provide strong evidence that cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer is mediated by AKT overexpression and can be overcome by AKT downregulation, thus, providing a rationale for clinical phase II/III studies combining AKT inhibitors with cisplatin.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J C Hahne
- Department of Gynecology, University of Würzburg, D-97080 Würzburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
36
|
Hoenig A, Hahne JC, Meyer SR, Gambaryan S, Walter U, Wischhusen J, Häussler SFM, Segerer SE, Fujita N, Dietl J, Engel JB. Herunterregulation von AKT reduziert die Platinresistenz beim Ovarialkarzinom in vitro. Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2012. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1318591] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
37
|
Engel JB, Seipelt I, Hönig A, Hahne JC, Teifel M. AEZS-131- ein hochselektiver ERK-Inhibitor: Charakterisierung und präklinische Testung im tripelnegativen Mammakarzinom (TNBC). Geburtshilfe Frauenheilkd 2012. [DOI: 10.1055/s-0032-1318582] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/28/2022] Open
|
38
|
Engel JB, Hahne JC, Häusler SFM, Meyer S, Segerer SE, Diessner J, Dietl J, Honig A. Peptidomimetic GnRH antagonist AEZS-115 inhibits the growth of ovarian and endometrial cancer cells. Anticancer Res 2012; 32:2063-2068. [PMID: 22593489] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AEZS-115 (Aeterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt/M, Germany) is an orally active peptidomimetic antagonist of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH). In various tumors, an autocrine growth-promoting loop has been described for GnRH. The current study evaluates the antitumor activity and mechanism of action of AEZS-115 in models of ovarian and endometrial cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human A2780, Acis2780, OAW-42, Ovcar-3, SKOV-3, Hec1A and Ishikawa cells were analyzed for GnRH receptor expression by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). These cell lines were incubated with AEZS-115 at 1, 10 and 100 μM for 24 h, 48 h, and 72 h and the number of viable cells was determined. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) cell cycle analyses were performed with increasing concentrations of AEZS-115. Co-treatment experiments of cancer cells with GnRH antagonist cetrorelix and peptidomimetic GnRH antagonist AESZ-115 were carried out. RESULTS A2780, Acis2780, OAW-42, Ovcar-3, SKOV-3, Hec1A and Ishikawa cells expressed GnRH receptors as demonstrated by RT-PCR. GnRH antagonist AEZS-115 inhibited growth of all cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC(50)) values at 48 h of incubation were between 7 and 17.5 μM and for 72 h between 4.5 and 12.5 μM. IC(50) values for ovarian and endometrial cancer cells were rather similar. These results were obtained by tetrazolium salt [(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT] assay and confirmed by additional crystal violet staining. Cell cycle FACS analysis revealed that AEZS-115 dose-dependently increased the fraction of apoptotic cells. Co-treatment experiments carried out with AEZS-115 and peptidic GnRH-antagonist cetrorelix suggest that the antitumor effect of AEZS-115 is not mediated by blockade of the GnRH receptor. CONCLUSION GnRH antagonist AEZS-115 exhibited substantial antitumor activity in ovarian as well as endometrial cancer cell lines. However, this antitumor effect was not mediated by the tumoral GnRH receptors. To identify the mechanism of action of this compound, further research is warranted. Its in vitro antitumor activity makes AEZS-115 a promising candidate for in vivo studies of ovarian and endometrial cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- J B Engel
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Würzburg, Josef-Schneider-Str. 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Honig A, Hahne JC, Meyer S, Kranke P, Häusler S, Diessner J, Dietl J, Engel JB. PI3K inhibitor D-116883 is effective in in vitro models of ovarian cancer. Anticancer Res 2012; 32:2035-2041. [PMID: 22593485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND D-116883 (Aeterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany) is an orally effective drug that acts via inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). The PI3K/AKT signal transduction pathway is involved in ovarian cancer tumorigenesis. Phosphatase and Tensin homolog (PTEN) loss and other activating mutations frequently contribute to the activation of this pathway. We tested whether D-116883 exerts cytostatic effects in in vitro models of ovarian cancer and analyzed the induced programmed cell death. MATERIALS AND METHODS We evaluated the potency of D-116883 in four ovarian carcinoma cell lines with different cellular assays. The effects of D-116883 on cell proliferation was analysed by crystal-violet staining and tetrazolium salt [(3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide; MTT] assay. The capacity for anchorage-independent growth was analyzed in two ovarian carcinoma cell lines without and with D-116883 addition by using the soft agar assay. Fluorescence activated cell sorting (FACS) cell cycle analyses were performed. Cells were incubated with multicaspase inhibitor benzyloxycarbonyl-val-ala-asp(OMe)-fluoromethylketone (zVAD) and inhibitor of necroptosis necrostatin. RESULTS Growth inhibition occurred in all ovarian carcinoma cell lines studied (A2780, A2780cis, OAW42 and SKOV3) in a micromolar range (IC(50)<1 μM). By using soft agar assay, a reduced capacity for anchorage-independent growth, a hallmark of tumor cells, caused by D-116883 was demonstrated. Cell cycle analyses showed that D-116883 dose-dependently increased apoptotic cells. Multicaspase inhibitor zVAD and inhibitor of necroptosis necrostatin did not abrogate the growth-inhibiting effect of the compound. CONCLUSION PI3K inhibitor D-116883 showed substantial cytotoxic effects in various in vitro models of ovarian cancer. Our results make D-116883 a good candidate for further ovarian cancer research including in vivo experiments.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- A Honig
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Medical University of Würzburg, Josef Schneider Str. 4, 97080 Würzburg, Germany.
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Segerer SE, Kapp M, Hahne JC, Dietl J, Engel JB. P1-01-06: Mechanisms of Tumor Immune Escape in Triplenegative Breast Cancers (TNBC) with and without Mutated BRCA 1. Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs11-p1-01-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Triplenegative breast cancer (TNBC) is associated with a dismal prognosis, although these tumors are chemosensitive. This phenomenon could be at least in part due to tumor immune escape. The current study investigates the host's immune response to TNBC cells and explores the presence of immunesuppressive factors, such as pAKT-expression and infiltration with FoxP3 positive regulatory T-cells (Tregs), in human TNBC samples.
Material and Methods: NK-cell induced lysis of tumor cells was evaluated in human breast cancer cell lines MCF-7 (ER/PR pos.), HCC 1937 (triplenegative, BRCA 1 mutated) and HCC 1806 (triplenegative). Expression of pAKT and infiltration with Tregs was determined by immunehistochemistry and evaluated semiquantatitavely (0 no expression- 3 strong expression). Control groups consisted of: Fibroadenoma (N=6), prohpyhlactic mastectomy (BRCA 1 mutated, N=3), ER/PR + breast cancer (N=13). They were compared with triplenegative breast cancers: N = 9 BRCA wildtype and N = 6 BRCA 1 mutated.
Results: At an effector target/target-ratio of 10/1 NK-cell induced lysis in HCC 1937 and HCC 1806 was 2.27 and 4.45 increased, respectively, as compared to MCF 7 cells. No infiltration with Tregs was detected in fibroadenoma and prophylactic mastectomy samples. Infiltration with FoxP3-positive Tregs was 0.92 +/− 0.75 in ER/PR+ breast cancers and 2.66 +/−0.5 (p<0.05) in TNBC and 2.16 +/−0.98 (p<0.05) in TNBC with BRCA mutation, respectively. Expression of pAKT was 1.45 +/− 1.29 in ER/PR + breast cancers and 1.77 +/−1.20 in TNBC and 2.66 +/−0.51 (p<0.05) TNBC/with BRCA mutation.
Discussion: TNBC cells stimulated the NK-cell response to a stronger extent than did ER-positive MCF 7 cells mirrored by a more pronounced NK-cell- induced lysis. Thus, the observed stronger infiltration with FoxP3-positive Tregs in TNBC tumor samples could reflect a compensatory mechanism to suppress the host's immune response. In other tumor entities, such as ovarian cancer infiltration with Tregs is associated with a worse overall survival (1). Thus, the significantly increased infiltration with Tregs, could suggest that the worse prognosis of TNBC is due to tumor immune escape and further investigation of immunemodulatory therapeutic strategies in TNBC could prove fruitful.
(1) Specific recruitment of regulatory T cells in ovarian carcinoma fosters immune privilege and predicts reduced survival.
Curiel TJ, Coukos G, Zou L, Alvarez X, Cheng P, Mottram P, Evdemon-Hogan M, Conejo-Garcia JR, Zhang L, Burow M, Zhu Y, Wei S, Kryczek I, Daniel B, Gordon A, Myers L, Lackner A, Disis ML, Knutson KL, Chen L, Zou W.
Nat Med. 2004 Sep;10(9):942–9.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P1-01-06.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- SE Segerer
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - M Kapp
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - JC Hahne
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - J Dietl
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| | - JB Engel
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Engel JB, Seipelt I, Hönig A, Hahne JC, Teifel M. P3-18-06: AEZS-131 – A Highly Selective ERK-Inhibitor: Characterization and Preclinical Testing in Triple Negative Breast Cancer (TNBC). Cancer Res 2011. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.sabcs11-p3-18-06] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Introduction: Overexpression of MAPK has been detected in 34 % of TNBC and has been found to be associated with anthracycline resistance (1). AEZS-131 is a highly selective orally active ERK1/2-inhibitor, which has shown in vivo activity (first in class) in colon cancer. The following study explores mode of action and efficacy in models of TNBC.
Study design: AEZS-131 was tested in a kinase panel of 36 STK, 26 TK and 7 PIK to check for selectivity. Inhbition of Rsk-phosphorylation (cellular substrate of ERK) was evaluated by western blot analysis. Mode of action was explored by cell cycle FACS-analysis. Cleavage of PARP was explored by Western blot. Cytotoxic efficacy was evaluated in 5 TNBC, of which 2 had mutations in the MAPK signal transduction pathway lines, by MTT assay. Additionally it was explored if inhibition of classical apoptosis could abrogate the effect of AEZS-131.
Results: AEZS-131 selectively inhibited ERK with an IC50<4nM. Phosphorylation of Rsk-1 the cellular substrate of ERK was inhibited with an IC 50 of 158 nM. AEZS-131 induced cell cycle arrest in G1 dose-dependently and cleavage of PARP. EC 50 was 0,739 μM for MDA-MB-231 (Ras-mutated), 0,137 μM for MDA-MB-435s (B-RAF mutated), 17,5 μM for MDA-MB-468 (PTEN loss), 25 μM for HCC 1806. HCC 1937 were not inhibited by the compound. Of note, inhibition of classical apoptosis did not alter the cytotoxic effect of the compound in MDA-MB-468 and HCC-1806 cells.
Conclusions: AZS-131 was shown to selectively inhibit ERK at low nM concentrations and to induce G1-arrest. Accordingly, the cytotoxic effect most pronounced in TNBC cell lines with mutations in the MAPK pathway. If classical apoptosis is inhibited, cytotoxic effects remain unchanged, suggesting that AEZS-131 can also induce nonclassical forms of programmed cell death. AEZS-131 should be further explored in TNBCs with overexpression of MAPK or mutations in the MAPK-pathway.
*Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt/M, Germany.
(1): MAPK overexpression is associated with anthracycline resistance and increased risk for recurrence in patients with triple-negative breast cancer.
Eralp Y, Derin D, Ozluk Y, Yavuz E, Guney N, Saip P, Muslumanoglu M, Igci A, Kücücük S, Dincer M, Aydiner A, Topuz E.
Ann Oncol. 2008 Apr;19(4):669–74.
Citation Information: Cancer Res 2011;71(24 Suppl):Abstract nr P3-18-06.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- JB Engel
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - I Seipelt
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - A Hönig
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - JC Hahne
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| | - M Teifel
- 1Medical University of Würzburg, Würzburg, Germany; Æterna Zentaris GmbH, Frankfurt, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Naib-Majani W, Breipohl W, Shazli EE, Theuerkauf I, Pleyer U, Hahne JC, Wernert N. The Ets-1 transcription factor is involved in pterygial angiogenesis. Anat Histol Embryol 2007; 36:107-10. [PMID: 17371382 DOI: 10.1111/j.1439-0264.2006.00730.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
Pterygial pathology is characterized by abnormal corneal epithelial proliferation, stromal modulation, matrix degradation and a strong tendency for otherwise absent corneal vascularization. As the proto-oncogene Ets-1 is known to play a key role in angiogenesis and matrix degradation in other tissues, its involvement in corneal vascularization was investigated. Fifteen pterygia representing two groups were studied. Group 1 consisted of five clinically active pterygia, and group 2 consisted of 10 samples of clinically non-active pterygia. (35)S-labelled ets-1 antisense and sense riboprobes were used for in-situ hybridization of Ets-1 transcription factor in all pterygia. The cytoplasm of blood vessel endothelial cells showed strong expression of ets-1 mRNA in all group 1 pterygia. In contrast, no expression of ets-1 was found in group 2 pterygia. Proto-oncogene ets-1 expression has been shown for the first time in the metaplastic pterygium, an eye tissue of unknown pathogenesis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- W Naib-Majani
- Department of International Medical Education and Development, Bonn, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Friedrichs N, Hahne JC, Pepper MS, Rommerscheidt-Fuss U, Stelzner F, Buettner R, Wernert N. Immunohistochemical quantification of lymph vessels, VEGF-C and VEGF receptor 3 in human sarcomas. Histopathology 2006; 49:87-8. [PMID: 16842251 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2559.2006.02438.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
|
44
|
Rothhammer T, Hahne JC, Florin A, Poser I, Soncin F, Wernert N, Bosserhoff AK. The Ets-1 transcription factor is involved in the development and invasion of malignant melanoma. Cell Mol Life Sci 2004; 61:118-28. [PMID: 14704859 DOI: 10.1007/s00018-003-3337-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
The Ets-1 transcription factor plays a role in tumor vascularization and invasion by regulating expression of matrix-degrading proteases in endothelial cells and fibroblasts in the tumor stroma. During early embryogenesis, Ets-1 is expressed in migrating neural crest cells from which melanocytes arise. In the present study, we analyzed Ets-1 expression in various melanocytic lesions and investigated its functional importance in malignant melanomas. We found that Ets-1 was upregulated both in vivo and in vitro in malignant melanoma, compared to benign melanocytic lesions and to primary melanocytes. Assessment of DNA-binding and transactivation assays documented a strong Ets activity in melanoma cells. Using an antisense strategy, the expression and activity of Ets-1 were reduced in the melanoma cell line Mel Im. This correlated with a diminished expression of several Ets-1 target genes known to be involved in invasion, such as MMP1, MMP3, uPA and integrin beta3. In line with these findings, the invasive potential of the melanoma cells measured in a Boyden Chamber model was reduced up to 60% after Ets-1 blockade. This can be attributed to the role of Ets-1 in transcriptional regulation of factors involved in invasion of melanoma cells. We conclude that over-expression of Ets-1 during melanoma development contributes to the malignant phenotype.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- T Rothhammer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Regensburg, Franz-Josef-Strauss-Allee 11, 93042, Regensburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
45
|
Herchenröder O, Hahne JC, Meyer WK, Thiesen HJ, Schneider J. Repression of the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 promoter by the human KRAB domain results in inhibition of virus production. Biochim Biophys Acta 1999; 1445:216-23. [PMID: 10320774 DOI: 10.1016/s0167-4781(99)00046-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
The Krüppel-associated box (KRAB) domain has been described as a eukaryotic repressor of transcription. We show that fusion of KRAB to DNA-binding-domains provides a novel approach to inhibit expression of a replication-competent human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) genome. The KRAB domain from the human zinc finger protein KOX1 was combined with the DNA binding domain of the Escherichia coli tetracycline repressor (TetR). Constitutive expression of the TetR-KRAB protein in HeLa cells inhibited virus production from an HIV genome encoding TetR target sequences by 80%. The same inhibition was observed with HIV-promoter-driven reporter plasmids. The specificity of inhibition was shown with informative KRAB mutants, plasmids lacking the respective target sequences, and by reversal of the TetR-KRAB-mediated inhibition with tetracycline. Virus production was suppressed by binding of TetR-KRAB at a distance of 6 kbp to the promoter. We therefore conclude that any site of the genuine HIV genome could serve as target of a chimeric KRAB repressor protein. Specific targeting of the KRAB domain by artificially selected binding domains may be generally applicable to control transcription in mammalian cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- O Herchenröder
- Abteilung Virologie, Institut für Medizinische Mikrobiologie und Hygiene, Universität Freiburg, Hermann-Herder-Str. 11, P.O. Box 820, 79008, Freiburg, Germany
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|