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Conca V, Ciracì P, Boccaccio C, Minelli A, Antoniotti C, Cremolini C. Waiting for the "liquid revolution" in the adjuvant treatment of colon cancer patients: a review of ongoing trials. Cancer Treat Rev 2024; 126:102735. [PMID: 38613871 DOI: 10.1016/j.ctrv.2024.102735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/01/2023] [Revised: 04/02/2024] [Accepted: 04/03/2024] [Indexed: 04/15/2024]
Abstract
Since colon cancer has a high rate of shedding of tumour fragments into the blood, several research efforts are now focused on the investigation of the minimal residual disease through the detection of ctDNA to tailor the adjuvant therapy of colon cancer patients and optimize its cost/effectiveness balance. The negative prognostic impact of detectable ctDNA in patients' blood after radical surgery for colon cancer is well established. Several clinical trials adopting heterogeneous designs and techniques are now ongoing to translate promises into daily practice by answering five general questions: i) is a ctDNA-guided decision making efficacious in the post-operative management of colon cancer patients? ii) are de-escalation strategies possible in ctDNA-negative cases? iii) are escalation strategies useful to improve the prognosis of ctDNA-positive patients? iv) when MRD is identified at the end of the adjuvant chemotherapy, is another post-adjuvant systemic therapy efficacious? v) can we exploit ctDNA technologies in the follow up of colon cancer patients? This review focuses on currently ongoing trials and how their results may affect the ctDNA "liquid revolution" of early colon cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- V Conca
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - P Ciracì
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Boccaccio
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - A Minelli
- Division of Medical Oncology, Policlinico Universitario Campus Bio-Medico, Rome, Italy
| | - C Antoniotti
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy
| | - C Cremolini
- Unit of Medical Oncology 2, Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana, Pisa, Italy; Department of Translational Research and New Technologies in Medicine and Surgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy.
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2
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De Bacco F, Orzan F, Casanova E, Prelli M, Boccaccio C. Protocol for in vitro establishment of heterogeneous stem-like cultures derived from whole human glioblastoma tumors. STAR Protoc 2023; 4:102705. [PMID: 37971942 PMCID: PMC10684815 DOI: 10.1016/j.xpro.2023.102705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2023] [Revised: 09/13/2023] [Accepted: 10/20/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Cultures enriched in glioblastoma stem-like cells (GSCs) are prominent in vitro models to investigate molecular determinants and therapeutic targets of glioblastoma; however, conventional GSC derivation protocols fail to preserve GSC heterogeneity. Here, we present a protocol for the propagation of heterogeneous GSC cultures starting from cell resuspensions containing the entire tumor mass. We describe steps for isolation of GSCs and their maintenance and expansion in culture. We then detail procedures for preliminary analysis to be performed on freshly isolated material. For complete details on the use and execution of this protocol, please refer to De Bacco et al.1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
| | - Elena Casanova
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
| | - Marta Prelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060 Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
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3
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De Bacco F, Orzan F, Crisafulli G, Prelli M, Isella C, Casanova E, Albano R, Reato G, Erriquez J, D'Ambrosio A, Panero M, Dall'Aglio C, Casorzo L, Cominelli M, Pagani F, Melcarne A, Zeppa P, Altieri R, Morra I, Cassoni P, Garbossa D, Cassisa A, Bartolini A, Pellegatta S, Comoglio PM, Finocchiaro G, Poliani PL, Boccaccio C. Coexisting cancer stem cells with heterogeneous gene amplifications, transcriptional profiles, and malignancy are isolated from single glioblastomas. Cell Rep 2023; 42:112816. [PMID: 37505981 DOI: 10.1016/j.celrep.2023.112816] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/16/2022] [Revised: 04/05/2023] [Accepted: 06/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) is known as an intractable, highly heterogeneous tumor encompassing multiple subclones, each supported by a distinct glioblastoma stem cell (GSC). The contribution of GSC genetic and transcriptional heterogeneity to tumor subclonal properties is debated. In this study, we describe the systematic derivation, propagation, and characterization of multiple distinct GSCs from single, treatment-naive GBMs (GSC families). The tumorigenic potential of each GSC better correlates with its transcriptional profile than its genetic make-up, with classical GSCs being inherently more aggressive and mesenchymal more dependent on exogenous growth factors across multiple GBMs. These GSCs can segregate and recapitulate different histopathological aspects of the same GBM, as shown in a paradigmatic tumor with two histopathologically distinct components, including a conventional GBM and a more aggressive primitive neuronal component. This study provides a resource for investigating how GSCs with distinct genetic and/or phenotypic features contribute to individual GBM heterogeneity and malignant escalation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Marta Prelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Jessica Erriquez
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carmine Dall'Aglio
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca Pagani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Antonio Melcarne
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Pietro Zeppa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Roberto Altieri
- Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Isabella Morra
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Paola Cassoni
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Diego Garbossa
- Neurosurgery Unit, Città della Salute e della Scienza University Hospital, 10126 Turin, Italy; Department of Neurosciences, University of Turin, 10126 Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Cassisa
- Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alice Bartolini
- Core Facilities, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Immunotherapy of Brain Tumors, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, 20133 Milan, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- IFOM ETS - The AIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20139 Milan, Italy
| | | | - Pietro L Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, 25123 Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy.
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4
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Brundu S, Napolitano V, Franzolin G, Lo Cascio E, Mastrantonio R, Sardo G, Cascardi E, Verginelli F, Sarnataro S, Gambardella G, Pisacane A, Arcovito A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM, Giraudo E, Tamagnone L. Mutated axon guidance gene PLXNB2 sustains growth and invasiveness of stem cells isolated from cancers of unknown primary. EMBO Mol Med 2023; 15:e16104. [PMID: 36722641 PMCID: PMC9994481 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.202216104] [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] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 12/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The genetic changes sustaining the development of cancers of unknown primary (CUP) remain elusive. The whole-exome genomic profiling of 14 rigorously selected CUP samples did not reveal specific recurring mutation in known driver genes. However, by comparing the mutational landscape of CUPs with that of most other human tumor types, it emerged a consistent enrichment of changes in genes belonging to the axon guidance KEGG pathway. In particular, G842C mutation of PlexinB2 (PlxnB2) was predicted to be activating. Indeed, knocking down the mutated, but not the wild-type, PlxnB2 in CUP stem cells resulted in the impairment of self-renewal and proliferation in culture, as well as tumorigenic capacity in mice. Conversely, the genetic transfer of G842C-PlxnB2 was sufficient to promote CUP stem cell proliferation and tumorigenesis in mice. Notably, G842C-PlxnB2 expression in CUP cells was associated with basal EGFR phosphorylation, and EGFR blockade impaired the viability of CUP cells reliant on the mutated receptor. Moreover, the mutated PlxnB2 elicited CUP cell invasiveness, blocked by EGFR inhibitor treatment. In sum, we found that a novel activating mutation of the axon guidance gene PLXNB2 sustains proliferative autonomy and confers invasive properties to stem cells isolated from cancers of unknown primary, in EGFR-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Virginia Napolitano
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | | | - Ettore Lo Cascio
- Department of Biotechnological Sciences and Intensive CareUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | - Roberta Mastrantonio
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
| | | | - Eliano Cascardi
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of Medical SciencesUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | | | | | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetic and MedicinePozzuoliItaly
- Department of Electrical Engineering and Information TechnologyUniversity of Naples Federico IINaplesItaly
| | | | - Alessandro Arcovito
- Department of Biotechnological Sciences and Intensive CareUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli (FPG) – IRCCSRomeItaly
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of OncologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | | | - Enrico Giraudo
- Candiolo Cancer InstituteFPO‐IRCCSTurinItaly
- Department of Science and Drug TechnologyUniversity of TurinTurinItaly
| | - Luca Tamagnone
- Department of Life Sciences and Public HealthUniversità Cattolica del Sacro CuoreRomeItaly
- Fondazione Policlinico Gemelli (FPG) – IRCCSRomeItaly
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5
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Candiello E, Reato G, Verginelli F, Gambardella G, D Ambrosio A, Calandra N, Orzan F, Iuliano A, Albano R, Sassi F, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. MicroRNA 483-3p overexpression unleashes invasive growth of metastatic colorectal cancer via NDRG1 downregulation and ensuing activation of the ERBB3/AKT axis. Mol Oncol 2023. [PMID: 36862005 DOI: 10.1002/1878-0261.13408] [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: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/27/2023] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, the mechanisms underlying tumor aggressiveness require further elucidation. Taking advantage of a large panel of human metastatic colorectal cancer xenografts and matched stem-like cell cultures (m-colospheres), here we show that the overexpression of microRNA 483-3p (miRNA-483-3p; also known as MIR-483-3p), encoded by a frequently amplified gene locus, confers an aggressive phenotype. In m-colospheres, endogenous or ectopic miRNA-483-3p overexpression increased proliferative response, invasiveness, stem cell frequency, and resistance to differentiation. Transcriptomic analyses and functional validation found that miRNA-483-3p directly targets NDRG1, known as a metastasis suppressor involved in EGFR family downregulation. Mechanistically, miRNA-483-3p overexpression induced the signaling pathway triggered by ERBB3, including AKT and GSK3β, and led to the activation of transcription factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Consistently, treatment with selective anti-ERBB3 antibodies counteracted the invasive growth of miRNA-483-3p-overexpressing m-colospheres. In human colorectal tumors, miRNA-483-3p expression inversely correlated with NDRG1 and directly correlated with EMT transcription factor expression and poor prognosis. These results unveil a previously unrecognized link between miRNA-483-3p, NDRG1, and ERBB3-AKT signaling that can directly support colorectal cancer invasion and is amenable to therapeutic targeting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Candiello
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Naples, Italy.,Department of Chemical Materials and Industrial Engineering, University of Naples Federico II, Italy
| | - Antonio D Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Noemi Calandra
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Raffaella Albano
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy.,Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Italy
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6
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Pisacane A, Cascardi E, Berrino E, Polidori A, Sarotto I, Casorzo L, Panero M, Boccaccio C, Verginelli F, Benvenuti S, Dellino M, Comoglio P, Montemurro F, Geuna E, Marchiò C, Sapino A. Correction to: Real-world histopathological approach to malignancy of undefined primary origin (MUO) to diagnose cancers of unknown primary (CUPs). Virchows Arch 2023; 482:477. [PMID: 36527467 PMCID: PMC10033616 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03475-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pisacane
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy.
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Polidori
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Comoglio
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20019, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elena Geuna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
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7
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Pisacane A, Cascardi E, Berrino E, Polidori A, Sarotto I, Casorzo L, Panero M, Boccaccio C, Verginelli F, Benvenuti S, Dellino M, Comoglio P, Montemurro F, Geuna E, Marchiò C, Sapino A. Real-world histopathological approach to malignancy of undefined primary origin (MUO) to diagnose cancers of unknown primary (CUPs). Virchows Arch 2023; 482:463-475. [PMID: 36346458 PMCID: PMC9640798 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-022-03435-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [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: 07/22/2022] [Revised: 10/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The aim of this study is to envisage a streamlined pathological workup to rule out CUPs in patients presenting with MUOs. Sixty-four MUOs were classified using standard histopathology. Clinical data, immunocytochemical markers, and results of molecular analysis were recorded. MUOs were histologically subdivided in clear-cut carcinomas (40 adenocarcinomas, 11 squamous, and 3 neuroendocrine carcinomas) and unclear-carcinoma features (5 undifferentiated and 5 sarcomatoid tumors). Cytohistology of 7/40 adenocarcinomas suggested an early metastatic cancer per se. In 33/40 adenocarcinomas, CK7/CK20 expression pattern, gender, and metastasis sites influenced tissue-specific marker selection. In 23/40 adenocarcinomas, a "putative-immunophenotype" of tissue of origin addressed clinical-diagnostic examinations, identifying 9 early metastatic cancers. Cell lineage markers were used to confirm squamous and neuroendocrine differentiation. Pan-cytokeratins were used to confirm the epithelial nature of poorly differentiated tumors, followed by tissue and cell lineage markers, which identified one melanoma. In total, 47/64 MUOs (73.4%) were confirmed CUP. Molecular analysis, feasible in 37/47 CUPs (78.7%), had no diagnostic impact. Twenty CUP patients, mainly with squamous carcinomas and adenocarcinomas with putative-gynecologic-immunophenotypes, presented with only lymph node metastases and had longer median time to progression and overall survival (< 0.001), compared with patients with other metastatic patterns. We propose a simplified histology-driven workup which could efficiently rule out CUPs and identify early metastatic cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Pisacane
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Eliano Cascardi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy.
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy.
| | - Enrico Berrino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Alessio Polidori
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Silvia Benvenuti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Miriam Dellino
- Department of Biomedical Sciences and Human Oncology, University of Bari "Aldo Moro", Bari, Italy
| | - Paolo Comoglio
- IFOM, FIRC Institute of Molecular Oncology, 20019, Milan, Italy
| | | | - Elena Geuna
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
| | - Caterina Marchiò
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, 10060, Candiolo, Turin, Italy
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, 10100, Turin, Italy
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8
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Orzan F, De Bacco F, Lazzarini E, Crisafulli G, Gasparini A, Dipasquale A, Barault L, Macagno M, Persico P, Pessina F, Bono B, Giordano L, Zeppa P, Melcarne A, Cassoni P, Garbossa D, Santoro A, Comoglio PM, Indraccolo S, Simonelli M, Boccaccio C. Liquid biopsy of cerebrospinal fluid enables selective profiling of glioma molecular subtypes at first clinical presentation. Clin Cancer Res 2023; 29:1252-1266. [PMID: 36648487 PMCID: PMC10068436 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-22-2903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2023] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Current glioma diagnostic guidelines call for molecular profiling to stratify patients into prognostic and treatment subgroups. In case the tumor tissue is inaccessible, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) has been proposed as a reliable tumor DNA source for liquid biopsy. We prospectively investigated the use of CSF for molecular characterization of newly diagnosed gliomas. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN We recruited two cohorts of newly diagnosed glioma patients, one (n=45) providing CSF collected in proximity of the tumor, the other (n=39) CSF collected by lumbar puncture. Both cohorts provided tumor tissues by surgery concomitant with CSF sampling. DNA samples retrieved from CSF and matched tumors were systematically characterized and compared by comprehensive (NGS) or targeted (ddPCR) methodologies. Conventional and molecular diagnosis outcomes were compared. RESULTS We report that tumor DNA is abundant in CSF close to the tumor, but scanty and mostly below NGS sensitivity threshold in CSF from lumbar puncture. Indeed, tumor DNA is 15 mostly released by cells invading liquoral spaces, generating a gradient that attenuates by departing from the tumor. Nevertheless, in >60% of lumbar puncture CSF samples, tumor DNA is sufficient to assess a selected panel of genetic alterations (IDH and TERT promoter mutations, EGFR amplification, CDKN2A/B deletion: ITEC protocol) and MGMT methylation that, combined with imaging, enable tissue-agnostic identification of main glioma molecular subtypes. CONCLUSIONS This study shows potentialities and limitations of CSF liquid biopsy in achieving molecular characterization of gliomas at first clinical presentation and proposes a protocol to maximize diagnostic information retrievable from CSF DNA.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Istituto di Candiolo, FPO-IRCCS, University of Torino, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Marco Macagno
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo, -- select state --, Italy
| | | | | | - Beatrice Bono
- IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Laura Giordano
- Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, Rozzano, Milan, Italy
| | - Pietro Zeppa
- University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Matteo Simonelli
- Humanitas University, Pieve Emanuele; and Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center, IRCCS, Rozzano, Pieve Emanuele, Milan, Italy
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9
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Altintas DM, Gallo S, Basilico C, Cerqua M, Bocedi A, Vitacolonna A, Botti O, Casanova E, Rancati I, Milanese C, Notari S, Gambardella G, Ricci G, Mastroberardino PG, Boccaccio C, Crepaldi T, Comoglio PM. The PSI Domain of the MET Oncogene Encodes a Functional Disulfide Isomerase Essential for the Maturation of the Receptor Precursor. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232012427. [PMID: 36293286 PMCID: PMC9604360 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232012427] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/28/2022] [Accepted: 10/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
The tyrosine kinase receptor encoded by the MET oncogene has been extensively studied. Surprisingly, one extracellular domain, PSI, evolutionary conserved between plexins, semaphorins, and integrins, has no established function. The MET PSI sequence contains two CXXC motifs, usually found in protein disulfide isomerases (PDI). Using a scrambled oxidized RNAse enzymatic activity assay in vitro, we show, for the first time, that the MET extracellular domain displays disulfide isomerase activity, abolished by PSI domain antibodies. PSI domain deletion or mutations of CXXC sites to AXXA or SXXS result in a significant impairment of the cleavage of the MET 175 kDa precursor protein, abolishing the maturation of α and β chains, of, respectively, 50 kDa and 145 kDa, disulfide-linked. The uncleaved precursor is stuck in the Golgi apparatus and, interestingly, is constitutively phosphorylated. However, no signal transduction is observed as measured by AKT and MAPK phosphorylation. Consequently, biological responses to the MET ligand—hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)—such as growth and epithelial to mesenchymal transition, are hampered. These data show that the MET PSI domain is functional and is required for the maturation, surface expression, and biological functions of the MET oncogenic protein.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dogus Murat Altintas
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.A.); (P.M.C.)
| | - Simona Gallo
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | | | - Marina Cerqua
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Alessio Bocedi
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Annapia Vitacolonna
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Orsola Botti
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ilaria Rancati
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Chiara Milanese
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Sara Notari
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgia Gambardella
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Giorgio Ricci
- Department of Chemical Sciences and Technologies, University of Rome “Tor Vergata”, 00133 Rome, Italy
| | - Pier Giorgio Mastroberardino
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Department of Life, Health, and Environmental Sciences, University of L’Aquila, 67100 L’Aquila, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Tiziana Crepaldi
- Department of Oncology, University of Turin, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Strada Provinciale 142, 10060 Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo Maria Comoglio
- IFOM, FIRC Institute for Molecular Oncology, Via Adamello 16, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Correspondence: (D.M.A.); (P.M.C.)
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10
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Cerqua M, Botti O, Arigoni M, Gioelli N, Serini G, Calogero R, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM, Altintas DM. MET∆14 promotes a ligand-dependent, AKT-driven invasive growth. Life Sci Alliance 2022; 5:5/10/e202201409. [PMID: 35636967 PMCID: PMC9152130 DOI: 10.26508/lsa.202201409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Revised: 05/13/2022] [Accepted: 05/17/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
MET is an oncogene encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). Upon ligand binding, MET activates multiple signal transducers, including PI3K/AKT, STAT3, and MAPK. When mutated or amplified, MET becomes a "driver" for the onset and progression of cancer. The most frequent mutations in the MET gene affect the splicing sites of exon 14, leading to the deletion of the receptor's juxtamembrane domain (MET∆14). It is currently believed that, as in gene amplification, MET∆14 kinase is constitutively active. Our analysis of MET in carcinoma cell lines showed that MET∆14 strictly depends on HGF for kinase activation. Compared with wt MET, ∆14 is sensitive to lower HGF concentrations, with more sustained kinase response. Using three different models, we have demonstrated that MET∆14 activation leads to robust phosphorylation of AKT, leading to a distinctive transcriptomic signature. Functional studies revealed that ∆14 activation is predominantly responsible for enhanced protection from apoptosis and cellular migration. Thus, the unique HGF-dependent ∆14 oncogenic activity suggests consideration of HGF in the tumour microenvironment to select patients for clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Cerqua
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Orsola Botti
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Maddalena Arigoni
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Noemi Gioelli
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Guido Serini
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-Fondazione del Piemonte per l'Oncologia, Istituto di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, Turin, Italy
| | - Raffaele Calogero
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, Fondazione Piemontese per Oncologia - Istituti di Ricovero e Cura a Carattere Scientifico (FPO-IRCCS), Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Turin, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
| | - Dogus M Altintas
- Istituto Fondazione di Oncologia Molecolare - La Fondazione Italiana per la Ricerca sul Cancro (IFOM - FIRC) Institute of Molecular Oncology, Milano, Italy
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11
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De Bacco F, Boccaccio C. ERBB3 as a therapeutic target in glioblastoma: overexpression can make the difference. Mol Cell Oncol 2021; 8:1990677. [PMID: 34859149 PMCID: PMC8632286 DOI: 10.1080/23723556.2021.1990677] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
By exploiting an integrated experimental platform based on patient-derived cancer stem cells, we identified a glioblastoma subset characterized by inheritable Erb-B2 Receptor Tyrosine Kinase 3 (ERBB3) overexpression, metabolic dependency on ERBB3 signaling, and liability to ERBB3 targeting. We provide insights on why some glioblastomas may rely on ERBB3 and how to recognize them.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Turin, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Turin, Italy
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12
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De Bacco F, Orzan F, Erriquez J, Casanova E, Barault L, Albano R, D'Ambrosio A, Bigatto V, Reato G, Patané M, Pollo B, Kuesters G, Dell'Aglio C, Casorzo L, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 942: ErbB3 overexpression unleashed by miR-205 epigenetic silencing is a therapeutic target in glioblastoma. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In glioblastoma (GBM), the most frequent and lethal brain tumor, targeted therapies suppressing commonly altered signaling pathways has remained so far disappointing. However, in selected patient subsets, specific genetic alterations can confer sensitivity to targeted agents. In this study, by generating an integrated model based on patient-derived stem-like cells, faithfully recapitulating the original GBMs in vitro and in vivo, we identified a human GBM subset (around 9% of all GBMs) characterized by ERBB3 overexpression and nuclear accumulation. This was driven by inheritable epigenetic or post-transcriptional silencing of the oncosuppressor miR-205 and sustained the malignant phenotype. Unexpectedly, ERBB3, known to be devoid of autonomous signaling properties, was overexpressed in the absence of the other members of the EGFR family, but behaved as a specific signaling platform for FGFRs. ERBB3/FGFR dimerization led to hyperactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and consequent upregulation of glycolysis, oxidative metabolism and de novo fatty acid biosynthesis. Treatment with a specific antibody (MM121) preventing ERBB3 association with FGFR caused metabolic shutdown and consequent proliferative arrest and apoptosis induction in vitro. Moreover, experimental tumors regenerated through ERBB3 overexpressing stem-like cell transplantation reproduced the features of the original GBMs and, upon treatment with the anti-ERBB3 antibody, significantly regressed. These findings identify a subset of GBM patients where exploitation of an ERBB3-targeted therapy could be effective.
Citation Format: Francesca De Bacco, Francesca Orzan, Jessica Erriquez, Elena Casanova, Ludovic Barault, Raffaella Albano, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Viola Bigatto, Gigliola Reato, Monica Patané, Bianca Pollo, Geoffrey Kuesters, Carmine Dell'Aglio, Laura Casorzo, Serena Pellegatta, Gaetano Finocchiaro, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. ErbB3 overexpression unleashed by miR-205 epigenetic silencing is a therapeutic target in glioblastoma [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 942.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Elena Casanova
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | | | | | | | - Viola Bigatto
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
| | - Monica Patané
- 2Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan (MI), Italy
| | - Bianca Pollo
- 2Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan (MI), Italy
| | | | | | - Laura Casorzo
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (To), Italy
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13
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D'Ambrosio A, Verginelli F, Orzan F, Albano R, Casanova E, Luraghi P, De Bacco F, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Senetta R, Sapino A, Mastro ED, Gatti M, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 1387: MET inhibition radiosensitizes KRAS-mutant rectal cancer. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-1387] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Rectal carcinoma, representing about a third of all newly diagnosed colorectal cancers, is one of the most common malignant tumors. The standard of care for locally advanced rectal cancer (LARC), consisting of neoadjuvant chemo/radiotherapy prior to surgical resection, is poorly effective, leading to complete tumor regression only in 10-30% of the cases. Approximately 40% of LARC harbor activating KRAS mutations, which have been extensively associated with primary resistance to targeted EGFR therapy and with radioresistance as well. Previous work showed that the MET receptor tyrosine kinase supports radioresistance and can be inhibited to radiosensitize tumor cell subpopulations retaining stem-like properties. Here, we show that LARC often express high levels of MET and can be successfully radiosensitized by MET inhibition. This was assessed in rectal stem-like cells isolated from human tumors (rectospheres), and transplanted in the mouse to regenerate tumors that faithfully reproduce the phenotype, the genotype and the therapeutic response of the original tumor. Mechanistically, we found that radioresistant KRAS-mutant rectospheres display significantly higher basal levels of RAD51, a master regulator of DNA homologous recombination repair, and increased RAD51 recruitment to irradiation-induced DNA double-strand breaks, as compared with KRAS-wild type rectospheres. Importantly, we showed that MET pharmacological inhibition by small-molecule kinase inhibitors, combined with radiotherapy, impairs RAD51 expression and function. This leads to DNA damage accumulation and results in effective radiosensitization of K-RAS-mutant rectal stem-like cells in vitro and in vivo, and significant inhibition of experimental tumors. Therefore, preclinical evidence is provided that MET can be exploited as a therapeutic target to radiosensitize KRAS-mutant rectal cancer at stem-like cell level.
Citation Format: Antonio D'Ambrosio, Federica Verginelli, Francesca Orzan, Raffaella Albano, Elena Casanova, Paolo Luraghi, Francesca De Bacco, Andrea Bertotti, Livio Trusolino, Rebecca Senetta, Anna Sapino, Elena Del Mastro, Marco Gatti, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. MET inhibition radiosensitizes KRAS-mutant rectal cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 1387.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonio D'Ambrosio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- 2Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- 2Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- 3Unit of Pathology FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- 3Unit of Pathology FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Del Mastro
- 4Unit of Radiotherapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Marco Gatti
- 4Unit of Radiotherapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- 5Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research FPO-IRCCS Candiolo Cancer Institute, Candiolo, Italy
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14
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Candiello E, Reato G, Verginelli F, D'Ambrosio A, Gambardella G, Albano R, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. Abstract 2358: miRNA-483-3p overexpression unleashes invasiveness of metastatic colorectal cancer by NDRG1 targeting and upregulation of the HER3-AKT axis. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
In colorectal cancer, the genetic mechanisms underlying the metastatic switch are still poorly understood. Here we show that overexpression of miRNA-483-3p, encoded by a frequently amplified gene locus encompassing also insulin-like growth factor 2, confers an aggressive phenotype to stem-like cells derived from colorectal cancer metastases (m-colospheres). As result of miRNA-483-3p ectopic overexpression, m-colospheres displayed (i) increased proliferative response to exogenous EGFR family ligands EGF and NRG1; (ii) increased spontaneous and growth factor-induced in vitro invasiveness and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT); (iii) enhanced stem-cell frequency and resistance to differentiation. By transcriptomic analyses and functional validation, we found that miRNA-483-3p targets NDRG1, a known ‘metastasis suppressor', which is responsible for degradation of EGFR family members, in particular HER3. As result, ectopic or native miRNA-483-3p overexpression was associated with hyper-activation of the signaling pathway triggered by HER3, including AKT and GSK3β, responsible for activation of EMT transcription factors. Consistently, treatment of miRNA-483-3p overexpressing m-colospheres with HER3 specific antibodies counteracted their proliferative and invasive phenotype. The pro-invasive role of miRNA-483-3p in patients was further confirmed by (i) analysis of colorectal tumors, where miRNA-483-3p expression levels directly correlated with expression of EMT transcription factors and poor-prognosis, and (ii) downregulation of naturally occurring miRNA-483-3p overexpression, which prevented invasion of tumors formed by m-colosphere transplantation. These results indicate that miRNA-483-3p can support colorectal cancer invasion through a signaling pathway amenable to targeting in human patients.
Citation Format: Ermes Candiello, Gigliola Reato, Federica Verginelli, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Gennaro Gambardella, Raffaella Albano, Paolo Luraghi, Paolo M. Comoglio, Andrea Bertotti, Livio Trusolino, Carla Boccaccio. miRNA-483-3p overexpression unleashes invasiveness of metastatic colorectal cancer by NDRG1 targeting and upregulation of the HER3-AKT axis [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2358.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ermes Candiello
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | - Paolo Luraghi
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- 4Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- 5Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- 5Laboratory of Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- 1Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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15
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Verginelli F, Pisacane A, Gambardella G, D'Ambrosio A, Candiello E, Ferrio M, Panero M, Casorzo L, Benvenuti S, Cascardi E, Senetta R, Geuna E, Ballabio A, Montemurro F, Sapino A, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract 2871: Hypermetastatic stem-like cells from 'cancer of unknown primary' (CUP) model multi-organ dissemination and unveil liability to MEK inhibition. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-2871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Cancers of Unknown Primary (CUPs), featuring metastatic dissemination in the absence of a primary tumor, anatomically or histologically recognizable through a standardized work-up, are a fatal disease and still a biological enigma. Here, we propose CUPs as a distinct, yet unrecognized, pathological entity originating from stem-like cells endowed with unique properties, irrespective of their different genetic backgrounds. These cells were isolated and long-term propagated in vitro in highly stringent conditions as ‘agnospheres', and serially transplanted in vivo, displaying an extremely high tumorigenic potential and reproducing the undifferentiated histology of the original tumors. Early after subcutaneous engraftment, agnospheres recapitulated the CUP clinical presentation, as they spontaneously and quickly disseminated, establishing widespread metastases and retracing the whole metastatic cascade. Agnospheres invariably displayed cell-autonomous proliferation and self-renewal, mostly relying on unrestrained activation of the MAP kinase/MYC axis. This feature conferred sensitivity to MEK inhibitors, which induced apoptosis in vitro and impaired in vivo growth and dissemination. We generated and validated a transcriptional signature that, applied to original tumors, predicts eligibility to MEK inhibition in 75% of CUP patients. Altogether, these findings shed light on CUP biology, unveiling an opportunity for a targeted therapeutic intervention and, concomitantly, provide a novel in vivo model, suitable for assessing molecular determinants of the metastatic cascade.
Citation Format: Federica Verginelli, Alberto Pisacane, Gennaro Gambardella, Antonio D'Ambrosio, Ermes Candiello, Marco Ferrio, Mara Panero, Laura Casorzo, Silvia Benvenuti, Eliano Cascardi, Rebecca Senetta, Elena Geuna, Andrea Ballabio, Filippo Montemurro, Anna Sapino, Paolo M. Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. Hypermetastatic stem-like cells from 'cancer of unknown primary' (CUP) model multi-organ dissemination and unveil liability to MEK inhibition [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2021; 2021 Apr 10-15 and May 17-21. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2021;81(13_Suppl):Abstract nr 2871.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Marco Ferrio
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Mara Panero
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Laura Casorzo
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Elena Geuna
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Andrea Ballabio
- 2Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli, Italy
| | | | - Anna Sapino
- 1Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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16
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Orzan F, Pagani F, Cominelli M, Triggiani L, Calza S, De Bacco F, Medicina D, Balzarini P, Panciani PP, Liserre R, Buglione M, Fontanella MM, Medico E, Galli R, Isella C, Boccaccio C, Poliani PL. A simplified integrated molecular and immunohistochemistry-based algorithm allows high accuracy prediction of glioblastoma transcriptional subtypes. J Transl Med 2020; 100:1330-1344. [PMID: 32404931 DOI: 10.1038/s41374-020-0437-0] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/10/2020] [Revised: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 04/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Glioblastomas (GBM) can be classified into three major transcriptional subgroups (proneural, mesenchymal, classical), underlying different molecular alterations, prognosis, and response to therapy. However, transcriptional analysis is not routinely feasible and assessment of a simplified method for glioblastoma subclassification is required. We propose an integrated molecular and immunohistochemical approach aimed at identifying GBM subtypes in routine paraffin-embedded material. RNA-sequencing analysis was performed on representative samples (n = 51) by means of a "glioblastoma transcriptional subtypes (GliTS) redux" custom gene signature including a restricted number (n = 90) of upregulated genes validated on the TCGA dataset. With this dataset, immunohistochemical profiles, based on expression of a restricted panel of gene classifiers, were integrated by a machine-learning approach to generate a GliTS based on protein quantification that allowed an efficient GliTS assignment when applied to an extended cohort (n = 197). GliTS redux maintained high levels of correspondence with the original GliTS classification using the TCGA dataset. The machine-learning approach designed an immunohistochemical (IHC)-based classification, whose concordance was 79.5% with the transcriptional- based classification, and reached 90% for the mesenchymal subgroup. Distribution and survival of GliTS were in line with reported data, with the mesenchymal subgroup given the worst prognosis. Notably, the algorithm allowed the identification of cases with comparable probability to be assigned to different GliTS, thus falling within overlapping regions and reflecting an extreme heterogeneous phenotype that mirrors the underlying genetic and biological tumor heterogeneity. Indeed, while mesenchymal and classical subgroups were well segregated, the proneural types frequently showed a mixed proneural/classical phenotype, predicted as proneural by the algorithm, but with comparable probability of being assigned to the classical subtype. These cases, characterized by concomitant high expression of EGFR and proneural biomarkers, showed lower survival. Collectively, these data indicate that a restricted panel of highly sensitive immunohistochemical markers can efficiently predict GliTS with high accuracy and significant association with different clinical outcomes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Pagani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Luca Triggiani
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Stefano Calza
- Biostatistics & Bioinformatics Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniela Medicina
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Piera Balzarini
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pier Paolo Panciani
- Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | | | - Michela Buglione
- Radiation Oncology, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Marco Maria Fontanella
- Neurosurgery, Department of Medical and Surgical Specialties, Radiological Sciences and Public Health, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Brescia, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Rossella Galli
- Neural Stem Cell Biology Unit, Division of Regenerative Medicine, Stem Cells and Gene Therapy, San Raffaele Scientific Institute, Brescia, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Laboratory of Oncogenomics, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Brescia, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO IRCCS, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Torino, Italy
| | - Pietro Luigi Poliani
- Pathology Unit, Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy.
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17
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Lupo B, Sassi F, Pinnelli M, Galimi F, Zanella ER, Vurchio V, Migliardi G, Gagliardi PA, Puliafito A, Manganaro D, Luraghi P, Kragh M, Pedersen MW, Horak ID, Boccaccio C, Medico E, Primo L, Nichol D, Spiteri I, Heide T, Vatsiou A, Graham TA, Élez E, Argiles G, Nuciforo P, Sottoriva A, Dienstmann R, Pasini D, Grassi E, Isella C, Bertotti A, Trusolino L. Colorectal cancer residual disease at maximal response to EGFR blockade displays a druggable Paneth cell-like phenotype. Sci Transl Med 2020; 12:eaax8313. [PMID: 32759276 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.aax8313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2019] [Revised: 12/19/2019] [Accepted: 05/22/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Blockade of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) causes tumor regression in some patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). However, residual disease reservoirs typically remain even after maximal response to therapy, leading to relapse. Using patient-derived xenografts (PDXs), we observed that mCRC cells surviving EGFR inhibition exhibited gene expression patterns similar to those of a quiescent subpopulation of normal intestinal secretory precursors with Paneth cell characteristics. Compared with untreated tumors, these pseudodifferentiated tumor remnants had reduced expression of genes encoding EGFR-activating ligands, enhanced activity of human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) and HER3, and persistent signaling along the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) pathway. Clinically, properties of residual disease cells from the PDX models were detected in lingering tumors of responsive patients and in tumors of individuals who had experienced early recurrence. Mechanistically, residual tumor reprogramming after EGFR neutralization was mediated by inactivation of Yes-associated protein (YAP), a master regulator of intestinal epithelium recovery from injury. In preclinical trials, Pan-HER antibodies minimized residual disease, blunted PI3K signaling, and induced long-term tumor control after treatment discontinuation. We found that tolerance to EGFR inhibition is characterized by inactivation of an intrinsic lineage program that drives both regenerative signaling during intestinal repair and EGFR-dependent tumorigenesis. Thus, our results shed light on CRC lineage plasticity as an adaptive escape mechanism from EGFR-targeted therapy and suggest opportunities to preemptively target residual disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Barbara Lupo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Marika Pinnelli
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Galimi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Valentina Vurchio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Giorgia Migliardi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo Armando Gagliardi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Alberto Puliafito
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Daria Manganaro
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milano, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | | | | | - Carla Boccaccio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Luca Primo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Daniel Nichol
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, UK
| | | | - Timon Heide
- The Institute of Cancer Research, London SW7 3RP, UK
| | | | - Trevor A Graham
- Centre for Genomics and Computational Biology, Barts Cancer Institute, Barts and the London School of Medicine and Dentistry, Queen Mary University of London, London EC1M 6BQ, UK
| | - Elena Élez
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Guillem Argiles
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | - Paolo Nuciforo
- Vall d'Hebron Institute of Oncology (VHIO), 08035 Barcelona, Spain
| | | | | | - Diego Pasini
- IEO, European Institute of Oncology IRCCS, 20139 Milano, Italy
- Department of Health Sciences, University of Milano, 20142 Milano, Italy
| | - Elena Grassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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18
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Benvenuti S, Milan M, Geuna E, Pisacane A, Senetta R, Gambardella G, Stella GM, Montemurro F, Sapino A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM. Cancer of Unknown Primary (CUP): genetic evidence for a novel nosological entity? A case report. EMBO Mol Med 2020; 12:e11756. [PMID: 32511869 PMCID: PMC7338804 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201911756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [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: 11/13/2019] [Revised: 05/08/2020] [Accepted: 05/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an obscure disease characterized by multiple metastases in the absence of a primary tumor. No consensus has been reached whether CUPs are simply generated from cancers that cannot be detected or whether they are the manifestation of a still unknown nosological entity. Here, we report the complete expression and genetic analysis of multiple synchronous metastases harvested at warm autopsy of a patient with CUP. The expression profiles were remarkably similar and astonishingly singular. The whole exome analysis yielded a high number of mutations present in all metastases (fully shared), additional mutations (partially shared) accumulated one after another in a series, and few private mutations were unique to each metastasis. Surprisingly, the phylogenetic trajectory linking CUP metastases was atypical, depicting a common "stream", sprouting a series of linear "brooks", at variance from the extensive branched evolution observed in metastases from most cancers of known origin. The distinctive genetic and evolutionary features depicted suggest that CUP is a novel nosological entity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Silvia Benvenuti
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Elena Geuna
- Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Alberto Pisacane
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Gennaro Gambardella
- Telethon Institute of Genetics and Medicine (TIGEM), Pozzuoli (Naples), Italy.,University of Naples Federico II, Naples, Italy
| | - Giulia M Stella
- Department of Medical Sciences and Infectious Diseases, Unit of Respiratory System Diseases, IRCCS Fondazione Policlinico San Matteo, Pavia, Italy
| | - Filippo Montemurro
- Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Pathology Unit, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cells, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Molecular Therapeutics and Exploratory Research Laboratory, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO - IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
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19
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Gallo S, Spilinga M, Albano R, Ferrauto G, Di Gregorio E, Casanova E, Balmativola D, Bonzano A, Boccaccio C, Sapino A, Comoglio PM, Crepaldi T. Activation of the MET receptor attenuates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. Br J Pharmacol 2020; 177:3107-3122. [PMID: 32133617 PMCID: PMC7280013 DOI: 10.1111/bph.15039] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/07/2018] [Revised: 02/11/2020] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background and Purpose Doxorubicin anti‐cancer therapy is associated with cardiotoxicity, resulting from DNA damage response (DDR). Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) protects cardiomyocytes from injury, but its effective use is compromised by low biodistribution. In this study, we have investigated whether the activation of the HGF receptor—encoded by the Met gene—by an agonist monoclonal antibody (mAb) could protect against doxorubicin‐induced cardiotoxicity. Experimental Approach The mAb (5 mg·kg−1) was injected in vivo into C57BL/6J mice, before doxorubicin (three doses of 7 mg·kg−1). Cardiac functions were evaluated through MRI after treatment termination. Heart histological staining and mRNA levels of genes associated with heart failure (Acta1 and Nppa), inflammation (IL‐6), and fibrosis (Ctgf, Col1a2, Timp1, and Mmp9) were assessed. MAb (100 nM) was administered in vitro to H9c2 cardiomyoblasts before addition of doxorubicin (25 μM). DDR and apoptosis markers were evaluated by quantitative western blotting, flow cytometry, and immunofluorescence. Stattic was used for pharmacological inactivation of STAT3. Key Results In vivo, administration of the mAb alleviated doxorubicin‐induced cardiac dysfunction and fibrosis. In vitro, mAb mimicked the response to HGF by (a) inhibiting histone H2AX phosphorylation at S139, (b) quenching the expression of the DNA repair enzyme PARP1, and (c) reducing the proteolytic activation of caspase 3. The MET‐driven cardioprotection involved, at least in vitro, the phosphorylation of STAT3. Conclusion and Implications The MET agonist mAb provides a new tool for cardioprotection against anthracycline cardiotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona Gallo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | - Martina Spilinga
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Giuseppe Ferrauto
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Enza Di Gregorio
- Department of Molecular Biotechnology and Health Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy
| | | | | | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | | | - Tiziana Crepaldi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (TO), Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
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20
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Simonelli M, Dipasquale A, Orzan F, Lorenzi E, Persico P, Navarria P, Pessina F, Nibali MC, Bello L, Santoro A, Boccaccio C. Cerebrospinal fluid tumor DNA for liquid biopsy in glioma patients' management: Close to the clinic? Crit Rev Oncol Hematol 2020; 146:102879. [PMID: 32005411 DOI: 10.1016/j.critrevonc.2020.102879] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2019] [Revised: 12/20/2019] [Accepted: 01/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Cell-free circulating tumor DNA (ct-DNA) reflecting the whole tumor spatial and temporal heterogeneity currently represents the most promising candidate for liquid biopsy strategy in glioma. Unlike other solid tumors, it is now widely accepted that the best source of ct-DNA for glioma patients is the cerebrospinal fluid, since blood levels are usually low and detectable only in few cases. A cerebrospinal fluid ct-DNA liquid biopsy approach may virtually support all the stages of glioma management, from facilitating molecular diagnosis when surgery is not feasible, to monitoring tumor response, identifying early recurrence, tracking longitudinal genomic evolution, providing a new molecular characterization at recurrence and allowing patient selection for targeted therapies. This review traces the history of ct-DNA liquid biopsy in the field of diffuse malignant gliomas, describes its current status and analyzes what are the future perspectives and pitfalls of this potentially revolutionary molecular tool.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matteo Simonelli
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy.
| | - Angelo Dipasquale
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
| | - Elena Lorenzi
- Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Pasquale Persico
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Pierina Navarria
- Radiotherapy and Radiosurgery Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Federico Pessina
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; Department of Neurosurgery, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Marco Conti Nibali
- University of Milan, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Milan, Italy
| | - Lorenzo Bello
- University of Milan, Department of Oncology and Hematology, Milan, Italy
| | - Armando Santoro
- Humanitas University, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Pieve Emanuele, MI, Italy; Oncology and Hematology Unit, Humanitas Cancer Center, Humanitas Clinical and Research Center - IRCCS, Rozzano, MI, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, TO, Italy
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21
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Kolling S, Ventre F, Geuna E, Milan M, Pisacane A, Boccaccio C, Sapino A, Montemurro F. "Metastatic Cancer of Unknown Primary" or "Primary Metastatic Cancer"? Front Oncol 2020; 9:1546. [PMID: 32010631 PMCID: PMC6978906 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2019.01546] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [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: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 12/20/2019] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Cancer of unknown primary (CUP) is an umbrella term used to classify a heterogeneous group of metastatic cancers based on the absence of an identifiable primary tumor. Clinically, CUPs are characterized by a set of distinct features comprising early metastatic dissemination in an atypical pattern, an aggressive clinical course, poor response to empiric chemotherapy and, consequently, a short life expectancy. Two opposing strategies to change the dismal prognosis for the better are pursued. On the one hand, following the traditional tissue-gnostic approach, more and more sophisticated tissue-of-origin (TOO) classifier assays are employed to push identification of the putative primary to its limits with the clear intent of allowing tumor-site specific treatment. However, robust evidence supporting its routine clinical use is still lacking, notably with two recent randomized clinical trials failing to show a patient benefit of TOO-prediction based site-specific treatment over empiric chemotherapy in CUP. On the other hand, with regards to a tissue-agnostic strategy, precision medicine approaches targeting actionable genomic alterations have already transformed the treatment for many known tumor types. Yet, an unmet need remains for well-designed clinical trials to scrutinize its potential role in CUP beyond anecdotal case reports. In the absence of practice changing results, we believe that the emphasis on finding the presumed unknown primary tumor at all costs, implicit in the term CUP, has biased recent research in the field. Focusing on the distinct clinical features shared by all CUPs, we advocate adopting the term primary metastatic cancer (PMC) to denominate a distinct cancer entity instead. In our view, PMC should be considered the archetype of metastatic disease and as such, despite accounting for a mere 2–3% of malignancies, unraveling the mechanisms at play goes beyond improving the prognosis of patients with PMC and promises to greatly enhance our understanding of the metastatic process and carcinogenesis across all cancer types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefan Kolling
- Department of Investigative Clinical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Ferdinando Ventre
- Department of Investigative Clinical Oncology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Geuna
- Multidisciplinary Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Melissa Milan
- Laboratory of Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Alberto Pisacane
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Anna Sapino
- Unit of Pathology, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO- IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - Filippo Montemurro
- Multidisciplinary Oncology Outpatient Clinic, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
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22
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Rudà R, Bruno F, De Bacco F, Orzan F, Cassoni P, Altieri R, Melcarne A, Garbossa D, Boccaccio C, Soffietti R. OS1.4 Liquid biopsy of the CSF in a series of GBM patients: preliminary results. Neuro Oncol 2019. [DOI: 10.1093/neuonc/noz126.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Liquid biopsy (LB) by cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) can be useful to identify circulating tumour DNA (ctDNA), thus offering information about the heterogeneity of the neoplastic genome. The aim of our study is to assess the effectiveness of LB of the CSF in detecting ctDNA which mirrors the genetic profile of the tumoural tissue, and to investigate the clinical and radiological aspects influencing the availability of ctDNA.
MATERIAL AND METHODS
Tumoral tissue and CSF samples of 13 GBM patients undergoing surgery was collected. CSF was withdrawn from the very proximity of the tumoural surface before the excision. DNA extracted from tissue samples was analysed by qPCR to identify typical genetic alterations such as copy number variations (EGFR, PDGFRA, CDK4, MDM2, CDKN2A), and point mutations (TP53, PTEN, IDH, NRAS, PI3K1, pTERT). CtDNA extracted from CSF was analysed by droplet digital PCR to assess the presence of the alterations found in the matching tissue. Both contrast-enhanced (CE) and FLAIR volumes of the lesions were measured in the pre-surgical MRI. Linear and logarithmic regressions were employed for the statistical analysis.
RESULTS
From June 2016 to February 2017 we prospectively collected 13 GBM patients. Median age was 73 years. All lesions showed CE at the MRI; other radiological findings included necrosis (84.6%), oedema (76.9%), cortical, ventricular or meningeal involvement (76.9%, 30.8%, and 15.4%). Median volumes of CE and FLAIR lesions were 28.6 and 25.5 cm3, with a median FLAIR/CE ratio of 72.9. Surgery was subtotal (<95%) in all patients. All GBM tissues were tested for the following alterations: EGFR, PDGFRA, CDK4, MDM2, CDKN2A; 76.9% were tested for TP53, PTEN, and IDH mutations; 38.5% for NRAS and pTERT mutations; 30.8% for PI3KR1 mutation. MGMT methylation was assessed in 12 cases (92.3%) and found in 7 (58.3%). Median CSF volume, ctDNA quantity and concentration were 0.45 mL, 59.64 ng, and 0.42 ng/μL. Processable DNA was found in 11 CSF specimens (84.6%), in 8 of which (61.5%) it carried the same alteration expressed by the tumoural cells of the matched tissue, while in 3 cases (23.1%) it seemed to have a different genetic profile; finally, in 2 cases it was not possible to detect any circulating DNA in the CSF. Preliminary data on 13 patients suggest that the ctDNA concentration in the CSF could be related to the FLAIR/CE ratio as measured in the MRI before surgery (p = 0.02). Other correlations between the molecular and the radiological features are still being exploring.
CONCLUSION
Our study confirms that LB of CSF can detect ctDNA carrying the same molecular profile harboured in the tumour. Therefore, it seems to be an accurate method to identify markers useful for the diagnosis and the monitoring of the disease. Additionally, our ongoing study is trying to demonstrate a potential correlation between radiological features of the tumour and availability of ctDNA in CSF.
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Affiliation(s)
- R Rudà
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - F Bruno
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - F De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - F Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo (Turin), Italy
| | - P Cassoni
- Pathology Unit, Department of Medical Science, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Torino, Italy
| | - R Altieri
- Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - A Melcarne
- Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - D Garbossa
- Neurosurgical Unit, Department of Neuroscience, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
| | - C Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Oncology Department, University of Turin, Turin, Italy
| | - R Soffietti
- Neuro-Oncology Unit, University and City of Health and Science Hospital, Turin, Italy
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23
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Abstract
The MET oncogene encodes an unconventional receptor tyrosine kinase with pleiotropic functions: it initiates and sustains neoplastic transformation when genetically altered ('oncogene addiction') and fosters cancer cell survival and tumour dissemination when transcriptionally activated in the context of an adaptive response to adverse microenvironmental conditions ('oncogene expedience'). Moreover, MET is an intrinsic modulator of the self-renewal and clonogenic ability of cancer stem cells ('oncogene inherence'). Here, we provide the latest findings on MET function in cancer by focusing on newly identified genetic abnormalities in tumour cells and recently described non-mutational MET activities in stromal cells and cancer stem cells. We discuss how MET drives cancer clonal evolution and progression towards metastasis, both ab initio and under therapeutic pressure. We then elaborate on the use of MET inhibitors in the clinic with a critical appraisal of failures and successes. Ultimately, we advocate a rationale to improve the outcome of anti-MET therapies on the basis of thorough consideration of the entire spectrum of MET-mediated biological responses, which implicates adequate patient stratification, meaningful biomarkers and appropriate clinical end points.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo M Comoglio
- Exploratory Research and Molecular Cancer Therapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy.
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Translational Cancer Medicine, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
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24
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Luraghi P, Bigatto V, Cipriano E, Reato G, Orzan F, Sassi F, De Bacco F, Isella C, Bellomo SE, Medico E, Comoglio PM, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. A Molecularly Annotated Model of Patient-Derived Colon Cancer Stem-Like Cells to Assess Genetic and Nongenetic Mechanisms of Resistance to Anti-EGFR Therapy. Clin Cancer Res 2017; 24:807-820. [PMID: 28974546 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-17-2151] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/27/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: Patient-derived xenografts ("xenopatients") of colorectal cancer metastases have been essential to identify genetic determinants of resistance to the anti-EGFR antibody cetuximab and to explore new therapeutic strategies. From xenopatients, a genetically annotated collection of stem-like cultures ("xenospheres") was generated and characterized for response to targeted therapies.Experimental Design: Xenospheres underwent exome-sequencing analysis, gene expression profile, and in vitro targeted treatments to assess genetic, biological, and pharmacologic correspondence with xenopatients, and to investigate nongenetic biomarkers of therapeutic resistance. The outcome of EGFR family inhibition was tested in an NRG1-expressing in vivo model.Results: Xenospheres faithfully retained the genetic make-up of their matched xenopatients over in vitro and in vivo passages. Frequent and rare genetic lesions triggering primary resistance to cetuximab through constitutive activation of the RAS signaling pathway were conserved, as well as the vulnerability to their respective targeted treatments. Xenospheres lacking such alterations (RASwt) were highly sensitive to cetuximab, but were protected by ligands activating the EGFR family, mostly NRG1. Upon reconstitution of NRG1 expression, xenospheres displayed increased tumorigenic potential in vivo and generated tumors completely resistant to cetuximab, and sensitive only to comprehensive EGFR family inhibition.Conclusions: Xenospheres are a reliable model to identify both genetic and nongenetic mechanisms of response and resistance to targeted therapies in colorectal cancer. In the absence of RAS pathway mutations, NRG1 and other EGFR ligands can play a major role in conferring primary cetuximab resistance, indicating that comprehensive inhibition of the EGFR family is required to achieve a significant therapeutic response. Clin Cancer Res; 24(4); 807-20. ©2017 AACRSee related commentary by Napolitano and Ciardiello, p. 727.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Viola Bigatto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elia Cipriano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Sassi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Isella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Sara E Bellomo
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Andrea Bertotti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy.,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy. .,Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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25
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Orzan F, De Bacco F, Crisafulli G, Pellegatta S, Mussolin B, Siravegna G, D'Ambrosio A, Comoglio PM, Finocchiaro G, Boccaccio C. Genetic Evolution of Glioblastoma Stem-Like Cells From Primary to Recurrent Tumor. Stem Cells 2017; 35:2218-2228. [DOI: 10.1002/stem.2703] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2017] [Accepted: 08/19/2017] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Giovanni Crisafulli
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Benedetta Mussolin
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Giulia Siravegna
- Laboratory of Molecular Oncology; Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
| | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta; Milan Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS; Candiolo Italy
- Department of Oncology; University of Torino; Candiolo Italy
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26
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Isella C, Brundu F, Bellomo SE, Galimi F, Zanella E, Porporato R, Petti C, Fiori A, Orzan F, Senetta R, Boccaccio C, Ficarra E, Marchionni L, Trusolino L, Medico E, Bertotti A. Selective analysis of cancer-cell intrinsic transcriptional traits defines novel clinically relevant subtypes of colorectal cancer. Nat Commun 2017; 8:15107. [PMID: 28561063 PMCID: PMC5499209 DOI: 10.1038/ncomms15107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 183] [Impact Index Per Article: 26.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Accepted: 03/01/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Stromal content heavily impacts the transcriptional classification of colorectal cancer (CRC), with clinical and biological implications. Lineage-dependent stromal transcriptional components could therefore dominate over more subtle expression traits inherent to cancer cells. Since in patient-derived xenografts (PDXs) stromal cells of the human tumour are substituted by murine counterparts, here we deploy human-specific expression profiling of CRC PDXs to assess cancer-cell intrinsic transcriptional features. Through this approach, we identify five CRC intrinsic subtypes (CRIS) endowed with distinctive molecular, functional and phenotypic peculiarities: (i) CRIS-A: mucinous, glycolytic, enriched for microsatellite instability or KRAS mutations; (ii) CRIS-B: TGF-β pathway activity, epithelial–mesenchymal transition, poor prognosis; (iii) CRIS-C: elevated EGFR signalling, sensitivity to EGFR inhibitors; (iv) CRIS-D: WNT activation, IGF2 gene overexpression and amplification; and (v) CRIS-E: Paneth cell-like phenotype, TP53 mutations. CRIS subtypes successfully categorize independent sets of primary and metastatic CRCs, with limited overlap on existing transcriptional classes and unprecedented predictive and prognostic performances. Stromal cells contribute to the gene expression profiles based on which colorectal cancer (CRC) molecular subtypes are classified. Here, patient-derived xenografts enable the authors to obtain cancer cell-specific transcriptomes by excluding transcripts from murine stromal cells, based on which they define CRC intrinsic subtypes (CRIS) and evaluate their prognostic and predictive potential.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claudio Isella
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Brundu
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Torino School of Engineering, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Sara E Bellomo
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Francesco Galimi
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Eugenia Zanella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | | | - Consalvo Petti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Alessandro Fiori
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Rebecca Senetta
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Department of Medical Sciences, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Elisa Ficarra
- Department of Control and Computer Engineering, Torino School of Engineering, 10129 Torino, Italy
| | - Luigi Marchionni
- Department of Oncology, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, 21287 Maryland, USA
| | - Livio Trusolino
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Enzo Medico
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy
| | - Andrea Bertotti
- Department of Oncology, University of Torino School of Medicine, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,Candiolo Cancer Institute-FPO IRCCS, 10060 Candiolo Torino, Italy.,National Institute of Biostructures and Biosystems, INBB, 00136 Rome, Italy
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27
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Geuna E, Benvenuti S, Verginelli F, Galizia D, Siena S, Stella G, Gentile A, Milan M, Virzi' A, D'ambrosio A, Cassoni P, Senetta R, Balsamo A, Spione M, Nuzzo A, Sapino A, Marsoni S, Boccaccio C, Comoglio P, Montemurro F. Agnostos precision medicine project in patients (PTS) with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw368.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
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28
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Geuna E, Benvenuti S, Verginelli F, Galizia D, Cerea G, Stella G, Ardizzoni A, Ciuffreda L, Curigliano G, De Braud F, Gennari A, Tonini G, Brunello A, Cassoni P, Senetta R, Sapino A, Marsoni S, Boccaccio C, Comoglio P, Montemurro F. Agnostos precision medicine project: a multicenter clinical and translational initiative in patients (PTS) with cancer of unknown primary (CUP). Ann Oncol 2016. [DOI: 10.1093/annonc/mdw345.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/14/2022] Open
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29
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Luraghi P, Bigatto V, Reato G, Cipriano E, Sassi F, Isella C, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Abstract B17: Xenospheres: a comprehensive patient-derived in vitro model to study response and resistance to targeted therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.pdx16-b17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Although EGFR targeted therapy has improved the survival outcome of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer, lack of response or emergence of secondary resistance frequently occurs as result of genetic alterations that hyperactivate the RAS pathway or by activation of compensatory pathways by signals from the tumor microenvironmet that can also induce a stem-like phenotype. From patient-derived xenografts (“xenopatients”) of colorectal cancer liver metastases, we generated primary sphere cultures (“xenospheres”) that display the properties of cancer stem-like cells. Indeed, these cells can long-term self-propagate in vitro, and form phenocopies of original patient tumors in vivo (“spheropatients”), maintaining the same response to anti-EGFR therapy.
We obtained a panel of xenospheres derived from more than 40 different xenopatients, all genetically characterized for the presence of mutations in genes that are predictive for response to EGFR targeted therapy. The panel included xenospheres harboring mutations in RAS genes (Rasmut), or recently identified rare predictors of resistance: ERBB2 amplification/mutation, MET amplification, EGFR mutation in the extracellular domain, and IGF2 overexpression.
Moreover, we conducted an extensive exome-sequencing analysis of 10 xenospheres, for which the exome data of the matched xenopatients were available, thus allowing a complete and robust comparison. Xenospheres displayed a good genetic stability and a remarkable correspondence with xenopatients, in both the mutational and gene expression profiles.
While RASmut xenospheres displayed self-sustained proliferative ability, those lacking mutations affecting the RAS pathway (RASwt) were strongly dependent of exogenous growth factors. We thus assessed the response of all RASwt xenospheres to ligands of the EGF family (TGFA, EREG, AREG, HB-EGF, NRG1), or bFGF, or HGF, testing both proliferation and response to EGFR inhibition (cetuximab). We found that TGFA and HB-EGF induced proliferation and resistance to cetuximab with almost the same potency of EGF, while EREG and AREG had a weak mitogenic activity and did not protect against cetuximab treatment, accordingly with observations in patients and xenopatients. The different proliferative activity (and protection against cetuximab) can be at least in part explained by the effect on receptor stabilization and exposure to the cell membrane exerted by different ligands. Interestingly, we found that, among all EGF family ligands, NRG1 (binding ERBB3/4) had the most potent mitogenic activity and protection against cetuximab treatment.
NRG1 was able to replace EGF in sustaining xenosphere propagation, without altering the global gene expression profile, implying that it could sustain cancer-stem like cell properties similarly to EGF. To study the role of NRG1 in vivo we generated both an autocrine and a paracrine mode, by inducing its expression infecting either RASwt xenospheres or a cell line of murine fibroblasts. NRG1-expressing RASwt xenospheres became growth factor independent, resistant to cetuximab but sensitive to lapatinib (a dual EGFR/ERBB2 small molecule). Similar results were obtained using the conditioned medium of NRG1-expressing murine fibroblasts. By injecting parental and modified RASwt xenospheres into immunocompromised mice, we found that NRG1-expressing xenospheres had a strongly increased tumor onset, and that these tumors were resistant to cetuximab but sensitive to lapatinib treatment, suggesting its possible use in the clinical practice of RASwt patients.
We conclude that xenospheres are a robust patient-derived in vitro model of colorectal cancer-stem like cells, amenable to study molecular mechanisms of response or resistance to targeted therapies.
Citation Format: Paolo Luraghi, Viola Bigatto, Gigliola Reato, Elia Cipriano, Francesco Sassi, Claudio Isella, Andrea Bertotti, Livio Trusolino, Paolo Maria Comoglio, Carla Boccaccio. Xenospheres: a comprehensive patient-derived in vitro model to study response and resistance to targeted therapies in metastatic colorectal cancer. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference: Patient-Derived Cancer Models: Present and Future Applications from Basic Science to the Clinic; Feb 11-14, 2016; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2016;22(16_Suppl):Abstract nr B17.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Viola Bigatto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elia Cipriano
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | | | - Claudio Isella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute-IRCCS, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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30
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De Bacco F, D'Ambrosio A, Casanova E, Orzan F, Neggia R, Albano R, Verginelli F, Cominelli M, Poliani PL, Luraghi P, Reato G, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G, Perera T, Garibaldi E, Gabriele P, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. MET inhibition overcomes radiation resistance of glioblastoma stem-like cells. EMBO Mol Med 2016; 8:550-68. [PMID: 27138567 PMCID: PMC5130292 DOI: 10.15252/emmm.201505890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [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] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Glioblastoma (GBM) contains stem‐like cells (GSCs) known to be resistant to ionizing radiation and thus responsible for therapeutic failure and rapidly lethal tumor recurrence. It is known that GSC radioresistance relies on efficient activation of the DNA damage response, but the mechanisms linking this response with the stem status are still unclear. Here, we show that the MET receptor kinase, a functional marker of GSCs, is specifically expressed in a subset of radioresistant GSCs and overexpressed in human GBM recurring after radiotherapy. We elucidate that MET promotes GSC radioresistance through a novel mechanism, relying on AKT activity and leading to (i) sustained activation of Aurora kinase A, ATM kinase, and the downstream effectors of DNA repair, and (ii) phosphorylation and cytoplasmic retention of p21, which is associated with anti‐apoptotic functions. We show that MET pharmacological inhibition causes DNA damage accumulation in irradiated GSCs and their depletion in vitro and in GBMs generated by GSC xenotransplantation. Preclinical evidence is thus provided that MET inhibitors can radiosensitize tumors and convert GSC‐positive selection, induced by radiotherapy, into GSC eradication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Antonio D'Ambrosio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Francesca Orzan
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Roberta Neggia
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Raffaella Albano
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Federica Verginelli
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Manuela Cominelli
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Pietro L Poliani
- Department of Molecular and Translational Medicine, Pathology Unit, University of Brescia, Brescia, Italy
| | - Paolo Luraghi
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Serena Pellegatta
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | - Gaetano Finocchiaro
- Unit of Molecular Neuro-Oncology, Fondazione IRCCS Istituto Neurologico C. Besta, Milan, Italy
| | | | | | - Pietro Gabriele
- Unit of Radiotherapy, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Laboratory of Cancer Stem Cell Research, Candiolo Cancer Institute, FPO-IRCCS, Candiolo, Italy Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Italy
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31
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Boccaccio C, Comoglio PM. MET, a driver of invasive growth and cancer clonal evolution under therapeutic pressure. Curr Opin Cell Biol 2014; 31:98-105. [PMID: 25305631 DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2014.09.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2014] [Revised: 09/18/2014] [Accepted: 09/22/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Abstract
The MET oncogene, encoding the hepatocyte growth factor receptor, drives invasive growth, a genetic program largely overlapping with epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and governing physiological and pathological processes such as tissue development and regeneration, as well as cancer dissemination. Recent studies show that MET enables cells to overcome damages inflicted by cancer anti-proliferative targeted therapies, radiotherapy or anti-angiogenic agents. After exposure to such therapies, clones of MET-amplified cancer cells arise within the context of genetically heterogeneous tumors and-exploiting an ample platform of signaling pathways-drive recurrence. In cancer stem cells, not only amplification, but also MET physiological expression, inherited from the cell of origin (a stem/progenitor), can contribute to tumorigenesis and therapeutic resistance, by sustaining the inherent self-renewing, self-preserving and invasive growth phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Instiute-FPO (IRCCS), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Instiute-FPO (IRCCS), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy.
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32
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Bigatto V, De Bacco F, Casanova E, Reato G, Lanzetti L, Isella C, Sarotto I, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. TNF-α promotes invasive growth through the MET signaling pathway. Mol Oncol 2014; 9:377-88. [PMID: 25306394 DOI: 10.1016/j.molonc.2014.09.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [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: 08/01/2014] [Revised: 09/05/2014] [Accepted: 09/08/2014] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory cytokine Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha (TNF-α) is known to trigger invasive growth, a physiological property for tissue healing, turning into a hallmark of progression in cancer. However, the invasive response to TNF-α relies on poorly understood molecular mechanisms. We thus investigated whether it involves the MET oncogene, which regulates the invasive growth program by encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF). Here we show that the TNF-α pro-invasive activity requires MET function, as it is fully inhibited by MET-specific inhibitors (small-molecules, antibodies, and siRNAs). Mechanistically, we show that TNF-α induces MET transcription via NF-κB, and exploits MET to sustain MEK/ERK activation and Snail accumulation, leading to E-cadherin downregulation. We then show that TNF-α not only induces MET expression in cancer cells, but also HGF secretion by fibroblasts. Consistently, we found that, in human colorectal cancer tissues, high levels of TNF-α correlates with increased expression of both MET and HGF. These findings suggest that TNF-α fosters a HGF/MET pro-invasive paracrine loop in tumors. Targeting this ligand/receptor pair would contribute to prevent cancer progression associated with inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Viola Bigatto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Francesca De Bacco
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Elena Casanova
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Gigliola Reato
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Letizia Lanzetti
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Claudio Isella
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy
| | - Ivana Sarotto
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M Comoglio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Candiolo Cancer Institute - FPO (IRCCS), Str. Prov. 142, 10060 Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Italy.
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Boccaccio C, Luraghi P, Comoglio PM. MET-Mediated Resistance to EGFR Inhibitors: An Old Liaison Rooted in Colorectal Cancer Stem Cells. Cancer Res 2014; 74:3647-51. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-14-1088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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34
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Luraghi P, Reato G, Cipriano E, Sassi F, Orzan F, Bigatto V, De Bacco F, Menietti E, Han M, Rideout WM, Perera T, Bertotti A, Trusolino L, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. MET signaling in colon cancer stem-like cells blunts the therapeutic response to EGFR inhibitors. Cancer Res 2014; 74:1857-69. [PMID: 24448239 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-13-2340-t] [Citation(s) in RCA: 109] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
Metastatic colorectal cancer remains largely incurable, although in a subset of patients, survival is prolonged by new targeting agents such as anti-EGF receptor (anti-EGFR) antibodies. This disease is believed to be supported by a subpopulation of stem-like cells termed colon cancer-initiating cell (CCIC), which may also confer therapeutic resistance. However, how CCICs respond to EGFR inhibition has not been fully characterized. To explore this question, we systematically generated CCICs through spheroid cultures of patient-derived xenografts of metastatic colorectal cancer. These cultures, termed "xenospheres," were capable of long-term self-propagation in vitro and phenocopied the original patient tumors in vivo, thus operationally defining CCICs. Xenosphere CCICs retained the genetic determinants for EGFR therapeutic response in vitro and in xenografts; like the original tumors, xenospheres harboring a mutated KRAS gene were resistant to EGFR therapy, whereas those harboring wild-type RAS pathway genes (RAS(wt)) were sensitive. Notably, the effects of EGFR inhibition in sensitive CCICs could be counteracted by cytokines secreted by cancer-associated fibroblasts. In particular, we found that the MET receptor ligand hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) was especially active in supporting in vitro CCIC proliferation and resistance to EGFR inhibition. Ectopic production of human HGF in CCIC xenografts rendered the xenografts susceptible to MET inhibition, which sensitized the response to EGFR therapy. By showing that RAS(wt) CCICs rely on both EGFR and MET signaling, our results offer a strong preclinical proof-of-concept for concurrent targeting of these two pathways in the clinical setting.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Authors' Affiliations: Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo (IRCC), Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology; Department of Oncology, University of Torino, Candiolo, Torino, Italy; Aveo Oncology Inc., Cambridge, Massachusetts; and Janssen Research and Development, A Division of Janssen Pharmaceutica NV, Beerse, Belgium
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Abstract
The MET oncogene, a crucial regulator of the genetic program known as "invasive growth" or "epithelial-mesenchymal transition," has recently emerged as a functional marker of glioblastoma stem cells. Here, we review findings that associate MET expression and activity with a specific, genetically defined glioblastoma stem cell subtype, and data showing how MET sustains the stem cell phenotype in glioblastoma and other tumors. Finally, we discuss issues related to identification of tumorigenic clones driven by MET in the context of genetically heterogeneous tumors and strategies aimed at eradicating cancer stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Boccaccio
- Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, Center for Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Italy.
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Boccaccio C, De Bacco F, Casanova E, Orzan F, D'Ambrosio A, Gabriele P, Pellegatta S, Finocchiaro G, Comoglio P. SP-0510: Targeting the MET oncogene to radiosensitize cancer stem cells. Radiother Oncol 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/s0167-8140(15)32816-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Luraghi P, Schelter F, Krüger A, Boccaccio C. The MET Oncogene as a Therapeutical Target in Cancer Invasive Growth. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:164. [PMID: 22973229 PMCID: PMC3438853 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00164] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/08/2012] [Accepted: 08/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The MET proto-oncogene, encoding the tyrosine kinase receptor for Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF) regulates invasive growth, a genetic program that associates control of cell proliferation with invasion of the extracellular matrix and protection from apoptosis. Physiologically, invasive growth takes place during embryonic development, and, in post-natal life, in wound healing and regeneration of several tissues. The MET oncogene is overexpressed and/or genetically mutated in many tumors, thereby sustaining pathological invasive growth, a prerequisite for metastasis. MET is the subject of intense research as a target for small molecule kinase inhibitors and, together with its ligand HGF, for inhibitory antibodies. The tight interplay of MET with the protease network has unveiled mechanisms to be exploited to achieve effective inhibition of invasive growth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Paolo Luraghi
- Division of Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, IRCC – Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Turin Medical SchoolCandiolo, Italy
| | - Florian Schelter
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Institut für Experimentelle Onkologie und TherapieforschungMünchen, Germany
| | - Achim Krüger
- Klinikum rechts der Isar der Technischen Universität München, Institut für Experimentelle Onkologie und TherapieforschungMünchen, Germany
| | - Carla Boccaccio
- Division of Experimental Clinical Molecular Oncology, IRCC – Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Turin Medical SchoolCandiolo, Italy
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De Bacco F, Casanova E, Medico E, Pellegatta S, Orzan F, Albano R, D'Ambrosio A, Pollo B, Finocchiaro G, Boccaccio C. 109 Tyrosine Kinase Receptors as Functional Markers and Therapeutical Targets of Glioblastoma Stem Cells. Eur J Cancer 2012. [DOI: 10.1016/s0959-8049(12)70813-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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De Bacco F, Casanova E, Medico E, Pellegatta S, Orzan F, Albano R, Luraghi P, Reato G, D'Ambrosio A, Porrati P, Patanè M, Maderna E, Pollo B, Comoglio PM, Finocchiaro G, Boccaccio C. The MET Oncogene Is a Functional Marker of a Glioblastoma Stem Cell Subtype. Cancer Res 2012; 72:4537-50. [DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-11-3490] [Citation(s) in RCA: 105] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
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De Bacco F, Luraghi P, Medico E, Reato G, Girolami F, Perera T, Gabriele P, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C. Induction of MET by ionizing radiation and its role in radioresistance and invasive growth of cancer. J Natl Cancer Inst 2011; 103:645-61. [PMID: 21464397 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djr093] [Citation(s) in RCA: 264] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ionizing radiation (IR) is effectively used in cancer therapy. However, in subsets of patients, a few radioresistant cancer cells survive and cause disease relapse with metastatic progression. The MET oncogene encodes the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) receptor and is known to drive "invasive growth", a regenerative and prosurvival program unduly activated in metastasis. METHODS Human tumor cell lines (MDA-MB-231, MDA-MB-435S, U251) were subjected to therapeutic doses of IR. MET mRNA, and protein expression and signal transduction were compared in treated and untreated cells, and the involvement of the DNA-damage sensor ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and the transcription factor nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) in activating MET transcription were analyzed by immunoblotting, chromatin immunoprecipitation, and use of NF-κB silencing RNA (siRNA). Cell invasiveness was measured in wound healing and transwell assays, and cell survival was measured in viability and clonogenic assays. MET was inhibited by siRNA or small-molecule kinase inhibitors (PHA665752 or JNJ-38877605). Combinations of MET-targeted therapy and radiotherapy were assessed in MDA-MB-231 and U251 xenografts (n = 5-6 mice per group). All P values were from two-sided tests. RESULTS After irradiation, MET expression in cell lines was increased up to fivefold via activation of ATM and NF-κB. MET overexpression increased ligand-independent MET phosphorylation and signal transduction, and rendered cells more sensitive to HGF. Irradiated cells became more invasive via a MET-dependent mechanism that was further enhanced in the presence of HGF. MET silencing by siRNA or inhibition of its kinase activity by treatment with PHA665752 or JNJ-38877605 counteracted radiation-induced invasiveness, promoted apoptosis, and prevented cells from resuming proliferation after irradiation in vitro. Treatment with MET inhibitors enhanced the efficacy of IR to stop the growth of or to induce the regression of xenografts (eg, at day 13, U251 xenografts, mean volume increase relative to mean tumor volume at day 0: vehicle = 438%, 5 Gy IR = 151%, 5 Gy IR + JNJ-38877605 = 76%; difference, IR vs JNJ-38877604 + IR = 75%, 95% CI = 59% to 91%, P = .01). CONCLUSION IR induces overexpression and activity of the MET oncogene through the ATM-NF-κB signaling pathway; MET, in turn, promotes cell invasion and protects cells from apoptosis, thus supporting radioresistance. Drugs targeting MET increase tumor cell radiosensitivity and prevent radiation-induced invasiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca De Bacco
- IRCC-Institute for Cancer Research at Candiolo, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Italy
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Boccaccio C. Hepatocyte Growth Factor: A marker and a player in disseminated intravascular coagulation. Thromb Res 2011; 127:67-9. [DOI: 10.1016/j.thromres.2010.02.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2010] [Revised: 02/18/2010] [Accepted: 02/25/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
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Schelter F, Kobuch J, Moss ML, Becherer JD, Comoglio PM, Boccaccio C, Krüger A. A disintegrin and metalloproteinase-10 (ADAM-10) mediates DN30 antibody-induced shedding of the met surface receptor. J Biol Chem 2010; 285:26335-40. [PMID: 20554517 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.106435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Met, the tyrosine kinase receptor for the hepatocyte growth factor is a prominent regulator of cancer cell invasiveness and has emerged as a promising therapeutic target. Binding of the anti-Met monoclonal antibody DN30 to its epitope induces the proteolytic cleavage of Met, thereby impairing the invasive growth of tumors. The molecular mechanism controlling this therapeutic shedding process has so far been unknown. Here, we report that A Disintegrin And Metalloproteinase (ADAM)-10, but not ADAM-17, is required for DN30-induced Met shedding. Knockdown of ADAM-10 in different tumor cell lines or abrogation of its proteolytic activity by natural or synthetic inhibitors abolished Met down-regulation on the cell surface as well as reduction of Met activation. Moreover, hepatocyte growth factor-induced tumor cell migration and invasion were impaired upon ADAM-10 knockdown. Thus, the therapeutic effect of DN30 involves ADAM-10-dependent Met shedding, linking for the first time a specific metalloprotease to target therapy against a receptor tyrosine kinase.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florian Schelter
- Institut für Experimentelle Onkologie und Therapieforschung des Klinikums rechts der Isar, Technische Universität München, München, Germany
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Abstract
From the beginning of their lives, cancer cells exert a procoagulant activity in their microenvironment, which can extend systemically and become clinically evident as Trousseau's syndrome, the well-known association between tumor and thrombosis. It is becoming clear that the genetic mechanisms responsible for neoplastic transformation (activation of oncogenes such as RAS or MET, and inactivation of tumor suppressor genes such as p53 or PTEN) directly induce the expression of genes controlling hemostasis. Activation of blood coagulation results in a selective advantage for cancer cells, as fibrin provides a scaffold for anchorage and invasion, and coagulation proteins induce receptor-mediated intracellular signals promoting invasive growth. Targeting the tumor procoagulant activity can fight not only a dangerous tumor adverse effect, but also the core mechanisms of cancer onset and progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Carla Boccaccio
- From the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
| | - Paolo M. Comoglio
- From the Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment, University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo, Torino, Italy
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44
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Finkbeiner MR, Astanehe A, To K, Fotovati A, Davies AH, Zhao Y, Jiang H, Stratford AL, Shadeo A, Boccaccio C, Comoglio P, Mertens PR, Eirew P, Raouf A, Eaves CJ, Dunn SE. Profiling YB-1 target genes uncovers a new mechanism for MET receptor regulation in normal and malignant human mammary cells. Oncogene 2009; 28:1421-31. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2008.485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
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De Bacco F, Medico E, Reato G, Luraghi P, Gabriele P, Comoglio P, Boccaccio C. Ionizing radiation fosters cancer invasion through transcriptional up-regulation of the MET oncogene. EJC Suppl 2008. [DOI: 10.1016/s1359-6349(08)71388-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
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Kankuri E, Babusikova O, Hlubinova K, Salmenperä P, Boccaccio C, Lubitz W, Harjula A, Bizik J. Fibroblast nemosis arrests growth and induces differentiation of human leukemia cells. Int J Cancer 2007; 122:1243-52. [DOI: 10.1002/ijc.23179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
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Malfuson JV, Hicheri Y, Bonin P, Rodet M, Boccaccio C, Pautas C, Kuentz M, Cordonnier C, Noizat-Pirenne F, Maury S. [ABO incompatibility and non myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation]. Transfus Clin Biol 2007; 14:327-33. [PMID: 17462938 DOI: 10.1016/j.tracli.2007.03.002] [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] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2006] [Accepted: 03/15/2007] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
ABO incompatibility is not a barrier for allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation but is associated with specific complications. Major ABO incompatibility is associated with delayed erythroid engraftment, increased transfusion requirement and cases of pure red cell aplasia. Minor ABO incompatibility may be responsible for acute haemolytic reactions in the first months following transplantation. The widely used non myeloablative conditioning regimens might modify the management of ABO incompatibility. They could favour pure red cell aplasia development in the setting of major ABO mismatch since they are associated with a prolonged persistence of host anti-donor isohemagglutinins after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. In the setting of minor ABO incompatibility, the use of peripheral blood stem cells and the nature of graft-versus-host disease prophylaxis regimen may have an impact on the incidence of haemolytic reactions. In that review, the clinical and therapeutic aspects of ABO incompatibility are studied, especially regarding the impact of the conditioning regimen intensity.
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Affiliation(s)
- J-V Malfuson
- Service d'hématologie clinique, hôpital Henri-Mondor, université Paris XII, Créteil, France
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Comoglio P, Trusolino L, Boccaccio C. Scatter factor-dependent branching morphogenesis: structural and histological features. Eur J Histochem 2007; 51 Suppl 1:79-92. [PMID: 17703598] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Branching morphogenesis is a multi-step process that controls the formation of polarised tubules starting from hollow cysts. Its execution entails a series of rate-limiting events which include reversible disruption of cell polarity, dismantling of intercellular contacts, acquisition of a motile phenotype, stimulation of cell proliferation, and final re-establishment of cell polarity for creation of the definitive structures. Branching morphogenesis takes place physiologically during development, accounting for the establishment of organs endowed with a ramified architecture such as glands, the respiratory tract and the vasculartree. In cancer, aberrant implementation of branching morphogenesis leads to deregulated proliferation, protection from apoptosis and enhanced migratory/invasive properties, which together exacerbate the aggressive features of neoplastic cells. Under both physiological and pathological conditions, branching morphogenesis is mainly accomplished by a family of growth factors known as scatter factors. In this review, we will summarise the current knowledge on the biological and functional roles of scatter factors during branching morphogenesis, with a special emphasis on the phenotypic (structural and histological) consequences of scatter factor activity in different tissues.
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Affiliation(s)
- P Comoglio
- Division of Molecular Oncology, Institute for Cancer Research and Treatment (IRCC), University of Turin Medical School, Candiolo,Torino, Italy.
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50
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Malfuson JV, Amor RB, Bonin P, Rodet M, Boccaccio C, Pautas C, Kuentz M, Cordonnier C, Noizat-Pirenne F, Maury S. Impact of nonmyeloablative conditioning regimens on the occurrence of pure red cell aplasia after ABO-incompatible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation. Vox Sang 2007; 92:85-9. [PMID: 17181595 DOI: 10.1111/j.1423-0410.2006.00865.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES In the setting of major ABO-incompatible allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is linked to the persistence of host residual plasma cells secreting antidonor isohaemagglutinins (HA) after transplantation. There are conflicting results regarding the impact of the intensity of conditioning regimen on the occurrence of PRCA after major ABO-mismatched HSCT. MATERIAL AND METHODS To address this question, we compared two cases occurring after nonmyeloablative (NMA) and myeloablative (MA) HSCT and reviewed previous cases reported in the NMA setting. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We observed a delayed disappearance of antidonor HAs in the NMA setting, associated to a more prolonged period of red blood cells transfusion dependence than in the MA setting. In our case as in several others, the disappearance of antidonor HAs and resolution of PRCA were observed after reinforcement of the graft-versus-host effect (i.e. immunosuppression removal or donor leukocytes infusion).
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Affiliation(s)
- J-V Malfuson
- Department of Hematology, Hôpital Henri Mondor, Université Paris XII, Créteil, France
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