1
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Tang Y, Gutmann DH. Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Optic Pathway Gliomas: Current Challenges and Future Prospects. Cancer Manag Res 2023; 15:667-681. [PMID: 37465080 PMCID: PMC10351533 DOI: 10.2147/cmar.s362678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [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: 03/01/2023] [Accepted: 06/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Optic pathway glioma (OPG) occurs in as many as one-fifth of individuals with the neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) cancer predisposition syndrome. Generally considered low-grade and slow growing, many children with NF1-OPGs remain asymptomatic. However, due to their location within the optic pathway, ~20-30% of those harboring NF1-OPGs will experience symptoms, including progressive vision loss, proptosis, diplopia, and precocious puberty. While treatment with conventional chemotherapy is largely effective at attenuating tumor growth, it is not clear whether there is much long-term recovery of visual function. Additionally, because these tumors predominantly affect young children, there are unique challenges to NF1-OPG diagnosis, monitoring, and longitudinal management. Over the past two decades, the employment of authenticated genetically engineered Nf1-OPG mouse models have provided key insights into the function of the NF1 protein, neurofibromin, as well as the molecular and cellular pathways that contribute to optic gliomagenesis. Findings from these studies have resulted in the identification of new molecular targets whose inhibition blocks murine Nf1-OPG growth in preclinical studies. Some of these promising compounds have now entered into early clinical trials. Future research focused on defining the determinants that underlie optic glioma initiation, expansion, and tumor-induced optic nerve injury will pave the way to personalized risk assessment strategies, improved tumor monitoring, and optimized treatment plans for children with NF1-OPG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunshuo Tang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, MO, USA
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2
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Ren AL, Wu JY, Lee SY, Lim M. Translational Models in Glioma Immunotherapy Research. Curr Oncol 2023; 30:5704-5718. [PMID: 37366911 DOI: 10.3390/curroncol30060428] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Revised: 05/24/2023] [Accepted: 06/09/2023] [Indexed: 06/28/2023] Open
Abstract
Immunotherapy is a promising therapeutic domain for the treatment of gliomas. However, clinical trials of various immunotherapeutic modalities have not yielded significant improvements in patient survival. Preclinical models for glioma research should faithfully represent clinically observed features regarding glioma behavior, mutational load, tumor interactions with stromal cells, and immunosuppressive mechanisms. In this review, we dive into the common preclinical models used in glioma immunology, discuss their advantages and disadvantages, and highlight examples of their utilization in translational research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander L Ren
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Janet Y Wu
- School of Medicine, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Si Yeon Lee
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
| | - Michael Lim
- Department of Neurosurgery, Stanford University Medical Center, Stanford, CA 94304, USA
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3
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Neto Í, Rocha J, Gaspar MM, Reis CP. Experimental Murine Models for Colorectal Cancer Research. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:cancers15092570. [PMID: 37174036 PMCID: PMC10177088 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15092570] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2023] [Revised: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Colorectal cancer (CRC) is the third most prevalent malignancy worldwide and in both sexes. Numerous animal models for CRC have been established to study its biology, namely carcinogen-induced models (CIMs) and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs). CIMs are valuable for assessing colitis-related carcinogenesis and studying chemoprevention. On the other hand, CRC GEMMs have proven to be useful for evaluating the tumor microenvironment and systemic immune responses, which have contributed to the discovery of novel therapeutic approaches. Although metastatic disease can be induced by orthotopic injection of CRC cell lines, the resulting models are not representative of the full genetic diversity of the disease due to the limited number of cell lines suitable for this purpose. On the other hand, patient-derived xenografts (PDX) are the most reliable for preclinical drug development due to their ability to retain pathological and molecular characteristics. In this review, the authors discuss the various murine CRC models with a focus on their clinical relevance, benefits, and drawbacks. From all models discussed, murine CRC models will continue to be an important tool in advancing our understanding and treatment of this disease, but additional research is required to find a model that can correctly reflect the pathophysiology of CRC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Íris Neto
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - João Rocha
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Maria Manuela Gaspar
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
| | - Catarina P Reis
- Research Institute for Medicines (iMed.ULisboa), Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade de Lisboa, Av. Prof. Gama Pinto, 1649-003 Lisboa, Portugal
- Instituto de Biofísica e Engenharia Biomédica (IBEB), Faculdade de Ciências, Universidade de Lisboa, Campo Grande, 1749-016 Lisboa, Portugal
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4
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Yang D, Moniruzzaman R, Wang H, Wang H, Chen Y. Cross-Dataset Single-Cell Analysis Identifies Temporal Alterations in Cell Populations of Primary Pancreatic Tumor and Liver Metastasis. Cancers (Basel) 2023; 15:2396. [PMID: 37190324 PMCID: PMC10137114 DOI: 10.3390/cancers15082396] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) has a unique tumor microenvironment composed of various cell populations such as cancer cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), immune cells, and endothelial cells. Recently, single-cell RNA-sequencing analysis (scRNA-seq) has systemically revealed the genomic profiles of these cell populations in PDAC. However, the direct comparison of cell population composition and genomic profile between primary tumors (at both early- and late-stage) and metastatic tumors of PDAC is still lacking. In this study, we combined and analyzed recent scRNA-seq datasets of transgenic KPC mouse models with autochthonous PDAC and matched liver metastasis, revealing the unique tumor ecosystem and cell composition of liver metastasis in contrast to primary PDAC. Metastatic PDAC tumors harbor distinct cancer cell subpopulations from primary tumors. Several unique markers, including HMGA1, were identified for metastasis-enriched cancer cell subpopulations. Furthermore, metastatic tumors reveal significantly enriched granulocytic myeloid-derived suppressor cells (G-MDSCs), mature neutrophils, and granulocyte-myeloid progenitors (GMPs). A common GMP population across primary tumors, liver metastases, and healthy bone marrow was identified as the putative cell origin of tumor-associated neutrophils/granulocytes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daowei Yang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Rohan Moniruzzaman
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Hua Wang
- Department of GI Medical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
- Department of Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Yang Chen
- Department of Translational Molecular Pathology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
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5
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Turner MA, Cox KE, Liu S, Neel N, Amirfakhri S, Nishino H, Hosseini M, Alcantara JA, Abd El-Hafeez AA, Lwin TM, Mallya K, Pisegna JR, Singh SK, Ghosh P, Hoffman RM, Batra SK, Bouvet M. Specific Targeting and Labeling of Colonic Polyps in CPC-APC Mice with Mucin 5AC Fluorescent Antibodies: A Model for Detection of Early Colon Cancer. Curr Issues Mol Biol 2023; 45:3347-3358. [PMID: 37185743 PMCID: PMC10136452 DOI: 10.3390/cimb45040219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2023] [Revised: 04/03/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2023] [Indexed: 05/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Poor visualization of polyps can limit colorectal cancer screening. Fluorescent antibodies to mucin5AC (MUC5AC), a glycoprotein upregulated in adenomas and colorectal cancer, could improve screening colonoscopy polyp detection rate. Adenomatous polyposis coli flox mice with a Cdx2-Cre transgene (CPC-APC) develop colonic polyps that contain both dysplastic and malignant tissue. Mice received MUC5AC-IR800 or IRdye800 as a control IV and were sacrificed after 48 h for near-infrared imaging of their colons. A polyp-to-background ratio (PBR) was calculated for each polyp by dividing the mean fluorescence intensity of the polyp by the mean fluorescence intensity of the background tissue. The mean 25 μg PBR was 1.70 (±0.56); the mean 50 μg PBR was 2.64 (±0.97); the mean 100 μg PBR was 3.32 (±1.33); and the mean 150 μg PBR was 3.38 (±0.87). The mean PBR of the dye-only control was 2.22 (±1.02), significantly less than the 150 μg arm (p-value 0.008). The present study demonstrates the ability of fluorescent anti-MUC5AC antibodies to specifically target and label colonic polyps containing high-grade dysplasia and intramucosal adenocarcinoma in CPC-APC mice. This technology can potentially improve the detection rate and decrease the miss rate of advanced colonic neoplasia and early cancer at colonoscopy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michael A. Turner
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Kristin E. Cox
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Shanglei Liu
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Nicholas Neel
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Siamak Amirfakhri
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Hiroto Nishino
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
| | - Mojgan Hosseini
- Department of Pathology, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Joshua A. Alcantara
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Amer Ali Abd El-Hafeez
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Thinzar M. Lwin
- Department of Surgical Oncology, City of Hope National Medical Center, Duarte, CA 91010, USA
| | - Kavita Mallya
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Joseph R. Pisegna
- Department of Gastroenterology, VA Los Angeles Healthcare System, Los Angeles, CA 90073, USA
| | - Satish K. Singh
- Medical Service, Section of Gastroenterology, VA Boston Healthcare System, Boston, MA 02130, USA
- Department of Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, Boston University School of Medicine, Boston, MA 02118, USA
| | - Pradipta Ghosh
- Department of Cellular and Molecular Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Robert M. Hoffman
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
- AntiCancer, Inc., San Diego, CA 92111, USA
| | - Surinder K. Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE 68198, USA
| | - Michael Bouvet
- Division of Surgical Oncology, Department of Surgery, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
- Department of Surgery, VA San Diego Healthcare System, La Jolla, CA 92161, USA
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6
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Langdon CG. Nuclear PTEN's Functions in Suppressing Tumorigenesis: Implications for Rare Cancers. Biomolecules 2023; 13:biom13020259. [PMID: 36830628 PMCID: PMC9953540 DOI: 10.3390/biom13020259] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2022] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 01/28/2023] [Indexed: 01/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) encodes a tumor-suppressive phosphatase with both lipid and protein phosphatase activity. The tumor-suppressive functions of PTEN are lost through a variety of mechanisms across a wide spectrum of human malignancies, including several rare cancers that affect pediatric and adult populations. Originally discovered and characterized as a negative regulator of the cytoplasmic, pro-oncogenic phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, PTEN is also localized to the nucleus where it can exert tumor-suppressive functions in a PI3K pathway-independent manner. Cancers can usurp the tumor-suppressive functions of PTEN to promote oncogenesis by disrupting homeostatic subcellular PTEN localization. The objective of this review is to describe the changes seen in PTEN subcellular localization during tumorigenesis, how PTEN enters the nucleus, and the spectrum of impacts and consequences arising from disrupted PTEN nuclear localization on tumor promotion. This review will highlight the immediate need in understanding not only the cytoplasmic but also the nuclear functions of PTEN to gain more complete insights into how important PTEN is in preventing human cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Casey G. Langdon
- Department of Pediatrics, Darby Children’s Research Institute, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA; ; Tel.: +1-(843)-792-9289
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC 29425, USA
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7
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Winkler R, Piskor EM, Kosan C. Lessons from Using Genetically Engineered Mouse Models of MYC-Induced Lymphoma. Cells 2022; 12:cells12010037. [PMID: 36611833 PMCID: PMC9818924 DOI: 10.3390/cells12010037] [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] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 12/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Oncogenic overexpression of MYC leads to the fatal deregulation of signaling pathways, cellular metabolism, and cell growth. MYC rearrangements are found frequently among non-Hodgkin B-cell lymphomas enforcing MYC overexpression. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) were developed to understand MYC-induced B-cell lymphomagenesis. Here, we highlight the advantages of using Eµ-Myc transgenic mice. We thoroughly compiled the available literature to discuss common challenges when using such mouse models. Furthermore, we give an overview of pathways affected by MYC based on knowledge gained from the use of GEMMs. We identified top regulators of MYC-induced lymphomagenesis, including some candidates that are not pharmacologically targeted yet.
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8
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Huber MA, Nadella S, Cao H, Kallakury B, Tucker RD, Gay MD, Shivapurkar N, Edmondson EF, Yue Y, Dou W, Fang HB, Smith JP. Does Chronic Use of High Dose Proton Pump Inhibitors Increase Risk for Pancreatic Cancer? Pancreas 2022; 51:1118-1127. [PMID: 37078934 PMCID: PMC10119745 DOI: 10.1097/mpa.0000000000002145] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/21/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To analyze whether use of proton pump inhibitors increase the risk for pancreatic cancer in a mouse model and human clinical cohorts. METHODS p48-Cre/LSL-KrasG12D mice that develop precancerous pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanINs) were treated with low- or high-dose proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) orally for 1 and 4 months. The mechanism for the cholecystokinin receptor 2 (CCK-2R) activation was investigated in vitro. Two resources were employed to analyze the risk of pancreatic cancer in human subjects with PPI use. RESULTS Serum gastrin levels were increased 8-fold (P < 0.0001) in mice treated with chronic high-dose PPIs, and this change correlated with an increase (P = 0.02) in PanIN grade and the development of microinvasive cancer. The CCK-2R expression was regulated by microRNA-148a in the p48-Cre/LSL-KrasG12D mice pancreas and in human pancreatic cancer cells in vitro. Proton pump inhibitor consumption in human subjects was correlated with pancreatic cancer risk (odds ratio, 1.54). A validation analysis conducted using the large-scale United Kingdom Biobank database confirmed the correlation (odds ratio, 1.9; P = 0.00761) of pancreatic cancer risk with PPI exposure. CONCLUSIONS This investigation revealed in both murine models and human subjects, PPI use is correlated with a risk for development of pancreatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Robin D Tucker
- Department of Pathology, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | | | | | | | - Yuanzhen Yue
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Wenyu Dou
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
| | - Hong-Bin Fang
- Biostatistics, Bioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, DC
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9
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Stewart CE, Guerra-García ME, Luo L, Williams NT, Ma Y, Regal JA, Ghosh D, Sansone P, Oldham M, Deland K, Becher OJ, Kirsch DG, Reitman ZJ. The Effect of Atm Loss on Radiosensitivity of a Primary Mouse Model of Pten-Deleted Brainstem Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14. [PMID: 36139666 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14184506] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2022] [Revised: 08/31/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Diffuse midline gliomas arise in the brainstem and other midline brain structures and cause a large proportion of childhood brain tumor deaths. Radiation therapy is the most effective treatment option, but these tumors ultimately progress. Inhibition of the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-like kinase, ataxia-telangiectasia mutated (ATM), which orchestrates the cellular response to radiation-induced DNA damage, may enhance the efficacy of radiation therapy. Diffuse midline gliomas in the brainstem contain loss-of-function mutations in the tumor suppressor PTEN, or functionally similar alterations in the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K) pathway, at moderate frequency. Here, we sought to determine if ATM inactivation could radiosensitize a primary mouse model of brainstem glioma driven by Pten loss. Using Cre/loxP recombinase technology and the RCAS/TVA retroviral gene delivery system, we established a mouse model of brainstem glioma driven by Pten deletion. We find that Pten-null brainstem gliomas are relatively radiosensitive at baseline. In addition, we show that deletion of Atm in the tumor cells does not extend survival of mice bearing Pten-null brainstem gliomas after focal brain irradiation. These results characterize a novel primary mouse model of PTEN-mutated brainstem glioma and provide insights into the mechanism of radiosensitization by ATM deletion, which may guide the design of future clinical trials.
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10
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Groll T, Silva M, Sarker RSJ, Tschurtschenthaler M, Schnalzger T, Mogler C, Denk D, Schölch S, Schraml BU, Ruland J, Rad R, Saur D, Weichert W, Jesinghaus M, Matiasek K, Steiger K. Comparative Study of the Role of Interepithelial Mucosal Mast Cells in the Context of Intestinal Adenoma-Carcinoma Progression. Cancers (Basel) 2022; 14:cancers14092248. [PMID: 35565377 PMCID: PMC9105816 DOI: 10.3390/cancers14092248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2022] [Revised: 04/24/2022] [Accepted: 04/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mast cells (MCs) are crucial players in the relationship between the tumor microenvironment (TME) and cancer cells and have been shown to influence angiogenesis and progression of human colorectal cancer (CRC). However, the role of MCs in the TME is controversially discussed as either pro- or anti-tumorigenic. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are the most frequently used in vivo models for human CRC research. In the murine intestine there are at least three different MC subtypes: interepithelial mucosal mast cells (ieMMCs), lamina proprial mucosal mast cells (lpMMCs) and connective tissue mast cells (CTMCs). Interepithelial mucosal mast cells (ieMMCs) in (pre-)neoplastic intestinal formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) specimens of mouse models (total lesions n = 274) and human patients (n = 104) were immunohistochemically identified and semiquantitatively scored. Scores were analyzed along the adenoma-carcinoma sequence in humans and 12 GEMMs of small and large intestinal cancer. The presence of ieMMCs was a common finding in intestinal adenomas and carcinomas in mice and humans. The number of ieMMCs decreased in the course of colonic adenoma-carcinoma sequence in both species (p < 0.001). However, this dynamic cellular state was not observed for small intestinal murine tumors. Furthermore, ieMMC scores were higher in GEMMs with altered Wnt signaling (active β-catenin) than in GEMMs with altered MAPK signaling and wildtypes (WT). In conclusion, we hypothesize that, besides stromal MCs (lpMMCs/CTMCs), particularly the ieMMC subset is important for onset and progression of intestinal neoplasia and may interact with the adjacent neoplastic epithelial cells in dependence on the molecular environment. Moreover, our study indicates the need for adequate GEMMs for the investigation of the intestinal immunologic TME.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanja Groll
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Miguel Silva
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
| | - Rim Sabrina Jahan Sarker
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Markus Tschurtschenthaler
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.T.); (R.R.); (D.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Theresa Schnalzger
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Carolin Mogler
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Daniela Denk
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Sebastian Schölch
- JCCU Translational Surgical Oncology (A430), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), 69120 Heidelberg, Germany;
- DKFZ-Hector Cancer Institute at University Medical Center Mannheim, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
- Department of Surgery, Medical Faculty Mannheim, Heidelberg University, 68167 Mannheim, Germany
| | - Barbara U. Schraml
- Walter Brendel Centre of Experimental Medicine, University Hospital, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany;
- Biomedical Center (BMC), Institute for Cardiovascular Physiology and Pathophysiology, Faculty of Medicine, LMU Munich, 82152 Planegg-Martinsried, Germany
| | - Jürgen Ruland
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Clinical Chemistry and Pathobiochemistry, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Roland Rad
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.T.); (R.R.); (D.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Molecular Oncology and Functional Genomics, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Dieter Saur
- Department of Medicine II, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (M.T.); (R.R.); (D.S.)
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- TranslaTUM, Center for Translational Cancer Research, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
- Institute of Translational Cancer Research and Experimental Cancer Therapy, Klinikum Rechts der Isar, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Wilko Weichert
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- German Cancer Consortium (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center (DKFZ), Partner Site Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany;
| | - Moritz Jesinghaus
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Institute of Pathology, University Hospital Marburg, 35043 Marburg, Germany
| | - Kaspar Matiasek
- Center for Clinical Veterinary Medicine, Institute of Veterinary Pathology, Ludwig-Maximilians-Universitaet (LMU), 80539 Munich, Germany;
| | - Katja Steiger
- Institute of Pathology, School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany; (T.G.); (M.S.); (R.S.J.S.); (C.M.); (D.D.); (W.W.); (M.J.)
- Comparative Experimental Pathology (CEP), School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +49-89-4140-6075; Fax: +49-89-4140-4865
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11
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Gill RPK, Gantchev J, Martínez Villarreal A, Ramchatesingh B, Netchiporouk E, Akilov OE, Ødum N, Gniadecki R, Koralov SB, Litvinov IV. Understanding Cell Lines, Patient-Derived Xenograft and Genetically Engineered Mouse Models Used to Study Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma. Cells 2022; 11:cells11040593. [PMID: 35203244 PMCID: PMC8870189 DOI: 10.3390/cells11040593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/01/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL) is a spectrum of lymphoproliferative disorders caused by the infiltration of malignant T cells into the skin. The most common variants of CTCL include mycosis fungoides (MF), Sézary syndrome (SS) and CD30+ Lymphoproliferative disorders (CD30+ LPDs). CD30+ LPDs include primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma (pcALCL), lymphomatoid papulosis (LyP) and borderline CD30+ LPD. The frequency of MF, SS and CD30+ LPDs is ~40–50%, <5% and ~10–25%, respectively. Despite recent advances, CTCL remains challenging to diagnose. The mechanism of CTCL carcinogenesis still remains to be fully elucidated. Hence, experiments in patient-derived cell lines and xenografts/genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) are critical to advance our understanding of disease pathogenesis. To enable this, understanding the intricacies and limitations of each individual model system is highly important. Presently, 11 immortalized patient-derived cell lines and different xenograft/GEMMs are being used to study the pathogenesis of CTCL and evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of various treatment modalities prior to clinical trials. Gene expression studies, and the karyotyping analyses of cell lines demonstrated that the molecular profile of SeAx, Sez4, SZ4, H9 and Hut78 is consistent with SS origin; MyLa and HH resemble the molecular profile of advanced MF, while Mac2A and PB2B represent CD30+ LPDs. Molecular analysis of the other two frequently used Human T-Cell Lymphotropic Virus-1 (HTLV-1)+ cell lines, MJ and Hut102, were found to have characteristics of Adult T-cell Leukemia/Lymphoma (ATLL). Studies in mouse models demonstrated that xenograft tumors could be grown using MyLa, HH, H9, Hut78, PB2B and SZ4 cells in NSG (NOD Scid gamma mouse) mice, while several additional experimental GEMMs were established to study the pathogenesis, effect of drugs and inflammatory cytokines in CTCL. The current review summarizes cell lines and xenograft/GEMMs used to study and understand the etiology and heterogeneity of CTCL.
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Affiliation(s)
- Raman Preet Kaur Gill
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Jennifer Gantchev
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Amelia Martínez Villarreal
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Brandon Ramchatesingh
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Elena Netchiporouk
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
| | - Oleg E. Akilov
- Department of Dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA;
| | - Niels Ødum
- Division of Dermatology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB T6G 2B7, Canada;
| | - Robert Gniadecki
- Skin Immunology Research Center, University of Copenhagen, DK-2200 Copenhagen, Denmark;
| | - Sergei B. Koralov
- Department of Pathology, New York University, New York, NY 10016, USA;
| | - Ivan V. Litvinov
- Division of Dermatology, McGill University, Montreal, QC H4A 3J1, Canada; (R.P.K.G.); (J.G.); (A.M.V.); (B.R.); (E.N.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +514-934-1934 (ext. 76140); Fax: +514-843-1570
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12
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Allott EH, Dean K, Robson T, Meaney C. Characterizing and Exploiting Tumor Microenvironments to Optimize Treatment Outcomes. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13225752. [PMID: 34830906 PMCID: PMC8616459 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13225752] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Revised: 11/12/2021] [Accepted: 11/13/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary The Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) held its 57th annual conference from the 24–26 March 2021 in a virtual format due to the ongoing pandemic. This report provides a summary overview of the work presented at the conference, which had a particular focus on the tumor microenvironment. Tumors do not develop and grow in isolation, but rather within the context of their surrounding environment. The work presented at the conference outlined the complexity of the tumor microenvironment and highlighted several ways in which it influences tumor growth and progression. Moreover, the tumor microenvironment was discussed as a potential target for new cancer treatments. Traditionally, laboratory research has focused on the tumor only, but conference speakers highlighted the importance of modeling the surrounding microenvironment to gain a more physiologically relevant view of tumorigenesis. Finally, conference attendees heard from the patient’s perspective regarding the development of novel targeted therapies. Abstract Our understanding of cancer initiation, progression, and treatment is continually progressing through dedicated research achieved through laboratory investigation, clinical trials, and patient engagement. The importance and complexity of the microenvironment and its role in tumor development and behavior is pivotal to the understanding of tumor growth and the best course of treatment. The 57th Irish Association for Cancer Research (IACR) Annual Conference collected key researchers, clinicians, and patient advocates together to highlight and discuss the recognized importance of the microenvironment and treatment advances in cancer. In this article, we describe the key components of the microenvironment that influence tumor development and treatment, including the microbiome, metabolism, and immune response and the progress of preclinical models to reflect these complex environments. From a psycho-social oncology perspective, we highlight expert opinion and data on the process of shared decision-making in the context of emerging cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma H. Allott
- Patrick G. Johnston Centre for Cancer Research, Queen’s University Belfast, Belfast BT9 7AE, UK
- Department of Histopathology and Morbid Anatomy, Trinity Translational Medicine Institute, Trinity College Dublin, D08 HD53 Dublin, Ireland
- Correspondence:
| | - Kellie Dean
- School of Biochemistry and Cell Biology, University College Cork, T12 XF62 Cork, Ireland;
| | - Tracy Robson
- School of Pharmacy and Biomolecular Sciences, Royal College of Surgeons Ireland, D02 YN77 Dublin, Ireland;
| | - Claire Meaney
- Department of Mechanical and Automobile Engineering, Limerick Institute of Technology, V94 EC5T Limerick, Ireland;
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13
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Affiliation(s)
- Gema Perez-Chacon
- Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncológicas (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Christelle Vincent-Fabert
- UMR CNRS 7276/INSERM U1262 CRIBL, University of Limoges, Limoges, France.,Hematology Laboratory of Dupuytren, Hospital University Center (CHU) of Limoges, Limoges, France
| | - Juan M Zapata
- Instituto de Investigaciones Biomédicas "Alberto Sols", CSIC-UAM, Madrid, Spain.,Instituto de Investigación Sanitaria La Paz (IdIPAZ), Madrid, Spain
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14
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Sajjad H, Imtiaz S, Noor T, Siddiqui YH, Sajjad A, Zia M. Cancer models in preclinical research: A chronicle review of advancement in effective cancer research. Animal Model Exp Med 2021; 4:87-103. [PMID: 34179717 PMCID: PMC8212826 DOI: 10.1002/ame2.12165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/04/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer is a major stress for public well-being and is the most dreadful disease. The models used in the discovery of cancer treatment are continuously changing and extending toward advanced preclinical studies. Cancer models are either naturally existing or artificially prepared experimental systems that show similar features with human tumors though the heterogeneous nature of the tumor is very familiar. The choice of the most fitting model to best reflect the given tumor system is one of the real difficulties for cancer examination. Therefore, vast studies have been conducted on the cancer models for developing a better understanding of cancer invasion, progression, and early detection. These models give an insight into cancer etiology, molecular basis, host tumor interaction, the role of microenvironment, and tumor heterogeneity in tumor metastasis. These models are also used to predict novel cancer markers, targeted therapies, and are extremely helpful in drug development. In this review, the potential of cancer models to be used as a platform for drug screening and therapeutic discoveries are highlighted. Although none of the cancer models is regarded as ideal because each is associated with essential caveats that restraint its application yet by bridging the gap between preliminary cancer research and translational medicine. However, they promise a brighter future for cancer treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Humna Sajjad
- Department of BiotechnologyQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Saiqa Imtiaz
- Department of BiotechnologyQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Tayyaba Noor
- Department of BiotechnologyQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | | | - Anila Sajjad
- Department of BiotechnologyQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
| | - Muhammad Zia
- Department of BiotechnologyQuaid‐i‐Azam UniversityIslamabadPakistan
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15
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Lima A, Maddalo D. SEMMs: Somatically Engineered Mouse Models. A New Tool for In Vivo Disease Modeling for Basic and Translational Research. Front Oncol 2021; 11:667189. [PMID: 33968774 PMCID: PMC8103029 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.667189] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [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: 02/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Most experimental oncology therapies fail during clinical development despite years of preclinical testing rationalizing their use. This begs the question of whether the current preclinical models used for evaluating oncology therapies adequately capture patient heterogeneity and response to therapy. Most of the preclinical work is based on xenograft models where tumor mis-location and the lack of the immune system represent a major limitation for the translatability of many observations from preclinical models to patients. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) hold great potential to recapitulate more accurately disease models but their cost and complexity have stymied their widespread adoption in discovery, early or late drug screening programs. Recent advancements in genome editing technology made possible by the discovery and development of the CRISPR/Cas9 system has opened the opportunity of generating disease-relevant animal models by direct mutation of somatic cell genomes in an organ or tissue compartment of interest. The advent of CRISPR/Cas9 has not only aided in the production of conventional GEMMs but has also enabled the bypassing of the construction of these costly strains. In this review, we describe the Somatically Engineered Mouse Models (SEMMs) as a new category of models where a specific oncogenic signature is introduced in somatic cells of an intended organ in a post-natal animal. In addition, SEMMs represent a novel platform to perform in vivo functional genomics studies, here defined as DIVoS (Direct In Vivo Screening).
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Affiliation(s)
- Anthony Lima
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Danilo Maddalo
- Department of Translational Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
- Roche Pharmaceuticals, Basel, Switzerland
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16
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Chen Y, Kim J, Yang S, Wang H, Wu CJ, Sugimoto H, LeBleu VS, Kalluri R. Type I collagen deletion in αSMA + myofibroblasts augments immune suppression and accelerates progression of pancreatic cancer. Cancer Cell 2021; 39:548-565.e6. [PMID: 33667385 PMCID: PMC8423173 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2021.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 236] [Impact Index Per Article: 78.7] [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: 08/09/2020] [Revised: 11/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/10/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Stromal desmoplastic reaction in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) involves significant accumulation of type I collagen (Col1). However, the precise molecular and mechanistic contribution of Col1 in PDAC progression remains unknown. Activated pancreatic stellate cells/αSMA+ myofibroblasts are major contributors of Col1 in the PDAC stroma. We use a dual-recombinase genetic mouse model of spontaneous PDAC to delete Col1 specifically in myofibroblasts. This results in significant reduction of total stromal Col1 content and accelerates the emergence of PanINs and PDAC, decreasing overall survival. Col1 deletion leads to Cxcl5 upregulation in cancer cells via SOX9. Increase in Cxcl5 is associated with recruitment of myeloid-derived suppressor cells and suppression of CD8+ T cells, which can be attenuated with combined targeting of CXCR2 and CCR2 to restrain accelerated PDAC progression in the setting of stromal Col1 deletion. Our results unravel the fundamental role of myofibroblast-derived Co1l in regulating tumor immunity and restraining PDAC progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Chen
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Jiha Kim
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Sujuan Yang
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Huamin Wang
- Department of Anatomical Pathology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Chang-Jiun Wu
- Department of Genomic Medicine, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Hikaru Sugimoto
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Valerie S LeBleu
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA
| | - Raghu Kalluri
- Department of Cancer Biology, University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77054, USA.
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17
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Roarty K, Echeverria GV. Laboratory Models for Investigating Breast Cancer Therapy Resistance and Metastasis. Front Oncol 2021; 11:645698. [PMID: 33777805 PMCID: PMC7988094 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.645698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [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: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 01/28/2021] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
Abstract
While numerous therapies are highly efficacious in early-stage breast cancers and in particular subsets of breast cancers, therapeutic resistance and metastasis unfortunately arise in many patients. In many cases, tumors that are resistant to standard of care therapies, as well as tumors that have metastasized, are treatable but incurable with existing clinical strategies. Both therapy resistance and metastasis are multi-step processes during which tumor cells must overcome diverse environmental and selective hurdles. Mechanisms by which tumor cells achieve this are numerous and include acquisition of invasive and migratory capabilities, cell-intrinsic genetic and/or epigenetic adaptations, clonal selection, immune evasion, interactions with stromal cells, entering a state of dormancy or senescence, and maintaining self-renewal capacity. To overcome therapy resistance and metastasis in breast cancer, the ability to effectively model each of these mechanisms in the laboratory is essential. Herein we review historic and the current state-of-the-art laboratory model systems and experimental approaches used to investigate breast cancer metastasis and resistance to standard of care therapeutics. While each model system has inherent limitations, they have provided invaluable insights, many of which have translated into regimens undergoing clinical evaluation. We will discuss the limitations and advantages of a variety of model systems that have been used to investigate breast cancer metastasis and therapy resistance and outline potential strategies to improve experimental modeling to further our knowledge of these processes, which will be crucial for the continued development of effective breast cancer treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kevin Roarty
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
| | - Gloria V Echeverria
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Dan L. Duncan Cancer Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Lester and Sue Smith Breast Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States.,Department of Medicine, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX, United States
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18
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Hynds RE, Frese KK, Pearce DR, Grönroos E, Dive C, Swanton C. Progress towards non-small-cell lung cancer models that represent clinical evolutionary trajectories. Open Biol 2021; 11:200247. [PMID: 33435818 PMCID: PMC7881177 DOI: 10.1098/rsob.200247] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [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: 08/12/2020] [Accepted: 12/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although advances are being made towards earlier detection and the development of impactful targeted therapies and immunotherapies, the 5-year survival of patients with advanced disease is still below 20%. Effective cancer research relies on pre-clinical model systems that accurately reflect the evolutionary course of disease progression and mimic patient responses to therapy. Here, we review pre-clinical models, including genetically engineered mouse models and patient-derived materials, such as cell lines, primary cell cultures, explant cultures and xenografts, that are currently being used to interrogate NSCLC evolution from pre-invasive disease through locally invasive cancer to the metastatic colonization of distant organ sites.
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Affiliation(s)
- Robert E. Hynds
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Kristopher K. Frese
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | - David R. Pearce
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
| | - Eva Grönroos
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
| | - Caroline Dive
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, University of Manchester, Manchester, UK
- Cancer Research UK Manchester Institute Cancer Biomarker Centre, University of Manchester, Alderley Park, Macclesfield, UK
| | - Charles Swanton
- Cancer Research UK Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence, UCL Cancer Institute, University College London, London, UK
- Cancer Evolution and Genome Instability Laboratory, The Francis Crick Institute, London, UK
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19
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Ney A, Canciani G, Hsuan JJ, Pereira SP. Modelling Pancreatic Neuroendocrine Cancer: From Bench Side to Clinic. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E3170. [PMID: 33126717 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12113170] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/15/2020] [Revised: 10/20/2020] [Accepted: 10/23/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (pNETs) are a heterogeneous group of epithelial tumours with neuroendocrine differentiation. Although rare (incidence of <1 in 100,000), they are the second most common group of pancreatic neoplasms after pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). pNET incidence is however on the rise and patient outcomes, although variable, have been linked with 5-year survival rates as low as 40%. Improvement of diagnostic and treatment modalities strongly relies on disease models that reconstruct the disease ex vivo. A key constraint in pNET research, however, is the absence of human pNET models that accurately capture the original tumour phenotype. In attempts to more closely mimic the disease in its native environment, three-dimensional culture models as well as in vivo models, such as genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs), have been developed. Despite adding significant contributions to our understanding of more complex biological processes associated with the development and progression of pNETs, factors such as ethical considerations and low rates of clinical translatability limit their use. Furthermore, a role for the site-specific extracellular matrix (ECM) in disease development and progression has become clear. Advances in tissue engineering have enabled the use of tissue constructs that are designed to establish disease ex vivo within a close to native ECM that can recapitulate tumour-associated tissue remodelling. Yet, such advanced models for studying pNETs remain underdeveloped. This review summarises the most clinically relevant disease models of pNETs currently used, as well as future directions for improved modelling of the disease.
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20
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Ruiz-Rodado V, Seki T, Dowdy T, Lita A, Zhang M, Han S, Yang C, Cherukuri MK, Gilbert MR, Larion M. Metabolic Landscape of a Genetically Engineered Mouse Model of IDH1 Mutant Glioma. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1633. [PMID: 32575619 PMCID: PMC7352932 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12061633] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/20/2020] [Revised: 06/11/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Understanding the metabolic reprogramming of aggressive brain tumors has potential applications for therapeutics as well as imaging biomarkers. However, little is known about the nutrient requirements of isocitrate dehydrogenase 1 (IDH1) mutant gliomas. The IDH1 mutation involves the acquisition of a neomorphic enzymatic activity which generates D-2-hydroxyglutarate from α-ketoglutarate. In order to gain insight into the metabolism of these malignant brain tumors, we conducted metabolic profiling of the orthotopic tumor and the contralateral regions for the mouse model of IDH1 mutant glioma; as well as to examine the utilization of glucose and glutamine in supplying major metabolic pathways such as glycolysis and tricarboxylic acid (TCA). We also revealed that the main substrate of 2-hydroxyglutarate is glutamine in this model, and how this re-routing impairs its utilization in the TCA. Our 13C tracing analysis, along with hyperpolarized magnetic resonance experiments, revealed an active glycolytic pathway similar in both regions (tumor and contralateral) of the brain. Therefore, we describe the reprogramming of the central carbon metabolism associated with the IDH1 mutation in a genetically engineered mouse model which reflects the tumor biology encountered in glioma patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Ruiz-Rodado
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Tomohiro Seki
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (T.S.); (M.K.C.)
| | - Tyrone Dowdy
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Adrian Lita
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Meili Zhang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Sue Han
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Chunzhang Yang
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Murali K. Cherukuri
- Radiation Biology Branch, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (T.S.); (M.K.C.)
| | - Mark R. Gilbert
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
| | - Mioara Larion
- Neuro-Oncology Branch, National Cancer Institute, Center for Cancer Research, National Institute of Health, Bethesda, MD 20814, USA; (V.R.-R.); (T.D.); (A.L.); (M.Z.); (S.H.); (C.Y.); (M.R.G.)
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21
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Kar A, Wierman ME, Kiseljak-Vassiliades K. Update on in-vivo preclinical research models in adrenocortical carcinoma. Curr Opin Endocrinol Diabetes Obes 2020; 27:170-176. [PMID: 32304391 PMCID: PMC8103733 DOI: 10.1097/med.0000000000000543] [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] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE OF REVIEW The aim of this review is to summarize recent advances on development of in vivo preclinical models of adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC). RECENT FINDINGS Significant progress has been achieved in the underlying molecular mechanisms of adrenocortical tumorigenesis over the last decade, and recent comprehensive profiling analysis of ACC tumors identified several genetic and molecular drivers of this disease. Therapeutic breakthroughs, however, have been limited because of the lack of preclinical models recapitulating the molecular features and heterogeneity of the tumors. Recent publications on genetically engineered mouse models and development of patient-derived ACC xenografts in both nude mice and humanized mice now provide researchers with novel tools to explore therapeutic targets in the context of heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment in human ACC. SUMMARY We review current in-vivo models of ACC and discuss potential therapeutic opportunities that have emerged from these studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adwitiya Kar
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora
| | - Margaret E. Wierman
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
| | - Katja Kiseljak-Vassiliades
- Division of Endocrinology, Metabolism and Diabetes, Department of Medicine, University of Colorado School of Medicine Anschutz Medical Campus Aurora
- Research Service, Rocky Mountain Regional Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Aurora, Colorado, USA
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22
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Garcia PL, Miller AL, Yoon KJ. Patient-Derived Xenograft Models of Pancreatic Cancer: Overview and Comparison with Other Types of Models. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E1327. [PMID: 32456018 PMCID: PMC7281668 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12051327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [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: 04/13/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pancreatic cancer (PC) is anticipated to be second only to lung cancer as the leading cause of cancer-related deaths in the United States by 2030. Surgery remains the only potentially curative treatment for patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), the most common form of PC. Multiple recent preclinical studies focus on identifying effective treatments for PDAC, but the models available for these studies often fail to reproduce the heterogeneity of this tumor type. Data generated with such models are of unknown clinical relevance. Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) models offer several advantages over human cell line-based in vitro and in vivo models and models of non-human origin. PDX models retain genetic characteristics of the human tumor specimens from which they were derived, have intact stromal components, and are more predictive of patient response than traditional models. This review briefly describes the advantages and disadvantages of 2D cultures, organoids and genetically engineered mouse (GEM) models of PDAC, and focuses on the applications, characteristics, advantages, limitations, and the future potential of PDX models for improving the management of PDAC.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Karina J. Yoon
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL 35294, USA; (P.L.G.); (A.L.M.)
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23
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Chung KM, Singh J, Lawres L, Dorans KJ, Garcia C, Burkhardt DB, Robbins R, Bhutkar A, Cardone R, Zhao X, Babic A, Vayrynen SA, Dias Costa A, Nowak JA, Chang DT, Dunne RF, Hezel AF, Koong AC, Wilhelm JJ, Bellin MD, Nylander V, Gloyn AL, McCarthy MI, Kibbey RG, Krishnaswamy S, Wolpin BM, Jacks T, Fuchs CS, Muzumdar MD. Endocrine-Exocrine Signaling Drives Obesity-Associated Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma. Cell 2020; 181:832-847.e18. [PMID: 32304665 PMCID: PMC7266008 DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2020.03.062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2019] [Revised: 02/13/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2020] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
Abstract
Obesity is a major modifiable risk factor for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), yet how and when obesity contributes to PDAC progression is not well understood. Leveraging an autochthonous mouse model, we demonstrate a causal and reversible role for obesity in early PDAC progression, showing that obesity markedly enhances tumorigenesis, while genetic or dietary induction of weight loss intercepts cancer development. Molecular analyses of human and murine samples define microenvironmental consequences of obesity that foster tumorigenesis rather than new driver gene mutations, including significant pancreatic islet cell adaptation in obesity-associated tumors. Specifically, we identify aberrant beta cell expression of the peptide hormone cholecystokinin (Cck) in response to obesity and show that islet Cck promotes oncogenic Kras-driven pancreatic ductal tumorigenesis. Our studies argue that PDAC progression is driven by local obesity-associated changes in the tumor microenvironment and implicate endocrine-exocrine signaling beyond insulin in PDAC development.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Jaffarguriqbal Singh
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Lauren Lawres
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | | | - Cathy Garcia
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA
| | - Daniel B Burkhardt
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Rebecca Robbins
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Arjun Bhutkar
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Rebecca Cardone
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Xiaojian Zhao
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Ana Babic
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Sara A Vayrynen
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Andressa Dias Costa
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Jonathan A Nowak
- Department of Pathology, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Daniel T Chang
- Department of Radiation Oncology, Stanford Cancer Institute, Stanford, CA 94305, USA
| | - Richard F Dunne
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Aram F Hezel
- Division of Hematology and Oncology, Department of Medicine, Wilmot Cancer Institute, University of Rochester Medical Center, Rochester, NY 14627, USA
| | - Albert C Koong
- Department of Radiation Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX 77030, USA
| | - Joshua J Wilhelm
- Schulze Diabetes Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Melena D Bellin
- Schulze Diabetes Institute and Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA; Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota Medical Center, Minneapolis, MN 55454, USA
| | - Vibe Nylander
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK
| | - Anna L Gloyn
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Mark I McCarthy
- Wellcome Centre for Human Genetics, Nuffield Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7BN, UK; Oxford Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Radcliffe Department of Medicine, University of Oxford, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK; Oxford NIHR Biomedical Research Centre, Oxford University Hospitals Trust, Oxford OX3 7LE, UK
| | - Richard G Kibbey
- Departments of Internal Medicine and Cellular & Molecular Physiology, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Smita Krishnaswamy
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA
| | - Brian M Wolpin
- Department of Medical Oncology, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02114, USA
| | - Tyler Jacks
- Koch Institute for Integrative Cancer Research at MIT, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA; Howard Hughes Medical Institute, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA 02139, USA
| | - Charles S Fuchs
- Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT 06511, USA
| | - Mandar Deepak Muzumdar
- Department of Genetics, Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA; Yale Cancer Biology Institute, Yale University, West Haven, CT 06516, USA; Yale Cancer Center, Smilow Cancer Hospital, New Haven, CT 06511, USA.
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24
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Williams KB, Largaespada DA. New Model Systems and the Development of Targeted Therapies for the Treatment of Neurofibromatosis Type 1-Associated Malignant Peripheral Nerve Sheath Tumors. Genes (Basel) 2020; 11:E477. [PMID: 32353955 PMCID: PMC7290716 DOI: 10.3390/genes11050477] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2020] [Revised: 04/24/2020] [Accepted: 04/26/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1) is a common genetic disorder and cancer predisposition syndrome (1:3000 births) caused by mutations in the tumor suppressor gene NF1. NF1 encodes neurofibromin, a negative regulator of the Ras signaling pathway. Individuals with NF1 often develop benign tumors of the peripheral nervous system (neurofibromas), originating from the Schwann cell linage, some of which progress further to malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs). Treatment options for neurofibromas and MPNSTs are extremely limited, relying largely on surgical resection and cytotoxic chemotherapy. Identification of novel therapeutic targets in both benign neurofibromas and MPNSTs is critical for improved patient outcomes and quality of life. Recent clinical trials conducted in patients with NF1 for the treatment of symptomatic plexiform neurofibromas using inhibitors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MEK) have shown very promising results. However, MEK inhibitors do not work in all patients and have significant side effects. In addition, preliminary evidence suggests single agent use of MEK inhibitors for MPNST treatment will fail. Here, we describe the preclinical efforts that led to the identification of MEK inhibitors as promising therapeutics for the treatment of NF1-related neoplasia and possible reasons they lack single agent efficacy in the treatment of MPNSTs. In addition, we describe work to find targets other than MEK for treatment of MPNST. These have come from studies of RAS biochemistry, in vitro drug screening, forward genetic screens for Schwann cell tumors, and synthetic lethal screens in cells with oncogenic RAS gene mutations. Lastly, we discuss new approaches to exploit drug screening and synthetic lethality with NF1 loss of function mutations in human Schwann cells using CRISPR/Cas9 technology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kyle B. Williams
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
| | - David A. Largaespada
- Department of Pediatrics, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
- Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA
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25
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Annunziato S, Lutz C, Henneman L, Bhin J, Wong K, Siteur B, van Gerwen B, de Korte‐Grimmerink R, Zafra MP, Schatoff EM, Drenth AP, van der Burg E, Eijkman T, Mukherjee S, Boroviak K, Wessels LFA, van de Ven M, Huijbers IJ, Adams DJ, Dow LE, Jonkers J. In situ CRISPR-Cas9 base editing for the development of genetically engineered mouse models of breast cancer. EMBO J 2020; 39:e102169. [PMID: 31930530 PMCID: PMC7049816 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019102169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2019] [Revised: 11/29/2019] [Accepted: 12/02/2019] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of cancer have proven to be of great value for basic and translational research. Although CRISPR-based gene disruption offers a fast-track approach for perturbing gene function and circumvents certain limitations of standard GEMM development, it does not provide a flexible platform for recapitulating clinically relevant missense mutations in vivo. To this end, we generated knock-in mice with Cre-conditional expression of a cytidine base editor and tested their utility for precise somatic engineering of missense mutations in key cancer drivers. Upon intraductal delivery of sgRNA-encoding vectors, we could install point mutations with high efficiency in one or multiple endogenous genes in situ and assess the effect of defined allelic variants on mammary tumorigenesis. While the system also produces bystander insertions and deletions that can stochastically be selected for when targeting a tumor suppressor gene, we could effectively recapitulate oncogenic nonsense mutations. We successfully applied this system in a model of triple-negative breast cancer, providing the proof of concept for extending this flexible somatic base editing platform to other tissues and tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Annunziato
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Catrin Lutz
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Linda Henneman
- Transgenic Core FacilityMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Jinhyuk Bhin
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Division of Molecular CarcinogenesisThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Kim Wong
- Wellcome Trust Sanger InstituteCambridgeUK
| | - Bjørn Siteur
- Preclinical Intervention UnitMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Bas van Gerwen
- Preclinical Intervention UnitMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Renske de Korte‐Grimmerink
- Preclinical Intervention UnitMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Maria Paz Zafra
- Division of Hematology and Medical OncologyDepartment of MedicineSandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Emma M Schatoff
- Division of Hematology and Medical OncologyDepartment of MedicineSandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Weill Cornell/Rockefeller/Sloan Kettering Tri‐I MD‐PhD ProgramNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Anne Paulien Drenth
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Eline van der Burg
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Timo Eijkman
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Siddhartha Mukherjee
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Lodewyk FA Wessels
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Division of Molecular CarcinogenesisThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Marieke van de Ven
- Preclinical Intervention UnitMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | - Ivo J Huijbers
- Transgenic Core FacilityMouse Clinic for Cancer and Aging (MCCA)The Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
| | | | - Lukas E Dow
- Division of Hematology and Medical OncologyDepartment of MedicineSandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
- Department of BiochemistrySandra and Edward Meyer Cancer CenterWeill Cornell MedicineNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular PathologyThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
- Cancer Genomics NetherlandsThe Netherlands Cancer InstituteAmsterdamThe Netherlands
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26
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Mohrherr J, Haber M, Breitenecker K, Aigner P, Moritsch S, Voronin V, Eferl R, Moriggl R, Stoiber D, Győrffy B, Brcic L, László V, Döme B, Moldvay J, Dezső K, Bilban M, Popper H, Moll HP, Casanova E. JAK-STAT inhibition impairs K-RAS-driven lung adenocarcinoma progression. Int J Cancer 2019; 145:3376-3388. [PMID: 31407334 PMCID: PMC6856680 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.32624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.8] [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: 02/19/2019] [Revised: 07/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/22/2019] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Oncogenic K‐RAS has been difficult to target and currently there is no K‐RAS‐based targeted therapy available for patients suffering from K‐RAS‐driven lung adenocarcinoma (AC). Alternatively, targeting K‐RAS‐downstream effectors, K‐RAS‐cooperating signaling pathways or cancer hallmarks, such as tumor‐promoting inflammation, has been shown to be a promising therapeutic strategy. Since the JAK–STAT pathway is considered to be a central player in inflammation‐mediated tumorigenesis, we investigated here the implication of JAK–STAT signaling and the therapeutic potential of JAK1/2 inhibition in K‐RAS‐driven lung AC. Our data showed that JAK1 and JAK2 are activated in human lung AC and that increased activation of JAK–STAT signaling correlated with disease progression and K‐RAS activity in human lung AC. Accordingly, administration of the JAK1/2 selective tyrosine kinase inhibitor ruxolitinib reduced proliferation of tumor cells and effectively reduced tumor progression in immunodeficient and immunocompetent mouse models of K‐RAS‐driven lung AC. Notably, JAK1/2 inhibition led to the establishment of an antitumorigenic tumor microenvironment, characterized by decreased levels of tumor‐promoting chemokines and cytokines and reduced numbers of infiltrating myeloid derived suppressor cells, thereby impairing tumor growth. Taken together, we identified JAK1/2 inhibition as promising therapy for K‐RAS‐driven lung AC. What's new? A drug that inhibits the JAK–STAT pathway may score a hit against K‐RAS driven lung cancer. Here, the authors Investigated the JAK STAT pathway as a possible target in lung adenocarcinoma because of its role in inflammation‐mediated tumorigenesis. First, they showed that JAK1 and JAK2 are both activated in lung adenocarcinoma patients with oncogenic mutations in K‐RAS. Next, they treated the tumors with ruxolitinib, which inhibits JAK1/2. The drug successfully slowed tumor proliferation and progression in immunocompetent mouse models. Furthermore, treatment with ruxolitinib reduced the tumor‐promoting factors present in the microenvironment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Julian Mohrherr
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Marcel Haber
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Kristina Breitenecker
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Petra Aigner
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Stefan Moritsch
- Institute of Cancer ResearchMedical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)ViennaAustria
| | - Viktor Voronin
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Robert Eferl
- Institute of Cancer ResearchMedical University of Vienna & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)ViennaAustria
| | - Richard Moriggl
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
- Institute of Animal Breeding and GeneticsUniversity of Veterinary MedicineViennaAustria
- Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Dagmar Stoiber
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
| | - Balázs Győrffy
- MTA TK Lendület Cancer Biomarker Research Group, Institute of Enzymology, and Second Department of PediatricsSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Luka Brcic
- Diagnostic & Research Institute of PathologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Viktória László
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Balázs Döme
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Surgery & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Biomedical Imaging and Image‐guided Therapy, Division of Molecular and Gender ImagingMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of PulmonologySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
- Department of Thoracic SurgeryNational Institute of Oncology and Semmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Judit Moldvay
- Department of Tumor Biology, National Korányi Institute of PulmonologySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
- SE‐NAP Brain Metastasis Research Group, 2nd Department of PathologySemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Katalin Dezső
- First Department of Pathology and Experimental Cancer ResearchSemmelweis UniversityBudapestHungary
| | - Martin Bilban
- Department of Laboratory MedicineMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Core FacilitiesMedical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Helmut Popper
- Diagnostic & Research Institute of PathologyMedical University of GrazGrazAustria
| | - Herwig P. Moll
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
| | - Emilio Casanova
- Department of Physiology, Center of Physiology and Pharmacology & Comprehensive Cancer Center (CCC)Medical University of ViennaViennaAustria
- Ludwig Boltzmann Institute for Cancer Research (LBI‐CR)ViennaAustria
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27
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Kakiuchi-Kiyota S, Schutten MM, Zhong Y, Crawford JJ, Dey A. Safety Considerations in the Development of Hippo Pathway Inhibitors in Cancers. Front Cell Dev Biol 2019; 7:156. [PMID: 31475147 PMCID: PMC6707765 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2019.00156] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [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: 04/11/2019] [Accepted: 07/25/2019] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The Hippo pathway is a critical regulator of cell and organ growth and has emerged as a target for therapeutic intervention in cancers. Its signaling is thought to play an important role in various physiological processes including homeostasis and tissue regeneration. To date there has been limited information about potential pharmacology-related (on-target) safety liabilities of Hippo pathway inhibitors in the context of cancer indications. Herein, we review data from human genetic disorders and genetically engineered rodent models to gain insight into safety liabilities that may emerge from the inhibition of Hippo pathway. Germline systemic deletion of murine Hippo pathway effectors (Yap, Taz, and Teads) resulted in embryonic lethality or developmental phenotypes. Mouse models with tissue-specific deletion (or mutant overexpression) of the key effectors in Hippo pathways have indicated that, at least in some tissues, Hippo signaling may be dispensable for physiological homeostasis; and appears to be critical for regeneration upon tissue damage, indicating that patients with underlying comorbidities and/or insults caused by therapeutic agents and/or comedications may have a higher risk. Caution should be taken in interpreting phenotypes from tissue-specific transgenic animal models since some tissue-specific promoters are turned on during development. In addition, therapeutic agents may result in systemic effects not well-predicted by animal models with tissue-specific gene deletion. Therefore, the development of models that allows for systemic deletion of Yap and/or Taz in adult animals will be key in evaluating the potential safety liabilities of Hippo pathway modulation. In this review, we focus on potential challenges and strategies for targeting the Hippo pathway in cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Satoko Kakiuchi-Kiyota
- Department of Safety Assessment, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Melissa M Schutten
- Department of Safety Assessment, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Yu Zhong
- Department of Safety Assessment, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - James J Crawford
- Department of Discovery Chemistry, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
| | - Anwesha Dey
- Department of Discovery Oncology, Genentech, Inc., South San Francisco, CA, United States
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28
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Karras P, Riveiro-Falkenbach E, Cañón E, Tejedo C, Calvo TG, Martínez-Herranz R, Alonso-Curbelo D, Cifdaloz M, Perez-Guijarro E, Gómez-López G, Ximenez-Embun P, Muñoz J, Megias D, Olmeda D, Moscat J, Ortiz-Romero PL, Rodríguez-Peralto JL, Soengas MS. p62/SQSTM1 Fuels Melanoma Progression by Opposing mRNA Decay of a Selective Set of Pro-metastatic Factors. Cancer Cell 2019; 35:46-63.e10. [PMID: 30581152 DOI: 10.1016/j.ccell.2018.11.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/18/2017] [Revised: 06/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Modulators of mRNA stability are not well understood in melanoma, an aggressive tumor with complex changes in the transcriptome. Here we report the ability of p62/SQSTM1 to extend mRNA half-life of a spectrum of pro-metastatic factors. These include FERMT2 and other transcripts with no previous links to melanoma. Transcriptomic, proteomic, and interactomic analyses, combined with validation in clinical biopsies and mouse models, identified a selected set of RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) recruited by p62, with IGF2BP1 as a key partner. This p62-RBP interaction distinguishes melanoma from other tumors where p62 controls autophagy or oxidative stress. The relevance of these data is emphasized by follow-up analyses of patient prognosis revealing p62 and FERMT2 as adverse determinants of disease-free survival.
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Affiliation(s)
- Panagiotis Karras
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Erica Riveiro-Falkenbach
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto Investigación i+12, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Estela Cañón
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Cristina Tejedo
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Tonantzin G Calvo
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Raúl Martínez-Herranz
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Direna Alonso-Curbelo
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Metehan Cifdaloz
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Eva Perez-Guijarro
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | | | | | | | - Diego Megias
- Confocal Microscopy Unit, CNIO, Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - David Olmeda
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain
| | - Jorge Moscat
- Cancer Metabolism and Signaling Networks Program, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, 10901 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037, USA
| | - Pablo L Ortiz-Romero
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto Investigación i+12, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain
| | - Jose L Rodríguez-Peralto
- Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Instituto Investigación i+12, Medical School, Universidad Complutense, Madrid, Spain.
| | - María S Soengas
- Melanoma Laboratory, Molecular Oncology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Center (CNIO), Madrid 28029, Spain.
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Abstract
Breast cancer remains the second leading cause of cancer death among woman, worldwide, despite advances in identifying novel targeted therapies and the development of treating strategies. Classification of clinical subtypes (ER+, PR+, HER2+, and TNBC (Triple-negative)) increases the complexity of breast cancers, which thus necessitates further investigation. Mouse models used in breast cancer research provide an essential approach to examine the mechanisms and genetic pathway in cancer progression and metastasis and to develop and evaluate clinical therapeutics. In this review, we summarize tumor transplantation models and genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of breast cancer and their applications in the field of human breast cancer research and anti-cancer drug development. These models may help to improve the knowledge of underlying mechanisms and genetic pathways, as well as creating approaches for modeling clinical tumor subtypes, and developing innovative cancer therapy.
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Xu C, Li X, Liu P, Li M, Luo F. Patient-derived xenograft mouse models: A high fidelity tool for individualized medicine. Oncol Lett 2018; 17:3-10. [PMID: 30655732 PMCID: PMC6313209 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2018.9583] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [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: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Patient-derived xenograft (PDX) mouse models involve the direct transfer of fresh human tumor samples into immunodeficient mice following surgical resection or other medical operations. Gene expression in tumors may be maintained by serial passages of tumors from mouse to mouse. These models aid research into tumor biology and pharmacology without manual manipulation of cell cultures in vitro. and are widely used in individualized cancer therapy/translational medicine, drug development and coclinical trials. PDX models exhibit higher predictive values for clinical outcomes than cell line-derived xenograft models and genetically engineered mouse models. However, PDX models are associated with certain challenges in clinical application. The present study reviewed current collections of PDX models and assessed the challenges and future directions of this field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong Xu
- Department of Acute Abdomen Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China
| | - Xuelu Li
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China
| | - Pixu Liu
- Institute of Cancer Stem Cell, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China.,College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116044, P.R. China
| | - Man Li
- Department of Breast Surgery and Oncology, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China
| | - Fuwen Luo
- Department of Acute Abdomen Surgery, The Second Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning 116023, P.R. China
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31
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Singh HP, Wang S, Stachelek K, Lee S, Reid MW, Thornton ME, Craft CM, Grubbs BH, Cobrinik D. Developmental stage-specific proliferation and retinoblastoma genesis in RB-deficient human but not mouse cone precursors. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E9391-400. [PMID: 30213853 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1808903115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Most retinoblastomas initiate in response to the inactivation of the RB1 gene and loss of functional RB protein. The tumors may form with few additional genomic changes and develop after a premalignant retinoma phase. Despite this seemingly straightforward etiology, mouse models have not recapitulated the genetic, cellular, and stage-specific features of human retinoblastoma genesis. For example, whereas human retinoblastomas appear to derive from cone photoreceptor precursors, current mouse models develop tumors that derive from other retinal cell types. To investigate the basis of the human cone-specific oncogenesis, we compared developmental stage-specific cone precursor responses to RB loss in human and murine retina cultures and in cone-specific Rb1-knockout mice. We report that RB-depleted maturing (ARR3+) but not immature (ARR3-) human cone precursors enter the cell cycle, proliferate, and form retinoblastoma-like lesions with Flexner-Wintersteiner rosettes, then form low or nonproliferative premalignant retinoma-like lesions with fleurettes and p16INK4A and p130 expression, and finally form highly proliferative retinoblastoma-like masses. In contrast, in murine retina, only RB-depleted immature (Arr3-) cone precursors entered the cell cycle, and they failed to progress from S to M phase. Moreover, whereas intrinsically highly expressed MDM2 and MYCN contribute to RB-depleted maturing (ARR3+) human cone precursor proliferation, ectopic MDM2 and Mycn promoted only immature (Arr3-) murine cone precursor cell-cycle entry. These findings demonstrate that developmental stage-specific as well as species- and cell type-specific features sensitize to RB1 inactivation and reveal the human cone precursors' capacity to model retinoblastoma initiation, proliferation, premalignant arrest, and tumor growth.
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Abstract
Lung cancer remains one of the world's deadliest cancers, with effective targeted treatment options available for only a small subset of patients. The rapid expansion of cancer genomics in recent years has provided insight into the genetic landscape of all major lung cancer subtypes and led to new discoveries on the heterogeneous biology underlying lung tumorigenesis. Interestingly, these studies have revealed a high frequency of alterations in the Kelch-like ECG-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)-Nuclear factor erythoid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2) stress response pathway, for which no targeted treatments are currently available. In this review, we describe the molecular mechanisms underlying NRF2 pathway activation in lung cancer cells, with a focus on in vivo functional studies in genetically engineered mouse models. Importantly, potential avenues and implications for therapeutic targeting of KEAP1-NRF2 pathway vulnerabilities for lung cancer patients will be highlighted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A. Best
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria Australia
| | - Kate D. Sutherland
- ACRF Stem Cells and Cancer Division, Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, Victoria Australia
- Department of Medical Biology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, Victoria Australia
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33
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Abstract
The use of existing mouse models in cancer research is of utmost importance as they aim to explore the casual link between candidate cancer genes and carcinogenesis as well as to provide models to develop and test new therapies. However, faster progress in translating mouse cancer model research into the clinic has been hampered due to the limitations of these models to better reflect the complexities of human tumors. Traditionally, immunocompetent and immunodeficient mice with syngeneic and xenografted tumors transplanted subcutaneously or orthotopically have been used. These models are still being widely employed for many different types of studies, in part due to their widespread availability and low cost. Other types of mouse models used in cancer research comprise transgenic mice in which oncogenes can be constitutively or conditionally expressed and tumor-suppressor genes silenced using conventional methods, such as retroviral infection, microinjection of DNA constructs, and the so-called "gene-targeted transgene" approach. These traditional transgenic models have been very important in studies of carcinogenesis and tumor pathogenesis, as well as in studies evaluating the development of resistance to therapy. Recently, the clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-based genome editing approach has revolutionized the field of mouse cancer models and has had a profound and rapid impact on the development of more effective systems to study human cancers. The CRISPR/Cas9-based transgenic models have the capacity to engineer a wide spectrum of mutations found in human cancers and provide solutions to problems that were previously unsolvable. Recently, humanized mouse xenograft models that accept patient-derived xenografts and CD34+ cells were developed to better mimic tumor heterogeneity, the tumor microenvironment, and cross-talk between the tumor and stromal/immune cells. These features make them extremely valuable models for the evaluation of investigational cancer therapies, specifically new immunotherapies. Taken together, improvements in both the CRISPR/Cas9 system producing more valid mouse models and in the humanized mouse xenograft models resembling complex interactions between the tumor and its environment might represent one of the successful pathways to precise individualized cancer therapy, leading to improved cancer patient survival and quality of life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ursa Lampreht Tratar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Simon Horvat
- Biotechnical Faculty, University of Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia
| | - Maja Cemazar
- Department of Experimental Oncology, Institute of Oncology Ljubljana, Ljubljana, Slovenia.,Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Primorska, Isola, Slovenia
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34
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Boult JKR, Apps JR, Hölsken A, Hutchinson JC, Carreno G, Danielson LS, Smith LM, Bäuerle T, Buslei R, Buchfelder M, Virasami AK, Koers A, Arthurs OJ, Jacques TS, Chesler L, Martinez‐Barbera JP, Robinson SP. Preclinical transgenic and patient-derived xenograft models recapitulate the radiological features of human adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma. Brain Pathol 2018; 28:475-483. [PMID: 28481062 PMCID: PMC6099240 DOI: 10.1111/bpa.12525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [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: 02/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
To assess the clinical relevance of transgenic and patient-derived xenograft models of adamantinomatous craniopharyngioma (ACP) using serial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and high resolution post-mortem microcomputed tomography (μ-CT), with correlation with histology and human ACP imaging. The growth patterns and radiological features of tumors arising in Hesx1Cre/+ ;Ctnnb1lox(ex3)/+ transgenic mice, and of patient-derived ACP xenografts implanted in the cerebral cortex, were monitored longitudinally in vivo with anatomical and functional MRI, and by ex vivo μ-CT at study end. Pathological correlates with hematoxylin and eosin stained sections were investigated. Early enlargement and heterogeneity of Hesx1Cre/+ ;Ctnnb1lox(ex3)/+ mouse pituitaries was evident at initial imaging at 8 weeks, which was followed by enlargement of a solid tumor, and development of cysts and hemorrhage. Tumors demonstrated MRI features that recapitulated those of human ACP, specifically, T1 -weighted signal enhancement in the solid tumor component following Gd-DTPA administration, and in some animals, hyperintense cysts on FLAIR and T1 -weighted images. Ex vivo μ-CT correlated with MRI findings and identified smaller cysts, which were confirmed by histology. Characteristic histological features, including wet keratin and calcification, were visible on μ-CT and verified by histological sections of patient-derived ACP xenografts. The Hesx1Cre/+ ;Ctnnb1lox(ex3)/+ transgenic mouse model and cerebral patient-derived ACP xenografts recapitulate a number of the key radiological features of the human disease and provide promising foundations for in vivo trials of novel therapeutics for the treatment of these tumors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jessica K. R. Boult
- Division of Radiotherapy and ImagingThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - John R. Apps
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Annett Hölsken
- Department of NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - J. Ciaran Hutchinson
- Histopathology DepartmentGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Gabriela Carreno
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | | | - Laura M. Smith
- Division of Clinical SciencesThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Tobias Bäuerle
- Institute of Radiology, Preclinical Imaging Platform Erlangen (PIPE)University Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich‐Alexander‐Universität Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Rolf Buslei
- Department of NeuropathologyUniversity Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
- Institute of PathologySozialstiftung BambergBambergGermany
| | - Michael Buchfelder
- Department of NeurosurgeryUniversity Hospital Erlangen, Friedrich‐Alexander University Erlangen‐NürnbergErlangenGermany
| | - Alex K. Virasami
- Histopathology DepartmentGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Alexander Koers
- Division of Clinical SciencesThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Owen J. Arthurs
- Histopathology DepartmentGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Thomas S. Jacques
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
- Histopathology DepartmentGreat Ormond Street Hospital for Children NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Louis Chesler
- Division of Clinical SciencesThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
| | - Juan Pedro Martinez‐Barbera
- Developmental Biology and Cancer Programme, Birth Defects Research Centre, UCL Great Ormond Street Institute of Child HealthUniversity College LondonLondonUK
| | - Simon P. Robinson
- Division of Radiotherapy and ImagingThe Institute of Cancer ResearchLondonUK
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35
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Preston S, Aras S, Zaidi MR. Spatiotemporal Labeling of Melanocytes in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2018; 19:E1469. [PMID: 29762513 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19051469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/23/2018] [Revised: 05/08/2018] [Accepted: 05/10/2018] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Melanocytes are pigment producing cells in the skin that give rise to cutaneous malignant melanoma, which is a highly aggressive and the deadliest form of skin cancer. Studying melanocytes in vivo is often difficult due to their small proportion in the skin and the lack of specific cell surface markers. Several genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been created to specifically label the melanocyte compartment. These models give both spatial and temporal control over the expression of a cellular ‘beacon’ that has an added benefit of inducible expression that can be activated on demand. Two powerful models that are discussed in this review include the melanocyte-specific, tetracycline-inducible green fluorescent protein expression system (iDct-GFP), and the fluorescent ubiquitination-based cell cycle indicator (FUCCI) model that allows for the monitoring of the cell-cycle. These two systems are powerful tools in studying melanocyte and melanoma biology. We discuss their current uses and how they could be employed to help answer unresolved questions in the fields of melanocyte and melanoma biology.
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Abstract
Model systems for oral cancer research have progressed from tumor epithelial cell cultures to in vivo systems that mimic oral cancer genetics, pathological characteristics, and tumor-stroma interactions of oral cancer patients. In the era of cancer immunotherapy, it is imperative to use model systems to test oral cancer prevention and therapeutic interventions in the presence of an immune system and to discover mechanisms of stromal contributions to oral cancer carcinogenesis. Here, we review in vivo mouse model systems commonly used for studying oral cancer and discuss the impact these models are having in advancing basic mechanisms, chemoprevention, and therapeutic intervention of oral cancer while highlighting recent discoveries concerning the role of immune cells in oral cancer. Improvements to in vivo model systems that highly recapitulate human oral cancer hold the key to identifying features of oral cancer initiation, progression, and invasion as well as molecular and cellular targets for prevention, therapeutic response, and immunotherapy development.
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Affiliation(s)
- J J Luo
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.,2 Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - C D Young
- 2 Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
| | - H M Zhou
- 1 State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases, Department of Oral Medicine, West China Hospital of Stomatology, Sichuan University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - X J Wang
- 2 Department of Pathology, University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus, Aurora, CO, USA
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37
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McBrayer SK, Olenchock BA, DiNatale GJ, Shi DD, Khanal J, Jennings RB, Novak JS, Oser MG, Robbins AK, Modiste R, Bonal D, Moslehi J, Bronson RT, Neuberg D, Nguyen QD, Signoretti S, Losman JA, Kaelin WG Jr. Autochthonous tumors driven by Rb1 loss have an ongoing requirement for the RBP2 histone demethylase. Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A 2018; 115:E3741-8. [PMID: 29610306 DOI: 10.1073/pnas.1716029115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Inactivation of the retinoblastoma gene (RB1) product, pRB, is common in many human cancers. Targeting downstream effectors of pRB that are central to tumorigenesis is a promising strategy to block the growth of tumors harboring loss-of-function RB1 mutations. One such effector is retinoblastoma-binding protein 2 (RBP2, also called JARID1A or KDM5A), which encodes an H3K4 demethylase. Binding of pRB to RBP2 has been linked to the ability of pRB to promote senescence and differentiation. Importantly, genetic ablation of RBP2 is sufficient to phenocopy pRB's ability to induce these cellular changes in cell culture experiments. Moreover, germline Rbp2 deletion significantly impedes tumorigenesis in Rb1+/- mice. The value of RBP2 as a therapeutic target in cancer, however, hinges on whether loss of RBP2 could block the growth of established tumors as opposed to simply delaying their onset. Here we show that conditional, systemic ablation of RBP2 in tumor-bearing Rb1+/- mice is sufficient to slow tumor growth and significantly extend survival without causing obvious toxicity to the host. These findings show that established Rb1-null tumors require RBP2 for growth and further credential RBP2 as a therapeutic target in human cancers driven by RB1 inactivation.
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38
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Stuckelberger S, Drapkin R. Precious GEMMs: emergence of faithful models for ovarian cancer research. J Pathol 2018; 245:129-131. [PMID: 29493783 DOI: 10.1002/path.5065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2018] [Accepted: 02/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
The development of Genetically Engineered Mouse Models (GEMMs) has catalyzed tremendous progress in cancer research. However, it has been difficult to design adequate mouse models for high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC), the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer. The genetic complexity of the disease, as well as the recent appreciation that most HGSCs arise from the fallopian tube (FT) secretory epithelium rather than the ovarian surface epithelium, has stifled the development of robust GEMMs. In a recent issue of this journal, Zhai et al presented an elegant mouse model for ovarian cancer that uses Ovgp1 as an FT-specific promoter to inactivate Brca1, Trp53, Rb1, Nf1, and Pten. The authors showed that loss of these genes in the mouse FT epithelium can mimic the different stages of human HGSC tumorigenesis. Their robust model emphasizes the importance of considering both the cell of origin and tumor genetics in developing accurate model systems. They provide a useful tool for studying mechanisms of disease in vivo and for research into novel methods of prevention, early detection, and treatment of HGSC. Copyright © 2018 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah Stuckelberger
- Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
| | - Ronny Drapkin
- Penn Ovarian Cancer Research Center, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA.,Basser Center for BRCA, Abramson Cancer Center, University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, Philadelphia, PA, USA
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39
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Khatua S, Gutmann DH, Packer RJ. Neurofibromatosis type 1 and optic pathway glioma: Molecular interplay and therapeutic insights. Pediatr Blood Cancer 2018; 65. [PMID: 29049847 DOI: 10.1002/pbc.26838] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2017] [Revised: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 09/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Children with neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are predisposed to develop central nervous system neoplasms, the most common of which are low-grade gliomas (LGGs). The absence of human NF1 associated LGG-derived cell lines, coupled with an inability to generate patient-derived xenograft models, represents barriers to profile molecularly targeted therapies for these tumors. Thus, genetically engineered mouse models have been identified to evaluate the interplay between Nf1-deficient tumor cells and nonneoplastic stromal cells to evaluate potential therapies for these neoplasms. Future treatments might also consider targeting the nonneoplastic cells in NF1-LGGs to reduce tumor growth and neurologic morbidity in affected children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soumen Khatua
- Department of Pediatrics, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas
| | - David H Gutmann
- Department of Neurology, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis, Missouri
| | - Roger J Packer
- Center for Neuroscience and Behavioral Medicine, Children's National Medical Center, Washington, District of Columbia
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40
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Liu C, Yu T, Xing Z, Jiang X, Li Y, Pao A, Mu J, Wallace PK, Stoica G, Bakin AV, Yu YE. Triplications of human chromosome 21 orthologous regions in mice result in expansion of megakaryocyte-erythroid progenitors and reduction of granulocyte-macrophage progenitors. Oncotarget 2017; 9:4773-4786. [PMID: 29435140 PMCID: PMC5797011 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.23463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Individuals with Down syndrome (DS) frequently have hematopoietic abnormalities, including transient myeloproliferative disorder and acute megakaryoblastic leukemia which are often accompanied by acquired GATA1 mutations that produce a truncated protein, GATA1s. The mouse has been used for modeling DS based on the syntenic conservation between human chromosome 21 (Hsa21) and three regions in the mouse genome located on mouse chromosome 10 (Mmu10), Mmu16 and Mmu17. To assess the impact of the dosage increase of Hsa21 gene orthologs on the hematopoietic system, we characterized the related phenotype in the Dp(10)1Yey/+;Dp(16)1Yey/+;Dp(17)1Yey/+ model which carries duplications spanning the entire Hsa21 orthologous regions on Mmu10, Mmu16 and Mmu17, and the Dp(10)1Yey/+;Dp(16)1Yey/+;Dp(17)1Yey/+;Gata1Yeym2 model which carries a Gata1s mutation we engineered. Both models exhibited anemia, macrocytosis, and myeloproliferative disorder. Similar to human DS, the megakaryocyte-erythrocyte progenitors (MEPs) and granulocyte-monocyte progenitors (GMPs) were significantly increased and reduced, respectively, in both models. The subsequent identification of all the aforementioned phenotypes in the Dp(16)1Yey/+ model suggests that the causative dosage sensitive gene(s) are in the Hsa21 orthologous region on Mmu16. Therefore, we reveal here for the first time that the human trisomy 21-associated major segmental chromosomal alterations in mice can lead to expanded MEP and reduced GMP populations, mimicking the dynamics of these myeloid progenitors in DS. These models will provide the critical systems for unraveling the molecular and cellular mechanism of DS-associated myeloproliferative disorder, and particularly for determining how human trisomy 21 leads to expansion of MEPs as well as how such an alteration leads to myeloproliferative disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunhong Liu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Tao Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Department of Medical Genetics, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei 430030, China
| | - Zhuo Xing
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Xiaoling Jiang
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Yichen Li
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Annie Pao
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Justin Mu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Paul K Wallace
- Department of Flow and Image Cytometry, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - George Stoica
- Department of Pathobiology, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX 77843, USA
| | - Andrei V Bakin
- Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
| | - Y Eugene Yu
- The Children's Guild Foundation Down Syndrome Research Program, Genetics and Genomics Program and Department of Cancer Genetics and Genomics, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA.,Genetics, Genomics and Bioinformatics Program, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
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41
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Abstract
Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have contributed significantly to the field of cancer research. In contrast to cancer cell inoculation models, GEMMs develop de novo tumors in a natural immune‐proficient microenvironment. Tumors arising in advanced GEMMs closely mimic the histopathological and molecular features of their human counterparts, display genetic heterogeneity, and are able to spontaneously progress toward metastatic disease. As such, GEMMs are generally superior to cancer cell inoculation models, which show no or limited heterogeneity and are often metastatic from the start. Given that GEMMs capture both tumor cell‐intrinsic and cell‐extrinsic factors that drive de novo tumor initiation and progression toward metastatic disease, these models are indispensable for preclinical research. GEMMs have successfully been used to validate candidate cancer genes and drug targets, assess therapy efficacy, dissect the impact of the tumor microenvironment, and evaluate mechanisms of drug resistance. In vivo validation of candidate cancer genes and therapeutic targets is further accelerated by recent advances in genetic engineering that enable fast‐track generation and fine‐tuning of GEMMs to more closely resemble human patients. In addition, aligning preclinical tumor intervention studies in advanced GEMMs with clinical studies in patients is expected to accelerate the development of novel therapeutic strategies and their translation into the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kelly Kersten
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Karin E de Visser
- Division of Immunology, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Martine H van Miltenburg
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
| | - Jos Jonkers
- Division of Molecular Pathology and Cancer Genomics Netherlands, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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42
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Ogilvie LA, Kovachev A, Wierling C, Lange BMH, Lehrach H. Models of Models: A Translational Route for Cancer Treatment and Drug Development. Front Oncol 2017; 7:219. [PMID: 28971064 PMCID: PMC5609574 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2017.00219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2017] [Accepted: 09/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Every patient and every disease is different. Each patient therefore requires a personalized treatment approach. For technical reasons, a personalized approach is feasible for treatment strategies such as surgery, but not for drug-based therapy or drug development. The development of individual mechanistic models of the disease process in every patient offers the possibility of attaining truly personalized drug-based therapy and prevention. The concept of virtual clinical trials and the integrated use of in silico, in vitro, and in vivo models in preclinical development could lead to significant gains in efficiency and order of magnitude increases in the cost effectiveness of drug development and approval. We have developed mechanistic computational models of large-scale cellular signal transduction networks for prediction of drug effects and functional responses, based on patient-specific multi-level omics profiles. However, a major barrier to the use of such models in a clinical and developmental context is the reliability of predictions. Here we detail how the approach of using “models of models” has the potential to impact cancer treatment and drug development. We describe the iterative refinement process that leverages the flexibility of experimental systems to generate highly dimensional data, which can be used to train and validate computational model parameters and improve model predictions. In this way, highly optimized computational models with robust predictive capacity can be generated. Such models open up a number of opportunities for cancer drug treatment and development, from enhancing the design of experimental studies, reducing costs, and improving animal welfare, to increasing the translational value of results generated.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Hans Lehrach
- Alacris Theranostics GmbH, Berlin, Germany.,Max Planck Institute for Molecular Genetics, Berlin, Germany
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43
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Leonard MK, Pamidimukkala N, Puts GS, Snyder DE, Slominski AT, Kaetzel DM. The HGF/SF Mouse Model of UV-Induced Melanoma as an In Vivo Sensor for Metastasis-Regulating Gene. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 18:E1647. [PMID: 28788083 DOI: 10.3390/ijms18081647] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2017] [Revised: 07/19/2017] [Accepted: 07/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Cutaneous malignant melanoma is an aggressive and potentially lethal form of skin cancer, particularly in its advanced and therapy-resistant stages, and the need for novel therapeutics and prognostic tools is acute. Incidence of melanoma has steadily increased over the past few decades, with exposure to the genome-damaging effects of ultraviolet radiation (UVR) well-recognized as a primary cause. A number of genetically-engineered mouse models (GEMMs) have been created that exhibit high incidence of spontaneous and induced forms of melanoma, and a select subset recapitulates its progression to aggressive and metastatic forms. These GEMMs hold considerable promise for providing insights into advanced stages of melanoma, such as potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers, and as in vivo systems for testing of novel therapies. In this review, we summarize how the HGF/SF transgenic mouse has been used to reveal metastasis-regulating activity of four different genes (CDK4R24C, survivin and NME1/NME2) in the context of UV-induced melanoma. We also discuss how these models can potentially yield new strategies for clinical management of melanoma in its most aggressive forms.
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Alamri AM, Kang K, Groeneveld S, Wang W, Zhong X, Kallakury B, Hennighausen L, Liu X, Furth PA. Primary cancer cell culture: mammary-optimized vs conditional reprogramming. Endocr Relat Cancer 2016; 23:535-54. [PMID: 27267121 PMCID: PMC4962879 DOI: 10.1530/erc-16-0071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [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: 05/10/2016] [Accepted: 06/06/2016] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
The impact of different culture conditions on biology of primary cancer cells is not always addressed. Here, conditional reprogramming (CRC) was compared with mammary-optimized EpiCult-B (EpiC) for primary mammary epithelial cell isolation and propagation, allograft generation, and genome-wide transcriptional consequences using cancer and non-cancer mammary tissue from mice with different dosages of Brca1 and p53 Selective comparison to DMEM was included. Primary cultures were established with all three media, but CRC was most efficient for initial isolation (P<0.05). Allograft development was faster using cells grown in EpiC compared with CRC (P<0.05). Transcriptome comparison of paired CRC and EpiC cultures revealed 1700 differentially expressed genes by passage 20. CRC promoted Trp53 gene family upregulation and increased expression of epithelial differentiation genes, whereas EpiC elevated expression of epithelial-mesenchymal transition genes. Differences did not persist in allografts where both methods yielded allografts with relatively similar transcriptomes. Restricting passage (<7) reduced numbers of differentially expressed genes below 50. In conclusion, CRC was most efficient for initial cell isolation but EpiC was quicker for allograft generation. The extensive culture-specific gene expression patterns that emerged with longer passage could be limited by reducing passage number when both culture transcriptomes were equally similar to that of the primary tissue. Defining impact of culture condition and passage on the transcriptome of primary cells could assist experimental design and interpretation. For example, differences that appear with passage and culture condition are potentially exploitable for comparative studies targeting specific biological networks in different transcriptional environments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmad M Alamri
- Department of OncologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA Department of Clinical Laboratory SciencesCollege of Applied Medical Sciences, King Khalid University, Abha, Saudi Arabia
| | - Keunsoo Kang
- Laboratory of Genetics and PhysiologyNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, USA Department of MicrobiologyDankook University, Cheonan, Republic of Korea
| | - Svenja Groeneveld
- Department of OncologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA Department PharmazieLudwig-Maximilians-Universität München, Munich, Germany
| | - Weisheng Wang
- Department of OncologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Xiaogang Zhong
- Department of BiostatisticsBioinformatics and Biomathematics, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Bhaskar Kallakury
- Department of PathologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Lothar Hennighausen
- Laboratory of Genetics and PhysiologyNational Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases, National Institutes of Health, 8 Center Drive, Bethesda, Maryland, USA
| | - Xuefeng Liu
- Department of PathologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
| | - Priscilla A Furth
- Department of OncologyLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA Department of MedicineLombardi Comprehensive Cancer Center, Georgetown University, Washington, District of Columbia, USA
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Wang X, Khatri S, Broaddus R, Wang Z, Hawkins SM. Deletion of Arid1a in Reproductive Tract Mesenchymal Cells Reduces Fertility in Female Mice. Biol Reprod 2016; 94:93. [PMID: 26962117 PMCID: PMC4861168 DOI: 10.1095/biolreprod.115.133637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2015] [Accepted: 03/03/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Women with endometriosis can suffer from decreased fecundity or complete infertility via abnormal oocyte function or impaired placental-uterine interactions required for normal pregnancy establishment and maintenance. Although AT-rich interactive domain 1A (SWI-like) (ARID1A) is a putative tumor suppressor in human endometrial cancers and endometriosis-associated ovarian cancers, little is known about its role in normal uterine function. To study the potential function of ARID1A in the female reproductive tract, we generated mice with a conditional knockout of Arid1a using anti-Müllerian hormone receptor 2-Cre. Female Arid1a conditional knockout mice exhibited a progressive decrease in number of pups per litter, with a precipitous decline after the second litter. We observed no tumors in virgin mice, although one knockout mouse developed a uterine tumor after pregnancy. Unstimulated virgin female knockout mice showed normal oviductal, ovarian, and uterine histology. Uteri of Arid1a knockout mice showed a normal decidualization response and appropriate responses to estradiol and progesterone stimulation. In vitro studies using primary cultures of human endometrial stromal fibroblasts revealed that small interfering RNA knockdown of ARID1A did not affect decidualization in vitro. Timed pregnancy studies revealed the significant resorption of embryos at Embryonic Day 16.5 in knockout mice in the third pregnancy. In addition to evidence of implantation site hemorrhage, pregnant Arid1a knockout mice showed abnormal placental morphology. These results suggest that Arid1a supports successful pregnancy through its role in placental function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiyin Wang
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
| | - Shikha Khatri
- Baylor College of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Houston, Texas
| | - Russell Broaddus
- University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Department of Pathology, Houston, Texas
| | - Zhong Wang
- University of Michigan, Department of Cardiac Surgery, Ann Arbor, Michigan
| | - Shannon M Hawkins
- Indiana University, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Indianapolis, Indiana
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Abstract
Ovarian clear cell carcinoma is a distinct subtype of epithelial ovarian cancer, characterized by an association with endometriosis, glycogen accumulation and resistance to chemotherapy. Key driver events, including ARID1A mutations and HNF1B overexpression, have been recently identified and their functional characterization is ongoing. Additionally, the role of glycogen in promoting the malignant phenotype is coming under scrutiny. Appreciation of the notion that ovarian clear cell carcinoma is essentially an ectopic uterine cancer will hopefully lead to improved animal models of the disease, in turn paving the way for effective treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ioannis Gounaris
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, Robinson Way, Cambridge, CB2 0RE, UK
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Bobbs AS, Cole JM, Cowden Dahl KD. Emerging and Evolving Ovarian Cancer Animal Models. Cancer Growth Metastasis 2015; 8:29-36. [PMID: 26380555 PMCID: PMC4558890 DOI: 10.4137/cgm.s21221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2015] [Revised: 06/25/2015] [Accepted: 06/29/2015] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Ovarian cancer (OC) is the leading cause of death from a gynecological malignancy in the United States. By the time a woman is diagnosed with OC, the tumor has usually metastasized. Mouse models that are used to recapitulate different aspects of human OC have been evolving for nearly 40 years. Xenograft studies in immunocompromised and immunocompetent mice have enhanced our knowledge of metastasis and immune cell involvement in cancer. Patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) can accurately reflect metastasis, response to therapy, and diverse genetics found in patients. Additionally, multiple genetically engineered mouse models have increased our understanding of possible tissues of origin for OC and what role individual mutations play in establishing ovarian tumors. Many of these models are used to test novel therapeutics. As no single model perfectly copies the human disease, we can use a variety of OC animal models in hypothesis testing that will lead to novel treatment options. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the utility of different mouse models in the study of OC and their suitability for cancer research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alexander S Bobbs
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Jennifer M Cole
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA
| | - Karen D Cowden Dahl
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Indiana University School of Medicine-South Bend, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Harper Cancer Research Institute, South Bend, IN, USA. ; Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN, USA. ; Indiana University Melvin and Bren Simon Cancer Center, Indianapolis, IN, USA
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Ohman AW, Hasan N, Dinulescu DM. Advances in tumor screening, imaging, and avatar technologies for high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Front Oncol 2014; 4:322. [PMID: 25478323 PMCID: PMC4235464 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2014.00322] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2014] [Accepted: 10/27/2014] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
The majority of high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma cases are detected in advanced stages when treatment options are limited. Surgery is less effective at eradicating the disease when it is widespread, resulting in high rates of disease relapse and chemoresistance. Current screening techniques are ineffective for early tumor detection and consequently, BRCA mutations carriers, with an increased risk for developing high-grade serous ovarian cancer, elect to undergo risk-reducing surgery. While prophylactic surgery is associated with a significant reduction in the risk of cancer development, it also results in surgical menopause and significant adverse side effects. The development of efficient early-stage screening protocols and imaging technologies is critical to improving the outcome and quality of life for current patients and women at increased risk. In addition, more accurate animal models are necessary in order to provide relevant in vivo testing systems and advance our understanding of the disease origin and progression. Moreover, both genetically engineered and tumor xenograft animal models enable the preclinical testing of novel imaging techniques and molecularly targeted therapies as they become available. Recent advances in xenograft technologies have made possible the creation of avatar mice, personalized tumorgrafts, which can be used as therapy testing surrogates for individual patients prior to or during treatment. High-grade serous ovarian cancer may be an ideal candidate for use with avatar models based on key characteristics of the tumorgraft platform. This review explores multiple strategies, including novel imaging and screening technologies in both patients and animal models, aimed at detecting cancer in the early-stages and improving the disease prognosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anders W Ohman
- Division of Women's and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Eugene Braunwald Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Noor Hasan
- Division of Women's and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Eugene Braunwald Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
| | - Daniela M Dinulescu
- Division of Women's and Perinatal Pathology, Department of Pathology, Eugene Braunwald Research Center, Brigham and Women's Hospital, Harvard Medical School , Boston, MA , USA
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Roper J, Martin ES, Hung KE. Overview of genetically engineered mouse models of colorectal carcinoma to enable translational biology and drug development. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 65:14.29.1-10. [PMID: 24934606 DOI: 10.1002/0471141755.ph1429s65] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
Preclinical models for colorectal cancer (CRC) are critical for translational biology and drug development studies to characterize and treat this condition. Mouse models of human cancer are particularly popular because of their relatively low cost, short life span, and ease of use. Genetically engineered mouse models (GEMMs) of CRC are engineered from germline or somatic modification of critical tumor suppressor genes and/or oncogenes that drive mutations in human disease. Detailed in this overview are the salient features of several useful colorectal cancer GEMMs and their value as tools for translational biology and preclinical drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jatin Roper
- Division of Gastroenterology and Molecular Oncology Research Institute, Tufts Medical Center, Boston, Massachusetts
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Watson AL, Anderson LK, Greeley AD, Keng VW, Rahrmann EP, Halfond AL, Powell NM, Collins MH, Rizvi T, Moertel CL, Ratner N, Largaespada DA. Co-targeting the MAPK and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways in two genetically engineered mouse models of schwann cell tumors reduces tumor grade and multiplicity. Oncotarget 2014; 5:1502-14. [PMID: 24681606 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.1609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumors (MPNSTs) are soft tissue sarcomas that occur spontaneously, or from benign plexiform neurofibromas, in the context of the genetic disorder Neurofibromatosis Type 1 (NF1). The current standard treatment includes surgical resection, high-dose chemotherapy, and/or radiation. To date, most targeted therapies have failed to demonstrate effectiveness against plexiform neurofibromas and MPNSTs. Recently, several studies suggested that the mTOR and MAPK pathways are involved in the formation and progression of MPNSTs. Everolimus (RAD001) inhibits the mTOR and is currently FDA approved for several types of solid tumors. PD-0325901 (PD-901) inhibits MEK, a component of the MAPK pathway, and is currently in clinical trials. Here, we show in vitro than MPNST cell lines are more sensitive to inhibition of cellular growth by Everolimus and PD-901 than immortalized human Schwann cells. In combination, these drugs synergistically inhibit cell growth and induce apoptosis. In two genetically engineered mouse models of MPNST formation, modeling both sporadic and NF1-associated MPNSTs, Everolimus, or PD-901 treatment alone each transiently reduced tumor burden and size, and extended lifespan. However, prolonged treatment of each single agent resulted in the development of resistance and reactivation of target pathways. Combination therapy using Everolimus and PD-901 had synergistic effects on reducing tumor burden and size, and increased lifespan. Combination therapy allowed persistent and prolonged reduction in signaling through both pathways. These data suggest that co-targeting mTOR and MEK may be effective in patients with sporadic or NF1-associated MPNSTs.
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