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Werner B, Sjoquist KM, Espinoza D, Yip S, Chang G, Cummins MM, Mileshkin L, Ananda S, Shannon C, Friedlander M, Warton K, Ford CE. Cell-free DNA in plasma and ascites as a biomarker of bevacizumab response- a translational research sub-study of the REZOLVE (ANZGOG-1101) clinical trial. Transl Oncol 2024; 43:101914. [PMID: 38417292 DOI: 10.1016/j.tranon.2024.101914] [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: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 02/13/2024] [Indexed: 03/01/2024] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in plasma and ascites and its association with clinical outcomes (paracentesis-free interval, overall survival) and CA125 level in participants with advanced ovarian cancer, treated with palliative intraperitoneal bevacizumab to delay re-accumulation of ascites. METHODS cfDNA was extracted from 0.3 to 1 mL samples from 20/24 participants of the REZOLVE trial. Standard and methylation-specific PCRs were performed to measure 3 biomarkers: total cfDNA (Alu), tumour-derived cfDNA (ctDNA, methylated IFFO1 promoter) and endothelium-derived cfDNA (ec-cfDNA, unmethylated CDH5 promoter). Values were correlated to clinical outcomes. RESULTS cfDNA was detected in all samples, with higher yield in ascites (mean 669 ng/mL) than plasma (mean 75 ng/mL, p < 0.0001). Ascites had a higher ctDNA proportion than plasma (74 % vs. 20 %, p < 0.0001) and plasma had a higher ec-cfDNA proportion than ascites (24 % vs. 16 %, p < 0.002). High ctDNA proportion (>75 %) in ascites was associated with a significantly shorter paracentesis-free interval (median interval 47.5 versus 84 days, hazard ratio (HR) 2.21, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.85 to 5.73, p = 0.039) and ctDNA presence in plasma was unfavourable for survival (median survival 56 versus 242 days, HR 3.21, 95 % CI 1.15 to 9.00, p = 0.008). A significant positive correlation was observed between ctDNA proportion in plasma and CA125 level (p = 0.012). No significant difference in total cfDNA, ctDNA nor ec-cfDNA was observed between participants who were responders versus non-responders. CONCLUSION Sufficient cfDNA was detected in both plasma and ascites to study three biomarkers. These samples can provide useful information and should be considered in the design of future ovarian cancer trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bonnita Werner
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Katrin M Sjoquist
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - David Espinoza
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Sonia Yip
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Garry Chang
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michelle M Cummins
- National Health and Medical Research Council Clinical Trials Centre, University of Sydney, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Sumitra Ananda
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, Australia; Western Health, Furlong Road, St Albans, Australia; Epworth Freemasons Hospital, East Melbourne, Australia; Department of Medicine, Western Health, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Australia
| | | | - Michael Friedlander
- Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia; School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristina Warton
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Fisher T, Powell E, Yuwono NL, Ford CE, Warton K. Circulating cell-free DNA is elevated in postmenopausal compared with pre- and perimenopausal women. Menopause 2024; 31:171-175. [PMID: 38385729 DOI: 10.1097/gme.0000000000002313] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/23/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE With the rising use of circulating cell-free DNA (cirDNA) liquid biopsies for disease screening, it is important to understand biological differences that may impact the accuracy of cirDNA-based clinical tests. Although a number of biological factors have been researched, the relationship between menopause and cirDNA has not been thoroughly investigated. We aimed to compare plasma cirDNA concentration and DNA fragment integrity in healthy women pre- and postmenopause. METHODS Blood was collected from healthy female volunteers 40 years and older. cirDNA was extracted from plasma (n = 52) and quantified by quantitative polymerase chain reaction (n = 47; 26 premenopause, mean age-46 y; 21 postmenopause, mean age-59 y). cirDNA concentration was quantitated using an ALU repetitive sequence with a 115-base-pair (bp) product (ALU-115), and long cirDNA fragments were quantitated using an ALU repetitive sequence with a 247-bp product (ALU-247). cirDNA integrity was expressed as a ratio of ALU-247 over ALU-115. Mann-Whitney U test was used to compare pre- and postmenopause qPCR results, and a two-tailed, unpaired t test was undertaken to compare the integrity ratio between the two groups. RESULTS Postmenopause plasma samples were found to have a significantly higher cirDNA concentration (P < 0.0001, premenopause: mean, 3.10 ± 1.84 ng/mL; median, 2.90 ng/mL; postmenopause: mean, 5.28 ± 2.76 ng/mL; median, 4.56 ng/mL) and significantly higher concentration of long-stranded cirDNA fragments (P = 0.0033, premenopause: mean, 1.06 ± 0.48 ng/mL; median, 0.96 ng/mL; postmenopause: mean, 1.69 ± 0.89 ng/mL; median, 1.48 ng/mL). There was no significant difference in the integrity ratio between the groups (P = 0.1788). CONCLUSIONS Plasma cirDNA concentrations are higher in postmenopausal women. This has important implications in cirDNA liquid biopsy development and screening, especially for diseases such as cancer where the majority of cases are diagnosed postmenopause.
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Affiliation(s)
- Teagan Fisher
- From the Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, School of Clinical Medicine University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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Cortesi M, Liu D, Yee C, Marsh DJ, Ford CE. Author Correction: A comparative analysis of 2D and 3D experimental data for the identification of the parameters of computational models. Sci Rep 2024; 14:906. [PMID: 38195610 PMCID: PMC10776618 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-50403-x] [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: 01/11/2024] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Electrical Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi", Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Dongli Liu
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Yee
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah J Marsh
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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Phan Z, Ford CE, Caldon CE. DNA repair biomarkers to guide usage of combined PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy: A meta-analysis and systematic review. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106927. [PMID: 37717683 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106927] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2023] [Revised: 08/17/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy has been assessed in > 80 clinical trials across multiple malignancies, on the premise that PARP inhibitors will increase chemotherapy effectiveness regardless of whether cancers have underlying disruption of DNA repair pathways. Consequently, the majority of combination therapy trials have been performed on patients without biomarker selection, despite the use of homologous recombination deficiency to dictate use of PARP inhibitors in the maintenance setting. An unresolved question is whether biomarkers are needed to identify patients who respond to combination PARP inhibitors and chemotherapy. METHODS A systematic literature review identified studies using PARP inhibitors in combination with chemotherapy versus chemotherapy alone, where the study included a biomarker of DNA repair function (BRCA1, BRCA2, homologous recombination deficiency test, ATM, ERCC1, SLFN11). Hazard ratios (HR) were pooled in a meta-analysis using generic inverse-variance, and fixed or random effects modelling. Subgroup analyses were conducted on biomarker selection and type of malignancy. RESULTS Nine studies comprising 2547 patients met the inclusion criteria. Progression-free survival (PFS) was significantly better in patients with a DNA repair biomarker (HR: 0.57, 95% CI: 0.48-0.68, p < 0.00001), but there was no benefit in patients who lacked a biomarker (HR: 0.94, 95% CI: 0.82-1.08, p = 0.38). Subgroup analysis showed that BRCA status and SLFN11 biomarkers could predict benefit, and biomarker-driven benefit occurred in ovarian, breast and small cell lung cancers. The addition of PARP inhibitors to chemotherapy was associated with increased grade 3/4 side effects, and particularly neutropenia. CONCLUSIONS Combination therapy only improves PFS in patients with identifiable DNA repair biomarkers. This indicates that PARP inhibitors do not sensitise patients to chemotherapy treatment, except where their cancer has a homologous recombination defect, or an alternative biomarker of altered DNA repair. While effective in patients with DNA repair biomarkers, there is a risk of high-grade haematological side-effects with the use of combination therapy. Thus, the benefit in PFS from combination therapy must be weighed against potential adverse effects, as individual arms of treatment can also confer benefit.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zoe Phan
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia
| | - C Elizabeth Caldon
- The Kinghorn Cancer Centre, Garvan Institute of Medical Research, Sydney, NSW 2010, Australia; St. Vincent's Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia.
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Cortesi M, Liu D, Yee C, Marsh DJ, Ford CE. A comparative analysis of 2D and 3D experimental data for the identification of the parameters of computational models. Sci Rep 2023; 13:15769. [PMID: 37737283 PMCID: PMC10517149 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-023-42486-3] [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: 05/22/2023] [Accepted: 09/11/2023] [Indexed: 09/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Computational models are becoming an increasingly valuable tool in biomedical research. Their accuracy and effectiveness, however, rely on the identification of suitable parameters and on appropriate validation of the in-silico framework. Both these steps are highly dependent on the experimental model used as a reference to acquire the data. Selecting the most appropriate experimental framework thus becomes key, together with the analysis of the effect of combining results from different experimental models, a common practice often necessary due to limited data availability. In this work, the same in-silico model of ovarian cancer cell growth and metastasis, was calibrated with datasets acquired from traditional 2D monolayers, 3D cell culture models or a combination of the two. The comparison between the parameters sets obtained in the different conditions, together with the corresponding simulated behaviours, is presented. It provides a framework for the study of the effect of the different experimental models on the development of computational systems. This work also provides a set of general guidelines for the comparative testing and selection of experimental models and protocols to be used for parameter optimization in computational models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering, Department of Electrical Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi", Alma Mater Studiorum-University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Dongli Liu
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia
| | - Christine Yee
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Deborah J Marsh
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Kensington, NSW, Australia.
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6
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Weir A, Kang EY, Meagher NS, Nelson GS, Ghatage P, Lee CH, Riggan MJ, Gentry-Maharaj A, Ryan A, Singh N, Widschwendter M, Alsop J, Anglesio MS, Beckmann MW, Berger J, Bisinotto C, Boros J, Brand AH, Brenton JD, Brooks-Wilson A, Carney ME, Cunningham JM, Cushing-Haugen KL, Cybulski C, Elishaev E, Erber R, Fereday S, Fischer A, Paz-Ares L, Gayarre J, Gilks BC, Grube M, Harnett PR, Harris HR, Hartmann A, Hein A, Hendley J, Hernandez BY, Heublein S, Huang Y, Huzarski T, Jakubowska A, Jimenez-Linan M, Kennedy CJ, Kommoss FKF, Koziak JM, Kraemer B, Le ND, Lesnock J, Lester J, Lubiński J, Menkiszak J, Ney B, Olawaiye A, Orsulic S, Osorio A, Robles-Díaz L, Ruebner M, Shah M, Sharma R, Shvetsov YB, Steed H, Talhouk A, Taylor SE, Traficante N, Vierkant RA, Wang C, Wilkens LR, Winham SJ, Benitez J, Berchuck A, Bowtell DD, Candido Dos Reis FJ, Cook LS, DeFazio A, Doherty JA, Fasching PA, García MJ, Goode EL, Goodman MT, Gronwald J, Huntsman DG, Karlan BY, Kommoss S, Modugno F, Schildkraut JM, Sinn HP, Staebler A, Kelemen LE, Ford CE, Menon U, Pharoah PDP, Köbel M, Ramus SJ. Increased FOXJ1 protein expression is associated with improved overall survival in high-grade serous ovarian carcinoma: an Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis Consortium Study. Br J Cancer 2023; 128:137-147. [PMID: 36323878 DOI: 10.1038/s41416-022-02014-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [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: 01/25/2022] [Revised: 09/01/2022] [Accepted: 10/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recently, we showed a >60% difference in 5-year survival for patients with tubo-ovarian high-grade serous carcinoma (HGSC) when stratified by a 101-gene mRNA expression prognostic signature. Given the varied patient outcomes, this study aimed to translate prognostic mRNA markers into protein expression assays by immunohistochemistry and validate their survival association in HGSC. METHODS Two prognostic genes, FOXJ1 and GMNN, were selected based on high-quality antibodies, correlation with protein expression and variation in immunohistochemical scores in a preliminary cohort (n = 134 and n = 80, respectively). Six thousand four hundred and thirty-four (FOXJ1) and 5470 (GMNN) formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded ovarian neoplasms (4634 and 4185 HGSC, respectively) represented on tissue microarrays from the Ovarian Tumor Tissue Analysis consortium underwent immunohistochemical staining and scoring, then univariate and multivariate survival analysis. RESULTS Consistent with mRNA, FOXJ1 protein expression exhibited a linear, increasing association with improved overall survival in HGSC patients. Women with >50% expression had the most favourable outcomes (HR = 0.78, 95% CI 0.67-0.91, p < 0.0001). GMNN protein expression was not significantly associated with overall HSGC patient survival. However, HGSCs with >35% GMNN expression showed a trend for better outcomes, though this was not significant. CONCLUSION We provide foundational evidence for the prognostic value of FOXJ1 in HGSC, validating the prior mRNA-based prognostic association by immunohistochemistry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ashley Weir
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Walter and Eliza Hall Institute of Medical Research, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Eun-Young Kang
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Nicola S Meagher
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Gregg S Nelson
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Prafull Ghatage
- Department of Oncology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Cumming School of Medicine, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Cheng-Han Lee
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Marjorie J Riggan
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - Aleksandra Gentry-Maharaj
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Andy Ryan
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, UK
- Women's Cancer, Institute for Women's Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Naveena Singh
- Department of Pathology, Barts Health National Health Service Trust, London, UK
| | | | - Jennifer Alsop
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Michael S Anglesio
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia's Gynecological Cancer Research Team (OVCARE), University of British Columbia, BC Cancer, and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Matthias W Beckmann
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Jessica Berger
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Christiani Bisinotto
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Jessica Boros
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Alison H Brand
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - James D Brenton
- Cancer Research UK Cambridge Institute, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | | | - Michael E Carney
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, John A. Burns School of Medicine, University of Hawaii, Honolulu, HI, USA
| | - Julie M Cunningham
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Kara L Cushing-Haugen
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Cezary Cybulski
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, International Hereditary Cancer Center, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Esther Elishaev
- Department of Pathology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Ramona Erber
- Institute of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Sian Fereday
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Anna Fischer
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Luis Paz-Ares
- H12O-CNIO Lung Cancer Clinical Research Unit, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Javier Gayarre
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Blake C Gilks
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Marcel Grube
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Paul R Harnett
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Crown Princess Mary Cancer Centre, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Holly R Harris
- Program in Epidemiology, Division of Public Health Sciences, Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center, Seattle, WA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA
| | - Arndt Hartmann
- Institute of Pathology, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Alexander Hein
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Joy Hendley
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
| | | | - Sabine Heublein
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University Hospital Heidelberg, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Yajue Huang
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Tomasz Huzarski
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, International Hereditary Cancer Center, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, University of Zielona Gora, Zielona Gora, Poland
| | - Anna Jakubowska
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, International Hereditary Cancer Center, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
- Pomeranian Medical University, Independent Laboratory of Molecular Biology and Genetic Diagnostics, Szczecin, Poland
| | | | - Catherine J Kennedy
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Felix K F Kommoss
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | | | - Bernhard Kraemer
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Nhu D Le
- Cancer Control Research, BC Cancer, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Jaime Lesnock
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Jenny Lester
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jan Lubiński
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, International Hereditary Cancer Center, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Janusz Menkiszak
- Department of Gynecological Surgery and Gynecological Oncology of Adults and Adolescents, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - Britta Ney
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Alexander Olawaiye
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Sandra Orsulic
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Ana Osorio
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Luis Robles-Díaz
- Familial Cancer Unit and Medical Oncology Department, Hospital Universitario 12 de Octubre, Madrid, Spain
| | - Matthias Ruebner
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - Mitul Shah
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Raghwa Sharma
- Tissue Pathology and Diagnostic Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | | | - Helen Steed
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Alberta, Edmonton, AB, Canada
- Section of Gynecologic Oncology Surgery, North Zone, Alberta Health Services, Edmonton, AB, Canada
| | - Aline Talhouk
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- British Columbia's Gynecological Cancer Research Team (OVCARE), University of British Columbia, BC Cancer, and Vancouver General Hospital, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Sarah E Taylor
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Nadia Traficante
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Robert A Vierkant
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Clinical Trials and Biostatistics, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Chen Wang
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | | | - Stacey J Winham
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Computational Biology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Javier Benitez
- Human Genetics Group, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
- Centre for Biomedical Network Research on Rare Diseases (CIBERER), Instituto de Salud Carlos III, Madrid, Spain
| | - Andrew Berchuck
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Duke University Medical Center, Durham, NC, USA
| | - David D Bowtell
- Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, Melbourne, VIC, Australia
- Sir Peter MacCallum Department of Oncology, The University of Melbourne, Parkville, VIC, Australia
| | - Francisco J Candido Dos Reis
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Ribeirão Preto Medical School, University of São Paulo, Ribeirão Preto, Brazil
| | - Linda S Cook
- Epidemiology, School of Public Health, University of Colorado, Aurora, CO, USA
- Community Health Sciences, University of Calgary, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Anna DeFazio
- The Daffodil Centre, The University of Sydney, a joint venture with Cancer Council NSW, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Centre for Cancer Research, The Westmead Institute for Medical Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Department of Gynaecological Oncology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- The University of Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Jennifer A Doherty
- Huntsman Cancer Institute, Department of Population Health Sciences, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
| | - Peter A Fasching
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Comprehensive Cancer Center Erlangen-EMN, Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nuremberg, University Hospital Erlangen, Erlangen, Germany
| | - María J García
- Computational Oncology Group, Structural Biology Programme, Spanish National Cancer Research Centre (CNIO), Madrid, Spain
| | - Ellen L Goode
- Department of Quantitative Health Sciences, Division of Epidemiology, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, USA
| | - Marc T Goodman
- Cancer Prevention and Control Program, Cedars-Sinai Cancer, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Jacek Gronwald
- Department of Genetics and Pathology, International Hereditary Cancer Center, Pomeranian Medical University, Szczecin, Poland
| | - David G Huntsman
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, BC, Canada
- Department of Molecular Oncology, BC Cancer Research Centre, Vancouver, BC, Canada
| | - Beth Y Karlan
- David Geffen School of Medicine, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of California at Los Angeles, Los Angeles, CA, USA
| | - Stefan Kommoss
- Department of Women's Health, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Francesmary Modugno
- Division of Gynecologic Oncology, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Department of Epidemiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Public Health, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
- Women's Cancer Research Center, Magee-Womens Research Institute and Hillman Cancer Center, Pittsburgh, PA, USA
| | - Joellen M Schildkraut
- Department of Epidemiology, Rollins School of Public Health, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Hans-Peter Sinn
- Institute of Pathology, Heidelberg University Hospital, Heidelberg, Germany
| | - Annette Staebler
- Institute of Pathology and Neuropathology, Tuebingen University Hospital, Tuebingen, Germany
| | - Linda E Kelemen
- Hollings Cancer Center, Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, SC, USA
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Usha Menon
- MRC Clinical Trials Unit, Institute of Clinical Trials & Methodology, University College London, London, UK
| | - Paul D P Pharoah
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Oncology, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
- Centre for Cancer Genetic Epidemiology, Department of Public Health and Primary Care, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, UK
| | - Martin Köbel
- Department of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, University of Calgary, Foothills Medical Center, Calgary, AB, Canada
| | - Susan J Ramus
- School of Clinical Medicine, UNSW Medicine and Health, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of NSW Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia.
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7
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John M, Ford CE. Pan-Tissue and -Cancer Analysis of ROR1 and ROR2 Transcript Variants Identify Novel Functional Significance for an Alternative Splice Variant of ROR1. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10102559. [PMID: 36289823 PMCID: PMC9599429 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10102559] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/06/2022] [Accepted: 10/10/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
ROR1/2 are putative druggable targets increasing in significance in translational oncology. Expression of ROR1/2 mRNA and transcript variants has not been systematically examined thus far. ROR1/2 transcript variant sequences, signal peptides for cell surface localisation, and mRNA and transcript variant expression were examined in 34 transcriptomic datasets including 33 cancer types and 54 non-diseased human tissues. ROR1/2 have four and eight transcript variants, respectively. ROR1/2 mRNA and transcript variant expression was detected in various non-diseased tissues. Our analysis identifies predominant expression of ROR1 transcript variant ENST00000545203, which lacks a signal peptide for cell surface localisation, rather than the predicted principal variant ENST00000371079. ENST00000375708 is the predominantly expressed transcript variant of ROR2. ROR1/2 expression in healthy human tissues should be carefully considered for safety assessment of targeted therapy. Studies exploring the function and significance of the predominantly expressed ROR1 transcript variant ENST00000545203 are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miya John
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (C.E.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9385-1451 (C.E.F.)
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- Correspondence: (M.J.); (C.E.F.); Tel.: +61-2-9385-1451 (C.E.F.)
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Yuwono NL, Alonso A, Abbott J, Houshdaran S, Henry CE, Rodgers R, Ford CE, Warton K. Circulating cell-free endometrial DNA level is unaltered during menstruation and in endometriosis. Hum Reprod 2022; 37:2560-2569. [PMID: 36166696 DOI: 10.1093/humrep/deac198] [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: 01/13/2022] [Revised: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
STUDY QUESTION Is circulating cell-free DNA (cirDNA) from the endometrium elevated during menstruation and in endometriosis? SUMMARY ANSWER Endometrial cirDNA does not increase during menstruation and is not elevated in endometriosis. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY Changes in cirDNA associated with common benign conditions are a potential source of false positives in cancer diagnostic applications, but also present an opportunity for biomarker development for diseases such as endometriosis. Elevated cirDNA has been reported in endometriosis patients compared to healthy community controls, but no difference in total or endometrial cirDNA has been found between patients with endometriosis and patients with other gynaecological conditions. Likewise, menstruation is a potential driver of changes in cirDNA levels and tissue profile, but total and endothelial cirDNA do not increase during menstruation. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION For endometriosis comparisons, 59 participants with surgically confirmed endometriosis and 27 laparoscopic patients without endometriosis (hospital controls) were prospectively recruited, while 25 healthy community participants (healthy controls) were recruited in a university setting. Total and endometrial cirDNA and cirDNA fragmentation were measured across the three groups. For menstrual comparisons, 36 matched non-menstruating and menstruating samples were collected from healthy women recruited within a university setting, and the endometrial cirDNA was compared between the two groups. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS cirDNA was extracted from venous blood plasma then quantitated by quantitative PCR of ALU repetitive element (115 bp) and TP53 gene sequence (105 bp) for total concentration. cirDNA derived from the endometrium was quantitated by methylation-specific droplet digital PCR of a FAM101A region (69 bp) after bisulfite conversion of the DNA. A cirDNA size fragmentation ratio was obtained by quantifying a long segment of ALU repetitive element (247 bp) and expressing the amount relative to the 115 bp ALU target. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE No differences in cirDNA level were found in any comparison populations in this study. Mean total cirDNA was unchanged between healthy controls (ALU-115-3.31 ng/ml; TP53-2.73 ng/ml), hospital controls (ALU-115-3.47 ng/ml; TP53-2.83 ng/ml) and endometriosis patients (ALU-115-3.35 ng/ml; TP53-2.66 ng/ml). Likewise, endometrial cirDNA was unchanged between healthy controls (18.3 copies/ml), hospital controls (20.6 copies/ml) and endometriosis patients (22 copies/ml). Endometrial cirDNA did not change during menstruation (non-menstruating: 38 copies/ml; menstruating: 33 copies/ml). Irrespective of endometriosis diagnosis, blood from patients undergoing laparoscopy (hospital controls: 0.77; endometriosis patients: 0.79), had a significantly higher cirDNA size ratio than community-recruited healthy controls (0.64), indicating increased abundance of long cirDNA fragments. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION It was not possible to completely match the age, BMI and parity between the three cohorts investigated, however of these, only age has been shown to influence circulating DNA levels and not within the age range of our cohort. Blood from community-recruited healthy women and women undergoing laparoscopy was collected via antecubital vein venepuncture (processed within 3 h) and with either peripheral cannula or venepuncture (processed within 6 h), respectively, which could potentially impact the size distribution of circulating DNA fragments. For the collection of non-menstruating phase blood samples, we did not differentiate between follicular phase, ovulation and luteal phase. Thus, only the mensturating samples were collected at a consistent phase, and any fluctuations in cirDNA that occur at the other phases may have obscured small changes during menstruation. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS There is no evidence that cirDNA has potential as a diagnostic biomarker for endometriosis. Endometriosis, representing a common benign gynaecological condition, and menstruation, representing a normal physiological occurrence in women, should not affect methylation-based diagnostics in other disease areas, including oncology. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTEREST(S) N.L.Y.: Australian Government Research Training Program (RTP) Stipend through The University of New South Wales, Translational Cancer Research Network PhD Scholarship Top-Up Award via the Cancer Institute NSW, Beth Yarrow Memorial Award in Medical Science, UNSW Completion Scholarship; C.E.H.: Gynaecological Oncology Fund of the Royal Hospital for Women; K.W.: Ovarian Cancer Research Foundation and CAMILLA AND MARC. C.E.F.: UNSW Women's Wellbeing Academy and the Australian Human Rights Institute. We declare the following competing interest: K.W. holds stock in Guardant Health, Exact Sciences and Epigenomics AG. No other authors have competing interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER N/A.
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Affiliation(s)
- N L Yuwono
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Alonso
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - J Abbott
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Research and Clinical Evaluation (GRACE) Unit, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - S Houshdaran
- Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, Center for Reproductive Sciences, University of California, San Francisco, San Francisco, CA, USA
| | - C E Henry
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - R Rodgers
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia.,Department of Gynaecology and Reproductive Medicine, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C E Ford
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - K Warton
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Fisher T, Ford CE, Warton K. Recovery Efficiency of Cell-Free DNA After Bisulfite Conversion. Clin Chem 2022; 68:1219-1220. [PMID: 35853844 DOI: 10.1093/clinchem/hvac107] [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: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Teagan Fisher
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristina Warton
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Adult Cancer Program, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, School of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine and Health, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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10
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Liu D, Gunther K, Enriquez LA, Daniels B, O'Mara TA, Tang K, Spurdle AB, Ford CE. Author Correction: ROR1 is upregulated in endometrial cancer and represents a novel therapeutic target. Sci Rep 2022; 12:10918. [PMID: 35764678 PMCID: PMC9240005 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-15043-7] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liu
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kate Gunther
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Luis A Enriquez
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin Daniels
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Tracy A O'Mara
- QIMR Berghofer Medical Research Institute, Brisbane, Australia
| | - Katrina Tang
- South Eastern Area Laboratory Services Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia
| | | | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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11
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Joshi N, Liu D, Dickson KA, Marsh DJ, Ford CE, Stenzel MH. An organotypic model of high-grade serous ovarian cancer to test the anti-metastatic potential of ROR2 targeted Polyion complex nanoparticles. J Mater Chem B 2021; 9:9123-9135. [PMID: 34676865 DOI: 10.1039/d1tb01837j] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) is the most lethal gynaecological malignancy. Most patients are diagnosed at late stages when the tumour has metastasised throughout the peritoneal cavity. The Wnt receptor ROR2 has been identified as a promising therapeutic target in HGSOC, with limited targeting therapeutic options currently available. Small interfering RNA (siRNA)-based therapeutics hold great potential for inhibiting the function of specific biomarkers, however major challenges remain in efficient delivery and stability. The aim of this study was to investigate the ability of nanoparticles to deliver ROR2 siRNA into HGSOC cells, including platinum resistant models, and estimate the anti-metastatic effect via a 3D organotypic model for ovarian cancer. The nanoparticles were generated by conjugating poly[2-(dimethylamino) ethyl methacrylate] (PDMAEMA) of various chain length to bovine serum albumin (BSA), followed by the condensation of ROR2 siRNA into polyplexes, also termed polyion complex (PIC) nanoparticles. The toxicity and uptake of ROR2 siRNA PIC nanoparticles in two HGSOC cell lines, CaOV3 as well as its cisplatin resistant pair (CaOV3CisR), in addition to primary cells used for the 3D organotypic model were investigated. ROR2 knockdown at both transcriptional and translational levels were evaluated via real-time PCR and western blot analysis, respectively. Following 24 h incubation with the nanoparticles, functional assays were performed including proliferation (IncuCyte S3), transwell migration and 3D co-cultured transwell invasion assays. The PICs nanoparticles exhibited negligible toxicity in the paired CaOV3 cell lines or primary cells. Treating CaOV3 and CaOV3CisR cells with ROR2 siRNA containing PICs nanoparticles significantly inhibited migration and invasion ability. The biocompatible ROR2 siRNA conjugated PICs nanoparticles provide an innovative therapeutic option. ROR2 targeting therapy shows potential in treating HGSOC including platinum resistant forms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi Joshi
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
| | - Dongli Liu
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Kristie-Ann Dickson
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia
| | - Deborah J Marsh
- Translational Oncology Group, School of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney, Ultimo, NSW 2007, Australia.,Northern Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of Sydney, Camperdown, NSW 2006, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine and Health, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Martina H Stenzel
- School of Chemistry, University of New South Wales, Sydney, 2052, Australia.
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12
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Liu D, Kaufmann GF, Breitmeyer JB, Dickson KA, Marsh DJ, Ford CE. Abstract 1062: Inhibition of ovarian and endometrial cancer cell proliferation by an anti-ROR1 monoclonal antibody. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-1062] [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
The non-canonical Wnt signalling receptor ROR1 has been shown to be aberrantly expressed in numerous cancers, including ovarian and endometrial cancer (EC). Cirmtuzumab is a humanised monoclonal antibody against ROR1 that blocks Wnt5a-induced ROR1 signalling. It has demonstrated safety and efficacy in several Phase I/II clinical trials for chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL), mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) and Her2-negative breast cancer. The aim of this study was to investigate any anti-proliferative effect of cirmtuzumab in combination with commonly-used gynaecological cancer therapies (cisplatin, paclitaxel and the PARP inhibitor, olaparib) on high grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC) and EC cell lines including models of platinum resistance. The ROR1 positive HGSOC cells lines CaOV3, CaOV3CisR PEO1, PEO4 and EC cell lines Ishikawa, KLE were used in this study. First, IC50 for cisplatin, paclitaxel and olaparib in each cell line at 72h was determined using the cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8). Then, cells were seeded in 12-well plates and treated with cirmtuzumab at 25µg/ml or 50µg/ml for 4h prior to the addition of the chemotherapeutic agents at IC70 concentration. The effect of cirmtuzumab +/- agents was quantified using the IncuCyte S3 Live Cell Analysis System. Phase contrast cell images were obtained using a 10x objective lens within the instrument every 3h for 72h in total. The average confluence of each well was calculated and normalised against the baseline (time 0). Two-way ANOVA followed by Bonferroni post-test was performed to evaluate the effect of treatments. RNA and protein were extracted at the end of the incubation for qRTPCR and Western blot analysis. Single dose cirmtuzumab at both 25µg/ml and 50µg/ml significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3, CaOV3cisR, PEO1 and Ishikawa cells. 50µg/ml of cirmtuzumab decreased proliferation of KLE. Compared to paclitaxel alone, addition of 50µg/ml of cirmtuzumab significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3, CaOV3CisR, PEO1 and PEO4. Compared to cisplatin alone, addition of 25µg/ml of cirmtuzumab significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3CisR, PEO4; addition of 50µg/ml of cirmtuzumab significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3, CaOV3CisR, PEO4. Compared to olaparib alone, addition of 25µg/ml of cirmtuzumab significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3CisR; addition of 50µg/ml of cirmtuzumab significantly inhibited proliferation of CaOV3 and CaOV3CisR. No significant change in ROR1 or ROR2 expression levels was observed following cirmtuzumab treatment, however treatment did result in alterations to markers of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Cirmtuzumab alone inhibited proliferation of ovarian cancer and EC cells in vitro, and could enhance the activity of commonly-used chemotherapeutic agents. This study supports the potential of cirmtuzumab or other ROR1 targeting therapies for treating women with HGSOC and EC.
Citation Format: Dongli Liu, Gunnar F. Kaufmann, James B. Breitmeyer, Kristie-Ann Dickson, Deborah J. Marsh, Caroline E. Ford. Inhibition of ovarian and endometrial cancer cell proliferation by an anti-ROR1 monoclonal antibody [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 1062.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liu
- 1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
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13
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Xu X, Wang Y, Bryce N, Tang K, Meagher NS, Kang EY, Kelemen LE, Köbel M, Ramus SJ, Friedlander M, Ford CE, Hardeman EC, Gunning PW. Abstract 1045: Combined targeting of actin/tropomyosin and microtubules underlies a potential treatment strategy of epithelial ovarian cancer with cell-cycle dependent synergy. Cancer Res 2021. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2021-1045] [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
Anti-microtubule agents are widely used to treat ovarian cancers in the first line and recurrent setting either in combination with platinum or as single agents. However, the majority of patients will experience a recurrence, and most will die with drug resistant disease. We investigated co-targeting the actin cytoskeleton in combination with anti-microtubule agents to increase efficacy of treatment in epithelial ovarian cancers and potentially overcome resistance mechanisms. We examined the presence of actin/tropomyosin 3.1 (Tpm3.1) filaments in a large cohort of clinical specimens from patients with epithelial ovarian cancer of all histotypes using immunohistochemistry. Combinatorial effects of an anti-Tpm3.1 compound (ATM) with both vinorelbine and paclitaxel were evaluated in three ovarian cancer cell lines using cell viability and apoptosis assays. The mechanisms of synergy of both combinations were established using live-cell imaging, fluorescent microscopy, and pathway analysis. We found that Tpm3.1 is abundant and overexpressed in 97% of ovarian cancers examined (558 of 577) representing all histotypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. High levels of Tpm3.1 were also present in all sites sampled and similar at primary diagnosis and at recurrence. ATM displayed both single agent activity as well as synergy with both anti-microtubule drugs to reduce cell viability in all ovarian cancer cell lines tested, including one with platinum resistance. Only vinorelbine, however, synergised with ATM in the induction of apoptosis. Vinorelbine-induced mitotic arrest was significantly prolonged by ATM with elevated activity of the spindle assembly checkpoint, leading to almost one third of total cells dying in mitosis. In contrast, ATM showed minor impact on paclitaxel-induced mitotic defects. Both combinations resulted in a substantial increase in cells arrested in the subsequent G1 phase with a large decrease of both cyclin D1 and E1 as compared to single agents. Upregulation of p21Cip and p27Kip were associated with both combinations. In summary, targeting Tpm3.1-associated actin filaments in combination with anti-microtubule drugs is a promising treatment strategy that should be tested in clinical trials and is potentially applicable to all histotypes of ovarian cancer.
Citation Format: Xing Xu, Yao Wang, Nicole Bryce, Katrina Tang, Nicola S. Meagher, Eun Young Kang, Linda E. Kelemen, Martin Köbel, Susan J. Ramus, Michael Friedlander, Caroline E. Ford, Edna C. Hardeman, Peter W. Gunning. Combined targeting of actin/tropomyosin and microtubules underlies a potential treatment strategy of epithelial ovarian cancer with cell-cycle dependent synergy [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 1045.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Xu
- 1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Yao Wang
- 1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Nicole Bryce
- 1University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | | | | | - Martin Köbel
- 3University of Calgary, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
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14
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Liu D, Enriquez L, Ford CE. ROR2 Is Epigenetically Regulated in Endometrial Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13030383. [PMID: 33494187 PMCID: PMC7864349 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13030383] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2020] [Revised: 01/18/2021] [Accepted: 01/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Endometrial cancer is one of the fastest rising cancers in women. The Wnt signalling receptor ROR2 has been shown to play distinct roles in regards to tumorigenesis in different tumour types. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ROR2 in endometrial cancer and to determine if ROR2 expression is epigenetically regulated. Through the analyses of publicly available TCGA and GEO datasets, low ROR2 expression was correlated with unfavourable outcome and reduced overall survival of endometrial cancer patients. In addition, we observed epigenetic repression of ROR2 expression in endometrial cancer cell lines and patient samples. Ectopic expression of ROR2 in vitro inhibited the invasive ability of high grade serous endometrial cancer cells. Therefore, we concluded that ROR2 plays a tumour suppressor role in endometrial cancer and appears to be a diagnostic or therapeutic candidate. Abstract The Wnt signalling receptor ROR2 has been identified as a possible therapeutic target in numerous cancers; however, its exact role remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of ROR2 in endometrial cancer (EC) and the potential mechanism associated with its altered expression. The association between ROR2 mRNA expression levels and clinicopathological parameters, including overall survival (OS), in EC was analysed in The Cancer Genome Atlas Uterine Corpus Endometrial Carcinoma (TCGA-UCEC) cohort and GEO dataset GSE17025. Four EC cell lines (KLE, MFE-296, Ishikawa and ARK-1) and eight clinical EC samples were analysed for ROR2 methylation via Combined Bisulphite Restriction Analysis (COBRA) and bisulphite genomic sequencing (BGS). In addition, the functional effects of ROR2 overexpression were investigated in Ishikawa and ARK-1 cells following ectopic ROR2 expression. ROR2 promoter methylation or reduced ROR2 expression were both found to correlate with shorter OS, high grade and serous subtype in the TCGA-UCEC and GEO datasets. ROR2 was epigenetically silenced by promoter methylation in both patient samples and cell lines. A significant correlation between ROR2 expression levels and promoter methylation was observed in patient samples (r = −0.797, p = 0.018). ROR2 restoration in ARK-1 significantly decreased invasion ability, with associated changes in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. ROR2 plays a tumour-suppressor role in EC and is epigenetically suppressed with the development of disease. It may represent a diagnostic or therapeutic candidate for EC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amanda D Hagstrom
- Department of Exercise Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Nicole Yuwono
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, A/Prof Caroline Ford, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Kristina Warton
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, A/Prof Caroline Ford, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, A/Prof Caroline Ford, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Liu D, John M, Henry CE, Christie EL, Bowtell DD, Tang K, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Kennedy C, Boros J, DeFazio A, Ford CE. Abstract A41: ROR1 is associated with ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance. Clin Cancer Res 2020. [DOI: 10.1158/1557-3265.ovca19-a41] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
Background: New targets for ovarian cancer treatment are critically needed. The Wnt receptors ROR1 and ROR2 are overexpressed in all subtypes of ovarian cancer and appear to play a role in both the tumor and surrounding microenvironment (1). In vitro studies support the approach of targeting these receptors together to inhibit ovarian cancer migration and invasion (2, 3).
Aim: To investigate the role of ROR1 and ROR2 in ovarian cancer progression, survival and chemoresistance, to determine their feasibility as therapeutic targets.
Methods: Analysis of RNA-Seq data from publicly available ovarian cancer datasets was performed to determine associations with overall survival and platinum resistance. ROR1 IHC using a recently released monoclonal antibody (4A5, BD Bioscience) was performed on a cohort of ovarian cancer patients. ROR1 and/or ROR2 were silenced in a unique preclinical organotypic model of platinum-resistant ovarian cancer metastasis.
Results: There is a significant increase (p=0.01) in ROR1 expression in both primary resistant and acquired resistant (p=0.03) high-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSOC). ROR2 expression is not significantly associated with chemoresistance. High ROR1 (P=0.002, HR 1.93) or high ROR2 (P=0.004, HR 1.9) expression is associated with a significantly shorter overall survival (OS) in the Tothill cohort (4). Patients expressing both high ROR1 and high ROR2 have the shortest OS (P=0.0003, HR 2.38). ROR1 protein expression was detected in 97% of HGSOC patients via IHC, with 59% of HGSOC expressing “high ROR1” (IHC score 2 or 3). Overall, patients with higher-grade tumors expressed significantly higher ROR1 levels (P=0.001) than patients with low-grade tumors. Silencing ROR1 and ROR2 in combination inhibits adhesion and invasion of platinum resistant ovarian cancer in a 3D organotypic coculture model.
Conclusion: Our data support targeting both ROR1 and ROR2 as a new approach to treating ovarian cancer. The development of a number of monoclonal antibodies targeting ROR1 and ROR2 that are currently in phase 1 trials for other tumor types makes this clinically feasible in the future. These data also suggest that this may be most effective in the context of HGSOC with platinum resistance.
References: 1. Henry CE et al. Distinct patterns of stromal and tumor expression of ROR1 and ROR2 in histological subtypes of epithelial ovarian cancer. Transl Oncol 2017;10(3):346-56. 2. Henry C, Hacker NF, Ford CE. Silencing ROR1 and ROR2 inhibits invasion and adhesion in an organotypic model of ovarian cancer metastasis. Oncotarget 2017;8(68):112727-38. 3. Henry C et al. ROR1 and ROR2 are upregulated in chemoresistant ovarian cancer and promote migration and invasion. Oncogenesis 2016;5(5):doi: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.32. 4. Tothill RW et al. Novel molecular subtypes of serous and endometrioid ovarian cancer linked to clinical outcome. Clin Cancer Res 2008;14(16):5198-208.
Citation Format: Dongli Liu, Miya John, Claire E. Henry, Elizabeth L. Christie, David D.L. Bowtell, Kristina Tang, Viola Heinzelmann-Schwarz, Catherine Kennedy, Jessica Boros, Anna DeFazio, Caroline E. Ford. ROR1 is associated with ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the AACR Special Conference on Advances in Ovarian Cancer Research; 2019 Sep 13-16, 2019; Atlanta, GA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Clin Cancer Res 2020;26(13_Suppl):Abstract nr A41.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dongli Liu
- 1University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
| | - Miya John
- 1University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
| | - Claire E. Henry
- 1University of New South Wales Sydney, Sydney, NSW, Australia,
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Jessica Boros
- 5Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Anna DeFazio
- 5Westmead Institute for Medical Research, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Huynh KT, van Zuylen WJ, Ford CE, Rawlinson WD. Selective modulation of Wnt-binding receptor tyrosine kinase ROR2 expression by human cytomegalovirus regulates trophoblast migration. J Gen Virol 2019; 100:99-104. [DOI: 10.1099/jgv.0.001179] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [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] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Kim T. Huynh
- 1School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Wendy J. van Zuylen
- 1School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- 2Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- 3Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - William D. Rawlinson
- 4School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- 3Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, School of Women’s and Children’s Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- 2Serology and Virology Division, NSW Health Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, NSW, Australia
- 1School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Lu M, Henry CE, Lai H, Khine YY, Ford CE, Stenzel MH. A new 3D organotypic model of ovarian cancer to help evaluate the antimetastatic activity of RAPTA-C conjugated micelles. Biomater Sci 2019; 7:1652-1660. [DOI: 10.1039/c8bm01326h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [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: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
A novel 3D co-culture model of ovarian cancer can be used to test the efficacy of nanomedicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingxia Lu
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | - Claire E. Henry
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health
- Faculty of Medicine
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
| | - Haiwang Lai
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | - Yee Yee Khine
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group
- Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health
- Faculty of Medicine
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
| | - Martina H. Stenzel
- Centre for Advanced Macromolecular Design (CAMD)
- School of Chemistry
- University of New South Wales
- Sydney
- Australia
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Henry CE, Hacker NF, Ford CE. Abstract 106: Shock and ROR! Targeting ROR1 and ROR2 in a preclinical patient-derived model of ovarian cancer. Cancer Res 2018. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2018-106] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: New targets for ovarian cancer treatment are critically needed. The Wnt receptors ROR1 and ROR2 are overexpressed in all histotypes of ovarian cancer and appear to play a role in both the tumour and the surrounding microenvironment. We have previously conducted an extensive suite of in vitro experiments, exploring the functional role of ROR1 and ROR2 in ovarian cancer. Silencing either receptor using siRNA inhibited ovarian cancer cell migration and invasion, and silencing both receptors had an even stronger inhibitory effect on the metastatic potential of ovarian cancer cellS. We have also shown that silencing ROR1 and ROR2 sensitises chemoresistant ovarian cancer cells to chemotherapy. Combined, these studies have confirmed the importance of RORs in ovarian cancer, and provided a strong argument for these receptors potential as clinical targets.
However, these previous studies have utilised simple 2D in vitro models to investigate cancer cell growth and migration, which does not allow investigation of stromal involvement in ROR driven metastasis.
AIM: To investigate targeting ROR1 and ROR2 in a 3D primary co-culture model of epithelial ovarian cancer dissemination to the omentum.
METHODS: Primary fibroblasts (NOF) and mesothelial (HPMC) cells were isolated from fresh samples of omentum collected from women with benign or non-metastatic conditions and cultured with collagen to produce a organotypic 3D model. Stable shRNA knockdown of ROR1, ROR2 and double ROR1/ROR2 in OVCAR4 ovarian cancer cells were incorporated into the 3D model to measure adhesion, or using a transwell to measure invasion. Gene expression changes in primary cells upon OVCAR4 interaction was evaluated using indirect transwell co-culture.
RESULTS: Double knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 strongly inhibited cell adhesion (p<0.05) and invasion (P<0.05) to the omentum model. ROR2, but not ROR1, was up- regulated in primary fibroblasts when cultured with OVCAR4 (P=0.05) and ectopic overexpression of ROR2 in NOFs increased cell migration.
CONCLUSION: The combination of ROR1 and ROR2 signalling influences ovarian cancer dissemination to the omentum, however ROR2 may also play a specific role in stromal activation during metastasis. Therefore, targeting both ROR1 and ROR2 may be a powerful approach to treating ovarian cancer. The development of a number of monoclonal antibodies targeting ROR1 currently in phase 1 trials for other tumour types makes this clinically feasible in the near future.
Citation Format: Claire E. Henry, Neville F. Hacker, Caroline E. Ford. Shock and ROR! Targeting ROR1 and ROR2 in a preclinical patient-derived model of ovarian cancer [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the American Association for Cancer Research Annual Meeting 2018; 2018 Apr 14-18; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2018;78(13 Suppl):Abstract nr 106.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Henry
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | | | - Caroline E. Ford
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
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Cortesi M, Llamosas E, Henry CE, Kumaran RYA, Ng B, Youkhana J, Ford CE. I-AbACUS: a Reliable Software Tool for the Semi-Automatic Analysis of Invasion and Migration Transwell Assays. Sci Rep 2018; 8:3814. [PMID: 29491372 PMCID: PMC5830488 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-22091-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [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: 06/13/2017] [Accepted: 02/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The quantification of invasion and migration is an important aspect of cancer research, used both in the study of the molecular processes involved in this collection of diseases and the evaluation of the efficacy of new potential treatments. The transwell assay, while being one of the most widely used techniques for the evaluation of these characteristics, shows a high dependence on the operator's ability to correctly identify the cells and a low protocol standardization. Here we present I-AbACUS, a software tool specifically designed to aid the analysis of transwell assays that automatically and specifically recognizes cells in images of stained membranes and provides the user with a suggested cell count. A complete description of this instrument, together with its validation against the standard analysis technique for this assay is presented. Furthermore, we show that I-AbACUS is versatile and able to elaborate images containing cells with different morphologies and that the obtained results are less dependent on the operator and their experience. We anticipate that this instrument, freely available (Gnu Public Licence GPL v2) at www.marilisacortesi.com as a standalone application, could significantly improve the quantification of invasion and migration of cancer cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Cortesi
- Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Engineering "S. Cavalcanti", Department of Electrical, Electronic and Information Engineering "G. Marconi" (DEI), University of Bologna, Cesena, Italy.
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Claire E Henry
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Raani-Yogeeta A Kumaran
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Benedict Ng
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Center, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Janet Youkhana
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Center, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Henry CE, Llamosas E, Daniels B, Coopes A, Tang K, Ford CE. ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct and opposing roles in endometrial cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2018; 148:576-584. [PMID: 29395309 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2018.01.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2017] [Revised: 01/17/2018] [Accepted: 01/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE In recent years, the Wnt signalling pathway and the ROR1 and ROR2 receptors have been implicated in a range of gynecological cancers. These receptors have been described as prospective therapeutic targets, and this study investigated such potential in an endometrial cancer context. METHOD Immunohistochemistry for ROR1 and ROR2 was performed in a patient cohort, and expression was correlated with clinicopathological parameters including type, stage, grade, myometrial invasion, lymphovascular involvement, patient age and survival. The functional role of these receptors in endometrial cancer was investigated via siRNA knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 in three cell line models (KLE, RL95-2 and MFE-319). Effects on proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion were measured. RESULTS High ROR1 expression in patient samples correlated with worse overall survival (p = 0.0169) while high ROR2 expression correlated with better overall survival (p = 0.06). ROR1 knockdown in KLE cells significantly decreased proliferation (p = 0.047) and reduced migration and invasion. ROR2 knockdown in RL95-2 cells increased cell migration and invasion (p = 0.011). Double ROR1 and ROR2 knockdown in MFE-319 cells decreased adhesion and significantly increased cell migration (P = 0.008) and invasion (p < 0.001). CONCLUSION ROR1 and ROR2 play distinct roles in endometrial cancer. ROR1 may promote tumor progression, similar to its role in ovarian cancer, while ROR2 may act as a tumor suppressor in endometrioid endometrial cancer, similar to its role in colorectal cancer. With several ROR-targeting therapies currently in development and phase I clinical trials for other tumor types, this study supports the potential of these receptors as therapeutic targets for women with endometrial cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Henry
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - B Daniels
- Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Coopes
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - K Tang
- South Eastern Area Laboratory Services Pathology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
| | - C E Ford
- Gynaecological Cancer Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Ma SSQ, Henry CE, Llamosas E, Higgins R, Daniels B, Hesson LB, Hawkins NJ, Ward RL, Ford CE. Erratum to: Validation of specificity of antibodies for immunohistochemistry: the case of ROR2. Virchows Arch 2016; 469:717. [PMID: 27796585 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-016-2036-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Sean S Q Ma
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Claire E Henry
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Rupert Higgins
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin Daniels
- Faculty of Medicine, Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke B Hesson
- Colorectal Cancer Group, Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Caroline E Ford
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Hesson LB, Ng B, Zarzour P, Srivastava S, Kwok CT, Packham D, Nunez AC, Beck D, Ryan R, Dower A, Ford CE, Pimanda JE, Sloane MA, Hawkins NJ, Bourke MJ, Wong JWH, Ward RL. Integrated Genetic, Epigenetic, and Transcriptional Profiling Identifies Molecular Pathways in the Development of Laterally Spreading Tumors. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:1217-1228. [PMID: 27671336 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0175] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2016] [Revised: 08/15/2016] [Accepted: 09/07/2016] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Laterally spreading tumors (LST) are colorectal adenomas that develop into extremely large lesions with predominantly slow progression to cancer, depending on lesion subtype. Comparing and contrasting the molecular profiles of LSTs and colorectal cancers offers an opportunity to delineate key molecular alterations that drive malignant transformation in the colorectum. In a discovery cohort of 11 LSTs and paired normal mucosa, we performed a comprehensive and unbiased screen of the genome, epigenome, and transcriptome followed by bioinformatics integration of these data and validation in an additional 84 large, benign colorectal lesions. Mutation rates in LSTs were comparable with microsatellite-stable colorectal cancers (2.4 vs. 2.6 mutations per megabase); however, copy number alterations were infrequent (averaging only 1.5 per LST). Frequent genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional alterations were identified in genes not previously implicated in colorectal neoplasia (ANO5, MED12L, EPB41L4A, RGMB, SLITRK1, SLITRK5, NRXN1, ANK2). Alterations to pathways commonly mutated in colorectal cancers, namely, the p53, PI3K, and TGFβ pathways, were rare. Instead, LST-altered genes converged on axonal guidance, Wnt, and actin cytoskeleton signaling. These integrated omics data identify molecular features associated with noncancerous LSTs and highlight that mutation load, which is relatively high in LSTs, is a poor predictor of invasive potential. IMPLICATIONS The novel genetic, epigenetic, and transcriptional changes associated with LST development reveal important insights into why some adenomas do not progress to cancer. The finding that LSTs exhibit a mutational load similar to colorectal carcinomas has implications for the validity of molecular biomarkers for assessing cancer risk. Mol Cancer Res; 14(12); 1217-28. ©2016 AACR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Luke B Hesson
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
| | - Benedict Ng
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Peter Zarzour
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Sameer Srivastava
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.,Department of Biotechnology, Motilal Nehru National Institute of Technology, Allahabad, India
| | - Chau-To Kwok
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Deborah Packham
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Andrea C Nunez
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Dominik Beck
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Regina Ryan
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Ashraf Dower
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - John E Pimanda
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Mathew A Sloane
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Nicholas J Hawkins
- School of Medical Sciences, UNSW Australia, Kensington, Sydney, Australia
| | - Michael J Bourke
- Department of Gastroenterology, Westmead Hospital, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Jason W H Wong
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
| | - Robyn L Ward
- Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, UNSW Australia, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. .,Level 3 Brian Wilson Chancellery, The University of Queensland, Brisbane, Queensland, Australia
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Ma SSQ, Henry CE, Llamosas E, Higgins R, Daniels B, Hesson LB, Hawkins NJ, Ward RL, Ford CE. Validation of specificity of antibodies for immunohistochemistry: the case of ROR2. Virchows Arch 2016; 470:99-108. [PMID: 27631337 DOI: 10.1007/s00428-016-2019-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2016] [Revised: 08/07/2016] [Accepted: 09/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signalling receptor receptor tyrosine kinase-like orphan receptor 2 (ROR2) is implicated in numerous human cancers. However, there have been conflicting reports regarding ROR2 expression, some studies showing upregulation and others downregulation of ROR2 in the same cancer type. The majority of these studies used immunohistochemistry (IHC) to detect ROR2 protein, without validation of the used antibodies. There appears to be currently no consensus on the antibody best suited for ROR2 detection or how ROR2 expression changes in various cancer types. We examined three commercially available ROR2 antibodies and found that only one bound specifically to ROR2. Another antibody cross-reacted with other proteins, and the third failed to detect ROR2 at all. ROR2 detection by IHC on 107 patient samples using the ROR2 specific antibody showed that the majority of colorectal cancers show loss of ROR2 protein. We found no association between ROR2 staining and poor patient survival, as had been previously reported. These results question the previously reported association between ROR2 and poor patient survival in colorectal cancer. Future studies should use fully validated antibodies when detecting ROR2 protein, as non-specific staining can lead to irrelevant observations and misinterpretations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sean S Q Ma
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Claire E Henry
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Rupert Higgins
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia
| | - Benjamin Daniels
- Faculty of Medicine, Medicines Policy Research Unit, Centre for Big Data Research in Health, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke B Hesson
- Colorectal Cancer Group, Adult Cancer Program, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW, Sydney, Australia
| | | | | | - Caroline E Ford
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, 2052, Australia.
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Henry CE, Llamosas E, Hacker NF, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Ford CE. Abstract 1636: The role of the ROR receptors in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance. Cancer Res 2016. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2016-1636] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Despite recent advances in our understanding of the underlying genetic profile of distinct subtypes of ovarian cancer, overall survival remains poor. This is partly due to the absence of available targeted therapies, widespread metastatic disease at diagnosis, and the development of resistance to chemotherapy in the majority of patients. Patients with a more mesenchymal gene signature have a shorter overall survival, and are more likely to recur and develop chemoresistance. These patients also have upregulated Wnt signalling, a key developmental pathway associated with metastasis, epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chemoresistance.
AIM: To investigate the role of the novel Wnt receptors ROR1 and ROR2 in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance, to determine their feasibility as therapeutic targets.
METHOD: Expression of ROR1 and ROR2 was measured in patient tumour (primary and metastatic) samples and ascites fluid taken at multiple time points during disease progression. In addition, the A2780 and cisplatin resistant A2780-cis cell lines were used as a model of ovarian cancer chemoresistance. Profiling of EMT and Wnt genes was undertaken alongside cell proliferation, adhesion, migration, invasion and viability assays after modulation of ROR1 and ROR2.
RESULTS: Expression of ROR1 and ROR2 is increased in ovarian cancer patients compared to benign fallopian tube and ovarian surface epithelium. High ROR1 expression is associated with type I epithelial ovarian cancer, and high ROR2 expression with aggressive type II epithelial ovarian cancer. Expression of each receptor fluctuates in paired metastatic samples compared to primary tumours, depending on the site of metastasis and recurrence time. Both receptors are increased in a model of cisplatin resistant ovarian cancer, and when silenced, cell migration and invasion is significantly inhibited. Silencing ROR1 and ROR2 also sensitizes resistant cells to cisplatin, and is associated with a shift away from a mesenchymal phenotype.
CONCLUSION: Upregulation of ROR1 and ROR2 drives migration, invasion and chemoresistance through regulating EMT via β-catenin independent Wnt signalling. As cell surface regulators of β-catenin independent Wnt signalling, the ROR receptors represent potential therapeutic targets for chemoresistant cancers.
Citation Format: Claire E. Henry, Estelle Llamosas, Neville F. Hacker, Viola Heinzelmann-Schwarz, Caroline E. Ford. The role of the ROR receptors in ovarian cancer progression and chemoresistance. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 107th Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2016 Apr 16-20; New Orleans, LA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(14 Suppl):Abstract nr 1636.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E. Henry
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | - Estelle Llamosas
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | - Neville F. Hacker
- 2Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, UNSW, Australia
| | - Viola Heinzelmann-Schwarz
- 3Department of Gynecology and Gynecological Oncology, Hospital for Women, University Hospital Basel, University of Basel, Basel, Switzerland
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
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van Zuylen WJ, Ford CE, Rawlinson WD. Comment on: Wnt5a inhibited human trophoblast cell line HTR8/SVneo invasion: implications for early placentation and preeclampsia. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med 2016; 30:1085-1086. [DOI: 10.1080/14767058.2016.1203411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
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van Zuylen WJ, Rawlinson WD, Ford CE. The Wnt pathway: a key network in cell signalling dysregulated by viruses. Rev Med Virol 2016; 26:340-55. [PMID: 27273590 DOI: 10.1002/rmv.1892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2016] [Revised: 05/04/2016] [Accepted: 05/12/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Viruses are obligate parasites dependent on host cells for survival. Viral infection of a cell activates a panel of pattern recognition receptors that mediate antiviral host responses to inhibit viral replication and dissemination. Viruses have evolved mechanisms to evade and subvert this antiviral host response, including encoding proteins that hijack, mimic and/or manipulate cellular processes such as the cell cycle, DNA damage repair, cellular metabolism and the host immune response. Currently, there is an increasing interest whether viral modulation of these cellular processes, including the cell cycle, contributes to cancer development. One cellular pathway related to cell cycle signalling is the Wnt pathway. This review focuses on the modulation of this pathway by human viruses, known to cause (or associated with) cancer development. The main mechanisms where viruses interact with the Wnt pathway appear to be through (i) epigenetic modification of Wnt genes; (ii) cellular or viral miRNAs targeting Wnt genes; (iii) altering specific Wnt pathway members, often leading to (iv) nuclear translocation of β-catenin and activation of Wnt signalling. Given that diverse viruses affect this signalling pathway, modulating Wnt signalling could be a generalised critical process for the initiation or maintenance of viral pathogenesis, with resultant dysregulation contributing to virus-induced cancers. Further study of this virus-host interaction may identify options for targeted therapy against Wnt signalling molecules as a means to reduce virus-induced pathogenesis and the downstream consequences of infection. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wendy J van Zuylen
- Serology and Virology Division, SEALS Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - William D Rawlinson
- Serology and Virology Division, SEALS Microbiology, Prince of Wales Hospital, Sydney, Australia.,School of Medical Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.,School of Biotechnology and Biomolecular Sciences, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline E Ford
- Metastasis Research Group, School of Women's and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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Henry CE, Llamosas E, Djordjevic A, Hacker NF, Ford CE. Migration and invasion is inhibited by silencing ROR1 and ROR2 in chemoresistant ovarian cancer. Oncogenesis 2016; 5:e226. [PMID: 27239958 PMCID: PMC4945749 DOI: 10.1038/oncsis.2016.32] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [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: 12/07/2015] [Revised: 03/15/2016] [Accepted: 03/26/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Ovarian cancer survival remains poor despite recent advances in our understanding of genetic profiles. Unfortunately, the majority of ovarian cancer patients have recurrent disease after chemotherapy and lack other treatment options. Wnt signalling has been extensively implicated in cancer progression and chemoresistance. Therefore, we investigated the previously described Wnt receptors ROR1 and ROR2 as regulators of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in a clinically relevant cell line model. The parental A2780- and cisplatin-resistant A2780-cis cell lines were used as a model of ovarian cancer chemoresistance. Proliferation, adhesion, migration and invasion were measured after transient overexpression of ROR1 and ROR2 in the parental A2780 cell line, and silencing of ROR1 and ROR2 in the A2780-cis cell line. Here we show that ROR1 and ROR2 expression is increased in A2780-cis cells, alongside β-catenin-independent Wnt targets. Knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 significantly inhibited cell migration and invasion and simultaneous knockdown of ROR1 and ROR2 significantly sensitised cells to cisplatin, whilereas ROR overexpression in the parental cell line increased cell invasion. Therefore, ROR1 and ROR2 have the potential as novel drug targets in metastatic and recurrent ovarian cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Henry
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - A Djordjevic
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - N F Hacker
- Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
| | - C E Ford
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Metastasis Research Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and School of Women's and Children's Health, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW, Australia
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Ford CE, Henry C, Llamosas E, Djordjevic A, Hacker N. Wnt signalling in gynaecological cancers: A future target for personalised medicine? Gynecol Oncol 2015; 140:345-51. [PMID: 26432042 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2015.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [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: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/28/2015] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
The three major gynaecological cancers, ovarian, uterine and cervical, contribute a significant burden to global cancer mortality, and affect women in both developed and developing countries. However, unlike other cancer types that have seen rapid advances and incorporation of targeted treatments in recent years, personalised medicine is not yet a reality in the treatment of gynaecological cancers. Advances in sequencing technology and international collaborations and initiatives such as The Cancer Genome Atlas are now revealing the molecular basis of these cancers, and highlighting key signalling pathways involved. One pathway which plays a role in all three cancer types, is the Wnt signalling pathway. This complex developmental pathway is altered in most human malignancies, and members of this pathway, particularly the recently linked ROR receptor tyrosine kinases may be attractive future therapeutic targets. This review provides an up-to-date summary of research into Wnt signalling and ovarian, uterine and cervical cancers, and discusses the potential of the Wnt pathway as a future target for personalised medicine in gynaecological cancers.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Ford
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - C Henry
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - A Djordjevic
- Metastasis Research Group, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - N Hacker
- Royal Hospital for Women, School of Women and Children's Health, University of New South Wales, Australia
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Ford CE, Punnia-Moorthy G, Henry CE, Llamosas E, Nixdorf S, Olivier J, Caduff R, Ward RL, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V. The non-canonical Wnt ligand, Wnt5a, is upregulated and associated with epithelial to mesenchymal transition in epithelial ovarian cancer. Gynecol Oncol 2014; 134:338-45. [PMID: 24924122 DOI: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2014.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/21/2014] [Revised: 05/29/2014] [Accepted: 06/04/2014] [Indexed: 11/13/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Aberrant Wnt signalling has previously been associated with gynaecological cancers, and the aim of this study was to investigate the expression of Wnt5a in epithelial ovarian cancer, and clarify its role in activating or inhibiting β-catenin dependent and independent Wnt signalling pathways. METHOD Wnt5a expression was investigated in a large cohort of epithelial ovarian cancer patient samples using immunohistochemistry and correlated with clinicopathological variables. Wnt5a function was investigated in vitro in ovarian cell lines. RESULTS Wnt5a expression was found to be upregulated in all major subtypes (serous, endometrioid, clear cell and mucinous) of epithelial ovarian cancer compared to borderline tumours and benign controls. Treatment of ovarian surface epithelial cells with recombinant Wnt5a decreased cell adhesion and was associated with increased epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In addition, downstream targets of β-catenin dependent Wnt signalling were inhibited, and β-catenin independent targets increased following Wnt5a upregulation. Knockdown of Wnt5a in ovarian cancer cells was associated with a mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), but had no significant effect on cell migration or proliferation. CONCLUSION This study adds to the increasing evidence that Wnt signalling may play an important role in ovarian cancer development. Utilising an unparalleled large cohort of 623 patients, Wnt5a protein expression was shown to be significantly higher in ovarian cancer patients when compared to benign and borderline ovarian tumours and healthy control patients. In addition, we have utilised in vitro models to show for the first time in ovarian cancer that Wnt5a driven non-canonical pathways can alter epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT).
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Ford
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
| | - G Punnia-Moorthy
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - C E Henry
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - E Llamosas
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - S Nixdorf
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - J Olivier
- School of Mathematics and Statistics, Faculty of Science, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - R Caduff
- Department of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - R L Ward
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia
| | - V Heinzelmann-Schwarz
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia; Women's Hospital, University Hospital Basel, Basel, Switzerland
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Loh YN, Hedditch EL, Baker LA, Jary E, Ward RL, Ford CE. The Wnt signalling pathway is upregulated in an in vitro model of acquired tamoxifen resistant breast cancer. BMC Cancer 2013; 13:174. [PMID: 23547709 PMCID: PMC3621642 DOI: 10.1186/1471-2407-13-174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.4] [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: 10/31/2012] [Accepted: 03/13/2013] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Acquired resistance to Tamoxifen remains a critical problem in breast cancer patient treatment, yet the underlying causes of resistance have not been fully elucidated. Abberations in the Wnt signalling pathway have been linked to many human cancers, including breast cancer, and appear to be associated with more metastatic and aggressive types of cancer. Here, our aim was to investigate if this key pathway was involved in acquired Tamoxifen resistance, and could be targeted therapeutically. Methods An in vitro model of acquired Tamoxifen resistance (named TamR) was generated by growing the estrogen receptor alpha (ER) positive MCF7 breast cancer cell line in increasing concentrations of Tamoxifen (up to 5 uM). Alterations in the Wnt signalling pathway and epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) in response to Tamoxifen and treatment with the Wnt inhibitor, IWP-2 were measured via quantitative RT-PCR (qPCR) and TOP/FOP Wnt reporter assays. Resistance to Tamoxifen, and effects of IWP-2 treatment were determined by MTT proliferation assays. Results TamR cells exhibited increased Wnt signalling as measured via the TOP/FOP Wnt luciferase reporter assays. Genes associated with both the β-catenin dependent (AXIN2, MYC, CSNK1A1) and independent arms (ROR2, JUN), as well as general Wnt secretion (PORCN) of the Wnt signalling pathway were upregulated in the TamR cells compared to the parental MCF7 cell line. Treatment of the TamR cell line with human recombinant Wnt3a (rWnt3a) further increased the resistance of both MCF7 and TamR cells to the anti-proliferative effects of Tamoxifen treatment. TamR cells demonstrated increased expression of EMT markers (VIM, TWIST1, SNAI2) and decreased CDH1, which may contribute to their resistance to Tamoxifen. Treatment with the Wnt inhibitor, IWP-2 inhibited cell proliferation and markers of EMT. Conclusions These data support the role of the Wnt signalling pathway in acquired resistance to Tamoxifen. Further research into the mechanism by which activated Wnt signalling inhibits the effects of Tamoxifen should be undertaken. As a number of small molecules targeting the Wnt pathway are currently in pre-clinical development, combinatorial treatment with endocrine agents and Wnt pathway inhibitors may be a useful therapeutic option in the future for a subset of breast cancer patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Ni Loh
- Adult Cancer Program, Level 2, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, New South Wales 2052, Australia
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Ford CE, Jary E, Ma SSQ, Nixdorf S, Heinzelmann-Schwarz VA, Ward RL. The Wnt gatekeeper SFRP4 modulates EMT, cell migration and downstream Wnt signalling in serous ovarian cancer cells. PLoS One 2013; 8:e54362. [PMID: 23326605 PMCID: PMC3543420 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0054362] [Citation(s) in RCA: 68] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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: 07/26/2012] [Accepted: 12/11/2012] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Aberrant Wnt signalling is implicated in numerous human cancers, and understanding the effects of modulation of pathway members may lead to the development of novel therapeutics. Expression of secreted frizzled related protein 4 (SFRP4), an extracellular modulator of the Wnt signalling pathway, is progressively lost in more aggressive ovarian cancer phenotypes. Here we show that recombinant SFRP4 (rSFRP4) treatment of a serous ovarian cancer cell line results in inhibition of β-catenin dependent Wnt signalling as measured by TOP/FOP Wnt reporter assay and decreased transcription of Wnt target genes, Axin2, CyclinD1 and Myc. In addition, rSFRP4 treatment significantly increased the ability of ovarian cancer cells to adhere to collagen and fibronectin, and decreased their ability to migrate across an inflicted wound. We conclude that these changes in cell behaviour may be mediated via mesenchymal to epithelial transition (MET), as rSFRP4 treatment also resulted in increased expression of the epithelial marker E-cadherin, and reduced expression of Vimentin and Twist. Combined, these results indicate that modulation of a single upstream gatekeeper of Wnt signalling can have effects on downstream Wnt signalling and ovarian cancer cell behaviour, as mediated through epithelial to mesenchymal plasticity (EMP). This raises the possibility that SFRP4 may be used both diagnostically and therapeutically in epithelial ovarian cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Wnt Signalling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, University of New South Wales, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia.
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Ford CE, Qian Ma SS, Quadir A, Ward RL. The dual role of the novel Wnt receptor tyrosine kinase, ROR2, in human carcinogenesis. Int J Cancer 2013; 133:779-87. [PMID: 23233346 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2012] [Revised: 11/21/2012] [Accepted: 11/29/2012] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
The Wnt signaling pathway is involved in the development and progression of many human cancers, yet attempts to target the pathway therapeutically have been disappointing to date. The recent discovery that the ROR2 receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) is a novel Wnt receptor provides the potential to target the non-canonical Wnt pathway for cancer treatments. As a member of the RTK superfamily of surface receptors ROR2 appears to possess dual roles as a tumor suppressor or activator depending on tumor type. This review will explore the dual role of ROR2 in tumorigenesis and provide an up to date analysis of current literature in this rapidly expanding field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Wnt Signaling & Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre and Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Australia.
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Ford CE, Jary E, Ma S, Nixdorf S, Heinzelmann-Schwarz V, Ward RL. Abstract 333: SFRP4 modulates EMT, cell migration and downstream Wnt signalling in epithelial ovarian cancer. Cancer Res 2012. [DOI: 10.1158/1538-7445.am2012-333] [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
Epithelial ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of death from all female cancers. This poor overall prognosis results in part from late diagnosis and a current lack of targeted therapy, stemming from the current limited understanding of the initiating events of ovarian carcinogenesis. There is a critical need for the identification of ovarian cancer pathways and targets to aid in diagnosis, as prognostic indicators and as targets for novel therapies. Wnt signalling is essential for crucial components of carcinogenesis and metastasis including differentiation, polarity, migration, adhesion and survival, and hence the role of Wnt signalling in human cancer is increasingly being investigated along with strategies to target pathway components. The Wnt pathway is regulated at multiple levels, with the Wnt antagonists or “gatekeeper proteins” receiving attention in recent years, due to their frequent loss in cancer. Secreted frizzled receptor proteins (SFRPs) are extracellular inhibitors of Wnt signalling that act by binding directly to Wnt ligands or Frizzled receptors, and have been shown to function as tumour suppressors in other cancer types. We have previously shown that one of these inhibitors, SFRP4, is progressively lost in more aggressive ovarian cancer phenotypes, such as Type II cancers (Jacob et al, 2011). Furthermore, patients lacking SFRP4 expression had a poorer prognosis than those expressing SFRP4. Here, we investigated the functional consequences of SFRP4 modulation in ovarian cancer cell lines. Re-expression of SFRP4 resulted in decreased expression of downstream components of Wnt signalling, inhibition of cell migration, and inhibition of epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT). In parallel, knockdown of SFRP4 resulted in ovarian cells upregulating markers of EMT. These results indicate that modulation of an upstream gatekeeper of Wnt signalling can have dramatic downstream effects on ovarian cancer cell behaviour, as mediated through EMT. This raises the possibility that SFRP4 may be a suitable marker of ovarian carcinogenesis, and that targeting the Wnt signalling pathway may have potential as an ovarian cancer treatment.
Citation Format: {Authors}. {Abstract title} [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 103rd Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research; 2012 Mar 31-Apr 4; Chicago, IL. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2012;72(8 Suppl):Abstract nr 333. doi:1538-7445.AM2012-333
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E. Ford
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | - Eve Jary
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | - Sean Ma
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | - Sheri Nixdorf
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
| | | | - Robyn L. Ward
- 1Lowy Cancer Research Centre, University of New South Wales, UNSW, Australia
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Jacob F, Ukegjini K, Nixdorf S, Ford CE, Olivier J, Caduff R, Scurry JP, Guertler R, Hornung D, Mueller R, Fink DA, Hacker NF, Heinzelmann-Schwarz VA. Loss of secreted frizzled-related protein 4 correlates with an aggressive phenotype and predicts poor outcome in ovarian cancer patients. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31885. [PMID: 22363760 PMCID: PMC3283709 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031885] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [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: 08/15/2011] [Accepted: 01/14/2012] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Activation of the Wnt signaling pathway is implicated in aberrant cellular proliferation in various cancers. In 40% of endometrioid ovarian cancers, constitutive activation of the pathway is due to oncogenic mutations in β-catenin or other inactivating mutations in key negative regulators. Secreted frizzled-related protein 4 (SFRP4) has been proposed to have inhibitory activity through binding and sequestering Wnt ligands. METHODOLOGY/PRINCIPAL FINDINGS We performed RT-qPCR and Western-blotting in primary cultures and ovarian cell lines for SFRP4 and its key downstream regulators activated β-catenin, β-catenin and GSK3β. SFRP4 was then examined by immunohistochemistry in a cohort of 721 patients and due to its proposed secretory function, in plasma, presenting the first ELISA for SFRP4. SFRP4 was most highly expressed in tubal epithelium and decreased with malignant transformation, both on RNA and on protein level, where it was even more profound in the membrane fraction (p<0.0001). SFRP4 was expressed on the protein level in all histotypes of ovarian cancer but was decreased from borderline tumors to cancers and with loss of cellular differentiation. Loss of membrane expression was an independent predictor of poor survival in ovarian cancer patients (p = 0.02 unadjusted; p = 0.089 adjusted), which increased the risk of a patient to die from this disease by the factor 1.8. CONCLUSIONS/SIGNIFICANCE Our results support a role for SFRP4 as a tumor suppressor gene in ovarian cancers via inhibition of the Wnt signaling pathway. This has not only predictive implications but could also facilitate a therapeutic role using epigenetic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francis Jacob
- Translational Research Group, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Kristjan Ukegjini
- Translational Research Group, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Sheri Nixdorf
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Caroline E. Ford
- Wnt signaling and Metastasis Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jake Olivier
- Biostatistics Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Rosmarie Caduff
- Institute of Clinical Pathology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - James P. Scurry
- Hunter Area Pathology Services, John Hunter Hospital, University of Newcastle, Callaghan, Australia
| | - Rea Guertler
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
| | - Daniela Hornung
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Schleswig-Holstein, Lubeck, Germany
| | - Renato Mueller
- Department of Gynecology and Obstetrics, Spital Limmattal, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Daniel A. Fink
- Department of Gynecology, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
| | - Neville F. Hacker
- Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia
| | - Viola A. Heinzelmann-Schwarz
- Translational Research Group, University Hospital Zurich, Zurich, Switzerland
- Gynaecological Cancer Group, Lowy Cancer Research Centre, Prince of Wales Clinical School, Faculty of Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia
- Gynaecological Cancer Centre, Royal Hospital for Women, Sydney, Australia
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Andersson T, Ford CE, Ekström EJ, Howlin J. Retracted manuscript: The WNT-5a derived peptide, Foxy-5, possesses dual properties that impair progression of ERα negative breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2011; 10:1167. [PMID: 21430443 DOI: 10.4161/cc.10.7.15488] [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] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Retraction for: "The WNT-5a derived peptide, Foxy-5, possesses dual properties that impair progression of ERa negative breast cancer," by Caroline E. Ford, Elin J. Ekström, Jillian Howlin and Tommy Andersson, which appeared in the June 15, 2009 issue of Cell Cycle (Ford CE, et al. Cell Cycle 2009; 8:1838-1842; 10.4161/cc.8.12.8863). The authors wish to note the following: "Recently a paper, on which I was the senior author and that was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences titled "Wnt-5a signaling restores tamoxifen sensitivity in estrogen receptor-negative breast cancer cells" (Ford CE, Ekström EJ, Andersson T. Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 2009; 106:3919-24) was retracted. The fact that this paper was the direct reason for our review article in the Cell Cycle journal makes it logical that I also retract the cited review article published in the Cell Cycle journal, the other authors approve this retraction. We apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused."
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Abstract
The fabrication and characterization of a glass containing a regular parallel array of submicrometer channels or capillaries are described. The capillaries are arranged in a two-dimensional hexagonal close packing configuration with channel diameters as small as 33 nanometers and packing densities as high as 3 x 10(10) channels per square centimeter. The high-temperature stability of the nanochannel glass array is well suited as a host or template for the formation of quantum confined semiconductor structures or as a mask for massively parallel patterned lithographic applications.
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Ford CE, Ekström EJ, Howlin J, Andersson T. The WNT-5a derived peptide, Foxy-5, possesses dual properties that impair progression of ERalpha negative breast cancer. Cell Cycle 2009; 8:1838-42. [PMID: 19448401 DOI: 10.4161/cc.8863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite improvements in detection and treatment, breast cancer remains the most common female cancer worldwide, and metastatic associated mortality is a significant public health issue. Patients with tumors negative for estrogen receptor (ERalpha), have a particularly poor prognosis, partly due to their inability to respond to current endocrine treaments. Expression of Wnt-5a has been associated with prolonged recurrence free survivial in clinical material, and Wnt-5a also inhibits migration and invasion of breast cancer cell lines. Loss of Wnt-5a is associated with loss of ERalpha in clinical breast cancer material, and Wnt-5a signaling upregulates ERalpha in ERalpha negative breast cancer cell lines. A Wnt-5a derived hexapeptide, Foxy-5, has been developed and like Wnt-5a, increases adhesion and inhibits migration of breast cancer cells. Furthermore, Foxy-5 significantly reduced liver and lung metastases in a murine ERalpha negative breast cancer model. Foxy-5 also upregulated ERalpha in this in vivo model and most significantly, in vitro rendered cells responsive to the selective estrogen receptor modulator, Tamoxifen. Together these studies suggest that Foxy-5 may be a potential new supplementary treatment for ERalpha negative breast cancer patients, as it addresses two of the most important aspects of cancer related mortality -- non response to endocrine therapy and metastasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Cell and Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, Malmö University Hospital, Malmö, Sweden.
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Ford CE, Pollock DL, Gustavsson I. Proceedings of the First International Conference for the Standardisation of Banded Karyotypes of Domestic Animals. University of Reading Reading, England. 2nd-6th August 1976. Hereditas 2009; 92:145-62. [PMID: 6103884 DOI: 10.1111/j.1601-5223.1980.tb01688.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
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Lynch AI, Arnett DK, Davis BR, Boerwinkle E, Ford CE, Eckfeldt JH, Leiendecker-Foster C. Sex-Specific Effects of AGT-6 and ACE I/D on Pulse Pressure After 6 Months on Antihypertensive Treatment: The GenHAT Study. Ann Hum Genet 2007; 71:735-45. [PMID: 17608790 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-1809.2007.00381.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Research suggests pulse pressure (PP) is a predictor of cardiovascular disease, and genes likely influence PP levels. Additionally, gender may be an effect modifier between PP and cardiovascular disease. This study addresses whether two renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) variants are associated with PP in a sex-specific manner (genotype-by-sex interaction). Subjects comprised 35,048 GenHAT study participants over 55 years old, approximately half were women and half non-Hispanic white. Blood pressure measurements were obtained 6 months after randomization to one of four antihypertensive medications. The polymorphisms considered were AGT-6 and ACE-I/D. We employed linear regression to assess the interaction. AGT-6 showed a significant (p < 0.001) genotype-by-sex interaction. Men with the 'G/G' genotype had a higher PP (0.6 mm HG) than men carrying an 'A' allele, while 'G/G' women had a lower PP (0.7 mm Hg) than women carrying an 'A' allele. Three of the four treatment groups (chlorthalidone, amlodipine and lisinopril) suggested a consistent interaction in sub-group analyses (only amlodipine was statistically significant, p < 0.001), whereas doxazosin did not. The interaction was evident among non-Hispanic participants but not among Hispanic participants. For ACE-I/D no evidence for a genotype-by-sex interaction was detected. This finding of genotype-by-sex interaction on PP helps our understanding of the complexity of genetic effects on blood pressure.
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Affiliation(s)
- A I Lynch
- University of Minnesota, Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
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Ford CE, Lau SK, Zhu CQ, Andersson T, Tsao MS, Vogel WF. Expression and mutation analysis of the discoidin domain receptors 1 and 2 in non-small cell lung carcinoma. Br J Cancer 2007; 96:808-14. [PMID: 17299390 PMCID: PMC2360060 DOI: 10.1038/sj.bjc.6603614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [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] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
The discoidin domain receptors, (DDR)1 and DDR2, have been linked to numerous human cancers. We sought to determine expression levels of DDRs in human lung cancer, investigate prognostic determinates, and determine the prevalence of recently reported mutations in these receptor tyrosine kinases. Tumour samples from 146 non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) patients were analysed for relative expression of DDR1 and DDR2 using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). An additional 23 matched tumour and normal tissues were tested for differential expression of DDR1 and DDR2, and previously reported somatic mutations. Discoidin domain receptor 1 was found to be significantly upregulated by 2.15-fold (P=0.0005) and DDR2 significantly downregulated to an equivalent extent (P=0.0001) in tumour vs normal lung tissue. Discoidin domain receptor 2 expression was not predictive for patient survival; however, DDR1 expression was significantly associated with overall (hazard ratio (HR) 0.43, 95% CI=0.22–0.83, P=0.014) and disease-free survival (HR=0.56, 95% CI=0.33–0.94, P=0.029). Multivariate analysis revealed DDR1 is an independent favourable predictor for prognosis independent of tumour differentiation, stage, histology, and patient age. However, contrary to previous work, we did not observe DDR mutations. We conclude that whereas altered expression of DDRs may contribute to malignant progression of NSCLC, it is unlikely that this results from mutations in the DDR1 and DDR2 genes that we investigated.
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Affiliation(s)
- C E Ford
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden
| | - S K Lau
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - C Q Zhu
- University Health Network, Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - T Andersson
- Division of Experimental Pathology, Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lund University, University Hospital Malmö, Malmö, Sweden
| | - M S Tsao
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Department of Medical Biophysics, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- University Health Network, Ontario Cancer Institute and Princess Margaret Hospital, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
| | - W F Vogel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario, Canada
- Medical Sciences Building, Room 6342, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, Ontario M5S 1A8 Canada. E-mail:
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Davis BR, Arnett DK, Boerwinkle E, Ford CE, Leiendecker-Foster C, Miller MB, Black H, Eckfeldt JH. Antihypertensive therapy, the alpha-adducin polymorphism, and cardiovascular disease in high-risk hypertensive persons: the Genetics of Hypertension-Associated Treatment Study. Pharmacogenomics J 2006; 7:112-22. [PMID: 16702981 DOI: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
In a double-blind, outcome trial conducted in hypertensive patients randomized to chlorthalidone (C), amlodipine (A), lisinopril (L), or doxazosin (D), the alpha-adducin Gly460Trp polymorphism was typed (n=36 913). Mean follow-up was 4.9 years. Relative risks (RRs) of chlorthalidone versus other treatments were compared between genotypes (Gly/Gly+Gly/Trp versus Trp/Trp). Primary outcome was coronary heart disease (CHD). Coronary heart disease incidence did not differ among treatments or genotypes nor was there any interaction between treatment and genotype (P=0.660). Subgroup analyses indicated that Trp allele carriers had greater CHD risk with C versus A+L in women (RR=1.31) but not men (RR=0.91) with no RR gender differences for non-carriers (gender-gene-treatment interaction, P=0.002). The alpha-adducin gene is not an important modifier of antihypertensive treatment on cardiovascular risk, but women Trp allele carriers may have increased CHD risk if treated with C versus A or L. This must be confirmed to have implications for hypertension treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- B R Davis
- School of Public Health, University of Texas-Houston, Houston, TX 77030, USA.
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Lawson JS, Tran DD, Carpenter E, Ford CE, Rawlinson WD, Whitaker NJ, Delprado W. Presence of mouse mammary tumour-like virus gene sequences may be associated with morphology of specific human breast cancer. J Clin Pathol 2006; 59:1287-92. [PMID: 16698952 PMCID: PMC1860546 DOI: 10.1136/jcp.2005.035907] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/03/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) has a proven role in breast carcinogenesis in wild mice and genetically susceptible in-bred mice. MMTV-like env gene sequences, which indicate the presence of a replication-competent MMTV-like virus, have been identified in some human breast cancers, but rarely in normal breast tissues. However, no evidence for a causal role of an MMTV-like virus in human breast cancer has emerged, although there are precedents for associations between specific histological characteristics of human cancers and the presence of oncogenic viruses. AIM To investigate the possibility of an association between breast cancer and MMTV-like viruses. METHODS Histological characteristics of invasive ductal human breast cancer specimens were compared with archival MMTV-associated mammary tumours from C3H experimental mice. The presence of MMTV-like env DNA sequences in the human breast cancer specimens was determined by polymerase chain reaction and confirmed by Southern hybridisation. RESULTS MMTV-like env gene sequences were identified in 22 of 59 (37.3%) human breast cancer specimens. Seventeen of 43 (39.5%) invasive ductal carcinoma breast cancer specimens and 4 of 16 (25%) ductal carcinoma in situ specimens had some histological characteristics, which were similar to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumours. However, these similarities were not associated with the presence or absence of MMTV-like gene sequences in the human breast tumour specimens. A significant (p = 0.05) correlation was found between the grade of the human breast cancer and similarity to the mouse mammary tumours. The lower the grade, the greater the similarity. CONCLUSION Some human breast cancer specimens, in which MMTV-like env DNA sequences have been identified, were shown to have histological characteristics (morphology) similar to MMTV-associated mouse mammary tumours. These observations are compatible with, but not conclusive of, an association between the presence of MMTV-like env DNA sequences and some human breast cancers.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Breast Neoplasms/pathology
- Breast Neoplasms/virology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/pathology
- Carcinoma, Ductal, Breast/virology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/pathology
- Carcinoma, Intraductal, Noninfiltrating/virology
- DNA, Viral/analysis
- Female
- Humans
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/pathology
- Mammary Neoplasms, Animal/virology
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/genetics
- Mammary Tumor Virus, Mouse/isolation & purification
- Mice
- Mice, Inbred C3H
- Polymerase Chain Reaction/methods
- Retroviridae Infections/complications
- Tumor Virus Infections/complications
- Viral Envelope Proteins/analysis
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Affiliation(s)
- J S Lawson
- School of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.
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45
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Vogel WF, Abdulhussein R, Ford CE. Sensing extracellular matrix: an update on discoidin domain receptor function. Cell Signal 2006; 18:1108-16. [PMID: 16626936 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2006.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 257] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2006] [Accepted: 02/20/2006] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Discoidin Domain Receptors (DDRs) have recently emerged as non-integrin-type receptors for collagen. The two mammalian gene products Discoidin Domain Receptor 1 and -2 constitute a subfamily of tyrosine kinase receptors that are selectively expressed in a number of different cell types and organs. Upon collagen activation, DDRs regulate cell adhesion, proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling. Here we review the various signaling pathways and cellular responses evoked by activated DDRs. Additionally, we give an overview of the more recent advances in understanding the role of DDRs in various human diseases, in particular during tumor progression, atherosclerosis, inflammation and tissue fibrosis. Furthermore, we discuss potential roles of genes homologous to mammalian DDRs identified in flies, worms and sponges. We show that the structural organization of these DDR-related genes is highly conserved throughout evolution suggesting that invertebrate DDRs may also function as receptors for collagen. By highlighting current questions about these unusual collagen receptors, we hope to attract new research on DDRs from a variety of different fields.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wolfgang F Vogel
- Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiology, University of Toronto, Toronto, Ontario Canada, M5S 1A8.
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Wiesenfeld PW, Sapienza PP, Flynn TJ, Ford CE, Ross IA, Sahu S, Kim CS, O'Donnell MW, Collins TFX, Sprando RL. Effects of oral androstenedione on phospholipid fatty acids, ATP, caspase-3, prostaglandin E(2) and C-reactive protein in serum and livers of pregnant and non-pregnant female rats. Food Chem Toxicol 2005; 44:579-87. [PMID: 16289525 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2005.09.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2005] [Revised: 09/12/2005] [Accepted: 09/25/2005] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Androstenedione, a steroidal dietary supplement taken to enhance athletic performance, could affect serum and liver lipid metabolism, induce liver toxicity or alter inflammatory response depending on dose and duration of exposure. Pregnancy could further exaggerate these effects. To examine this, mature female rats were gavaged with 0, 5, 30 or 60 mg/kg/day androstenedione beginning two weeks prior to mating and continuing through gestation day 19. Non-pregnant female rats were gavaged over the same time frame with 0 or 60 mg/kg/day androstenedione. Serum was collected and livers were removed from dams on gestation day 20 and from non-pregnant rats after 5 weeks of treatment. Androstenedione had no effect on serum total cholesterol, triglycerides or HDL-cholesterol, but significantly decreased C-reactive protein in pregnant rats and prostaglandin E(2) in serum of both pregnant and non-pregnant rats. There were treatment related decreases in liver ATP and, to a lesser degree, caspase-3 and no change in alkaline phosphatase of pregnant female rats. Androstenedione decreased docosahexaenoic acid in both serum and liver phospholipids of pregnant female rats. In conclusion, oral androstenedione did not result in overt hepatotoxicity in pregnant female rats, but produced modest changes in lipid metabolism and may impair regeneration of injured hepatic cells or tissue.
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Affiliation(s)
- P W Wiesenfeld
- US FDA, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, 8301 Muirkirk Road, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
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Abstract
Identifiable risk factors for the development of breast cancer include age, diet, family history, and lifetime estrogen exposure. An infectious agent (mouse mammary tumor virus; MMTV) is known to cause murine breast tumors and may be involved in the pathogenesis of human disease. Multiple studies have detected MMTV-like sequences in 30 to 60% of breast cancer samples and up to 1.8% of samples from normal breast. Using in situ PCR of MMTV-like sequences of formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded breast tissue, viral sequences have been located in cancerous epithelial cells in breast acini of male and female breast tumors, but not in adjacent nonmalignant cells. MMTV-like sequences were also located in the epithelial cells of male gynecomastia samples. Using reverse transcriptase in situ PCR, RNA transcripts from the env gene were also detected within cancerous epithelial cells of 78% of DNA-positive tumors, 80% of gynecomastia samples, and 0% of normal tissues screened. This suggests the virus may be replicating in these cells. The epidemiologic and histopathological data are consistent with the association of an MMTV-like virus with breast cancers in men and women. The association with gynecomastia, a benign, possibly premalignant condition suggests hormonal influences, rather than cancer per se, may be the dominant factor in determining viral presence and replication.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Sydney Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia
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Ford CE, Faedo M, Crouch R, Lawson JS, Rawlinson WD. Progression from normal breast pathology to breast cancer is associated with increasing prevalence of mouse mammary tumor virus-like sequences in men and women. Cancer Res 2004; 64:4755-9. [PMID: 15256443 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-03-3804] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like sequences have been found in up to 40% of breast cancer samples but in <2% of normal breast tissue samples from Australian women studied by our group. Screening of a larger and more diverse cohort of female breast cancer samples has now shown a correlation of MMTV-like sequences with the severity (grade) of breast cancer. Thirty-two percent (43 of 136) of female breast cancer samples were positive for MMTV-like sequences when screened using PCR. A significant gradient of MMTV positivity was observed with increasing severity of cancer from 23% of infiltrating ductal carcinoma (IDC) grade I tumors to 34% of IDC grade II tumors (P = 0.00034) and 38% of IDC grade III tumors (P = 0.00002). We also report for the first time the detection of MMTV-like sequences in 62% (8 of 13) of male breast cancer samples and 19% (10 of 52) of male gynecomastia samples screened. MMTV-like sequences were demonstrated in various premalignant breast lesions of females, including fibroadenoma (20%) and fibrocystic disease (28%) samples, at a significantly higher prevalence than that seen in normal breast tissue (1.8%; P = 0.00001). Study of a longitudinal cohort of female breast cancer patients indicated that MMTV was co-incident with tumor but was not present when tumor was absent on histology. These results support the association of MMTV-like sequences with development of breast tumors in men and women and suggest association of MMTV with increasing severity of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline E Ford
- Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, New South Wales 2031, Australia
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Faedo M, Ford CE, Mehta R, Blazek K, Rawlinson WD. Mouse Mammary Tumor-Like Virus Is Associated with p53 Nuclear Accumulation and Progesterone Receptor Positivity but not Estrogen Positivity in Human Female Breast Cancer. Clin Cancer Res 2004; 10:4417-9. [PMID: 15240531 DOI: 10.1158/1078-0432.ccr-03-0232] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
PURPOSE The purpose is to compare the presence of proteins with known associations with breast cancer-progesterone receptor (PgR), estrogen receptor, and p53, with the prevalence of mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV)-like DNA sequences in human female breast cancers. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN A cohort of 128 Australian female breast cancers were screened for MMTV-like DNA sequences using PCR. The presence of PgR, estrogen receptor, and nuclear accumulation of p53 protein was assessed in the same samples using immunohistochemical staining. RESULTS Nuclear accumulation of p53 was significantly more prevalent (P = 0.05) in archival human breast cancers containing MMTV-like DNA sequences. The presence of progesterone receptor was significantly higher in MMTV-positive than MMTV-negative breast cancers (P = 0.01). No correlation between estrogen receptor and MMTV-like DNA sequences was found. CONCLUSIONS MMTV causes breast cancer in mice, and hormones up-regulate expression of virus in mice mammary tissue. It is unknown if this is the case in human breast cancers shown to contain DNA of MMTV-like viruses. The positive association between MMTV-like DNA sequences and PgR indicates hormones and MMTV may play a role in human breast cancer. Mutations of the tumor suppressor gene p53 are common in human breast cancer and are associated with higher grades of cancer. The association of MMTV-like DNA sequences with higher grades of cancer, and the positive association between p53 and MMTV-like DNA sequences clearly warrant additional investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Margaret Faedo
- Virology Division, Department of Microbiology, South Eastern Area Laboratory Services, The Prince of Wales Hospital, Randwick, Australia.
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Arnett DK, Boerwinkle E, Davis BR, Eckfeldt J, Ford CE, Black H. Pharmacogenetic approaches to hypertension therapy: design and rationale for the Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatment (GenHAT) study. Pharmacogenomics J 2003; 2:309-17. [PMID: 12439737 DOI: 10.1038/sj.tpj.6500113] [Citation(s) in RCA: 48] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2002] [Revised: 03/14/2002] [Accepted: 03/19/2002] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The Genetics of Hypertension Associated Treatment (GenHAT) study will determine whether variants in hypertension susceptibility genes interact with antihypertensive medication to modify coronary heart disease (CHD) risk in hypertensives. GenHAT is an ancillary study of the Antihypertensive and Lipid Lowering Treatment to Prevent Heart Attack Trial, ALLHAT, a double-blind, randomized trial of 42 418 hypertensives, 55 years of age or older, with systolic or diastolic hypertension and one or more risk factors for cardiovascular disease. About 50% are non-white, and about half are female. ALLHAT completes follow-up in March 2002. GenHAT is typing variants in hypertension genes; completion of genotyping is scheduled for 2003. Analysis of gene-treatment interactions in relation to outcomes include CHD, stroke, heart failure, and blood pressure lowering. To our knowledge, GenHAT is the largest pharmacogenetic study ever conducted. An added strength is its ability to link gene-treatment interactions with important clinical outcomes across diverse ethnic and gender groups.
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Affiliation(s)
- D K Arnett
- University of Minnesota, Division of Epidemiology, Minneapolis, 55454-1015, USA.
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