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Nath P, Alfarsi LH, El-Ansari R, Masisi BK, Erkan B, Fakroun A, Ellis IO, Rakha EA, Green AR. The amino acid transporter SLC7A11 expression in breast cancer. Cancer Biol Ther 2024; 25:2291855. [PMID: 38073087 PMCID: PMC10761065 DOI: 10.1080/15384047.2023.2291855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2023] [Accepted: 12/02/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Breast cancer (BC), characterized by its diverse molecular profiles and clinical outcomes, presents a significant challenge in the development of effective therapeutic strategies. Metabolic reprogramming, a defining characteristic of cancer, has emerged as a promising target for novel therapies. SLC7A11, an amino acid transporter that facilitates cysteine uptake in exchange for glutamate, plays a crucial role in sustaining the altered metabolism of cancer cells. This study delves into the comprehensive analysis of SLC7A11 at the genomic, transcriptomic, and protein levels in extensive BC datasets to elucidate its potential role in different BC subtypes. SLC7A11 gene copy number and mRNA expression were evaluated using the Molecular Taxonomy of Breast Cancer International Consortium (METABRIC) cohort (n = 1,980) and Breast Cancer Gene Expression Miner (n = 4,712). SLC7A11 protein was assessed using immunohistochemistry in a large BC cohort (n = 1,981). Additionally, The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) dataset was used to explore SLC7A11 DNA methylation patterns using MethSurv (n = 782) and association of SLC7A11 mRNA expression with immune infiltrates using TIMER (n = 1,100). High SLC7A11 mRNA and SLC7A11 protein expression were significantly associated with high tumor grade (p ≤ .02), indicating a potential role in cancer progression. Interestingly, SLC7A11 copy number gain was observed in HER2+ tumors (p = .01), suggesting a subtype-specific association. In contrast, SLC7A11 mRNA expression was higher in the basal-like/triple-negative (TN; p < .001) and luminal B tumors (p = .02), highlighting its differential expression across BC subtypes. Notably, high SLC7A11 protein expression was predominantly observed in Estrogen Receptor (ER)-negative and Triple Negative (TN) BC, suggesting a role in these aggressive subtypes. Further analysis revealed that SLC7A11 was positively correlated with other amino acid transporters and enzymes associated with glutamine metabolism, implying a coordinated role in metabolic regulation. Additionally, SLC7A11 gene expression was positively associated with neutrophil and macrophage infiltration, suggesting a potential link between SLC7A11 and tumor immunity. Our findings suggest that SLC7A11 plays a significant role in BC metabolism, demonstrating differential expression across subtypes and associations with poor patient outcomes. Further functional studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms by which SLC7A11 contributes to BC progression and to explore its potential as a therapeutic target.
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Affiliation(s)
- Preyanka Nath
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Lutfi H. Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Rokaya El-Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Brendah K. Masisi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Busra Erkan
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ali Fakroun
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
| | - Ian O. Ellis
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Emad A. Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Nottingham, UK
| | - Andrew R. Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Academic Unit of Translational Medical Sciences, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, Nottingham, UK
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Parks RM, Alfarsi LH, Green AR, Cheung KL. Biology of primary breast cancer in older women beyond routine biomarkers. Breast Cancer 2021; 28:991-1001. [PMID: 34165702 PMCID: PMC8354915 DOI: 10.1007/s12282-021-01266-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2021] [Accepted: 06/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Purpose There are numerous biomarkers which may have potential predictive and prognostic significance in breast cancer. This is extremely important in older adults, who may opt for less aggressive therapy. This work outlines the literature on biological assessment outside of standard biomarkers (defined as ER, PgR, HER2, Ki67) in women ≥ 65 years with primary operable invasive breast cancer, to determine which additional biomarkers are relevant to outcome in older women. Methods Medline and Embase databases were searched. Studies were eligible if included ≥ 50 patients aged ≥ 65 years; stratified results by age; measured a biomarker outside of standard assay and reported patient data. Results A total of 12 studies were appraised involving 5000 patients, measuring 28 biomarkers. The studies were extremely varied in methodology and outcome but three themes emerged: 1. Differences in biomarker expression between younger and older women, indicating that breast cancer in older women is generally less aggressive compared to younger women; 2. Relationship of biomarker expression with survival, suggesting biomarkers which may exclusively predict response to primary treatment in older women; 3. Association of biomarker with chemotherapy, suggesting that older patients should not be declined chemotherapy based on age alone. Conclusion There is evidence to support further investigation of B-cell lymphoma (BCL2), liver kinase (LK)B1, epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), cytoplasmic cyclin-E, mucin (MUC)1 and cytokeratins (CKs) as potential predictive or prognostic markers in older women with breast cancer undergoing surgery. Studies exploring these biomarkers in larger cohorts and in women undergoing non-operative therapies are required. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12282-021-01266-5.
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Affiliation(s)
- R M Parks
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - L H Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - A R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK
| | - K L Cheung
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, School of Medicine, Royal Derby Hospital Centre, University of Nottingham, Uttoxeter Road, Derby, DE22 3DT, UK.
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Alfarsi LH, El Ansari R, Masisi BK, Parks R, Mohammed OJ, Ellis IO, Rakha EA, Green AR. Integrated Analysis of Key Differentially Expressed Genes Identifies DBN1 as a Predictive Marker of Response to Endocrine Therapy in Luminal Breast Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:cancers12061549. [PMID: 32545448 PMCID: PMC7352383 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061549] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/08/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Endocrine therapy is the mainstay of adjuvant treatment for patients with luminal breast cancer. Despite ongoing advances in endocrine therapy to date, a proportion of patients ultimately develop endocrine resistance, resulting in failure of therapy and poor prognosis. Therefore, as part of the growing concept of personalised medicine, the need for identification of predictive markers of endocrine therapy response at an early stage, is recognised. The METABRIC series was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in term of response to adjuvant endocrine therapy. Drebrin 1 (DBN1) was identified as a key DEG associated with response to hormone treatment. Next, large, well-characterised cohorts of primary luminal breast cancer with long-term follow-up were assessed at the mRNA and protein levels for the value of DBN1 as a prognostic marker in luminal breast cancer, as well as its potential for predicting the benefit of endocrine therapy. DBN1 positivity was associated with aggressive clinicopathological variables and poor patient outcomes. Importantly, high DBN1 expression predicted relapse patients who were subject to adjuvant endocrine treatment. Our results further demonstrate that DBN1 is an independent prognostic marker in luminal breast cancer. Its association with the response to endocrine therapy and outcome provides evidence for DBN1 as a potential biomarker in luminal breast cancer, particularly for the benefit of endocrine treatment. Further functional investigations into the mechanisms underlying sensitivity to endocrine therapy is required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi H. Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Rokaya El Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Brendah K. Masisi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Ruth Parks
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Omar J Mohammed
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
| | - Ian O. Ellis
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A. Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
- Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Nottingham City Hospital, Hucknall Road, Nottingham NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R. Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham NG7 2RD, UK; (L.H.A.); (R.E.A.); (B.K.M.); (R.P.); (O.J.M.); (I.O.E.); (E.A.R.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +44-115-8231407
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Alfarsi LH, El Ansari R, Craze ML, Masisi BK, Ellis IO, Rakha EA, Green AR. PPFIA1 expression associates with poor response to endocrine treatment in luminal breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2020; 20:425. [PMID: 32410585 PMCID: PMC7227113 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-020-06939-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/24/2020] [Accepted: 05/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND PPFIA1 is an important regulator of cell migration and invasion, regulating focal adhesion signalling and disassembly. PPFIA1 is frequently amplified in breast cancer, and recent functional studies indicate that PPFIA1 is an important promoter of migration and invasion in breast cancer. This study aims to evaluate the utility of PPFIA1 expression in the luminal breast cancer as a prognostic marker to predict the response to endocrine therapy. METHODS Large, well-characterised cohorts of primary luminal breast cancer patients with long-term follow-up was assessed for the clinical impact of PPFIA1 expression at the transcriptomic and proteomic levels. Prognostic significance of PPFIA1 and its relationship with clinical outcome and benefit of endocrine therapy were analysed. In addition, its association with other related-genes was analysed. RESULTS There was significant association between PPFIA1 expression and a member of the liprin family that involves in cell invasion (PPFIBPI), and the cell cycle regulator (CCND1), whereas a negative association was observed with the tumour suppressor gene (CD82). Patients with high PPFIA1 expression were associated with high risk of recurrence, distant metastasis and death from breast cancer (P < 0.05). Importantly, high PPFIA1 expression predicted relapse in a subset of patients who were subject to endocrine treatment alone, and was an independent prognostic marker of unfavourable outcome in these patients (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS These findings support the proposed role for PPFIA1 as a regulator of cell migration in breast cancer and provides definitive evidence for the clinical utility of PPFIA1 expression in patients with luminal breast cancer. Most importantly, our data suggests that PPFIA1 might be a potential predictive marker for poor benefit from endocrine therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lutfi H Alfarsi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Rokaya El Ansari
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Madeleine L Craze
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Brendah K Masisi
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK
| | - Ian O Ellis
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.,Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Emad A Rakha
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.,Cellular Pathology, Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust, Hucknall Road, Nottingham, NG5 1PB, UK
| | - Andrew R Green
- Nottingham Breast Cancer Research Centre, Division of Cancer and Stem Cells, School of Medicine, University of Nottingham Biodiscovery Institute, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2RD, UK.
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