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Fabris A, Anglani F, Lupo A, Gambaro G. Medullary sponge kidney: state of the art. Nephrol Dial Transplant 2012; 28:1111-9. [PMID: 23229933 DOI: 10.1093/ndt/gfs505] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a kidney malformation that generally manifests with nephrocalcinosis and recurrent renal stones; other signs may be renal acidification and concentration defects, and pre-calyceal duct ectasias. MSK is generally considered a sporadic disorder, but an apparently autosomal dominant inheritance has also been observed. As MSK reveals abnormalities in both the lower and the upper nephron and is often associated with urinary tract developmental anomalies, its pathogenesis should probably be sought in one of the numerous steps characterizing renal morphogenesis. Given the key role of the GDNF-RET interaction in kidney and urinary tract development and nephrogenesis, anomalies in these molecules are reasonable candidates for explaining a disorder such as MSK. As a matter of fact, we detected two, hitherto unknown, rare variants of the GDNF gene in MSK patients. We surmise that a defective distal acidification has a central role in MSK and is followed by a chain of events including defective bone mineralization, hypercalciuria, hypocitraturia and stone formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonia Fabris
- Division of Nephrology, Department of Medicine, University Hospital of Verona, Verona, Italy
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52
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Goldstein AM, Hofstra RMW, Burns AJ. Building a brain in the gut: development of the enteric nervous system. Clin Genet 2012; 83:307-16. [PMID: 23167617 DOI: 10.1111/cge.12054] [Citation(s) in RCA: 110] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2012] [Revised: 11/01/2012] [Accepted: 11/01/2012] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS), the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, is an essential component of the gut neuromusculature and controls many aspects of gut function, including coordinated muscular peristalsis. The ENS is entirely derived from neural crest cells (NCC) which undergo a number of key processes, including extensive migration into and along the gut, proliferation, and differentiation into enteric neurons and glia, during embryogenesis and fetal life. These mechanisms are under the molecular control of numerous signaling pathways, transcription factors, neurotrophic factors and extracellular matrix components. Failure in these processes and consequent abnormal ENS development can result in so-called enteric neuropathies, arguably the best characterized of which is the congenital disorder Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), or aganglionic megacolon. This review focuses on the molecular and genetic factors regulating ENS development from NCC, the clinical genetics of HSCR and its associated syndromes, and recent advances aimed at improving our understanding and treatment of enteric neuropathies.
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Affiliation(s)
- A M Goldstein
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA, USA
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53
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Ngo DN, So MT, Gui H, Tran AQ, Bui DH, Cherny S, Tam PKH, Nguyen TL, Garcia-Barcelo MM. Screening of the RET gene of Vietnamese Hirschsprung patients identifies 2 novel missense mutations. J Pediatr Surg 2012; 47:1859-64. [PMID: 23084198 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2012.05.020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2012] [Revised: 05/14/2012] [Accepted: 05/15/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/PURPOSE Hirschsprung disease (HSCR; megacolon, congenital aganglionosis) is a congenital disorder characterized by the absence of ganglion cells along variable segments of the gut. Both rare (RV) and common variants of the RET gene are associated with HSCR. The aim of this study is to assess, for the first time, the variation in the RET gene of Vietnamese HSCR patients. METHODS We used Sanger sequencing to screen the coding sequence of the RET gene of 97 Vietnamese HSCR patients of Southern Chinese ancestry. The healthy population consisted of 250 Southern Chinese individuals with no diagnosis of HSCR. RESULTS We detected 8 heterozygous RVs distributed among 13 patients (13.40%) and that were not present in healthy individuals. Among those variants, there were 2 novel and deleterious (R133C [c.397 C>T]; R144C [c.430 C>T]) missense amino acid substitutions, 2 novel silent variants (P667P [c.2001 A>T]; Y809Y [c.2427 C>T]), and 4 previously described missense substitutions (R114H [c.341 G>A]; V292M [c.874 G>A]; G533S [c.1597 G>A]; R982C [c.2944 C>T]). As expected, the common RET coding sequence variants rs1800858 (A45A [c.135 G>A]) and rs1800861 (L769L [c.2307 T>G]) were highly associated with the disease. CONCLUSIONS The identification of novel deleterious variants together with the fact RET RVs are virtually unique to HSCR patients indicates that the RET gene is a target for mutations among Hirschsprung patients of any population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Diem-Ngoc Ngo
- Department of Human Genetics, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
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54
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Sandilands E, Serrels B, Wilkinson S, Frame MC. Src-dependent autophagic degradation of Ret in FAK-signalling-defective cancer cells. EMBO Rep 2012; 13:733-40. [PMID: 22732841 PMCID: PMC3410392 DOI: 10.1038/embor.2012.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2011] [Revised: 05/31/2012] [Accepted: 05/31/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
We have recently described that autophagic targeting of Src maintains cancer cell viability when FAK signalling is defective. Here, we show that the Ret tyrosine kinase is also degraded by autophagy in cancer cells with altered/reduced FAK signalling, preventing its binding to FAK at integrin adhesions. Inhibition of autophagy restores Ret localization to focal adhesions. Importantly, Src kinase activity is required to target Ret to autophagosomes and enhance Ret degradation. Src is thus a general mediator of selective autophagic targeting of adhesion-linked kinases, and Ret a second FAK-binding tyrosine kinase degraded through autophagy in cancer cells under adhesion stress. Src--by controlling not only its own degradation but also that of other FAK-binding partners--allows cancer cell survival, suggesting a new therapeutic strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emma Sandilands
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Bryan Serrels
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Simon Wilkinson
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
| | - Margaret C Frame
- Edinburgh Cancer Research UK Centre, Institute of Genetics and Molecular Medicine, University of Edinburgh, Western General Hospital, Edinburgh EH4 2XR, UK
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55
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Little MH, McMahon AP. Mammalian kidney development: principles, progress, and projections. Cold Spring Harb Perspect Biol 2012; 4:a008300. [PMID: 22550230 PMCID: PMC3331696 DOI: 10.1101/cshperspect.a008300] [Citation(s) in RCA: 283] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
The mammalian kidney is a vital organ with considerable cellular complexity and functional diversity. Kidney development is notable for requiring distinct but coincident tubulogenic processes involving reciprocal inductive signals between mesenchymal and epithelial progenitor compartments. Key molecular pathways mediating these interactions have been identified. Further, advances in the analysis of gene expression and gene activity, coupled with a detailed knowledge of cell origins, are enhancing our understanding of kidney morphogenesis and unraveling the normal processes of postnatal repair and identifying disease-causing mechanisms. This article focuses on recent insights into central regulatory processes governing organ assembly and renal disease, and predicts future directions for the field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melissa H Little
- Institute for Molecular Bioscience, The University of Queensland, St. Lucia, Brisbane, Australia.
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56
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Control of Aβ release from human neurons by differentiation status and RET signaling. Neurobiol Aging 2012; 34:184-99. [PMID: 22534065 DOI: 10.1016/j.neurobiolaging.2012.03.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2011] [Revised: 02/14/2012] [Accepted: 03/24/2012] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
Few studies have compared the processing of endogenous human amyloid precursor protein (APP) in younger and older neurons. Here, we characterized LUHMES cells as a human model to study Alzheimer's disease-related processes during neuronal maturation and aging. Differentiated LUHMES expressed and spontaneously processed APP via the secretase pathways, and they secreted amyloid β (Aβ) peptide. This was inhibited by cholesterol depletion or secretase inhibition, but not by block of tau phosphorylation. In vitro aged cells increased Aβ secretion without upregulation of APP or secretases. We identified the medium constituent glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) as responsible for this effect. GDNF-triggered Aβ release was associated with rapid upregulation of the GDNF coreceptor "rearranged during transfection" (RET). Other direct (neurturin) or indirect (nerve growth factor) RET activators also increased Aβ, whereas different neurotrophins were ineffective. Downstream of RET, we found activation of protein kinase B (AKT) to be involved. Accordingly, inhibitors of the AKT regulator phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase completely blocked GDNF-triggered AKT phosphorylation and Aβ increase. This suggests that RET signaling affects Aβ release from aging neurons.
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McKeown SJ, Stamp L, Hao MM, Young HM. Hirschsprung disease: a developmental disorder of the enteric nervous system. WILEY INTERDISCIPLINARY REVIEWS-DEVELOPMENTAL BIOLOGY 2012; 2:113-29. [PMID: 23799632 DOI: 10.1002/wdev.57] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Hirschsprung disease (HSCR), which is also called congenital megacolon or intestinal aganglionosis, is characterized by an absence of enteric (intrinsic) neurons from variable lengths of the most distal bowel. Because enteric neurons are essential for propulsive intestinal motility, infants with HSCR suffer from severe constipation and have a distended abdomen. Currently the only treatment is surgical removal of the affected bowel. HSCR has an incidence of around 1:5,000 live births, with a 4:1 male:female gender bias. Most enteric neurons arise from neural crest cells that emigrate from the caudal hindbrain and then migrate caudally along the entire gut. The absence of enteric neurons from variable lengths of the bowel in HSCR results from a failure of neural crest-derived cells to colonize the affected gut regions. HSCR is therefore regarded as a neurocristopathy. HSCR is a multigenic disorder and has become a paradigm for understanding complex factorial disorders. The major HSCR susceptibility gene is RET. The penetrance of several mutations in HSCR susceptibility genes is sex-dependent. HSCR can occur as an isolated disorder or as part of syndromes; for example, Type IV Waardenburg syndrome is characterized by deafness and pigmentation defects as well as intestinal aganglionosis. Studies using animal models have shown that HSCR genes regulate multiple processes including survival, proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Research into HSCR and the development of enteric neurons is an excellent example of the cross fertilization of ideas that can occur between human molecular geneticists and researchers using animal models. WIREs Dev Biol 2013, 2:113-129. doi: 10.1002/wdev.57 For further resources related to this article, please visit the WIREs website.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sonja J McKeown
- Department of Anatomy & Cell Biology, University of Melbourne, Melbourne 3010, VIC, Australia
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58
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Abstract
Specific thyroid cancer histotypes, such as papillary and medullary thyroid carcinoma, display genetic rearrangements or point mutations of the RET gene, resulting in its oncogenic conversion. The molecular mechanisms mediating RET rearrangement with other genes and the role of partner genes in tumorigenesis have been described. In addition, the RET protein has become a molecular target for medullary thyroid carcinoma treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Francesca Carlomagno
- *Francesca Carlomagno, Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare L. Califano, Università degli Studi di Napoli Federico II, Via Sergio Pansini 5, IT–80123 Napoli (Italy), Tel. +39 081 746 3603, E-Mail
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Lundgren TK, Nakahata K, Fritz N, Rebellato P, Zhang S, Uhlén P. RET PLCγ phosphotyrosine binding domain regulates Ca2+ signaling and neocortical neuronal migration. PLoS One 2012; 7:e31258. [PMID: 22355350 PMCID: PMC3280273 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0031258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2011] [Accepted: 01/04/2012] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The receptor tyrosine kinase RET plays an essential role during embryogenesis in regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration. Upon glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) stimulation, RET can trigger multiple intracellular signaling pathways that in concert activate various downstream effectors. Here we report that the RET receptor induces calcium (Ca2+) signaling and regulates neocortical neuronal progenitor migration through the Phospholipase-C gamma (PLCγ) binding domain Tyr1015. This signaling cascade releases Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum through the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor and stimulates phosphorylation of ERK1/2 and CaMKII. A point mutation at Tyr1015 on RET or small interfering RNA gene silencing of PLCγ block the GDNF-induced signaling cascade. Delivery of the RET mutation to neuronal progenitors in the embryonic ventricular zone using in utero electroporation reveal that Tyr1015 is necessary for GDNF-stimulated migration of neurons to the cortical plate. These findings demonstrate a novel RET mediated signaling pathway that elevates cytosolic Ca2+ and modulates neuronal migration in the developing neocortex through the PLCγ binding domain Tyr1015.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Apoptosis
- Blotting, Western
- Calcium Signaling/physiology
- Cell Movement
- Cell Proliferation
- Cells, Cultured
- Embryo, Mammalian/cytology
- Embryo, Mammalian/metabolism
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/genetics
- Glial Cell Line-Derived Neurotrophic Factor/metabolism
- Humans
- Immunoenzyme Techniques
- Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors/genetics
- Inositol 1,4,5-Trisphosphate Receptors/metabolism
- Mice
- Neocortex/embryology
- Neocortex/metabolism
- Neurons/cytology
- Neurons/metabolism
- Phospholipase C gamma/antagonists & inhibitors
- Phospholipase C gamma/genetics
- Phospholipase C gamma/metabolism
- Phosphorylation
- Phosphotyrosine/metabolism
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret/genetics
- Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-ret/metabolism
- RNA, Messenger/genetics
- RNA, Small Interfering/genetics
- Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction
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Affiliation(s)
- T. Kalle Lundgren
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- Department of Reconstructive Plastic Surgery, Karolinska University Hospital, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Katsutoshi Nakahata
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Nicolas Fritz
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Paola Rebellato
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Songbai Zhang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
| | - Per Uhlén
- Department of Medical Biochemistry and Biophysics, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden
- * E-mail:
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Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS), the intrinsic innervation of the gastrointestinal tract, consists of numerous types of neurons, and glial cells, that are distributed in two intramuscular plexuses that extend along the entire length of the gut and control co-ordinated smooth muscle contractile activity and other gut functions. All enteric neurons and glia are derived from neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal (hindbrain) level NCC provide the majority of enteric precursors along the entire length of the gut, while a lesser contribution, that is restricted to the hindgut, arises from the sacral region of the neuraxis. After leaving the dorsal neural tube NCC undergo extensive migration, proliferation, survival and differentiation in order to form a functional ENS. This article reviews the molecular mechanisms underlying these key developmental processes and highlights the major groups of molecules that affect enteric NCC proliferation and survival (Ret/Gdnf and EdnrB/Et-3 pathways, Sox10 and Phox2b transcription factors), cell migration (Ret and EdnrB signalling, semaphorin 3A, cell adhesion molecules, Rho GTPases), and the development of enteric neuronal subtypes and morphologies (Mash1, Gdnf/neurturin, BMPs, Hand2, retinoic acid). Finally, looking to the future, we discuss the need to translate the wealth of data gleaned from animal studies to the clinical area and thus better understand, and develop treatments for, congenital human diseases affecting the ENS.
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61
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Panza E, Knowles CH, Graziano C, Thapar N, Burns AJ, Seri M, Stanghellini V, De Giorgio R. Genetics of human enteric neuropathies. Prog Neurobiol 2012; 96:176-89. [PMID: 22266104 DOI: 10.1016/j.pneurobio.2012.01.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2011] [Revised: 12/13/2011] [Accepted: 01/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/10/2023]
Abstract
Knowledge of molecular mechanisms that underlie development of the enteric nervous system has greatly expanded in recent decades. Enteric neuropathies related to aberrant genetic development are thus becoming increasingly recognized. There has been no recent review of these often highly morbid disorders. This review highlights advances in knowledge of the molecular pathogenesis of these disorders from a clinical perspective. It includes diseases characterized by an infantile aganglionic Hirschsprung phenotype and those in which structural abnormalities are less pronounced. The implications for diagnosis, screening and possible reparative approaches are presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emanuele Panza
- Department of Human Genetics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT, USA
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62
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So MT, Leon TYY, Cheng G, Tang CSM, Miao XP, Cornes BK, Ngo DN, Cui L, Ngan ESW, Lui VCH, Wu XZ, Wang B, Wang H, Yuan ZW, Huang LM, Li L, Xia H, Zhu D, Liu J, Nguyen TL, Chan IHY, Chung PHY, Liu XL, Zhang R, Wong KKY, Sham PC, Cherny SS, Tam PKH, Garcia-Barcelo MM. RET mutational spectrum in Hirschsprung disease: evaluation of 601 Chinese patients. PLoS One 2011; 6:e28986. [PMID: 22174939 PMCID: PMC3235168 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0028986] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2011] [Accepted: 11/17/2011] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Rare (RVs) and common variants of the RET gene contribute to Hirschsprung disease (HSCR; congenital aganglionosis). While RET common variants are strongly associated with the commonest manifestation of the disease (males; short-segment aganglionosis; sporadic), rare coding sequence (CDS) variants are more frequently found in the lesser common and more severe forms of the disease (females; long/total colonic aganglionosis; familial). Here we present the screening for RVs in the RET CDS and intron/exon boundaries of 601 Chinese HSCR patients, the largest number of patients ever reported. We identified 61 different heterozygous RVs (50 novel) distributed among 100 patients (16.64%). Those include 14 silent, 29 missense, 5 nonsense, 4 frame-shifts, and one in-frame amino-acid deletion in the CDS, two splice-site deletions, 4 nucleotide substitutions and a 22-bp deletion in the intron/exon boundaries and 1 single-nucleotide substitution in the 5′ untranslated region. Exonic variants were mainly clustered in RET the extracellular domain. RET RVs were more frequent among patients with the most severe phenotype (24% vs. 15% in short-HSCR). Phasing RVs with the RET HSCR-associated haplotype suggests that RVs do not underlie the undisputable association of RET common variants with HSCR. None of the variants were found in 250 Chinese controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Man-Ting So
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Guo Cheng
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Xiao-Ping Miao
- Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | | | - Diem Ngoc Ngo
- Department of Human Genetics, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Long Cui
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Elly Sau-Wai Ngan
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Vincent Chai-Hang Lui
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Xuan-Zhao Wu
- Department of Surgery, Guiyang Medical College Affiliated Hospital, Guiyang, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Shenzhen Children's Hospital, Shenzhen, China
| | | | - Zheng-Wei Yuan
- Shengjing Hospital, China Medical University, Shenyang, China
| | | | - Long Li
- Capital Institute of Pediatrics, Beijing, China
| | - Huimin Xia
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Deli Zhu
- Guangzhou Women and Children's Medical Centre, Guangzhou, China
| | - Juncheng Liu
- Department of Pediatric Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Thanh Liem Nguyen
- Department of Human Genetics, National Hospital of Pediatrics, Hanoi, Vietnam
| | - Ivy Hau-Yee Chan
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Xue-Lai Liu
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ruizhong Zhang
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | | | - Pak-Chung Sham
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Genome Research Centre of the University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Stacey S. Cherny
- Department of Psychiatry, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Paul Kwong-Hang Tam
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Maria-Mercè Garcia-Barcelo
- Department of Surgery, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- Centre for Reproduction, Development and Growth, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
- * E-mail:
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63
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Leon TYY, So MT, Lui VCH, Hofstra RMW, Tam PKH, Ngan ESW, Garcia-Barceló MM. Functional analyses of RET mutations in Chinese Hirschsprung disease patients. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2011; 94:47-51. [PMID: 22131258 DOI: 10.1002/bdra.22863] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2011] [Revised: 08/17/2011] [Accepted: 08/25/2011] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hirschsprung disease (HSCR) is a congenital disease characterized by the absence of ganglion cells in various length of distal digestive tract. The rearranged during transfection gene (RET) is considered the major gene in HSCR. Although an increasing number of HSCR-associated RET coding sequence (CDS) mutations have been identified in recent years, not many have been investigated for functional consequence on the RET protein. METHODS AND RESULTS We examined the functional implications of the de novo RET-CDS mutations V145G, Y483X, V636fsX1, and F961L that we first identified in sporadic Chinese patients with HSCR. The V145G disrupted RET glycosylation and F961L RET phosphorylation. Presumably, the truncation mutations would affect the translocation or the anchoring of the RET protein onto the cellular membrane. CONCLUSION The study of RET-CDS mutations that appear de novo is essential not only for understanding the mechanistic of the disease but also for penetrance and recurrence risk estimations, being the ultimate goal for the improvement in disease management and counseling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Thomas Y Y Leon
- Division of Paediatric Surgery, Department of Surgery, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Special Administrative Region, China
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64
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A SUMOylation-defective MITF germline mutation predisposes to melanoma and renal carcinoma. Nature 2011; 480:94-8. [PMID: 22012259 DOI: 10.1038/nature10539] [Citation(s) in RCA: 375] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2011] [Accepted: 09/02/2011] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
So far, no common environmental and/or phenotypic factor has been associated with melanoma and renal cell carcinoma (RCC). The known risk factors for melanoma include sun exposure, pigmentation and nevus phenotypes; risk factors associated with RCC include smoking, obesity and hypertension. A recent study of coexisting melanoma and RCC in the same patients supports a genetic predisposition underlying the association between these two cancers. The microphthalmia-associated transcription factor (MITF) has been proposed to act as a melanoma oncogene; it also stimulates the transcription of hypoxia inducible factor (HIF1A), the pathway of which is targeted by kidney cancer susceptibility genes. We therefore proposed that MITF might have a role in conferring a genetic predisposition to co-occurring melanoma and RCC. Here we identify a germline missense substitution in MITF (Mi-E318K) that occurred at a significantly higher frequency in genetically enriched patients affected with melanoma, RCC or both cancers, when compared with controls. Overall, Mi-E318K carriers had a higher than fivefold increased risk of developing melanoma, RCC or both cancers. Codon 318 is located in a small-ubiquitin-like modifier (SUMO) consensus site (ΨKXE) and Mi-E318K severely impaired SUMOylation of MITF. Mi-E318K enhanced MITF protein binding to the HIF1A promoter and increased its transcriptional activity compared to wild-type MITF. Further, we observed a global increase in Mi-E318K-occupied loci. In an RCC cell line, gene expression profiling identified a Mi-E318K signature related to cell growth, proliferation and inflammation. Lastly, the mutant protein enhanced melanocytic and renal cell clonogenicity, migration and invasion, consistent with a gain-of-function role in tumorigenesis. Our data provide insights into the link between SUMOylation, transcription and cancer.
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66
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Pinchot SN, Sippel RS, Chen H. Multi-targeted approach in the treatment of thyroid cancer. Ther Clin Risk Manag 2011; 4:935-47. [PMID: 19209276 PMCID: PMC2621417 DOI: 10.2147/tcrm.s3062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
While accounting for only 1% of solid organ malignancies (9% in women), thyroid carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the endocrine system. Although most patients have a favorable prognosis, over 1,500 people will die from thyroid carcinoma each year. The spectrum of disease types range from papillary thyroid cancer, which is a well-differentiated indolent tumor, to anaplastic carcinoma, a poorly differentiated fulminant cancer. With advances in diagnostic methods, surgical techniques, and clinical care of patients with thyroid carcinoma, the current management of thyroid cancer demands a multidisciplinary approach. The majority of patients with well-differentiated thyroid carcinoma of follicular cell origin are cured with adequate surgical management; however, some thyroid malignancies such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or poorly differentiated thyroid carcinomas frequently metastasize, precluding patients from a curative resection. As such, novel palliative and therapeutic strategies are needed for this patient population. Here, we explore the current management of thyroid carcinoma, including surgical management of the primary tumor, lymph node disease, and locoregional recurrence. Likewise, we explore the application of current molecular techniques, reviewing nearly two decades of data that have begun to elucidate critical genetic pathways and therapeutic drug targets which may be important in specific thyroid tumor types.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott N Pinchot
- Endocrine Surgery Research Laboratories, Department of Surgery, University of Wisconsin Madison, Wisconsin, USA
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Hedayati M, Zarif Yeganeh M, Sheikhol Eslami S, Rezghi Barez S, Hoghooghi Rad L, Azizi F. Predominant RET Germline Mutations in Exons 10, 11, and 16 in Iranian Patients with Hereditary Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma. J Thyroid Res 2011; 2011:264248. [PMID: 21765987 PMCID: PMC3134203 DOI: 10.4061/2011/264248] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2011] [Revised: 03/17/2011] [Accepted: 04/14/2011] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Medullary thyroid carcinoma occurs in both sporadic (75%) and hereditary (25%) forms. The missense mutations of RET proto-oncogene in MTC development have been well demonstrated. To investigate the spectrum of predominant RET germline mutations in exons 10, 11, and 16 in hereditary MTC in Iranian population, 217 participants were included. Genomic DNAs were extracted from the leukocytes using the standard Salting Out/Proteinase K method. Mutation detection was performed through PCR-RFLP and DNA sequencing. In 217 participants, 43 missense mutations were identified in exons 10 (6%), 11 (13%), and 16 (0.9%). Moreover, a novel germline mutation was detected in exon 11 (S686N). Also four different polymorphisms were found in intron 16 in eight patients. The obtained data showed the frequency profile of RET mutations in Iranian individuals with MTC (19.8%). The most frequent mutation in our population was C634G whereas in most population it was C634R. Altogether, these results underline the importance of the genetic background of family members of any patient with MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mehdi Hedayati
- Obesity Research Center, Research Institute for Endocrine Sciences, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran 1985717413, Iran
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68
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Cohen-Kupiec R, Pasmanik-Chor M, Oron-Karni V, Weil M. Effects of IKAP/hELP1 deficiency on gene expression in differentiating neuroblastoma cells: implications for familial dysautonomia. PLoS One 2011; 6:e19147. [PMID: 21559466 PMCID: PMC3084765 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0019147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2011] [Accepted: 03/18/2011] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Familial dysautonomia (FD) is a developmental neuropathy of the sensory and autonomous nervous systems. The IKBKAP gene, encoding the IKAP/hELP1 subunit of the RNA polymerase II Elongator complex is mutated in FD patients, leading to a tissue-specific mis-splicing of the gene and to the absence of the protein in neuronal tissues. To elucidate the function of IKAP/hELP1 in the development of neuronal cells, we have downregulated IKBKAP expression in SHSY5Y cells, a neuroblastoma cell line of a neural crest origin. We have previously shown that these cells exhibit abnormal cell adhesion when allowed to differentiate under defined culture conditions on laminin substratum. Here, we report results of a microarray expression analysis of IKAP/hELP1 downregulated cells that were grown on laminin under differentiation or non-differentiation growth conditions. It is shown that under non-differentiation growth conditions, IKAP/hELP1 downregulation affects genes important for early developmental stages of the nervous system, including cell signaling, cell adhesion and neural crest migration. IKAP/hELP1 downregulation during differentiation affects the expression of genes that play a role in late neuronal development, in axonal projection and synapse formation and function. We also show that IKAP/hELP1 deficiency affects the expression of genes involved in calcium metabolism before and after differentiation of the neuroblastoma cells. Hence, our data support IKAP/hELP1 importance in the development and function of neuronal cells and contribute to the understanding of the FD phenotype.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rachel Cohen-Kupiec
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
| | | | | | - Miguel Weil
- Department of Cell Research and Immunology, Tel Aviv University, Ramat-Aviv, Israel
- * E-mail:
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69
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Plaza-Menacho I, Morandi A, Mologni L, Boender P, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Magee AI, Hofstra RMW, Knowles P, McDonald NQ, Isacke CM. Focal adhesion kinase (FAK) binds RET kinase via its FERM domain, priming a direct and reciprocal RET-FAK transactivation mechanism. J Biol Chem 2011; 286:17292-302. [PMID: 21454698 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m110.168500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Whether RET is able to directly phosphorylate and activate downstream targets independently of the binding of proteins that contain Src homology 2 or phosphotyrosine binding domains and whether mechanisms in trans by cytoplasmic kinases can modulate RET function and signaling remain largely unexplored. In this study, oligopeptide arrays were used to screen substrates directly phosphorylated by purified recombinant wild-type and oncogenic RET kinase domain in the presence or absence of small molecule inhibitors. The results of the peptide array were validated by enzyme kinetics, in vitro kinase, and cell-based experiments. The identification of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) as a direct substrate for RET kinase revealed (i) a RET-FAK transactivation mechanism consisting of direct phosphorylation of FAK Tyr-576/577 by RET and a reciprocal phosphorylation of RET by FAK, which crucially is able to rescue the kinase-impaired RET K758M mutant and (ii) that FAK binds RET via its FERM domain. Interestingly, this interaction is abolished upon RET phosphorylation, indicating that RET binding to the FERM domain of FAK is a priming step for RET-FAK transactivation. Finally, our data indicate that FAK inhibitors could be used as potential therapeutic agents for patients with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 tumors because both, treatment with the FAK kinase inhibitor NVP-TAE226 and FAK down-regulation by siRNA reduced RET phosphorylation and signaling as well as the proliferation and survival of tumor and transfected cell lines expressing oncogenic RET.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Plaza-Menacho
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, United Kingdom.
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Flavin R, Finn SP, Choueiri TK, Ingoldsby H, Ring M, Barrett C, Rogers M, Smyth P, O'Regan E, Gaffney E, O'Leary JJ, Loda M, Signoretti S, Sheils O. RET protein expression in papillary renal cell carcinoma. Urol Oncol 2011; 30:900-5. [PMID: 21396847 DOI: 10.1016/j.urolonc.2010.08.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2010] [Revised: 08/23/2010] [Accepted: 08/24/2010] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To examine the role of RET in renal malignancy, in particular papillary renal cell carcinoma (RCC). MATERIALS AND METHODS A cohort of 111 archival renal samples was used consisting of 94 renal cancers (66 papillary RCC, 18 conventional clear cell carcinoma, 10 chromophobe RCC), 4 benign oncocytomas, and 13 normal kidney tissues. RET protein expression was examined by immunohistochemistry and expression levels were correlated with clinicopathologic and patient survival data. RESULTS Positive RET staining was seen in 34/66 (52%) papillary RCCs, 4/10 (40%) chromophobe carcinomas, 4/4 (100%) oncocytomas, and 11/13 (85%) normal kidney samples. All 18 cases of conventional clear cell carcinoma had negative RET staining. RET expression was associated with low Fuhrman nuclear grade. CONCLUSIONS RET protein may be contributing in part to an adaptation of a papillary growth pattern in certain renal malignancies. Given the possible therapeutic benefit of small molecule inhibitors of RET activation, further work needs to be done to highlight the functional relevance of RET protein expression in papillary RCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Flavin
- Department of Histopathology, St. James's Hospital, Dublin, Ireland
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71
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Schmidt A, Eipel C, Fürst K, Sommer N, Pahnke J, Pützer BM. Evaluation of systemic targeting of RET oncogene-based MTC with tumor-selective peptide-tagged Ad vectors in clinical mouse models. Gene Ther 2011; 18:418-23. [DOI: 10.1038/gt.2010.165] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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Kojima N, Saito H, Nishikawa M, Yuri S, Jo OD, Pham PC, Yanagawa N, Yanagawa N. Lithium induces c-Ret expression in mouse inner medullary collecting duct cells. Cell Signal 2010; 23:371-9. [PMID: 20940044 DOI: 10.1016/j.cellsig.2010.10.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2010] [Accepted: 10/01/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
We found in our present study that lithium (Li(+)) induced the expression of endogenous c-Ret, a tyrosine kinase receptor, in murine inner medullary collecting duct (mIMCD-3) cells. Delineation of the promoter region required for the effect of Li(+) identified a positive regulatory element within 180bp upstream of the transcription initiation site. This region contained three putative GC-rich Sp1 binding sites found to be essential for c-Ret induction by Li(+). The effect of Li(+) was mediated through glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) inhibition, although there was no biding site for T cell factor/lymphoid enhancer factor (TCF/LEF) in the 180bp. We found that Li(+) activated the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway via GSK-3β in these cells, and the effect of Li(+) to induce c-Ret was amenable to the inhibitory effect of the mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin. We also found that alterations in both cellular β-catenin levels and mTOR activities affected the effect of Li(+) on c-Ret transcription in a cooperative manner. In summary, our results show that Li(+) can induce c-Ret expression in mIMCD-3 cells through both β-catenin- and mTOR-dependent pathways downstream of GSK-3β inhibition, which act synergistically on the GC-rich Sp1 binding elements in the promoter region.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nobuhiko Kojima
- Medical and Research Services, Greater Los Angeles Veterans Affairs Healthcare System at Sepulveda, North Hills, California, USA.
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73
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Kuo BR, Erickson CA. Regional differences in neural crest morphogenesis. Cell Adh Migr 2010; 4:567-85. [PMID: 20962585 PMCID: PMC3011260 DOI: 10.4161/cam.4.4.12890] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2010] [Accepted: 07/02/2010] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Neural crest cells are pluripotent cells that emerge from the neural epithelium, migrate extensively, and differentiate into numerous derivatives, including neurons, glial cells, pigment cells and connective tissue. Major questions concerning their morphogenesis include: 1) what establishes the pathways of migration and 2) what controls the final destination and differentiation of various neural crest subpopulations. These questions will be addressed in this review. Neural crest cells from the trunk level have been explored most extensively. Studies show that melanoblasts are specified shortly after they depart from the neural tube, and this specification directs their migration into the dorsolateral pathway. We also consider other reports that present strong evidence for ventrally migrating neural crest cells being similarly fate restricted. Cranial neural crest cells have been less analyzed in this regard but the preponderance of evidence indicates that either the cranial neural crest cells are not fate-restricted, or are extremely plastic in their developmental capability and that specification does not control pathfinding. Thus, the guidance mechanisms that control cranial neural crest migration and their behavior vary significantly from the trunk. The vagal neural crest arises at the axial level between the cranial and trunk neural crest and represents a transitional cell population between the head and trunk neural crest. We summarize new data to support this claim. In particular, we show that: 1) the vagal-level neural crest cells exhibit modest developmental bias; 2) there are differences in the migratory behavior between the anterior and the posterior vagal neural crest cells reminiscent of the cranial and the trunk neural crest, respectively; 3) the vagal neural crest cells take the dorsolateral pathway to the pharyngeal arches and the heart, but the ventral pathway to the peripheral nervous system and the gut. However, these pathways are not rigidly specified because of prior fate restriction. Understanding the molecular, cellular and behavioral differences between these three populations of neural crest cells will be of enormous assistance when trying to understand the evolution of the neck.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bryan R Kuo
- Department of Molecular and Cellular Biology, University of California, Davis, CA, USA
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74
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Jiao L, Zhang Y, Hu C, Wang YG, Huang A, He C. Rap1GAP interacts with RET and suppresses GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth. Cell Res 2010; 21:327-37. [PMID: 20877310 DOI: 10.1038/cr.2010.139] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) was originally recognized for its ability to promote survival of midbrain dopaminergic neurons, but it has since been demonstrated to be crucial for the survival and differentiation of many neuronal subpopulations, including motor neurons, sympathetic neurons, sensory neurons and enteric neurons. To identify possible effectors or regulators of GDNF signaling, we performed a yeast two-hybrid screen using the intracellular domain of RET, the common signaling receptor of the GDNF family, as bait. Using this approach, we identified Rap1GAP, a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) for Rap1, as a novel RET-binding protein. Endogenous Rap1GAP co-immunoprecipitated with RET in neural tissues, and RET and Rap1GAP were co-expressed in dopaminergic neurons of the mesencephalon. In addition, overexpression of Rap1GAP attenuated GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth, whereas suppressing the expression of endogenous Rap1GAP by RNAi enhanced neurite outgrowth. Furthermore, using co-immunoprecipitation analyses, we found that the interaction between RET and Rap1GAP was enhanced following GDNF treatment. Mutagenesis analysis revealed that Tyr981 in the intracellular domain of RET was crucial for the interaction with Rap1GAP. Moreover, we found that Rap1GAP negatively regulated GNDF-induced ERK activation and neurite outgrowth. Taken together, our results suggest the involvement of a novel interaction of RET with Rap1GAP in the regulation of GDNF-mediated neurite outgrowth.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li Jiao
- Institute of Neuroscience and Key Laboratory of Molecular Neurobiology of Ministry of Education, Neuroscience Research Center of Changzheng Hospital, Second Military Medical University, 800 Xiangyin Road, Shanghai 200433, China
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75
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Freem LJ, Escot S, Tannahill D, Druckenbrod NR, Thapar N, Burns AJ. The intrinsic innervation of the lung is derived from neural crest cells as shown by optical projection tomography in Wnt1-Cre;YFP reporter mice. J Anat 2010; 217:651-64. [PMID: 20840354 DOI: 10.1111/j.1469-7580.2010.01295.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Within the embryonic lung, intrinsic nerve ganglia, which innervate airway smooth muscle, are required for normal lung development and function. We studied the development of neural crest-derived intrinsic neurons within the embryonic mouse lung by crossing Wnt1-Cre mice with R26R-EYFP reporter mice to generate double transgenic mice that express yellow fluorescent protein (YFP) in all neural crest cells (NCCs) and their derivatives. In addition to utilizing conventional immunohistochemistry on frozen lung sections, the complex organization of lung innervation was visualized in three dimensions by combining the genetic labelling of NCCs with optical projection tomography, a novel imaging technique that is particularly useful for the 3D examination of developing organs within embryos. YFP-positive NCCs migrated into the mouse lung from the oesophagus region at embryonic day 10.5. These cells subsequently accumulated around the bronchi and epithelial tubules of the lung and, as shown by 3D lung reconstructions with optical projection tomography imaging, formed an extensive, branching network in association with the developing airways. YFP-positive cells also colonized lung maintained in organotypic culture, and responded in a chemoattractive manner to the proto-oncogene, rearranged during transfection (RET) ligand, glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), suggesting that the RET signalling pathway is involved in neuronal development within the lung. However, when the lungs of Ret(-/-) and Gfrα1(-/-) embryos, deficient in the RET receptor and GDNF family receptor α 1 (GFRα1) co-receptor respectively, were examined, no major differences in the extent of lung innervation were observed. Our findings demonstrate that intrinsic neurons of the mouse lung are derived from NCCs and that, although implicated in the development of these cells, the role of the RET signalling pathway requires further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lucy J Freem
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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76
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Sromek M, Czetwertyńska M, Skasko E, Zielińska J, Czapczak D, Steffen J. The frequency of selected polymorphic variants of the RET gene in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and in the general population of central Poland. Endocr Pathol 2010; 21:178-85. [PMID: 20521125 DOI: 10.1007/s12022-010-9125-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
The object of this work was to compare the frequency of three polymorphic changes in the RET proto-oncogene: L769L, S836S, and S904S in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; n = 246) and in the general population (n = 420 for single-nucleotide polymorphism [SNP] L769L and S904S; n = 411 for SNP 836). We tried to investigate how the harbored SNPs affect the age at onset of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC) and MTC in carriers of known pathogenic mutations at codons 634 and 791 of the RET gene. A statistically significant difference was found in the frequency of the heterozygous change L769L in patients with sMTC (48.3%) and in unaffected individuals (39.5%). The presence of the polymorphic change L769L in the RET gene predisposes to the development of sMTC and also lowers the age of onset of MTC in carriers of the homozygous polymorphic variant L769L. The presence of this polymorphic change in MTC patients carrying, at the same time, the RET codon 634 mutation lowers the age of onset of MTC in this group.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria Sromek
- Department of Endocrinology, Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, W.K. Roentgen 5, 02-781 Warsaw, Poland.
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Guarino V, Castellone MD, Avilla E, Melillo RM. Thyroid cancer and inflammation. Mol Cell Endocrinol 2010; 321:94-102. [PMID: 19835928 DOI: 10.1016/j.mce.2009.10.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 153] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/07/2009] [Revised: 10/06/2009] [Accepted: 10/07/2009] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
Abstract
Some cancer types are strongly associated with chronic inflammatory or infectious diseases whereas others are not, but an inflammatory component is present in most human neoplastic lesions. This review focuses on various aspects of thyroid cancer and inflammation. The incidence of thyroid cancer, in particular of well-differentiated papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs), is increased in autoimmune thyroid diseases such as Hashimoto's thyroiditis. Thyroid cancer often has an inflammatory cell infiltrate, which includes lymphocytes, macrophages, dendritic cells and mast cells, whose role in thyroid cancer is still not completely understood. However, most experimental evidence suggests these cells exert a protumorigenic function. Moreover, oncoproteins typically expressed in human PTCs, such as RET/PTC, RAS, and BRAF, trigger a proinflammatory programme in thyreocytes. These data suggest that inflammatory molecules are promising targets for thyroid cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Valentina Guarino
- Dipartimento di Biologia e Patologia Cellulare e Molecolare/Istituto di Endocrinologia ed Oncologia Sperimentale del CNR G. Salvatore, Italy
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Torregrossa R, Anglani F, Fabris A, Gozzini A, Tanini A, Del Prete D, Cristofaro R, Artifoni L, Abaterusso C, Marchionna N, Lupo A, D'Angelo A, Gambaro G. Identification of GDNF gene sequence variations in patients with medullary sponge kidney disease. Clin J Am Soc Nephrol 2010; 5:1205-10. [PMID: 20448065 DOI: 10.2215/cjn.07551009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Medullary sponge kidney (MSK) is a rare nephropathy characterized by cystic anomalies of precalyceal ducts, nephrocalcinosis, renal stones, and tubule dysfunctions. Its association with various malformations and cases of familial aggregation supports the conviction that genetic factors are involved, but no genetic studies have been conducted to date. It is hypothesized that MSK is due to a disruption at the "ureteric bud/metanephric blastema" interface caused by critical developmental genes functioning abnormally. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS Fifty-five apparently sporadic MSK patients were analyzed by direct DNA sequencing of all exons and exon-intron boundaries of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) gene and rearranged during transfection (RET) gene, which have a leading role in renal development. RESULTS Two novel variants were found in heterozygosity in the MSK case population: GDNF{ENST00000344622}:c.-45G>C and c.-27+18G>A in a putative binding domain for paired-box 2 transcription factor. As a whole, eight patients showed these variations: four patients carried the c.[-45G>C; -27+18G>A] complex allele, and the others had the c.-27+18G>A alone. A case-control study revealed that these two alleles were significantly associated with MSK. Five of the eight cases were found to be familial, and the allele variants cosegregated with the disease in a seemingly dominant pattern of inheritance. Patients revealed no mutations in the RET gene. CONCLUSIONS This is the first report identifying GDNF gene sequence variations in patients with MSK and suggesting a role for this gene in the pathogenesis of some cases of the disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rossella Torregrossa
- Laboratory of Histomorphology and Molecular Biology of the Kidney, Division of Nephrology, Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University Hospital of Padua, Via Giustiniani, 2. 35128 Padua, Italy.
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79
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Goldschneider D, Mehlen P. Dependence receptors: a new paradigm in cell signaling and cancer therapy. Oncogene 2010; 29:1865-82. [DOI: 10.1038/onc.2010.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 126] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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80
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Pederiva F, Lopez RA, Rodriguez JI, Martinez L, Tovar JA. Bronchopulmonary innervation defects in infants and rats with congenital diaphragmatic hernia. J Pediatr Surg 2010; 45:360-5. [PMID: 20152352 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2009.10.076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/21/2009] [Accepted: 10/27/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Pulmonary morbidity in survivors of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) is caused by hypoplasia, barotraumas, or other reasons. We have previously shown deficient tracheal innervation in rats with CDH. Now we examine whether bronchopulmonary innervation is also abnormal in both infants and rats with CDH. MATERIAL AND METHODS Sections of E15, E18, and E21 rat lungs were immunostained for Protein gene product 9.5 and S100 antibodies. Similar immunostaining was performed on tissue from infants dying from CDH (n = 6) and other causes (n = 6) with Neurofilament, S100, and Rearranged during transfection antibodies. Nerve trunks/bronchus were counted, and the proportion of glial and RET-positive cells/bronchial surface was calculated. Glial cell-line derived neurotrophic factor protein and mRNA were measured in rat lungs. RESULTS Nerve trunks/bronchus were decreased in infants and rat fetuses with CDH. In contrast, glial and RET-positive cells/bronchial surface were increased in infants and rats with CDH. Both lungs were equally affected. GDNF protein was high, whereas GDNF mRNA was decreased in preterm animals with CDH. CONCLUSIONS The lungs of infants and rats with CDH have decreased neural components compensated by increased supporting glial cells and persistence high expression of RET and GDNF protein. Because bronchopulmonary innervation controls airway smooth muscle, vessels, and glandular secretions, it is tempting to hypothesize that these deficiencies might play a role in respiratory morbidity in CDH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Pederiva
- Department of Pediatric Surgery and Research Laboratory, Hospital Universitario La Paz, 28046 Madrid, Spain
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81
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Gil Z, Cavel O, Kelly K, Brader P, Rein A, Gao SP, Carlson DL, Shah JP, Fong Y, Wong RJ. Paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer cell invasion by peripheral nerves. J Natl Cancer Inst 2010; 102:107-18. [PMID: 20068194 DOI: 10.1093/jnci/djp456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 182] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The ability of cancer to infiltrate along nerves is a common clinical observation in pancreas, head and neck, prostate, breast, and gastrointestinal carcinomas. For these tumors, nerves may provide a conduit for local cancer progression into the central nervous system. Although neural invasion is associated with poor outcome, the mechanism that triggers it is unknown. METHODS We used an in vitro Matrigel dorsal root ganglion and pancreatic cancer cell coculture model to assess the dynamic interactions between nerves and cancer cell migration and the role of glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF). An in vivo murine sciatic nerve model was used to study how nerve invasion affects sciatic nerve function. RESULTS Nerves induced a polarized neurotrophic migration of cancer cells (PNMCs) along their axons, which was more efficient than in the absence of nerves (migration distance: mean = 187.1 microm, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 148 to 226 microm vs 14.4 microm, 95% CI = 9.58 to 19.22 microm, difference = 143 microm; P < .001; n = 20). PNMC was induced by secretion of GDNF, via phosphorylation of the RET-Ras-mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Nerves from mice deficient in GDNF had reduced ability to attract cancer cells (nerve invasion index: wild type vs gdnf+/-, mean = 0.76, 95% CI = 0.75 to 0.77 vs 0.43, 95% CI = 0.42 to 0.44; P < .001; n = 60-66). Tumor specimens excised from patients with neuroinvasive pancreatic carcinoma had higher expression of the GDNF receptors RET and GRFalpha1 as compared with normal tissue. Finally, systemic therapy with pyrazolopyrimidine-1, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor targeting the RET pathway, suppressed nerve invasion toward the spinal cord and prevented paralysis in mice. CONCLUSION These data provide evidence for paracrine regulation of pancreatic cancer invasion by nerves, which may have important implications for potential therapy directed against nerve invasion by cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ziv Gil
- Department of Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, 6 Weizmann St, Tel Aviv, 64239, Israel.
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82
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Medullary thyroid carcinoma: targeted therapies and future directions. JOURNAL OF ONCOLOGY 2009; 2009:183031. [PMID: 20069043 PMCID: PMC2798103 DOI: 10.1155/2009/183031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/28/2009] [Accepted: 11/24/2009] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) is a rare neuroendocrine neoplasm that accounts for approximately 5% of all thyroid malignancies. The natural history of MTC is characterized by early lymph node and distant metastases, making complete surgical cure often impossible. Conventional chemotherapy and external beam radiation have been largely ineffective in altering the natural history of MTC. Therefore, there is a great need to develop novel therapeutic strategies to affect symptom control and reduce tumor burden in patients with widely disseminated disease. Here, we review several pathways which have been shown to be vital in MTC tumorigenesis and focus on the pathways of interest for which targeted drug therapies are currently being developed.
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Hong Z, Zhang QY, Liu J, Wang ZQ, Zhang Y, Xiao Q, Lu J, Zhou HY, Chen SD. Phosphoproteome study reveals Hsp27 as a novel signaling molecule involved in GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth. J Proteome Res 2009; 8:2768-87. [PMID: 19290620 DOI: 10.1021/pr801052v] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a most potent survival factor for dopaminergic neurons. In addition, GDNF was also found to promote neurite outgrowth in dopaminergic neurons. However, despite the potential clinical and physiological importance of GDNF, its mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, we employed a state-of-the-art proteomic technique, DIGE (Difference in two-dimensional gel electrophoresis), to quantitatively compare profiles of phosphoproteins of PC12-GFRalpha1-RET cells (that stably overexpress GDNF receptor alpha1 and RET) 0.5 and 10 h after GDNF challenge with control. A total of 92 differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified by mass spectrometry. Among them, the relative levels of phosphorylated Hsp27 increased significantly both in 0.5 and 10 h GDNF-treated PC12-GFRalpha1-RET cells. Confocal microscopy and Western blot results showed that the phosphorylation of Hsp27 after GDNF treatment was accompanied by its nuclear translocation. After the mRNA of Hsp27 was interfered, neurite outgrowth of PC12-GFRalpha1-RET cells induced by GDNF was significantly blocked. Furthermore, the percentage of neurite outgrowth induced by GDNF was also reduced by the expression of dominant-negative mutants of Hsp27, in which specific serine phosphorylation residues (Ser15, Ser78 and Ser82) were substituted with alanine. Our data also revealed that p38 MAPK and ERK are the upstream regulators of Hsp27 phosphorylation. Hence, in addition to the numerous novel proteins that are potentially important in GDNF mediated differentiation of dopaminergic cells revealed by our study, our data has indicated that Hsp27 is a novel signaling molecule involved in GDNF-induced neurite outgrowth of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Hong
- Department of Neurology & Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 200025, China
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84
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Hong Z, Liu J, Xia L, Pan J, Xiao Q, Lu G, Liang L, Chen SD. Identification of glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor-regulated proteins of striatum in mouse model of Parkinson disease. Proteomics Clin Appl 2009; 3:1072-83. [PMID: 21137007 DOI: 10.1002/prca.200800234] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2008] [Revised: 01/31/2009] [Accepted: 05/07/2009] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Glial-cell-line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) is a potent survival factor for dopaminergic neurons, and hence serves as a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of Parkinson's disease. However, despite the potential clinical and physiological importance of GDNF, its mechanism of action is unclear. Therefore, we employed a state-of-the-art proteomic technique, DIGE, along with MS and a bioinformatics tool called Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery (DAVID), to profile proteome changes in the parkinsonian mouse striatum after GDNF challenge. Forty-six unique differentially expressed proteins were successfully identified, which were found either up-regulated and/or down-regulated at the two time points 4 and 72 h compared with the control. Proteins involved in cell differentiation and system development formed the largest part of the proteins regulated under GDNF. Furthermore, the aberrant expression of HSPs and mitochondria-associated proteins were noticeable. Moreover, mitochondrial stress 70 protein and heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein, whose relative levels increased significantly in GDNF-treated striatum, were further evaluated with Western blot and RT-PCR, demonstrating a good agreement with quantitative proteomic data. These data will provide some clues for understanding the mechanisms by which GDNF promotes the survival of dopaminergic neurons.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhen Hong
- Department of Neurology and Institute of Neurology, Ruijin Hospital affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, Shanghai, P. R. China
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85
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Chen HM, Fang JY. Genetics of the hamartomatous polyposis syndromes: a molecular review. Int J Colorectal Dis 2009; 24:865-74. [PMID: 19381654 DOI: 10.1007/s00384-009-0714-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 45] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 04/02/2009] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Hamartomatous polyposis syndromes are a heterogeneous group of disorders that are inherited in an autosomal dominant fashion. These syndromes only represent a small number of the inherited gastrointestinal cancer predisposition syndromes. However, many of these syndromes carry a substantial risk for developing colorectal cancer, as well as extra-colonic malignancy. MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched for articles on inherited hamartomatous polyposis syndromes, including familial juvenile polyposis syndrome, Peutz-Jeghers syndrome, PTEN hamartoma tumor syndrome, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2B, hereditary mixed polyposis syndrome, Cronkhite-Canada syndrome, basal cell nevus syndrome, and neurofibromatosis 1, in PubMed, Embase, and Elsevier ScienceDirect. In this review, we briefly discuss the diagnosis and clinical features of these disorders and the molecular alterations responsible for these syndromes. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Given the clinical similarities of these hamartomatous syndromes and the autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate hamartomatous polyps, especially with atypical presentation. The molecular analysis and diagnosis make it possible to identify the subtype of these syndromes. In addition, these tests raise an intriguing possibility that surveillance and early medical intervention will allow for the identification of at-risk patients and the reduction of morbidity and mortality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Min Chen
- GI Division, Shanghai Institute of Digestive Disease, Shanghai Jiao-Tong University School of Medicine-Renji Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
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86
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Wallace AS, Barlow AJ, Navaratne L, Delalande JM, Tauszig-Delamasure S, Corset V, Thapar N, Burns AJ. Inhibition of cell death results in hyperganglionosis: implications for enteric nervous system development. Neurogastroenterol Motil 2009; 21:768-e49. [PMID: 19400926 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2982.2009.01309.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is derived from vagal and sacral neural crest cells (NCC) that delaminate from the neural tube and undergo extensive migration and proliferation in order to colonize the entire length of the gut and differentiate into many millions of neurons and glial cells. Although apoptotic programmed cell death is an essential physiological process during development of the majority of the vertebrate nervous system, apoptosis within early ENS development has not been comprehensively investigated. The aim of this study was to determine the presence and extent of apoptosis within the vagal NCC population that gives rise to most of the ENS in the chick embryo. We demonstrated that apoptotic cells, as shown by terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase biotin-dUTP nick end labelling and active caspase-3 immunoreactivity, are present within an electroporated green fluorescent protein (GFP) and human natural killer-1 (HNK-1) immunopositive NCC population migrating from the vagal region of the neural tube to the developing foregut. Inhibition of caspase activity in vagal NCC, by electroporation with a dominant-negative form of caspase-9, increased the number of vagal NCC available for ENS formation, as shown by 3-dimensional reconstruction of serial GFP or HNK-1 labelled sections, and resulted in hyperganglionosis within the proximal foregut, as shown by NADPH-diaphorase whole gut staining. These findings suggest that apoptotic cell death may be a normal process within the precursor pool of pre-enteric NCC that migrates to the gut, and as such it may play a role in the control of ENS formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- A S Wallace
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, London, UK
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87
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Flavin R, Jackl G, Finn S, Smyth P, Ring M, O'Regan E, Cahill S, Unger K, Denning K, Jinghuan Li, Aherne S, Tallini G, Gaffney E, O'Leary JJ, Zitzelsberger H, Sheils O. RET/PTC rearrangement occurring in primary peritoneal carcinoma. Int J Surg Pathol 2009; 17:187-97. [PMID: 19147513 DOI: 10.1177/1066896908329593] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
RET/PTC rearrangements are initiating events in the development of a significant proportion of papillary thyroid carcinomas. Activated RET/PTC mutations are thought to be restricted to thyroid disease, but this study proposes that these events may also occur in nonthyroid tumors. A total of 57 nonthyroid papillary tumors were examined for RET/PTC rearrangements using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization, Taqman reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction, and immunohistochemistry. Taqman single nucleotide polymorphism detection was used to analyze for expression of mutated BRAF T1799A. In all, 20% (3/15) of primary peritoneal carcinoma had detectable RET/PTC1 rearrangements by all 3 methodologies. A further case of similar histotype had an alternate RET/ PTC rearrangement. No RET/PTC1 rearrangements were detected in the remaining tumor cohort. All 57 tumors were homozygous for wild-type BRAF. The results indicate that RET/PTC rearrangements occur in a small subset of nonthyroid papillary tumors. These rearrangements may not be directly implicated in tumor growth; rather representing "passenger" mutations reflecting RET instability in secondary tumor subclones.
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Affiliation(s)
- Richard Flavin
- Department of Histopathology, Trinity College Medical School, Dublin, Ireland.
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88
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Cerchia L, Giangrande PH, McNamara JO, de Franciscis V. Cell-specific aptamers for targeted therapies. Methods Mol Biol 2009; 535:59-78. [PMID: 19377980 DOI: 10.1007/978-1-59745-557-2_5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/23/2022]
Abstract
Many signalling proteins involved in diverse functions such as cell growth and differentiation can act as oncogenes and cause cellular transformation. These molecules represent attractive targets for cancer diagnosis or therapy and therefore are subject to intensive investigation. Aptamers are small, highly structured nucleic acid molecules, isolated from combinatorial libraries by a procedure termed SELEX. Aptamers bind to a target molecule by providing a limited number of specific contact points imbedded in a larger, defined three-dimensional structure. Recently, aptamers have been selected against whole living cells, opening a new path which presents three major advantages: (1) direct selection without prior purification of membrane-bound targets, (2) access to membrane proteins in their native conformation similar to the in vivo conditions and (3) identification of (new) targets related to a specific phenotype. The ability to raise aptamers against living cells opens some attractive possibilities for new therapeutic and delivery approaches. In this chapter, the most recent advances in the field will be reviewed together with detailed descriptions of the relevant experimental approaches.
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Affiliation(s)
- Laura Cerchia
- Istituto per l'Endocrinologia e Oncologia Sperimentale G. Salvatore, Naples, Italy
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89
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Wilhelm SM, Adnane L, Newell P, Villanueva A, Llovet JM, Lynch M. Preclinical overview of sorafenib, a multikinase inhibitor that targets both Raf and VEGF and PDGF receptor tyrosine kinase signaling. Mol Cancer Ther 2008; 7:3129-40. [PMID: 18852116 DOI: 10.1158/1535-7163.mct-08-0013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1061] [Impact Index Per Article: 66.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Although patients with advanced refractory solid tumors have poor prognosis, the clinical development of targeted protein kinase inhibitors offers hope for the future treatment of many cancers. In vivo and in vitro studies have shown that the oral multikinase inhibitor, sorafenib, inhibits tumor growth and disrupts tumor microvasculature through antiproliferative, antiangiogenic, and/or proapoptotic effects. Sorafenib has shown antitumor activity in phase II/III trials involving patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma. The multiple molecular targets of sorafenib (the serine/threonine kinase Raf and receptor tyrosine kinases) may explain its broad preclinical and clinical activity. This review highlights the antitumor activity of sorafenib across a variety of tumor types, including renal cell, hepatocellular, breast, and colorectal carcinomas in the preclinical setting. In particular, preclinical evidence that supports the different mechanisms of action of sorafenib is discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Scott M Wilhelm
- Bayer HealthCare Pharmaceuticals, 340 Changebridge Road, P.O. Box 1000, Montville, NJ 07045-1000, USA
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90
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Falchetti A, Marini F, Luzi E, Tonelli F, Brandi ML, Brandt ML. Multiple endocrine neoplasms. Best Pract Res Clin Rheumatol 2008; 22:149-63. [PMID: 18328987 DOI: 10.1016/j.berh.2007.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) and type 2 (MEN2) are rare autosomal-dominant disorders characterized by primary tumours in at least two different endocrine tissues. Both syndromes present as sporadic (a single case with two of the characteristic endocrine tumours) or familial form (an MEN case plus at least one first-degree relative showing one of the characteristic endocrine tumours). MEN1 is characterized by the occurrence of parathyroid, gastro-entero-pancreatic and anterior pituitary tumours, but it can include various combinations of more than 20 endocrine and non-endocrine tumours. Generally, tumours in MEN1 are benign, although gastrinomas and foregut carcinoids may exhibit a malignant course. MEN2 is characterized by medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), uni- or bi-lateral pheochromocytoma, and other tumours of different endocrine tissues. If not diagnosed precociously, MTC can be fatal. MEN1 develops after tissue inactivation of both MEN1 gene copies. Activating mutations of c-RET proto-oncogene causes MEN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alberto Falchetti
- Surgery Unit, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, 6-50139 Florence, Italy
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91
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Ercolino T, Lombardi A, Becherini L, Piscitelli E, Cantini G, Gaglianò MS, Serio M, Luconi M, Mannelli M. The Y606C RET mutation causes a receptor gain of function. Clin Endocrinol (Oxf) 2008; 69:253-8. [PMID: 18248647 DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-2265.2008.03197.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
CONTEXT Medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) is the most common feature of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2A (MEN2A) and occurs in almost all patients affected by germline RET mutations. OBJECTIVE We identified and characterized an activating germline RET point mutation (G>A substitution leading to the heterozygous missense mutation Y606C in exon 10), in a 58-year-old female affected by MTC. DESIGN The RET/Y606C and RET/C620Y, obtained by site-directed mutagenesis, as well as the RET/wild-type (wt) were cloned in an expression vector and transiently transfected in NIH3T3 fibroblasts. In vitro cell model was used to evaluate the effect of Y606C mutation on the RET downstream signalling pathways through Western blot analysis. RESULTS We found that the cysteine insertion, due to the Y606C mutation, results in increased receptor dimerization, which is accompanied by an increased tyrosine phosphorylation of the Y905 residue in the RET/Y606C, demonstrating that the Y606C mutation is associated with constitutive receptor activation. As RET activation results in an intracellular signalling cascade involving extracellular signal-regulated kinases (ERKs), we investigated ERK activity in our transfected cells. Results demonstrated a significant increase in ERK2 phosphorylation in the RET/Y606C vs. the RET/wt and RET/C620Y transfected cells, suggesting an up-regulation of RET signalling. CONCLUSIONS All these findings demonstrate that the Y606C mutation is associated with RET constitutive activation and thus has to be considered of pathogenetic relevance in the development of MTC.
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Affiliation(s)
- T Ercolino
- The Center of Excellence for Research, Transfer and High Education, Section of Endocrinology, Department of Clinical Physiopathology, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
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92
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Boulay A, Breuleux M, Stephan C, Fux C, Brisken C, Fiche M, Wartmann M, Stumm M, Lane HA, Hynes NE. The Ret receptor tyrosine kinase pathway functionally interacts with the ERalpha pathway in breast cancer. Cancer Res 2008; 68:3743-51. [PMID: 18483257 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-5100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
A limited number of receptor tyrosine kinases (e.g., ErbB and fibroblast growth factor receptor families) have been genetically linked to breast cancer development. Here, we investigated the contribution of the Ret receptor tyrosine kinase to breast tumor biology. Ret was expressed in primary breast tumors and cell lines. In estrogen receptor (ER)alpha-positive MCF7 and T47D lines, the ligand (glial-derived neurotrophic factor) activated signaling pathways and increased anchorage-independent proliferation in a Ret-dependent manner, showing that Ret signaling is functional in breast tumor cells. Ret expression was induced by estrogens and Ret signaling enhanced estrogen-driven proliferation, highlighting the functional interaction of Ret and ER pathways. Furthermore, Ret was detected in primary cancers, and there were higher Ret levels in ERalpha-positive tumors. In summary, we showed that Ret is a novel proliferative pathway interacting with ER signaling in vitro. Expression of Ret in primary breast tumors suggests that Ret might be a novel therapeutic target in breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anne Boulay
- Friedrich Miescher Institute for BioMedical Research, Basel, Switzerland
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93
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Grubbs EG, Rich TA, Li G, Sturgis EM, Younes MN, Myers JN, Edeiken-Monroe B, Fornage BD, Monroe DP, Staerkel GA, Williams MD, Waguespack SG, Hu MI, Cote G, Gagel RF, Cohen J, Weber RS, Anaya DA, Holsinger FC, Perrier ND, Clayman GL, Evans DB. Recent advances in thyroid cancer. Curr Probl Surg 2008; 45:156-250. [PMID: 18346477 DOI: 10.1067/j.cpsurg.2007.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth G Grubbs
- Department of Surgical Oncology, The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX, USA
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94
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Adly MA, Assaf HA, Pertile P, Hussein MR, Paus R. Expression patterns of the glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor, neurturin, their cognate receptors GFRα-1, GFRα-2, and a common signal transduction element c-Ret in the human skin hair follicles. J Am Acad Dermatol 2008; 58:238-50. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jaad.2007.10.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2007] [Revised: 09/11/2007] [Accepted: 10/09/2007] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
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95
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Esseghir S, Todd SK, Hunt T, Poulsom R, Plaza-Menacho I, Reis-Filho JS, Isacke CM. A role for glial cell derived neurotrophic factor induced expression by inflammatory cytokines and RET/GFR alpha 1 receptor up-regulation in breast cancer. Cancer Res 2008; 67:11732-41. [PMID: 18089803 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-2343] [Citation(s) in RCA: 106] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
By screening a tissue microarray of invasive breast tumors, we have shown that the receptor tyrosine kinase RET (REarranged during Transfection) and its coreceptor GFR alpha 1 (GDNF receptor family alpha-1) are overexpressed in a subset of estrogen receptor-positive tumors. Germ line-activating oncogenic mutations in RET allow this receptor to signal independently of GFR alpha 1 and its ligand glial cell-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) to promote a spectrum of endocrine neoplasias. However, it is not known whether tumor progression can also be driven by receptor overexpression and whether expression of GDNF, as has been suggested for other neurotrophic factors, is regulated in response to the inflammatory microenvironment surrounding many epithelial cancers. Here, we show that GDNF stimulation of RET(+)/GFR alpha 1(+) MCF7 breast cancer cells in vitro enhanced cell proliferation and survival, and promoted cell scattering. Moreover, in tumor xenografts, GDNF expression was found to be up-regulated on the infiltrating endogenous fibroblasts and to a lesser extent by the tumor cells themselves. Finally, the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta, which are involved in tumor promotion and development, were found to act synergistically to up-regulate GDNF expression in both fibroblasts and tumor cells. These data indicate that GDNF can act as an important component of the inflammatory response in breast cancers and that its effects are mediated by both paracrine and autocrine stimulation of tumor cells via signaling through the RET and GFR alpha 1 receptors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Selma Esseghir
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, The Institute of Cancer Research, London, United Kingdom
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96
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Paszko Z, Sromek M, Czetwertynska M, Skasko E, Czapczak D, Wisniewska A, Prokurat A, Chrupek M, Jagielska A, Kozlowicz-Gudzinska I. The occurrence and the type of germline mutations in the RET gene in patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma and their unaffected kindred's from Central Poland. Cancer Invest 2007; 25:742-9. [PMID: 18058472 DOI: 10.1080/07357900701518735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
We aimed to investigate the occurrence and types of pathogenic mutations in the RET gene in patients with MTC of the Central Poland population and in their relatives. DNA was extracted from the peripheral blood lymphocytes of a total of 330 persons, including 235 MTC patients and 95 of their unaffected kindred's. Exons 10, 11, 13, 14, 15 and 16 of the RET gene were amplified by PCR and sequenced. Sixty-seven people were found to carry pathogenic, germline mutations in the RET gene. In exon 10, C609F, C609R and C609Y (3 families), C618G, C618F (2 families), and C620G (4 families) mutations were identified. In exon 11, C634R (8 families) and C649L mutations (1 patient) were found. Five families carried Y791F mutation in exon 13. One patient with PTC revealed the presence of a Y791F mutation. In 3 families, exon 14 of the RET gene harbored the following mutations: V804L (1 patient), E819K (1 patient) and R844Q (1 patient). In 1 family, the S891A mutation was identified in exon 15, 3 families were found to carry mutations in exon16, R912P in 1 family and M918T in 2 families. In summary, of the 235 patients affected by MTC, 46 (19.6%) carried pathogenic RET gene mutations, 1 patient with RET mutation had kidney carcinoma, and 1 had PTC. The results show the occurrence of a variety of mutations prevalent in patients with MTC in the population of Central Poland. These results may contribute to a better diagnosis of medullary thyroid carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Z Paszko
- The Maria Sklodowska-Curie Memorial Cancer Center and Institute of Oncology, Warsaw, Poland
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97
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Ruiz-Llorente S, Montero-Conde C, Milne RL, Moya CM, Cebrián A, Letón R, Cascón A, Mercadillo F, Landa I, Borrego S, Pérez de Nanclares G, Alvarez-Escolá C, Díaz-Pérez JA, Carracedo A, Urioste M, González-Neira A, Benítez J, Santisteban P, Dopazo J, Ponder BA, Robledo M. Association study of 69 genes in the ret pathway identifies low-penetrance loci in sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma. Cancer Res 2007; 67:9561-7. [PMID: 17909067 DOI: 10.1158/0008-5472.can-07-1638] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
To date, few association studies have been done to better understand the genetic basis for the development of sporadic medullary thyroid carcinoma (sMTC). To identify additional low-penetrance genes, we have done a two-stage case-control study in two European populations using high-throughput genotyping. We selected 417 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) belonging to 69 genes either related to RET signaling pathway/functions or involved in key processes for cancer development. TagSNPs and functional variants were included where possible. These SNPs were initially studied in the largest known series of sMTC cases (n = 266) and controls (n = 422), all of Spanish origin. In stage II, an independent British series of 155 sMTC patients and 531 controls was included to validate the previous results. Associations were assessed by an exhaustive analysis of individual SNPs but also considering gene- and linkage disequilibrium-based haplotypes. This strategy allowed us to identify seven low-penetrance genes, six of them (STAT1, AURKA, BCL2, CDKN2B, CDK6, and COMT) consistently associated with sMTC risk in the two case-control series and a seventh (HRAS) with individual SNPs and haplotypes associated with sMTC in the Spanish data set. The potential role of CDKN2B was confirmed by a functional assay showing a role of a SNP (rs7044859) in the promoter region in altering the binding of the transcription factor HNF1. These results highlight the utility of association studies using homogeneous series of cases for better understanding complex diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergio Ruiz-Llorente
- Hereditary Endocrine Cancer Group, Human Genetics Group, Biomedical Research Institute, CSIC, UAM, Madrid, Spain
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98
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The receptor tyrosine kinase RET regulates hindgut colonization by sacral neural crest cells. Dev Biol 2007; 313:279-92. [PMID: 18031721 DOI: 10.1016/j.ydbio.2007.10.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2007] [Revised: 10/18/2007] [Accepted: 10/18/2007] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
The enteric nervous system (ENS) is formed from vagal and sacral neural crest cells (NCC). Vagal NCC give rise to most of the ENS along the entire gut, whereas the contribution of sacral NCC is mainly limited to the hindgut. This, and data from heterotopic quail-chick grafting studies, suggests that vagal and sacral NCC have intrinsic differences in their ability to colonize the gut, and/or to respond to signalling cues within the gut environment. To better understand the molecular basis of these differences, we studied the expression of genes known to be essential for ENS formation, in sacral NCC within the chick hindgut. Our results demonstrate that, as in vagal NCC, Sox10, EdnrB, and Ret are expressed in sacral NCC within the gut. Since we did not detect a qualitative difference in expression of these ENS genes we performed DNA microarray analysis of vagal and sacral NCC. Of 11 key ENS genes examined from the total data set, Ret was the only gene identified as being highly differentially expressed, with a fourfold increase in expression in vagal versus sacral NCC. We also found that over-expression of RET in sacral NCC increased their ENS developmental potential such that larger numbers of cells entered the gut earlier in development, thus promoting the fate of sacral NCC towards that of vagal NCC.
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99
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Plaza-Menacho I, Mologni L, Sala E, Gambacorti-Passerini C, Magee AI, Links TP, Hofstra RMW, Barford D, Isacke CM. Sorafenib Functions to Potently Suppress RET Tyrosine Kinase Activity by Direct Enzymatic Inhibition and Promoting RET Lysosomal Degradation Independent of Proteasomal Targeting. J Biol Chem 2007; 282:29230-40. [PMID: 17664273 DOI: 10.1074/jbc.m703461200] [Citation(s) in RCA: 79] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Germ line missense mutations in the RET (rearranged during transfection) oncogene are the cause of multiple endocrine neoplasia, type 2 (MEN2), but at present surgery is the only treatment available for MEN2 patients. In this study, the ability of Sorafenib (BAY 43-9006) to act as a RET inhibitor was investigated. Sorafenib inhibited the activity of purified recombinant kinase domain of wild type RET and RET(V804M) with IC(50) values of 5.9 and 7.9 nm, respectively. Interestingly, these values were 6-7-fold lower than the IC(50) for the inhibition of B-RAF(V600E). In cell-based assays, Sorafenib inhibited the kinase activity and signaling of wild type and oncogenic RET in MEN2 tumor and established cell lines at a concentration between 15 and 150 nm. In contrast, inhibition of oncogenic B-RAF- or epidermal growth factor-induced ERK1/2 phosphorylation required micromolar concentrations of Sorafenib demonstrating the high specificity of this drug in targeting RET. Moreover, prolonged exposure to Sorafenib resulted in inhibition of cell proliferation and RET protein degradation. Using lysosomal and proteasomal inhibitors, we demonstrate that Sorafenib induces RET lysosomal degradation independent of proteasomal targeting. Furthermore, we provide a structural model of the Sorafenib.RET complex in which Sorafenib binds to and induces the DFG(out) conformation of the RET kinase domain. These results strengthen the argument that Sorafenib may be effective in the treatment of MEN2 patients. In addition, because inhibition of RET is not impaired by mutation of the Val(804) gatekeeper residue, MEN2 tumors may be less susceptible to acquired Sorafenib resistance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Iván Plaza-Menacho
- Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, SW3 6JB London, United Kingdom
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Burns AJ, Thapar N, Barlow AJ. Development of the neural crest-derived intrinsic innervation of the human lung. Am J Respir Cell Mol Biol 2007; 38:269-75. [PMID: 17884989 DOI: 10.1165/rcmb.2007-0246oc] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
The formation of neural tissue, in association with airway smooth muscle (ASM), is a feature of normal lung development and function. Intrinsic neuronal tissue has recently been shown, in animal models, to be derived from neural crest cells (NCC). Since defects in NCC development underlie a range of disease states (neurocristopathies), it is important to determine the spatiotemporal development of NCC in the human lung, as defects in their development could have pathophysiologic implications. The aims of this study were to: (1) establish a time course for the formation of ASM and neural tissue within the embryonic and fetal human lung, (2) investigate whether intrinsic neural tissue within the lung is derived from NCC, and (3) gain insight into the possible signaling mechanisms underlying the development of the intrinsic lung innervation. Using human lung tissue from Weeks 6 to 12 of gestation, we analyzed the formation of ASM, NCC, neuronal and glial tissue, and the expression of Gfralpha1, a receptor component of the RET (rearranged during transfection) tyrosine kinase signaling pathway. Our results showed that NCC accumulated along the branching airways, in close association with the ASM, and differentiated into neurons and glia. Neural crest-derived neural tissue within the lung strongly expressed membrane-bound Gfralpha1, and soluble Gfralpha1 was expressed within the lung mesenchyme, but only at early developmental stages. Together these findings indicate that the intrinsic innervation of the human lung is derived from the neural crest.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alan J Burns
- Neural Development Unit, UCL Institute of Child Health, 30 Guilford Street, London WC1N 1EH, UK.
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