1
|
Thu Nguyen T, Van Tran K, Cam Ho T, Xuan Nguyen H, Trong Nguyen T. A systematic analysis with the hierarchical cluster analysis strategy on the complex interaction of TERT and CTNNB1 somatic mutations in Vietnamese hepatocellular carcinoma patients. Gene 2024; 927:148646. [PMID: 38851365 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2024.148646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 06/03/2024] [Indexed: 06/10/2024]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) mutations may occur following the hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) pathway signal. We conducted a Hierarchical cluster analysis study on 408 patients diagnosed with HCC by pathological surgery, identifying TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations by sequencing. The overall preclinical characteristics, cumulative cut-point values, and the factors associated with these somatic mutations were analyzed in uni/multidimensional scaling model. HBV(+) HCV(-) HCC male patients who were older than 62.74 years old and have TERT promoter mutation as well as AFP > 489.78 ng/ml got a higher risk of HCC grade more than two from 27 % to 200 % with p < 0.05 (RR are from 1.27 [1.09-1.47] to 3.06 [2.04-4.61]). This mutation was a good indicator of grade 2 risk (HR = 0.37 [2.72-0.16], β = -1.00, p = 0.019). TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 mutations independently influenced tumor size and tumor site status in grade 3 and HBV(-) HCV (-) male HCC patients, where the hazard rates, respectively, were 0.28 [0.09-0.89], 0.023 [0.0023-0.23] and 0.06 [0.012-0.32] (β < 0 and p < 0.01). These two mutations inversely impacted each other the tumor sites status, especially in male HCC patients with grade 2 without B, C hepatitis virus (RRCTNNB1 exon 3 mutate - TERT promoter wildtype = 1.12 [1.04-1.20], p < 0.05). Consequently, the mutations in TERT promoter and CTNNB1 exon 3 may synchronize with other factors or independently impact the hepatocarcinogenesis and are important indicators for HCC prognostic in male patients with very high AFP levels or with moderately as well as poorly differentiated in tumor. Our results serve as the basis for further studies to understand the impact of different factors on the outcome of HCC, especially in monitoring and assessing the cancer risk of patients infect HBV and carry mutations.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Thuy Thu Nguyen
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Khanh Van Tran
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tu Cam Ho
- Center for Gene and Protein Research, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam; Institute of Virology, TUM School of Medicine, Technical University of Munich, 81675 Munich, Germany
| | - Hau Xuan Nguyen
- Department of Oncology, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam
| | - Tue Trong Nguyen
- Medical Laboratory Department, Hanoi Medical University, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam; Clinical Laboratory Department, Hanoi Medical University Hospital, 116177 Hanoi, Viet Nam.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Tsuruoka M, Ninomiya M, Inoue J, Iwata T, Sano A, Sato K, Onuki M, Sawahashi S, Masamune A. Changes in Mutations of Cell-Free DNA and Liver Tumor Tissue in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma before and after Introduction of Lenvatinib. Oncology 2024:1-12. [PMID: 39047713 DOI: 10.1159/000540438] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/07/2024] [Indexed: 07/27/2024]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is expected to contribute to the decision for treatment and prediction of effects with minimally invasion. We investigated the correlation between gene mutations before and after lenvatinib (LEN) treatment and its effectiveness, in order to find advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients who would benefit greatly from the therapy. METHODS We analyzed cfDNA before and 6-8 weeks after the start of treatment in 20 advanced HCC patients who started LEN. A next-generation sequencer was used for CTNNB1 and TP53. Concerning TERT promoter, -124C>T and -146C>T mutations are researched using digital PCR. In addition, we examined liver tumor biopsy tissues by the same method. Computerized tomography evaluation was performed at 6-8 weeks and 3-4 months to assess the efficacy. RESULTS Frequencies of TERT promoter, CTNNB1, and TP53 mutations in pretreatment cfDNA were 45%, 65%, and 65%, but 53%, 41%, and 47% in HCC tissues, respectively. There were no clear correlations between these gene mutations and the disease-suppressing effect or progression-free survival. Overall, there were many cases showing a decrease in mutations after LEN treatment. Integrating the reduction of CTNNB1 and TP53 genetic mutations increased the potential for disease suppression. CONCLUSION This study suggests that analysis of cfDNA in advanced HCC patients may be useful for identifying LEN responders and determining therapeutic efficacy. Furthermore, it has potential for selecting responders for other molecular-targeted drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mio Tsuruoka
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan,
| | - Masashi Ninomiya
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Jun Inoue
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Tomoaki Iwata
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Akitoshi Sano
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Kosuke Sato
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Masazumi Onuki
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Satoko Sawahashi
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| | - Atsushi Masamune
- Division of Gastroenterology, Tohoku University Graduate School of Medicine, Sendai, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Drobyshev A, Modestov A, Suntsova M, Poddubskaya E, Seryakov A, Moisseev A, Sorokin M, Tkachev V, Zakharova G, Simonov A, Zolotovskaia MA, Buzdin A. Pan-cancer experimental characteristic of human transcriptional patterns connected with telomerase reverse transcriptase ( TERT) gene expression status. Front Genet 2024; 15:1401100. [PMID: 38859942 PMCID: PMC11163056 DOI: 10.3389/fgene.2024.1401100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/18/2024] [Accepted: 05/08/2024] [Indexed: 06/12/2024] Open
Abstract
The TERT gene encodes the reverse transcriptase subunit of telomerase and is normally transcriptionally suppressed in differentiated human cells but reactivated in cancers where its expression is frequently associated with poor survival prognosis. Here we experimentally assessed the RNA sequencing expression patterns associated with TERT transcription in 1039 human cancer samples of 27 tumor types. We observed a bimodal distribution of TERT expression where ∼27% of cancer samples did not express TERT and the rest showed a bell-shaped distribution. Expression of TERT strongly correlated with 1443 human genes including 103 encoding transcriptional factor proteins. Comparison of TERT- positive and negative cancers showed the differential activation of 496 genes and 1975 molecular pathways. Therein, 32/38 (84%) of DNA repair pathways were hyperactivated in TERT+ cancers which was also connected with accelerated replication, transcription, translation, and cell cycle progression. In contrast, the level of 40 positive cell cycle regulator proteins and a set of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition pathways was specific for the TERT- group suggesting different proliferation strategies for both groups of cancer. Our pilot study showed that the TERT+ group had ∼13% of cancers with C228T or C250T mutated TERT promoter. However, the presence of promoter mutations was not associated with greater TERT expression compared with other TERT+ cancers, suggesting parallel mechanisms of its transcriptional activation in cancers. In addition, we detected a decreased expression of L1 retrotransposons in the TERT+ group, and further decreased L1 expression in promoter mutated TERT+ cancers. TERT expression was correlated with 17 genes encoding molecular targets of cancer therapeutics and may relate to differential survival patterns of TERT- positive and negative cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aleksey Drobyshev
- Endocrinology Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Alexander Modestov
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maria Suntsova
- Endocrinology Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Elena Poddubskaya
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Clinical Center Vitamed, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Aleksey Moisseev
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Maksim Sorokin
- Endocrinology Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | | | - Galina Zakharova
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Aleksander Simonov
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
| | - Marianna A. Zolotovskaia
- Endocrinology Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Center for Advanced Studies 20, Moscow, Russia
| | - Anton Buzdin
- Endocrinology Research Center, Moscow, Russia
- Institute of Personalized Oncology, I. M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow, Russia
- Moscow Center for Advanced Studies 20, Moscow, Russia
- Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Moscow, Russia
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Beaufrère A, Paisley S, Ba I, Laouirem S, Priori V, Cazier H, Favre L, Cauchy F, Lesurtel M, Calderaro J, Kannengiesser C, Paradis V. Differential diagnosis of small hepatocellular nodules in cirrhosis: surrogate histological criteria of TERT promoter mutations. Histopathology 2024; 84:473-481. [PMID: 37903649 DOI: 10.1111/his.15086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/28/2023] [Revised: 09/25/2023] [Accepted: 10/14/2023] [Indexed: 11/01/2023]
Abstract
AIMS The differential diagnosis of small hepatocellular nodules in cirrhosis between dysplastic nodules and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains challenging on biopsy. As TERT promoter (pTERT) mutations may indicate the nodules already engaged in the malignant process, the aim of this study was to identify histological criteria associated with pTERT mutations by detecting these mutations by ddPCR in small formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded (FFPE) hepatocellular nodules arising in cirrhosis. METHODS AND RESULTS We built a bicentric cohort data set of 339 hepatocellular nodules < 2 cm from cirrhotic samples, divided into a test cohort of 299 resected samples and a validation cohort of 40 biopsies. Pathological review, based on the evaluation of 14 histological criteria, classified all nodules. pTERT mutations were identified by ddPCR in FFPE samples. Among the 339 nodules, ddPCR revealed pTERT mutations in 105 cases (31%), including 90 and 15 cases in the test and validation cohorts, respectively. On multivariate analysis, three histological criteria were associated with pTERT mutations in the test cohort: increased cell density (P = 0.003), stromal invasion (P = 0.036) and plate-thickening anomalies (P < 0.001). With the combination of at least two of these major criteria, the AUC for predicting pTERT mutations was 0.84 in the test cohort (sensitivity: 86%, specificity: 83%) and 0.81 in the validation cohort (sensitivity: 87%, specificity: 76%). CONCLUSIONS We identified three histological criteria as surrogate markers of pTERT mutations that may be used in routine biopsy to more clearly classify small hepatocellular nodules arising in cirrhosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Aurélie Beaufrère
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- AP-HP.Nord, Department of Pathology, FHU MOSAIC, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Sarah Paisley
- AP-HP.Nord, Department of Pathology, FHU MOSAIC, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Ibrahima Ba
- AP-HP.Nord, Department of Molecular Genetics, Bichat Hospital, Paris, France
| | - Samira Laouirem
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Victoria Priori
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Hélène Cazier
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Loëtitia Favre
- AP-HP, Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | - François Cauchy
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| | - Mickael Lesurtel
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- AP-HP.Nord, Department of HPB Surgery an d Liver Transplantation, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
| | - Julien Calderaro
- AP-HP, Department of Pathology, Henri Mondor Hospital, Créteil, France
| | | | - Valérie Paradis
- Université Paris Cité, Paris, France
- AP-HP.Nord, Department of Pathology, FHU MOSAIC, Beaujon Hospital, Clichy, France
- Centre de Recherche sur l'Inflammation, INSERM UMR 1149, Paris, France
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Milosevic I, Todorovic N, Filipovic A, Simic J, Markovic M, Stevanovic O, Malinic J, Katanic N, Mitrovic N, Nikolic N. HCV and HCC Tango-Deciphering the Intricate Dance of Disease: A Review Article. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16048. [PMID: 38003240 PMCID: PMC10671156 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242216048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/13/2023] [Revised: 10/12/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 11/26/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) accounting for around one-third of all HCC cases. Prolonged inflammation in chronic hepatitis C (CHC), maintained through a variety of pro- and anti-inflammatory mediators, is one of the aspects of carcinogenesis, followed by mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. Immune response dysfunction including the innate and adaptive immunity also plays a role in the development, as well as in the recurrence of HCC after treatment. Some of the tumor suppressor genes inhibited by the HCV proteins are p53, p73, and retinoblastoma 1. Mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter and the oncogene catenin beta 1 are two more important carcinogenic signaling pathways in HCC associated with HCV. Furthermore, in HCV-related HCC, numerous tumor suppressor and seven oncogenic genes are dysregulated by epigenetic changes. Epigenetic regulation of gene expression is considered as a lasting "epigenetic memory", suggesting that HCV-induced changes persist and are associated with liver carcinogenesis even after cure. Epigenetic changes and immune response dysfunction are recognized targets for potential therapy of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ivana Milosevic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Nevena Todorovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Ana Filipovic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jelena Simic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Marko Markovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Olja Stevanovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Jovan Malinic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Katanic
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
- Faculty of Medicine, University of Pristina Situated in Kosovska Mitrovica, 28000 Kosovska Mitrovica, Serbia
| | - Nikola Mitrovic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| | - Natasa Nikolic
- Faculty of Medicine, Department for Infectious Diseases, University of Belgrade, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (I.M.); (M.M.); (O.S.); (J.M.); (N.M.)
- University Clinic for Infectious and Tropical Diseases, University Clinical Center of Serbia, Bulevar Oslobodjenja 16, 11000 Belgrade, Serbia; (N.T.); (A.F.); (J.S.); (N.K.)
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Akuta N, Kawamura Y, Fujiyama S, Sezaki H, Hosaka T, Saitoh S, Kobayashi M, Arase Y, Ikeda K, Suzuki Y, Kumada H, Suzuki F. Favorable Impact of Serum TERT C228T for Prognosis after Surgical Resection for Liver Cancer. Oncology 2023; 101:738-752. [PMID: 37651985 DOI: 10.1159/000533303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Personalized medicine and molecular therapies with the diagnosis of somatic genetic alterations are expected to be developed for liver cancer. Nevertheless, it is unknown whether a mutation in the telomere reverse transcriptase promoter (TERT C228T) in serum cfDNA might be useful for making prognostic predictions after surgical resection for primary liver cancer. METHODS This cohort study retrospectively investigated 111 patients who had undergone surgical resection of liver cancer for the first time. We investigated the differences between clinicopathological features and prognosis according to classification of three tumor markers, including AFP, PIVKAII, and TERT C228T. RESULTS Multivariate analysis identified etiology (fatty liver disease vs. HBV odds ratio [OR] 6.853) and fibrosis stage (2-4, OR: 0.137) as determinants of TERT C228T-positive liver cancer with normal levels of AFP and PIVKAII (TERT single positive liver cancer). TERT single positive (Yes, OR: 0.301), fibrosis (FIB)-4 index (≥3.25, OR: 2.038), Child-Pugh classification (B, OR: 4.975), and number of tumors (≥2, OR: 4.098) were identified as determinants of the recurrence of liver cancer. TERT single positive (Yes, OR: 3.311), FIB-4 index (≥3.25, OR: 0.433), and number of tumors (≥2, OR: 0.262) were identified as determinants of disease-free survival. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the impact of classification of prognostic tumor markers. TERT single positive is one predictor of favorable prognosis after surgical resection for liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norio Akuta
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Fujiyama
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Sezaki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hosaka
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Saitoh
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuji Arase
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Kumada
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Fischer AK, Semaan A, Wulf AL, Vokuhl C, Goltz D, Fischer HP. Pathology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Tumor-Bearing Liver Tissue in Association with hTERT Promoter Mutation. Int J Hepatol 2023; 2023:4313504. [PMID: 37593089 PMCID: PMC10432107 DOI: 10.1155/2023/4313504] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2022] [Revised: 01/22/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Background The hTERT promoter mutation represents a common and early event in hepatocarcinogenesis, but its linkage to the morphological status of the underlying liver tissue is poorly understood. We analyzed the connection between the histopathological changes in tumor-bearing liver tissue and the occurrence of the hTERT promoter mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), correlated with clinical data. Methods The study cohort comprised 160 histologically confirmed HCC in patients with or without cirrhosis that were investigated for the hTERT promoter mutation. We evaluated the frequency of the hTERT promoter mutation in patients with HCC with or without cirrhosis and correlated it with potential clinical and histopathological drivers. In particular, we examined tumor-bearing noncirrhotic liver tissue regarding inflammation; the modified histological activity index (mHAI), fibrosis, and steatosis; and its correlation with the frequency of the hTERT promoter mutation in HCC. We evaluated overall survival with multivariate Cox regression. Furthermore, we compared hTERT antibody immunohistochemistry and molecular hTERT promoter mutation analysis of both HCC and background liver tissue. Results The hTERT promoter mutation was especially related to HCC in cirrhotic compared with noncirrhotic liver (p < 0.001) and independently of cirrhosis in patients ≥ 60 years (p = 0.005). Furthermore, the hTERT promoter mutation was associated with cirrhosis caused by alcohol toxicity and hepatitis C virus infection. In noncirrhotic liver tissue, the frequency of hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC increased with the degree of inflammation and fibrosis. Nevertheless, 25% of the hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC developed in normal liver tissue without HCC risk factors. Multivariate Cox regression analysis did not reveal an influence of the hTERT promoter mutation in HCC on overall survival at 3, 5, and 16 years. Immunohistochemical analysis with the hTERT antibodies LS-B95 and 2D8 in hTERT-promoter-mutated HCC and hTERT-wildtype HCC showed a mildly stronger immunoreaction compared with the tumor-bearing liver tissue (LS-B95: p < 0.01, 2D8: p < 0.01). Conclusions Our study reveals a connection between pathological changes in tumor-bearing liver tissue and the hTERT promoter mutation in most HCC, even in noncirrhotic liver tissue. Immunohistochemical hTERT antibodies do not discriminate between hTERT-promoter-mutated and wildtype HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Alexander Semaan
- Department of General, Visceral, Thoracic and Vascular Surgery, University of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Anna-Lena Wulf
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Christian Vokuhl
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
| | - Diane Goltz
- Institute of Pathology and Hematopathology Hamburg, Fangdieckstraße 75a, 22547 Hamburg, Germany
| | - Hans-Peter Fischer
- Institute of Pathology, University of Bonn, Venusberg Campus 1, 53127 Bonn, Germany
- Institute of Pathology Troisdorf, Mendener Str. 12, 53840 Troisdorf, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhang H, Zhang X, Yu J. Integrated Analysis of Altered lncRNA, circRNA, microRNA, and mRNA Expression in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Carrying TERT Promoter Mutations. J Hepatocell Carcinoma 2022; 9:1201-1215. [PMID: 36471741 PMCID: PMC9719279 DOI: 10.2147/jhc.s385026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/16/2022] [Indexed: 09/10/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are one of the most common mutations responsible for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) play a regulatory role in different cancers through the long noncoding RNA (lncRNA)/circular RNA (circRNA)-microRNA (miRNA)-mRNA axis. The aim of the study was to explore the influence of TERT promoter mutations on the ncRNA regulatory network in HCC. METHODS Four tumor samples with a wildtype TERT promoter and four tumor samples with TERT promoter mutations (sequencing cohort) were collected from HCC patients for high-throughput next-generation sequencing. Selected ncRNAs and mRNAs were validated by qPCR in 15 HCC tumors with a wildtype TERT promoter and seven HCC tumors with TERT promoter mutations (validation cohort, including the sequencing cohort). RESULTS In the mutant TERT promoter group, 536 lncRNAs, 21 circRNAs, 41 miRNAs, and 266 mRNAs were significantly up-regulated, while 1745 lncRNAs, 23 circRNAs, 32 miRNAs, and 1117 mRNAs were significantly down-regulated (P < 0.05) compared with the findings in wildtype group. AL360169.3-201, LINC02672-203, hsa_circ_0021412, hsa-miR-29b-1-5p, hsa-miR-4699-5p, hsa-miR-199a-5p, REG3A, SFRP5, and GSTM1 were verified at the RNA expression level to validate the sequencing results. A differentially expressed lncRNA/circRNA-miRNA-mRNA network was constructed to explore the effects of TERT promoter mutations on ncRNA regulation. Two ncRNA regulatory axes associated with TERT promoter mutations (hsa_circ_0003154/hsa_circ_0008952/IGLL5-AS1/LINC576/LINC575-hsa-miR-1260b -CLPTM1L/GSTM1 and hsa_circ_0031584/LINC2101-hsa-miR-214-3p-CD151) had carcinogenic potential. CONCLUSION This study provides novel insights into the role of TERT promoter mutations on ncRNAs regulatory network in HCC progression.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Haibin Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Xiaolu Zhang
- Department of Physiology and Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Jingya Yu
- Department of Diagnostics, Medical Integration and Practice Center, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250012, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Ambrozkiewicz F, Trailin A, Červenková L, Vaclavikova R, Hanicinec V, Allah MAO, Palek R, Třeška V, Daum O, Tonar Z, Liška V, Hemminki K. CTNNB1 mutations, TERT polymorphism and CD8+ cell densities in resected hepatocellular carcinoma are associated with longer time to recurrence. BMC Cancer 2022; 22:884. [PMID: 35962322 PMCID: PMC9375422 DOI: 10.1186/s12885-022-09989-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a fatal disease characterized by early genetic alterations in telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERTp) and β-catenin (CTNNB1) genes and immune cell activation in the tumor microenvironment. As a novel approach, we wanted to assess patient survival influenced by combined presence of mutations and densities of CD8+ cytotoxic T cells. Methods Tissue samples were obtained from 67 HCC patients who had undergone resection. We analysed CD8+ T cells density, TERTp mutations, rs2853669 polymorphism, and CTNNB1 mutations. These variables were evaluated for time to recurrence (TTR) and disease free survival (DFS). Results TERTp mutations were found in 75.8% and CTNNB1 mutations in 35.6% of the patients. TERTp mutations were not associated with survival but polymorphism rs2853669 in TERTp was associated with improved TTR and DFS. CTNNB1 mutations were associated with improving TTR. High density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center and invasive margin correlated with longer TTR and DFS. Combined genetic and immune factors further improved survival showing higher predictive values. E.g., combining CTNNB1 mutations and high density of CD8+ T-lymphocytes in tumor center yielded HRs of 0.12 (0.03–0.52), p = 0.005 for TTR and 0.25 (0.09–0.74), p = 0.01 for DFS. Conclusion The results outline a novel integrative approach for prognostication through combining independent predictive factors from genetic and immune cell profiles. However, larger studies are needed to explore multiple cell types in the tumor microenvironment. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09989-0.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Filip Ambrozkiewicz
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.
| | - Andriy Trailin
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Lenka Červenková
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Pathology, Third Faculty of Medicine, Charles University, Ruská 87, 100 00, Prague, 10, Czech Republic
| | - Radka Vaclavikova
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Toxicogenomics Unit, National Institute of Public Health in Prague, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Vojtech Hanicinec
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Mohammad Al Obeed Allah
- Laboratory of Pharmacogenomics, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Richard Palek
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Vladislav Třeška
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Ondrej Daum
- Sikl's Institute of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine and Teaching Hospital in Plzen, Charles University, Plzen, Czech Republic.,Bioptická laboratoř s.r.o., Mikulášské nám, 4, 326 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Zbyněk Tonar
- Department of Histology and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Karlovarska 48, 301 66, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Laboratory of Quantitative Histology, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Václav Liška
- Laboratory of Cancer Treatment and Tissue Regeneration, Biomedical Center, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Prague, Czech Republic.,Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej 16 Svobody 80, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic
| | - Kari Hemminki
- Laboratory of Translational Cancer Genomics, Biomedical Center,Faculty of Medicine in Pilsen, Charles University, Alej Svobody 1665/76, 323 00, Pilsen, Czech Republic.,Department of Cancer Epidemiology, German Cancer Research Center, Im Neuenheimer Feld 280, 69120, Heidelberg, Germany
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Serum TERT C228T is an important predictor of non-viral liver cancer with fatty liver disease. Hepatol Int 2022; 16:412-422. [PMID: 35306637 PMCID: PMC9013341 DOI: 10.1007/s12072-022-10313-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/05/2021] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Background Molecular therapies and precision medicine are expected to be developed for liver cancer based on the diagnosis of DNA somatic alterations. However, it remains unclear whether TERT promoter mutation (TERT C228T) in serum cfDNA is useful for the diagnosis of liver cancer with non-viral fatty liver disease (FLD). Methods This retrospective cohort study examined 258 Japanese patients who had a confirmed diagnosis of primary liver cancer. We investigated the factors associated with TERT C228T and abnormal levels of liver cancer-specific tumor markers (AFP and PIVKAII) in serum samples. Results Multivariate analysis identified the etiology of FLD, vascular invasion, and non-cirrhosis as determinants of TERT C228T-positive liver cancer. Rates of positive TERT C228T in FLD were significantly higher than those of HBV and HCV. Conversely, rates of abnormal AFP in FLD were significantly lower than those of HBV and HCV. Viral suppression of HBV/HCV and alcohol intake did not affect TERT C228T, but AFP was significantly reduced by viral suppression. The rates of positive TERT C228T were significantly lower in HCV patients with viral clearance than those of FLD patients. Conclusion Our results highlight the importance of serum TERT C228T for the detection of non-viral FLD-related liver cancer. TERT C228T is a tumor marker that might not be influenced by inflammation. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s12072-022-10313-y.
Collapse
|
11
|
Ye K, Fan Q, Yuan M, Wang D, Xiao L, Long G, Chen R, Fang T, Li Z, Zhou L. Prognostic Value of Postoperative Circulating Tumor DNA in Patients With Early- and Intermediate-Stage Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2022; 12:834992. [PMID: 35311090 PMCID: PMC8931326 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2022.834992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Majority of patients with resected early- and intermediate-stage liver cancer will experience postoperative recurrence. This study aimed to investigate the application of ctDNA sequencing in the postoperative period of hepatocellular carcinoma. A total of 96 patients with liver cancer were enrolled in this study. Postoperative peripheral blood samples were collected from all patients after surgery and analyzed using hybridization capture-based next-generation sequencing. Identification of at least one somatic mutation in the peripheral blood was defined as ctDNA+. Five genetic features in tumor tissues were associated with disease-free survival (DFS) using Lasso-Cox model. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve was 0.813 and 0.882 in training and validation cohorts, respectively. The recurrence rate in ctDNA+ and ctDNA- groups was 60.9% and 27.8%, respectively. Multivariate Cox regression analysis showed that the postoperative ctDNA was an independent prognostic predictor of DFS (HR [hazard ratio]: 6.074, 95% Cl [confidence interval]: 2.648-13.929, P<0.001) and overall survival (OS) (HR: 4.829, 95% CI: 1.508-15.466, P=0.008). Combined ctDNA with AFP improved prediction performance. The median DFS was 2.0, and 8.0 months in ctDNA+/AFP-H and ctDNA+/AFP-L groups, respectively; while ctDNA-/AFP-H and ctDNA-/AFP-L groups had not reached the median time statistically (Log-rank test, P < 0.0001). Furthermore, ctDNA- patients had better prognosis than ctDNA+ patients irrespective of tumor stage. Postoperative ctDNA sequencing has great prognostic value in patients with liver cancer. Patients with positive ctDNA should receive more intensive disease monitoring and more aggressive treatment strategies to improve the survival time.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ke Ye
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Qinqiao Fan
- Department of Hepatobiliary Tumour Surgery, Chenzhou No.1 People’s Hospital, Chenzhou, China
| | - Mingming Yuan
- Department of Medicine, Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Dong Wang
- Department of Liver Disease Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Liang Xiao
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Guo Long
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Rongrong Chen
- Department of Medicine, Geneplus-Beijing, Beijing, China
| | - Tongdi Fang
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zengbo Li
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Ledu Zhou
- Department of General Surgery, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
- *Correspondence: Ledu Zhou ,
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
TERT Promoter Mutations Increase Sense and Antisense Transcription from the TERT Promoter. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121773. [PMID: 34944589 PMCID: PMC8698883 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121773] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Chief among mechanisms of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) reactivation is the appearance of mutations in the TERT promoter. The two main TERT promoter mutations are C>T transitions located −146C>T and −124C>T upstream from the translational start site. They generate a novel Ets/TCF binding site. Both mutations are mutually exclusive and −124C>T is strikingly overrepresented in most cancers. We investigated whether this mutational bias and mutual exclusion could be due to transcriptional constraints. Methods: We compared sense and antisense transcription of a panel of TERT promoter-luciferase vectors harboring the −124C>T and -146C>T mutations alone or together. lncRNA TAPAS levels were measured by RT-PCR. Results: Both mutations generally increased TERT transcription by 2–4-fold regardless of upstream and downstream regulatory elements. The double mutant increased transcription in an additive fashion, arguing against a direct transcriptional constraint. The −146C>T mutation, alone or in combination with −124C>T, also unleashed antisense transcription. In line with this finding, lncRNA TAPAS was higher in cells with mutated TERT promoter (T98G and U87) than in cells with wild-type promoter, suggesting that lncRNA TAPAS may balance the effect of TERT promoter mutations. Conclusions: −146C>T and −124C>T TERT promoter mutations increase TERT sense and antisense transcription, and the double mutant features higher transcription levels. Increased antisense transcription may contain TERT expression within sustainable levels.
Collapse
|
13
|
Muraoka M, Maekawa S, Katoh R, Komiyama Y, Nakakuki N, Takada H, Matsuda S, Suzuki Y, Sato M, Tatsumi A, Miura M, Amemiya F, Shindo H, Takano S, Fukasawa M, Yamauchi K, Yamaguchi T, Nakayama Y, Inoue T, Enomoto N. Usefulness of Cell-Free Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Mutant DNA Quantification in Blood for Predicting Hepatocellular Carcinoma Treatment Efficacy. Hepatol Commun 2021; 5:1927-1938. [PMID: 34558819 PMCID: PMC8557313 DOI: 10.1002/hep4.1762] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2021] [Revised: 04/28/2021] [Accepted: 05/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Although the usefulness of liquid biopsy as a biomarker in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has been suggested, its usefulness in transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) or tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) therapies has not been reported in detail. In this study, we investigated the clinical value of a cell-free (cf)DNA quantification system targeting the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) promoter mutation in advanced HCC treatment. Plasma from 67 patients with advanced HCC, treated with TACE and TKI, was used for extraction of cfDNA. We defined cfDNA with the hTERT promoter C228T mutation as circulating mutant DNA (mutant DNA) and without the mutation as circulating wild-type DNA (wild-type DNA). We analyzed the changes in mutant and wild-type DNA levels during HCC treatment and examined the relationship between changes in the cfDNA level and the clinical course. Mutant DNA was detected in 73.1% (49/67) of the patients during HCC treatment. In univariate analysis, factors associated with detection of mutant DNA before treatment were the intrahepatic maximum tumor diameter (P = 0.015) and protein induced by vitamin K absence (PIVKAII) (P = 0.006). The degree of mutant DNA change after TACE was significantly correlated with tumor volume (P < 0.001), reflecting the treated tumor volume. Responders with peak cfDNA levels within 1 week of TKI initiation had significantly better progression-free survival than nonresponders (P = 0.004). Conclusion: Changes in blood hTERT promoter mutant DNA levels during TACE or TKI treatment indirectly reflect the amount of HCCs and are useful for predicting long-term treatment responses.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Masaru Muraoka
- First Department of Internal MedicineFaculty of MedicineUniversity of YamanashiChuoJapan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
14
|
Kotiyal S, Evason KJ. Exploring the Interplay of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase and β-Catenin in Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13164202. [PMID: 34439356 PMCID: PMC8393605 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13164202] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/26/2021] [Revised: 08/12/2021] [Accepted: 08/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Simple Summary Liver cancer is one of the deadliest human cancers. Two of the most common molecular aberrations in liver cancer are: (1) activating mutations in the gene encoding β-catenin (CTNNB1); and (2) promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Here, we review recent findings regarding the interplay between TERT and β-catenin in order to better understand their role in liver cancer. Abstract Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the deadliest human cancers. Activating mutations in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter (TERTp) and CTNNB1 gene encoding β-catenin are widespread in HCC (~50% and ~30%, respectively). TERTp mutations are predicted to increase TERT transcription and telomerase activity. This review focuses on exploring the role of TERT and β-catenin in HCC and the current findings regarding their interplay. TERT can have contradictory effects on tumorigenesis via both its canonical and non-canonical functions. As a critical regulator of proliferation and differentiation in progenitor and stem cells, activated β-catenin drives HCC; however, inhibiting endogenous β-catenin can also have pro-tumor effects. Clinical studies revealed a significant concordance between TERTp and CTNNB1 mutations in HCC. In stem cells, TERT acts as a co-factor in β-catenin transcriptional complexes driving the expression of WNT/β-catenin target genes, and β-catenin can bind to the TERTp to drive its transcription. A few studies have examined potential interactions between TERT and β-catenin in HCC in vivo, and their results suggest that the coexpression of these two genes promotes hepatocarcinogenesis. Further studies are required with vertebrate models to better understand how TERT and β-catenin influence hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
15
|
Hayashi Y, Fujita K, Netto GJ, Nonomura N. Clinical Application of TERT Promoter Mutations in Urothelial Carcinoma. Front Oncol 2021; 11:705440. [PMID: 34395278 PMCID: PMC8358429 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2021.705440] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Urothelial carcinoma (UC) is a common urological malignancy with a high rate of disease recurrence. Telomerase activity, a hallmark of cancer characterized by overcoming the replicative senescence, is upregulated in over 90% of patients with UC. Somatic mutations in the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) are frequently detected in UC, and drive telomerase activity. Recent studies have demonstrated a strong association between TERT promoter mutation and tumorigenesis of UC. Also, TERT promoter mutation has great potential for diagnosis, as well as prognosis in UC treatment, and this is also applicable for the liquid biopsy techniques. In this review, we discuss the progress in these areas and highlight the challenges, clinical potential, and future direction for developing UC treatment methods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yujiro Hayashi
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
- Department of Urology, Osaka General Medical Center, Osaka, Japan
| | - Kazutoshi Fujita
- Department of Urology, Kindai University Faculty of Medicine, Osakasayama, Japan
| | - George J. Netto
- Department of Pathology, University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, AL, United States
| | - Norio Nonomura
- Department of Urology, Osaka University Graduate School of Medicine, Suita, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Hirai M, Kinugasa H, Nouso K, Yamamoto S, Terasawa H, Onishi Y, Oyama A, Adachi T, Wada N, Sakata M, Yasunaka T, Onishi H, Shiraha H, Takaki A, Okada H. Prediction of the prognosis of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma by TERT promoter mutations in circulating tumor DNA. J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2021; 36:1118-1125. [PMID: 32830343 DOI: 10.1111/jgh.15227] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2020] [Revised: 05/23/2020] [Accepted: 08/15/2020] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND ANDAIM Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations were the most prevalent mutations in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We tried to detect the mutations with plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) in patients with advanced HCC and elucidated their clinical utility. METHODS Circulating tumor DNA in plasma was extracted from 130 patients with advanced HCC who were treated with systemic chemotherapy (n = 86) or transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (n = 44), and TERT promoter mutations were examined with digital droplet polymerase chain reaction. The correlations between these mutations and the clinical outcome of patients were analyzed. RESULTS Of the 130 patients examined, 71 patients (54.6%) were positive for TERT promoter mutations in ctDNA, of which 64 patients were -124bp G > A and 10 were -146bp G > A. The presence of TERT promoter mutations was correlated with large intrahepatic tumor size (P = 0.05) and high des-gamma carboxyprothrombin (P = 0.005). Overall survival of the patients with the mutations was significantly shorter than those without them (P < 0.001), and the patients with high (≥ 1%) fractional abundance of the mutant alleles showed shorter survival than those with low (< 1%) fractional abundance. Multivariate analysis revealed that TERT promoter mutation (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.94; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.18-3.24; P < 0.01), systemic chemotherapy (HR: 2.38; 95% CI, 1.29-4.57; P < 0.01), and vascular invasion (HR: 2.16; 95% CI, 1.22-3.76; P < 0.01) were significant factors for poor overall survival. CONCLUSIONS TERT promoter mutations in ctDNA were associated with short survival and could be a valuable biomarker for predicting the prognosis of patients with advanced HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mami Hirai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideaki Kinugasa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Kazuhiro Nouso
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Shumpei Yamamoto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Terasawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Yuma Onishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Atsushi Oyama
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Takuya Adachi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Nozomu Wada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Masahiro Sakata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Yasunaka
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hideki Onishi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hidenori Shiraha
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Akinobu Takaki
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| | - Hiroyuki Okada
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Okayama University Graduate School of Medicine, Dentistry, and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Okayama, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Kim SK, Kim JH, Han JH, Cho NH, Kim SJ, Kim SI, Choo SH, Kim JS, Park B, Kwon JE. TERT promoter mutations in penile squamous cell carcinoma: high frequency in non-HPV-related type and association with favorable clinicopathologic features. J Cancer Res Clin Oncol 2021; 147:1125-1135. [PMID: 33635430 PMCID: PMC7954710 DOI: 10.1007/s00432-021-03514-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2020] [Accepted: 01/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
Purpose Penile carcinoma is a rare malignant neoplasm with a largely unknown molecular pathogenesis. Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERT-p) mutations have been detected in several types of human malignancies. The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of TERT-p mutations in penile squamous cell carcinomas (SCCs) and their associations with clinicopathologic features. Methods In this retrospective study, Sanger sequencing was performed to detect TERT-p mutations in formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples from 37 patients with penile SCC, 16 patients with cutaneous SCC, and 4 patients with non-neoplastic penile/skin tissue. The expression of p16INK4a and Ki-67 was investigated via immunohistochemistry. Associations of TERT-p mutation with clinicopathological factors, immunohistochemical results, and clinical outcome were statistically analyzed. Results Recurrent TERT-p mutations were identified in 18 out of 37 (48.6%) penile SCCs, including all 3 carcinoma in situ cases. TERT-p mutations were significantly more frequent in non-human papilloma virus (HPV)-related penile SCC types than in non-HPV-related penile SCC based on both histologic classification and p16INK4a immunoreactivity. Furthermore, TERT-p mutation was associated with a low histologic grade, low mitotic count, absence of necrosis, low Ki-67/MIB-1 labeling index, and absence of lymph node or distant metastasis. Conclusion Our study shows TERT-p mutations are the most frequent somatic mutations in penile SCC. In addition, TERT-p mutations are far more frequent in non-HPV-related penile SCC than in HPV-related penile SCC, indicating TERT-p mutations may have a role in tumorigenesis distinct from HPV-related penile SCC. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s00432-021-03514-9.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sang Kyum Kim
- Department of Pathology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Jang-Hee Kim
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Ho Han
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea
| | - Nam Hoon Cho
- Department of Pathology, Severance Hospital, Yonsei University College of Medicine, Seoul, Republic of Korea
| | - Se Joong Kim
- Department of Urology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Sun Il Kim
- Department of Urology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Seol Ho Choo
- Department of Urology, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Su Kim
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovation, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Bumhee Park
- Office of Biostatistics, Medical Research Collaborating Center, Ajou Research Institute for Innovation, Ajou University Medical Center, Suwon, Republic of Korea.,Department of Biomedical Informatics, Ajou University School of Medicine, Suwon, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji Eun Kwon
- Department of Pathology, Ajou University School of Medicine, 164, Worldcup-ro, Yeongtong-gu, Suwon, 16499, Republic of Korea.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Oversoe SK, Clement MS, Pedersen MH, Weber B, Aagaard NK, Villadsen GE, Grønbæk H, Hamilton-Dutoit SJ, Sorensen BS, Kelsen J. TERT promoter mutated circulating tumor DNA as a biomarker for prognosis in hepatocellular carcinoma. Scand J Gastroenterol 2020; 55:1433-1440. [PMID: 33103505 DOI: 10.1080/00365521.2020.1837928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Plasma circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with tumor-specific mutations is an attractive biomarker. The telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) C228T promoter mutation is the most prevalent tumor-associated mutation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We evaluated the presence and prognostic value of the TERT C228T mutation in plasma and tissue in a Danish HCC cohort. METHODS We analyzed ctDNA from 95 HCC patients and 45 liver cirrhotic patients without HCC for the TERT mutation using droplet digital polymerase chain reaction. We also analyzed DNA from the corresponding primary tumor tissues in 34 HCC patients. RESULTS The plasma TERT C228T mutation was detected in 42/95 HCC patients (44%) but in none of the non-HCC patients. The TERT mutation was detected in 23/34 tumor samples (68%). The TERT mutation was associated with increased mortality when detected in plasma (adjusted HR 2.16 (1.20-3.88), p = .010) but not in tumor tissue (adjusted HR 1.11 (0.35-3.56), p = .860). There was a positive correlation between the presence of the TERT mutation in plasma and an advanced TNM stage (p < .0001) and vascular invasion (p = .005). Analysis of the TERT mutation in plasma and tumor DNA from the same patient was concordant in 21/34 samples (62%; kappa value 0.31, p = .014). Non-concordance was associated with an early TNM stage. CONCLUSION The plasma TERT mutation was detected in 44% of HCC patients and in none of non-HCC cirrhotic patients; and was associated with increased mortality. We propose the TERT C228T mutation in ctDNA as a promising HCC biomarker for prognosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Stine K Oversoe
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark.,Department of Internal Medicine, Randers Regional Hospital, Randers, Denmark
| | - Michelle S Clement
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Britta Weber
- Department of Clinical Oncology and Danish Centre of Particle Therapy, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Niels Kristian Aagaard
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Gerda E Villadsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Henning Grønbæk
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | | | - Boe S Sorensen
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| | - Jens Kelsen
- Department of Hepatology and Gastroenterology, Aarhus University Hospital, Aarhus N, Denmark
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Akuta N, Suzuki F, Kobayashi M, Fujiyama S, Kawamura Y, Sezaki H, Hosaka T, Kobayashi M, Saitoh S, Arase Y, Ikeda K, Suzuki Y, Kumada H. Detection of TERT promoter mutation in serum cell-free DNA using wild-type blocking PCR combined with Sanger sequencing in hepatocellular carcinoma. J Med Virol 2020; 92:3604-3608. [PMID: 32100879 DOI: 10.1002/jmv.25724] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2020] [Accepted: 02/24/2020] [Indexed: 01/11/2023]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation is the most frequent genetic alteration in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is currently no suitable highly sensitive method that can detect such mutation using serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA). We analyzed somatic point mutations that substitute cytosine for thymidine at position 228 (C228T), as one of the hotspots of TERT promoter mutations, in serum cfDNA using a highly sensitive detection method of wild-type blocking polymerase chain reaction (WTB-PCR) combined with Sanger sequencing. In TERT promoter mutation sensitivity study, synthetic oligonucleotides were prepared to determine the lowest detection limit of the WTB-PCR, using serial dilutions of mutant-type (MT) DNA in the background of wild-type (WT) DNA. Using this technique, we conducted a longitudinal study in one patient who developed HCC during the follow-up and determined the relationship between HCC and TERT C228T in serum cfDNA. In the sensitivity study, the mutant peak at position 228 was detected at 0.7% or higher but was not detected at 0.6%. Thus, sequencing analysis of WTB-PCR product demonstrated the limit of detection in excess of 0.7% MT DNA in the background of WT DNA. One male patient with HCV-related cirrhosis developed HCC during the follow-up. TERT C228T was negative before the diagnosis of HCC, positive at the diagnosis of HCC and did not increase with advancement of malignancy. We developed a highly sensitive method for detection of TERT promoter mutation using WTB-PCR combined with Sanger sequencing and demonstrated its clinical usefulness in the measurement of TERT C228T in serum cfDNA. Larger studies are needed to confirm these results and establish the clinical utility of this new method.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norio Akuta
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Shunichiro Fujiyama
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yusuke Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Sezaki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hosaka
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Saitoh
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yasuji Arase
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Kumada
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Kajiwara A, Kinowaki K, Akuta N, Kasuya K, Muraishi N, Iritani S, Kawamura Y, Fujiyama S, Sezaki H, Hosaka T, Saitoh S, Kobayashi M, Kobayashi M, Arase Y, Ikeda K, Suzuki F, Kumada H, Suzuki Y. Diagnosis and Resection Treatment of Triplet Hepatocellular Carcinomas with a non-B non-C Background in a Middle Aged Man over a Period of 6-years. Intern Med 2020; 59:2511-2516. [PMID: 32581173 PMCID: PMC7662038 DOI: 10.2169/internalmedicine.5055-20] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
We report a 71-year-old man with non-B non-C chronic liver damage who had been regularly visiting our hospital since he was 38 years of age. He underwent three partial hepatectomies for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) diagnosed at 65, 67, and 71 years of age, respectively. A histopathological examination showed moderately-differentiated HCC, and chronic hepatitis with mild fibrosis stage in non-tumor areas. alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and PIVKAII were not useful for the early prediction of HCC, but TERT promotor mutation (C228T) in serum cell-free DNA was useful. This is the first report on the importance of long-term follow-up in non-B non-C chronic liver damage, regardless of the fibrosis stage.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Norio Akuta
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yasuji Arase
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital, Japan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
21
|
Sansone V, Le Grazie M, Roselli J, Polvani S, Galli A, Tovoli F, Tarocchi M. Telomerase reactivation is associated with hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2020; 19:420-428. [PMID: 32386990 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2020.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and its components play a significant role in cancer progression, but recent data demonstrated that telomeres and telomerase alterations could be found in other diseases; increasing evidence suggests a key role of this enzyme in the fields of hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. DATA SOURCES We performed a PubMed search with the following keywords: telomerase, hepatocellular carcinoma, cholangiocarcinoma, pancreatic adenocarcinoma by December 2019. We reviewed the relevant publications that analyzed the correlation between telomerase activity and hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases. RESULTS Telomerase reactivation plays a significant role in the development and progression of hepatobiliary and pancreatic tumors and could be used as a diagnostic biomarker for hepatobiliary and pancreatic cancers, as a predictor for prognosis and a promising therapeutic target. CONCLUSIONS Our review summarized the evidence about the critical role of hTERT in cancerous and precancerous lesions of the alteration and its activity in hepatobiliary and pancreatic diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Vito Sansone
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy.
| | - Marco Le Grazie
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Jenny Roselli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Simone Polvani
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Andrea Galli
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| | - Francesco Tovoli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Mirko Tarocchi
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Biomedical Sciences "Mario Serio", University of Florence, 50139 Firenze, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Akuta N, Kawamura Y, Kobayashi M, Arase Y, Saitoh S, Fujiyama S, Sezaki H, Hosaka T, Kobayashi M, Suzuki Y, Suzuki F, Ikeda K, Kumada H. TERT Promoter Mutation in Serum Cell-Free DNA Is a Diagnostic Marker of Primary Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Patients with Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Oncology 2020; 99:114-123. [PMID: 32998139 DOI: 10.1159/000510366] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2020] [Accepted: 07/20/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION It remains unclear whether TERT promoter mutation (TERT C228T) in serum cell-free DNA (cfDNA) is useful for the diagnosis of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). METHODS In this retrospective study, we analyzed the relationships between TERT C228T in serum cfDNA and levels of AFP and PIVKAII in 57 Japanese patients with histopathologically confirmed NAFLD background, consisting of 36 patients with HCC and 21 without HCC. We also examined the liver-related survival rate and HCC recurrence rate after the initial treatment for HCC. TERT C228T was detected using a highly sensitive method based on wild-type blocking PCR (detection limit in excess of 0.7% mutant-type DNA). RESULTS In all of the 57 patients, multivariate analysis identified TERT C228T positive as significant determinant of primary HCC. In the 36 patients with HCC, the percentage of patients positive for TERT C228T was 63.9%. The percentage of patients positive for TERT C228T with normal AFP and PIVKAII was 35.3%. The positive predictive value and specificity for prediction of BCLC stage 0 or A were both high. In 6 patients, TERT C228T was repeatedly negative during follow-up but became positive at the time of HCC diagnosis. Four patients who underwent HCC surgical resection had well-differentiated solitary HCC measuring <30 mm, and all were TERT C228T positive with normal AFP and PIVKAII. TERT C228T status had no influence on the cumulative liver-related survival rate and HCC recurrence rate. CONCLUSIONS Our results highlight the superiority of TERT C228T in serum cfDNA compared with AFP and PIVKAII in the early diagnosis of primary HCC in NAFLD patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Norio Akuta
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan,
| | - Yusuke Kawamura
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | | | - Yasuji Arase
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Satoshi Saitoh
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Shunichiro Fujiyama
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hitomi Sezaki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Tetsuya Hosaka
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Masahiro Kobayashi
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yoshiyuki Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Fumitaka Suzuki
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kenji Ikeda
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Hiromitsu Kumada
- Department of Hepatology, Toranomon Hospital and Okinaka Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
in der Stroth L, Tharehalli U, Günes C, Lechel A. Telomeres and Telomerase in the Development of Liver Cancer. Cancers (Basel) 2020; 12:E2048. [PMID: 32722302 PMCID: PMC7464754 DOI: 10.3390/cancers12082048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 07/16/2020] [Accepted: 07/22/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver cancer is one of the most common cancer types worldwide and the fourth leading cause of cancer-related death. Liver carcinoma is distinguished by a high heterogeneity in pathogenesis, histopathology and biological behavior. Dysregulated signaling pathways and various gene mutations are frequent in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA), which represent the two most common types of liver tumors. Both tumor types are characterized by telomere shortening and reactivation of telomerase during carcinogenesis. Continuous cell proliferation, e.g., by oncogenic mutations, can cause extensive telomere shortening in the absence of sufficient telomerase activity, leading to dysfunctional telomeres and genome instability by breakage-fusion-bridge cycles, which induce senescence or apoptosis as a tumor suppressor mechanism. Telomerase reactivation is required to stabilize telomere functionality and for tumor cell survival, representing a genetic risk factor for the development of liver cirrhosis and liver carcinoma. Therefore, telomeres and telomerase could be useful targets in hepatocarcinogenesis. Here, we review similarities and differences between HCC and iCCA in telomere biology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lena in der Stroth
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Umesh Tharehalli
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| | - Cagatay Günes
- Department of Urology, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany;
| | - André Lechel
- Department of Internal Medicine I, University Hospital Ulm, 89081 Ulm, Germany; (L.i.d.S.); (U.T.)
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Kwa WT, Effendi K, Yamazaki K, Kubota N, Hatano M, Ueno A, Masugi Y, Sakamoto M. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutation correlated with intratumoral heterogeneity in hepatocellular carcinoma. Pathol Int 2020; 70:624-632. [PMID: 32559017 DOI: 10.1111/pin.12974] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Revised: 05/21/2020] [Accepted: 05/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are frequently observed in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC); however, the impact of TERT promoter mutations (TPMs) on clinical features and morphological patterns in HCC remains unresolved. Using DNA extracted from 97 HCCs, correlations between TPM status and both the clinical features of HCC and the immunohistochemically-based subgroups were evaluated. Morphological tumor patterns were semi-quantitatively analyzed using hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides of the whole tumor cross-sectional area. The percentages of tumor area occupied by early, well, moderate and poor histological patterns were calculated as a homogeneity index. TPMs were observed in 53 of 97 (55%) HCCs and were significantly associated with older age (P = 0.018) and HCV-related background (P = 0.048). The biliary/stem cell marker-positive subgroup was less likely to have TPMs (29%) compared to the Wnt/β-catenin signaling marker-positive subgroup (60%). In contrast to TPM-negative HCCs, TPM-positive HCCs clearly exhibited intratumoral morphological heterogeneity (0.800 ± 0.117 vs 0.927 ± 0.096, P < 0.0001), characterized by two or more heterogeneous histological patterns (P < 0.0001) and had more well or early differentiated histological patterns (P = 0.024). Our findings showed that intratumoral heterogeneity was strongly related to TPM-positive HCCs, which established novel roles of TPMs, and may improve our understanding particularly about HCC development and diagnosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wit Thun Kwa
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Kathryn Effendi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Ken Yamazaki
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Naoto Kubota
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Mami Hatano
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Akihisa Ueno
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Yohei Masugi
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Michiie Sakamoto
- Department of Pathology, Keio University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
25
|
The Solo Play of TERT Promoter Mutations. Cells 2020; 9:cells9030749. [PMID: 32204305 PMCID: PMC7140675 DOI: 10.3390/cells9030749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/11/2020] [Revised: 03/16/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The reactivation of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) protein is the principal mechanism of telomere maintenance in cancer cells. Mutations in the TERT promoter (TERTp) are a common mechanism of TERT reactivation in many solid cancers, particularly those originating from slow-replicating tissues. They are associated with increased TERT levels, telomere stabilization, and cell immortalization and proliferation. Much effort has been invested in recent years in characterizing their prevalence in different cancers and their potential as biomarkers for tumor stratification, as well as assessing their molecular mechanism of action, but much remains to be understood. Notably, they appear late in cell transformation and are mutually exclusive with each other as well as with other telomere maintenance mechanisms, indicative of overlapping selective advantages and of a strict regulation of TERT expression levels. In this review, we summarized the latest literature on the role and prevalence of TERTp mutations across different cancer types, highlighting their biased distribution. We then discussed the need to maintain TERT levels at sufficient levels to immortalize cells and promote proliferation while remaining within cell sustainability levels. A better understanding of TERT regulation is crucial when considering its use as a possible target in antitumor strategies.
Collapse
|
26
|
The role of telomeres and telomerase in cirrhosis and liver cancer. Nat Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2019; 16:544-558. [PMID: 31253940 DOI: 10.1038/s41575-019-0165-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 275] [Impact Index Per Article: 55.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 05/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase is a key enzyme for cell survival that prevents telomere shortening and the subsequent cellular senescence that is observed after many rounds of cell division. In contrast, inactivation of telomerase is observed in most cells of the adult liver. Absence of telomerase activity and shortening of telomeres has been implicated in hepatocyte senescence and the development of cirrhosis, a chronic liver disease that can lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) development. During hepatocarcinogenesis, telomerase reactivation is required to enable the uncontrolled cell proliferation that leads to malignant transformation and HCC development. Part of the telomerase complex, telomerase reverse transcriptase, is encoded by TERT, and several mechanisms of telomerase reactivation have been described in HCC that include somatic TERT promoter mutations, TERT amplification, TERT translocation and viral insertion into the TERT gene. An understanding of the role of telomeres and telomerase in HCC development is important to develop future targeted therapies and improve survival of this disease. In this Review, the roles of telomeres and telomerase in liver carcinogenesis are discussed, in addition to their potential translation to clinical practice as biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Collapse
|
27
|
Molecular Mechanisms of Hepatocarcinogenesis Following Sustained Virological Response in Patients with Chronic Hepatitis C Virus Infection. Viruses 2018; 10:v10100531. [PMID: 30274202 PMCID: PMC6212901 DOI: 10.3390/v10100531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2018] [Revised: 09/25/2018] [Accepted: 09/27/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Despite the success of direct-acting antiviral (DAA) agents in treating chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection, the number of cases of HCV-related hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is expected to increase over the next five years. HCC develops over the span of decades and is closely associated with fibrosis stage. HCV both directly and indirectly establishes a pro-inflammatory environment favorable for viral replication. Repeated cycles of cell death and regeneration lead to genomic instability and loss of cell cycle control. DAA therapy offers >90% sustained virological response (SVR) rates with fewer side effects and restrictions than interferon. While elimination of HCV helps to restore liver function and reverse mild fibrosis, post-SVR patients remain at elevated risk of HCC. A series of studies reporting higher than expected rates of HCC development among DAA-treated patients ignited debate over whether use of DAAs elevates HCC risk compared to interferon. However, recent prospective and retrospective studies based on larger patient cohorts have found no significant difference in risk between DAA and interferon therapy once other factors are taken into account. Although many mechanisms and pathways involved in hepatocarcinogenesis have been elucidated, our understanding of drivers specific to post-SVR hepatocarcinogenesis is still limited, and lack of suitable in vivo and in vitro experimental systems has hampered efforts to examine etiology-specific mechanisms that might serve to answer this question more thoroughly. Further research is needed to identify risk factors and biomarkers for post-SVR HCC and to develop targeted therapies based on more complete understanding of the molecules and pathways implicated in hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
28
|
Gaspar TB, Sá A, Lopes JM, Sobrinho-Simões M, Soares P, Vinagre J. Telomere Maintenance Mechanisms in Cancer. Genes (Basel) 2018; 9:E241. [PMID: 29751586 PMCID: PMC5977181 DOI: 10.3390/genes9050241] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2018] [Revised: 04/20/2018] [Accepted: 04/23/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour cells can adopt telomere maintenance mechanisms (TMMs) to avoid telomere shortening, an inevitable process due to successive cell divisions. In most tumour cells, telomere length (TL) is maintained by reactivation of telomerase, while a small part acquires immortality through the telomerase-independent alternative lengthening of telomeres (ALT) mechanism. In the last years, a great amount of data was generated, and different TMMs were reported and explained in detail, benefiting from genome-scale studies of major importance. In this review, we address seven different TMMs in tumour cells: mutations of the TERT promoter (TERTp), amplification of the genes TERT and TERC, polymorphic variants of the TERT gene and of its promoter, rearrangements of the TERT gene, epigenetic changes, ALT, and non-defined TMM (NDTMM). We gathered information from over fifty thousand patients reported in 288 papers in the last years. This wide data collection enabled us to portray, by organ/system and histotypes, the prevalence of TERTp mutations, TERT and TERC amplifications, and ALT in human tumours. Based on this information, we discuss the putative future clinical impact of the aforementioned mechanisms on the malignant transformation process in different setups, and provide insights for screening, prognosis, and patient management stratification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tiago Bordeira Gaspar
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Ana Sá
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José Manuel Lopes
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Manuel Sobrinho-Simões
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Pathology and Oncology, Centro Hospitalar São João, 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paula Soares
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Abel Salazar Biomedical Sciences Institute (ICBAS), University of Porto, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - João Vinagre
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute for Research and Innovation in Health Sciences (i3S), University of Porto, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Cancer Signaling and Metabolism Group, Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (Ipatimup), 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Medical Faculty of University of Porto (FMUP), 4200-139 Porto, Portugal.
| |
Collapse
|
29
|
Ko E, Seo HW, Jung G. Telomere length and reactive oxygen species levels are positively associated with a high risk of mortality and recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma. Hepatology 2018; 67:1378-1391. [PMID: 29059467 DOI: 10.1002/hep.29604] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2017] [Revised: 09/25/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
UNLABELLED Telomeres protect chromosomal ends from deterioration and have been shown to be susceptible to shortening by reactive oxygen species (ROS)-induced damage. ROS levels increase during the progression from early to advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An independent study found that the telomeres in most HCC tissues lengthened during carcinogenic advancement. Activated telomerase has been hypothesized to elongate telomeres during the progression of malignant HCC, but it remains unclear which signaling pathway is necessary for telomerase activation in HCC. Here, we showed using cell lines derived from human HCC that H2 O2 , which is a major component of ROS in living organisms, elongates telomeres by increasing telomerase activity through protein kinase B (AKT) activation. The AKT inhibitor, perifosine, decreased telomere length, cellular viability, and H2 O2 -mediated migration and invasion capacity in HCC cells while also inhibiting AKT activation, telomere maintenance, and tumor growth in nude mice. Advanced HCC tissues showed a positive correlation among ROS levels, phosphorylated AKT (pAKT) levels, and telomere length. Furthermore, patients with HCC tumors that have high ROS levels and long telomeres displayed poorer survival rates. These data demonstrate the significant utilities of ROS levels, pAKT levels, and telomere length for predicting a poor prognosis in patients with HCC. Taken together, AKT activation could be essential for telomere maintenance in advanced HCC tumors as well as being an important contributor to malignant HCC progression. CONCLUSION We showed that H2 O2 contributes to telomere elongation through AKT activation in advanced HCC, suggesting that an AKT inhibitor such as perifosine may be useful for treating patients with malignant HCC. (Hepatology 2018;67:1378-1391).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyong Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Wook Seo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Guhung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Seoul, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
30
|
Nishikimi K, Nakagawa K, Tate S, Matsuoka A, Iwamoto M, Kiyokawa T, Shozu M. Uncommon Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase Promoter Mutations Are Associated With Poor Survival in Ovarian Clear Cell Carcinoma. Am J Clin Pathol 2018; 149:352-361. [PMID: 29474637 DOI: 10.1093/ajcp/aqx166] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVES The present study assessed whether human telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations mediate the increased mortality risk observed in patients with ovarian clear cell carcinoma (CCC) and characterized the pathologic features of TERT promoter mutation-associated ovarian CCC. METHODS The TERT promoter region in genomic DNA extracted from paraffin-embedded ovarian CCC specimens (n = 93) was bidirectionally sequenced. RESULTS A total of 24 TERT promoter mutations were identified among the analyzed CCC cases, of which 11 were known "hotspot" mutations whose frequency was increased in CCC cases with compared to without coexistent adenofibroma (P < .05). In contrast, the 14 (including three novel) identified uncommon site mutations were shown to be associated with a poor progression-free survival rate (P < .01). CONCLUSIONS The identified uncommon TERT promoter mutations exacerbate the poor prognosis characteristic of ovarian CCC cases, and the hotspot mutations appear to be a molecular feature of the adenofibroma-associated form of the disease.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/genetics
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/mortality
- Adenocarcinoma, Clear Cell/pathology
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Carcinoma, Ovarian Epithelial
- Female
- Humans
- Middle Aged
- Mutation
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/genetics
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/mortality
- Neoplasms, Glandular and Epithelial/pathology
- Ovarian Neoplasms/genetics
- Ovarian Neoplasms/mortality
- Ovarian Neoplasms/pathology
- Prognosis
- Promoter Regions, Genetic
- Retrospective Studies
- Survival Analysis
- Telomerase/genetics
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kyoko Nishikimi
- Department of Gynecology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Kiyoshi Nakagawa
- Department of Gynecology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Shinichi Tate
- Department of Gynecology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Ayumu Matsuoka
- Department of Gynecology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| | - Masami Iwamoto
- Department of Pathology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Takako Kiyokawa
- Department of Pathology, Jikei University School of Medicine, Tokyo, Japan
| | - Makio Shozu
- Department of Gynecology, Chiba University Graduate School of Medicine, Chiba, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Pezzuto F, Izzo F, Buonaguro L, Annunziata C, Tatangelo F, Botti G, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. Tumor specific mutations in TERT promoter and CTNNB1 gene in hepatitis B and hepatitis C related hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 7:54253-54262. [PMID: 27276713 PMCID: PMC5342339 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.9801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Recurrent somatic mutations in the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene and in the exon 3 of CTNNB1 gene have been recognized as common events in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with variable frequencies depending on etiology and geographical region. We have analyzed TERT promoter and CTNNB1 gene mutations in 122 cases of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) related HCCs, in 7 cases of cholangiocarcinoma (CC) and hepatocholangiocarcinoma (HCC-CC) as well as in autologous cirrhotic tissues. Overall, 50.4% and 26% of HCC as well as 14.3% and none of CC and HCC-CC were mutated in TERT promoter and in CTNNB1 exon 3, respectively. TERT and CTNNB1 mutations were found more frequently in HCV related (53.6% and 26.4%, respectively) than HBV related (41.7% and 16.7%, respectively) HCCs and coexisted in 57.6% of CTNNB1 mutated tumors. Mutations in TERT and CTNNB1 were not associated with the functional promoter polymorphism rs2853669. No mutations were detected in the 129 non-HCC cirrhotic tissues. In conclusion, mutations in TERT promoter and in CTNNB1 gene represent specific cancer signatures in the pathogenesis of viral related HCC and could be promising early biomarkers as well as targets for tailored therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Francesco Izzo
- Hepatobiliary Surgery Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Clorinda Annunziata
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Fabiana Tatangelo
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS Napoli, Italy
| | - Gerardo Botti
- Department of Pathology, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori "Fondazione G Pascale" - IRCCS, Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
32
|
The TERT promoter mutation incidence is modified by germline TERT rs2736098 and rs2736100 polymorphisms in hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2018; 8:23120-23129. [PMID: 28416747 PMCID: PMC5410290 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.15498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2016] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase activation via induction of the catalytic component telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) plays essential roles in malignant transformation. TERT promoter-activating mutations were recently identified as a novel mechanism to activate telomerase in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and many other malignancies. In addition, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the TERT rs2736098 and rs2736100 are significantly associated with cancer susceptibility. It is currently unclear whether different germline TERT variants modify TERT promoter mutations. Here we analyzed the TERT promoter status and genotyped the TERT SNPs at rs2736098 and rs2736100 in patients with HCC. Thirty percent of HCCs harbored TERT promoter mutations and there was a significant difference in rs2736098 and rs2736100 genotypes between wt and mutant TERT promoter-bearing HCC tumors (P = 0.007 and 0.018, respectively). For rs2736100, the cancer risk genotype CC was significantly associated with a reduced incidence of TERT promoter mutations compared to AA + AC variants [Odds ratio (OR): 0.181, 95% Confidence interval (CI): 0.0543-0.601, P = 0.004]. The rs2736098_CT genotype was significantly associated with the TERT promoter mutation-positive tumors compared to the TT genotype (OR: 5.391, 95% CI: 1.234-23.553, P = 0.025). These differences in genotype distribution did not differ between patients with a wt TERT promoter and controls. The presence of TERT promoter mutations was not associated with clinico-pathological variables. Taken together, the germline TERT genetic background may significantly affect the onset of TERT promoter mutations in HCCs, which provides a better understanding of HCC-related TERT promoter mutations and telomerase regulation in cancer.
Collapse
|
33
|
Pellegrini C, Di Nardo L, Cipolloni G, Martorelli C, De Padova M, Antonini A, Maturo MG, Del Regno L, Strafella S, Micantonio T, Leocata P, Peris K, Fargnoli MC. Heterogeneity of BRAF, NRAS, and TERT Promoter Mutational Status in Multiple Melanomas and Association with MC1R Genotype. J Mol Diagn 2018; 20:110-122. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jmoldx.2017.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2017] [Revised: 10/04/2017] [Accepted: 10/05/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
34
|
Irshad M, Gupta P, Irshad K. Molecular basis of hepatocellular carcinoma induced by hepatitis C virus infection. World J Hepatol 2017; 9:1305-1314. [PMID: 29359013 PMCID: PMC5756719 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v9.i36.1305] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/08/2017] [Accepted: 12/06/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Present study outlines a comprehensive view of published information about the underlying mechanisms operational for progression of chronic hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection to development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These reports are based on the results of animal experiments and human based studies. Although, the exact delineated mechanism is not yet established, there are evidences available to emphasize the involvement of HCV induced chronic inflammation, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, endoplasmic reticulum stress, hepato steatosis and liver fibrosis in the progression of HCV chronic disease to HCC. Persistent infection with replicating HCV not only initiates several liver alterations but also creates an environment for development of liver cancer. Various studies have reported that HCV acts both directly as well as indirectly in promoting this process. Whereas HCV related proteins, like HCV core, E1, E2, NS3 and NS5A, modulate signal pathways dysregulating cell cycle and cell metabolism, the chronic infection produces similar changes in an indirect way. HCV is an RNA virus and does not integrate with host genome and therefore, HCV induced hepatocarcinogenesis pursues a totally different mechanism causing imbalance between suppressors and proto-oncogenes and genomic integrity. However, the exact mechanism of HCC inducement still needs a full understanding of various steps involved in this process.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Irshad
- Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Priyanka Gupta
- Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| | - Khushboo Irshad
- Clinical Biochemistry Division, Department of Laboratory Medicine, All India Institute of Medical Sciences, New Delhi 110029, India
| |
Collapse
|
35
|
Yang X, Guo X, Chen Y, Chen G, Ma Y, Huang K, Zhang Y, Zhao Q, Winkler CA, An P, Lyu J. Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter mutations in hepatitis B virus-associated hepatocellular carcinoma. Oncotarget 2017; 7:27838-47. [PMID: 27056898 PMCID: PMC5053691 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.8539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2016] [Accepted: 03/28/2016] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations are among the most frequent noncoding somatic mutations in multiple cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The clinical and pathological implications of TERT promoter mutations in hepatitis B virus (HBV)-associated HCC have not been resolved. To investigate TERT promoter mutations, protein expression, and their clinical-pathological implications, we sequenced the TERT promoter region for hotspot mutations in HCC tissues and performed immunostaining for TERT protein expression from HBV-associated HCC in Chinese patients. Of 276 HCC tumor DNA samples sequenced, 85 (31%) carried TERT promoter mutations. TERT promoter mutations were more frequent in those with low α-fetoprotein (AFP) serum levels (p = 0.03), advanced age (p = 0.04), and in those lacking HCC family history (p = 0.02), but were not correlated with HCC stages and grades. TERT protein levels were higher in HCC (n = 28) compared to normal liver tissues (n = 8) (p =0.001), but did not differ between mutated and non-mutated tumor tissues. In conclusion, TERT promoter mutations are common somatic mutations in HCC of Han Chinese with HBV infection. Detection of TERT promoter mutations in those with low levels of AFP may aid diagnosis of HCC with atypical presentation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xunjun Yang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital & Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiuchan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.,ICF International, Atlanta, GA, USA
| | - Yao Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guorong Chen
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yin Ma
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Kate Huang
- Department of Pathology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yuning Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qiongya Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Cheryl A Winkler
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Ping An
- Basic Research Laboratory, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, Leidos Biomedical Research, Inc., Frederick National Laboratory for Cancer Research, Frederick, MD, USA
| | - Jianxin Lyu
- Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Jung SJ, Kim DS, Park WJ, Lee H, Choi IJ, Park JY, Lee JH. Mutation of the TERT promoter leads to poor prognosis of patients with non-small cell lung cancer. Oncol Lett 2017; 14:1609-1614. [PMID: 28789386 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2017.6284] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2016] [Accepted: 12/09/2016] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Mutations in the promoter region of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and alterations in telomere length (TL) have been the focus of research in various types of cancer. In the present study, the frequency and clinical characteristics of TERT promoter mutations and TL were studied in non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC). TERT promoter mutations and TL were analyzed in 188 patients using DNA sequencing and the reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, respectively. The TERT promoter mutation rate was observed to be 2.2% (4/188 NSCLC cases), and it was significantly associated with regional lymph node invasion (P<0.001). No significant difference in TL was observed between the patients with and without TERT promoter mutations. TL was decreased in males (P=0.058 vs. females) and smokers (P=0.008 vs. non-smokers). Survival analyses demonstrated poor prognoses for patients with NSCLC with TERT promoter mutations (P<0.001). Multivariate survival analyses demonstrated that TERT promoter mutations were an independent prognostic marker for poor overall survival (P=0.045). The results of the present study demonstrated that TERT promoter mutation was not frequent in NSCLC; however, it may have value as a prognostic marker in NSCLC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Soo-Jung Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Dong-Sun Kim
- Department of Anatomy, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jin Park
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyunsu Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - In-Jang Choi
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Yong Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, Kyungpook National University, Daegu 41944, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu 42601, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Pezzuto F, Buonaguro L, Buonaguro FM, Tornesello ML. Frequency and geographic distribution of TERT promoter mutations in primary hepatocellular carcinoma. Infect Agent Cancer 2017; 12:27. [PMID: 28529542 PMCID: PMC5437489 DOI: 10.1186/s13027-017-0138-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/06/2017] [Accepted: 05/11/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mainly develops in subjects chronically infected with hepatitis B (HBV) and C (HCV) viruses through a multistep process characterized by the accumulation of genetic alterations in the human genome. Nucleotide changes in coding regions (i.e. TP53, CTNNB1, ARID1A and ARID2) as well as in non-coding regions (i.e. TERT promoter) are considered cancer drivers for HCC development with variable frequencies in different geographic regions depending on the etiology and environmental factors. Recurrent hot spot mutations in TERT promoter (G > A at-124 bp; G > A at -146 bp), have shown to be common events in many tumor types including HCC and to up regulate the expression of telomerases. We performed a comprehensive review of the literature evaluating the differential distribution of TERT promoter mutations in 1939 primary HCC from four continents. Mutation rates were found higher in Europe (56.6%) and Africa (53.3%) than America (40%) and Asia (42.5%). In addition, HCV-related HCC were more frequently mutated (44.8% in US and 69.7% in Asia) than HBV-related HCC (21.4% in US and 45.5% in Africa). HCC cases associated to factors other than hepatitis viruses are also frequently mutated in TERT promoter (43.6%, 52.6% and 57.7% in USA, Asia and Europe, respectively). These results support a major role for telomere elongation in HCV-related and non-viral related hepatic carcinogenesis and suggest that TERT promoter mutations could represent a candidate biomarker for the early detection of liver cancer in subjects with HCV infection or with metabolic liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Pezzuto
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Luigi Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Franco M Buonaguro
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| | - Maria Lina Tornesello
- Molecular Biology and Viral Oncology Unit, Istituto Nazionale Tumori IRCCS "Fondazione G Pascale", 80131 Napoli, Italy
| |
Collapse
|
38
|
Lee HW, Park TI, Jang SY, Park SY, Park WJ, Jung SJ, Lee JH. Clinicopathological characteristics of TERT promoter mutation and telomere length in hepatocellular carcinoma. Medicine (Baltimore) 2017; 96:e5766. [PMID: 28151853 PMCID: PMC5293416 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000005766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Promoter mutations in telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) and telomere length have been studied in various tumors. In the present study, the frequency and clinical characteristics of TERT promoter mutation and telomere length were studied in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). TERT promoter mutation and telomere length were analyzed in 162 tumor samples of the patients with HCC by sequencing and real-time PCR, respectively. The TERT promoter mutation rate was 28.8% (46/160) in HCC and was associated with males (P = 0.027). The telomere length was not significantly different in the presence of a TERT promoter mutation but was shorter in high-grade tumor stages (P = 0.048). Survival analyses showed that poor overall survival was associated with longer telomere length (P = 0.013). However, the TERT promoter mutation did not have a prognostic value for HCC. Multivariate survival analyses demonstrated that the telomere length was an independent prognostic marker for poor overall survival (hazard ratio = 1.75, 95% confidence interval: 1.046-2.913, P = 0.033). These data demonstrated that TERT promoter mutation is a frequent event in HCC; however, telomere length, but not the presence of a TERT promoter mutation, might have potential value as a prognostic indicator of HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hye Won Lee
- Department of Pathology, The Catholic University of Korea, College of Medicine, Seoul
| | | | - Se Young Jang
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine
| | - Soo Young Park
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kyungpook National University School of Medicine
| | - Won-Jin Park
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Jung Jung
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Ho Lee
- Department of Anatomy, Keimyung University School of Medicine, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| |
Collapse
|
39
|
Heidenreich B, Kumar R. TERT promoter mutations in telomere biology. MUTATION RESEARCH-REVIEWS IN MUTATION RESEARCH 2016; 771:15-31. [PMID: 28342451 DOI: 10.1016/j.mrrev.2016.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 136] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2016] [Accepted: 11/10/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Telomere repeats at chromosomal ends, critical to genome integrity, are maintained through an elaborate network of proteins and pathways. Shelterin complex proteins shield telomeres from induction of DNA damage response to overcome end protection problem. A specialized ribonucleic protein, telomerase, maintains telomere homeostasis through repeat addition to counter intrinsic shortcomings of DNA replication that leads to gradual sequence shortening in successive mitoses. The biogenesis and recruitment of telomerase composed of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) subunit and an RNA component, takes place through the intricate machinery that involves an elaborate number of molecules. The synthesis of telomeres remains a controlled and limited process. Inherited mutations in the molecules involved in the process directly or indirectly cause telomeropathies. Telomerase, while present in stem cells, is deactivated due to epigenetic silencing of the rate-limiting TERT upon differentiation in most of somatic cells with a few exceptions. However, in most of the cancer cells telomerase reactivation remains a ubiquitous process and constitutes one of the major hallmarks. Discovery of mutations within the core promoter of the TERT gene that create de novo binding sites for E-twenty-six (ETS) transcription factors provided a mechanism for cancer-specific telomerase reactivation. The TERT promoter mutations occur mainly in tumors from tissues with low rates of self-renewal. In melanoma, glioma, hepatocellular carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma and others, the promoter mutations have been shown to define subsets of patients with adverse disease outcomes, associate with increased transcription of TERT, telomerase reactivation and affect telomere length; in stem cells the mutations inhibit TERT silencing following differentiation into adult cells. The TERT promoter mutations cause an epigenetic switch on the mutant allele along with recruitment of pol II following the binding of GABPA/B1 complex that leads to mono-allelic expression. Thus, the TERT promoter mutations hold potential as biomarkers as well as future therapeutic targets.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Rajiv Kumar
- Division of Molecular Genetic Epidemiology; German Consortium for Translational Cancer Research (DKTK), German Cancer Research Center, 69120 Heidelberg, Germany.
| |
Collapse
|
40
|
Ko E, Seo HW, Jung ES, Kim BH, Jung G. The TERT promoter SNP rs2853669 decreases E2F1 transcription factor binding and increases mortality and recurrence risks in liver cancer. Oncotarget 2016; 7:684-99. [PMID: 26575952 PMCID: PMC4808026 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.6331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2015] [Accepted: 10/27/2015] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
A common single-nucleotide polymorphism in the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter, rs2853669 influences patient survival rates and the risk of developing cancer. Recently, several lines of evidence suggest that the rs2853669 suppresses TERT promoter mutation-mediated TERT expression levels and cancer mortality as well as recurrence rates. However, no reports are available on the impact of rs2853669 on TERT expression in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and its association with patient survival. Here, we found that HCC-related overall and recurrence-free survival rates were not associated with TERT promoter mutation individually, but rs2853669 and the TERT promoter mutation in combination were associated with poor survival rates. TERT mRNA expression and telomere fluorescence levels were greater in patients with HCC who had both the combination. The combination caused TERT promoter methylation through regulating the binding of DNA methyltransferase 1 and histone deacetylase 1 to the TERT promoter in HCC cell lines. The TERT expression level was significantly higher in HCC tumor with a methylated promoter than in that with an unmethylated promoter. In conclusion, we demonstrate a substantial role for the rs2853669 in HCC with TERT promoter mutation, which suggests that the combination of the rs2853669 and the mutation indicate poor prognoses in liver cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eunkyong Ko
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea
| | - Hyun-Wook Seo
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea
| | - Eun Sun Jung
- Department of Pathology, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, The Catholic University of Korea, Seocho-Gu, Seoul, 133-782, South Korea
| | - Baek-hui Kim
- Department of Pathology, Korea University Guro Hospital, Korea University College of Medicine, Seoul, 152-703, South Korea
| | - Guhung Jung
- Department of Biological Sciences, College of Natural Sciences, Seoul National University, Gwanak-gu, Seoul, 151-747, South Korea
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Niu ZS, Niu XJ, Wang WH. Genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma: An update. World J Gastroenterol 2016; 22:9069-9095. [PMID: 27895396 PMCID: PMC5107590 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i41.9069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 98] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2016] [Revised: 09/20/2016] [Accepted: 10/19/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Although recent advances in therapeutic approaches for treating HCC have improved the prognoses of patients with HCC, this cancer is still associated with a poor survival rate mainly due to late diagnosis. Therefore, a diagnosis must be made sufficiently early to perform curative and effective treatments. There is a need for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of HCC because these mechanisms are critical for making early diagnoses and developing novel therapeutic strategies. Over the past decade, much progress has been made in elucidating the molecular mechanisms underlying hepatocarcinogenesis. In particular, recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies have revealed numerous genetic alterations, including recurrently mutated genes and dysregulated signaling pathways in HCC. A better understanding of the genetic alterations in HCC could contribute to identifying potential driver mutations and discovering novel therapeutic targets in the future. In this article, we summarize the current advances in research on the genetic alterations, including genomic instability, single-nucleotide polymorphisms, somatic mutations and deregulated signaling pathways, implicated in the initiation and progression of HCC. We also attempt to elucidate some of the genetic mechanisms that contribute to making early diagnoses of and developing molecularly targeted therapies for HCC.
Collapse
MESH Headings
- Animals
- Biomarkers, Tumor/genetics
- Biomarkers, Tumor/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/drug therapy
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/genetics
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/metabolism
- Carcinoma, Hepatocellular/pathology
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/genetics
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/metabolism
- Cell Transformation, Neoplastic/pathology
- Gene Expression Regulation, Neoplastic
- Genetic Predisposition to Disease
- Genomic Instability
- Humans
- Liver Neoplasms/drug therapy
- Liver Neoplasms/genetics
- Liver Neoplasms/metabolism
- Liver Neoplasms/pathology
- Molecular Diagnostic Techniques
- Molecular Targeted Therapy
- Mutation
- Patient Selection
- Phenotype
- Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
- Precision Medicine
- Predictive Value of Tests
- Signal Transduction
Collapse
|
42
|
Transcription Regulation of the Human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) Gene. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7080050. [PMID: 27548225 PMCID: PMC4999838 DOI: 10.3390/genes7080050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2016] [Revised: 07/23/2016] [Accepted: 08/01/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Embryonic stem cells and induced pluripotent stem cells have the ability to maintain their telomere length via expression of an enzymatic complex called telomerase. Similarly, more than 85%–90% of cancer cells are found to upregulate the expression of telomerase, conferring them with the potential to proliferate indefinitely. Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT), the catalytic subunit of telomerase holoenzyme, is the rate-limiting factor in reconstituting telomerase activity in vivo. To date, the expression and function of the human Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (hTERT) gene are known to be regulated at various molecular levels (including genetic, mRNA, protein and subcellular localization) by a number of diverse factors. Among these means of regulation, transcription modulation is the most important, as evident in its tight regulation in cancer cell survival as well as pluripotent stem cell maintenance and differentiation. Here, we discuss how hTERT gene transcription is regulated, mainly focusing on the contribution of trans-acting factors such as transcription factors and epigenetic modifiers, as well as genetic alterations in hTERT proximal promoter.
Collapse
|
43
|
Poulos RC, Sloane MA, Hesson LB, Wong JWH. The search for cis-regulatory driver mutations in cancer genomes. Oncotarget 2016; 6:32509-25. [PMID: 26356674 PMCID: PMC4741709 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.5085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2015] [Accepted: 08/06/2015] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
With the advent of high-throughput and relatively inexpensive whole-genome sequencing technology, the focus of cancer research has begun to shift toward analyses of somatic mutations in non-coding cis-regulatory elements of the cancer genome. Cis-regulatory elements play an important role in gene regulation, with mutations in these elements potentially resulting in changes to the expression of linked genes. The recent discoveries of recurrent TERT promoter mutations in melanoma, and recurrent mutations that create a super-enhancer regulating TAL1 expression in T-cell acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (T-ALL), have sparked significant interest in the search for other somatic cis-regulatory mutations driving cancer development. In this review, we look more closely at the TERT promoter and TAL1 enhancer alterations and use these examples to ask whether other cis-regulatory mutations may play a role in cancer susceptibility. In doing so, we make observations from the data emerging from recent research in this field, and describe the experimental and analytical approaches which could be adopted in the hope of better uncovering the true functional significance of somatic cis-regulatory mutations in cancer.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Rebecca C Poulos
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Mathew A Sloane
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Luke B Hesson
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| | - Jason W H Wong
- Prince of Wales Clinical School and Lowy Cancer Research Centre, UNSW Australia, Sydney, Australia
| |
Collapse
|
44
|
Molecular mechanisms of hepatitis C virus-induced hepatocellular carcinoma. Clin Microbiol Infect 2016; 22:853-861. [PMID: 27476823 DOI: 10.1016/j.cmi.2016.07.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 92] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/14/2016] [Revised: 07/09/2016] [Accepted: 07/16/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a major leading cause of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process resulting from a combination of pathway alterations that are either caused directly by viral factors or immune mediated as a consequence of a chronic state of inflammation. Host genetic variation is now emerging as an additional element that contribute to increase the risk of developing HCC. The advent of direct-acting antiviral agents foresees a rapid decline of HCC rate in HCV patients. However, a full understanding of the HCV-mediated tumourigenic process is required to elucidate if pro-oncogenic signatures may persist after virus clearance, and to identify novel tools for HCC prevention and therapy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge of the molecular mechanisms responsible for HCV-induced hepatocarcinogenesis.
Collapse
|
45
|
Cancer-Specific Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) Promoter Mutations: Biological and Clinical Implications. Genes (Basel) 2016; 7:genes7070038. [PMID: 27438857 PMCID: PMC4962008 DOI: 10.3390/genes7070038] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/29/2016] [Revised: 07/05/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The accumulated evidence has pointed to a key role of telomerase in carcinogenesis. As a RNA-dependent DNA polymerase, telomerase synthesizes telomeric DNA at the end of linear chromosomes, and attenuates or prevents telomere erosion associated with cell divisions. By lengthening telomeres, telomerase extends cellular life-span or even induces immortalization. Consistent with its functional activity, telomerase is silent in most human normal somatic cells while active only in germ-line, stem and other highly proliferative cells. In contrast, telomerase activation widely occurs in human cancer and the enzymatic activity is detectable in up to 90% of malignancies. Recently, hotspot point mutations in the regulatory region of the telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) gene, encoding the core catalytic component of telomerase, was identified as a novel mechanism to activate telomerase in cancer. This review discusses the cancer-specific TERT promoter mutations and potential biological and clinical significances.
Collapse
|
46
|
Dhanasekaran R, Bandoh S, Roberts LR. Molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma and impact of therapeutic advances. F1000Res 2016; 5. [PMID: 27239288 PMCID: PMC4870992 DOI: 10.12688/f1000research.6946.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 140] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a leading cause of cancer mortality and has an increasing incidence worldwide. HCC can be induced by multiple etiologies, is influenced by many risk factors, and has a complex pathogenesis. Furthermore, HCCs exhibit substantial heterogeneity, which compounds the difficulties in developing effective therapies against this highly lethal cancer. With advances in cancer biology and molecular and genetic profiling, a number of different mechanisms involved in the development and progression of HCC have been identified. Despite the advances in this area, the molecular pathogenesis of hepatocellular carcinoma is still not completely understood. This review aims to elaborate our current understanding of the most relevant genetic alterations and molecular pathways involved in the development and progression of HCC, and anticipate the potential impact of future advances on therapeutic drug development.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Salome Bandoh
- Department of Medicine, Korle-Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra, Ghana
| | - Lewis R Roberts
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine, Rochester, MN, USA
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kawai-Kitahata F, Asahina Y, Tanaka S, Kakinuma S, Murakawa M, Nitta S, Watanabe T, Otani S, Taniguchi M, Goto F, Nagata H, Kaneko S, Tasaka-Fujita M, Nishimura-Sakurai Y, Azuma S, Itsui Y, Nakagawa M, Tanabe M, Takano S, Fukasawa M, Sakamoto M, Maekawa S, Enomoto N, Watanabe M. Comprehensive analyses of mutations and hepatitis B virus integration in hepatocellular carcinoma with clinicopathological features. J Gastroenterol 2016; 51:473-86. [PMID: 26553052 DOI: 10.1007/s00535-015-1126-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 76] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2015] [Accepted: 09/19/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Genetic alterations in specific genes are critical events in carcinogenesis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) progression. However, the genetic alterations responsible for HCC development, progression, and survival are unclear. METHODS We investigated the essential difference in genetic alterations between HCC and adjacent non-HCC tissues using next-generation sequencing technology. RESULTS We found recurrent mutations in several genes such as telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT; 65% of the total 104 HCCs), TP53 (38%), CTNNB1 (30%), AXIN1 (2%), PTEN (2%), and CDKN2A (2%). TERT promoter mutations were associated with older age (p = 0.005), presence of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection (p = 0.003), and absence of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection (p < 0.0001). In hepatitis B surface antigen (HBs Ag)-positive HCC without TERT promoter mutations, HBV integration into TERT locus was found in 47% patients and was mutually exclusive to TERT promoter mutations. Most (89%) HBV integrants were in the HBx region. TP53 mutations were associated with HBV infection (p = 0.0001) and absence of HCV infection (p = 0.002). CTNNB1 mutations were associated with absence of HBV infection (p = 0.010). Moreover, TERT promoter mutation was significantly associated with shorter disease-free survival (p = 0.005) and poor overall survival (p = 0.024). CONCLUSIONS Gene alterations in TERT promoter, TP53, CTNNB1, and HBV integration were closely associated with HCC development, and mutations in TERT promoter are related to poor prognosis. These results are useful for understanding the underlying mechanism of hepatocarcinogenesis, diagnosis, and predicting outcomes of patients with HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fukiko Kawai-Kitahata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Asahina
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
- Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan.
| | - Shinji Tanaka
- Department of Molecular Oncology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Sei Kakinuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
- Department of Liver Disease Control, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Miyako Murakawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Sayuri Nitta
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Takako Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Satoshi Otani
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Miki Taniguchi
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Fumio Goto
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Hiroko Nagata
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Shun Kaneko
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Megumi Tasaka-Fujita
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yuki Nishimura-Sakurai
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Seishin Azuma
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Yasuhiro Itsui
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Mina Nakagawa
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Minoru Tanabe
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| | - Shinichi Takano
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimogato, Chuo-shi, Yamanshi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Mitsuharu Fukasawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimogato, Chuo-shi, Yamanshi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Minoru Sakamoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimogato, Chuo-shi, Yamanshi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Shinya Maekawa
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimogato, Chuo-shi, Yamanshi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Nobuyuki Enomoto
- First Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Yamanashi, 1110 Shimogato, Chuo-shi, Yamanshi, 409-3898, Japan
| | - Mamoru Watanabe
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Tokyo Medical and Dental University, 1-5-45 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-8519, Japan
| |
Collapse
|
48
|
Bell RJA, Rube HT, Xavier-Magalhães A, Costa BM, Mancini A, Song JS, Costello JF. Understanding TERT Promoter Mutations: A Common Path to Immortality. Mol Cancer Res 2016; 14:315-23. [PMID: 26941407 PMCID: PMC4852159 DOI: 10.1158/1541-7786.mcr-16-0003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 201] [Impact Index Per Article: 25.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/06/2016] [Accepted: 02/24/2016] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Telomerase (TERT) activation is a fundamental step in tumorigenesis. By maintaining telomere length, telomerase relieves a main barrier on cellular lifespan, enabling limitless proliferation driven by oncogenes. The recently discovered, highly recurrent mutations in the promoter of TERT are found in over 50 cancer types, and are the most common mutation in many cancers. Transcriptional activation of TERT, via promoter mutation or other mechanisms, is the rate-limiting step in production of active telomerase. Although TERT is expressed in stem cells, it is naturally silenced upon differentiation. Thus, the presence of TERT promoter mutations may shed light on whether a particular tumor arose from a stem cell or more differentiated cell type. It is becoming clear that TERT mutations occur early during cellular transformation, and activate the TERT promoter by recruiting transcription factors that do not normally regulate TERT gene expression. This review highlights the fundamental and widespread role of TERT promoter mutations in tumorigenesis, including recent progress on their mechanism of transcriptional activation. These somatic promoter mutations, along with germline variation in the TERT locus also appear to have significant value as biomarkers of patient outcome. Understanding the precise molecular mechanism of TERT activation by promoter mutation and germline variation may inspire novel cancer cell-specific targeted therapies for a large number of cancer patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Robert J A Bell
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - H Tomas Rube
- Department of Biological Sciences, Columbia University, New York, New York
| | - Ana Xavier-Magalhães
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California. Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Bruno M Costa
- Life and Health Sciences Research Institute (ICVS), School of Health Sciences, University of Minho, Braga, Portugal. ICVS/3B's-PT Government Associate Laboratory, Braga/Guimarães, Braga, Portugal
| | - Andrew Mancini
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California
| | - Jun S Song
- Departments of Bioengineering and Physics, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign, Illinois
| | - Joseph F Costello
- Department of Neurological Surgery, University of California, San Francisco, California.
| |
Collapse
|
49
|
Nault JC, Zucman-Rossi J. TERT promoter mutations in primary liver tumors. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2016; 40:9-14. [PMID: 26336998 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2015.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 66] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2015] [Accepted: 07/15/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Next-generation sequencing has drawn the genetic landscape of hepatocellular carcinoma and several signaling pathways are altered at the DNA level in tumors: Wnt/β-catenin, cell cycle regulator, epigenetic modifier, histone methyltransferase, oxidative stress, ras/raf/map kinase and akt/mtor pathways. Hepatocarcinogenesis is a multistep process starting with the exposure to different risk factors, followed by the development of a chronic liver disease and cirrhosis precede in the vast majority of the cases the development of HCC. Several lines of evidence have underlined the pivotal role of telomere maintenance in both cirrhosis and HCC pathogenesis. TERT promoter mutations were identified as the most frequent genetic alterations in hepatocellular carcinoma with an overall frequency around 60%. Moreover, in cirrhosis, TERT promoter mutations are observed at the early steps of hepatocarcinogenesis since they are recurrently identified in low-grade and high-grade dysplastic nodules. In contrast, acquisition of genomic diversity through mutations of classical oncogenes and tumor suppressor genes (TP53, CTNNB1, ARID1A…) occurred only in progressed HCC. In normal liver, a subset of HCC can derived from the malignant transformation of hepatocellular adenoma (HCA). In HCA, CTNNB1 mutations predispose to transformation of HCA in HCC and TERT promoter mutations are required in most of the cases as a second hit for a full malignant transformation. All these findings have refined our knowledge of HCC pathogenesis and have pointed telomerase as a target for tailored therapy in the future.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jean-Charles Nault
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, 93000 Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France; AP-HP, Hôpitaux Universitaires Paris - Seine-Saint-Denis, Site Jean-Verdier, Pôle d'Activité Cancérologique Spécialisée, Service d'Hépatologie, 93143 Bondy, France
| | - Jessica Zucman-Rossi
- Inserm, UMR-1162, Génomique fonctionnelle des Tumeurs solides, Équipe Labellisée Ligue Contre le Cancer, 75010 Paris, France; Université Paris Descartes, Labex Immuno-Oncology, Sorbonne Paris Cité, Faculté de Médecine, 75006 Paris, France; Université Paris 13, Sorbonne Paris Cité, UFR SMBH, 93000 Bobigny, France; Université Paris Diderot, 75013 Paris, France; Assistance publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Hôpital Européen Georges-Pompidou, 75015 Paris, France.
| |
Collapse
|
50
|
Yuan P, Cao JL, Abuduwufuer A, Wang LM, Yuan XS, Lv W, Hu J. Clinical Characteristics and Prognostic Significance of TERT Promoter Mutations in Cancer: A Cohort Study and a Meta-Analysis. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146803. [PMID: 26799744 PMCID: PMC4723146 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2015] [Accepted: 12/22/2015] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The prevalence of telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) promoter mutations (pTERTm) in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been investigated, but the results were inconsistent. In addition, several studies have analysed the role of pTERTm in the etiology of various types of cancers, however, the results also remain inconsistent. METHODS The genomic DNA sequence of 103 NSCLC samples were analysed to investigate the frequency of pTERTm in these patients and to establish whether these mutations are associated with their clinical data. Furthermore, a meta-analysis based on previously published articles and our cohort study was performed to investigate the association of pTERTm with patient gender, age at diagnosis, metastasis status, tumour stage and cancer prognosis (5-year overall survival rate). RESULTS In the cohort study, 4 patients had C228T and 2 had C250T, with a total mutation frequency up to 5.8%. Significant difference of clinical data between pTERTm carriers and noncarriers was only found in age at diagnosis. In the meta-analysis, We found that pTERTm carriers in cancer patients are older than noncarriers (Mean difference (MD) = 5.24; 95% confidence interval [CI], 2.00 to 8.48), male patients were more likely to harbour pTERTm (odds Ratios (OR) = 1.38; 95% CI, 1.22 to 1.58), and that pTERTm had a significant association with distant metastasis (OR = 3.78; 95% CI, 2.45 to 5.82), a higher tumour grade in patients with glioma (WHO grade III, IV vs. I, II: OR, 2.41; 95% CI, 1.88 to 3.08) and a higher tumour stage in other types of cancer (III, IV vs. I, II: OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.48 to 4.15). pTERTm was also significantly associated with a greater risk of death (hazard ratio = 1.71; 95% CI, 1.41 to 2.08). CONCLUSIONS pTERTm are a moderately prevalent genetic event in NSCLC. The current meta-analysis indicates that pTERTm is associated with patient age, gender and distant metastasis. It may serves as an adverse prognostic factor in individuals with cancers.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ping Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Jin-lin Cao
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Abudumailamu Abuduwufuer
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Lu-Ming Wang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Xiao-Shuai Yuan
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Wang Lv
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
| | - Jian Hu
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China, 310003
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|